Thursday, January 27, 2011
Responding to the Call (or "You are God's Plan A and there's No Plan B")
Ok, don't get too used to this, but I'm on a blogging roll and I wanted to get these thoughts down somewhere. (Yes, I might just be over-caffeinated this morning, but let's not go there.) So gentle reader, read on.
Moses' story captures my imagination and resonates with me in many ways. I was reading Exodus 4 when several thoughts occurred to me....
Over the centuries, I wonder how many believers have prayed Moses' prayer: “Lord, please! Send anyone else” (Ex 4:13). You won't find many books written about this prayer (see Jabez, the Psalms & the Lord's Prayer). Excuse follows excuse, but God persists. Aren't you glad for that?!!? God doesn't give up so easily on us (at least not like we give up on Him) and He doesn't answer Moses' prayer (at least not like Moses wanted Him to).
If you've been offering Him excuses, it's time to offer Him your life. Listen to the prophet Isaiah's response to God's query: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) If God has come calling, why don't you pray that prayer right now? Let's see what God can do with one life surrendered to His will. (Read the rest of Moses' story as a living example.) God persists because His plan is best - for us and for those who will follow us!
Lagniappe: When Moses approaches the burning bush, he carries a common shepherd's staff (Ex. 4:2, 4). When he returns to Egypt, he carries "the staff of God" (4:20). Interesting distinction, don't you think? I wonder if it has application in our lives?
Moses' story captures my imagination and resonates with me in many ways. I was reading Exodus 4 when several thoughts occurred to me....
If you've been offering Him excuses, it's time to offer Him your life. Listen to the prophet Isaiah's response to God's query: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) If God has come calling, why don't you pray that prayer right now? Let's see what God can do with one life surrendered to His will. (Read the rest of Moses' story as a living example.) God persists because His plan is best - for us and for those who will follow us!
Lagniappe: When Moses approaches the burning bush, he carries a common shepherd's staff (Ex. 4:2, 4). When he returns to Egypt, he carries "the staff of God" (4:20). Interesting distinction, don't you think? I wonder if it has application in our lives?
Labels: calling, excuses, Exodus, Isaiah 6:8, Moses, prayer
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
God's Timing
I am reading the One Year Bible again this year, and today's passage from Exodus got me to thinking about God's timing. The Israelites left their homes in Canaan to escape the famine (during the days of Jacob & Joseph) and now 400 years later they have become slaves in the land of their original rescue. The relatively small family of Jacob has become the captive nation of Israel (over 2 million strong). Cut to Moses: He is 40 years old when he runs away to Midian. Forty years later, he meets God at the burning bush on Mount Sinai. Add all of this together and you get verse 25 - "He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act."
Think about it: after 40 years of exile and at 80 years old, from the palace to the paddock, from son of Pharaoh to son-in-law of a rural priest, (oh yeah, and don't forget the reason that Moses was in exile was because he murdered someone!); at just the right time, God sends Moses to deliver Israel. Moses goes from being drawn out of the water to being called out by God.
How important is this for you and me? God is watching over us. He knows our past - our flaws and our worst failures. God didn't dismiss Moses' past, He used it to mold him into a man that he could use. He is aware of our present situation. Those 40 years caring for someone else's sheep? Not wasted at all! God knows our future. Think about it this way: what God did in Moses affected the whole nation of Israel. What God is doing in your life? Only He knows the impact it will have on others.
It was a promise to Israel, but it certainly has personal application:
God knows the how and the when. Will you trust Him? Even if you feel like a failure? Even if you feel like you've been exiled to the desert for 40 years? He will deliver on His promises. You can count on Him to come through for you...at just the right time.
Think about it: after 40 years of exile and at 80 years old, from the palace to the paddock, from son of Pharaoh to son-in-law of a rural priest, (oh yeah, and don't forget the reason that Moses was in exile was because he murdered someone!); at just the right time, God sends Moses to deliver Israel. Moses goes from being drawn out of the water to being called out by God.
How important is this for you and me? God is watching over us. He knows our past - our flaws and our worst failures. God didn't dismiss Moses' past, He used it to mold him into a man that he could use. He is aware of our present situation. Those 40 years caring for someone else's sheep? Not wasted at all! God knows our future. Think about it this way: what God did in Moses affected the whole nation of Israel. What God is doing in your life? Only He knows the impact it will have on others.
