Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. -Judges 9:52-53 (NIV)
Abimelek wanted to succeed his father so he went to Shechem to drum up a following. His goals were self-serving and not of God. And his selfish goal led him to kill all but one of his half-brothers. He also wiped out entire cities that would not honor his leadership. Ironically, the death of this man who killed all but one of his half-brothers on a stone was hastened by a woman dropping a stone on his head.
The quest for power can make a person do terrible things. Abimelek's thirst for power was not for the godly reasons of his father, Gideon. It was self-serving. As the child of a concubine, Abimelek had probably felt slighted and less appreciated than his brothers. This was his chance to get back at them and to establish some respect. But because Abimelek's actions were self-serving and not pleasing to God, God stirred up animosity against Abimelek, animosity that ultimately resulted in his death.
From Abimelek's story I want to examine my own heart. As a leader of a church and family, are my motives pure and godly? What do the actions that I take toward the realization of personal and professional goals have to say about me?
Today, I invite you to consider your own heart and motives. Why do you do what you do? May God grant you the grace to live and lead in a way that would be pleasing to God.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Judges 11-12, Psalm 50, and 2 Corinthians 1. Sunday's readings are Judged 13-16 and 2 Corinthians 2. I'll be back with another devotional on Monday from one of these selected readings: Judges 17-18; Psalm 89 and 2 Corinthians 3.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Big and Small
Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. -Judges 8:4 (NIV)
I missed it in yesterday's assigned readings. It was there and I just read right over it. Gideon was going to battle against the Midianites. He had received his sign; he was ready to go. But God said that Gideon's army was too big. God was afraid that after defeating the Midianites, Israel would take (or get) the credit for the victory. So God downsized Gideon's army to roughly 300 people. But some doubted that such a small army could win. Gideon had faith.
Even though I read right over it yesterday, in today's reading I was drawn to the smallness of Gideon's army and the reason: so that God would get the glory. And then I remembered a conversation that I had with our associate pastor about five years ago. She informed me that a group of women wanted to begin coming together for prayer each week at our church. I didn't think too much of it at the time but this conversation came on the heels of another conversation that I'd had about our church being on the verge of doing some great things.
Fast forward five years. Recently, someone told me that they had spent much of their life in our church and that they had never seen the Holy Spirit at work like they see it now. Maybe they were just saying that to make me feel good as a pastor. But if it's true (and I have no reason to doubt this person's sincerity), I know one of the main reasons why. About five years ago, a small group of women began gathering at the church to pray. You may be tempted to think that such a small group couldn't possibly transform the spiritual life of a church. But Gideon, God, and I know better. Perhaps the small number of women praying at our church was by God's design. Perhaps God wanted to use this small group to do big things so that credit couldn't be attributed to anyone or anything else but God.
May God grant you the grace to see how God can use something small to achieve something big today.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Judges 9-10, Psalm 49, and 1 Corinthians 16.
I missed it in yesterday's assigned readings. It was there and I just read right over it. Gideon was going to battle against the Midianites. He had received his sign; he was ready to go. But God said that Gideon's army was too big. God was afraid that after defeating the Midianites, Israel would take (or get) the credit for the victory. So God downsized Gideon's army to roughly 300 people. But some doubted that such a small army could win. Gideon had faith.
Even though I read right over it yesterday, in today's reading I was drawn to the smallness of Gideon's army and the reason: so that God would get the glory. And then I remembered a conversation that I had with our associate pastor about five years ago. She informed me that a group of women wanted to begin coming together for prayer each week at our church. I didn't think too much of it at the time but this conversation came on the heels of another conversation that I'd had about our church being on the verge of doing some great things.
Fast forward five years. Recently, someone told me that they had spent much of their life in our church and that they had never seen the Holy Spirit at work like they see it now. Maybe they were just saying that to make me feel good as a pastor. But if it's true (and I have no reason to doubt this person's sincerity), I know one of the main reasons why. About five years ago, a small group of women began gathering at the church to pray. You may be tempted to think that such a small group couldn't possibly transform the spiritual life of a church. But Gideon, God, and I know better. Perhaps the small number of women praying at our church was by God's design. Perhaps God wanted to use this small group to do big things so that credit couldn't be attributed to anyone or anything else but God.
May God grant you the grace to see how God can use something small to achieve something big today.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Judges 9-10, Psalm 49, and 1 Corinthians 16.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Signs
Gideon said to God, "If this is right, if you are using me to save Israel as you've said, then look: I'm placing a piece of wool on the threshing floor. If dew is on the fleece only, but the floor is dry, then I will know that you will use me to save Israel, as you said." -Judges 6:36-37 (NIV)
In today's assigned reading, Gideon is promised that God is with him and that God will save Israel from Midian. Gideon has trouble believing this promise because of the way that Midian has overpowered Israel for seven straight years. So Gideon asks for a sign to confirm that what he has heard God say is true. He places a fleece on the ground and asks that the following morning, the fleece be wet with dew while the rest of the ground dry. God honors his request. Then Gideon asks for another sign: this time he asks that the ground be wet with dew but the fleece dry. Again, God honors the request.
Hardly a day and surely not a week goes by that someone doesn't approach me seeking evidence of God's provision and presence. They feel lost. They feel as if they're running on fumes. They feel distant from God. They want spiritual renewal but they suffer from spiritual exhaustion. They are fighting demons and enemies that are large and loud. They want a sign. But they're afraid to ask for it.
They're afraid because they remember Jesus quoting scripture to the devil, "Do not put the Lord God to the test." They are afraid because of what it would do to their faith if they asked God for a sign and didn't get one.
I don't make it a habit to ask God for signs. Usually, I'm able to discern God's presence and provision in most any circumstance. But I take great comfort in knowing that whenever I do feel lost, on fumes, or distant from God, when like Gideon I find myself in a difficult situation, like Gideon I can ask God for a sign. If it wasn't appropriate to ask for a sign every now and then, would God have honored Gideon's request?
Some of you reading this devotional today may be at a place where you desperately need a sign. If so, I pray that God gives you the sign you seek. But maybe what you need is not a sign of God's provision and presence but just to be able to see the signs that are already there. May God give you the grace to see today.
Tomorrow's readings: Judges 8, Psalm 42, 1 Corinthians 15
In today's assigned reading, Gideon is promised that God is with him and that God will save Israel from Midian. Gideon has trouble believing this promise because of the way that Midian has overpowered Israel for seven straight years. So Gideon asks for a sign to confirm that what he has heard God say is true. He places a fleece on the ground and asks that the following morning, the fleece be wet with dew while the rest of the ground dry. God honors his request. Then Gideon asks for another sign: this time he asks that the ground be wet with dew but the fleece dry. Again, God honors the request.
Hardly a day and surely not a week goes by that someone doesn't approach me seeking evidence of God's provision and presence. They feel lost. They feel as if they're running on fumes. They feel distant from God. They want spiritual renewal but they suffer from spiritual exhaustion. They are fighting demons and enemies that are large and loud. They want a sign. But they're afraid to ask for it.
They're afraid because they remember Jesus quoting scripture to the devil, "Do not put the Lord God to the test." They are afraid because of what it would do to their faith if they asked God for a sign and didn't get one.
I don't make it a habit to ask God for signs. Usually, I'm able to discern God's presence and provision in most any circumstance. But I take great comfort in knowing that whenever I do feel lost, on fumes, or distant from God, when like Gideon I find myself in a difficult situation, like Gideon I can ask God for a sign. If it wasn't appropriate to ask for a sign every now and then, would God have honored Gideon's request?
Some of you reading this devotional today may be at a place where you desperately need a sign. If so, I pray that God gives you the sign you seek. But maybe what you need is not a sign of God's provision and presence but just to be able to see the signs that are already there. May God give you the grace to see today.
Tomorrow's readings: Judges 8, Psalm 42, 1 Corinthians 15
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Any Person
Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel. -Judges 4:4 (NIV)
I woke up this morning to the news that former President Jimmy Carter is disassociating himself with the Southern Baptist Convention because of the church's stance on the equality of women. You can read about it here. Then I opened up the Bible for today's assigned texts and read about Deborah.
