Notecard

We've been cleaning out a lot lately and in the process we've discovered many hidden treasures. Some things have been quite embarrassing and made us thankful to be past various stages of life (i.e. middle school...)

Some things, however, have been surprisingly insightful. We have some kind of wisdom stored in these noggins of ours! Anyway, this post is courtesy of Beth. She wrote this down (original to her or someone else, we don't know) an unknown number of years back, and we found it hidden away on a notecard. This is just one example of why I'm so thankful for the wisdom and insight she brings into my life on a daily basis.

"I'm sure most of you have figured out that the sexier you dress the more attention you get. But even though that attention can feel good, it's really not good for you. Everyone deserves to be loved, not lusted over. When you dress to impress, guys notice; but when you try to live a life that's honoring to Christ, a whole different set of guys notice. You just can tell because they're not going to look you up and down. Instead of thinking about you with no clothes on, they're thinking about you in your wedding dress. Instead of one night sex, they're thinking about what it would be like to grow old with you. Instead of wondering if you're a cheap date, they wonder if you're going to be a good mother. So if you're feeling left out because you don't show off your body, you don't date yet, or if you're thinking about taking it a little easier on guys by dressing a touch more conservatively; I promise you're going to get noticed."

To all the single (and married) ladies and gentlemen, know that we have been there. Know that we have struggled in the same ways. Know that we are praying for you as you fight to walk in relational purity before the Lord.

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That you might know Christ,

Love

As I was reading this morning in Proverbs, I stumbled across this verse and just couldn't get it out of my mind:

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions." [Prov. 10:12]

As I read that verse, two thoughts came to mind immediately. First, Rob Bell's controversial book "Love Wins." While I disagree with the proposal that all people will be won to God and that no one will end up in hell, as the saying goes, "Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while." Rob has recognized that love is very powerful. For many people, loving them where they are goes a long way to breaking down barriers between them and others. We could learn a lesson from that, especially those who make grand, potentially hurtful statements without thinking about the consequences of their remarks.

The second thought I had, though, was something Jesus said in Matthew 5:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Jesus' words indicate that my first thought is a correct one: we must love people, especially those we are expected to love. BUT, He is also communicating to us that we must love our enemies. So, what are the implications of this? Why is Jesus' statement relevant to my reading in Proverbs?

God is gracious in general ways to all of His creation, whether they respond to Him in love and gratitude or not. So, we love all people graciously, whether we agree with them or not, whether they reciprocate that graciousness or not. As Christians, that is our job, as strange as that might appear to others, because we are the people of God, we are aliens and strangers in this world, we are uniquely set apart for God's purposes.

That means we especially love our enemies, those who persecute us, those that we really disagree with. Like the Good Samaritan, we stop by the side of the road to pick up the injured soul and care for them far beyond what is commonly expected. I think there are many people who would do just that, in person. But online, in the easily anonymous world of social media, how many of us have written things that are equivalent to, not just ignoring an injured person, but stomping on their wounds and taking the rest of their money? I would hazard a guess that we're all guilty of that, especially with those we (sometimes very strongly) disagree with.

You see, Jesus set the bar. In spite of being perfectly innocent, He did not argue His case. In the face of radical injustice, Jesus was silent. Isaiah paints the picture this way: "He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed...He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth."

If you are a follower of Jesus, think of your own conversion. Was it Jesus' condemnation of you and your sin that won you over? Or was it His sacrificial love for you in spite of your junk? Our family, friends, and yes, even our enemies, are more likely won to Christ by our love for them than our condemnation. They are more likely to hear and believe the truth of our words when they feel the weight of our love behind them.

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions." Will you stir up strife today? Or will you love others?

After all, where would you be if Jesus hadn't loved you?

A Voice Calling Out

photo courtesy: Dimitris Papazimouris

Early this morning out of the deep recesses of sleep I heard a small voice crying out in pain and misery.

"MOMMY! DADDY!"

I got up and hurried into our daughter's room, and there she was, tears streaming down her face. She had thrown up in the bed while she slept. Some wake up call, huh?

Anyway, I went immediately into task mode. Pull off the sheets, peel off the clothes, wash the face and hair, dry (not my forte...) the face and hair. All the things that she, in her moment of pain, would not think to do for herself. She just wanted daddy to make things right. After I got her hair dried and she was redressed, I changed faces a little. Before I had been primarily in clean up mode, with a little bit of sympathy thrown in (also not my forte...). Now, however, I just held her there in my lap, rubbed her back a little bit, and spoke soothing words to her. And I prayed for her little stomach, out loud, so that she could hear and understand the importance of praying at all times for all things (an important piece of the armor of God!).

As I sat there and holding her in my arms and praying, the events of the early hours of the morning replayed in my head. And I realized that just as I had heard her crying out in the dark, so also God hears us calling to Him. In the midst of our pain and misery, God hears our cry to Him.

