Reading through a passage in Judges last night, regarding Gideon and his obedience to God in tearing down the altar of Baal and the Asherah that was beside it (Judges 6:25-27). The Asherah was a pole that was to honor the pagan goddess of the same name, and was made of wood. My wife had been listening to a radio preacher discussing Gideon and his interaction with Christ just prior to this account, and we decided to read through it, to see what we might learn from the entire account.
Gideon promptly had two bulls pull down the altar and the pole, and then sacrificed one of the bulls using a fire made from the wood from the pole he had just torn down. I'd say he made a point by doing that.
Naturally, the community of God-fearers would rejoice, right? Not exactly. They realized Gideon had done this, and promptly called for his execution. The people demand Gideon's death to defend Baal, specifically. In essence, they want revenge, they seek Baal's revenge, as though Baal demands it.
What Gideon's father, Joash, says is rather noteworthy. In verse 31, he says to them, "If he (Baal) is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has torn down his altar.” Wow! Great answer!
I firmly believe that God can stand up for Himself, in fact, we are reminded in Scripture not to seek vengeance, since that belongs to Him (Romans 12:19, quoting other Scripture). God certainly asks us, the church, to defend His name, to tell others about Him, and rely upon His Word as our authority.
But, back to the Judges text, I wonder how many "gods" we set up in our lives, and how often we are angered when they are destroyed or lost, or taken away, or become useless. See, we make stuff of this world our gods, and expect them to care for us, to sooth us, to comfort us, to be our companions. The truth is, just like Baal, these worldly gods can't even help themselves, let alone us. Anything or anyone we put in the place of God as our "god", will never satisfy our spirit's longing to be with the Lord for eternity. It's how He created us, and yet we turn from Him, we push back with our flesh, ignoring the Spirit's guiding, it's what we do when we try to figure out life on our own.
I witnessed several give their lives to Christ yesterday, and it brought me to tears. Tears of joy that God is very much still in the "saving business." And yet, for those people, the work has just begun. I pray God will mightily use the church to help these people replace their "god" with the One True God, as they navigate their life from here on.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Who Can We Trust?
Proverbs 3:5-6 says to "Trust in the Lord will all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NASB)
I was reminded once again just how much trust we put into people, and how much trust people put into us. I know there are those who are supposed to trust me, and I know that I am trustworthy with them, and yet I nay never be able to prove that trust 100%, all the time. Put it this way, I know I can be trusted, but only I know exactly to what extent; and if people have doubts, I have probably somewhere along the line given ample reason for that. You and I are alike that way. Trust is a rare commodity today. Perhaps there is a good reason for that.
Perhaps the object of our trust is typically US, not HIM. God tells us to trust Him, with everything we have, to our fullest extent (with all our heart). If we do so, He says He will direct us, guide us, "make our paths straight." That's a big "IF", and when we do so, the word is 'will', He WILL hold up His end of the bargain. Bottom line, He can be trusted. And the way I figure, if we trust Him more, we'll trust each other more, and we'll behave in such ways as to earn that trust from others, because the Lord will be (WILL be) directing our paths.
Easy, never simple.
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
I was reminded once again just how much trust we put into people, and how much trust people put into us. I know there are those who are supposed to trust me, and I know that I am trustworthy with them, and yet I nay never be able to prove that trust 100%, all the time. Put it this way, I know I can be trusted, but only I know exactly to what extent; and if people have doubts, I have probably somewhere along the line given ample reason for that. You and I are alike that way. Trust is a rare commodity today. Perhaps there is a good reason for that.
Perhaps the object of our trust is typically US, not HIM. God tells us to trust Him, with everything we have, to our fullest extent (with all our heart). If we do so, He says He will direct us, guide us, "make our paths straight." That's a big "IF", and when we do so, the word is 'will', He WILL hold up His end of the bargain. Bottom line, He can be trusted. And the way I figure, if we trust Him more, we'll trust each other more, and we'll behave in such ways as to earn that trust from others, because the Lord will be (WILL be) directing our paths.