In what becomes a familiar pattern throughout the book of Judges, the Israelites turn away from the Lord and engage in evil. God hands them over to the hands of oppressing nations and kings. The Israelites cry out to the Lord for help and God sends a judge and/or prophet to rescue them. The judge and/or prophet dies and the Israelites begin the cycle again, turning away from God and toward evil.
Deborah is the only woman mentioned in Judges who serves as judge over the Israelites. Apparently neither God nor Israel has any problem with Deborah being in such a leadership position, even as a military leader of the Israelites. Deborah sends for Barak and informs him that God has commanded that he go up against Sisera, leader of the army oppressing the Israelites, and defeat them. Barak resists, saying that the only way he'll lead a command against the opposition is if Deborah goes with him. She agrees to go, but tells Barak that because he refuses to go without her, he will not receive the credit for the victory. Instead, a woman will receive the credit. One might be tempted to conclude that Deborah is talking about herself but she is actually talking about Jael. I invite you to read the rest of the story for yourself although I caution you that it's one of the more violent and graphic stories in all of scripture.
I am not surprised that God could and would use a woman like Deborah in such an important leadership position. In my own life, the best teachers and examples that I've had about what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ have been women. It has always pained me when individuals and groups suggest that women are incapable of being leaders, especially when I see evidence that they have been especially gifted and called by God.
I realize that not everyone reading this devotional may agree about the role of women in leadership. But my prayer is that today God would grant you the grace to see beyond gender to the unique and wonderful way that God equips people for leadership. God can use any person for any reason because God is God.
I woke up this morning to the news that former President Jimmy Carter is disassociating himself with the Southern Baptist Convention because of the church's stance on the equality of women. You can read about it here. Then I opened up the Bible for today's assigned texts and read about Deborah.
In what becomes a familiar pattern throughout the book of Judges, the Israelites turn away from the Lord and engage in evil. God hands them over to the hands of oppressing nations and kings. The Israelites cry out to the Lord for help and God sends a judge and/or prophet to rescue them. The judge and/or prophet dies and the Israelites begin the cycle again, turning away from God and toward evil.
Deborah is the only woman mentioned in Judges who serves as judge over the Israelites. Apparently neither God nor Israel has any problem with Deborah being in such a leadership position, even as a military leader of the Israelites. Deborah sends for Barak and informs him that God has commanded that he go up against Sisera, leader of the army oppressing the Israelites, and defeat them. Barak resists, saying that the only way he'll lead a command against the opposition is if Deborah goes with him. She agrees to go, but tells Barak that because he refuses to go without her, he will not receive the credit for the victory. Instead, a woman will receive the credit. One might be tempted to conclude that Deborah is talking about herself but she is actually talking about Jael. I invite you to read the rest of the story for yourself although I caution you that it's one of the more violent and graphic stories in all of scripture.
I am not surprised that God could and would use a woman like Deborah in such an important leadership position. In my own life, the best teachers and examples that I've had about what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ have been women. It has always pained me when individuals and groups suggest that women are incapable of being leaders, especially when I see evidence that they have been especially gifted and called by God.
I realize that not everyone reading this devotional may agree about the role of women in leadership. But my prayer is that today God would grant you the grace to see beyond gender to the unique and wonderful way that God equips people for leadership. God can use any person for any reason because God is God.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Your Part in the Body
You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. -1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
A couple of weeks ago, nine people associated with our church went on The Walk to Emmaus. What is the Walk to Emmaus? It's a spiritual renewal weekend designed to develop Christian disciples and leaders. Participants on the walk, called pilgrims, are invited to experience God's love and grace in a special way, consider what it means to be more faithful followers of Jesus, and explore what it means to be the church. The weekend is wrapped in prayer, worship, and Holy Communion. Even though I had already been a pastor for years when I went on the walk and felt good about where I was spiritually, I left feeling even closer to God and intent upon serving God more faithfully.
One of the things that I appreciate most about The Walk to Emmaus (it's named after the scripture passage in Luke 24, not because you spend the whole weekend literally "walking") is that it is a wonderful example of what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12. The men and women who make the Walks to Emmaus possible represent all kinds of different denominations and spiritual gifts. Each person shares his or her gift and does his or her part to express our oneness as the body of Christ. Each person and each gift is important and indispensable. In the Emmaus community, we value the person working behind the scenes cleaning bathrooms as much as we value the one speaking to the pilgrims about God's love. The ones who provide food to nourish our physical bodies are as important as the ones providing spiritual food to nourish our souls. In Emmaus, people are encouraged to share what they do well for the wellness of others.
Obviously these things happen in the local church as well. But because Emmaus walks occur within a short period of time with small groups and with everyone working together, it's easy to see each part of the body working as one. It's a beautiful sight.
You are uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit. Your contribution to the body of Christ is important and indispensable. Are you doing your part to keep the body of Christ functioning well?
May God grant you the grace to discern your role in the body of Christ and give you an eagerness to do your part. God calls you to be part of the body.
Tomorrow's readings are Judges 4-5, Psalm 39 and 41, and 1 Corinthians 13.
A couple of weeks ago, nine people associated with our church went on The Walk to Emmaus. What is the Walk to Emmaus? It's a spiritual renewal weekend designed to develop Christian disciples and leaders. Participants on the walk, called pilgrims, are invited to experience God's love and grace in a special way, consider what it means to be more faithful followers of Jesus, and explore what it means to be the church. The weekend is wrapped in prayer, worship, and Holy Communion. Even though I had already been a pastor for years when I went on the walk and felt good about where I was spiritually, I left feeling even closer to God and intent upon serving God more faithfully.
One of the things that I appreciate most about The Walk to Emmaus (it's named after the scripture passage in Luke 24, not because you spend the whole weekend literally "walking") is that it is a wonderful example of what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12. The men and women who make the Walks to Emmaus possible represent all kinds of different denominations and spiritual gifts. Each person shares his or her gift and does his or her part to express our oneness as the body of Christ. Each person and each gift is important and indispensable. In the Emmaus community, we value the person working behind the scenes cleaning bathrooms as much as we value the one speaking to the pilgrims about God's love. The ones who provide food to nourish our physical bodies are as important as the ones providing spiritual food to nourish our souls. In Emmaus, people are encouraged to share what they do well for the wellness of others.
Obviously these things happen in the local church as well. But because Emmaus walks occur within a short period of time with small groups and with everyone working together, it's easy to see each part of the body working as one. It's a beautiful sight.
You are uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit. Your contribution to the body of Christ is important and indispensable. Are you doing your part to keep the body of Christ functioning well?
May God grant you the grace to discern your role in the body of Christ and give you an eagerness to do your part. God calls you to be part of the body.
Tomorrow's readings are Judges 4-5, Psalm 39 and 41, and 1 Corinthians 13.
Friday, March 23, 2012
In It to Win It
Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. -1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
When I was playing Little League baseball as a child, they always handed out a Good Sportsmanship Trophy to a team at the end of each season. As best I can recall, the trophy had little to do with being a good sport. It would have been more accurately labeled the Worst Team in the League Trophy because it was given to the last place team each year. It was almost as if you couldn't be a good sport unless you were not a good team. The winner of the Sportsmanship Trophy really didn't do anything to earn the trophy except be lousy at baseball. But at least all of the other trophies handed out were based on excellence.
A few years ago, I attended an end-of-the-year awards baseball banquet. I expected the banquet to recognize the best teams and players in the league. Instead, every player in the league received the same trophy. It didn't matter if you led the league in home runs or in strikeouts, you received the same award. It didn't matter if you started every game or if you only got to play when a game got out of hand, you got the same thing.
That bothers me. There's no incentive to give your best if the worst is equally rewarded. I understand wanting to make every child feel like a winner but isn't life full of failure and losses too? Shouldn't we be preparing our kids for that?