"FATHER! HELP!"

And He answers. It may not always be in the way that we expect Him to, but He answers our prayers. He ministers to us in our pain in ways that we cannot even fully understand in this life. It is a good thing that, just like my daughter called for me, the first place we run in times of trouble or hurt is to the arms of our heavenly Father, who cleans up our messes and comforts our hearts better than any parent could.

So, lesson learned? Maybe. But I have two questions that I still need to ponder, and that I want to leave you with.

First, is God the first person to hear of your pain? Run to Him. Cry out to Him. He is there and He will answer. He sent His Son to take on human flesh, to live among us as one of us, so that He could sympathize with us in our weakness. You could have no greater God and Father than Him.

Second, is God the the first person to hear of your joy? Just like a child calls out for help, she also runs to tell her parents about every little happy thing that happens in her life. So also we should run to God with everything that thrills us. He wants to celebrate and rejoice with us in our happiness as well. Run tell Him how blessed you are, and then praise Him for the blessing.

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That you might know Christ,

Were

The events of the past week or so have been heavy on my heart lately.

Kermit Gosnell. West, Texas. Boston Marathon.

Events, places, and people that we may never have given a second thought but yet are now etched into our minds. We feel hurt and pain for those involved, wishing them speedy recoveries. We begin to label the perpetrators as “loser,” “killer,” “bomber,” or “evil.” Perhaps we even speak hateful things about them.

Yet, in spite of all this, a phrase continues to plague my mind.

“Such were some of you.”

Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his first letter because of some awful things that were going on in the church. Sexual immorality, fighting with one another, suing members of the church. One guy was even sleeping with his father’s wife. It’s bad. In the midst of this, Paul speaks to the issue of suing one another, and he specifically points out that no one is righteous. No one will inherit the kingdom of God because of their own good works. Asking a series of questions, Paul rather pointedly makes his case: everyone in the church is guilty. Everyone deserves death.

Yet he continues with some of the most incredible words:

“Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11

Maybe there was an act of negligence that led to the explosion and resulting deaths in that Texas fertilizer factory.

Maybe the Chechen brothers really were the culprits in such a senseless bombing.

Maybe we haven’t even plumbed the depths of all the horrors Kermit Gosnell inflicted upon women and children in that Pennsylvania clinic.

“Such were some of you.”

The Holy Spirit is reminding and convicting me through Paul’s words that my sins may not be as public, but they are certainly just as damnable. My crimes may never be known, but I am still worthy of condemnation.

So, before you speak, think. Please. Think on your sins. Think on your state before a holy God. Think on the blood of Christ shed for you. Think on the lives of the men and women involved in such terrible events and how desperately in need of Jesus they are.

“Such were some of you.”

And pray. Pray for them to repent. Pray for them to believe. Speak in love and truth, in word and deed, so that all might hear that were it not for grace, you could very well be the Boston bomber. Were it not for God’s merciful hand upon your life, you could be Kermit Gosnell.

We are every bit as worthy of condemnation as these men are. We just haven’t stood trial yet.

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That you might know Christ,

Second Thoughts

"Hey, Daddy. Look what I drew for you."

This is normally a statement that prompts me to walk over to the table where Isabella has been quietly coloring and admire the picture that she has drawn. I "Ooh" and "Aah" over whatever it is that she has created. It could be letters, shapes, or some random combination of objects that makes no apparent sense. Yet, for me it doesn't matter if I can understand what she has drawn (even after her explanation of it) because she drew it, by herself, just for me. I find great joy in knowing that Isabella thinks to draw things for me and that she values my opinion of them. It is an incredible blessing.

One day recently, however, I heard the usual declaration, but from an unusual location: the couch. I got there so fast that in retrospect I think I  actually teleported. Drawing and couches do not mix. What I discovered, though, was the drawing in the picture above.

I had been reading my Bible and journaling before she got up for the day. I left it out to get her breakfast, get ready for the day, etc. And somewhere in the time I was away, Isabella had taken it upon herself to draw her little letters and pictures, even her name, in my Bible. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't say that I was a little frustrated at first. I mean, it's my Bible! Only I write in it, and very carefully at that. It's special.

But then the humbling realization dawned on me: she's watching. I think so much about my own perspective and my own view on life, but I rarely think twice about what Isabella sees when she wakes each day. I wake up and start my day: quiet time in the Word, journaling, coffee. Normal parts of my life, that I don't give a second thought. Yet, Isabella wakes up and she sees my priorities, good or bad, whatever they are. She goes through her day and she sees me spend time on the things that are important. How many times has she woken up to find me sitting on the couch, drinking my coffee, reading my Bible, making notations in it to myself, writing in my journal. Is it any wonder that she wants to mimic that by drawing her own notes in my Bible?

