Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full.
John 16:24 NKJV
A conundrum is sometimes defined as a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in a mystery. It's also a fair description of more than one scripture that has challenged me through the years. Like today's verse on asking and receiving. I read it and immediately get lost in a tangled web of sentences that all start with but or what-if.
Yet, when the journey of reason becomes so convoluted I think I may never find my way back, I take a tip from an atheist who's writing I have always admired. Mark Twain said, "It ain't the parts of the Bible I don't understand that bother me. It's the parts I do!" If I'll back off and focus on what I know instead of getting lost down rabbit holes, life-and scripture-make a lot more sense.
From this verse, what I know is when I ask Jesus for something and receive it, the cycle is a whole lot of fun!
I was going through a particularly wearisome time of spiritual dryness. I had just finished one book and was casting about trying to envision the next, but nothing was working and I drifted into such a slough of despond that I wasn't sure I cared if I ever wrote again. Too much hard work. Too little reward. God had many excellent writers in His fold. He didn't need me.
That was when I picked a prayer journal from the shelf and began thumbing through. I was amazed at how many victories had slipped by without my notice. Troubles had been solved. Growth had taken place. Moods had changed. And, all of it had progressed almost stealth through my days. Where had I been when that prayer was answered? Why didn't I notice the cloudy mood I prayed about was lifted in less than seventy-two hours?
I pulled down another journal. Forgotten memories surfaced like neglected friends. With such a body of evidence demonstrating that my efforts and choices made a difference in life, what gave me the right to think new dreams, new prayers and new horizons weren't worth pursuing? The experience was like coming up from under water and taking a deep breath of fresh air. Just like Moses had assured the Israelites, remembering yesterday created courage for tomorrow. [1]
There are still many things I don't understand about this verse. I haven't got a clue how Jesus could give such a powerful blank check to humans who have a penchant for making unreasonable, selfish requests. I don't understand why sometimes when Christians make perfectly logical, needed request; they don't seem to receive from God. But I know I am a weaker, sadder person when I fail to grab hold and bask in the sunshine of each answered prayer no matter how small or large.
[1] Deuteronomy 7:18
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Joy of Being Chosen
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you. John 15:16 NKJV
Only hours before His crucifixion Jesus looked around at the men who for three-and-a-half years had given up everything to follow Him and said, "It is not that you have chosen me, but that I have chosen you." This was not a statement minimizing their sacrifice but a truth to hold on to if they would weather the fast approaching storm.
Being chosen by Jesus, made them secure. Because He knew their past, nothing back there need haunt them. He saw it all from the beginning and chose them anyway. Because He knew their present, He was never surprised or disappointed by their weakness. He knew their problems better than they did and He chose them anyway. Because He knew their future, no sin they might commit, no failure, no laziness or anger or misconception on their part would ever make Him turn away. He knew these things from the beginning and He chose them anyway.
But there was more.
Being chosen meant that Jesus had a goal in mind for their life. They were chosen to bear fruit. They would never drift without purpose or direction. If in the future they felt their life was going nowhere or wondered about the meaning of it all, they could rest. He had picked them for a purpose and He will not let that purpose fall flat.
Yet, above the security and purpose involved in being chosen, there was one more privilege that outshone them all. Because they were chosen, they had direct access to God the Father. As the fruit of character and life grew inside them, they would know more what it meant to ask "in Jesus name." Using that name, they would ask and asking, they would receive.
Remembering that He had chosen them would provide security and courage in the dark hours just ahead. It was a solid rock in the coming storm. And, it can also be a rock for us. After all, we've been chosen, too.
Only hours before His crucifixion Jesus looked around at the men who for three-and-a-half years had given up everything to follow Him and said, "It is not that you have chosen me, but that I have chosen you." This was not a statement minimizing their sacrifice but a truth to hold on to if they would weather the fast approaching storm.
Being chosen by Jesus, made them secure. Because He knew their past, nothing back there need haunt them. He saw it all from the beginning and chose them anyway. Because He knew their present, He was never surprised or disappointed by their weakness. He knew their problems better than they did and He chose them anyway. Because He knew their future, no sin they might commit, no failure, no laziness or anger or misconception on their part would ever make Him turn away. He knew these things from the beginning and He chose them anyway.
But there was more.
Being chosen meant that Jesus had a goal in mind for their life. They were chosen to bear fruit. They would never drift without purpose or direction. If in the future they felt their life was going nowhere or wondered about the meaning of it all, they could rest. He had picked them for a purpose and He will not let that purpose fall flat.
Yet, above the security and purpose involved in being chosen, there was one more privilege that outshone them all. Because they were chosen, they had direct access to God the Father. As the fruit of character and life grew inside them, they would know more what it meant to ask "in Jesus name." Using that name, they would ask and asking, they would receive.