Easy, never simple.
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
What do we buy?
This morning's reading found me in Isaiah 55, and just two verses in I had to pause. God, through this prophet, says:
“Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And delight yourself in abundance."
Then He goes on again to tell the reader to listen to Him, to seek Him.
The point I see God making is this: we spend lots on stuff that will never satisfy, that has no meaning or impact beyond instantaneous gratification. And by "spend", God does not mean just money. Let's think about the time, energy, and resources we put into our interests, and then compare that to the time, energy, and resources we put into listening to God, inclining our ear to Him, as Isaiah puts it in verse 3.
Christians more and more look to the pacification that this world has to offer, and systematically ignore the true satisfaction that is found in a close walk with the Lord.
God says to "eat" what is good; we are to seek our abundance in Him. In Mark 10:18 and Luke 18:19, Jesus mentions that only God is good. I take it that God means that true abundance, true delight, true satisfaction is found in the good stuff. They are found in God, and nowhere else.
Let's find someone to tell today.
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
“Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And delight yourself in abundance."
Then He goes on again to tell the reader to listen to Him, to seek Him.
The point I see God making is this: we spend lots on stuff that will never satisfy, that has no meaning or impact beyond instantaneous gratification. And by "spend", God does not mean just money. Let's think about the time, energy, and resources we put into our interests, and then compare that to the time, energy, and resources we put into listening to God, inclining our ear to Him, as Isaiah puts it in verse 3.
Christians more and more look to the pacification that this world has to offer, and systematically ignore the true satisfaction that is found in a close walk with the Lord.
God says to "eat" what is good; we are to seek our abundance in Him. In Mark 10:18 and Luke 18:19, Jesus mentions that only God is good. I take it that God means that true abundance, true delight, true satisfaction is found in the good stuff. They are found in God, and nowhere else.
Let's find someone to tell today.
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
Monday, June 10, 2013
Sources of Advice
I often joke that if I ever have to come up with a devotional or brief ministry message on short notice, my "go-to" is Hezekiah. Given 15 extra years to live, and he pretty much wastes it, or at least he lives it for himself and not for the Lord. Easy passage in Isaiah from which to draw a teaching lesson.
But prior to that, King Hezekiah is faced with a real dilemma. I was in Isaiah 36 this morning. Assyria has been on the march throughout Israel and Judah, and now has it's mark set on Jerusalem. There is seemingly no escape from the juggernaut of King Sennacherib. Hezekiah was a Godly king, for the most part, he heard from the prophets, namely Isaiah, and he had gotten rid of most of the idolatrous worship in his land, certainly pleasing to the Lord. But now he faced a dire situation. He could not fight Assyria and hope to win. His army just did not have the resources. He needed help, and he was smart enough to know it.
Problem is, he forgot where to turn for that help. The King James Version basically says, 'Where have you put your confidence?" Sennacherib even chides him sarcastically for looking to Egypt for help. What is ironically funny is that earlier, Isaiah scolds Hezekiah for just the same thing, and he does so speaking directly for the Lord. The rest of this account is fascinating, as Hezekiah does finally petition the Lord earnestly and sincerely, and God takes care of the 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight, sending their king back home defeated, to be killed by his sons.
So where do we seek advice? Is Isaiah were to visit us, and get to know us, would he approve of our sources of strength and security? I can only speak for me, and I know Isaiah would have some stern reprimands if we were to chat.
What do you say we let God be as mighty as He really is? He'll never disappoint!
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
But prior to that, King Hezekiah is faced with a real dilemma. I was in Isaiah 36 this morning. Assyria has been on the march throughout Israel and Judah, and now has it's mark set on Jerusalem. There is seemingly no escape from the juggernaut of King Sennacherib. Hezekiah was a Godly king, for the most part, he heard from the prophets, namely Isaiah, and he had gotten rid of most of the idolatrous worship in his land, certainly pleasing to the Lord. But now he faced a dire situation. He could not fight Assyria and hope to win. His army just did not have the resources. He needed help, and he was smart enough to know it.
