The other day, I joined a couple of friends for a walk on the greenway. First of all, can I just say, I love the greenway? It's a little slice of God's lush wild creation right smack in the middle of the city. Old Moses and I have seen countless deer, foxes (in fact a whole family of foxes one time), rabbits, snakes (okay, not as delightful to see them), blue herons (on the other hand--wonderfully delightful), a coyote (not delightful, though remarkable), and countless cardinals (delightful, once again), blue birds and on and on.
Then, of course, there is the constant joy for Moses of dogs and more dogs... and the smells. I've heard it said that sniffing the unmentionable stuff dogs love to sniff is their version of happily reading the morning paper. hmm, God has a purpose for everything, doesn't He... well, except roaches.
And this is all for FREE! Can you believe that? "There is no free lunch"--HA, wrong! Go walk on the greenway and breathe deep just after the rain has washed the earth clean and new. O, and don't forget to enjoy the sweet scent of the honeysuckle--and thank the Lord He just enabled you to take that air deep down into your lungs.
Anybody around here know how to create lungs that allow you to take that next breath or smell that scent of that honeysuckle... or that newborn baby... or that mint? Didn't think so.
The greenway beckons-- so we can listen to the symphony of birds on either side of the woods and marvel at the incalculable gift of sound and music. And ears that allow us to hear them. And hearts that allow us to feel wonder and gratitude.
Free, all free and courtesy of a God who adores us. "All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3)
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein" (Ps.24:1)
So today, might we rejoice in God's beauty all around us--His gift of creation, His gifts of hearing and seeing and smelling and feeling, and His gift of His Son through Whom He has given us the greatest of gifts: eternal life--
"For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether throne or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (Col.1:16-17)
When we smell the rose or the freshly cut grass or the gardenia, might we rejoice in Him who created all things. And when we see our loved one's face or hear the sound of our child's laughter or gasp at the striking beauty of a pink-painted sunset, might we immediately thank Him and hand all the glory to our Lord. He is the One who sustains all creation and holds together every cell, every emotion, every thought, every person, and every entity on this planet, whether seen or unseen, by the power of His Name.
And He knows your name.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the common, everyday graces with which You surround our lives. Forgive us for so often forgetting that You are the Creator of all good gifts. Forgive us for taking so many treasures in our lives for granted.... for the free treasures in our lives are the greatest and deepest ones. Open our eyes, Lord, to the beauty and the wonder and the grace You shower upon us daily. Fill our hearts with thanksgiving to You and for You. Replace our restless hearts with hearts that rest in You.
And, Father, break our hearts with the things that break Yours--the need, the hurt, the emptiness, the sorrow, the fear. So many around us are hurting. Replace our hard hearts with Your tender heart. Give us gospel compassion and grace that pours out Your love upon those You made in Your image.
To God--our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer--be all the glory.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
How a grateful leper forgives
A little food for weekend thought:
"The gospel of justifying faith means that while Christians are, in themselves still sinful and sinning, yet in Christ, in God's sight, they are accepted and righteous. So we can say that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope--at the very same time. This creates a radical new dynamic for personal growth. It means that the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God's grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God's grace and acceptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin."
Someone asked a probing question about dealing with our very real emotions of fear or anger or even hatred when someone has hurt or disappointed us. Do we suppress our emotions and essentially pretend everything is lovely? Do we stuff our emotions? Do we lash out and release our emotions? And how do we glorify God in these hard, challenging places?
I'm clearly no theologian (understatement of the year), but this is right where we all live, isn't it? How do we forgive the unforgivable or love the unloveable? When I'm feeling wronged, or, what's far more difficult--when someone I love has been wronged-or when I'm just feeling irritated or discouraged, I've found there's only one sure solution--
Cling to the cross. Gaze at His grace.
I love this quote by Tim Keller, because he so clearly expresses our strange, remarkable, and miraculous position--"more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope--at the very same time." We fail to truly grasp our real position--how truly awful our (or my) sins can be and are--our (or my) ugly thoughts, our hateful tendency towards competition and comparison, our refusal to extend true mercy and compassion, our greediness and clench-fisted hold on possessions or people, our failure to speak out and defend the powerless... and on and on.
