Life. Interrupted. Week 8 Day 5
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)
Everyone appreciates a passing grade. No one wants to fail. When I was in fifth grade, I received an “F” on a pop quiz. I only scored two correct answers out of five. It’s the only failing grade I ever received in school. (Now, I know that some people just aren’t into school. I’m not bragging. For the sake of full disclosure, I was also the kid who struck out at tee ball. Ouch! The ball is right there… I quit the team.)
Our educational system has indoctrinated us with the idea of what it takes to measure up. If we can accomplish the first three letters of the alphabet (A, B, C), then we’re in reasonably good shape. If we get a little further into the alphabet, we’re in trouble. If we perform well, we succeed. If we perform poorly, we fail.
God doesn’t grade on a curve. He also doesn’t grade on a scale. Sinners go to Hell. Saints go to Heaven. The only difference is that “saints” chose God’s forgiveness and “sinners” chose against it.
The test James speaks of in this passage is for “saints” only. Here’s the test: “if you persevere, you will receive the crown.” Here’s what it doesn’t say: “if you persevere with a smile on your face, if you never have a bad day, if you never utter a discouraging word, if you never doubt, if you sing hymns and recite platitudes while you’re suffering, then God will bless you” – those aren’t the conditions at all.
If we persevere, if we grin and bear it, if we admit our weakness and lean into God, if we just make it through, then we will receive the crown of life. There are no A-plus Christians or D-minus Christians. The crowns are all the same color. There is no gold, silver and bronze.
How do we pass God’s tests? By simply completing the test and not giving up. It’s okay to strike out. Just don’t quit the team.
What do you feel like giving up on today? I would encourage you to give up trying to figure everything out and surrender it to God. Instead of walking out, turn to God and say, “I just can’t fix this. God, I need you to take over.” Then, wait and see what He does.
Showing posts with label Life Interrupted. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life Interrupted. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
God’s Going to Bless You Anyway
Life. Interrupted. Week 8 Day 4
The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Genesis 22:15-18 (NIV)
God called Abraham and gave him the promise many years before this event (Genesis 12:1-3). How is it at this point in Abraham’s life that God applies a condition: “I will surely bless you…because you have obeyed me”? Was there a loophole?
God chose Abraham to start a people of God’s own. From the very beginning, God had an idea of what His people would be like. God wanted people who would resemble Him. But, between the Tower of Babel and the Call of Abraham, there really wasn’t anyone around that looked like one of God’s people. Should God start over? Should God go back to the garden?
God chose Abraham knowing two things very clearly: Abraham didn’t resemble God, and God was going to start a people through Abraham. Wasn’t there someone more devoted? Wasn’t there someone who wouldn’t choose adultery or lying as an option? Maybe there was. Maybe there wasn’t.
This is where our lives connect with Abraham’s life: God chose Abraham and us based upon His desire to have a relationship with us. And, God has a plan to bless us and to fulfill His will through us. None of us are prepared. None of us are good enough. But, nothing is impossible with God.
God delivers on His promises to us, but not all at once. For Abraham, the promise took a process. Abraham’s tests were not to prove his worth, but to cause him to more closely reflect God’s character. God didn’t put conditions on His promise when He gave it. If you do X, then I will give you Y. If passing a test was the criteria for God’s blessing, then Abraham failed miserably. And, he certainly wasn’t wealthy enough to buy all of the Mulligans needed to cover his faults.
Abraham never reached perfection in this life (and neither will we). But, with each test, Abraham grew a little closer to resembling his Father. That gives us all hope. As we keep moving forward, as we continue to lean into God, as we give up our selfish ways and surrender to Him, we will develop more of His character. He’s going to bless us anyway. We don’t have to earn that.
The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Genesis 22:15-18 (NIV)
God called Abraham and gave him the promise many years before this event (Genesis 12:1-3). How is it at this point in Abraham’s life that God applies a condition: “I will surely bless you…because you have obeyed me”? Was there a loophole?
God chose Abraham to start a people of God’s own. From the very beginning, God had an idea of what His people would be like. God wanted people who would resemble Him. But, between the Tower of Babel and the Call of Abraham, there really wasn’t anyone around that looked like one of God’s people. Should God start over? Should God go back to the garden?
God chose Abraham knowing two things very clearly: Abraham didn’t resemble God, and God was going to start a people through Abraham. Wasn’t there someone more devoted? Wasn’t there someone who wouldn’t choose adultery or lying as an option? Maybe there was. Maybe there wasn’t.
This is where our lives connect with Abraham’s life: God chose Abraham and us based upon His desire to have a relationship with us. And, God has a plan to bless us and to fulfill His will through us. None of us are prepared. None of us are good enough. But, nothing is impossible with God.
God delivers on His promises to us, but not all at once. For Abraham, the promise took a process. Abraham’s tests were not to prove his worth, but to cause him to more closely reflect God’s character. God didn’t put conditions on His promise when He gave it. If you do X, then I will give you Y. If passing a test was the criteria for God’s blessing, then Abraham failed miserably. And, he certainly wasn’t wealthy enough to buy all of the Mulligans needed to cover his faults.
Abraham never reached perfection in this life (and neither will we). But, with each test, Abraham grew a little closer to resembling his Father. That gives us all hope. As we keep moving forward, as we continue to lean into God, as we give up our selfish ways and surrender to Him, we will develop more of His character. He’s going to bless us anyway. We don’t have to earn that.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The gods of Mastercard and Visa?
Life. Interrupted. Week 8 Day 3
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:13-15 (NIV)
God used this circumstance to reveal His character to Abraham. God demonstrates one of His compound names: Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD Will Provide. This is more than a promise. This is part of the unchanging nature and character of God.
Providing is not what God does on occasion. It’s Who He is. Just like you might have brown hair or blue eyes, God is our Provider. It would be against His nature not to.
What does God provide? “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Recently, my second grader was studying for his economics exam. (What?!) He learned that needs were necessary for living. He also learned that wants are things we would like to have but don’t necessarily need. God will provide for all of our needs, but He might not provide for all of our greeds.