In our scripture lesson today, Paul emphasizes that, in a race, everybody runs but only one wins. He's not just talking about a sporting event; he could easily be talking about life. So Paul admonishes his audience to run in such a way as to get the prize. This requires discipline and focus. This requires hard work and giving your very best.
But there is a paradox here. In faith, salvation isn't earned. You can give your very best and it still wouldn't be good enough. And yet that shouldn't stop you from offering your very best. It shouldn't stop you from being focused on the ultimate prize that you seek. Such focus and purpose shows your commitment to Christ. It shows that the race is important to you; it shows that you're in it to win it.
May God grant you the grace to run the race of life and faith to win.
Tomorrow's readings are Joshua 21-22, Psalm 47, and 1 Corinthians 10. Sunday's readings are Joshua 23, Psalm 44, and 1 Corinthians 11.
When I was playing Little League baseball as a child, they always handed out a Good Sportsmanship Trophy to a team at the end of each season. As best I can recall, the trophy had little to do with being a good sport. It would have been more accurately labeled the Worst Team in the League Trophy because it was given to the last place team each year. It was almost as if you couldn't be a good sport unless you were not a good team. The winner of the Sportsmanship Trophy really didn't do anything to earn the trophy except be lousy at baseball. But at least all of the other trophies handed out were based on excellence.
A few years ago, I attended an end-of-the-year awards baseball banquet. I expected the banquet to recognize the best teams and players in the league. Instead, every player in the league received the same trophy. It didn't matter if you led the league in home runs or in strikeouts, you received the same award. It didn't matter if you started every game or if you only got to play when a game got out of hand, you got the same thing.
That bothers me. There's no incentive to give your best if the worst is equally rewarded. I understand wanting to make every child feel like a winner but isn't life full of failure and losses too? Shouldn't we be preparing our kids for that?
In our scripture lesson today, Paul emphasizes that, in a race, everybody runs but only one wins. He's not just talking about a sporting event; he could easily be talking about life. So Paul admonishes his audience to run in such a way as to get the prize. This requires discipline and focus. This requires hard work and giving your very best.
But there is a paradox here. In faith, salvation isn't earned. You can give your very best and it still wouldn't be good enough. And yet that shouldn't stop you from offering your very best. It shouldn't stop you from being focused on the ultimate prize that you seek. Such focus and purpose shows your commitment to Christ. It shows that the race is important to you; it shows that you're in it to win it.
May God grant you the grace to run the race of life and faith to win.
Tomorrow's readings are Joshua 21-22, Psalm 47, and 1 Corinthians 10. Sunday's readings are Joshua 23, Psalm 44, and 1 Corinthians 11.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. -1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
Recently, Rush Limbaugh has been in the news for comments he made about Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown Law School student who was to testify before a House Oversight Committee on whether the federal government should require all employers to provide free contraception for employees. Unless you've had your head buried in the sand, you've by now heard his comments and I won't repeat them here.
Rush Limbaugh has a right to say whatever he wants (freedom of speech is important to me) but just because he has a right to say something doesn't mean that he should.
I think that's the point that Paul is trying to make in the assigned scripture passage today. Paul is writing to a group of people who have converted to Christianity. These new converts are concerned about what to do with leftover meat that has been sacrificed to idols. In Paul's day, an animal would be sacrificed but only a portion of the meat would be used. The remaining meat would then be sold at market. Was eating leftover meat from an idol sacrifice acceptable for a Christian? Would eating this meat be viewed by others as an endorsement of idol worship and sacrifice?
Paul states that these Christians know that they can eat meat sacrificed to idols but that doesn't mean that they should do it. It may seem harmless to them, but for others it might prove to be a stumbling block, destructive to life and faith. It's like free speech: you've got a right to say anything you want to say, but if it's harmful or destructive to others, it probably shouldn't be said.
May God grant you the grace to make decisions not based on what you know you can do, but out of love and respect for how your decisions affect others.
Tomorrow's readings:
Joshua 18-20
1 Corinthians 9
Recently, Rush Limbaugh has been in the news for comments he made about Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown Law School student who was to testify before a House Oversight Committee on whether the federal government should require all employers to provide free contraception for employees. Unless you've had your head buried in the sand, you've by now heard his comments and I won't repeat them here.
Rush Limbaugh has a right to say whatever he wants (freedom of speech is important to me) but just because he has a right to say something doesn't mean that he should.
I think that's the point that Paul is trying to make in the assigned scripture passage today. Paul is writing to a group of people who have converted to Christianity. These new converts are concerned about what to do with leftover meat that has been sacrificed to idols. In Paul's day, an animal would be sacrificed but only a portion of the meat would be used. The remaining meat would then be sold at market. Was eating leftover meat from an idol sacrifice acceptable for a Christian? Would eating this meat be viewed by others as an endorsement of idol worship and sacrifice?
Paul states that these Christians know that they can eat meat sacrificed to idols but that doesn't mean that they should do it. It may seem harmless to them, but for others it might prove to be a stumbling block, destructive to life and faith. It's like free speech: you've got a right to say anything you want to say, but if it's harmful or destructive to others, it probably shouldn't be said.
May God grant you the grace to make decisions not based on what you know you can do, but out of love and respect for how your decisions affect others.
Tomorrow's readings:
Joshua 18-20
1 Corinthians 9
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Inquire of the Lord
The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. -Joshua 9:12-13 (NIV)
Last night, I talked with one of my best friends. Whenever we talk, at some point in the conversation we usually talk about some of the dumb decisions that we made while growing up. Last night, we talked about my decision in high school to become a pharmacist.
I worked as a drug store delivery boy in high school. It was a great job and the owner was a great man. Pharmacists in my estimation were well-respected in the community and made a decent living. So I decided that I wanted to be a pharmacist.
There were only two problems with my decision. I never prayed about it and I was horrible in chemistry. If you never hear anything else that I say or write, hear this: don't plan on a career in pharmacy if you stink at chemistry and remember that the best decisions are made prayerfully and thoughtfully.
The good news is that God used my poor decision about a college major to lead me to more prayerfully seek His will for my life. That ultimately led me to ministry.
In today's assigned scripture reading, Joshua and the Israelites are conquering the Promised Land. God had already told the Israelites not to make treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan (Exodus 23:32; 34:12, Numbers 33:55 and Deuteronomy 7:2, 20:17).
The Gibeonites were inhabitants of Canaan and were aware that the Israelites had destroyed cities like Jericho and Ai. Worried about their own destruction, the Gibeonites devise a plan. They act as if they are not inhabitants of the Promised Land but have instead come from a distant country because of what they've heard about Israel's God. Joshua appears a little skeptical of their story at first, but the Gibeonites do look as if they've traveled a great distance. Their sandals are worn, their donkeys are tired, and their bread is stale.
Believing that the Gibeonites were not inhabitants of the Promised Land, Joshua sees nothing wrong with offering them a peace treaty. The only problem with his decision is that he did not inquire of the Lord prior to making his decision.
When the truth about the Gibeonites became known, the Israelites were mad at Joshua for making an alliance with the Gibeonites. Joshua, however, kept his promise to the Gibeonites because God had commanded that oaths must be kept (Leviticus 5:4, 27:1). Still, it was an awkward alliance, to be sure.
Some decisions seem easy enough to make without guidance from God. Do you really need to pray about whether to wear the blue Ole Miss shirt or the red Ole Miss shirt to the game? But other decisions, like what to study in college or whether or not to enter into a covenant relationship with someone, are most wisely decided after first going to God in prayer. In the final analysis, God would probably rather you pray over seemingly insignificant things like your shirt color than to fail to pray about important decisions in your life.
May God grant you the grace to make inquiring of the Lord an important part of your daily walk.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Joshua 12-14 and 1 Corinthians 7.
Last night, I talked with one of my best friends. Whenever we talk, at some point in the conversation we usually talk about some of the dumb decisions that we made while growing up. Last night, we talked about my decision in high school to become a pharmacist.