Problem is, he forgot where to turn for that help. The King James Version basically says, 'Where have you put your confidence?" Sennacherib even chides him sarcastically for looking to Egypt for help. What is ironically funny is that earlier, Isaiah scolds Hezekiah for just the same thing, and he does so speaking directly for the Lord. The rest of this account is fascinating, as Hezekiah does finally petition the Lord earnestly and sincerely, and God takes care of the 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight, sending their king back home defeated, to be killed by his sons.
So where do we seek advice? Is Isaiah were to visit us, and get to know us, would he approve of our sources of strength and security? I can only speak for me, and I know Isaiah would have some stern reprimands if we were to chat.
What do you say we let God be as mighty as He really is? He'll never disappoint!
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
Monday, June 3, 2013
I'll Pray for You
A seemingly innocuous statement, with good intention, "I'll pray for you." It sort of dawned on me last night just how awesome and powerful this can be in the lives of believers.
The writer of Hebrews 4:16 invites us to boldly approach the throne of grace, God's throne, to petition Him directly. We see this as a tremendous privilege, to be able to go to Him one-on-one with our needs, cares, and concerns. Hopefully we remember to bring our praise, thanksgiving, and worshipful respect as well. Yet I believe we may sometimes give much of this prayer privilege a bit of lip service, not fully aware of what we are saying we will do, or what we are even asking people to do when we ask them to pray for us.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," a basic theological truth from Genesis 1:1, and this creation theme is one that carries through Scripture. The prophets remind Israel of God being Creator many times, the Psalms echo the truth as well. Jesus is named that same Creator in Colossians, as well as in John's gospel. It is is an Almighty God who can create from nothing. I was reminded of this last evening, watching a beautiful sunset, beholding the beauty of God's creation, even fallen as it is now.
And there have been many instances lately where I have told people I will pray for them, and where people have reciprocated the sentiment. So without hyperbole, and without being dramatic, I have literally told someone that I will personally and spiritually approach God's throne, and ask Him to personally intervene on someone's behalf, whether that someone is me or another. Further, I have asked someone else to do the same, to boldly approach the throne of the Creator of the universe, and ask Him to help me out, to care for a need I have.
My challenge to me, and hopefully to you as well, is to be aware of what God expects of us, if we desire to be so bold as to pray to Him. A believer in His Son as Savior is the start, followed by the ongoing desire and demonstration of living for Him. When you ask me to pray, you ask a great deal, rightly so. And when I ask a believer to do the same, I expect much of him or her. It's the way God wants it. And when we are at the end of our human abilities, God reminds us that there He sits, waiting for us to come to Him, no matter the situation we face.
Let't go to the Creator often, boldly, on His terms, and ask Him to be so very active in our lives. Psalm 91:1 says "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
What a great place to be.
Pray for me, will you? I'll do the same for you. What a powerful tool we have at the ready.
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
The writer of Hebrews 4:16 invites us to boldly approach the throne of grace, God's throne, to petition Him directly. We see this as a tremendous privilege, to be able to go to Him one-on-one with our needs, cares, and concerns. Hopefully we remember to bring our praise, thanksgiving, and worshipful respect as well. Yet I believe we may sometimes give much of this prayer privilege a bit of lip service, not fully aware of what we are saying we will do, or what we are even asking people to do when we ask them to pray for us.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," a basic theological truth from Genesis 1:1, and this creation theme is one that carries through Scripture. The prophets remind Israel of God being Creator many times, the Psalms echo the truth as well. Jesus is named that same Creator in Colossians, as well as in John's gospel. It is is an Almighty God who can create from nothing. I was reminded of this last evening, watching a beautiful sunset, beholding the beauty of God's creation, even fallen as it is now.
