Finding Rest for Your Soul

Be at rest once more, O my soul,

for the Lord has been good to you. 

Ps. 116: 7

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of modern life, how do we find rest?  How do we experience peace?  Even if we know, and I mean really know, that the Lord has been good to us, how do we translate that into peace?

I begin with too many questions.  This week I have been struggling with the effects of Shingles and an elevated blood pressure that I can't just will down.  I know I need to rest.  I know I need to trust.  I know the Lord has been and will continue to be good to me.  Yet, how do I do it with all the church planting plans and the rest of my busy life?

The First Step Toward Change: Admit There is a Problem

I think many of us don't get enough rest because we don't really want to slow down.  There is an excitement with being busy.  There is a feeling of importance for being constantly on the go and in demand.  The pull of busyness is more important to us than finding peace and rest in the gospel.

Sounds harsh doesn't it?  Yet, I think each of us have to reflect upon our lives.  We need to prayerfully consider that we are overly busy because we like being overly busy.

Do you think to yourself, "I will slow down when ...."  "I can't possibly stop or slow down until ...."  Why is this project or whatever activity so important?  Maybe your busyness is just a season of life thing.  After another six months, you will be able to find rest.  Most likely six months from now will find us in the midst of another "busy" season of life.

You see, unless you really want to pursue rest, you will not find it.  If you are not deliberate, you will re-fill your life with other activities, other priorities, and other sources of stress.  You must pursue finding rest by consciously moving away from filling your thoughts and your heart with different activities and loves.

Step 2: Re-establish the Gospel in your focus

This past week at Christ Community, we offered a reassurance of pardon from the Heidelberg Catechism question 60.  It ends with, "All that I need to do is accept this gift of God with a believing heart."

Wow!  How do we accept the great news of the Gospel (the rest of question 60's answer) with a believing heart?

I believe it is a matter of prayer.  It is also a matter of focus.  Meditate upon the promises of God's grace.  Reflect upon what Jesus has done for you.  Pray that God will make it real.

Notice, all of this implies that we must change our focus from harried activity to reflecting upon God's promises.  We cannot "accept this gift of God" if we don't know the gift.  We cannot rest unless we find something to rest in.  The promise is that we can rest in God's sovereign love found in Jesus.

As we start a new season, why not try it?  You are a highly competent person.  Why not take some of that focus and drive that you are putting to so many other activities and apply it to reflecting upon  and resting in Jesus?  Pick up the Heidelberg Catechism and use it as a devotional.  Use it to focus your mind on the promises of God.

Lord knows we all need it!

The Joy of Quiet. The God of Fire.

I love reading biographies, the stories of men like Oswald Chambers, C.S. Lewis, John Knox, Jonathan Edwards, Augustine, Paul, and Jeremiah.
As I read about their lives, I get the impression that our modern ideas
about masculine maturity are a far cry from what godly men of
earlier generations understood and practiced.

We talk a lot today about things like vulnerability and the courage to feel our pain.
They seemed more interested in worship and witnessing.
We speak of honest communication and living up to our potential.
They fell to their knees in brokenness and got up to serve.  

I wonder if the virtues we try to develop came naturally
to those men from years ago whose toughest battles
were fought against whatever kept them from knowing Christ. ...

Religious men of today too often have found a convenient God,
an immediately useful God promoted by leaders
who are filled more by the thrill of adoring crowds than
 by their opportunity for quiet communion with God....

Men from earlier generations slugged it out in intensely personal battles that lasted for years,
battles that lessened only when they abandoned themselves more fully to Christ,
not merely when they felt a new passion sweep through them at a big rally
 or when they discovered some new insight about themselves in therapy.
The joy of finding Christ was released through brokenness over sin,
brokenness that led to worshipful abandonment to God.
Knowing Christ intimately developed through a deep work of God's Spirit
that took place sometimes in big crowds
but more often during long seasons of agonizing prayer in solitude.

Larry Crabb, The Silence of Adam, 30-31.

I just spent a week traveling.  It was good to spent time with the Back to God International board meeting.  It was also great to see my mother and my sister.  I am thankful for the time and the people.

I am also so very thankful for the quiet.  My life is so full of talking.  I talk for a living.  I have so many children, and I find that all of them love to talk to daddy.  I enjoy talking to my wife.

When I travel, I get a chance to turn off the noise, close my mouth, and just enter into quiet with my Lord and God.  For a time, I get to listen instead of just talking.  As the ancient devotional writers put it,

When the mouth is open, the fire goes out.  

When the mouth is shut, the dying embers come back to life.

I wholeheartedly agree with Larry Crabb's thoughts above.  I needed the quiet.  I feel the fire returning.  May it burn hot for Jesus, and may many come to find comfort from its heat.

The Dark Night part 2

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, 

we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Cor. 15:19

I was doing so well.  I was back to writing more consistently.  I was looking forward to finishing February strong.

Then life got in the way.

I think most of us understand what I mean.  Sometimes we run into a busy time of life.  Sometimes we get sick.  Sometimes relational disaster strikes.  Sometimes we just can't get out of our own way.

My last post included a brief description of what Christian spirituality writers have called the Dark Night of the soul.  I believe many believers go through this experience.  

It is not just a day or a week of "life" that has gotten in the way.  It is an extended period where we wonder where is God?  We don't feel His presence, but instead we actually feel an absence.  It is like something is missing.

This experience can be brought about by busyness or lack of busyness; illness or great health; broken relationships or great relationships; or any other combo.

The real question of the Dark Night is:

In Whom do you trust?

This is really the primary question of all of life.  It just becomes the focal point of the Dark Night.  Do we trust that God is good and He has our best interests in heart?  Do we trust that He loves us?  Do we trust Him?

If we are not careful, it is easy to like the blessings of faith more than we like trusting in God.

In other words, do we like the feelings being in God's presence more than God?  Do we like the gifts of God more than the Giver of gifts?  Do we like our vision of how life should be more than trusting in faith when things don't go our way?

I know.  Another post with more questions than statements of "fact".  Sorry, that is how life is.  The longer we live, the more questions we have.  There are too many events in life that lead us to ask why.

In the midst of the struggle to believe in the midst of life's distractions, I offer this hope.

This life is not all there is.  

We were made for eternity and our heart longs for it.  

When Jesus comes back to set all things aright,

things will be set right.

All injustice, all loss, all wrong will be made right.

Sin and death will be done away with.