It was a promise to Israel, but it certainly has personal application:
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
(Jeremiah 29:11-14, NIV)
God has a plan for your life and He won't give up on it. No matter how complicated the calculus of your life, He is doing the math and His timing is still flawless. I don't know how He will do it. I'm just not that smart. "When will He do it?" Again, my ignorance reigns. When it's best for us, I'm sure. I'm reminded again of Paul's statement to the Romans: "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" (5:6).
God knows the how and the when. Will you trust Him? Even if you feel like a failure? Even if you feel like you've been exiled to the desert for 40 years? He will deliver on His promises. You can count on Him to come through for you...at just the right time.
Labels: exile, God's timing, Jeremiah 29:11, Moses, past, Romans 5:6
Monday, January 24, 2011
Ears to Hear
From time to time, my wife has accused me of "not listening." I know, can you imagine?!!? "Really, Gina!" (Did you hear the indignation in that exclamation?)
So, I was standing at the counter of the bank this morning, trying to remember what instructions she had given me. I know she said something, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what it was! The teller was being super patient, but for the life of me, I was drawing a blank. And the worst part, if I couldn't come through and remember this, it would just be further proof for Gina that I do have ADD issues. ugh!
I've read it several times now in my Bible. It's in at least three of the Gospels and Jesus repeats it in His address to the seven churches of Revelation. On several occasions, Matthew records this important admonition from Jesus, "Whoever has ears, let them hear” (11:15; 13:9, 43). It's as if He is telling the crowds (and His disciples) to, "Listen up! Pay attention now, because what I'm about to say could change your life forever...."
As a preacher and teacher, I can tell you that there have been many times over the years that I've implored those gathered to, "Pay attention and listen up!" (I've even been known to wake up an occasional sleeper.) Sometimes you just get a sense that the crowd is zoning out or that they're distracted by something going on around them. That's what is comforting to me about Jesus' admonition to His congregations! They ALWAYS paid attention to Him, right? He never had to deal with people who just didn't seem to be getting it. I'm not so sure...even His disciples didn't get it at times!
I believe that there are several key components to "hearing" what the Spirit is saying through a sermon or teaching or in our prayer time:
Give God your undivided attention today as you listen, understand, and apply His Word to your life!
P.S. By the way, I couldn't remember Gina's instructions, so I had to text her to repeat them to me. I'm off to make a second trip to the bank now and I'm sure I will hear about this later. *sigh* But the next time, I'm all ears!
So, I was standing at the counter of the bank this morning, trying to remember what instructions she had given me. I know she said something, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what it was! The teller was being super patient, but for the life of me, I was drawing a blank. And the worst part, if I couldn't come through and remember this, it would just be further proof for Gina that I do have ADD issues. ugh!
I've read it several times now in my Bible. It's in at least three of the Gospels and Jesus repeats it in His address to the seven churches of Revelation. On several occasions, Matthew records this important admonition from Jesus, "Whoever has ears, let them hear” (11:15; 13:9, 43). It's as if He is telling the crowds (and His disciples) to, "Listen up! Pay attention now, because what I'm about to say could change your life forever...."
As a preacher and teacher, I can tell you that there have been many times over the years that I've implored those gathered to, "Pay attention and listen up!" (I've even been known to wake up an occasional sleeper.) Sometimes you just get a sense that the crowd is zoning out or that they're distracted by something going on around them. That's what is comforting to me about Jesus' admonition to His congregations! They ALWAYS paid attention to Him, right? He never had to deal with people who just didn't seem to be getting it. I'm not so sure...even His disciples didn't get it at times!
I believe that there are several key components to "hearing" what the Spirit is saying through a sermon or teaching or in our prayer time:
- Listening: This part is not always as easy as we think. We battle constant distractions, not to mention our spiritual ADD. There will always be a supernatural element to this battle because the devil doesn't want you to hear the Truth; so he will do all that he can to distract you from it. Listening is a discipline and it requires concentration. We have come to believe that multi-tasking is a necessary skill in our world today. We even believe that we are being productive when we juggle several things that need our focus and attention. But multi-tasking can prevent us from hearing all that God wants to say! What Truth have we missed out on, because we feed our ADD with the erroneous belief that this is somehow more spiritually productive.