And then super-imposed upon the extremity of my sin--is the infinite enormity of Christ's grace. The perfect, sinless, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, saw me in all my ugliness and said, "Her, I'll die for her. Father, give her My righteousness and I'll take her hideousness. Make her beautiful in Your sight and give Me her guilt and shame."
That's the divine exchange. And that's why A.W. Tozier can write that at the moment of salvation, "God through Christ turns rebels into worshippers." Because when we glimpse, even if just for a moment, even if it's just a tiny peak of a glimpse, the cosmic enormity of the divine exchange--of all how much we've been forgiven and how infinite is His grace--then how can we not worship? How can we not be overflowing with gratitude... and then how can we dare not forgive those who have wronged us--or those we love.
We've who've been forgiven so infinitely much--how can we then not forgive so relatively little?
Of course it's not easy. But the more I focus on myself and my circumstances, the bigger and greater that mountain of my anger... or fear... or worry... or even hatred becomes.
But the more I stare at Christ and the cross, the more He gives me true perspective. Only in focusing upon the forgiving Christ on the cross can we forgive. Only in gazing at the grace of Christ can we extend grace.
Sometimes it means coming back to the cross again and again and again.... not just daily, but perhaps moment by moment. And telling Him--we can't forgive, but He can through us. We can't love--but He can through us. We can't stop worrying and fretting--but He can through us.
I've always loved the song, Jesus, Friend of Sinners, by Casting Crowns. The words are so powerful and express all this so beautifully--
Jesus, friend of sinners, the One who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and loved like You did.
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
You love every lost cause; You reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
That's me, that's us--we are the lost cause. We are the outcast. We are the grateful lepers at His feet for whom Christ died. O that we might see the infinite, indescribable enormity of what He has done for us. Might the memory of His mercy and grace cause us to fall upon our faces--in joyful wonder and overwhelming gratitude... and then ask Him--in light of His grace, His love, His cross--to empower us to love as He loved. To forgive as He forgave. And to trust as He trusted.
We can't do it--but He can. This grateful leper just has to keep coming back to Him again and again. And He has never turned me away.
To God be the glory.
"The gospel of justifying faith means that while Christians are, in themselves still sinful and sinning, yet in Christ, in God's sight, they are accepted and righteous. So we can say that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope--at the very same time. This creates a radical new dynamic for personal growth. It means that the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God's grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God's grace and acceptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin."
Someone asked a probing question about dealing with our very real emotions of fear or anger or even hatred when someone has hurt or disappointed us. Do we suppress our emotions and essentially pretend everything is lovely? Do we stuff our emotions? Do we lash out and release our emotions? And how do we glorify God in these hard, challenging places?
I'm clearly no theologian (understatement of the year), but this is right where we all live, isn't it? How do we forgive the unforgivable or love the unloveable? When I'm feeling wronged, or, what's far more difficult--when someone I love has been wronged-or when I'm just feeling irritated or discouraged, I've found there's only one sure solution--
Cling to the cross. Gaze at His grace.
I love this quote by Tim Keller, because he so clearly expresses our strange, remarkable, and miraculous position--"more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope--at the very same time." We fail to truly grasp our real position--how truly awful our (or my) sins can be and are--our (or my) ugly thoughts, our hateful tendency towards competition and comparison, our refusal to extend true mercy and compassion, our greediness and clench-fisted hold on possessions or people, our failure to speak out and defend the powerless... and on and on.
And then super-imposed upon the extremity of my sin--is the infinite enormity of Christ's grace. The perfect, sinless, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, saw me in all my ugliness and said, "Her, I'll die for her. Father, give her My righteousness and I'll take her hideousness. Make her beautiful in Your sight and give Me her guilt and shame."
That's the divine exchange. And that's why A.W. Tozier can write that at the moment of salvation, "God through Christ turns rebels into worshippers." Because when we glimpse, even if just for a moment, even if it's just a tiny peak of a glimpse, the cosmic enormity of the divine exchange--of all how much we've been forgiven and how infinite is His grace--then how can we not worship? How can we not be overflowing with gratitude... and then how can we dare not forgive those who have wronged us--or those we love.
We've who've been forgiven so infinitely much--how can we then not forgive so relatively little?
Of course it's not easy. But the more I focus on myself and my circumstances, the bigger and greater that mountain of my anger... or fear... or worry... or even hatred becomes.