What we now know as through a mirror dimly,

we will know fully even as we will be fully known (and loved).

Growing in Prayer

In much of the church's life in the twentieth century, however, both in Evangelical and non-Evangelical circles, the place of prayer has become limited and almost vestigial.  The proportion of horizontal communication that goes on in the church (in planning, arguing, and expounding) is overwhelmingly greater than that which is vertical (in worship, thanksgiving, confession, and intercession).  Critically important committee meetings are begun and ended with formulary prayers, which are ritual obligations and not genuine expression of dependence- when problems and arguments ensue, they are seldom resolved by further prayer but are wrangled out on the battlefield of human discourse.  The old midweek prayer meetings for revival have vanished from the programs of most churches or have been transformed into Bible studies ending with minimal prayer.

This was the picture in much of the American church until recently, and it is still almost universally the case in some instruments and organs of the churches which have to do with teaching and administration.  Why has this come about?  Perhaps it stems partly from the deficient teaching and emphasis on God himself throughout the church, and partly from the man-centeredness of much religious activity.  Deficiency in prayer both reflects and reinforces inattention toward God.

Richard Lovelace,  Dynamics of Spiritual Life, 153.

Amen, Richard Lovelace.  Amen.

And Jesus said,

"My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations, 

but you are making it a den of robbers." 

Matt. 21: 13

It is so easy to forget the importance of prayer.  Prayer is our walkie-talkie (cell phone in today's terms) from the front lines of the battle to the command station.  It is our vital communication pathway with our Leader, our Lord, our King.  It tells us which way to go, what to watch out for, and what to do.  It is our most important spiritual discipline to tie us to the love of God in Christ

Ironically, most Christians don't see prayer this way.

Prayer is a moment of reflection about what we are thankful for.  It is often ignored for more important things.  Yet, in an emergency, it is something we fall naturally into.  It becomes our life-line.

What if we actually believed that every day is an emergency?  If everyday we understood the frailty of life, the spiritual dynamics of our existence, and the reality of God's presence to lead and guide that is available moment by moment?

Everything in the last paragraph is incredibly true.

So what can we do about it?  How about first take an inventory of where you are as an individual and as a church?

What is your prayer life like?  Do you come before the Living God and pray like your life depends upon it?  Are your prayers mostly brief and about you and your needs?  Have you learned how to listen to God's leading?

What about your church?  Do you as a body of Christ come before the Living God and pray like your life depends upon it?  In our busy culture the Wednesday evening prayer meeting has often gone by the wayside.  Does your church have other groups that meet together for the primary purpose of prayer?  Does your church encourage such groups?

If you did not answer positively some of these questions, then repent of your unbelief, take some time to talk to God about what gets in the way of prayer, and then make up your mind to find someone to guide you into deeper prayer and reflection.

These people are out there!  Lord, help us find them, encourage them, make them our leaders and guides so they can help us seek and walk with You in deeper ways!  Teach us to pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us for we talk too much and listen too little.

Hearing God's Will

"Prepare plans by consultation,

and make war by wise guidance" 

Proverbs 20:19

How do we hear God's still small voice?

Many of us want to know God, and we want to do what God wants us to do.  Yet, in the messiness and difficulty of life, how do we know His perfect and pleasing will?

How do we do hear God's still small voice?  

First and foremost, we need to saturate our life in the Word of God and prayer.  The Word of God is His revealed will for us.  It contains His perfect guidance on life and practice in this world.  If we do not know it, we will often stumble through life like blind men without any guidance.  

Notice I added prayer as part of the first step to gaining wisdom.  Why?  Prayer is a learned discipline.  It is learning how to communicate with God.  Notice I said communicate!  It is not just us bringing a laundry list of requests.  It is also listening.

How do we do this?  I find it is best to talk with God with His Word open in my lap so as I read, God can impress upon my spirit what I need to know or remember.  

How does this work?

Well, sometimes I am dealing with a particular issue- let's say someone who is hard to deal with.  Let's say they were just plain ornery to me!  I cannot understand why they are difficult.  As I am praying about the situation and reading in the Psalms, I will run into a passage on the "wrath of my enemies."  It is like a light coming on!  The Lord impresses upon my spirit that this person is angry.  I pray for them.  As I pray the Lord guides me to pray for their work situation.  As I talk with the person over the next few weeks, I ask, "How's it going at work?"  They tell me about the unfair treatment they are receiving from their boss.  See, the issue wasn't that they were mad at me.  They were struggling.  If I had not taken time to pray about it with the Word of God open, I might have handled it in a totally different manner!

It seems to me that we rarely have the same situation twice.  Yet, we have God's principles and Word that are eternal.  Taking what we know, or what we should know, and applying it is the heart of wisdom.  

What happens when we mess things us?

Please understand that such times need to be times of learning, not times to merely beat ourselves up for being stupid!  Repent, talk with God about with the scriptures open, reflect on what went wrong, and ask for wisdom on living the truth better next time.  There is also no reason to hide from God or to think we need to do some form of "penance" before we can be right with God again.  Repent quickly, believe the gospel, and move on!

A second way to gain wisdom is to find wise people to ask for advice.  In fact, I often hear the voice of the Lord through the mouthpiece of others.  Sometimes, God's wisdom even comes from and through those who are not so wise!  

How?  What I do is try to listen.  Boy is this hard for those of us who like to talk.  It has taken years for me to learn how to do this.  As I listen, I pray for wisdom and the person I am listening to.  I often find that people will say something that brings to mind my thoughts from earlier in the day or week.  They might clarify what I was reading and thinking about from God's word.  Yet, when I hear it, I just seem to know it is the Spirit of God speaking through these folks.

One word of caution, though I could give many.  All to often, listening to wise people is a step which we in the West have particular struggles.  We are so individualistic that we shy away from asking for advice, particularly from people that are wise!  Even if we get it, some of us are so prideful that we will not take it because we did not come up with it ourselves.  In the past few years, I have heard this reasoning more times than I care to mention.  Remember, if the Lord can speak through a donkey, He can use anyone to speak His will! (Numbers 22:28)

We need to know that God has granted some people a special degree of wisdom.  They can cut to the heart of the matter and help us see what we need to do.  As individuals and churches, we need to locate and encourage these people for leadership!  We should search them out and inquire of their opinions.  Make sure they can explain what they are advising as coming from Biblical principles.  Then listen and try to implement what they recommend.  If we do, even the unreflective among us can walk in wisdom (if we will just listen!).