Remembering that He had chosen them would provide security and courage in the dark hours just ahead. It was a solid rock in the coming storm. And, it can also be a rock for us. After all, we've been chosen, too.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Never Alone
I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you. John 14:18 NKJV
Some writers have identified the torment of hell as total isolation. [1] Drifting forever completely cut off from others and from God. Alone. Always and forever, alone. Conversely, the promise of Jesus is to come to us [2] dwell with us [3] and never, never leave us alone. [4] His very name is Immanuel: God with us! [5]
The contrast between these two concepts is startling and given a choice we wonder why anyone would ever choose loneliness? But we do.
We choose to be alone when we disobey. Sin is like a dimmer switch. Slowly, one act of disobedience at a time, our awareness of God’s fades until we no longer sense His presence. We feel alone.
We choose to be alone when we let the busyness steal our time with Him. Life is a pressure cooker and clocks can be cruel task masters. Unless we intentionally plan time alone with God and discipline ourselves to keep that schedule, moments turn into days then weeks that we have spent no significant time with Him. We feel alone.
We choose to be alone when we refuse to be silent before Him. Because God is our source and our needs are many, too often we spend the precious moments with Him reciting a laundry list of complaints and requests. When we’ve check off the last item, we dust our hands and race back to life in the fast lane and wonder why we feel alone.
The good news is that our feelings to not shape reality; truth does. And, the truth is Jesus’ promise that He would not leave us. We do not face the world alone. Indeed, we do not face a single day or moment without Him. He has never left us orphans and never will.
[1] Randy Alcorn, Deadline. C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce; [2] John 14:18; [3] Revelation 21:3; [4] Matthew 28:20; [5] Matthew 1:23
Some writers have identified the torment of hell as total isolation. [1] Drifting forever completely cut off from others and from God. Alone. Always and forever, alone. Conversely, the promise of Jesus is to come to us [2] dwell with us [3] and never, never leave us alone. [4] His very name is Immanuel: God with us! [5]
The contrast between these two concepts is startling and given a choice we wonder why anyone would ever choose loneliness? But we do.
We choose to be alone when we disobey. Sin is like a dimmer switch. Slowly, one act of disobedience at a time, our awareness of God’s fades until we no longer sense His presence. We feel alone.
We choose to be alone when we let the busyness steal our time with Him. Life is a pressure cooker and clocks can be cruel task masters. Unless we intentionally plan time alone with God and discipline ourselves to keep that schedule, moments turn into days then weeks that we have spent no significant time with Him. We feel alone.
We choose to be alone when we refuse to be silent before Him. Because God is our source and our needs are many, too often we spend the precious moments with Him reciting a laundry list of complaints and requests. When we’ve check off the last item, we dust our hands and race back to life in the fast lane and wonder why we feel alone.
The good news is that our feelings to not shape reality; truth does. And, the truth is Jesus’ promise that He would not leave us. We do not face the world alone. Indeed, we do not face a single day or moment without Him. He has never left us orphans and never will.
[1] Randy Alcorn, Deadline. C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce; [2] John 14:18; [3] Revelation 21:3; [4] Matthew 28:20; [5] Matthew 1:23
Friday, January 13, 2012
Whatever?
Whatever you ask in My name I will do it that the Father may be glorified. John 14:13 (abridged)
Before He went away, Jesus gave the astounding promise that we could ask anything we wanted—anything—in His name and He would do it. He even told us why He would grant our desires; because doing so would glorify the Father.
I know very few Christians who have not puzzled over this verse and some have fallen as they claimed what they believe to be a clear promise from Jesus, yet did not receive the thing they asked. I certainly don’t have the complete answers to this mystery, but a small light began to glimmer when I read the verse using a different name for God.
Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” Looking at Jesus—knowing how He acted, what He said and how He felt—showed humanity the unseen God. It was probably the clearest picture of the Father He could give, but it wasn’t the only one. He also said “God is Spirit” [1] and later His closest earthly friend taught us, “God is love.” [2] All of these words and examples help us wrap our mind around a Being who is in truth beyond comprehension.
I don’t think we stretch the meaning of this verse too far when we insert other scriptural words for “Father.” Although the technique is not without limitation, the Father is God, and God is love. For better understanding, the verse might be read, Whatever you ask,…I will do it that Ultimate Love may be glorified.
How could prayer— especially “unanswered” prayer—glorify (exalt, lift up) Love? The scenarios are not as difficult to imagine as one might think.
We show (lift up) love’s patience [3] when we don’t immediately receive what we ask but keep believing. We experience love’s humility [3] when we ask rather than demand and leave the final decision to our God. We demonstrate the selfless nature of love when we allow His choice to be first [4] and love’s trust is displayed to angels, our own heart, and a doubting world [5] when we refuse to accuse God of being unfair [4] simply because we don’t understand.
John began his memories of Jesus’ last hours by saying, “Having love His own who were in the world, He [Jesus] loved them to the end.” [6] Love was the reason for Calvary [7] and ultimate, pure, perfect love is a reflection of the nature of God. When Jesus answers our requests, yes, God’s love for us is glorified (exalted, lifted up) and when He answers our requests, no or wait, our love for God is shown to a skeptical world.