I worked as a drug store delivery boy in high school. It was a great job and the owner was a great man. Pharmacists in my estimation were well-respected in the community and made a decent living. So I decided that I wanted to be a pharmacist.
There were only two problems with my decision. I never prayed about it and I was horrible in chemistry. If you never hear anything else that I say or write, hear this: don't plan on a career in pharmacy if you stink at chemistry and remember that the best decisions are made prayerfully and thoughtfully.
The good news is that God used my poor decision about a college major to lead me to more prayerfully seek His will for my life. That ultimately led me to ministry.
In today's assigned scripture reading, Joshua and the Israelites are conquering the Promised Land. God had already told the Israelites not to make treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan (Exodus 23:32; 34:12, Numbers 33:55 and Deuteronomy 7:2, 20:17).
The Gibeonites were inhabitants of Canaan and were aware that the Israelites had destroyed cities like Jericho and Ai. Worried about their own destruction, the Gibeonites devise a plan. They act as if they are not inhabitants of the Promised Land but have instead come from a distant country because of what they've heard about Israel's God. Joshua appears a little skeptical of their story at first, but the Gibeonites do look as if they've traveled a great distance. Their sandals are worn, their donkeys are tired, and their bread is stale.
Believing that the Gibeonites were not inhabitants of the Promised Land, Joshua sees nothing wrong with offering them a peace treaty. The only problem with his decision is that he did not inquire of the Lord prior to making his decision.
When the truth about the Gibeonites became known, the Israelites were mad at Joshua for making an alliance with the Gibeonites. Joshua, however, kept his promise to the Gibeonites because God had commanded that oaths must be kept (Leviticus 5:4, 27:1). Still, it was an awkward alliance, to be sure.
Some decisions seem easy enough to make without guidance from God. Do you really need to pray about whether to wear the blue Ole Miss shirt or the red Ole Miss shirt to the game? But other decisions, like what to study in college or whether or not to enter into a covenant relationship with someone, are most wisely decided after first going to God in prayer. In the final analysis, God would probably rather you pray over seemingly insignificant things like your shirt color than to fail to pray about important decisions in your life.
May God grant you the grace to make inquiring of the Lord an important part of your daily walk.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Joshua 12-14 and 1 Corinthians 7.
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Journey
Then the Lord said to Moses, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants. I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross over it.'" -Deuteronomy 34:4 (NIV)
My wife's father travels a lot as he plants and nurtures churches across South America. Because he flies so often, he accumulates frequent flyer miles. One year when Ivana and I were planning a vacation to Hawaii, her dad gave us enough frequent flyer miles to cover our flight.
One of the things that I was most excited about was the possibility of flying first-class for the first time. With my father-in-law's frequent flyer miles, we were on "first-class standby." If there were any unclaimed seats in first class at check-in, we would be bumped up to first-class for the first time on our first trip to Hawaii. If there were no first-class seats available, we'd remain in coach.
We were flying in the "off-season" so I felt certain that we'd get the first-class seats. Unfortunately, upon arriving at the airport we were told that all first-class seats had been filled. The airline would be happy to put us in the first row behind first-class as this row allegedly had a little more leg room than most of the other seats in coach.
I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was to be able to see into the first-class section of the plane but not be able to sit in the first-class section of the plane. It made the ten hour flight seem even longer when I was faced with the reality of just how close we were to the "Promised Land" but that we would not be able to enter into it.
That's why my heart hurts for Moses. In the assigned scripture for today, God took Moses up to the top of Mount Nebo to see the land that had been promised by God. But even though he could see it, Moses was told that he would not enter into it. A reason is not given in this particular scripture, but many scholars believe that it was because Moses had disobeyed God (see Numbers 20:12) and because sin always has consequences.
Even though he didn't get to go into the Promised Land, God still blessed Moses. And when Moses died, scripture says that since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, who had seen the Lord face to face. No prophet has ever shown the mighty power and awesome deeds that Moses did.
I didn't get to sit in first-class on my trip to Hawaii. I'm still waiting to fly first-class for the first time. But even though I didn't get to enter into the Promised Land of First Class, I still got to see Hawaii. It's the most beautiful place that I've ever seen. Every day we were there, I came face to face with the majesty of God. And though my legs got cramped from flying 10 hours in coach to get there, I was still thankful for the journey and thankful that it brought me closer to God.
I pray that Moses, despite all of the difficulties he encountered as he journeyed toward the Promised Land, was still thankful for the journey and the way the journey brought him closer to God. And my prayer today is that God would grant you the grace to see that the journey is as important (if not more so) than the destination.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Joshua 1-2, Psalm 37, and 1 Corinthians 3. Sunday's suggested readings are Joshua 3-6, and 1 Corinthians 4.
My wife's father travels a lot as he plants and nurtures churches across South America. Because he flies so often, he accumulates frequent flyer miles. One year when Ivana and I were planning a vacation to Hawaii, her dad gave us enough frequent flyer miles to cover our flight.
One of the things that I was most excited about was the possibility of flying first-class for the first time. With my father-in-law's frequent flyer miles, we were on "first-class standby." If there were any unclaimed seats in first class at check-in, we would be bumped up to first-class for the first time on our first trip to Hawaii. If there were no first-class seats available, we'd remain in coach.
We were flying in the "off-season" so I felt certain that we'd get the first-class seats. Unfortunately, upon arriving at the airport we were told that all first-class seats had been filled. The airline would be happy to put us in the first row behind first-class as this row allegedly had a little more leg room than most of the other seats in coach.
I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was to be able to see into the first-class section of the plane but not be able to sit in the first-class section of the plane. It made the ten hour flight seem even longer when I was faced with the reality of just how close we were to the "Promised Land" but that we would not be able to enter into it.
That's why my heart hurts for Moses. In the assigned scripture for today, God took Moses up to the top of Mount Nebo to see the land that had been promised by God. But even though he could see it, Moses was told that he would not enter into it. A reason is not given in this particular scripture, but many scholars believe that it was because Moses had disobeyed God (see Numbers 20:12) and because sin always has consequences.
Even though he didn't get to go into the Promised Land, God still blessed Moses. And when Moses died, scripture says that since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, who had seen the Lord face to face. No prophet has ever shown the mighty power and awesome deeds that Moses did.
I didn't get to sit in first-class on my trip to Hawaii. I'm still waiting to fly first-class for the first time. But even though I didn't get to enter into the Promised Land of First Class, I still got to see Hawaii. It's the most beautiful place that I've ever seen. Every day we were there, I came face to face with the majesty of God. And though my legs got cramped from flying 10 hours in coach to get there, I was still thankful for the journey and thankful that it brought me closer to God.
I pray that Moses, despite all of the difficulties he encountered as he journeyed toward the Promised Land, was still thankful for the journey and the way the journey brought him closer to God. And my prayer today is that God would grant you the grace to see that the journey is as important (if not more so) than the destination.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Joshua 1-2, Psalm 37, and 1 Corinthians 3. Sunday's suggested readings are Joshua 3-6, and 1 Corinthians 4.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Best Sermons Ever
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. -Psalm 40:3-4 (NIV)
The best sermons that I've ever heard were not given by preachers. I know what you're thinking: they should have been. After all, preachers go to seminary. Preachers take preaching classes. Preachers buy preaching books. Preachers only work one day a week so, on the other six days, they should be crafting brilliant manuscripts and standing in front of mirrors perfecting oratorical skills. Preachers ought to preach the best sermons because that's what they're trained to do and that's what they get paid to do.
I won't argue with you. If you're going to call yourself a preacher, you ought to be a good one. But the best sermons I've ever heard have come from people who've never been to seminary. They've never purchased a book about preaching. They've likely never stood in front of a mirror for anything other than brushing their teeth or combing their hair.
Who were these preachers that I consider the best? They were people who, like the psalmist in today's reading, found themselves mired in the messiness of life. They were people in a pit too deep and too wide to crawl out of on their own. So they waited. They waited on the Lord. And the Lord heard their cries. The Lord lifted them up out of the pit in which they were trapped and set them on solid ground.