May the Lord help us to grow in grace and wisdom!

Heart Re-ignition

Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

Ps. 46:10

This has been a week of firsts for me.  On Monday my oldest son graduated from high school.  This would not be a big deal for me personally if I would have had my first child at 12, but alas this is not the case!  How did I get so old!

I have had time to reflect upon this question and many others as one of the chaperones for my son's Senior trip.  It has been great to watch the kids interact and enjoy each other's company.  I do not think my senior class would have done the same!  We are only one year at this school, so I do not know the kids like other chaperones.  The good news is that this leaves me with more time to reflect, be silent, and pray.  I was also praying for three good spiritual direction conversations on the trip, and the Lord has blessed me with these conversations.

I so enjoy having time to be silent!  I truly talk too much.  It is part of my job.  It is my reality with six children.  To hear the waves against the shore and be silent, this is golden.

I have said it before, but I will repeat.  The desert fathers often spoke about how when we open our mouth, the flame of the Spirit escapes.  Their suggestion was to shut your mouth, be still before God, and allow the Spirit to re-ignite the flame.

This is so hard in our 24//7/365 world.  We are never further than our phone away from the busyness and noise of our world.  Unfortunately, most of us prefer the noise to dealing with our inner reality.

How is the flame of the Spirit in your life?  Do you have a flame or merely smoldering embers?  Do you wonder if even the embers have any life?

Ask the Spirit to re-ignite the flame within!  Your responsibility with this re-ignition (or first ignition) is to be still before the living God.  Be honest.  Be repentant.  Look upon Jesus in faith and see His mercy and love.

Tend to the inner fire.

Make a plan this week to have a day, a morning, an hour where you consciously talk less and listen more.  May the Lord fill this time so as to re-ignite the flame of true life!

Lord have mercy upon us and show us Your beauty so our hearts will be captured by You.  May our trust and rest flow from a deep-seated knowledge that "You are God!"

A Listening Ambassador

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, 

as though God were making his appeal through us."

2 Corinthians 5:20

What an interesting month!  I am sure in the future I will be able to see that God was working in wonderful ways in my heart and life this month.  Right now, I do not know what God is doing.

For the first time in years, I have not written much new.  I have not felt compelled to read and write.  Instead I have felt certain that I should wait, listen, reflect, and gain a different perspective.  My only problem is that I lack knowledge of what I am to wait for, what I should be hearing, what I need to be reflecting about, and where exactly the high ground will be that will give me new perspective.

Interesting, but odd.

If I am to be an ambassador for the Great King, I need to stop doing long enough to hear what He wants done.  I know His general will, but His specific will can change.

Thus, I wait.  I listen.  I reflect.

I also have been led to a much deeper repentance concerning my goals, my life, and my desires.  I am not even sure I am ready yet to talk about or even if I understand exactly what I am seeing/experiencing.  I just know that Jesus loves me incredibly and He is at work.

So, I apologize for not writing much that is original this month.  Perhaps next month will be better!  Perhaps it won't.  Please pray for me and I thank you for reading!  Glad to gain readers each month for all over the world.

Prayer and Fullness of Joy

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Ps. 16:11

Many years ago, while I was in seminary, I had a friend who shared my passion for seeing the lost come to know Jesus.  We were talking about what we did when someone embraces Jesus by faith.  I shared that I would get them immediately into a bible study and a discipleship group.  In the tradition of fundamentalism in which I had started my Christian journey, knowing scripture and being in an accountability and growth relationship was key.

My friend shared that while he thought that was interesting, but he did not do this.  Instead, he taught them how to pray because he figured if they learned how to pray, they would learn how to walk with God.

For years I have thought about this conversation and its implications.  I do not believe there is anything wrong with bible study and discipleship groups.  In fact, I still encourage them!  Yet, I think my method of encouraging a new believer to grow was a bit short-sighted.  

Why?  I had a mistaken belief that if I changed a person's mind, it would transform them.  Experience has taught me that this is not always true.  In fact, transformation through changing one's mind often does not bring about lasting and deep change.

You see, there is a vast and categorically different experience between knowing about God and knowing God.  

Knowing about God can bring a sort of intellectual satisfaction.  Yet, unless it leads to knowing God it does not lead to the fullness of joy found in the path of life.  Knowing about God apart from experiencing the presence of God through fellowship with Him will grow stale.  It leaves us with the knowledge that we should know better, but it does not have the power to change our heart that actually directs our whole being.  In other words, the heart will not serve the mind, but it must be transformed by the grace of God.

On the other hand, knowing God leads to fullness of life now and eternal life forevermore.  Knowing God transforms the heart.  In so doing, it will activate the mind and demands that the mind come to know more about the God whose presence brings fullness of joy.  Thus, the mind serves the transformed heart.

In light of this, the first question we must ask is do you know God?  Have you tasted the sweetness that is Jesus?  If you have, nourish this relationship by learning how to pray.  If you have not, pray and ask for God to lead you to the path of life.  This path is marked by a faith relationship with Jesus.  Such a relationship begins with prayer and it is nourished by prayer.

Prayer is not merely just us sharing with God our needs.  While this is part of prayer, prayer is much more.  It is also learning how to listen to Him.  The surest means of listen to God is through His Word.  Pray with the Bible open.  Pray through what you read and ask how the Living God wants to apply His Word to you.

Most importantly, pray!  Do not neglect this gift of fellowship with the Living Lord.  Learn how to pray often.  For God's presence is found as we meet with Him in prayer.

Have you known Jesus for years?  Do you find that your relationship has grown a bit stale?  I know at times in life, I found myself in exactly this situation.  Please go back to the basics: pray, and learn how to listen to God in prayer.  Seek after God until His presence is known, for in His presence there is fullness of joy!

How do you know when you have found Him?  Joy, pleasure, contentment, peace, love, and grace.  You will not just know the definition of these words, but you will taste and know them in your heart.  Such grace will transform your mind, your actions, and your life!

May this week be marked by the incredible life-changing grace of God in our experience.  Seek His face and find the fullness of joy in his presence!

Listening in Prayer, The Word, and Life

"Prepare plans by consultation,

and make war by wise guidance" 

Proverbs 20:19

Have you met anyone who is a fool recently?  Have you been the fool?  I know that much of my life, I have been a fool.  All to often I have had to learn the hard way (by personal painful experience).  How about you?