[1] John 4:24; [2] I John 4:8; [3] I Corinthians 13:4; [4] I Corinthians 13:5; [5] I Corinthians 4:9; [6] John 13:1; [7] John 3:16
Before He went away, Jesus gave the astounding promise that we could ask anything we wanted—anything—in His name and He would do it. He even told us why He would grant our desires; because doing so would glorify the Father.
I know very few Christians who have not puzzled over this verse and some have fallen as they claimed what they believe to be a clear promise from Jesus, yet did not receive the thing they asked. I certainly don’t have the complete answers to this mystery, but a small light began to glimmer when I read the verse using a different name for God.
Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” Looking at Jesus—knowing how He acted, what He said and how He felt—showed humanity the unseen God. It was probably the clearest picture of the Father He could give, but it wasn’t the only one. He also said “God is Spirit” [1] and later His closest earthly friend taught us, “God is love.” [2] All of these words and examples help us wrap our mind around a Being who is in truth beyond comprehension.
I don’t think we stretch the meaning of this verse too far when we insert other scriptural words for “Father.” Although the technique is not without limitation, the Father is God, and God is love. For better understanding, the verse might be read, Whatever you ask,…I will do it that Ultimate Love may be glorified.
How could prayer— especially “unanswered” prayer—glorify (exalt, lift up) Love? The scenarios are not as difficult to imagine as one might think.
We show (lift up) love’s patience [3] when we don’t immediately receive what we ask but keep believing. We experience love’s humility [3] when we ask rather than demand and leave the final decision to our God. We demonstrate the selfless nature of love when we allow His choice to be first [4] and love’s trust is displayed to angels, our own heart, and a doubting world [5] when we refuse to accuse God of being unfair [4] simply because we don’t understand.
John began his memories of Jesus’ last hours by saying, “Having love His own who were in the world, He [Jesus] loved them to the end.” [6] Love was the reason for Calvary [7] and ultimate, pure, perfect love is a reflection of the nature of God. When Jesus answers our requests, yes, God’s love for us is glorified (exalted, lifted up) and when He answers our requests, no or wait, our love for God is shown to a skeptical world.
[1] John 4:24; [2] I John 4:8; [3] I Corinthians 13:4; [4] I Corinthians 13:5; [5] I Corinthians 4:9; [6] John 13:1; [7] John 3:16
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Untroubled Heart
Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1
Last minute instructions. Goodbye endearments. Farewell speeches. Final words before death. We place a lot of value on what someone says in their last moments with us. The pressure of parting brings important things to the surface while the extraneous is stripped away and the few things we really want others to remember take center stage. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that John spent almost one forth of his gospel [1] describing the last six hours Jesus spent with those he loved before crucifixion tore them apart.
From sundown until just after midnight, Jesus shared His last meal with the disciples and took a walk with them through a garden. He must have had much on His mind, but two themes that keep recurring in John’s record are assurance that He loved them and encouragement to trust God’s wisdom no matter how hopeless the situation might look from earth’s view.
From now through Easter, this blog will highlight scattered fragments of what Jesus said that night. I trust that by doing so, we can tune in on a little of the same encouragement He shared with them and our hope will grow one step stronger.
We start with today’s verse. Jesus looked at the confused, weary friends gathering around Him and said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He even repeated the words twice so He must have been especially intent on them getting the point. [2] They must never “let” their heart be troubled.
Have you ever wonder how we could possibly choose whether or not to be troubled? I always felt trouble came to find me and my choice had little to do with it. Yet, Jesus said we should not “let” our heart go that direction.
Part of the mystery resolves when we understand what Jesus meant by “troubled.” The word He used is not what we think of as concerned or even worried but to struggle with unsure connections; to be agitated, shifting, or rootless. We “let” ourselves be “troubled” when we have a choice of clinging to our trust in God’s character and power or letting our hand slip away as we grab for things of earth searching for security.
For example, we “let” our heart be troubled when financial pressures mount and we either ignore His instruction of good stewardship or thrash about for earthly solutions ignoring the fact that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We “let” our heart when we mentally strip God of any resource for “practical” help with daily issues. We can’t choose whether storms will come. We can’t choose which emotions we will or won’t feel. But we can choose our hope.
As we face a new year, listen to the news, grow a year older, watch the economy, or rehears the many ways things can grow wrong in life, don’t forget: You can “let” not your heart be troubled if you will choose to keep your eyes on Him.
[1] John 13:1-18:1 approximately 6 pm to midnight. [2] John 14:1; 14:27
Last minute instructions. Goodbye endearments. Farewell speeches. Final words before death. We place a lot of value on what someone says in their last moments with us. The pressure of parting brings important things to the surface while the extraneous is stripped away and the few things we really want others to remember take center stage. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that John spent almost one forth of his gospel [1] describing the last six hours Jesus spent with those he loved before crucifixion tore them apart.
From sundown until just after midnight, Jesus shared His last meal with the disciples and took a walk with them through a garden. He must have had much on His mind, but two themes that keep recurring in John’s record are assurance that He loved them and encouragement to trust God’s wisdom no matter how hopeless the situation might look from earth’s view.