And there have been many instances lately where I have told people I will pray for them, and where people have reciprocated the sentiment. So without hyperbole, and without being dramatic, I have literally told someone that I will personally and spiritually approach God's throne, and ask Him to personally intervene on someone's behalf, whether that someone is me or another. Further, I have asked someone else to do the same, to boldly approach the throne of the Creator of the universe, and ask Him to help me out, to care for a need I have.
My challenge to me, and hopefully to you as well, is to be aware of what God expects of us, if we desire to be so bold as to pray to Him. A believer in His Son as Savior is the start, followed by the ongoing desire and demonstration of living for Him. When you ask me to pray, you ask a great deal, rightly so. And when I ask a believer to do the same, I expect much of him or her. It's the way God wants it. And when we are at the end of our human abilities, God reminds us that there He sits, waiting for us to come to Him, no matter the situation we face.
Let't go to the Creator often, boldly, on His terms, and ask Him to be so very active in our lives. Psalm 91:1 says "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
What a great place to be.
Pray for me, will you? I'll do the same for you. What a powerful tool we have at the ready.
Holding fast to the Name of our Creator
Friday, May 31, 2013
Busy
I had one of those days this week, where all kinds of responsible things get done, and yet family time seems to get missed somewhere in that process. We had a birthday to celebrate, and it was after 9:00 p.m. when we could finally celebrate all together. Cupcakes were shared after singing, presents were opened, photos taken, you know the routine. By 10:00, I found myself sitting on the front porch with the birthday boy, just blowing bubbles. We blew them at each other, we blew them at the spiders nearby (don't tell mom about the spiders!).
It was a wonderfully humbling time to relax, forget about all the other busy-ness lurking, and just soak in God's goodness. I need more times like that. Actually, it's my fault if I DON'T have more times like that.
When Solomon wrote (Proverbs 22:6) that we should "Train up a child in the way he should go..." he was writing to his son, to someone that would be a Dad in his own time. "The way he should go" is a spiritual direction. Dads need to be steering their children in that correct direction, thus, training them. Solomon, under inspiration of God, says it has lasting, even eternal effects. But wow, do I fall short of this at times.
Busy times can't be avoided. Quiet times can. How about we pray that we find ways to incorporate the spiritual aspect into the busy times, and seek out more quiet times. This is how Scripture paints the picture of a life lived for the Lord, a committed, dedicated, "sold-out" Christian life. I hope you are there in the fight with me, the fight to yield to the Spirit daily.
Hold fast to the Name of our Creator
It was a wonderfully humbling time to relax, forget about all the other busy-ness lurking, and just soak in God's goodness. I need more times like that. Actually, it's my fault if I DON'T have more times like that.
When Solomon wrote (Proverbs 22:6) that we should "Train up a child in the way he should go..." he was writing to his son, to someone that would be a Dad in his own time. "The way he should go" is a spiritual direction. Dads need to be steering their children in that correct direction, thus, training them. Solomon, under inspiration of God, says it has lasting, even eternal effects. But wow, do I fall short of this at times.
Busy times can't be avoided. Quiet times can. How about we pray that we find ways to incorporate the spiritual aspect into the busy times, and seek out more quiet times. This is how Scripture paints the picture of a life lived for the Lord, a committed, dedicated, "sold-out" Christian life. I hope you are there in the fight with me, the fight to yield to the Spirit daily.
Hold fast to the Name of our Creator
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Praise God for His Revelation
Take time today to read through Psalm 19, specifically comparing the first verses (1-6) with those that we dealt with in class (7-11). Verse 1 is the well-known "The heavens declare the glory of God..." This deals with what we call "general revelation." God's glory is on display in His very creation all around us and everyone.
In this past Sunday School lesson we camped a bit on "special revelation." In apologetics, it is very tempting to hammer home the attempt to "prove God" using general revelation. Archaeology supports the Bible, as does science, and so on. When we look at the stars at night, we do see an awesome work of God. Yet, general revelation is not by itself sufficient to accomplish what God wants to accomplish, namely, the redemption and sanctification of sinners. Thus, special revelation, God's revealed Word, is necessary for salvation.