In our culture, we are prone to act to quickly. Think about it. When we need something, do we reach out to God in prayer or do we reach for our credit card? Often God does not provide for us because we’ve taken care of things ourselves. We haven’t given God the opportunity to provide.
What do you need today? Have you asked God to provide? Ask Him right now. It’s in His nature.
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:13-15 (NIV)
God used this circumstance to reveal His character to Abraham. God demonstrates one of His compound names: Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD Will Provide. This is more than a promise. This is part of the unchanging nature and character of God.
Providing is not what God does on occasion. It’s Who He is. Just like you might have brown hair or blue eyes, God is our Provider. It would be against His nature not to.
What does God provide? “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Recently, my second grader was studying for his economics exam. (What?!) He learned that needs were necessary for living. He also learned that wants are things we would like to have but don’t necessarily need. God will provide for all of our needs, but He might not provide for all of our greeds.
In our culture, we are prone to act to quickly. Think about it. When we need something, do we reach out to God in prayer or do we reach for our credit card? Often God does not provide for us because we’ve taken care of things ourselves. We haven’t given God the opportunity to provide.
What do you need today? Have you asked God to provide? Ask Him right now. It’s in His nature.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Doing the Unthinkable
Life. Interrupted. Week 8 Day 2
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. Genesis 22:7-8
Notice how Abraham’s faith shines through. He reassures his son that God will provide the lamb. All that Abraham knows at this point is that the child of promise, conceived by miraculous means, will be offered to God as a sacrifice. He assumes that the sacrifice is Isaac. What Abraham doesn’t know is that his words and actions point toward “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
The thought of losing a child seems unbearable. The thought of causing your child’s death, even at God’s command, seems unthinkable. Here in what must have been a time of personal anguish for Abraham, we can glimpse the cost to God when He offered His Own Son to die for our sins.
Think of how much we are worth to God. At great personal loss, He paid the price to redeem us. If you were feeling a little worthless today, remember that God paid the ultimate price for you. You are worth everything to Him.
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. Genesis 22:7-8
Notice how Abraham’s faith shines through. He reassures his son that God will provide the lamb. All that Abraham knows at this point is that the child of promise, conceived by miraculous means, will be offered to God as a sacrifice. He assumes that the sacrifice is Isaac. What Abraham doesn’t know is that his words and actions point toward “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
The thought of losing a child seems unbearable. The thought of causing your child’s death, even at God’s command, seems unthinkable. Here in what must have been a time of personal anguish for Abraham, we can glimpse the cost to God when He offered His Own Son to die for our sins.
Think of how much we are worth to God. At great personal loss, He paid the price to redeem us. If you were feeling a little worthless today, remember that God paid the ultimate price for you. You are worth everything to Him.
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Is God Wearing You Out?
Life. Interrupted. Week 8 Day 1
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied. Then God said,
"Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey… Genesis 22:1-3 (NIV)
I’m not sure what is harder to believe: God’s request or Abraham’s compliance. Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. What would be going through your head? “Are you kidding me? After all that we’ve been through to get this boy, now you want you want me to kill him? God, you are wearing me out on this.” Wouldn’t you feel frustrated and confused?
Abraham didn’t show any of these emotions. He just got up the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took Isaac up the mountain. Maybe Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). Maybe Abraham had finally reached a place after several decades where he could trust God completely. He was at a very different place in his relationship with God. Abraham knew that he could trust God.
Throughout Abraham’s journey, he faced many failures and doubts, and he grew in his relationship with God. There really is no other place for a human to grow. Abraham started out more or less as a blank slate when he was called by God (Genesis 12). He trusted God enough to move, but he really didn’t know God.
When you begin to pile up Abraham’s problems: Sarai and the Egyptians, the promise and infertility, Hagar and Ishmael, Sodom and Gomorrah, doubting and laughter, you would think that Abraham’s faith would be devastated. Yet, the circumstances of his life provided fertile ground for Abraham to grow in his relationship with God. If Abraham had waited for things to calm down before he started growing spiritually, he still might be waiting today.
What test are you facing today? Is there something that God is asking you to give up? God will strip away everything that hinders our dependence on Him. The amount of struggle and drama is really up to you.
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied. Then God said,
"Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey… Genesis 22:1-3 (NIV)
I’m not sure what is harder to believe: God’s request or Abraham’s compliance. Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. What would be going through your head? “Are you kidding me? After all that we’ve been through to get this boy, now you want you want me to kill him? God, you are wearing me out on this.” Wouldn’t you feel frustrated and confused?
Abraham didn’t show any of these emotions. He just got up the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took Isaac up the mountain. Maybe Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). Maybe Abraham had finally reached a place after several decades where he could trust God completely. He was at a very different place in his relationship with God. Abraham knew that he could trust God.
Throughout Abraham’s journey, he faced many failures and doubts, and he grew in his relationship with God. There really is no other place for a human to grow. Abraham started out more or less as a blank slate when he was called by God (Genesis 12). He trusted God enough to move, but he really didn’t know God.
When you begin to pile up Abraham’s problems: Sarai and the Egyptians, the promise and infertility, Hagar and Ishmael, Sodom and Gomorrah, doubting and laughter, you would think that Abraham’s faith would be devastated. Yet, the circumstances of his life provided fertile ground for Abraham to grow in his relationship with God. If Abraham had waited for things to calm down before he started growing spiritually, he still might be waiting today.
What test are you facing today? Is there something that God is asking you to give up? God will strip away everything that hinders our dependence on Him. The amount of struggle and drama is really up to you.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Days of Haagen-Dazs and LA Law
Life. Interrupted. Week 7 Day 5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5-6
God provides what we lack. To the fatherless, He is our Father. To the husbandless, He is the spouse. For the lonely, He provides community. For the prisoners, He sets their hearts free. But, the rebellious, the disobedient, the self-willed, the God-has-abandoned-me-so-I’ll-just-do-it-myself crowd, they end up in an unpleasant place.