But the more I stare at Christ and the cross, the more He gives me true perspective. Only in focusing upon the forgiving Christ on the cross can we forgive. Only in gazing at the grace of Christ can we extend grace.
Sometimes it means coming back to the cross again and again and again.... not just daily, but perhaps moment by moment. And telling Him--we can't forgive, but He can through us. We can't love--but He can through us. We can't stop worrying and fretting--but He can through us.
I've always loved the song, Jesus, Friend of Sinners, by Casting Crowns. The words are so powerful and express all this so beautifully--
Jesus, friend of sinners, the One who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and loved like You did.
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
You love every lost cause; You reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
That's me, that's us--we are the lost cause. We are the outcast. We are the grateful lepers at His feet for whom Christ died. O that we might see the infinite, indescribable enormity of what He has done for us. Might the memory of His mercy and grace cause us to fall upon our faces--in joyful wonder and overwhelming gratitude... and then ask Him--in light of His grace, His love, His cross--to empower us to love as He loved. To forgive as He forgave. And to trust as He trusted.
We can't do it--but He can. This grateful leper just has to keep coming back to Him again and again. And He has never turned me away.
To God be the glory.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
One choice at a time
"Christian character is shaped less by your big, dramatic decisions than by the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of simple obedience. Those small acts shape our character and prepare our hearts to accept even more bold assignments from God. They are the building blocks for a life that God truly blesses. Godliness is both the result and the reward of these mini battles, fought and won dozens of times each day to resist sin and look for ways to make life better for others." Clare De Graff
"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (I Tim.4:7-8)
Those innumerable, seemingly small and insignificant choices we make each day are slowly, inevitably forming our character. And that character is being built brick by brick into a solid wall of either integrity or dishonesty; discipline or dissipation; strength or weakness. We are either decision by decision, day by day, growing to be more like Jesus or pulling further and further away from Him and His kingdom.
That's where training comes in--like an athlete daily running drills or hitting shot after shot after shot or running hills in the pre-dawn darkness--constant, consistent training in doing what's right and refusing to do what's wrong. And not just in the big, splashy decisions but in the tiny choices about which no one may ever know but God alone.
But it's in those fires of dailyness, daily choices, that our character is forged.
It's funny--we fail to realize the power of the moment, don't we? Sure, hindsight is twenty twenty, but so often in the heat or excitement--or even humdrum--of the moment, we little suspect how this insiginifcant little choice to do something or withhold something or say something or not say something, can have eternal repercussions in our lives. Maybe nothing immediate, but as a book Peter and I read last year, described it, we are all building our "character houses." Some actions add to the house, strengthen it, beautify it... while other actions tear off some boards, damage the siding or even destroy the foundation of our character houses.
So today, I'm asking God to enable me to faithful in the small things. That's all we really have anyway, isn't it? Simple, small obedience in what God has placed right before us. I'm not worrying about what He asks me to do next month or next week. Rather, what has He placed before us right now? Will we heed His still, small voice... today, this minute?
It could mean choosing to take the low place and serving rather than seeking to be served. Or pray before we say... anything! Or being intentional about thanking God for the gift of a regular day--a day without car accidents or cancer or broken bones or hurricanes. And thanking others--even for the smallest kindnesses.
Or refusing to complain--"Do all things without grumbling or questioning" (Phil.2:14). Boy, I have a long way to go on that one--so easy to slip into the grumbling mode--the weather, the wait at the stoplight, our irritable child, our busy schedule... Forgive us Father! Teach us what it means to be Your grateful, non-grumbling, joyful children!
I love how C.S.Lewis puts all this:
"...every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature; either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow-creatures, and with itself... Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other."
And it's all our choice... one day at a time. One decision at a time. O Lord, help us to choose wisely.
To God be the glory.
"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (I Tim.4:7-8)
Those innumerable, seemingly small and insignificant choices we make each day are slowly, inevitably forming our character. And that character is being built brick by brick into a solid wall of either integrity or dishonesty; discipline or dissipation; strength or weakness. We are either decision by decision, day by day, growing to be more like Jesus or pulling further and further away from Him and His kingdom.
That's where training comes in--like an athlete daily running drills or hitting shot after shot after shot or running hills in the pre-dawn darkness--constant, consistent training in doing what's right and refusing to do what's wrong. And not just in the big, splashy decisions but in the tiny choices about which no one may ever know but God alone.