Romans 1:20 tells us all are without excuse, based on what God has done, since the beginning. Simply put, there is no excuse to reject God's Word and fail to repent and believe the Gospel. And if there is no excuse, that means failing to do so puts you in the place of paying the consequences. I thank God that He allowed Jesus' work on the cross to cover those consequences. No excuses, accept Him! That is what His Word teaches.
Think about completing this, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing..........." (Romans 10:17)
God has always spoken to His people directly, and we are privileged that He has done so for us. We ought praise the Lord for revealing His Word to us; there is no life without it.
In this past Sunday School lesson we camped a bit on "special revelation." In apologetics, it is very tempting to hammer home the attempt to "prove God" using general revelation. Archaeology supports the Bible, as does science, and so on. When we look at the stars at night, we do see an awesome work of God. Yet, general revelation is not by itself sufficient to accomplish what God wants to accomplish, namely, the redemption and sanctification of sinners. Thus, special revelation, God's revealed Word, is necessary for salvation.
Romans 1:20 tells us all are without excuse, based on what God has done, since the beginning. Simply put, there is no excuse to reject God's Word and fail to repent and believe the Gospel. And if there is no excuse, that means failing to do so puts you in the place of paying the consequences. I thank God that He allowed Jesus' work on the cross to cover those consequences. No excuses, accept Him! That is what His Word teaches.
Think about completing this, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing..........." (Romans 10:17)
God has always spoken to His people directly, and we are privileged that He has done so for us. We ought praise the Lord for revealing His Word to us; there is no life without it.
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Word
I've been spending much time lately, as I periodically do, reviewing the pastoral epistles. I find this to be a healthy check of my spiritual walk, seeing where I need to continue sharpening to be the man of God He desires I be. I say that very, very humbly, because there is always room to grow!
But near the end of the Titus listing of "qualifications" I stopped this morning on Titus 1:9, which reminded me of one reason why I named this blog "Holding Fast". We all cling to something, and Paul reminds us here that what we should cling to, hold fast to, is the faithful Word. And the reason given is for the man of God to be able to exhort in sound doctrine (strongly encourage) as well as refute those who contradict this same Word. Simply put, how can you teach someone (family, church, etc.) if you do not know this Word? Further, how can you tell if someone is in error, if you do not know this Word?
Pastors are given a daunting task, often teaching those who do not want to be taught. Parents, fathers especially, are commanded to teach their children, lead their families, under the leadership of Christ, THE Word! All of this hinges on God's Word. It is required that we know it.
Beyond knowing it, then, we must live it. There are no other Biblically acceptable options.
Pray with me today that our churches would embrace the truth of this Word. So many today are compromising on its very truth. Pray also for pastors who strive day after day to make this truth known and practiced. They accept the mostly underappreciated efforts, so that we might benefit, that we might grow, that we might accept correction from this very Word. And pray for a hungry soul to cross our paths, in order to be changed by this same Word.
But near the end of the Titus listing of "qualifications" I stopped this morning on Titus 1:9, which reminded me of one reason why I named this blog "Holding Fast". We all cling to something, and Paul reminds us here that what we should cling to, hold fast to, is the faithful Word. And the reason given is for the man of God to be able to exhort in sound doctrine (strongly encourage) as well as refute those who contradict this same Word. Simply put, how can you teach someone (family, church, etc.) if you do not know this Word? Further, how can you tell if someone is in error, if you do not know this Word?
Pastors are given a daunting task, often teaching those who do not want to be taught. Parents, fathers especially, are commanded to teach their children, lead their families, under the leadership of Christ, THE Word! All of this hinges on God's Word. It is required that we know it.
Beyond knowing it, then, we must live it. There are no other Biblically acceptable options.