I was single until I was 35 years old. Now, while there were great days when I knew that I could do whatever I wanted and nobody would care. There were also sad days when I knew nobody would care about whatever I did. I’d blow up the black balloons and drown my sorrows in gallons of Haagen-Dazs and episodes of LA Law.
Now before you started feeling sorry for me (or ridiculing me), here’s the deal: my situation was my choice. There were people all around me. And, of course, there was God who loved me.
God wants to give us what we need to live our lives for Him. God has great plans for us. “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11). He has the desire and ability to lead us into satisfying, relationally-rich lives, if we are willing.
As my friend, Al Cleveland says, “It seems all I can control is the amount of resistance I offer against his leading. He seems quite determined to save me from myself.”
How much resistance are you putting up today? What do you need today? How can you step out of the way and let God provide?
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5-6
God provides what we lack. To the fatherless, He is our Father. To the husbandless, He is the spouse. For the lonely, He provides community. For the prisoners, He sets their hearts free. But, the rebellious, the disobedient, the self-willed, the God-has-abandoned-me-so-I’ll-just-do-it-myself crowd, they end up in an unpleasant place.
I was single until I was 35 years old. Now, while there were great days when I knew that I could do whatever I wanted and nobody would care. There were also sad days when I knew nobody would care about whatever I did. I’d blow up the black balloons and drown my sorrows in gallons of Haagen-Dazs and episodes of LA Law.
Now before you started feeling sorry for me (or ridiculing me), here’s the deal: my situation was my choice. There were people all around me. And, of course, there was God who loved me.
God wants to give us what we need to live our lives for Him. God has great plans for us. “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11). He has the desire and ability to lead us into satisfying, relationally-rich lives, if we are willing.
As my friend, Al Cleveland says, “It seems all I can control is the amount of resistance I offer against his leading. He seems quite determined to save me from myself.”
How much resistance are you putting up today? What do you need today? How can you step out of the way and let God provide?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Not Guilty Anymore
Life. Interrupted. Week 7 Day 4
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
“Though every act of sin is forgivable, the effects of some are not erasable.” – Chuck Swindoll
Why was Ishmael even there that day? Didn’t Ishmael’s birth come as a result of Sarah’s scheming? Now that Sarah had the “perfect,” promised family, her resentment for the “extended” family was clear. But, beyond Ishmael’s taunts and the family’s dysfunction, Ishmael was also a reminder of Abraham and Sarah’s unfaithfulness to God. Ishmael represented more than just a rowdy teenager. Ishmael represented their shame.
How do we feel when we face reminders of our past? Even though we have been forgiven, even though we have victory in that area, it’s easy to feel guilty and ashamed. Our pride is offended at the idea that we could have ever done such a thing.
Aaron Keyes sings God’s affirmation to us in Not Guilty Anymore: “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, doesn’t matter what you’re coming from, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. Hear me tell you, I forgive.
“You’re not guilty anymore. You’re not filthy anymore. I love you, mercy is yours. You’re not broken anymore, you’re not captive anymore. I love you, mercy is yours.”
The things we are so ashamed of are reminders of God’s grace.
Click HERE to listen.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
“Though every act of sin is forgivable, the effects of some are not erasable.” – Chuck Swindoll
Why was Ishmael even there that day? Didn’t Ishmael’s birth come as a result of Sarah’s scheming? Now that Sarah had the “perfect,” promised family, her resentment for the “extended” family was clear. But, beyond Ishmael’s taunts and the family’s dysfunction, Ishmael was also a reminder of Abraham and Sarah’s unfaithfulness to God. Ishmael represented more than just a rowdy teenager. Ishmael represented their shame.
How do we feel when we face reminders of our past? Even though we have been forgiven, even though we have victory in that area, it’s easy to feel guilty and ashamed. Our pride is offended at the idea that we could have ever done such a thing.
Aaron Keyes sings God’s affirmation to us in Not Guilty Anymore: “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, doesn’t matter what you’re coming from, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. Hear me tell you, I forgive.
“You’re not guilty anymore. You’re not filthy anymore. I love you, mercy is yours. You’re not broken anymore, you’re not captive anymore. I love you, mercy is yours.”
The things we are so ashamed of are reminders of God’s grace.
Click HERE to listen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Is Your Life “It’s Complicated” or “Mayberry”?
Life. Interrupted. Week 7 Day 3
God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. Genesis 21:17-21 (NIV)
Abraham’s family situation was complicated. It certainly wasn’t Mayberry. Now that God had given Abraham and Sarah the heir to the promise, they didn’t need a spare. At Sarah’s prompting and with God’s direction (Genesis 21:11-13), Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away.
Was Ishmael a mistake? Was Ishmael a problem that would never be resolved? Ishmael was out of Abraham’s family, but not out of God’s blessing.
Regardless of who you are, how you got here, or what you’ve done, God loves you and wants to bless you. That’s just Who God is. If you feel that you don’t deserve God’s blessing, well, that’s how it’s supposed to be. You and I don’t deserve God’s blessing.
God loves you, and there’s really nothing you can do about that.
God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. Genesis 21:17-21 (NIV)
Abraham’s family situation was complicated. It certainly wasn’t Mayberry. Now that God had given Abraham and Sarah the heir to the promise, they didn’t need a spare. At Sarah’s prompting and with God’s direction (Genesis 21:11-13), Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away.
Was Ishmael a mistake? Was Ishmael a problem that would never be resolved? Ishmael was out of Abraham’s family, but not out of God’s blessing.
Regardless of who you are, how you got here, or what you’ve done, God loves you and wants to bless you. That’s just Who God is. If you feel that you don’t deserve God’s blessing, well, that’s how it’s supposed to be. You and I don’t deserve God’s blessing.
God loves you, and there’s really nothing you can do about that.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Are You Stingy with God’s Grace?
Life. Interrupted. Week 7 Day 2
The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac." Genesis 21:8-10 (NIV)
Sarah faced a common, but unbecoming dilemma. She had received God’s grace, but she refused to offer God’s grace to others. Sure there was some sibling rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac as well as plenty of tension between Sarah and Hagar. It was not your typical step family situation, if there is a typical one.