But it's in those fires of dailyness, daily choices, that our character is forged.
It's funny--we fail to realize the power of the moment, don't we? Sure, hindsight is twenty twenty, but so often in the heat or excitement--or even humdrum--of the moment, we little suspect how this insiginifcant little choice to do something or withhold something or say something or not say something, can have eternal repercussions in our lives. Maybe nothing immediate, but as a book Peter and I read last year, described it, we are all building our "character houses." Some actions add to the house, strengthen it, beautify it... while other actions tear off some boards, damage the siding or even destroy the foundation of our character houses.
So today, I'm asking God to enable me to faithful in the small things. That's all we really have anyway, isn't it? Simple, small obedience in what God has placed right before us. I'm not worrying about what He asks me to do next month or next week. Rather, what has He placed before us right now? Will we heed His still, small voice... today, this minute?
It could mean choosing to take the low place and serving rather than seeking to be served. Or pray before we say... anything! Or being intentional about thanking God for the gift of a regular day--a day without car accidents or cancer or broken bones or hurricanes. And thanking others--even for the smallest kindnesses.
Or refusing to complain--"Do all things without grumbling or questioning" (Phil.2:14). Boy, I have a long way to go on that one--so easy to slip into the grumbling mode--the weather, the wait at the stoplight, our irritable child, our busy schedule... Forgive us Father! Teach us what it means to be Your grateful, non-grumbling, joyful children!
I love how C.S.Lewis puts all this:
"...every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature; either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow-creatures, and with itself... Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other."
And it's all our choice... one day at a time. One decision at a time. O Lord, help us to choose wisely.
To God be the glory.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A sprain... and slowing down
"Pride goeth before the fall."
After writing yesterday about inactivity and the importance of walking with Jesus--spiritually and physically--here I sit with my foot propped up and ice on my ankle. Sigh. All due to my rushing and hurrying and not paying attention as I stepped off a curb and turned the daylights out of my ankle. Clearly I am not going to win any coordination awards, and I'm thinking my chances at a turn on "Dancing with the Stars" are fading fast.
But this has been in some ways a needed reminder to sloooooow down. I can be so impatient, so frustrated with the pace of getting things done on my endless to-do list that I fall into the trap of rushing and scurrying through--and past--life. In our haste to "get it all done," we can completely miss the purpose and reason for all we have to do.
Sometimes we need to stop doing and just focus on being.
Cease trying so hard and start treasuring a bit more.
It's not all that we do that gives us worth. It's what He has done that gives us infinite value and purpose.
But if we don't slow down enough to glimpse Him in our day, well, then what's the point? And if we can't quiet our minds and still our frazzled schedules long enough to truly see and enjoy and love the people in our lives, well then, we're just missing it. Missing Him. Missing life. Missing joy. We might be efficient... but not contented. Productive... but not peaceful. Ever striving... but never quite satisfied. Boy, guilty as charged... until a little ankle sprain reminds me of Who's really in charge and what's really important.
So for the first time in several days, old Moses and I have sat down together (well, actually he's doing the usual--laying down... he's got the slow-down thing down pat!) and opened the Word and savored the Savior's manna and quieted down enough to listen for His voice. And I can hear the whoops and hollers of our boys and their friends as they engage in a rousing game of golf frisbee outside. It takes quiet and time to hear their joy--a day ago I would have missed it as I busily rushed about getting things done. How much do I miss, who do I miss, in my busyness and preoccupation? Forgive me Lord.
Tonight, the laundry may remain unfolded, the kitchen still messy, those notes left unwritten, but God has given me something infinitely greater than feeling I'm accomplished... and that's knowing I'm accepted by the Almighty One. And His greatest command is to love. Love Him and love others. So tonight, if I love, truly love, those in this house that He has loaned me for a few short years, well, then that will be one job well done. And He will be gloried... and I will be fully satisfied. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
To God be the glory.
After writing yesterday about inactivity and the importance of walking with Jesus--spiritually and physically--here I sit with my foot propped up and ice on my ankle. Sigh. All due to my rushing and hurrying and not paying attention as I stepped off a curb and turned the daylights out of my ankle. Clearly I am not going to win any coordination awards, and I'm thinking my chances at a turn on "Dancing with the Stars" are fading fast.