Then something incredible happened. The Lord put a new song in their mouths and they started praising God. They started telling anyone who would listen what God had done for them. Their testimony, their sermon, was so powerful that many others began to place their trust in the Lord as a result.
Has God heard your cry? Has God lifted you out of some pit and placed you on solid ground? Has God put a new song into your mouth? Then you have a sermon to share. You may never go to seminary. You may never stand in front of hundreds of people on a Sunday morning. But you can still be a preacher. You can proclaim what God has done in your life with a neighbor, friend, or co-worker.
And I can almost guarantee that if you will share what God has done in your life, others will place their trust in the Lord. God will place a new song in their mouths. The kingdom will grow.
May God grant you the grace to try being a preacher today. I have a feeling that what you share will one day be regarded as one of the best sermons someone else has ever heard.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's readings are Deuteronomy 32-34 and 1 Corinthians 2.
If you're interested in receiving these devotionals by email each day, look for the yellow block just below this post.
The best sermons that I've ever heard were not given by preachers. I know what you're thinking: they should have been. After all, preachers go to seminary. Preachers take preaching classes. Preachers buy preaching books. Preachers only work one day a week so, on the other six days, they should be crafting brilliant manuscripts and standing in front of mirrors perfecting oratorical skills. Preachers ought to preach the best sermons because that's what they're trained to do and that's what they get paid to do.
I won't argue with you. If you're going to call yourself a preacher, you ought to be a good one. But the best sermons I've ever heard have come from people who've never been to seminary. They've never purchased a book about preaching. They've likely never stood in front of a mirror for anything other than brushing their teeth or combing their hair.
Who were these preachers that I consider the best? They were people who, like the psalmist in today's reading, found themselves mired in the messiness of life. They were people in a pit too deep and too wide to crawl out of on their own. So they waited. They waited on the Lord. And the Lord heard their cries. The Lord lifted them up out of the pit in which they were trapped and set them on solid ground.
Then something incredible happened. The Lord put a new song in their mouths and they started praising God. They started telling anyone who would listen what God had done for them. Their testimony, their sermon, was so powerful that many others began to place their trust in the Lord as a result.
Has God heard your cry? Has God lifted you out of some pit and placed you on solid ground? Has God put a new song into your mouth? Then you have a sermon to share. You may never go to seminary. You may never stand in front of hundreds of people on a Sunday morning. But you can still be a preacher. You can proclaim what God has done in your life with a neighbor, friend, or co-worker.
And I can almost guarantee that if you will share what God has done in your life, others will place their trust in the Lord. God will place a new song in their mouths. The kingdom will grow.
May God grant you the grace to try being a preacher today. I have a feeling that what you share will one day be regarded as one of the best sermons someone else has ever heard.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's readings are Deuteronomy 32-34 and 1 Corinthians 2.
If you're interested in receiving these devotionals by email each day, look for the yellow block just below this post.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Be a Guide, Not a Gossip
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. -Galatians 6:3-5 (NIV)
It happens everywhere I guess, but it's especially noticeable in a small town like the one where I was raised. People talking about the transgressions of other people.
"Did you hear that Biff* is being audited by the IRS for failure to pay taxes?"
"Someone told me that Zena* is cheating on her husband."
"Conrad* has a drinking problem."
Sin seldom stays secret in a small town and because everybody knows everybody, it's often a subject of conversation.
"Don't tell anybody I told you this, but..."
Have you ever been guilty of gossiping about someone else's sin? Have you ever said something like, "How can they call themselves a Christian and do something like that?" Have you ever been tempted to compare your sin to someone else's sin and say, "Thank God that I'm not like that!"
I have. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I have. And even though I know that I shouldn't do such things, I'm nevertheless tempted to do it. I'm guessing you are too.
Galatians 6 offers some helpful instruction. Paul states that if someone is caught in sin, those who live in the Spirit should gently try to help that person. Not gossip. Not ignore. Not judge. Unfortunately, the human tendency is often to pass judgment. It seems easier to find fault than to gently guide.
Paul is quick to point out that, in helping someone turn away from sin and back to God, there should be two cautions. The first is that those who are trying to help should be careful not to fall into the same temptation as the one they're helping. But there's another temptation that is often more subtle: the temptation to compare one's sin to another's sin and to feel morally superior to that person. If one is going to compare oneself, it should't be to other human beings, but to the example of Jesus Christ.
Paul goes on to say that sin has consequences but assures that God will forgive. Restoration is possible. It's important that those in the Spirit be agents of restoration to all people, but especially to fellow believers (6:10).
May God grant you the grace to not judge, not ignore, and not gossip about the sin of others. If comparisons are made, let them not be between you and another human being, but between you and the example of Christ. And may you allow yourself to be used by God as an agent of restoration today.
* I used these random names because I don't know anyone by these names. Any connection to real people struggling with the sins mentioned is purely coincidental and unintentional.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 30-31, Psalm 40, and I Corinthians 1.
It happens everywhere I guess, but it's especially noticeable in a small town like the one where I was raised. People talking about the transgressions of other people.
"Did you hear that Biff* is being audited by the IRS for failure to pay taxes?"
"Someone told me that Zena* is cheating on her husband."
"Conrad* has a drinking problem."
Sin seldom stays secret in a small town and because everybody knows everybody, it's often a subject of conversation.
"Don't tell anybody I told you this, but..."
Have you ever been guilty of gossiping about someone else's sin? Have you ever said something like, "How can they call themselves a Christian and do something like that?" Have you ever been tempted to compare your sin to someone else's sin and say, "Thank God that I'm not like that!"
I have. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I have. And even though I know that I shouldn't do such things, I'm nevertheless tempted to do it. I'm guessing you are too.
Galatians 6 offers some helpful instruction. Paul states that if someone is caught in sin, those who live in the Spirit should gently try to help that person. Not gossip. Not ignore. Not judge. Unfortunately, the human tendency is often to pass judgment. It seems easier to find fault than to gently guide.
Paul is quick to point out that, in helping someone turn away from sin and back to God, there should be two cautions. The first is that those who are trying to help should be careful not to fall into the same temptation as the one they're helping. But there's another temptation that is often more subtle: the temptation to compare one's sin to another's sin and to feel morally superior to that person. If one is going to compare oneself, it should't be to other human beings, but to the example of Jesus Christ.
Paul goes on to say that sin has consequences but assures that God will forgive. Restoration is possible. It's important that those in the Spirit be agents of restoration to all people, but especially to fellow believers (6:10).
May God grant you the grace to not judge, not ignore, and not gossip about the sin of others. If comparisons are made, let them not be between you and another human being, but between you and the example of Christ. And may you allow yourself to be used by God as an agent of restoration today.
* I used these random names because I don't know anyone by these names. Any connection to real people struggling with the sins mentioned is purely coincidental and unintentional.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 30-31, Psalm 40, and I Corinthians 1.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Patients and Patience
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
-Galatians 5:22-23 (NRSV)
Yesterday, I had my regularly scheduled CT scan on my neck. The scan was scheduled for 8:30 in the morning. I then had to wait until 1:30 to see my doctor and learn the results (I got a good report). As I sat there in the waiting room, patients were easy to see; patience was not.
Dictionary.com defines patience as "being able to bear provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like." Those who know me may think that the only patience I've ever possessed for any length of time was a Guns N' Roses song from 1989. But I do try to embody the spirit of patience in my daily life.
Cancer tries and tests both patients and patience. When the doctor is running behind or test results haven't been reported, it's easy to get irritated. It's tempting to lose your temper or to complain when you're so sick and tired of being sick and tired. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels that way; while waiting on my test results yesterday, I observed several other cancer patients with little or no patience.
As I read about the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 this morning, I am mindful that God exercises more patience with me than I exercise with others. God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. God hasn't given up on me yet, the Holy Spirit is still at work in my life (even if I'm not aware of it), and through the Spirit's power I am a patient who can become more patient. I believe that! I hope you do too.