How do we gain wisdom?  If we listen, I think life does a really good job of teaching us.  Yet, I know many folks who lack self-awareness and live a life lacking any reflective ability.  These folks have many teachable moments and events that pass them by like a speeding car because they do not have eyes to see or ears to hear God trying to break into their life!  

The Lord desires to give us wisdom.  How do we get this wisdom?  We must learn how to hear the voice of God.

How do we do hear God's often still small voice?  

First and foremost, we need to saturate our life in the Word of God and prayer.  The Word of God is His revealed will for us.  It contains His perfect guidance on life and practice in this world.  If we do not know it, we will often stumble through life like blind men without any guidance.  

Notice I added prayer as part of the first step to gaining wisdom.  Why?  Prayer is a learned discipline.  It is learning how to communicate with God.  Notice I said communicate!  It is not just us bringing a laundry list of requests.  It is also listening.  How do we do this?  I find it is best to talk with God with His Word open in my lap so as I read, God can impress upon my spirit what I need to know or remember.  

How does this work?  Well, sometimes I am dealing with a particular issue- let's say someone who is hard to deal with.  Let's say they were just plain ornery to me!  I cannot understand why they are difficult.  As I am praying about the situation and reading in the Psalms, I will run into a passage on the "wrath of my enemies."  It is like a light coming on!  The Lord impresses upon my spirit that this person is angry.  I pray for them.  As I pray the Lord guides me to pray for their work situation.  As I talk with the person over the next few weeks, I ask, "How's it going at work?"  They tell me about the unfair treatment they are receiving from their boss.  See, the issue wasn't that they were mad at me.  They were struggling.  If I had not taken time to pray about it with the Word of God open, I might have handled it in a totally different manner!

It seems to me that we rarely have the same situation twice.  Yet, we have God's principles and Word that are eternal.  Taking what we know, or what we should know, and applying it is the heart of wisdom.  

What happens when we mess things us?  Please understand that such times need to be times of learning, not times to merely beat ourselves up for being stupid!  Repent, talk with God about with the scriptures open, reflect on what went wrong, and ask for wisdom on living the truth better next time.  There is also no reason to hide from God or to think we need to do some form of "penance" before we can be right with God again.  Repent quickly, believe the gospel, and move on!

A second way to gain wisdom is to find wise people to ask for advice.  In fact, I often hear the voice of the Lord through the mouthpiece of others.  Sometimes, God's wisdom even comes from and through those who are not so wise!  

How?  What I do is try to listen.  Boy is this hard for those of us who like to talk.  It has taken years for me to learn how to do this.  As I listen, I pray for wisdom and the person I am listening to.  I often find that people will say something that brings to mind my thoughts from earlier in the day or week.  They might clarify what I was reading and thinking about from God's word.  Yet, when I hear it, I just seem to know it is the Spirit of God speaking through these folks.

One word of caution, though I could give many.  All to often, listening to wise people is a step which we in the West have particular struggles.  We are so individualistic that we shy away from asking for advice, particularly from people that are wise!  Even if we get it, some of us are so prideful that we will not take it because we did not come up with it ourselves.  In the past few years, I have heard this reasoning more times than I care to mention.  Remember, if the Lord can speak through a donkey, He can use anyone to speak His will! (Numbers 22:28)

We need to know that God has granted some people a special degree of wisdom.  They can cut to the heart of the matter and help us see what we need to do.  As individuals and churches, we need to locate and encourage these people for leadership!  We should search them out and inquire of their opinions.  Make sure they can explain what they are advising as coming from Biblical principles.  Then listen and try to implement what they recommend.  If we do, even the unreflective among us can walk in wisdom (if we will just listen!).

May the Lord help us to grow in grace and wisdom as we start a new week!

Growing Deeper

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." 

James 4:8

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, 

for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." 

2 Tim 3:16 

In Friday's post, I presented a way of reading scripture and praying that I recommend for anyone who struggles with how to apply the bible to their every day life.  I know that there is much in the scriptures that can be confusing.  I also know that many folks have been led astray into believing very weird ideas that someone told them were scriptural.  Let's get beyond that!

No matter what others may do, each of us are responsible and called to develop a relationship with the Living God.  Sometimes, I do wish others could do it for me!  It does require that I desire such a relationship.  Sometimes I do not!

When this occurs, repent and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into God's presence.  Remember that the promise of scripture still stands:  "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8  The key is understanding how to draw near to the living God!

As I presented yesterday, this is where scripture and prayer draw us close to the Living God.  First and foremost, you might need to change the way you read the bible.  It is not a novel, but the active and living Word of God.  Read it reflectively, with an open heart and mind.  I also encouraged you to read it while praying for wisdom and for God to give guidance (Pro 2:1-6 gives a good model).

In addition to the gospels, I also encourage folks to read in the Psalms and Proverbs.  The Psalms are located right in the middle of the modern bible.  These 150 Psalms are the OT prayer book.  They are model prayers, and they are great for focusing my thoughts and prayers toward God and toward gaining His perspective.  Prayerfully reading one or two a day will be plenty!  When you get to Psalm 119, it might even take three or four days!  (Ps. 119 has 176 verses!)

For over 20 years, I have also read a chapter in Proverbs each day.  There are 31 chapters, so one per day for a month works out great.  These Proverbs never grow old!  I find and have found much practical wisdom in their pithy statements of general truth.

Let me give an example of how to use the Proverbs to listen to God.  Recently, as I was reading Proverbs chapter 21, the Holy Spirit drew me to a verse at the end of the chapter.  As I was reading, not the most carefully I might add, this one jumped off the page.

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord."

In prayer, I asked the Lord, what does this mean?  I was reminded of the busyness of last fall season.  There have been many trips to complete, pages to write, sermons to prepare, and decisions to make.  Overall, I have not been stressed or overloaded.  I am thankful for each opportunity that the Lord has presented.  I believe the Lord used me in building His kingdom as I interacted with many different folks.

So, what did I learn as the Lord brought this to mind?  First, He has prepared me, like a well-armored war horse for writing and the ministry.  I praise Him for this!  Yet, completion of writing and ministry always will be by His blessings, not my supposedly great preparation or abilities.  In fact, without His help, I can assure you nothing in ministry would succeed.  I cannot labor in such a way that I see lives ultimately changed.  My victory rests with the Lord.