From now through Easter, this blog will highlight scattered fragments of what Jesus said that night. I trust that by doing so, we can tune in on a little of the same encouragement He shared with them and our hope will grow one step stronger.
We start with today’s verse. Jesus looked at the confused, weary friends gathering around Him and said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He even repeated the words twice so He must have been especially intent on them getting the point. [2] They must never “let” their heart be troubled.
Have you ever wonder how we could possibly choose whether or not to be troubled? I always felt trouble came to find me and my choice had little to do with it. Yet, Jesus said we should not “let” our heart go that direction.
Part of the mystery resolves when we understand what Jesus meant by “troubled.” The word He used is not what we think of as concerned or even worried but to struggle with unsure connections; to be agitated, shifting, or rootless. We “let” ourselves be “troubled” when we have a choice of clinging to our trust in God’s character and power or letting our hand slip away as we grab for things of earth searching for security.
For example, we “let” our heart be troubled when financial pressures mount and we either ignore His instruction of good stewardship or thrash about for earthly solutions ignoring the fact that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We “let” our heart when we mentally strip God of any resource for “practical” help with daily issues. We can’t choose whether storms will come. We can’t choose which emotions we will or won’t feel. But we can choose our hope.
As we face a new year, listen to the news, grow a year older, watch the economy, or rehears the many ways things can grow wrong in life, don’t forget: You can “let” not your heart be troubled if you will choose to keep your eyes on Him.
[1] John 13:1-18:1 approximately 6 pm to midnight. [2] John 14:1; 14:27
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
History of Christmas Lights
The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, / And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 & Matthew 4:16
It is not by accident that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with lights. Since the moment angels appeared on Bethlehem hills announcing a Son was given to the world, lights piercing darkness have signified peace and joy and hope to a weary world.
The first celebration lights were probably simple oil lamps. We have no trustworthy records, but it is not beyond imagination that before candles or Christmas trees or cards or gift giving or even a day called “Christmas,” some early Christians remembered the birth of our Lord.
These would have been spontaneous, casual celebrations observed by individual families. As they remembered, it would be natural for them to watch a flickering oil lamp and think of the scripture promising when Messiah (Jesus) came, people who sit in darkness will see a great light.
Candles were in more or less common use by 800-900 AD and shortly after we find the first references to nativity scenes being placed in Christian houses of worship. These scenes would have glowed in the light of many candles. And--although the exact roots are lost in antiquity--it may have been roughly this time when Christmas began to be celebrated on a specific day.
Over time, being “Christian” became the socially acceptable norm and Christmas became a cultural event. Decorations were increasingly more common, expensive, complex and light-filled, causing some to feel the holiday had lost all true meaning. When Puritans took control of the English government in the mid 1600’s, lights, decorations and all other forms of celebration were banned. Christmas was to be no more.
Yet the celebration—with all its flaws—endured. When electric lights came on the scene in the late 1800’s they were almost immediately employed as part of Christmas. Lights proliferated until today when city streets and country lanes, windows, yards, rooftops and edges of buildings light up the night with twinkle and glow.
For myself, it would be easy to agree with the Puritans. I watch electronic reindeer nodding from store windows, see the crass commercialism and my heart fills with more sadness than holiday spirit. With the children grown and gone, some years I haven’t even put up a tree.
But this year, I think I have a better idea: I’ll dust off a string of colored lights, attach a little tinsel and a few ornaments to a tree, then turn out the lamps and remember. The light of the world has come. Regardless of how the world has perverted it, Christmas is real. It’s time to celebrate.
It is not by accident that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with lights. Since the moment angels appeared on Bethlehem hills announcing a Son was given to the world, lights piercing darkness have signified peace and joy and hope to a weary world.
The first celebration lights were probably simple oil lamps. We have no trustworthy records, but it is not beyond imagination that before candles or Christmas trees or cards or gift giving or even a day called “Christmas,” some early Christians remembered the birth of our Lord.
These would have been spontaneous, casual celebrations observed by individual families. As they remembered, it would be natural for them to watch a flickering oil lamp and think of the scripture promising when Messiah (Jesus) came, people who sit in darkness will see a great light.
Candles were in more or less common use by 800-900 AD and shortly after we find the first references to nativity scenes being placed in Christian houses of worship. These scenes would have glowed in the light of many candles. And--although the exact roots are lost in antiquity--it may have been roughly this time when Christmas began to be celebrated on a specific day.
Over time, being “Christian” became the socially acceptable norm and Christmas became a cultural event. Decorations were increasingly more common, expensive, complex and light-filled, causing some to feel the holiday had lost all true meaning. When Puritans took control of the English government in the mid 1600’s, lights, decorations and all other forms of celebration were banned. Christmas was to be no more.
Yet the celebration—with all its flaws—endured. When electric lights came on the scene in the late 1800’s they were almost immediately employed as part of Christmas. Lights proliferated until today when city streets and country lanes, windows, yards, rooftops and edges of buildings light up the night with twinkle and glow.