But this has been in some ways a needed reminder to sloooooow down. I can be so impatient, so frustrated with the pace of getting things done on my endless to-do list that I fall into the trap of rushing and scurrying through--and past--life. In our haste to "get it all done," we can completely miss the purpose and reason for all we have to do.
Sometimes we need to stop doing and just focus on being.
Cease trying so hard and start treasuring a bit more.
It's not all that we do that gives us worth. It's what He has done that gives us infinite value and purpose.
But if we don't slow down enough to glimpse Him in our day, well, then what's the point? And if we can't quiet our minds and still our frazzled schedules long enough to truly see and enjoy and love the people in our lives, well then, we're just missing it. Missing Him. Missing life. Missing joy. We might be efficient... but not contented. Productive... but not peaceful. Ever striving... but never quite satisfied. Boy, guilty as charged... until a little ankle sprain reminds me of Who's really in charge and what's really important.
So for the first time in several days, old Moses and I have sat down together (well, actually he's doing the usual--laying down... he's got the slow-down thing down pat!) and opened the Word and savored the Savior's manna and quieted down enough to listen for His voice. And I can hear the whoops and hollers of our boys and their friends as they engage in a rousing game of golf frisbee outside. It takes quiet and time to hear their joy--a day ago I would have missed it as I busily rushed about getting things done. How much do I miss, who do I miss, in my busyness and preoccupation? Forgive me Lord.
Tonight, the laundry may remain unfolded, the kitchen still messy, those notes left unwritten, but God has given me something infinitely greater than feeling I'm accomplished... and that's knowing I'm accepted by the Almighty One. And His greatest command is to love. Love Him and love others. So tonight, if I love, truly love, those in this house that He has loaned me for a few short years, well, then that will be one job well done. And He will be gloried... and I will be fully satisfied. Thank You, Lord Jesus!
To God be the glory.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Walk with Jesus
I just read that physical inactivity is the number 4 killer world-wide. Moreover, the average person in Great Britain (and I'm betting it's no better in our country) walks less than 9 minutes a day--and that includes walking to your car, to and fro for work, and for shopping. Good night--less than 9 minutes a day? Unless you are physically disabled, how on earth is is possible to walk less than 9 minutes a day with even just your regular daily activities?! I walk more than 9 minutes a day in my house going in and out of rooms, because I forget why I walked into the room in the first place... and then I later remember and get to walk back in there again... and again. There's obviously something to be said for a crummy memory--it ups your physical activity. See, God can bring good out of anything!
As soon as I read this startling statistic, I immediately thought of a picture my sweet friend, Carson, sent me yesterday. She saw this little country church somewhere on the backroads on the way back from Georgia this weekend and had to stop to take a picture--
(Boy, I hope you can read this! It says, "Exercise Daily--Walk with Jesus")
So in case you're suffering from a bit of physical inactivity--take a walk with Jesus! And if you're afflicted by spiritual inactivity--take a walk with Jesus! And if you're distressed by the blahs or the blues.... or busted dreams or broken hearts--well, maybe it's time to take a walk with Jesus. He's ready and waiting to bring healing and hope as He shines His light into those broken, hurting places in your life.
And if things in your world right now seem to be chugging along merrily--and life is busy and happy and whole--don't neglect taking a walk with Jesus! Now's the time to rejoice with your Gift-Giver, thanking Him for His goodness and grace. He wants to walk with us through all the ups and downs... the hard and hurting places as well as the challenging, joyous, overwhelming, peaceful, and satisfying places.
"Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked." (I John2:6)
"Follow Me." (Jesus' command over and over again! For example in John 21:19, 22)
Time for a walk... with Jesus. I can hear His birds singing a welcome chorus. The cool spring air beckons. The lush green trees sway overhead. He's given you a set of lungs to breathe deep and a pair of legs to carry you along and some eyes to witness the glories of spring all around you. And the God of the universe is calling to you, saying, "Hey, are you ready for a little walk? I'm waiting..."
To God be the glory.