I have learned this lesson many times, but I have to keep learning it.  I am forgetful.  I am drawn to repentance for the times I have walked in my strength instead of the Lord's.  I look to Jesus for mercy and grace.  I believe my victory and rest comes by walking with Him.  He gives me grace!  As it overflows, I am transformed so I can offer that grace to others.

Friends, our success in life or in coping with difficulties rests not in our strength- not even our "spiritual" strength and knowledge.  It rests in Jesus working in and through us, by His grace, to equip us, strengthen us, and empower us to be His witnesses in the world.  His power and grace comes as we repent of our self-effort and ask Him to work in and through us for His glory.

Second, I was challenged to remember that a grace-filled life must be a God-centered life.  It is not about me nor what I can do.  It is about the Lord and His grace working through a cracked and frail earthen pot!  May He receive the glory.

In encourage you to start the practice today of reflectively reading and praying through scripture!

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." 

2 Tim 3:16

Sometimes we just need a guide to help us start understanding how all of scripture fits together!  You mostly likely cannot go wrong if you read through the very practical OT wisdom literature and the gospels!

Getting into God's Word

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." 

Pro. 21: 31

Why is it so hard to convince folks to read the bible so they can get to know God?  I am aware that changing habits is difficult, but I am constantly surprised when I talk with "mature" believers who do not read the word of God and pray daily.  If that is you, don't despair but let's make a plan to get you growing into the Word of God!

First some words of confession.  I know that the bible can be a confusing and huge book for those not familiar with its contents.  When people talk of reading the bible, they often approach it like a novel.  They pick up the book and they start reading in Genesis.  Yet, the bible does not read like a novel.  Who are these people?  Their traditions are strange.  What does this mean?

By the time they get to the middle of Exodus (if they make it that far), they are bored, confused, and ready to give up the whole book!  They might not tell others their difficulty, but they do have their minds made up.  In many ways, I do not blame them.  While I love Genesis, these OT stories without their redemptive content make little sense.

What can be done?

I suggest that a new believer, a not quite yet believer, or a believer who struggles to get into the bible should start somewhere other than Genesis when they begin to learn about the bible.  All of the scriptures are useful, but some of them require some background knowledge before their true message can be understood.  Do not let this discourage you!  Start by getting some of that background knowledge!

First and foremost, start reading in the gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John at the beginning of the NT.  In these books, an honest reader will encounter the person of Jesus.  Read a chapter.  Take your time and ask the Lord to give you wisdom as to what the message means.  The bible is not a novel to be finished, but a message from God to be listen to and transformed by.  Read and think of your life. Ask God for wisdom.

After reading in the gospels, I encourage folks to take some time to pray.  I remember the first time I engaged in this pattern.  I closed by eyes and began to tell God all about my concerns.  I prayed for everyone and everything I could think of.  When I finished, I had prayed for only 5 minutes!  I have heard stories of folks praying for hours.  How is this possible?!

I have since learned that prayer is not just me telling God about my concerns, but also learning how to listen!  Here is where scripture actively works.  As I read the gospels, I ask God for wisdom.  When thoughts come to mind, I pray about them.  I ask for wisdom with people and situations.  I also find that ideas and thoughts come to mind from the scripture that help me get perspective.  Often this perspective concerns my heart and attitude!

Here is where the gospel informs my reading.  As I encounter Jesus, He often uses the Word of God to drive me to repentance.  I see my failings.  I repent of these failings, and I look to Him for mercy.  Praise be to God, He gives it!  This love poured out to me, which is the gospel promise, then allows me to see other differently.  It gives me new perspective.  It gives me love to give to others.

I also find that God will use the scriptures to encourage me as I have made good choices.  He uses His word to give me an insight before I encounter something unexpected in a day.  In other words, God's word is active in the life of those who seek Him and His wisdom!  Please seek Him and His wisdom!

This post is growing long, so I will offer some more encouragement and insight about the bible in Monday's post.  I will conclude by stating that God's word is life-changing.  I implore you to pick it up and read it reflectively!  It will change your life as you read it asking the Lord for wisdom!  As the writer of Hebrews states, 

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb 4:12)

What does Grace "Feel" like?

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God."

Ps. 42: 5

Psalm 42 begins with the affirmation and cry, "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When shall I come and appear before God?"

Last night I did not sleep much.  I have a cold.  I had muscle aches and a headache yesterday, but today it is merely a head cold.  As I got ready for bed, I went to the medicine cabinet to get something to help me sleep.  Instead of medicine, I found an empty box!  Today I feel loopy, weak, and not ready for primetime.

What effect does our health have on our spirituality?  I believe there is often a great tie between health and spirituality.  I affirm that some with chronic illness get past the pain and difficulties to maintain a healthy spiritual life, but our health and mental state makes a difference in how we "pant and thirst" for the Living God.

In the past couple of weeks, I have been asked and challenged on what it looks like to "pant and thirst" for the Living God.  I was not asked in those terms, but I was asked, "What will it look and feel like when I experience God's grace?"

I think this is a great question!  I also believe it is a question that does not have a simple answer.  Sometimes you will "feel" nothing.  Sometimes you will feel great joy.  At times you might find yourself experiencing the presence of God in all of your life.  At other times you will walk in what appears to be lonesome silence waiting for God to show up.  So much depends upon our circumstances, our place in the journey of relationship with God, and even our physical health.

In fact, what I "feel" about my relationship with God is not a good or reliable indicator of my relationship.  What I know in my heart and soul, with a knowledge that surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3: 19),  because I have been touched by the grace of God so I can trust Him by faith is a much surer basis for our relationship than my feelings.

In other words, have you discovered that you are a sinner before the Living God who needs grace?  Only the Spirit can reveal that.  Moreover, have you come to trust Christ as your only hope for salvation and life because only His righteousness can bring you before God?  If so, only the Spirit can bring such faith.

Hold onto this faith as the foundation of your life.  Cultivate it.  Repent of the sin of unbelief in its many forms that the Spirit points out in your life.  Believe the promises.  Relish in them.  Be ravished by His mercy and love.  Our salvation and even our faith is about what Christ has done.  It is not about us, our actions, or our feelings.  Secure your soul to His work!

What will this feel like?  It depends!  Probably the most mature among us experience a quiet peace and settledness of mind that God's love is sufficient.  They rejoice when they experience it in abundance, and they hold fast with they feel scarcity of affection.

What does this mean?