For myself, it would be easy to agree with the Puritans. I watch electronic reindeer nodding from store windows, see the crass commercialism and my heart fills with more sadness than holiday spirit. With the children grown and gone, some years I haven’t even put up a tree.
But this year, I think I have a better idea: I’ll dust off a string of colored lights, attach a little tinsel and a few ornaments to a tree, then turn out the lamps and remember. The light of the world has come. Regardless of how the world has perverted it, Christmas is real. It’s time to celebrate.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sing! Your Refuge Stands!
Let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy! Psalm 5:11 NKJV
The word "refuge" speaks of trouble, danger and threat. If nothing negative is happening, the place we dwell may be comfortable but it won't be a "refuge."
The dictionary calls a refuge "anything or anyone which has recourse for aid, relief or escape." When we find refuge, the bad thing is still be there but doesn't impact us any longer. It is outside and our refuge forces it to stay there.
No wonder David said those who find refuge in the Lord should be glad. Our singing should go on and on forever! What better source for long term safety and lasting security than the eternal God of the Universe with whom is no variable or shadow of turning (Jas. 1:17). He is rock solid and He stays that way.
Christians don't deny the reality of trials. Bad things do, indeed, touch our life just as they touch others. The difference comes when we lift up our eyes to an eternal perspective and like David see the "latter end" of things (Psa. 73). Only then do we begin to feel how real our refuge is and only then can we smile.
Jesus is our recourse for aid now and most Christians can point to specific times when that aid came through just in time. He is our relief and we often feel the release as He takes the burdens and removes the weight from our heart. He is our escape as pressures mount and He will provide the ultimate escape as we leave this planet for our sure and final home.
If your day lacks joy, remember a time when He changed your circumstance, provided relief or you felt freedom as you leaned on Him. And, if you are walking through a current storm, lift up your eyes to the eternal. Knowing Jesus is our ultimate refuge and has promised to get us home safely before the dark.
The word "refuge" speaks of trouble, danger and threat. If nothing negative is happening, the place we dwell may be comfortable but it won't be a "refuge."
The dictionary calls a refuge "anything or anyone which has recourse for aid, relief or escape." When we find refuge, the bad thing is still be there but doesn't impact us any longer. It is outside and our refuge forces it to stay there.
No wonder David said those who find refuge in the Lord should be glad. Our singing should go on and on forever! What better source for long term safety and lasting security than the eternal God of the Universe with whom is no variable or shadow of turning (Jas. 1:17). He is rock solid and He stays that way.
Christians don't deny the reality of trials. Bad things do, indeed, touch our life just as they touch others. The difference comes when we lift up our eyes to an eternal perspective and like David see the "latter end" of things (Psa. 73). Only then do we begin to feel how real our refuge is and only then can we smile.
Jesus is our recourse for aid now and most Christians can point to specific times when that aid came through just in time. He is our relief and we often feel the release as He takes the burdens and removes the weight from our heart. He is our escape as pressures mount and He will provide the ultimate escape as we leave this planet for our sure and final home.
If your day lacks joy, remember a time when He changed your circumstance, provided relief or you felt freedom as you leaned on Him. And, if you are walking through a current storm, lift up your eyes to the eternal. Knowing Jesus is our ultimate refuge and has promised to get us home safely before the dark.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Best Joy of All
You will fill me with joy in your presence.
Psalm 16:11
How do you experience the presence f God? Would you describe the event as fun? Satisfying? Pleasurable? How about the description given by the Psalmist, full of joy? Does the event happen in prayer? Bible study? While walking in a forest? Holding your child? Just talking to God casually as you go about daily routine? The details of the experience probably vary as widely as humans, but one easily overlooked aspect is that all these experiences come from a single source: It is God who graciously provides the experience, not our holiness or performing a certain task that forces Him to give.
One of the errors of modern thinking is to view God as nothing greater than a slightly more powerful version of ourselves. The Almighty Creator of the Universe becomes our side-kick, companion or good buddy. Holiness is lost as we barge into the Throne room as though we had a right to be there on our own merit.
There is an aspect of gentle companionship and father/child closeness between humans who want to know Him and God, but that privilege should never be taken for granted or minimized as though we deserved His grace.
Thank God we don’t get what we deserve! We get something so much better. We get grace and with that gift the delight of feeling the joy as He chooses to allow us to draw near.
Psalm 16:11
How do you experience the presence f God? Would you describe the event as fun? Satisfying? Pleasurable? How about the description given by the Psalmist, full of joy? Does the event happen in prayer? Bible study? While walking in a forest? Holding your child? Just talking to God casually as you go about daily routine? The details of the experience probably vary as widely as humans, but one easily overlooked aspect is that all these experiences come from a single source: It is God who graciously provides the experience, not our holiness or performing a certain task that forces Him to give.
One of the errors of modern thinking is to view God as nothing greater than a slightly more powerful version of ourselves. The Almighty Creator of the Universe becomes our side-kick, companion or good buddy. Holiness is lost as we barge into the Throne room as though we had a right to be there on our own merit.