May God grant you the grace to bear the fruits of the Spirit today, but especially the fruit of patience.
-Galatians 5:22-23 (NRSV)
Yesterday, I had my regularly scheduled CT scan on my neck. The scan was scheduled for 8:30 in the morning. I then had to wait until 1:30 to see my doctor and learn the results (I got a good report). As I sat there in the waiting room, patients were easy to see; patience was not.
Dictionary.com defines patience as "being able to bear provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like." Those who know me may think that the only patience I've ever possessed for any length of time was a Guns N' Roses song from 1989. But I do try to embody the spirit of patience in my daily life.
Cancer tries and tests both patients and patience. When the doctor is running behind or test results haven't been reported, it's easy to get irritated. It's tempting to lose your temper or to complain when you're so sick and tired of being sick and tired. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels that way; while waiting on my test results yesterday, I observed several other cancer patients with little or no patience.
As I read about the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 this morning, I am mindful that God exercises more patience with me than I exercise with others. God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. God hasn't given up on me yet, the Holy Spirit is still at work in my life (even if I'm not aware of it), and through the Spirit's power I am a patient who can become more patient. I believe that! I hope you do too.
May God grant you the grace to bear the fruits of the Spirit today, but especially the fruit of patience.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 28-29 and Galatians 6.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Why You Do What You Do
So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. -Galatians 4:7 (NIV)
Any trouble that I was able to avoid as a teenager was largely because of two reasons: legalism and my mother. I grew up being afraid of God. God was some distant deity who stayed ticked off all the time because humanity is such a sorry lot. As best I could tell, God sat on a throne in Heaven just waiting for people to step out of line. I still remember a dramatic presentation entitled "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames." In it, people unexpectedly died. As I recall, those who had obeyed God's commands got into heaven; those who didn't went straight to hell (and didn't pass "Go" or collect $200). I remember being scared. Earning God's favor through legalism became a way of life. I served God out of fear about what would happen if I didn't. I served God out of obligation because I thought it was a requirement for salvation.
I also tried to stay out of trouble because I didn't want to break my mother's heart. I have a most loving mother who has sacrificed much in her life for the sake of her children. I've always wanted to please her and make her proud of me. I'd rather do hard time in prison than to disappoint her. Growing up, whenever I was tempted to do something that I shouldn't do, if I stopped to think about my mother's love for me or her desires for my life, I usually wouldn't do it. (I just wish that I had stopped to think about these things more often that I did)
Two approaches to obedience: one because of fear and one because of love. Which one do you think is better?
In Galatians 4, Paul frames this question in a similar way. He contrasts between being a slave to God and an heir of God. It's the difference between obedience because you have to (legalism) and obedience because you want to (love).
Why do you follow God? Is it because you're afraid of what happens if you don't? Or is it because of the sacrifice God has made for you, because of God's great love for you, and because you want to respond to that love by offering your best?
May God grant you the grace to consider why you do what you do today. May you experience the freedom that comes from obedience, not because you have to, but because you want to!
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 25-27 and Galatians 5.
Any trouble that I was able to avoid as a teenager was largely because of two reasons: legalism and my mother. I grew up being afraid of God. God was some distant deity who stayed ticked off all the time because humanity is such a sorry lot. As best I could tell, God sat on a throne in Heaven just waiting for people to step out of line. I still remember a dramatic presentation entitled "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames." In it, people unexpectedly died. As I recall, those who had obeyed God's commands got into heaven; those who didn't went straight to hell (and didn't pass "Go" or collect $200). I remember being scared. Earning God's favor through legalism became a way of life. I served God out of fear about what would happen if I didn't. I served God out of obligation because I thought it was a requirement for salvation.
I also tried to stay out of trouble because I didn't want to break my mother's heart. I have a most loving mother who has sacrificed much in her life for the sake of her children. I've always wanted to please her and make her proud of me. I'd rather do hard time in prison than to disappoint her. Growing up, whenever I was tempted to do something that I shouldn't do, if I stopped to think about my mother's love for me or her desires for my life, I usually wouldn't do it. (I just wish that I had stopped to think about these things more often that I did)
Two approaches to obedience: one because of fear and one because of love. Which one do you think is better?
In Galatians 4, Paul frames this question in a similar way. He contrasts between being a slave to God and an heir of God. It's the difference between obedience because you have to (legalism) and obedience because you want to (love).
Why do you follow God? Is it because you're afraid of what happens if you don't? Or is it because of the sacrifice God has made for you, because of God's great love for you, and because you want to respond to that love by offering your best?
May God grant you the grace to consider why you do what you do today. May you experience the freedom that comes from obedience, not because you have to, but because you want to!
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 25-27 and Galatians 5.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Pleasing People or Pleasing God?
Am I trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. -Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
Earlier this week, our Conference Board of Ordained Ministry met with candidates seeking ordination in The United Methodist Church. The candidates had submitted written material describing their call, their understanding of God, and providing evidence of their fruitfulness for ministry. On Monday and Tuesday, the board sat down for face-to-face interviews with the candidates. As the chair of the board, I met with the candidates yesterday to inform them of the board's recommendation as to their readiness for moving forward in the ordination process.
It's hard to believe that it's been fifteen years since I went through this process of ordination. I still remember the anxiety of interviewing with the board and waiting to hear their recommendation. I also remember being tempted to share with the board, not necessarily what I personally believed, but what I thought that the board wanted to hear. Surely the process would be easier if I avoided anything controversial or divisive and just tried to answer the questions the way I thought would win favor with the board, right?
In Galatians 1, Paul acknowledges that he used to try to please people when he wrote, "If I were still trying to please people...". Apparently, some think that Paul is still trying to please people and that he has watered down the truth of God by (among other things) not requiring newly converted Gentile Christians to be circumcised. These adversaries of Paul believed that before a Gentile could become a Christian, they must first become a Jew.
Paul refutes the charge that he's watering down the gospel by saying that he no longer tries to please people; he only tries to please God. God's approval is the only thing that matters to Paul now; he is a servant of Christ. Some translations use the word "slave" instead of servant, which many find problematic. But for Paul, to be a slave for Christ means that his entire life is under the Lordship of Jesus and that he lives under the authority of Jesus. He is seeking to satisfy not his own will or the will of others, but only the will of God.
I'm still tempted to be a people pleaser. Sometimes it's easier to say what people want me to say rather than to take a stand. More times than I care to admit, I seek the approval of others more than I seek the approval of God. But the longer I've immersed myself in Scripture, the more convinced I've become of the importance of serving and pleasing God.
What about you? Who are you trying to please? May God grant you the grace to seek the favor of God rather than the favor of people today.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 16-18 and Galatians 2. Sunday's readings are Deuteronomy 19-21 and Galatians 3. I'll be back with a devotional on Monday.
Earlier this week, our Conference Board of Ordained Ministry met with candidates seeking ordination in The United Methodist Church. The candidates had submitted written material describing their call, their understanding of God, and providing evidence of their fruitfulness for ministry. On Monday and Tuesday, the board sat down for face-to-face interviews with the candidates. As the chair of the board, I met with the candidates yesterday to inform them of the board's recommendation as to their readiness for moving forward in the ordination process.
It's hard to believe that it's been fifteen years since I went through this process of ordination. I still remember the anxiety of interviewing with the board and waiting to hear their recommendation. I also remember being tempted to share with the board, not necessarily what I personally believed, but what I thought that the board wanted to hear. Surely the process would be easier if I avoided anything controversial or divisive and just tried to answer the questions the way I thought would win favor with the board, right?
In Galatians 1, Paul acknowledges that he used to try to please people when he wrote, "If I were still trying to please people...". Apparently, some think that Paul is still trying to please people and that he has watered down the truth of God by (among other things) not requiring newly converted Gentile Christians to be circumcised. These adversaries of Paul believed that before a Gentile could become a Christian, they must first become a Jew.