God never intended for us to hoard His grace. He gives grace to save us (Ephesians 2:8-9) and grace to sustain us (2 Corinthians 12:9). God also gives His grace for us to give to others. In 1 Peter 4:10 we read, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” How do we administer God’s grace? “Administer” used here is the same word as “stewardship.” Everyone who receives God’s grace has become a steward or manager of God’s grace. It’s our job to extend God’s grace to those around us by using our spiritual gifts (charismata or “grace gifts”).
How has God blessed you with His grace? How can you extend God’s grace through forgiveness, encouragement, mercy or helps today?
The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac." Genesis 21:8-10 (NIV)
Sarah faced a common, but unbecoming dilemma. She had received God’s grace, but she refused to offer God’s grace to others. Sure there was some sibling rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac as well as plenty of tension between Sarah and Hagar. It was not your typical step family situation, if there is a typical one.
God never intended for us to hoard His grace. He gives grace to save us (Ephesians 2:8-9) and grace to sustain us (2 Corinthians 12:9). God also gives His grace for us to give to others. In 1 Peter 4:10 we read, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” How do we administer God’s grace? “Administer” used here is the same word as “stewardship.” Everyone who receives God’s grace has become a steward or manager of God’s grace. It’s our job to extend God’s grace to those around us by using our spiritual gifts (charismata or “grace gifts”).
How has God blessed you with His grace? How can you extend God’s grace through forgiveness, encouragement, mercy or helps today?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
God Is Faithful Even to the Faithless
Life. Interrupted. Week 7 Day 1
Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. Genesis 21:1-3 (NIV)
God could have easily said, “You know, Abraham and Sarah, I chose you and gave you my promise, but you doubted me, you laughed at me, and you sinned against me, so I’m going to find better people to fulfill this promise. I’m done.” But, that’s not the way God is. God is patient even when we’ve run out of patience for ourselves or for others.
Despite our doubts, fears and schemes, God is faithful. Even if we’ve given up on God, God never gives up on us. Now, there are times when it is hard to see much evidence of God’s presence or work in our lives. But, He is there and always will be.
God is not about to give up on you. Where are you today? Are you ready to give up on someone? God? Someone else? Yourself? God will give you all that He has promised, if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9). God is faithful, even when we are faithless.
Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. Genesis 21:1-3 (NIV)
God could have easily said, “You know, Abraham and Sarah, I chose you and gave you my promise, but you doubted me, you laughed at me, and you sinned against me, so I’m going to find better people to fulfill this promise. I’m done.” But, that’s not the way God is. God is patient even when we’ve run out of patience for ourselves or for others.
Despite our doubts, fears and schemes, God is faithful. Even if we’ve given up on God, God never gives up on us. Now, there are times when it is hard to see much evidence of God’s presence or work in our lives. But, He is there and always will be.
God is not about to give up on you. Where are you today? Are you ready to give up on someone? God? Someone else? Yourself? God will give you all that He has promised, if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9). God is faithful, even when we are faithless.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Paying the Price for Others’ Sins
Life. Interrupted. Week 6 Day 5
By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. Genesis 19:23-25
Everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah suffered that day: the good and the bad, the young and the old, the righteous and the wretched. We could smugly cross our arms and say, “Well, it was pretty bad. We’ve never done anything like that.” The Bible quickly reminds us that “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10; Ecclesiastes 7:20).
To suffer for your own sins is bad. To suffer for the sins of another is far worse. We don’t deserve it. We didn’t ask for it. For some of us, someone sinned against us by taking from us or harming us. For others, we suffer the consequences of something that happened to someone close to us. Sometimes suffering comes in the form of receiving a stronger reaction from someone than what we deserve. The reaction might be coming from something that happen in the past, but it’s directed at us.
Suffering because of others is never pleasant, but it does make us more like Jesus. Jesus suffered for our sins. Jesus suffered for the sins of those who sinned against you. And, He suffered for everyone else’s sins too. “The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
Now, no one is going to jump up from reading this and say, “Woohoo, I get to suffer because of someone else today and be more like Jesus.” But, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus has been there. He understands. He is with us.
BLOGGERS NOTE: This blog was inadvertantly deleted today. I apologize if you received two copies of this devotional.
By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. Genesis 19:23-25
Everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah suffered that day: the good and the bad, the young and the old, the righteous and the wretched. We could smugly cross our arms and say, “Well, it was pretty bad. We’ve never done anything like that.” The Bible quickly reminds us that “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10; Ecclesiastes 7:20).
To suffer for your own sins is bad. To suffer for the sins of another is far worse. We don’t deserve it. We didn’t ask for it. For some of us, someone sinned against us by taking from us or harming us. For others, we suffer the consequences of something that happened to someone close to us. Sometimes suffering comes in the form of receiving a stronger reaction from someone than what we deserve. The reaction might be coming from something that happen in the past, but it’s directed at us.
Suffering because of others is never pleasant, but it does make us more like Jesus. Jesus suffered for our sins. Jesus suffered for the sins of those who sinned against you. And, He suffered for everyone else’s sins too. “The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
Now, no one is going to jump up from reading this and say, “Woohoo, I get to suffer because of someone else today and be more like Jesus.” But, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus has been there. He understands. He is with us.
BLOGGERS NOTE: This blog was inadvertantly deleted today. I apologize if you received two copies of this devotional.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
When God Says, “No”
Life. Interrupted. Week 6 Day 4
Going a little farther, [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39
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. Jeremiah 29:11
There are many reasons why God might not answer our prayers. Some of those reasons might be our own fault.
Unconfessed sin: Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 1:15; Proverbs 28:9. Solution: Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2; Ephesians 6:18
Unclear conscience: Matthew 5:23. Solution: Matthew 5:24; 18:21-35; James 5:16.
Wrong motives and selfishness: James 4:3. Solution: Psalm 19:14; 37:4-7; 139:23-24
Doubt: James 1:6-7. Solution: Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 6:16; Isaiah 26:3-4; Matthew 21:22.