There is an aspect of gentle companionship and father/child closeness between humans who want to know Him and God, but that privilege should never be taken for granted or minimized as though we deserved His grace.
Thank God we don’t get what we deserve! We get something so much better. We get grace and with that gift the delight of feeling the joy as He chooses to allow us to draw near.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Happy Understanding
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words [of God]. Nehemiah 8:12 NIV
Celebrations seldom occur without a reason. We meet to celebrate something, not just because we feel good at the moment. A birthday, anniversary, sports victory or even the changing of the seasons can be reasons to celebrate. But have you ever thought of celebrating just because you finally understood something new?
Celebrating knowledge is not a totally foreign idea. We press into new territory learning a computer program or job skill or craft. We try and struggle and even despair then suddenly the light-bulb goes off and everything “fits.” We pump a fist in the air and shout, “Yes!” But, our celebration is most often short lived and often private.
When the Jews returned to Israel after seventy years of captivity, many had forgotten the Hebrew language. But as Nehemiah and the Levites read the scriptures and translated the meaning in a language they could understand, the people wept. The new knowledge was dangerous. As the writer of Hebrews would later say, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God.” (Heb. 10:31). However, their fear was quickly changed as Nehemiah reminded them that understanding God was a good thing and the Almighty was pleased. Secure in that grace, the people began to celebrate with great joy. They were getting to know the Ruler of the Universe! That was a reason for a first class party to begin!
It’s a reason for us to celebrate, too.
Celebrations seldom occur without a reason. We meet to celebrate something, not just because we feel good at the moment. A birthday, anniversary, sports victory or even the changing of the seasons can be reasons to celebrate. But have you ever thought of celebrating just because you finally understood something new?
Celebrating knowledge is not a totally foreign idea. We press into new territory learning a computer program or job skill or craft. We try and struggle and even despair then suddenly the light-bulb goes off and everything “fits.” We pump a fist in the air and shout, “Yes!” But, our celebration is most often short lived and often private.
When the Jews returned to Israel after seventy years of captivity, many had forgotten the Hebrew language. But as Nehemiah and the Levites read the scriptures and translated the meaning in a language they could understand, the people wept. The new knowledge was dangerous. As the writer of Hebrews would later say, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God.” (Heb. 10:31). However, their fear was quickly changed as Nehemiah reminded them that understanding God was a good thing and the Almighty was pleased. Secure in that grace, the people began to celebrate with great joy. They were getting to know the Ruler of the Universe! That was a reason for a first class party to begin!
It’s a reason for us to celebrate, too.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Rejoice! God Remembers Your Work!
Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter into the joy of your lord! Matthew 25:21
When I was a young mother the most frustrating thing about housework was the fact that in never stayed done. I would work hard then watch what I had accomplished fall apart in less than one day. At the time, I thought the endless cycle of futility was the housewife’s curse. Then I took a job and suddenly realized ALL work is temporary and doomed to decay. Even the pyramids are slowly turning back into sand.
This seemed sad, until I found two reasons the Bible gives for rejoicing in our work. First, is the immediate satisfaction found in finishing each temporary task and, second, is the joy of knowing no task is really temporary because God never forgets!
Solomon spent years trying to figure out what was good about life and in the end came to this conclusion: “I know that there is nothing better for men than to [. . . ] find satisfaction in all his work—this is the gift of God.” (Ecc. 3:12-13). Whether we are painting a wall, making a bed or sending memos to congress, our daily work is a gift. If we embrace the satisfaction of each completed task, we have an immediate joy that lifts our spirit.
We also have a second joy because God never forgets our work. None of it. The One who is so meticulous He doesn’t forget to reward even a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple (Mat. 10:42) will not overlook you (Heb. 6:10). Guaranteed.
Are you feeling overworked and underappreciated today? Focus your emotions on the immediate reward of knowing you have done the job well and focus your hope on tomorrow when Jesus says, “Well done!” You may find the load a lot lighter.
When I was a young mother the most frustrating thing about housework was the fact that in never stayed done. I would work hard then watch what I had accomplished fall apart in less than one day. At the time, I thought the endless cycle of futility was the housewife’s curse. Then I took a job and suddenly realized ALL work is temporary and doomed to decay. Even the pyramids are slowly turning back into sand.
This seemed sad, until I found two reasons the Bible gives for rejoicing in our work. First, is the immediate satisfaction found in finishing each temporary task and, second, is the joy of knowing no task is really temporary because God never forgets!
Solomon spent years trying to figure out what was good about life and in the end came to this conclusion: “I know that there is nothing better for men than to [. . . ] find satisfaction in all his work—this is the gift of God.” (Ecc. 3:12-13). Whether we are painting a wall, making a bed or sending memos to congress, our daily work is a gift. If we embrace the satisfaction of each completed task, we have an immediate joy that lifts our spirit.
We also have a second joy because God never forgets our work. None of it. The One who is so meticulous He doesn’t forget to reward even a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple (Mat. 10:42) will not overlook you (Heb. 6:10). Guaranteed.