Every week I have the privilege and calling to deal with folks who struggle with depression and anxiety.  I find these folks feel the same way I do when I am sick!  Their physical issues cause a spirit of dryness.

In Psalm 42, the Psalmist confesses that he has been crying and he feels taunted by those who ask, "Where is your God?"  I do not think these folks are mocking him, but saying, "Where is your faith?  Don't you know that God is faithful?"  How often as believers do we do the same to those who are struggling!  How often do we as believers beat ourselves up when we are struggling!

The Psalmist answers his doubts and struggles with an affirmation of the gospel.  He confesses where he is: struggling for his very life and faith!  He then reminds himself over and over again of God's faithfulness in the past.  He also affirms that this present reality of struggle will not last forever.  In fact, he affirms God's faithfulness by repeating the same verse twice in this Psalm.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God.

Ps 42: 5 and 11

Please remember there is a direct tie between our health (physical and mental) and our spirituality.  Such a tie is a result of being embodied spiritual beings!  Jesus understands as he also was at times tired, emotionally drained, hungry, and deeply saddened.  Illness is not weakness.  It is a result of the Fall, but it is common to us all.

Thankfully, our feelings are not the basis for our relationship with God.  Christ's finished work is everything!  Even when you do not "feel like it" latch onto what God declares in His Word.  Claim the promises.  Walk through the valley.  The promises is that He will lead and guide us to the other side!

When struggling confess you are struggling and look to the gospel!  Remind yourself of God's past work and His promise of a good future.  Psalm 42 is a reliable guide for this part of the journey of faith.

Fasting and the Spiritual Life

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Matthew 6: 16-18

I love how Matthew records this teaching of Jesus.  "When you fast..."  Jesus assumes that His people will engage in fasting.  He assumes that they know how to do it.  He assumes it will be part of their spiritual life and journey.

If He were teaching today, He could be assured of none of these assumptions!  Many within the Christian tradition do not practice fasting, we do not know how to do it, and we assume it is an OT practice that has nothing to offer our spiritual journey.

My prayer is that this will change this next week at First CRC of Seattle!

Why is fasting important?  It focuses our minds on our need for God.  When done correctly, it draws us into greater dependence upon the Spirit and the gospel.

So what is fasting?  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves renouncing some good thing for a short period of time to focus our heart and mind upon the gospel and prayer.  The best things to fast from are those that tie us so closely to the world.  

Food is a good example and the one we think of most often when we discuss fasting.  If we do not eat often, we get hungry.  In fasting from food, we give up for a short time the pleasure and substance of meeting one of our most basic human needs.  Each time we feel hungry, we come before the living God in prayer asking for His mercy and help.  We remember those in need.  We reflect upon the gospel and how it is to be our spiritual food.  We pray for the witness and ministry of the Church.  We also come to realize through the experience how much we need the living Lord.

Yet, food is not all we can fast from.  In fact, many with health issues cannot fast from food without physical harm.  Thankfully, we can fast from anything.  I would recommend fasting from TV or some sort of media for the week.  Instead of reaching for the remote, reach for the Bible and meet with the living God.

The key to fasting is to chose something that you do out of habit.  For a time of fasting, every time you feel the need for it, come before the Lord and ask for mercy and grace.  Ask the Lord to show you how tied to the world you are.  Ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you.

Fasting is also a means of great power in advancing the Kingdom.  Why?  Is it somehow like magic?  No.  Power comes when the people of God pray specifically with dependency.  Fasting promotes both of these traits when it is done correctly.

Please join me in praying for the ministry at First Seattle CRC.  

1.) Pray for the growth of the Kingdom through our church.  Pray the gates of hell will be knocked down.  Pray for lost souls to come to know the Lord.  Pray for your friends and family.
  
2.) Pray for our decisions concerning leadership that the Lord will raise up leaders dependent upon the gospel for all things.  Pray for unity, peace, and trust within our body.

3.) Also pray for our projected budget short-fall.  Pray the Lord will help us to meet and exceed our budget so we can do ministry effectively.

May the Lord bless next week's time of fasting and prayer!  May each of us learn to fast so we may grow deeper in grace.

Tending the inner fire...

Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

Ps. 46:10

It is Monday.  I always have the feeling that I said too much on Sunday when I wake up on Monday.  The desert fathers often spoke about how when we open our mouth, the flame of the Spirit escapes.  Their suggestion was to shut your mouth, be still before God, and allow the Spirit to flame high again.

Pastors have a huge occupational hazard that we speak too much!  At least this pastor does.  On Monday, I often feel tired and I run through my mind all the worthless words, illustrations, and phrases I uttered.  I ask the Lord would take away that which was not of Him so that people will be built up in Christ.  On Monday mornings, I often doubt whether He could do such a thing through me!

When I am emotionally, physically, and spiritual spent, I need to "Be still, and know that He is God."  He will be exalted.  He can and will use me.  He can and will use you.  He is amazing.

Today, I plan to shut my open mouth and receive from the Lord His grace and mercy.  I know I will still utter many words today, but I also know I need Jesus to re-ignite the flame.

Resting in the presence of God is so needed.  It is also so hard- at least for me!  I know my heart runs against trust, rest, and being still be my God.  So often make it all about me!

Most folks return to work today.  Their lives will be filled with words.  I encourage you to take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to burn brightly with you.  Make a plan this week to have a day, a morning, an hour where you consciously talk less and listen more.  May the Lord fill this time so as to re-ignite the flame of true life!

Lord have mercy upon us and show us Your beauty so our hearts will be captured by You.  May our trust and rest flow from a deep-seated knowledge that "You are God!"

Seeing God's Hand in your life

But you, Israel, my servant,

Jacob, whom I have chosen,

the offspring of Abraham, my friend;

you whom I took from the ends of the earth,

and called from its farthest corners,

saying to you, "You are my servant,

I have chosen you and not cast you off";

fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41: 8-10

The weather in Seattle has been breath-takingly beautiful.  I have enjoyed my weekly travels to beautiful places within 60 miles of my home.  Truly this is a wonderful place in the summer!  I am told that we should not mention this too much because everyone from California will move here.  All I know is that as a family we have enjoyed learning about a new place.

I have also deeply enjoyed my mornings with the Lord.  We have a front room on our home that we call "the talking room."  In the morning it is bright, sunny, and delightful.  As the sun comes up, the fog burns off around the Cascades.  The light changes slowly to the full light of day.  It is beautiful and very peaceful.