Harder questions naturally follow this line of thinking. How many times has she seen me love Beth selflessly? Serve the body of Christ? Share my faith with another person?

Whatever I do, whatever I say, she's watching me. With my words I tell Isabella what I want her to know and how I want her to behave. But with my actions, I demonstrate which of those things is actually important enough for me to do as well.

If only we could realize the impact we have when we choose selfish wants over others' needs, prideful argument over humble apology. What we are attempting to teach our kids with each passing day is so incredibly important. Our words matter. But they only really stick, if they see us living it out, daily demonstrating the love we have for God by our obedience to His Word. How you live and how you love is more indicative of your priorities than what you say (or write). You can lie with your lips very easily, but you will find it nearly impossible to lie with your life.

Our kids are watching us. Our family and friends are watching us. It's time we give second (and third and fourth) thoughts to how we live our lives. Intentionally choose to live your life in a way that you would want your kids to emulate. Or your lack of choice will choose for them.

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That you might know Christ,

Burning

In a sermon published after his death, Thomas Hooker wrote:

"When a man will say he hath faith, and in the meantime can be content to be idle and unfruitful in the work of the Lord, can be content to be a dead Christian, let him know that his case is marvelously fearful: For if faith were in him indeed, it would appear, ye cannot keep your good hearts to yourselves, wherever fire is, it will burn, and wherever faith is, it cannot be kept secret."

What a challenge to live a life that truly reflects the faith that we proclaim! May our lives be a bright, hot flame, whose sole purpose is to burn! Burn us up for Your glory, God! Burn us up so that all people may know the hope and saving power of faith in Christ!

Mourning

Sometimes I take a break from my "scheduled" reading of the Bible and just read the Psalm that goes with that particular day of the year. It's good for me because it makes me think differently and freshly about the Word. Today was one of those days. So, I read Psalm 88. The following is what I wrote in my journal after reading and meditating this morning.

The assigned title of this Psalm is "A Petition to be Saved from Death." I think this is appropriate, especially considering today is Good Friday.

I imagine Jesus' prayers in the garden last night, and perhaps phrases of this Psalm coming to mind, recalling that men of faith before Him also faced imminent death. Of course, His cup to drink is much deeper, much more bitter. It is the most immense, the most heavy burden possible to be born. And Jesus is the only man capable of bearing it. 

Jesus dies today. He bows His head. Breathes His last. Gives His life for the sake of man, for the sake of those who would believe, for you, for me.

The wrath of God the Psalmist fears is a wrath so all-encompassing that he ought to fear, yet so completely poured out on Jesus that it removes all fear. 

I am so very thankful that Jesus bore the wrath of God for my sake. How can I do anything but offer my own life in return?

We mourn today, as the disciples did.

But we mourn joyfully for, though today is Friday, Sunday is coming.

Praise Him whose life, death, and resurrection ensure that our death is turned to life when we rise with Him at His return!

I love God's Word. It is living and active. Sharper than a two-edged sword. It speaks to our lives and circumstances. Most importantly, it points us to the one true God and the only way of salvation: Jesus Christ.

As I am thinking and writing, this song keeps coming to mind. I hope it helps you to reflect upon all that Jesus did on your behalf and to worship, even as you mourn.

Remember Jesus today. Consider His sacrifice for you. Feel the weight of your sins on His shoulders.

"Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

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That you might know Christ,

All

Most mornings I spend time in the Word and prayer before everyone else is awake. But, every now and then, I spend that time eating breakfast with Isabella and reading at the table. When this happens, Isabella almost always asks me to read aloud. This morning I was in Genesis 36 and the thought crossed my mind (and honestly lingered there for a while) that I should just skip Genesis 36 and move on to 37. If we're truly honest, wouldn't you rather read about the dreams of Joseph than the genealogy of Esau? Plus, it has to be much more interesting to a four year old...

But then a realization dawned on me. And conviction settled in.

Do I really believe "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness?" Then why on earth would I skip a genealogy just because it's less "boring" than another passage? What am I teaching Isabella about God's Word? I would have been teaching her silently and implicitly, but just as powerfully, that certain parts of God's Word are more inspired than others. Granted, the genealogies are harder to glean wisdom from and worship God through, but if they weren't important then God would not have included them. If they weren't meant for His people to grow in their relationship with Him, they wouldn't have made it into the Bible in the first place.

So, I read Genesis 36. Out loud. Stumbling through the names and wondering what in the world God would have to say to us through these seemingly endless lists. As I thought about it, though, this passage isn't without purpose. The entire chapter concludes the story of a man who was so consumed with his own physical satisfaction that He rejected the plan and promise of God, to the point that his descendants become a major hindrance to and enemies of Israel.