Are you feeling overworked and underappreciated today? Focus your emotions on the immediate reward of knowing you have done the job well and focus your hope on tomorrow when Jesus says, “Well done!” You may find the load a lot lighter.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
God's Fun Food
The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, [. . .] Also, their neighbors from far away [. . .] came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel! I Chronicles 12:40 NIV, abridged
I think food gets a bad rap these days. Yes, the Bible condemns gluttony (Php. 3:19; Pro. 23:21) and America has a shocking rate of obesity. But, those are very different subjects than joyfully consuming what God has provided with gratitude and celebrating life with abundant food. In fact, both my personal experience and work as a professional counselor have convinced me those who are overweight seldom really enjoy food. Jesus welcomed celebrations built around food so much that others accused Him of being a glutton (Mat. 11:18).
The Bible regards food as a blessing (Neh. 9:25; Lev. 20:24). God could have created us without taste buds or to live on water alone, but He didn’t. He gave food color and texture and variety. Sweet and sour, savory herbs and starches, the choices are almost limitless. In the Old Testament, He chose food to be a method of worship (Lev. 23:5-14) and in the New Testament Jesus selected food to be a way we would remember Him (I Co. 11:26).
The next time you sit down to a delicious plate, resist the urge to dive right in. Pause. Savor the moment. God provided this goodness especially for you. Eat with celebration and gratitude for His delightful gift!
I think food gets a bad rap these days. Yes, the Bible condemns gluttony (Php. 3:19; Pro. 23:21) and America has a shocking rate of obesity. But, those are very different subjects than joyfully consuming what God has provided with gratitude and celebrating life with abundant food. In fact, both my personal experience and work as a professional counselor have convinced me those who are overweight seldom really enjoy food. Jesus welcomed celebrations built around food so much that others accused Him of being a glutton (Mat. 11:18).
The Bible regards food as a blessing (Neh. 9:25; Lev. 20:24). God could have created us without taste buds or to live on water alone, but He didn’t. He gave food color and texture and variety. Sweet and sour, savory herbs and starches, the choices are almost limitless. In the Old Testament, He chose food to be a method of worship (Lev. 23:5-14) and in the New Testament Jesus selected food to be a way we would remember Him (I Co. 11:26).
The next time you sit down to a delicious plate, resist the urge to dive right in. Pause. Savor the moment. God provided this goodness especially for you. Eat with celebration and gratitude for His delightful gift!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
God's Laughing Plan
A time to weep, and time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4
Like most people, I live under the domination of a clock. A stopwatch sits on my desk marking off the minutes and at the end of every week I check to make sure 40 hours have been recorded. If I didn’t use a clock to force discipline, the minutes, days and weeks would slip away with no work accomplished. But, I’ve learned the hard way that work is not the only thing that needs to be fitted in the schedule. Fun must be honored with designated time, too.
God did not choose to give us a life free of difficulty, but that doesn’t mean long faces are the only mood of which He approves. Laughter and dancing are also part of His plan. If we ignore these fun, relaxed times of celebration we avoid a good thing He ordained. When the pressures mount and workload is high, it is more important than ever to be intentional about our laughter!
One way to be intentional is through purposeful gratitude. When shadows creep, I set my mind to find five things every day that feel good. Even the tiniest, most inconsequential event can bring a whisper of joy. If I’ll pause and cherish the thing as it passes, gratitude replaces a glum outlook and soon life is worth living again.
Another way to incorporate fun is putting something on the clock. I can’t force my heart to laugh, but I can set aside one hour to watch a funny video or read a light-hearted book. I can’t giggle without a reason, but I can schedule time around people who are laughing and before I know it, I am laughing, too! According to God’s schedule, that is a good use of time.
Like most people, I live under the domination of a clock. A stopwatch sits on my desk marking off the minutes and at the end of every week I check to make sure 40 hours have been recorded. If I didn’t use a clock to force discipline, the minutes, days and weeks would slip away with no work accomplished. But, I’ve learned the hard way that work is not the only thing that needs to be fitted in the schedule. Fun must be honored with designated time, too.
God did not choose to give us a life free of difficulty, but that doesn’t mean long faces are the only mood of which He approves. Laughter and dancing are also part of His plan. If we ignore these fun, relaxed times of celebration we avoid a good thing He ordained. When the pressures mount and workload is high, it is more important than ever to be intentional about our laughter!
One way to be intentional is through purposeful gratitude. When shadows creep, I set my mind to find five things every day that feel good. Even the tiniest, most inconsequential event can bring a whisper of joy. If I’ll pause and cherish the thing as it passes, gratitude replaces a glum outlook and soon life is worth living again.