Satanic hindrances: Daniel 10:10-13; Ephesians 6:12. Solution: Ephesians 6:13-18; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 12:9-11.
Unresolved marital conflicts: 1 Peter 3:7. Solution: Romans 12:9-13; Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32.
Lack of faith: Hebrews 11:6. Solution: Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24.
Lack of compassion: Proverbs 21:13. Solution: Psalm 41:1.
Sometimes our prayers aren’t answered because God is the cause.
It’s not God’s will: Matthew 26:39; James 4:15; 1 John 5:14-15.
God wants to teach us lessons: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
What answers are you waiting for today? God always hears us and answers our prayers. The answer may be Yes. It may be No. I could be Wait. We don’t understand God’s plan, but we know it’s a good plan.
Taken from Abraham: The Friend of God by Charles Swindoll (Insight for Living, p. 168-9).
Going a little farther, [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39
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. Jeremiah 29:11
There are many reasons why God might not answer our prayers. Some of those reasons might be our own fault.
Unconfessed sin: Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 1:15; Proverbs 28:9. Solution: Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2; Ephesians 6:18
Unclear conscience: Matthew 5:23. Solution: Matthew 5:24; 18:21-35; James 5:16.
Wrong motives and selfishness: James 4:3. Solution: Psalm 19:14; 37:4-7; 139:23-24
Doubt: James 1:6-7. Solution: Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 6:16; Isaiah 26:3-4; Matthew 21:22.
Satanic hindrances: Daniel 10:10-13; Ephesians 6:12. Solution: Ephesians 6:13-18; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 12:9-11.
Unresolved marital conflicts: 1 Peter 3:7. Solution: Romans 12:9-13; Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32.
Lack of faith: Hebrews 11:6. Solution: Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24.
Lack of compassion: Proverbs 21:13. Solution: Psalm 41:1.
Sometimes our prayers aren’t answered because God is the cause.
It’s not God’s will: Matthew 26:39; James 4:15; 1 John 5:14-15.
God wants to teach us lessons: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
What answers are you waiting for today? God always hears us and answers our prayers. The answer may be Yes. It may be No. I could be Wait. We don’t understand God’s plan, but we know it’s a good plan.
Taken from Abraham: The Friend of God by Charles Swindoll (Insight for Living, p. 168-9).
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
God is Far Away and Very Near
Life. Interrupted. Week 6 Day 3
Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." Genesis 18:16-21
Why did God have to “go down” to Sodom and Gomorrah? Isn’t God present everywhere all of the time? It doesn’t seem that God would have to go in order to know.
God didn’t need to go, but Abraham did not understand that God was omnipresent (present everywhere all of the time). God revealed Himself to humans in stages. Theologians call this “progressive revelation.”
In Abraham’s mind, the only way that God or anybody else would know what was going on in Sodom was to go and see. Rather than blow Abraham’s mind with a lecture of the Non-Moral Attributes of God (see Bible Doctrines 1 at BrookwoodU), God spoke to Abraham in a way that Abraham would understand.
By virtue of when and where we live, we know more about God than Abraham did. The great thing about God is that He is omnipresent. He is over everything. But, God is also close and personal. He lives in those who believe.
Isaiah said it best: “For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15).
God is big enough to handle everything that we face, and He is personal enough to care about everything we face. He can handle what you’re facing today.
Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." Genesis 18:16-21
Why did God have to “go down” to Sodom and Gomorrah? Isn’t God present everywhere all of the time? It doesn’t seem that God would have to go in order to know.
God didn’t need to go, but Abraham did not understand that God was omnipresent (present everywhere all of the time). God revealed Himself to humans in stages. Theologians call this “progressive revelation.”
In Abraham’s mind, the only way that God or anybody else would know what was going on in Sodom was to go and see. Rather than blow Abraham’s mind with a lecture of the Non-Moral Attributes of God (see Bible Doctrines 1 at BrookwoodU), God spoke to Abraham in a way that Abraham would understand.
By virtue of when and where we live, we know more about God than Abraham did. The great thing about God is that He is omnipresent. He is over everything. But, God is also close and personal. He lives in those who believe.
Isaiah said it best: “For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15).
God is big enough to handle everything that we face, and He is personal enough to care about everything we face. He can handle what you’re facing today.
Monday, February 22, 2010
You Can’t Lie to God (And You Don’t Need to)
Life. Interrupted. Week 6 Day 2
Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."
Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh."
But he said, "Yes, you did laugh." Genesis 18:13-15
The Lord was actually a guest in Abraham and Sarah’s home (Genesis 18:1-10). She had prepared a meal for him. But, they did understand that this was no ordinary guest (Genesis 18:3). The Lord knew that Sarah would have a child, and He knew that she had laughed.
Maybe she was embarrassed. Maybe she felt that her laughter betrayed a lack of faith. So, Sarah lied to God, “I did not laugh.” But, God knew better.
There is nothing that we can reveal to God about ourselves that God doesn’t already know. God is never going to stop and say, “Oh, Myself, I can’t believe you did that.” He knows. We can never surprise Him.
God asks a great question in this passage: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” Of course, the answer is “no.” The impossible things, the things we would regard as incredulous or laughable, these things are not too hard for God.
What seems too hard today? Guess Who can take care of that? It just might make you laugh.
Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."
Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh."
But he said, "Yes, you did laugh." Genesis 18:13-15
The Lord was actually a guest in Abraham and Sarah’s home (Genesis 18:1-10). She had prepared a meal for him. But, they did understand that this was no ordinary guest (Genesis 18:3). The Lord knew that Sarah would have a child, and He knew that she had laughed.
Maybe she was embarrassed. Maybe she felt that her laughter betrayed a lack of faith. So, Sarah lied to God, “I did not laugh.” But, God knew better.
There is nothing that we can reveal to God about ourselves that God doesn’t already know. God is never going to stop and say, “Oh, Myself, I can’t believe you did that.” He knows. We can never surprise Him.
God asks a great question in this passage: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” Of course, the answer is “no.” The impossible things, the things we would regard as incredulous or laughable, these things are not too hard for God.