Paul refutes the charge that he's watering down the gospel by saying that he no longer tries to please people; he only tries to please God. God's approval is the only thing that matters to Paul now; he is a servant of Christ. Some translations use the word "slave" instead of servant, which many find problematic. But for Paul, to be a slave for Christ means that his entire life is under the Lordship of Jesus and that he lives under the authority of Jesus. He is seeking to satisfy not his own will or the will of others, but only the will of God.
I'm still tempted to be a people pleaser. Sometimes it's easier to say what people want me to say rather than to take a stand. More times than I care to admit, I seek the approval of others more than I seek the approval of God. But the longer I've immersed myself in Scripture, the more convinced I've become of the importance of serving and pleasing God.
What about you? Who are you trying to please? May God grant you the grace to seek the favor of God rather than the favor of people today.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 16-18 and Galatians 2. Sunday's readings are Deuteronomy 19-21 and Galatians 3. I'll be back with a devotional on Monday.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
In This Life and the Next
Many of you have emailed to say that you've missed the devotionals this week. You can thank Mother Nature for that! I've been in the mountains of Grundy County since Sunday afternoon for a Board of Ordained Ministry meeting. Lightning from last week's storm struck the tower that provides internet to the area and we had no service. I'm glad you missed the devotionals and I'm glad to be able to resume them today.
In This Life and the Next
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" -Mark 16:6-8 (NIV)
Yesterday afternoon, someone stopped me on our beautiful town square here in Fayetteville. He subscribes to my daily devotional and to our church's "News from the Pews" prayer list that is emailed out each week. He mentioned that we've had a lot of people on our prayer list lately. I noted that many of the people on our prayer list are not members of our church. It's just that our church is known as being a "praying church." People inside and outside our church know that, if you have a prayer need, the folks at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church will faithfully lift it up to the Lord in prayer.
Speaking of prayer needs, over the last several days many people for whom our church has been praying have received discouraging reports. I've found myself weeping on several different occasions because people I love have been rocked to the core with bad news.
Maybe that's why I needed Mark 16 today. It's a resurrection text, which seems rather odd to be reading in the middle of the Lenten season. But I tend to give God the benefit of the doubt when things like this happen and I wasn't disappointed this morning.
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome are on their way to the place where the crucified Christ has been buried. They're worried. They're worried that his decomposing body is beginning to smell. They're worried that a huge stone is blocking entrance into the tomb and that they won't be able to enter. But they're greeted by a messenger of God who proclaims that Christ has risen and has gone ahead of them into Galilee. This messenger promises the women that they will see Jesus again.
Like the women of the text, maybe you've recently witnessed or received some discouraging news. Maybe you're worried. Maybe you're afraid. Maybe what you need more than anything else this morning is a message from God: that Jesus has defeated death, that he goes before you with the promise of a better future, and that you will see him again.
Even with such a promise, perhaps you're still afraid (the women in the text were). But may God grant you the grace that, in the midst of worry, discouragement, and alarm, you be assured of God's great love for you. Christ is risen. And you will see him. This isn't just a promise that is fulfilled after you die. It's a promise that will be fulfilled both in this life and the next.
The Good Morning God daily devotionals are based on assigned scripture readings from The Life Journal, designed to encourage people to read through the entire Bible in a year and then journal about it.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 13-15 and Galatians 1.
In This Life and the Next
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" -Mark 16:6-8 (NIV)
Yesterday afternoon, someone stopped me on our beautiful town square here in Fayetteville. He subscribes to my daily devotional and to our church's "News from the Pews" prayer list that is emailed out each week. He mentioned that we've had a lot of people on our prayer list lately. I noted that many of the people on our prayer list are not members of our church. It's just that our church is known as being a "praying church." People inside and outside our church know that, if you have a prayer need, the folks at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church will faithfully lift it up to the Lord in prayer.
Speaking of prayer needs, over the last several days many people for whom our church has been praying have received discouraging reports. I've found myself weeping on several different occasions because people I love have been rocked to the core with bad news.
Maybe that's why I needed Mark 16 today. It's a resurrection text, which seems rather odd to be reading in the middle of the Lenten season. But I tend to give God the benefit of the doubt when things like this happen and I wasn't disappointed this morning.
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome are on their way to the place where the crucified Christ has been buried. They're worried. They're worried that his decomposing body is beginning to smell. They're worried that a huge stone is blocking entrance into the tomb and that they won't be able to enter. But they're greeted by a messenger of God who proclaims that Christ has risen and has gone ahead of them into Galilee. This messenger promises the women that they will see Jesus again.
Like the women of the text, maybe you've recently witnessed or received some discouraging news. Maybe you're worried. Maybe you're afraid. Maybe what you need more than anything else this morning is a message from God: that Jesus has defeated death, that he goes before you with the promise of a better future, and that you will see him again.
Even with such a promise, perhaps you're still afraid (the women in the text were). But may God grant you the grace that, in the midst of worry, discouragement, and alarm, you be assured of God's great love for you. Christ is risen. And you will see him. This isn't just a promise that is fulfilled after you die. It's a promise that will be fulfilled both in this life and the next.
The Good Morning God daily devotionals are based on assigned scripture readings from The Life Journal, designed to encourage people to read through the entire Bible in a year and then journal about it.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Deuteronomy 13-15 and Galatians 1.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Why Build a Wall?
If you're interested in reading through the entire Bible in a year, please read Numbers 34-36 and Mark 11.
Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. -Mark 11:11 (NIV)
Almost three years ago, I visited the Holy Land. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. As I read Mark 11 this morning, I could picture myself standing on the Mount of Olives again, looking across the Kidron Valley toward the old city of Jerusalem.
Jesus was on the Mount of Olives when he ordered two disciples to go fetch a colt for him to ride into Jerusalem for the final time before his crucifixion. Jesus is believed to have entered the city through the East Gate.
Today, that gate is sealed. Our tour guide told us that Suleiman the Magnificent sealed it around 1541 (although there is disagreement about this claim). There are two prevailing theories behind the sealing of this gate. One theory is that Suleiman was aware that the Jewish people expected their Messiah to descend from the Mount of Olives and enter the holy city of Jerusalem through this gate (fulfilling Zechariah 14:4). Closing the gate, then, is seen as an effort to prevent the fulfillment of this messianic expectation. Another theory behind the sealing of the gate is that it was simply the fulfillment of Ezekiel 44:1-2 which says that after the Messiah enters through it, the gate was to be shut and remain shut. Once Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on a colt, it was sealed, not because Suleiman wanted to prevent the Jewish Messiah from entering, but because God said that it would be sealed and used Suleiman to do it.
Today, the East Gate is visited by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. For the Jews, it is the gate through which their Messiah will enter Jerusalem. According to Muslim belief, Allah's final judgment will take place in front of the East Gate. For Christians, Christ will once again enter the Holy City of Jerusalem through this East Gate.
As I viewed that sealed gate during my Holy Land trip three years ago, I found myself asking: Jesus, how have I closed off the entrance of my heart to you? It's a question that I find myself asking again during this season of Lent.
I've got a hunch. If the Messiah wants entrance into the city of Jerusalem, those bricks will come down. So why bother sealing it? That leads me to a question that I want to leave with you: why have you built a wall around your heart in an effort to keep Christ out? Don't you think that if Christ wants in, he'll find a way to get in?
May God grant you the grace to examine your heart today. If there's wall around it trying to keep Christ out, why not start the demolition and invite Christ in?
Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. -Mark 11:11 (NIV)
Almost three years ago, I visited the Holy Land. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. As I read Mark 11 this morning, I could picture myself standing on the Mount of Olives again, looking across the Kidron Valley toward the old city of Jerusalem.
Jesus was on the Mount of Olives when he ordered two disciples to go fetch a colt for him to ride into Jerusalem for the final time before his crucifixion. Jesus is believed to have entered the city through the East Gate.
