The Pastor's Place

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." - Philippians 1:6, NLT

How many unfinished projects do you have at home? At work?  Ok, sorry. I didn't mean to get too personal there.  But by your reaction, I'd say you've got more than a few.  Some of the projects just lack a little bit of caulk.  Or maybe just one more coat of paint.  Perhaps things have fallen into such disrepair that you've got to start all over again.  Now, that is disheartening. And yes, I'm with you on this one.  When I first asked the question, I thought I was on some moral high ground, but a walk through the house or a look at my desk (let's not go through the drawers!) quickly reveals my procrastination, my busyness, or my ADD (Gina wanted to add that!).  

It's worth considering why we don't finish what we start.  Busyness has to be at the top of the list.  But it's also underestimating the scope of the project or it could be overestimating my ability to do the work required.  Sometimes its a financial issue - we just didn't count the cost.  At other times, it is just plain laziness.  It can even be my drive for perfection (let's not go there).  Maybe we justify and reason our way to believing that what we've done is adequate and that piece of trim or the extra coat of paint really isn't needed.  "It looks fiiiine, Gina...really!"

I know, I've meddled enough.  My point?  Other than heaping on an extra load of guilt and condemnation?  Aren't you glad that God not only continues His work within us, but He is faithful to complete it.  Knowing that He is that committed to my development and growth, encourages me!  I often tell my congregation that God will not abandon the work of His hands.  And YOU are the work of His hands!  His work in our lives won't be complete until Jesus comes back.  In the meantime, we can count on Him to keep up His good work in us.  And yes, some of us need more work than others!  (I'm a full-time project for God - just ask my wife!)

One more thing - you may discover, like one author, that God has grander plans than you could ever have imagined. Listen to his testimony:  “When I invited Jesus into my life, I thought he was going to put up some wallpaper and hang a few pictures.  But he started knocking out walls and adding on rooms.  I said, ‘I was expecting a nice cottage.’ But he said, ‘I’m making a palace in which to live.’ “ 

So, be encouraged today.  You might believe that God has given up on you, but He is fully committed to seeing it through!  Continue to submit your life to His work. Partner with God in His work and follow His blueprint.  God's not finished with you yet!

(And about that honey-do list, Gina...  I'm on it!  Right after I finish this popcorn and watch the game!)

Labels: faithful, God's work, philippians 1:6

My Bible reading today finds me in Isaiah and I believe that a particular passage provides us with some excellent advice.  God directs Isaiah to speak to King Ahaz regarding the apparent threat of Israel and Syria.  The king is terrified, but God's word is direct: "Stop worrying..." (7:4).  Here's why: God's plan was in effect and apostate kings and pagan armies could not alter what He would do.  “This invasion will never happen; it will never take place" (7:7).  Their leaders were men, but Judah's leader was God!  Then look at this last piece of advice for King Ahaz: "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm" (7:9).  In other words, "If you don't trust Me, My plan, you can't stand against this threat."

God's Word has much to say about worrying.  In Matthew 6, Jesus directed His followers, "Do not worry..."  Four times He repeats this instruction and gives a clear reason in each for why we should not worry.  We waste alot of time in this futile exercise and God clearly wants us to stand firm - even in the face of overwhelming odds!  His promises are sure - His plans will succeed.

"Worrying" and it's admonition to "Stand firm" are common themes in Scripture because it is a common problem for man.  God tells Moses to "Stand firm" and watch His deliverance in Exodus 14.  Joshua gets some much needed encouragement from the Angel of the Lord in Joshua 1.  I really like the Word of the Lord to King Jehoshaphat. God's battle plan for the a vast army arrayed against His people can be found in 2 Chronicles 20:17 - "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." 

If you're going through a difficult time, facing the unknown and uncertain about your future - trust God. The antidote for worry is truth!  Stand firm on His promises. Declare them to your feelings and shout them to your enemies! Obey His directives.  You can't go wrong following His advice.  Listen again to His admonition: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (NIV).

Stand firm, in spite of what you may feel, see, or hear!  Pray right now for the peace and the assurance that you need, so that you will weather the storm and be victorious in the battle. And listen to Jesus' instructions to His followers regarding difficulties in the last days: "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).  You can stop worrying and stand firm because God's plan will prevail!

This is probably the hardest spiritual discipline for me. (And "discipline" is an appropriate description!)  God's instruction is pointed - right down to the exclamation mark.  In our packed schedules, and in our manic busyness, we must learn to quiet our soul, to settle our thoughts, and to unplug our lives from all of the external stimulants. 

Some time ago, Gina and I had the opportunity to escape for a few days to a quiet, and very secluded, cabin in southern Indiana.  Cell phone reception is spotty at best and there is certainly no wi-fi capability.  (Yes, there is a small TV, but no cable.) 

One afternoon, by a stroke of good luck, I managed to get one bar on my phone and decided to post something witty and engaging on Facebook.  A friend replied, "Dude. UNPLUG!"  And he was right! 
Instead of enjoying the very thing that I needed (peace & quiet) and craved (time alone with my wife), I was inviting disruptions into our sanctuary of solitude.  God may as well have said to me, "BE STILL!  CEASE & DESIST!"  My friend was absolutely right.  I needed to unplug and enjoy the peace and quiet, with God and with my wife. 

The bottom line: busyness is habit-forming.  And dare I say, addictive.  (I can't go into all of the reasons why, but it is worth considering, so spend some time thinking on this!)  We seemingly can't live without auditory and visual stimulation.  We want to stay plugged in 24/7.  The question is: What have we missed from God, because of our stubborn refusal to unplug, disengage, and still our hurried soul?

Silence.  Peace. Quiet.  Be still.  Take the time to create a sanctuary for your soul.  God wants to speak to you.  And remember that it is often in that "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Are you ready to put yourself in a place where you can experience God in a more intimate way?  Where you can "know" Him?  God wants to speak, and reveal Himself, to us.  And I am certain that His desire is much greater than our desire to hear from Him. 

My advice today: unplug and listen closely. You may be surprised at what you hear!

Labels: listening, quiet, spiritual discipline