What seems too hard today? Guess Who can take care of that? It just might make you laugh.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh
Life. Interrupted. Week 6 Day 1
Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Genesis 18:10-12
After over two decades of waiting, Sarah hears that in just a year, she will have a son. It’s hard to believe. Sarah is well beyond child-bearing years. She might have thought that her scheming with Hagar had tarnished the promise somehow. But, God was making good on the promise. Sarah couldn’t believe it. She just had to laugh.
Have you ever felt like you were in an impossible situation? Maybe you’ve recently had one of those days when you thought you were just going to pull your hair out. Sometimes life throws such ridiculous things at us that we just have to laugh. It’s good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).
Today’s Prescription: Have a good laugh. If you can’t laugh on your own, rent a comedy. Sometimes you just have to laugh.
Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Genesis 18:10-12
After over two decades of waiting, Sarah hears that in just a year, she will have a son. It’s hard to believe. Sarah is well beyond child-bearing years. She might have thought that her scheming with Hagar had tarnished the promise somehow. But, God was making good on the promise. Sarah couldn’t believe it. She just had to laugh.
Have you ever felt like you were in an impossible situation? Maybe you’ve recently had one of those days when you thought you were just going to pull your hair out. Sometimes life throws such ridiculous things at us that we just have to laugh. It’s good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).
Today’s Prescription: Have a good laugh. If you can’t laugh on your own, rent a comedy. Sometimes you just have to laugh.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Who Gets Credit for Faith?
Life. Interrupted. Week 5 Day 5
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. Hebrews 11:11 (NIV)
Have you ever watched someone take credit for something that they didn’t do? In a meeting yesterday, someone credited me with reducing the fee for hosting the upcoming Beth Moore simulcast (on Saturday, April 24. Tickets go on sale March 28). And, in fact, we paid less than half of what other churches paid.
Everyone at the table looked and me and asked how I did it. I replied, “Well, it was due to my keen negotiating skills, of course.” But, I couldn’t leave it there. The truth is that I had called the rep for the simulcast to express interest, and then I put the decision off for a while. Before I knew it, I had a voice mail saying that they would cut the price way down. It was negotiation by procrastination. Maybe I should write something about that (maybe I just did).
Whether you want to call it a blessing or just dumb luck, the whole thing had very little to do with me. While someone had to take the initiative, the result really wasn’t up to me.
God chose Abraham. Why? Was Abraham the best human alive? Was Abraham a seeker in an age before the seeker church? We don’t really know. What we do know is that God chose Abraham and in that choosing God gave Abraham a promise accompanied by a precious gift, faith. Abraham didn’t produce the faith. It was a gift, just like faith is a gift from God to you and me.
Now, please understand, we play a significant part. The biggest part we play is perseverance. Look at how much God’s Word encourages us not to give up. It took a lot for Abraham to feel comfortable in his newfound faith.
He believed God, but then there was moving ahead to possess the land, but living as a foreigner in a tent. There was the promise of being the father of many nations, but then there weren’t any children. There was a plan to help the promise along by having a child with Hagar, but then there was much disappointment at the result. There was resignation that Eliezer would be the heir, but then the promise wouldn’t be fulfilled.
Abraham’s experience is a truly human struggle with adjusting to the gift of faith. God’s promise wasn’t fulfilled based solely on Abraham, though Abraham was necessary. If we recall, Abraham’s schemes led to trouble. It was God’s faithfulness that produced the result.
Despite doubts, fears, schemes, and inadequacies, God is faithful. We don’t have to have it all figured out. We don’t have to be perfect. We just need to learn to depend on God’s faithfulness.
Now, some of us are wired for action. We’re ready to make things happen. Well, God wired us that way. But, activity isn’t the same as effectiveness. So, before we waste God’s time and ours, we need to seek God for His direction. Once we’ve heard from God, then we take action.
We don’t need to talk God into the work He wants to accomplish. We just need to hear from God and cooperate with His plan. That’s easier said than done at times.
What is God’s gift of faith producing in your life today? If you’re not sure, spend some time with Him. He’ll let you know.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. Hebrews 11:11 (NIV)
Have you ever watched someone take credit for something that they didn’t do? In a meeting yesterday, someone credited me with reducing the fee for hosting the upcoming Beth Moore simulcast (on Saturday, April 24. Tickets go on sale March 28). And, in fact, we paid less than half of what other churches paid.
Everyone at the table looked and me and asked how I did it. I replied, “Well, it was due to my keen negotiating skills, of course.” But, I couldn’t leave it there. The truth is that I had called the rep for the simulcast to express interest, and then I put the decision off for a while. Before I knew it, I had a voice mail saying that they would cut the price way down. It was negotiation by procrastination. Maybe I should write something about that (maybe I just did).
Whether you want to call it a blessing or just dumb luck, the whole thing had very little to do with me. While someone had to take the initiative, the result really wasn’t up to me.
God chose Abraham. Why? Was Abraham the best human alive? Was Abraham a seeker in an age before the seeker church? We don’t really know. What we do know is that God chose Abraham and in that choosing God gave Abraham a promise accompanied by a precious gift, faith. Abraham didn’t produce the faith. It was a gift, just like faith is a gift from God to you and me.
Now, please understand, we play a significant part. The biggest part we play is perseverance. Look at how much God’s Word encourages us not to give up. It took a lot for Abraham to feel comfortable in his newfound faith.
He believed God, but then there was moving ahead to possess the land, but living as a foreigner in a tent. There was the promise of being the father of many nations, but then there weren’t any children. There was a plan to help the promise along by having a child with Hagar, but then there was much disappointment at the result. There was resignation that Eliezer would be the heir, but then the promise wouldn’t be fulfilled.
Abraham’s experience is a truly human struggle with adjusting to the gift of faith. God’s promise wasn’t fulfilled based solely on Abraham, though Abraham was necessary. If we recall, Abraham’s schemes led to trouble. It was God’s faithfulness that produced the result.