It is also quiet.  Perhaps the biggest surprise of moving to the city is that my current home is much quieter than my former home in the country.  I am very thankful for this quiet.  Getting up early in my household gives me an hour to enjoy the quiet.  I so enjoy these times to read the Word of God, meet with the Lord in prayer, and have time to quiet myself before the Living God.  Today I was thinking of the untold billions who do not know how to do this.  I believe deep within me that their souls long for such times, but they do not know what it means to meet with the One True God.

I also believe this is the plight of many believers.  It only makes sense that most do not know how to meet with God in intimate prayer and fellowship.  Without models of how to do this, most live either in the land of little prayer or in the land of doing devotions because it is their duty.  Of these two extremes, doing one's duty is better than no prayer at all!

I must confess that I did devotions out of duty for years.  I gained much knowledge of the Bible, but I often did not find a life changing meeting with God during these times.  I think the primary reason why had to do with my approach to these devotions.  I did much talking to God in prayer, but I did not know it was possible or that is should be encouraged to take time to listen to God in the Word and prayer.  In fact, my religious tradition looked upon people who "listened to God's voice" as crazy folks.  What a shame!

How do we listen to the voice of God?  How do we see His hand at work?

One of the best ways to see the leading of God and to hear His voice is the process of journaling.  This morning I had the privilege of looking back over the past year to see how my thoughts, emotions, and confusion illustrated God's hand in my life.  How?  I read over my journal.

I write my in my journal occasionally.  The more confused I am about life, the more I write.  The more I need clarity in seeing God's hand, the more I write.  I write with the Word of God and my mind open to applying what I read to my life circumstances.  As thoughts come into my mind, I write and pray about them.  Generally, I then completely forget about it!

This is why journaling is so important.  I forget that the Lord is my help and shield.  I forget that He has seen me through so many questions, dangers, and difficulties.  When I write it down in my journal, I have a record of what God has done.

Yesterday, I could prayerfully see that the Lord has strengthened me, helped me, and upheld me with His righteous right hand.  Through the questions, fears, and doubts, God was at work.  What an encouragement!  If God helped me then, He will help me now.

If I had not written it down, I would have forgotten.  I would have remembered generalities, but nothing specific.  Having looked back, I can now tell my children how God has rescued me from my enemies.  How He protected me in my struggles.  How He loved me through my sin and doubt.  (Thus fulfilling God's call to fathers in Deuteronomy 6)

I challenge you to listen for the voice of the Lord.  I encourage you that even not faithful journaling can be an avenue into hearing His still small voice!

A Pilgrim on the Road of Life

The journey to the Island is very like the pilgrimage of life.  Sometimes the way is easy, level going and without hindrance.  At other times we find our way blocked and we can do nothing about it but wait.  No amount of jumping up and down or getting irate will change the situation, unless you are Moses or have the cloak of Elijah!  There are times when we must move forward without delay or the opportunity will have gone and the road before us will be closed.  Sometimes life is all at sea and then another time a road opens up suddenly before us.  At all times we need to accept the wisdom, knowledge, and guidance of those who have gone before us.  We need to plan our journey and be aware of any hazards we may encounter.  Without a doubt we are all travelers in this world, if not pilgrims.  We are all on a journey along the road of life.

David Adam, The Road of Life, xiv.

Last night I was looking for something to read.  As I was scanning my shelves, my eyes came across this book that I purchased last summer.  I immediately knew this was the one to pick up!

In the past two months, I have enjoyed the very tumultuous road of life.  I have been on a pilgrimage with my Lord, and I must confess I am still trying to get my legs under me after a long, fast moving stretch of the journey!

I have many children and one of their favorite movie is Cars.  In this movie, the title song states that "life is a highway, and I want to drive it all night long."  While I love this movie and even enjoy this song, I find that my life is more of an off-road experience resembling driving along a seldom used logging trail.  I guess I am envious of those folks whose life is just a smooth highway!  

It seems to me that the only time my ride is really smooth is when I am sitting still.  I love these times of refreshment and relaxing.  Yet, they are often brief because the Spirit speaks in the midst of them to provoke me onward.  Generally, I then start to move forward on a clearly marked section of the logging road.  Soon there is a bend in the road; and as I take the corner, I see that the road immediately ahead angles into a swamp, is rock covered, or is overgrown with bushes and recently fallen trees.

How do we not only survive but also thrive on this often bumpy road of life?

"At all times we need to accept the wisdom, knowledge, and guidance of those who have gone before us.  We need to plan our journey and be aware of any hazards we may encounter."

What great advice!  We live in a rootless age marked by shallow soil (to mix my metaphors from that of a road to agricultural terms!).  There is such a disdain for anything older than yesterday or wisdom that does not immediately match and suit our accepted contemporary sensibilities.  

Is there any wonder why so many of our youth appear to lack vision for life?  They were told that "life is a highway."  Then they begin to live and find that life is more like a winding logging road through the middle of nowhere!

Thankfully, our journey is not through uncharted territory.  The road of life, the pilgrimage each of us travels, the path we each must choose is charted, marked, and navigated.  Our North Star is the One True and Living God who calls us to true life.  This life begins with an acknowledged relationship with Him.  I say acknowledged; because even if we wish to deny it, this God is the Father of all and He is constantly calling out to us.  We never journey alone.  Learn to walk with Him by faith because He knows the way.

Second, there have been many map-makers throughout history.  These folks may not have had iPhones and the internet, but they had all the temptations and difficulties known to us all.  They have experienced broken relationships.  They have lived through tragedy.  They have been stung by sin's bite.  They have lived through the swamps and pitfalls along the road!

They have also experienced the joys of life that each of us long for.  They have fallen in love, had children, enjoyed their friend's company, thought through questions and issues, and enjoyed the small moments in life.  They have experienced great success.  These folks have lived through the smooth places and level parts of the road.  They can show you the way.

Most importantly, these map-makers can and will point you to the One who knows your path.  They will encourage you in the difficult times and the great times.  Why would we want to walk through life as if we are the only ones who could know our own struggles?

Join with the community of faith throughout all time.  Look, with the community of fellow pilgrims, toward that One True Guide who calls out to you.  Stop your refusal to listen!  Ask Him to tune your ears that you can hear His voice.  Ask Him to change your heart so that you will follow. 

We do not travel alone.  Look to the Guide, for He knows the road you must travel.