- Understanding: This is the ability to process what we've heard. Again, a supernatural component is at work, especially when we need discernment. Discernment is the ability to know good from bad, right from wrong, or truth from error. The psalmist prayed this way: "I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes" (Psalm 119:125). And if we don't understand, we need to follow the the disciples' example and ask!
- Application: God will give us the insight that we need, so that we can apply the instruction through our obedient response. This isn't just about "hearing" the message, it is about how we process and respond to what you've heard! That's why God speaks so pointedly through the apostle James: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). Listen to Jesus' instruction: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Our response is the critical component to "hearing" what the Spirit is saying!
20My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
P.S. By the way, I couldn't remember Gina's instructions, so I had to text her to repeat them to me. I'm off to make a second trip to the bank now and I'm sure I will hear about this later. *sigh* But the next time, I'm all ears!
Labels: application, discernment, listening, obedience, preaching, teaching, understanding
Monday, January 10, 2011
Jesus, the Healer
Reading Matthew 8 today was a great reminder of Jesus' healing power. I am amazed again by the first story in this chapter. The characters and subplots in this short account are fascinating to me - the leper, the crowd, the Law, and of course, Jesus.Think about it: The leper "suddenly" approached Jesus. A casual reading will miss this important detail. By Jewish law, lepers were to live separated from their families. Some historians note that a leper had to shout "unclean" as someone approached them on the road.
Imagine having to constantly identify yourself as a pariah. Imagine the feelings of one who had been banished from their community. Imagine this wasting disease eating away at your body. Imagine hearing that there was a teacher that was healing people with terrible afflictions. Imagine the wonderful hope - the possibility - that Jesus could heal and change everything for an outcast.
In desperation, the leper rushes toward the Master. (I'm pretty sure the crowd parted like the Red Sea as the he kneels before Jesus.) He doesn't wonder "if" Jesus can heal, just if He was willing. It appears that the only doubt is whether Jesus would receive him or recoil and rebuke.
Ignoring the obvious offense, Jesus reaches out and TOUCHES him! I can hear people in the crowd as they draw back, but strain to see: "Hey, that's against the law! Eeewwww! What is he thinking?!!? How dare...! Look, the leprosy is...GONE!"
What faith the leper had - certain that Jesus could, but uncertain if He was willing. What relief to hear those words - "I am willing, be healed!" What rejoicing to be healed - completely cleansed - from this dread disease!
And the best part for you and me? This is the same Savior that we serve today. He is still the Healer! In verse 17, Matthew quotes from Isaiah 53:4 - "Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]." And we won't dismiss the wonderful promise of Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Jesus is still able AND willing to heal today!
Labels: Healer, healing, Isaiah 53:4, Jesus, Leper, leprosy, Matthew 8
Saturday, January 01, 2011
A Lesson from the Listing
Began the God Sightings One Year Bible* readings again today. Amazed again at reading the genealogy in Matthew... With a few background checks, you will discover that there are some very "colorful" characters listed throughout the 42 generations between Abraham and Jesus. And in spite of some flawed individuals and some very sordid and scandalous situations, God's plans prevail. What can we learn from this listing and how could it apply to our lives today? I can think of at least three applications (I've already given you one), but I'm curious about your observations as you read this passage.
*Yesterday, Gina & I celebrated reading through the Bible in 2010. We used the One Year Bible plan which includes daily reading from passages in the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs. I highly recommend SOME kind of reading plan, so that you can systematically read and reflect on God's Word every day! You can purchase a number of different kinds of One Year Bibles in several different formats and translations.
I use the free online God Sightings website. The daily readings can be sent to you via email, or you can go online to read. If you'd like to join the Calvary group, just create a log in and sign up. Through the website you can post comments or questions (only people in our group can read), take notes (which will be private) or do further study through the online study Bible and resources that are available for free. I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions, on daily readings, so please join us. And you never know - what speaks to you may bring great encouragement to others! Click the link below and join us on the journey!
http://mygodsightings.com/
I use the free online God Sightings website. The daily readings can be sent to you via email, or you can go online to read. If you'd like to join the Calvary group, just create a log in and sign up. Through the website you can post comments or questions (only people in our group can read), take notes (which will be private) or do further study through the online study Bible and resources that are available for free. I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions, on daily readings, so please join us. And you never know - what speaks to you may bring great encouragement to others! Click the link below and join us on the journey!
http://mygodsightings.com/
Labels: daily Bible reading, genealogy of Christ, God Sightings, God's plans
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