Despite doubts, fears, schemes, and inadequacies, God is faithful. We don’t have to have it all figured out. We don’t have to be perfect. We just need to learn to depend on God’s faithfulness.
Now, some of us are wired for action. We’re ready to make things happen. Well, God wired us that way. But, activity isn’t the same as effectiveness. So, before we waste God’s time and ours, we need to seek God for His direction. Once we’ve heard from God, then we take action.
We don’t need to talk God into the work He wants to accomplish. We just need to hear from God and cooperate with His plan. That’s easier said than done at times.
What is God’s gift of faith producing in your life today? If you’re not sure, spend some time with Him. He’ll let you know.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Our Tug of War with God
Life. Interrupted. Week 5 Day 4
Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.”
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised. Genesis 17:9-11, 23-24
I’m not going to spend this devotional examining the particulars of circumcision. But, you have to ask, “Why circumcision? Why not a tattoo, or a shaved head, or a secret handshake?” What we can say about circumcision is that it is personal and painful. While this sign of the covenant doesn’t carry over to the new covenant (Romans 2:27-29), we can all relate to the aspects of our relationship with God that are both personal and at times painful.
When we think about something as massive as God’s covenant with His people, it can seem well beyond us. Either we choose to be part of that covenant or we don’t. Take it or leave it, right? It’s a great deal, but we’re free to pursue other deals if we choose. But, God doesn’t merely relate to a mass of people.
God relates to individuals. God wants a relationship with you and me, and He will ruthlessly pursue us. God is interested in you and me. God wants to be personal with each of us. He doesn’t just want us to know about Him, He wants us to know Him. He wants to hear our prayers, and He wants us to listen to Him. He wants us to serve, and He wants us to stop to be with Him. God is far more interested in us than anything that we could ever do for Him. As St. Augustine said, “God thirsts to be thirsted after.”
At times our relationship with God is painful. The pain is not necessarily punishment for sin. It’s painful to watch as the things we depend on are stripped away to the point that we only depend on God. Sometimes it’s painful to forsake short-term pleasure for long-term character development. It’s painful to release our control and realize that we were never really in control in the first place. It’s painful to surrender our right to be the master and creator of our universe. That’s God’s job too.
What is the tug of war between you and God these days? What are you fighting to hold on to? What would happen if you let go? I’m not asking you to abandon the struggle. I encourage you to work it all of the way through. Don’t put it on the back burner. Figure out what’s going on. Then, take the next step.
Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.”
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised. Genesis 17:9-11, 23-24
I’m not going to spend this devotional examining the particulars of circumcision. But, you have to ask, “Why circumcision? Why not a tattoo, or a shaved head, or a secret handshake?” What we can say about circumcision is that it is personal and painful. While this sign of the covenant doesn’t carry over to the new covenant (Romans 2:27-29), we can all relate to the aspects of our relationship with God that are both personal and at times painful.
When we think about something as massive as God’s covenant with His people, it can seem well beyond us. Either we choose to be part of that covenant or we don’t. Take it or leave it, right? It’s a great deal, but we’re free to pursue other deals if we choose. But, God doesn’t merely relate to a mass of people.
God relates to individuals. God wants a relationship with you and me, and He will ruthlessly pursue us. God is interested in you and me. God wants to be personal with each of us. He doesn’t just want us to know about Him, He wants us to know Him. He wants to hear our prayers, and He wants us to listen to Him. He wants us to serve, and He wants us to stop to be with Him. God is far more interested in us than anything that we could ever do for Him. As St. Augustine said, “God thirsts to be thirsted after.”
At times our relationship with God is painful. The pain is not necessarily punishment for sin. It’s painful to watch as the things we depend on are stripped away to the point that we only depend on God. Sometimes it’s painful to forsake short-term pleasure for long-term character development. It’s painful to release our control and realize that we were never really in control in the first place. It’s painful to surrender our right to be the master and creator of our universe. That’s God’s job too.
What is the tug of war between you and God these days? What are you fighting to hold on to? What would happen if you let go? I’m not asking you to abandon the struggle. I encourage you to work it all of the way through. Don’t put it on the back burner. Figure out what’s going on. Then, take the next step.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
God’s Big Hairy Audacious Goals
Life. Interrupted. Week 5 Day 3
"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God." Genesis 17:7-8 (NIV)
God showed Abraham that His plan extended far beyond Abraham’s life. The covenant God established is everlasting. Not only was there no end in sight, there is no end period.
The covenant involved an everlasting relationship and an everlasting possession. God pledged to “be your God and the God of your descendents after you…and I will be their God.” God will never give up on His people whether they are the biological descendents of Abraham or his spiritual descendents.
God called Abraham to something that was much bigger than Abraham. Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, talks about successful organizations taking on “Big Hairy Audacious Goals.” “BHAG’s” are goals that take more than what one person or organization to accomplish and require more than a single lifetime to fulfill. Abraham was given the BHAG of all BHAG’s. Beyond the impossibility of just having a son, Abraham was the steward of a blessing and a vision that has extended for thousands of years to billions of people. With that blessing came the covenant that God would be with them.
You and I are a part of the largest organization in the world: the Church. The Church operates in every country and includes about a third of the people on the planet. But, how can you and I extend God’s love and His blessing to the whole world?
We simply need to do two things: (1) Lean into God who is always with us and (2) Do the thing that is right in front of us. Serving a neighbor or helping a co-worker times 2 billion Christians produces exponential results. As I am writing this devotional the Church is serving the nation of Haiti, including a great team from Brookwood Church. While it takes a bit of courage to travel to such a broken country, the requirements were simple: a heart to help and skills to serve.
What has God given you that you can share with others today? God has given us the BHAG of all BHAG’s. We don’t need to be intimidated by that. We just need to be available, and then God will use us.
"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God." Genesis 17:7-8 (NIV)
God showed Abraham that His plan extended far beyond Abraham’s life. The covenant God established is everlasting. Not only was there no end in sight, there is no end period.
The covenant involved an everlasting relationship and an everlasting possession. God pledged to “be your God and the God of your descendents after you…and I will be their God.” God will never give up on His people whether they are the biological descendents of Abraham or his spiritual descendents.