Another way to incorporate fun is putting something on the clock. I can’t force my heart to laugh, but I can set aside one hour to watch a funny video or read a light-hearted book. I can’t giggle without a reason, but I can schedule time around people who are laughing and before I know it, I am laughing, too! According to God’s schedule, that is a good use of time.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Contagious Laugher of Answered Prayer
And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, so that all who hear will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6
What could be more delightful than having a dream come true and a nagging doubt put to rest at the same time? That was Sarah’s experience when her long-awaited baby was born. It was so much fun her husband, Abraham, even named the little boy “Laughter” for this is what the word “Isaac” means.
They had waited more than twenty years for this little bundle of miracle and when at last they held him in their arms, their joy knew no bounds! Neighbors got in on the celebration. Visitors laughed out loud when they heard the story. Even today the story of how Sarah’s scoffing laugh of unbelief (Gen. 18:10-14) was turned to the genuine laughter of joy (Gen. 21:6) brings a smile.
But Sarah and Abraham were not the only ones to experience contagious laughter when prayers were answered. Psalm 126 was written as the Jews returned from captivity to their native land. God had promised they would come back, and they had! How positive the future looked! What fun to stand again in Jerusalem! What joy to actually see God’s hand moving in world events! Their joy was so contagious even their heathen neighbors found a reason to laugh as they shook their heads in amazement saying, “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Have you had a prayer answered lately? Don’t keep it to yourself! There is far too little joy in this world. Add your own note to the melody of praise. Jesus said we should ask “that your joy may be full!” (Joh. 16:24) When you share an answered prayer the joy creates ripples of laughter that—like waves when pebbles are cast into still water—roll on and on and.....
What could be more delightful than having a dream come true and a nagging doubt put to rest at the same time? That was Sarah’s experience when her long-awaited baby was born. It was so much fun her husband, Abraham, even named the little boy “Laughter” for this is what the word “Isaac” means.
They had waited more than twenty years for this little bundle of miracle and when at last they held him in their arms, their joy knew no bounds! Neighbors got in on the celebration. Visitors laughed out loud when they heard the story. Even today the story of how Sarah’s scoffing laugh of unbelief (Gen. 18:10-14) was turned to the genuine laughter of joy (Gen. 21:6) brings a smile.
But Sarah and Abraham were not the only ones to experience contagious laughter when prayers were answered. Psalm 126 was written as the Jews returned from captivity to their native land. God had promised they would come back, and they had! How positive the future looked! What fun to stand again in Jerusalem! What joy to actually see God’s hand moving in world events! Their joy was so contagious even their heathen neighbors found a reason to laugh as they shook their heads in amazement saying, “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Have you had a prayer answered lately? Don’t keep it to yourself! There is far too little joy in this world. Add your own note to the melody of praise. Jesus said we should ask “that your joy may be full!” (Joh. 16:24) When you share an answered prayer the joy creates ripples of laughter that—like waves when pebbles are cast into still water—roll on and on and.....
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Jesus Was a Happy Man
These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
One of the biggest scripture mysteries is how Jesus could be both a man of sorrows (Isa. 53:3) and at the same time be anointed with gladness (Heb. 1:9) Yet, both statements are true and unless we remember each side of His nature, we miss the complexity and beauty of our Lord.
For me, it is easy to remember the pain, but recalling the God-man also laughed is a stretch. Yet, growing up in a home with six siblings, He certainly knew about jokes and giggles and by His own testimony He was filled with joy. Best of all, this happy side is something Jesus wants to share with us. He said He would give us joy that would “remain” rather than evaporate with every change in circumstance and the key to experiencing it was in the words He had just spoken.
What were those words? A commandment that we love each other and assurance that power to love would be provided from a source outside ourselves. We don’t have to work up feelings of love, we work instead at remaining connected to Him and become conduits of God’s love rather than our own generators.
When we experience His love flowing through us, we become more light-hearted because we don’t have to depend on ourselves. Our hope becomes more vibrant because we see with an eternal perspective and our attitude becomes more positive as we give others an opportunity to join in the celebration of love. What’s more, even if they refuse to continue the love-song, we have pleased our Lord and that is enough to be happy about.
One of the biggest scripture mysteries is how Jesus could be both a man of sorrows (Isa. 53:3) and at the same time be anointed with gladness (Heb. 1:9) Yet, both statements are true and unless we remember each side of His nature, we miss the complexity and beauty of our Lord.
For me, it is easy to remember the pain, but recalling the God-man also laughed is a stretch. Yet, growing up in a home with six siblings, He certainly knew about jokes and giggles and by His own testimony He was filled with joy. Best of all, this happy side is something Jesus wants to share with us. He said He would give us joy that would “remain” rather than evaporate with every change in circumstance and the key to experiencing it was in the words He had just spoken.
What were those words? A commandment that we love each other and assurance that power to love would be provided from a source outside ourselves. We don’t have to work up feelings of love, we work instead at remaining connected to Him and become conduits of God’s love rather than our own generators.
When we experience His love flowing through us, we become more light-hearted because we don’t have to depend on ourselves. Our hope becomes more vibrant because we see with an eternal perspective and our attitude becomes more positive as we give others an opportunity to join in the celebration of love. What’s more, even if they refuse to continue the love-song, we have pleased our Lord and that is enough to be happy about.
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