Today, that gate is sealed. Our tour guide told us that Suleiman the Magnificent sealed it around 1541 (although there is disagreement about this claim). There are two prevailing theories behind the sealing of this gate. One theory is that Suleiman was aware that the Jewish people expected their Messiah to descend from the Mount of Olives and enter the holy city of Jerusalem through this gate (fulfilling Zechariah 14:4). Closing the gate, then, is seen as an effort to prevent the fulfillment of this messianic expectation. Another theory behind the sealing of the gate is that it was simply the fulfillment of Ezekiel 44:1-2 which says that after the Messiah enters through it, the gate was to be shut and remain shut. Once Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on a colt, it was sealed, not because Suleiman wanted to prevent the Jewish Messiah from entering, but because God said that it would be sealed and used Suleiman to do it.
Today, the East Gate is visited by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. For the Jews, it is the gate through which their Messiah will enter Jerusalem. According to Muslim belief, Allah's final judgment will take place in front of the East Gate. For Christians, Christ will once again enter the Holy City of Jerusalem through this East Gate.
As I viewed that sealed gate during my Holy Land trip three years ago, I found myself asking: Jesus, how have I closed off the entrance of my heart to you? It's a question that I find myself asking again during this season of Lent.
I've got a hunch. If the Messiah wants entrance into the city of Jerusalem, those bricks will come down. So why bother sealing it? That leads me to a question that I want to leave with you: why have you built a wall around your heart in an effort to keep Christ out? Don't you think that if Christ wants in, he'll find a way to get in?
May God grant you the grace to examine your heart today. If there's wall around it trying to keep Christ out, why not start the demolition and invite Christ in?
Friday, March 2, 2012
What are You Willing to Sacrifice?
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, come follow me." -Mark 10:21 (NIV)
In Mark 10:17-31, a man runs up to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. The fact that he runs to Jesus suggests that this is a pressing question for the man; he's eager to know.
Jesus reminds the man of some of the commandments: don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't defraud, and honor your parents. The man assures Jesus that he has kept these commandments since his childhood. We are told that Jesus then looks at man and loves him. Jesus instructs him to do three things: Sell everything he has, give the money to the poor, and then come follow him. The man's face fell and he went away sad...because he had great wealth.
As I read this story this morning during this first week of Lent, I can't help but interpret it through the lens of sacrifice. This man hadn't done any bad things: he hadn't murdered anyone, he hadn't cheated on his wife, he hadn't defrauded anyone, and he hadn't disobeyed his parents. But one's faithfulness to Christ isn't summed up simply by avoiding bad things. One's faithfulness to Christ is also measured by doing good things.
Perhaps that's why Jesus tells him to go sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. This man obviously wants eternal life enough that he's willing to avoid bad things. But does he want it badly enough that he's willing to give generously? Does he want eternal life enough that he's willing to make a huge sacrifice by giving his possessions away and then following Jesus?
How important is eternal life to you? What are you willing to sacrifice? What one thing would Jesus say that you're lacking? Would you be willing to do it? May God grant you the grace to see what you are lacking today. And may you so desire life with Christ that you're willing to sacrifice for Him.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, please read Numbers 34-36 and Mark 11 for tomorrow. Tomorrow's devotional will come from one these readings.
In Mark 10:17-31, a man runs up to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. The fact that he runs to Jesus suggests that this is a pressing question for the man; he's eager to know.
Jesus reminds the man of some of the commandments: don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't defraud, and honor your parents. The man assures Jesus that he has kept these commandments since his childhood. We are told that Jesus then looks at man and loves him. Jesus instructs him to do three things: Sell everything he has, give the money to the poor, and then come follow him. The man's face fell and he went away sad...because he had great wealth.
As I read this story this morning during this first week of Lent, I can't help but interpret it through the lens of sacrifice. This man hadn't done any bad things: he hadn't murdered anyone, he hadn't cheated on his wife, he hadn't defrauded anyone, and he hadn't disobeyed his parents. But one's faithfulness to Christ isn't summed up simply by avoiding bad things. One's faithfulness to Christ is also measured by doing good things.
Perhaps that's why Jesus tells him to go sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. This man obviously wants eternal life enough that he's willing to avoid bad things. But does he want it badly enough that he's willing to give generously? Does he want eternal life enough that he's willing to make a huge sacrifice by giving his possessions away and then following Jesus?
How important is eternal life to you? What are you willing to sacrifice? What one thing would Jesus say that you're lacking? Would you be willing to do it? May God grant you the grace to see what you are lacking today. And may you so desire life with Christ that you're willing to sacrifice for Him.
If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, please read Numbers 34-36 and Mark 11 for tomorrow. Tomorrow's devotional will come from one these readings.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Why Blessings Are Often Brief
Please read Numbers 30-31 and Mark 9 if you're reading through the Bible in a year. Tomorrow's readings are Numbers 32-33 and Mark 10.
After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. -Mark 9:2 (NIV)
In yesterday's devotional, I mentioned that I serve on a committee that interviews candidates for ordained ministry in my denomination. Next week, we'll be meeting at Beersheba Springs Assembly, one of our conference campgrounds in the mountains of Grundy County, for these interviews. Click here for one of the breathtaking views.
I love the mountains. I'd love to own a home in the mountains. I'm convinced that I'd write better sermons if I could sit out on the back deck overlooking a babbling brook while watching the sun rise over the mountain each morning.
But then I think about why I love the mountains so much: it's because I don't get to go there often. If I lived there every day, perhaps I'd begin to take it for granted. Perhaps I'd still find a way to write a bad sermon despite a good view.
In Mark 9, three of Jesus' closest disciples go with him up on a high mountain. There, they have an incredible experience of seeing Jesus transformed before them and talking with Moses and Elijah. Not wanting such a moment to end, Peter states that it's good for them to be on the mountaintop having a mountaintop experience; he wants to build a shelter there for each of them to remain. Apparently, Jesus has other plans. They must instead leave the mountaintop and Jesus must continue his journey to the cross.
Maybe the point is this: mountaintop experiences are wonderful opportunities for revelation and renewal. But they mean so much in part because they're so brief. The fact that most of life is lived in the valley makes mountaintop experiences special. You and I may wish that we could preserve such special times, but the reason they are so special is because we can't preserve them.
May God grant you the grace to understand that mountaintop moments are special blessings in part because they're so brief. If you're in a valley today, I pray that you'll soon have a mountaintop experience that will bless you. If you're on the mountaintop today, I pray that you will experience the renewal and revelation needed for the valley below.
After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. -Mark 9:2 (NIV)
In yesterday's devotional, I mentioned that I serve on a committee that interviews candidates for ordained ministry in my denomination. Next week, we'll be meeting at Beersheba Springs Assembly, one of our conference campgrounds in the mountains of Grundy County, for these interviews. Click here for one of the breathtaking views.
I love the mountains. I'd love to own a home in the mountains. I'm convinced that I'd write better sermons if I could sit out on the back deck overlooking a babbling brook while watching the sun rise over the mountain each morning.
But then I think about why I love the mountains so much: it's because I don't get to go there often. If I lived there every day, perhaps I'd begin to take it for granted. Perhaps I'd still find a way to write a bad sermon despite a good view.
In Mark 9, three of Jesus' closest disciples go with him up on a high mountain. There, they have an incredible experience of seeing Jesus transformed before them and talking with Moses and Elijah. Not wanting such a moment to end, Peter states that it's good for them to be on the mountaintop having a mountaintop experience; he wants to build a shelter there for each of them to remain. Apparently, Jesus has other plans. They must instead leave the mountaintop and Jesus must continue his journey to the cross.
Maybe the point is this: mountaintop experiences are wonderful opportunities for revelation and renewal. But they mean so much in part because they're so brief. The fact that most of life is lived in the valley makes mountaintop experiences special. You and I may wish that we could preserve such special times, but the reason they are so special is because we can't preserve them.
May God grant you the grace to understand that mountaintop moments are special blessings in part because they're so brief. If you're in a valley today, I pray that you'll soon have a mountaintop experience that will bless you. If you're on the mountaintop today, I pray that you will experience the renewal and revelation needed for the valley below.
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