God called Abraham to something that was much bigger than Abraham. Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, talks about successful organizations taking on “Big Hairy Audacious Goals.” “BHAG’s” are goals that take more than what one person or organization to accomplish and require more than a single lifetime to fulfill. Abraham was given the BHAG of all BHAG’s. Beyond the impossibility of just having a son, Abraham was the steward of a blessing and a vision that has extended for thousands of years to billions of people. With that blessing came the covenant that God would be with them.
You and I are a part of the largest organization in the world: the Church. The Church operates in every country and includes about a third of the people on the planet. But, how can you and I extend God’s love and His blessing to the whole world?
We simply need to do two things: (1) Lean into God who is always with us and (2) Do the thing that is right in front of us. Serving a neighbor or helping a co-worker times 2 billion Christians produces exponential results. As I am writing this devotional the Church is serving the nation of Haiti, including a great team from Brookwood Church. While it takes a bit of courage to travel to such a broken country, the requirements were simple: a heart to help and skills to serve.
What has God given you that you can share with others today? God has given us the BHAG of all BHAG’s. We don’t need to be intimidated by that. We just need to be available, and then God will use us.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Little Name Calling
Life. Interrupted. Week 5 Day 2
Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. Genesis 17:3-6 (NIV)
Abram’s encounter with God changed his identity. He would no longer be called Abram meaning “exalted father.” God gave him a new name, Abraham meaning “father of a great multitude.” What a difference adding two little letters can make.
Abram literally had been called “father” all of his life. You wonder if that was a label of shame or expectation for him. Considering that Abram’s father Terah didn’t start a family until age 70 (Genesis 11:26), Abram very well could have been on the expectation side.
But, at 99 years of age, the human possibilities were being erased. At this point, God gave Abram a new identity. God called Abraham to something that only God could accomplish.
What labels have you borne in your life? Selfish, Insecure, Addicted, Angry, Greedy or Sinful? The Bible is full identity changes. The best examples are among the Corinthians: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Paul does some name calling here. First, he calls the Corinthians out for what they used to be. Then, he reminds them of who they are now: people with a second chance; people with a clear conscience and a clean heart; people with a new lease on life.
An encounter with God radically alters our reality. Once we get a glimpse of how God sees us, He enables those things to be accomplished in our lives.
What label is dogging you these days? What has God spoken to you today about what He thinks of you? Right now, peel off that old label and ask God for a new one.
Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. Genesis 17:3-6 (NIV)
Abram’s encounter with God changed his identity. He would no longer be called Abram meaning “exalted father.” God gave him a new name, Abraham meaning “father of a great multitude.” What a difference adding two little letters can make.
Abram literally had been called “father” all of his life. You wonder if that was a label of shame or expectation for him. Considering that Abram’s father Terah didn’t start a family until age 70 (Genesis 11:26), Abram very well could have been on the expectation side.
But, at 99 years of age, the human possibilities were being erased. At this point, God gave Abram a new identity. God called Abraham to something that only God could accomplish.
What labels have you borne in your life? Selfish, Insecure, Addicted, Angry, Greedy or Sinful? The Bible is full identity changes. The best examples are among the Corinthians: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Paul does some name calling here. First, he calls the Corinthians out for what they used to be. Then, he reminds them of who they are now: people with a second chance; people with a clear conscience and a clean heart; people with a new lease on life.
An encounter with God radically alters our reality. Once we get a glimpse of how God sees us, He enables those things to be accomplished in our lives.
What label is dogging you these days? What has God spoken to you today about what He thinks of you? Right now, peel off that old label and ask God for a new one.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Year was 1986…
Life. Interrupted. Week 5 Day 1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." Genesis 17:1-2 (NIV)
The Lord appeared to Abram 24 years after the original promise was given (Genesis 12:1-5). What were you doing 24 years ago, which was 1986?
Ronald Reagan was president. The Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after launch. Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier fled Haiti. Out of Africa won best picture. Geraldo opened Al Capone’s secret vault discovering only a bottle of moonshine. Hands Across America reached from New York City to Long Beach, CA. Best New Artist went to Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
How would you feel if God’s plan for you had been on hold for 24 years? Would you continue to believe? Would you be tempted to write it off to indigestion?
God’s plan for Abram involved far more than the birth of a son. Abram was tested time and again. Abram struggled with fear and faith. Abram was a person just like you and me. Abram’s life is an example for us. His life was not a perfect life. Abram had flaws just like anybody else.
Abram’s life is an example of learning to depend on God rather than relying on oneself. That’s a lesson we continue to learn every day.
What parts of your life do you feel are well within your control? Should they be? What parts seem completely out of control? What do you need to surrender to God and trust Him for?
What have you been waiting for that hasn’t been delivered? What might have started 24 or more years ago for you? Do you still trust God to help you see it through?
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." Genesis 17:1-2 (NIV)
The Lord appeared to Abram 24 years after the original promise was given (Genesis 12:1-5). What were you doing 24 years ago, which was 1986?
Ronald Reagan was president. The Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after launch. Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier fled Haiti. Out of Africa won best picture. Geraldo opened Al Capone’s secret vault discovering only a bottle of moonshine. Hands Across America reached from New York City to Long Beach, CA. Best New Artist went to Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
How would you feel if God’s plan for you had been on hold for 24 years? Would you continue to believe? Would you be tempted to write it off to indigestion?
God’s plan for Abram involved far more than the birth of a son. Abram was tested time and again. Abram struggled with fear and faith. Abram was a person just like you and me. Abram’s life is an example for us. His life was not a perfect life. Abram had flaws just like anybody else.
Abram’s life is an example of learning to depend on God rather than relying on oneself. That’s a lesson we continue to learn every day.
What parts of your life do you feel are well within your control? Should they be? What parts seem completely out of control? What do you need to surrender to God and trust Him for?
What have you been waiting for that hasn’t been delivered? What might have started 24 or more years ago for you? Do you still trust God to help you see it through?
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