“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:4-5
A friend had called; she wanted to tell me personally about a health issue she was dealing with. As she told me, my heart ached for her - but she was good, well as good as you can be when you get a cancer diagnosis. She told me God had the whole situation in hand and she was filled with peace.
How often do we forget that we serve a God who has got us? He holds us in His hands, he knows our thoughts, the desires of our hearts and everything we need. What troubles or trials have we not faced because of His protection? He knows what we can handle and He gives us what we need to face the adversity of life.
God know us, we don’t have to speak for Him to know, but because He is a God of relationship He wants to hear what we have to say. He loves the sound of our voice whether we are speaking words of praise or crying out in anguish. He understands the true meaning of what we are saying even when we may not.
I love how this passage reads in The Message “You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in!” (vv. 4-6).
The point is this, no matter what you are facing today or this week - He is there, He is going before you, He’s got your back, He walks beside you. Everywhere you go and in everything that you face, He is there.
Deal with what you need to deal with, but no matter what, fear not and have peace because He’s got you.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for knowing us so well. Thank you for being present with us even when we may not be present with You. You know everything we will face, be our strength, our wisdom and our peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
An Age of Innocence?
“Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”
Psalm 20-6-8
It had been a very difficult week in the world - the Boston Marathon bombing, a factory explosion in Texas, poison in the mail for elected officials major earthquakes in Pakistan and China, North Korea’s finger on a missile trigger and plenty of acts of random violence. All of this had some asking what do we teach our children? All of this had some longing for a bygone age of innocence. As I thought about these things I began to wonder how long ago had that age of innocence really existed. The thought that came to my mind is the only real age of innocence was in the Garden of Eden - when everything was still perfect.
We try to protect our children from all the bad in the world, but I wonder how aware they really are. I wonder if there were children present at the crucifixion of Jesus. I wonder how many other crucifixions they had watched. I remember hearing grown- ups talk when they thought little ears weren’t paying attention. I remember listening to the news on the radio as the story of a bus load of children who had been kidnapped were found buried in a storage container not far from where I was. Yes we try to protect the children, but today it is hard to find a place to get away from the bad in the world.
So what are we to do? We teach them to trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We teach them that bad things happen but they need not be afraid. We can teach them to respond with compassion and grace. So what are we to do? We are to remind ourselves that we trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We remind ourselves that we live in a fallen world surrounded by fallen humans, so bad things are going to happen, even to us sometimes. We remind ourselves that because we trust in the Lord we must respond with compassion and grace.
Yes, to find the age of innocence we have to go back to Eden. Some day Jesus will be back and for those who have trusted in Him a new age of innocence will begin.
A Prayer
Father, help us to trust in you so that in the midst of this fallen world we can stand firm. Help us to trust in you so that we can be strong and courageous. Remind us that you have never promised and easy road - but you have promised to be faithful, never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for the promise of your Son’s return - a return that will signal the return of the age of innocence. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm 20-6-8
It had been a very difficult week in the world - the Boston Marathon bombing, a factory explosion in Texas, poison in the mail for elected officials major earthquakes in Pakistan and China, North Korea’s finger on a missile trigger and plenty of acts of random violence. All of this had some asking what do we teach our children? All of this had some longing for a bygone age of innocence. As I thought about these things I began to wonder how long ago had that age of innocence really existed. The thought that came to my mind is the only real age of innocence was in the Garden of Eden - when everything was still perfect.
We try to protect our children from all the bad in the world, but I wonder how aware they really are. I wonder if there were children present at the crucifixion of Jesus. I wonder how many other crucifixions they had watched. I remember hearing grown- ups talk when they thought little ears weren’t paying attention. I remember listening to the news on the radio as the story of a bus load of children who had been kidnapped were found buried in a storage container not far from where I was. Yes we try to protect the children, but today it is hard to find a place to get away from the bad in the world.