As soon as I read this startling statistic, I immediately thought of a picture my sweet friend, Carson, sent me yesterday. She saw this little country church somewhere on the backroads on the way back from Georgia this weekend and had to stop to take a picture--
So in case you're suffering from a bit of physical inactivity--take a walk with Jesus! And if you're afflicted by spiritual inactivity--take a walk with Jesus! And if you're distressed by the blahs or the blues.... or busted dreams or broken hearts--well, maybe it's time to take a walk with Jesus. He's ready and waiting to bring healing and hope as He shines His light into those broken, hurting places in your life.
And if things in your world right now seem to be chugging along merrily--and life is busy and happy and whole--don't neglect taking a walk with Jesus! Now's the time to rejoice with your Gift-Giver, thanking Him for His goodness and grace. He wants to walk with us through all the ups and downs... the hard and hurting places as well as the challenging, joyous, overwhelming, peaceful, and satisfying places.
"Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked." (I John2:6)
"Follow Me." (Jesus' command over and over again! For example in John 21:19, 22)
Time for a walk... with Jesus. I can hear His birds singing a welcome chorus. The cool spring air beckons. The lush green trees sway overhead. He's given you a set of lungs to breathe deep and a pair of legs to carry you along and some eyes to witness the glories of spring all around you. And the God of the universe is calling to you, saying, "Hey, are you ready for a little walk? I'm waiting..."
To God be the glory.
Monday, May 13, 2013
One question to ask daily
Just listened to a thought-provoking sermon by J.D. Greer on relationships. And it reminded me afresh that often the main problem we have in life is our selfishness. Selfishness stunts our souls and decays our relationships. Let's face it--we're all pretty selfish creatures who deep down want what we want, when we want it, and just how we want it.
A woman today nearly ran us down in the car as she flew down the street... and then had the audacity to honk at us! I guess she was irritated that our presence had somehow slowed her down...and her obviously very important agenda.
But my momentary aggravation quickly gave way to conviction: Can't this so often reflect my attitude? Wrapped in my pride and my selfish to-do list, distractions and interruptions can become a source of great irritation. Before you know it, in my hurry and haste to get things done for the people I love, I have jettisoned that very love! Even in our work for the Lord, we can suddenly find ourselves adrift in resentment and bitterness if we forget Who we are serving, why we are serving, and how we should be serving.
We serve others out of reverence for Christ. We're not serving them... we're serving Him. And He is worthy.
He who created the heavens and earth washed filthy feet. What job could possibly be beneath us? The One who sustains the universe by the power of His name, willingly submitted to the beatings and butchery of His crucifiers. The Bread of Life and the Living Water served bread and fish to the hungry rabble. If He served--and served with joy--how can we do any less? Not just serve, but serve with a willing, joyful attitude.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Col.3:23-24)
Whether we are changing diapers, studying for an exam, cooking a meal, running errands, filing papers, cleaning out clutter, or handling irate customers--we are doing it for Jesus. Might we see His face superimposed on the faces of those we serve and love. He sees every nameless, thankless task we do each day... and He is pleased when we do it with excellence and to His glory and with His love.
So here's the question J.D. Greer challenged his listeners to ask each day in their significant relationships. "What can I do to serve you today?" Yes, so counter-intuitive in our meet-my-needs-now world. But it's the way of grace, the way of Jesus. Not how much can you do for me or how can you meet my needs or here's all the ways you have failed me... but what can I do to serve you today?
"The gospel secret," Greer explained, is what Jesus did on the cross: "to absorb sin and give grace... We change others not by paying them back or getting even...Instead, the gospel secret is that grace is the most powerful change agent in the world."
God changed us not by threatening and berating us but by pouring out His totally unmerited grace upon us at the cross. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom.5:8) When I consider what Christ did, His infinite love, His amazing grace--while I was yet a selfish sinner--how can I not serve willingly and love joyfully those He has placed in my path? What amount of our love and service could be too much for Him who served and loved and gave so infinitely, so perfectly for us?
If the Gospel of grace changes us, then it is the Gospel of Christ's grace in our homes, in our marriages, in our schools, and in our workplaces that will regenerate and rejuvenate and restore that which is lost or damaged or broken. Grace that says daily to my husband, "What can I do to serve you today?" And to my children. And to my extended family. And to my friends. And to my Savior.
So this week, by the grace of God, I'm going to make a start by asking the people in my home at least once daily: "What can I do to serve you?" And then listen and respond.... and try, by His grace, not to do it through gritted teeth! Or with a scorecard in hand. But just as one available to serve as my Savior served and love as my Savior Lord. For it's all by His grace, and all for His glory.