Quieting the Inner-Dialogue

Today is a wonderful day of appointments and birthday celebrations.  I just do not have time to post something original.  The following are some important thoughts about finding rest in God's character and person.  At least I found it important as it helped me preach the gospel to myself!  

The wonderful and long vacation is now over.  I so enjoyed being away, but I also enjoyed a good night's sleep in my own bed last night.  After 3500 miles of driving, I am back home.

Why was vacation so wonderful?  It provided a space and a place for me to be still before the living Lord.  We stayed right on the beach, so I went to sleep hearing the breakers roar, and I woke up each morning hearing the breakers roar.  For a week, I watched the tide come in and the tide go out.

I found it so refreshing to think that I can do nothing about the tide.  Even though I am 1300 miles away from that home on the beach, the tide still comes in and goes out.  Even as my first ancestors arrived on these shores hundreds of years ago, so the tide come and goes.

There is a God in this universe.  I am not this great God!  Neither are you.  Why do I forget this truth so much?  Why do I believe I must work and labor to make all right since God is not doing it?  I worry and think about so many things, but it would be wiser to rest in the living God's strength.  Just like the tides, He will work His purpose and will.  I praise Him for His goodness and mercy.

So, what did I learn or should I say relearn?  Rest and believe.  Trust and know.  Enjoy His presence and all goes well.

This reminds me of a quotation from David Adam in his book called The Road of Life.  Adam was the Vicar on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne for 13 years.  This island has been a Christian retreat center/monastery almost 1500 years, and it is the destination for many seeking peace and the presence of God.  

Adam was discussing how we as humans always bring our sin tendencies with us.  Even on "retreat" or a vacation, we can find our mind thinking about our issues instead of focusing on the living God.  As he states,

Often people come to the Island for peace; some are fortunate but others find they are the same on the Island as they were at home.  I try to persuade such people to give up seeking peace.  Do not look for a present, look for the Presence.  In seeking peace we are like the child playing with the box and the wrappings while ignoring the real gift.  We may get deep delight from peace, but there is a far greater gift offered.  God offers himself to us.  God is willing to walk with us, to listen to us, to care for us.  When God is recognized, when we abide in his presence, we also receive the gifts we sought.  God says, 'My presence will go with you and I will give you rest' (Ex. 33.14).  In this world the only lasting peace we will find is in his presence.  

p. 97

I could not agree more!  Yet, I find so many who do not know how to come into the presence of God.  They "feel him" in worship, so they become worship junkies.  They "feel him" in nature, so they become nature junkies.  Others "feel him" at the beach, so they always go to the beach!  There is a great problem with this.  

Like any addict, the effects of the outside stimulus diminish over time.  God is not "felt" in worship like He was.  So, we trade churches looking for a new high.  We do not see him in the same old natural places, so we look for new activities and new places.  We might become a thrill seeker.  We do not find him at the same place again in the same way, so we look for a new and better vacation spot.

God's presence is found when we seek Him in humility.  When we repent and come naked before Him asking for mercy and depending upon Christ, His presence is found.  With His presence comes peace and life-changing power.

As a pastor, I often come at this issue in the opposite direction.  Do you lack life-changing power?  Do your addictions to sin and self dominate your life?  The power to break sin only comes in the presence of God and by His grace.  You cannot use God as a self-help motivator.  You must enter His presence and allow Him to work as He wishes.  He will put away sin and He often leads us in ways we would not naturally go.

Seek His presence today.  In quietness, repent of your sin.  It might take time.  You have much clutter in your mind and heart!  Ask the Lord to put it in order or to take it away.  Begin the journey with the true source of power and peace.  Seek His presence!

The Trials of the Sluggard (like you and me!)

"I passed by the field of the sluggard, and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense;

and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles,

its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.

When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked and received instruction.

'A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.'

Then your poverty will come as a robber, and your want like an armed man." 

Pro. 24: 30-34

As I have shared before, each day I read a chapter of Proverbs.  This book has been my constant friend, companion, and instructor for over 20 years!  Proverbs is a book in the OT located just after the Psalms.  It is a very practical book that gives pithy statements of general truth.  In the ancient near eastern cultures, such statements amounted to important cultural intelligence.  To know these proverbs well and to apply them in life illustrated good education.  Solomon was the wisest man in the world because he knew, composed, and passed on these proverbs.

As I was heading to the Proverbs for today (chapter 17), my eyes caught this passage.  I have met this sluggard.  I have known him in every church I ever served.  This sluggard, whether a man or a woman, often wants much in life, but they just lack the energy to do anything about it.  It is not like their intentions are wrong or bad.  They merely lack the ability to put any plan into action that will help them achieve their desires.

I have seen the sluggard lose everything.  I have seen people who literally live in homes that are falling apart on a piece of property that is falling apart.  I have also seen folks who desire a better relationship with their spouse or children, yet they spend all their spare time doing nothing but watching sports on TV.  I have witnessed people who eat themselves to poor health and even death because they lack the will-power or desire to begin to exercise and change their eating habits.

I have also closely observed folks who do none of the above, yet have definite sluggard tendencies.  I know first-hand that one can be a sluggard by not following the leading of the Holy Spirit.  I am afraid that all too often, I am that type of sluggard!  How so?  

I have a horrible tendency to put off to tomorrow what I could do today.  Each of us are given 24 hours to live each day.  No one has more time than others.  So why do some of us get more done than others?  They use their time wisely!  As I look back on the first half of my life, I sure have wasted a ton of my God-given time!  I have spend it on amusements, laziness, and non-Kingdom based activities.  I have folded my hands in rest and said to myself, "Tomorrow I will start."  The problem is that tomorrow never comes!

When I was a kid, we had an old bar called the Trading Post where we loved to eat dinner.  It had great food and homemade pies!  It also had a sign outside that said, "Free Beer Tomorrow."  If asked about it, the owner would say, with a sly smile on his face, "Come back tomorrow and all the beer is free."

Tomorrow never comes.  Take the five minutes to start that new project today!  Be in motion for the Kingdom.  Call that friend the Lord lays upon your heart.  Do not put it off!  As you follow the Lord's leading He will give you more strength to face the day.

Our characters are formed by repeated choices.  We can be transformed by God's grace and by asking the Spirit to apply what we hear from the living God.  Ask Him to use you!  You will be amazed what He can do!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think, 

according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory..." 

Ephesians 3: 20-21