So what are we to do? We teach them to trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We teach them that bad things happen but they need not be afraid. We can teach them to respond with compassion and grace. So what are we to do? We are to remind ourselves that we trust in the Lord always and in every situation. We remind ourselves that we live in a fallen world surrounded by fallen humans, so bad things are going to happen, even to us sometimes. We remind ourselves that because we trust in the Lord we must respond with compassion and grace.
Yes, to find the age of innocence we have to go back to Eden. Some day Jesus will be back and for those who have trusted in Him a new age of innocence will begin.
A Prayer
Father, help us to trust in you so that in the midst of this fallen world we can stand firm. Help us to trust in you so that we can be strong and courageous. Remind us that you have never promised and easy road - but you have promised to be faithful, never leaving or forsaking us. Thank you for the promise of your Son’s return - a return that will signal the return of the age of innocence. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
When Living in a Fallen World
“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13
9/11, Oklahoma City, Boston, Columbine, Newtown, wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and monster storms - all of these and many more reflect the worst of humanity and nature. When living in a fallen world it can be easy to get tired of doing good, but we are exhorted not to give in and to do good in the face of adversity.
All of the events listed above have two things in common - first is the senseless and tragic loss of life and property and second they result in an outpouring of what is the best of humanity. The stories of compassion and generosity coming out of Boston will give hope and bring healing in time. Events like those listed above bring unity at least for a while among groups that might not otherwise come together. I heard the New York Yankees paid tribute to Boston at a game following the bombing.
Doing good when living in a fallen world can be difficult, because we humans seem to think we need to do big things in a effort to change the world. Instead all we really need to do are little things that can change hearts.
This week keep an eye out for those around you who may be on the brink of hopelessness - give them a smile, a hug, pray for them right then and there, encourage them, buy them a coffee, a hot chocolate or a coke. If you are in the position to do - buy the groceries for the person in line behind you. When someone puts themselves down in your presence let them know they are valued.
God’s Word boils down to loving God and loving others. God knows we love Him when we love and encourage others. When living in a fallen world it can be easy to grow tired of doing good, but Jesus can supply all the energy you need to make a difference one heart at a time.
A Prayer
Father, you know the struggles we face living in this fallen world, you know how we can grow tired of swimming against to current as we try to do good. Be our strength and wisdom so we will not grow tired. Give us eyes to see those around us on the brink of hopelessness and help us to lift them up. Thank you that Jesus by His death and resurrection lifted us up so that we can lift up others. In the name of Jesus, who never grows tired of doing good - Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:13
9/11, Oklahoma City, Boston, Columbine, Newtown, wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and monster storms - all of these and many more reflect the worst of humanity and nature. When living in a fallen world it can be easy to get tired of doing good, but we are exhorted not to give in and to do good in the face of adversity.
All of the events listed above have two things in common - first is the senseless and tragic loss of life and property and second they result in an outpouring of what is the best of humanity. The stories of compassion and generosity coming out of Boston will give hope and bring healing in time. Events like those listed above bring unity at least for a while among groups that might not otherwise come together. I heard the New York Yankees paid tribute to Boston at a game following the bombing.
Doing good when living in a fallen world can be difficult, because we humans seem to think we need to do big things in a effort to change the world. Instead all we really need to do are little things that can change hearts.
This week keep an eye out for those around you who may be on the brink of hopelessness - give them a smile, a hug, pray for them right then and there, encourage them, buy them a coffee, a hot chocolate or a coke. If you are in the position to do - buy the groceries for the person in line behind you. When someone puts themselves down in your presence let them know they are valued.
God’s Word boils down to loving God and loving others. God knows we love Him when we love and encourage others. When living in a fallen world it can be easy to grow tired of doing good, but Jesus can supply all the energy you need to make a difference one heart at a time.
A Prayer
Father, you know the struggles we face living in this fallen world, you know how we can grow tired of swimming against to current as we try to do good. Be our strength and wisdom so we will not grow tired. Give us eyes to see those around us on the brink of hopelessness and help us to lift them up. Thank you that Jesus by His death and resurrection lifted us up so that we can lift up others. In the name of Jesus, who never grows tired of doing good - Amen.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Obstacles
“When they (Paul and company) came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.”