To God--the Almighty Lord who came to serve and love--be all the glory.
A woman today nearly ran us down in the car as she flew down the street... and then had the audacity to honk at us! I guess she was irritated that our presence had somehow slowed her down...and her obviously very important agenda.
But my momentary aggravation quickly gave way to conviction: Can't this so often reflect my attitude? Wrapped in my pride and my selfish to-do list, distractions and interruptions can become a source of great irritation. Before you know it, in my hurry and haste to get things done for the people I love, I have jettisoned that very love! Even in our work for the Lord, we can suddenly find ourselves adrift in resentment and bitterness if we forget Who we are serving, why we are serving, and how we should be serving.
We serve others out of reverence for Christ. We're not serving them... we're serving Him. And He is worthy.
He who created the heavens and earth washed filthy feet. What job could possibly be beneath us? The One who sustains the universe by the power of His name, willingly submitted to the beatings and butchery of His crucifiers. The Bread of Life and the Living Water served bread and fish to the hungry rabble. If He served--and served with joy--how can we do any less? Not just serve, but serve with a willing, joyful attitude.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Col.3:23-24)
Whether we are changing diapers, studying for an exam, cooking a meal, running errands, filing papers, cleaning out clutter, or handling irate customers--we are doing it for Jesus. Might we see His face superimposed on the faces of those we serve and love. He sees every nameless, thankless task we do each day... and He is pleased when we do it with excellence and to His glory and with His love.
So here's the question J.D. Greer challenged his listeners to ask each day in their significant relationships. "What can I do to serve you today?" Yes, so counter-intuitive in our meet-my-needs-now world. But it's the way of grace, the way of Jesus. Not how much can you do for me or how can you meet my needs or here's all the ways you have failed me... but what can I do to serve you today?
"The gospel secret," Greer explained, is what Jesus did on the cross: "to absorb sin and give grace... We change others not by paying them back or getting even...Instead, the gospel secret is that grace is the most powerful change agent in the world."
God changed us not by threatening and berating us but by pouring out His totally unmerited grace upon us at the cross. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom.5:8) When I consider what Christ did, His infinite love, His amazing grace--while I was yet a selfish sinner--how can I not serve willingly and love joyfully those He has placed in my path? What amount of our love and service could be too much for Him who served and loved and gave so infinitely, so perfectly for us?
If the Gospel of grace changes us, then it is the Gospel of Christ's grace in our homes, in our marriages, in our schools, and in our workplaces that will regenerate and rejuvenate and restore that which is lost or damaged or broken. Grace that says daily to my husband, "What can I do to serve you today?" And to my children. And to my extended family. And to my friends. And to my Savior.
So this week, by the grace of God, I'm going to make a start by asking the people in my home at least once daily: "What can I do to serve you?" And then listen and respond.... and try, by His grace, not to do it through gritted teeth! Or with a scorecard in hand. But just as one available to serve as my Savior served and love as my Savior Lord. For it's all by His grace, and all for His glory.
To God--the Almighty Lord who came to serve and love--be all the glory.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The 10 Second Rule
A little food for weekend thought:
"If you love Me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15)
Pretty straightforward stuff. It's the follow-through that's tough... and sometimes a bit frightening. But we all obey someone or something--our own selfish imposes, the pull and call of the world, the admiration of others... or the Lord who loves us.
Rick Warren put it this way: "Everybody eventually surrenders to something or someone. If not to God, you will surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, or to your own pride, lusts, or ego."
And so I've been challenged the past few days by the words of Clare De Graaf, author of The 10 Second Rule. And here is the essence of the 10 second rule: "Just do the next thing you're reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do (and commit to it immediately--in the next 10 seconds--before you change your mind)."
Sometimes this may mean something as simple as stopping your power walk, stooping down and picking up that piece of trash someone dropped on the greenway. Sure, it's not your trash... but if somehow you sense this faint quick voice that tells you to stop and pick it up, don't ignore that still, small voice. Just do it. Silly perhaps, but God doesn't despise the small details of our lives.