Ultimately, these verses tell the story of what happens when we choose our own desires over God's desire for us. Today we live in a world of instant gratification. Yet God often tells us to wait because His purpose is much greater and His timing is more perfect. Gratification might be delayed when we wait on God, but it will always be better than anything we could have done for ourselves.

God gave us His Word for a purpose - to lead us into deeper relationship with Him and direct our hearts into worship of Him. Read it all. Cherish it all.

Even the genealogies.

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That you might know Christ,

Blessings

God be gracious to us and bless us,

And cause His face to shine upon us.    Selah.

That Your way may be known on the earth,

Your salvation among all nations.

Let the people praise You, O God;

Let all the peoples praise You.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;

For you will judge the peoples with uprightness

And guide the nations on the earth.    Selah.

Let the peoples praise You, O God;

Let all the peoples praise You.

The earth has yielded its produce;

God, our God, blesses us.

God blesses us,

That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

{Psalm 67}

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Why does God give good things to His people? Why does He give good things to anyone at all?

After all, we are at His mercy and we are entirely sinful - God does not owe us anything. Come to think of it, He does owe us something: wrath, judgement, and eternal punishment. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God," for God is holy and can do nothing but condemn sinners.

And yet, God does not judge or condemn us. Why? Because Christ stood in our place. He lived the life we could not live. He died the death we ought to have died. So, if we are united with Christ, then we have every reason to praise God endlessly for the good gifts that He blesses us with, not the least of which is our salvation.

But there's more.

Psalm 67:7 indicates that God's blessing has a purpose. In fact the whole chapter points to the purposeful blessing of God, poured out so lavishly upon us.

"God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him."

In my own words, it would say something like this: "God blesses me so that the testimony of my life, in word and deed, would cause the rest of the world to know, love, follow, serve and fear Him." In other words, God's blessing is not only for you. It's for the world. It's for the fulfillment of the Great Commission through His people. God's blessing should drive us to the mission field - whether international or our own backyard - in bold testimony of all that He has done.

Yes, it is good to praise God for the great things He has done and is doing in your life. Yes, it is good to revel in the blessing that He has richly bestowed upon you. But if your walk with God does not lead to action, then you have missed the point. God wants the world to know Him. And we are His "Plan A" for accomplishing that.

Just don't forget that there is no Plan B.

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That you might know Christ,

Questioning

Photo Courtesy: Duncan Hull

Lately, Isabella has been doing this...thing.

"Momma, do you want me to put that on the counter?" 

I answer for Beth, "No, thank you."

So, she asks again, "Momma, do you want me to put that on the counter?"

Beth answers for herself, "No, baby. Thank you anyway."

I had not given it much thought until now, but tonight that same sort of exchange happened and I saw it in a new light. I think it's the Holy Spirit's way of getting my attention in a somewhat unconventional way.

See, I've thought since she started doing it that it was just Isabella being rude. She completely ignores my answer and asks again. I honestly don't know if she asks again because she really wants to hear the answer straight from Beth or if she thinks she'll get a different answer. Maybe it's something else that only her four year old mind can explain. Either way, I had new insight tonight when it happened.

We do the same thing with God.

We have a burning question about our life or God's will or whatever. We try to find the answer. And, whether it's yes, no or maybe, God answers. Sometimes it is directly through His Word or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it is indirectly through the wisdom of fellow believers. But, regardless of the answer, there are times when we respond as though God didn't answer at all.

So we ask again.

In Acts, questioning is shown as a great quality. The example of the Bereans is one in which Paul and Silas came to town proclaiming a word from God, but they went straight to the Scriptures to judge whether it was true. This is a good form of questioning. This is the kind of questioning that I wish more Christians, myself included, made it their habit to do.

Even today, we remember Martin Luther raising some very good questions about what the Church believed and why. And our remembering calls to mind the countless other individuals who stood up to ask good questions - questions that sought to bring people back to God's Word.

But, there is of course another form of questioning. It is the questioning that Thomas is now infamous for - doubtful questioning. It is the "I need to see it to believe it" kind of questioning. It is a faithless kind of questioning. It is a form of questioning that I fear I am all too often guilty of.

Lesson learned. Sometimes I don't like the answer God provided, so I ask again. Or I think I can find a better one somewhere, so I ask again. Or I wonder if God is even able to answer at all, so I ask again. But that's not the kind of questioning that is rooted in faith, trust, and waiting on the Lord in His infinite wisdom. All I'm really doing is pretending to be a Berean.

So, that thing you've been grappling with God about, perhaps even asking Him over and over again hoping that the answer will be different? Maybe the answer is staring you in the face. Maybe He has already answered and you simply need to trust that His answer is true, His plan is sure, and His purposes for your life are much greater than you can imagine.

Are you really a Berean? Or are you a Thomas just masquerading as one?

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That you might know Christ,