Acts 16:7-8
It was a very blustery day when I decided to visit a friend just recently home from a brief hospital stay. The street I needed to take is lined on both sides by palm trees. Palm trees are exotic looking and definitely created to stand in strong winds, but the same cannot be said for their spiky fronds. These were all over the street, turning this thoroughfare that doubles for a speedway into a two-way slalom course. The fronds had become an obstacle. This life is filled with all sorts of obstacles - pot holes, speed bumps, closed doors, walls, fear, short-sightedness, and sometimes God gets in our way. These obstacles can throw us completely off course or just cause us to stop as we wonder what to do now.
Some of these obstacles will require that we take a different route like Paul had to do in this week’s passage. Sometimes we have to rely on God to show us how to get over or through the obstacle before us.
Paul faced many obstacles - from his Damascus Road experience as Saul to all he would encounter on his journey to Rome. While the scriptures do not really explain why Paul was turned away from Mysia we can assume that the people and events he encountered as a result were part of the plan. If he hadn’t be turned away he may never have gone to Philippi, Lydia might not have become a follower of Christ. Paul and Silas might not have ended up in prison, but the jailer and his household might not have become followers of Christ either. The obstacles in Paul’s life prepared him to speak to governors, kings and the Roman Emperor.
The obstacles of life can have various effects on our lives. On the negative side, they can cause us to become stagnant, stuck in the mire of life, frustrated and angry. One the positive side, these same obstacles can draw us near to God; empower us to dream bigger dreams, and to help the others we encounter overcome their obstacles. While it might be safe to say that Paul was frustrated that they couldn’t go the way they planned, I suspect that as he looked back over his life filled with obstacles he would not have wanted any of them removed.
Obstacles are part of living an abundant life - embrace them.
A Prayer
Father, you know that we do not care much for obstacles, yet we must face them anyway. Help us see the path around, over or through whatever we are facing. When we are frustrated be our peace, when we are hurt be our healing, when we are afraid be our courage. Then allow us to share what we have learned with others and to thank You for the abundant life you give us. In the name of Jesus who overcame every obstacle for us, Amen.
Acts 16:7-8
It was a very blustery day when I decided to visit a friend just recently home from a brief hospital stay. The street I needed to take is lined on both sides by palm trees. Palm trees are exotic looking and definitely created to stand in strong winds, but the same cannot be said for their spiky fronds. These were all over the street, turning this thoroughfare that doubles for a speedway into a two-way slalom course. The fronds had become an obstacle. This life is filled with all sorts of obstacles - pot holes, speed bumps, closed doors, walls, fear, short-sightedness, and sometimes God gets in our way. These obstacles can throw us completely off course or just cause us to stop as we wonder what to do now.
Some of these obstacles will require that we take a different route like Paul had to do in this week’s passage. Sometimes we have to rely on God to show us how to get over or through the obstacle before us.
Paul faced many obstacles - from his Damascus Road experience as Saul to all he would encounter on his journey to Rome. While the scriptures do not really explain why Paul was turned away from Mysia we can assume that the people and events he encountered as a result were part of the plan. If he hadn’t be turned away he may never have gone to Philippi, Lydia might not have become a follower of Christ. Paul and Silas might not have ended up in prison, but the jailer and his household might not have become followers of Christ either. The obstacles in Paul’s life prepared him to speak to governors, kings and the Roman Emperor.
The obstacles of life can have various effects on our lives. On the negative side, they can cause us to become stagnant, stuck in the mire of life, frustrated and angry. One the positive side, these same obstacles can draw us near to God; empower us to dream bigger dreams, and to help the others we encounter overcome their obstacles. While it might be safe to say that Paul was frustrated that they couldn’t go the way they planned, I suspect that as he looked back over his life filled with obstacles he would not have wanted any of them removed.
Obstacles are part of living an abundant life - embrace them.
A Prayer
Father, you know that we do not care much for obstacles, yet we must face them anyway. Help us see the path around, over or through whatever we are facing. When we are frustrated be our peace, when we are hurt be our healing, when we are afraid be our courage. Then allow us to share what we have learned with others and to thank You for the abundant life you give us. In the name of Jesus who overcame every obstacle for us, Amen.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
How are you? Fine.