I admit it--I can be a master of justification for ignoring His voice. No--it's so easy to think--we don't have time to do whatever that voice puts into our heads that we sense is God's will. We're too busy, or too tired or too short-tempered or, frankly, too lazy. But when He calls--His sometimes gentle, quiet voice speaking to us--will we listen and then obey... in those next 10 seconds?
It may mean stopping the chores to go read with our child. Setting aside our to-do list to write that note of encouragement to a struggling friend. Giving away something we really want to clutch with both hands. Forsaking the urgent for the important.
And sometimes it costs us. In fact, it almost always costs us--in time or money or convenience or perhaps even reputation. But isn't that what taking up our cross and following Jesus is all about?
The great Olympian runner, Eric Liddell once wrote: "Have you learned to hear God's voice saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it?' Have you learned to obey? Do you realize the tremendous issues that may be at stake?"
And later Liddell wrote: "If I know something to be true, am I prepared to follow it even though it is contrary to what I want?... Will I follow if it means being laughed at by friend or foe, of if it means personal financial loss or some kind of hardship?"
Liddell knew whereof he spoke. He's the one who relinquished his spot to run in the 100 meter run (his best event and he was the favorite for gold) at the 1924 Olympics, because one of the heats would be run on a sunday. And Liddell stunned the world again when after winning gold in a different event (that was not one he normally excelled in), he relinquished his running career in order to become a missionary in China. He would eventually die in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. His obedience cost Liddell greatly... and it honored God mightily.
I say all this to challenge us--beginning with yours truly--will we obey? Just simple, immediate obedience... beginning with "the 10 second rule." I'm asking God to enable me to start there--to obey even those simplest, smallest urges I believe He has placed before me. And then watch what happens.
To God be the glory.
"If you love Me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15)
Pretty straightforward stuff. It's the follow-through that's tough... and sometimes a bit frightening. But we all obey someone or something--our own selfish imposes, the pull and call of the world, the admiration of others... or the Lord who loves us.
Rick Warren put it this way: "Everybody eventually surrenders to something or someone. If not to God, you will surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, or to your own pride, lusts, or ego."
And so I've been challenged the past few days by the words of Clare De Graaf, author of The 10 Second Rule. And here is the essence of the 10 second rule: "Just do the next thing you're reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do (and commit to it immediately--in the next 10 seconds--before you change your mind)."
Sometimes this may mean something as simple as stopping your power walk, stooping down and picking up that piece of trash someone dropped on the greenway. Sure, it's not your trash... but if somehow you sense this faint quick voice that tells you to stop and pick it up, don't ignore that still, small voice. Just do it. Silly perhaps, but God doesn't despise the small details of our lives.
I admit it--I can be a master of justification for ignoring His voice. No--it's so easy to think--we don't have time to do whatever that voice puts into our heads that we sense is God's will. We're too busy, or too tired or too short-tempered or, frankly, too lazy. But when He calls--His sometimes gentle, quiet voice speaking to us--will we listen and then obey... in those next 10 seconds?
It may mean stopping the chores to go read with our child. Setting aside our to-do list to write that note of encouragement to a struggling friend. Giving away something we really want to clutch with both hands. Forsaking the urgent for the important.
And sometimes it costs us. In fact, it almost always costs us--in time or money or convenience or perhaps even reputation. But isn't that what taking up our cross and following Jesus is all about?
The great Olympian runner, Eric Liddell once wrote: "Have you learned to hear God's voice saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it?' Have you learned to obey? Do you realize the tremendous issues that may be at stake?"
And later Liddell wrote: "If I know something to be true, am I prepared to follow it even though it is contrary to what I want?... Will I follow if it means being laughed at by friend or foe, of if it means personal financial loss or some kind of hardship?"
Liddell knew whereof he spoke. He's the one who relinquished his spot to run in the 100 meter run (his best event and he was the favorite for gold) at the 1924 Olympics, because one of the heats would be run on a sunday. And Liddell stunned the world again when after winning gold in a different event (that was not one he normally excelled in), he relinquished his running career in order to become a missionary in China. He would eventually die in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. His obedience cost Liddell greatly... and it honored God mightily.
I say all this to challenge us--beginning with yours truly--will we obey? Just simple, immediate obedience... beginning with "the 10 second rule." I'm asking God to enable me to start there--to obey even those simplest, smallest urges I believe He has placed before me. And then watch what happens.
To God be the glory.
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