Pray with me today that our churches would embrace the truth of this Word. So many today are compromising on its very truth. Pray also for pastors who strive day after day to make this truth known and practiced. They accept the mostly underappreciated efforts, so that we might benefit, that we might grow, that we might accept correction from this very Word. And pray for a hungry soul to cross our paths, in order to be changed by this same Word.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
By Whose Authority
Whether or not we want to admit it, we all have an authority. That ultimate end-all source of truth, decisiveness, and source of clarity for matters that tend to be blurry.
I am in the middle of preparing some teaching materials, and no matter where I turn, no matter what subject I seem to follow, I keep coming back to this fact: all matters rest upon some authority. For me, and hopefully you as well, that authority is Scripture. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God has given us all we need to know for a life of life and Godliness, namely, His Word. So I now endeavor, no matter what I study or teach, to be reminded that God's Word is Truth, and such is within my (and your) grasp.
But here is the tough part; am I willing to take whatever He says as unequivocally true? Am I willing to change something about me, because His Word says I should? I mean, I just said His Word is authoritative, right? Am I really willing to yield my life to Him, based on His direction, based on His wisdom and commands? Answering "yes" is simple. Following through is another matter.
What I am studying currently involves looking at where we, the church, have allowed compromise to His Word, and then accepting the ramifications of having done so. One example, people in Galatia to whom Paul ministered and wrote, were ready to allow false teachers WITHIN THE CHURCH to alter the truth of the Gospel. This is a church barely 25 years after the formation of the Church on Pentecost.
Are we any better? We have allowed all sorts of un-biblical teaching into our churches and homes. Pick a topic in society today. Morality is subjective. God's Word and it's inerrancy and inspiration are debated at Christian schools and seminaries. We have communities and even churches divided along some imaginary lines related to an imaginary concept of "race". Pastors eager to have exciting and "loving" churches answer important doctrinal questions, such as Creation, by saying "Sure, why not" or "Whatever science says, I'm good with".
OK, so I am frustrated. God is great, indeed, and we have His full and sure Word that He is in control, salvation is permanent, and we have a great eternity to look forward to. I don't know about you, but that will get me through the day.
So study along with me, if you will, as we delve into headlines of today, look at how we can address social and cultural ills from a Biblical perspective, and how we, the individuals making up the Church, can make a difference, forever. Need a preview? We'll start at the beginning.
I am in the middle of preparing some teaching materials, and no matter where I turn, no matter what subject I seem to follow, I keep coming back to this fact: all matters rest upon some authority. For me, and hopefully you as well, that authority is Scripture. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God has given us all we need to know for a life of life and Godliness, namely, His Word. So I now endeavor, no matter what I study or teach, to be reminded that God's Word is Truth, and such is within my (and your) grasp.
But here is the tough part; am I willing to take whatever He says as unequivocally true? Am I willing to change something about me, because His Word says I should? I mean, I just said His Word is authoritative, right? Am I really willing to yield my life to Him, based on His direction, based on His wisdom and commands? Answering "yes" is simple. Following through is another matter.
What I am studying currently involves looking at where we, the church, have allowed compromise to His Word, and then accepting the ramifications of having done so. One example, people in Galatia to whom Paul ministered and wrote, were ready to allow false teachers WITHIN THE CHURCH to alter the truth of the Gospel. This is a church barely 25 years after the formation of the Church on Pentecost.
Are we any better? We have allowed all sorts of un-biblical teaching into our churches and homes. Pick a topic in society today. Morality is subjective. God's Word and it's inerrancy and inspiration are debated at Christian schools and seminaries. We have communities and even churches divided along some imaginary lines related to an imaginary concept of "race". Pastors eager to have exciting and "loving" churches answer important doctrinal questions, such as Creation, by saying "Sure, why not" or "Whatever science says, I'm good with".
OK, so I am frustrated. God is great, indeed, and we have His full and sure Word that He is in control, salvation is permanent, and we have a great eternity to look forward to. I don't know about you, but that will get me through the day.
So study along with me, if you will, as we delve into headlines of today, look at how we can address social and cultural ills from a Biblical perspective, and how we, the individuals making up the Church, can make a difference, forever. Need a preview? We'll start at the beginning.
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