“I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.”
Psalm 6:6
How many times have we asked or been asked “How are you?” Only to receive or give the same “I’m fine” response when we know we are not fine? More times than we might care to admit I would guess. How many times when we are in distress do we come before God using polite language as if we are trying not to offend? Plenty I am sure.
The Psalms of lament teach us about the depth of authenticity God desires of our relationship with Him. Logan Jones agrees when he writes: “The laments should be seen as the honest engagement and dialog with God within a covenantal relationship where hurt and pain are acknowledged rather than denied and avoided." The Psalms of lament teach us to be real with God. The God we follow and serve is big enough and strong enough to allow us to pound on His chest in our fear, our anger, our doubt, our confusion and then to hold us gently as we cry in His arms. We see this clearly in the Psalms of lament.
These Psalms that express the raw emotion of the human experience teach us what it is to fall to our knees in our anguish and to know total dependence on a God that is faithful to respond to the cries of our heart. Can you see David on his knees has he cries out in Psalm 6 “I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of my foes” (vv. 6-7).
Yet these Psalms of lament do not leave the psalmist in a state of anguish. The psalmist after expressing his pain and making known his request to God, acknowledges that he can trust God and will praise Him. Can you feel the peace that follows David’s plea in Psalm 13 “But I trust your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me” (vv. 5-6).
These Psalms teach us to get real with God. We do not have to approach timidly, we do not have to be polite, we can express our raw emotion and expect a loving response from the One who is worthy of all our praise because He is God.
These powerful songs are also a model for prayer, prayer that expresses the emotional reality of the human experience both in the midst of the storm and in its moments of victory.
This week, when God’s asks you “how are you?” Don’t respond with the typical “fine” get real with Him.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for wanting to have an authentic relationship with us. Thank you that you will allow us to question the trials we face and demand that You act. Thank you that you allow us to remind You of Your promises. Help us always to be real when we come into Your presence and like the psalmist to praise you just because You are God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Psalm 6:6
How many times have we asked or been asked “How are you?” Only to receive or give the same “I’m fine” response when we know we are not fine? More times than we might care to admit I would guess. How many times when we are in distress do we come before God using polite language as if we are trying not to offend? Plenty I am sure.
The Psalms of lament teach us about the depth of authenticity God desires of our relationship with Him. Logan Jones agrees when he writes: “The laments should be seen as the honest engagement and dialog with God within a covenantal relationship where hurt and pain are acknowledged rather than denied and avoided." The Psalms of lament teach us to be real with God. The God we follow and serve is big enough and strong enough to allow us to pound on His chest in our fear, our anger, our doubt, our confusion and then to hold us gently as we cry in His arms. We see this clearly in the Psalms of lament.
These Psalms that express the raw emotion of the human experience teach us what it is to fall to our knees in our anguish and to know total dependence on a God that is faithful to respond to the cries of our heart. Can you see David on his knees has he cries out in Psalm 6 “I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of my foes” (vv. 6-7).
Yet these Psalms of lament do not leave the psalmist in a state of anguish. The psalmist after expressing his pain and making known his request to God, acknowledges that he can trust God and will praise Him. Can you feel the peace that follows David’s plea in Psalm 13 “But I trust your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me” (vv. 5-6).
These Psalms teach us to get real with God. We do not have to approach timidly, we do not have to be polite, we can express our raw emotion and expect a loving response from the One who is worthy of all our praise because He is God.
These powerful songs are also a model for prayer, prayer that expresses the emotional reality of the human experience both in the midst of the storm and in its moments of victory.
This week, when God’s asks you “how are you?” Don’t respond with the typical “fine” get real with Him.
A Prayer
Father, thank you for wanting to have an authentic relationship with us. Thank you that you will allow us to question the trials we face and demand that You act. Thank you that you allow us to remind You of Your promises. Help us always to be real when we come into Your presence and like the psalmist to praise you just because You are God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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