Helpless Without God

I don't know about you, but I love to see God's truth expressed in the "hands-on" aspects of life. I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoy abstract theological discussions as much as anyone, but I beleive God's Word was given for us primarily to demonstrate as opposed to debate.

I was reminded of this again this morning in my reading from a few verses in Psalm 44. For example, verse 1 says, "God, we have heard with our ears - our forefathers have told us - the work YOU accomplished in their days..." (HCSB, emphasis added). Also, verse 2 explains, "[T]o plant them, YOU drove out the nations with YOUR hand; to settle them, YOU crushed the peoples" (HCSB, emphasis added). Again, verse 3 reads, "For they did not take the land by their sword - their arm did not bring them victory - but by YOUR right hand, YOUR arm, and the light of YOUR face, for YOU were pleased with them" (HCSB, emphasis added).

Are you getting the picture? I think it's pretty obvious, but let's keep going for just a little bit longer...

Verse 4 plainly teaches, "YOU are my King, my God, who ORDAINS victories for Jacob" (HCSB, emphasis added). And now check-out the clarity of verse 5: "Through YOU we drive back our foes; through YOUR name we trample our enemies" (HCSB, emphasis added). Lastly, just in case we missed it, the Psalmist wraps-up verses 6-8 with the obvious point that God alone is our hope: "For I do not trust in my bow, and my sword does not bring me victory. But [note the contrasting conjunction here] YOU give us victory over our foes and let those who hate us be disgraced. We boast in GOD all day long; we will praise YOUR name forever" (HCSB, emphasis added).

So the point here is pretty plain, right? God alone is our Hope, Strength, Victory, Shield, Fortress, Power, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, Shepherd, Shelter, Strong Tower, etc. In a word, God is our EVERYTHING! Jesus says that without Him we can do NOTHING (see John 15:5). I once heard a guy explain that "nothing" is a zero with the rim knocked off of it. Now that's nothing!

If you want to catch just one little historical glimpse of what this looked like in Israel's conquest, for instance, read Joshua 10:1-14. In these fourteen verses, we find a reference to Jericho in verse 1. By the way, who demolished the walls of Jericho as Israel shouted? God did. The Israelites didn't build a seige ramp nor use a battering ram to break through the walls. Also, notice what verse 11 says: God sent hailstones on the fleeing enemy, and more of the opposition was killed by the hailstones than the swords of Israel! Isn't this an obvious reference to the fact that God was fighting this battle? Lastly, after we read how God held the sun still for a while, the end of verse 14 simply reads, "Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel" (NIV)!

So let me close this blog with a simple but probably obivous question at this point: Who or what are you really trusting in today?

I read a statement a long time ago in The Complete Green Letters that I never forgot. I'm not sure I'm quoting it verbatim, but this is very close if it isn't exact: "To be disappointed with yourself is to have believed in yourself."

WOW! Everytime I read or remember this quote, I'm convicted of how much I do rely on myself - my strength, my wisdom, my training, my personality, my resources, my, my, my!

God, help me grow and consistently live according to the truth of Your Word: Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (NIV).

May we live this day and everyday completely, consistently, and joyfully dependent on the Lord for His glory alone!

Blessings...

Truth for the Trenches of Life

While I've not been posting blogs on my daily Bible reading lately, I'm currently in the book of Psalms. My focus for today was Psalms 34-36, and I wanted to share this thought which came to me after I finished my reading.

Check out the "title" for Psalm 34: "[A Psalm] Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left."

The historical background for this Psalm is very likely to be 1 Samuel 21:10-15 which chronicles how David fled from Saul to Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. The NIV Study Bible explains that the name "Abimelech" rather than "Achish" appears in the Psalm's title because "perhaps Abimelech was a traditional dynastic name or title for Philistine kings" (see the commentary note in the NIV Study Bible Psalm "34 title").

But here's the main question: Don't you find this title interesting? I certainly do. I think this title (and many others) show how God's Word is truth for the trenches of life. In other words, the Psalms are prayers, praises, pleas, and petitions offered to God in all seasons of life - times of worship and war, community and conflict, deliverance and disaster, pleasure and pain, triumph and tragedy, etc.

And here's the comfort and confidence this truth breeds in my life: The truth of God's Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, indeed! Isn't this the self-proclaimed testimony of the Psalter? Sure it is. The Psalmist declares to God in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (NIV).

I don't know about you, but I'm thankful that the truth of God's Word is for the trenches of life. It's not flowery sentiments locked away in the unreachable heights of stained glass windows in the sanitary confines of cathedrals. Rather, it's truth you can sink your fingernails into as you navigate every season and situation of life's oftentimes stormy journey.

I've personally sung through many Psalms and sweated through many others. I've celebrated through many Psalms and cried through many others. I've shouted "Amen" at times when my heart agreed with the Psalmist's proclamation of praise originally uttered thousands of years ago, and I've whispered my own "questions" to the Lord from my heart filled with pain as I saw a reflection of myself in the pleas of a Psalmist who was suffered thousands of years ago as well.

"Truth for the Trenches of Life." I guess, I could use this title for any blogs on the Scripture because this is what all of God's Word, Genesis through Revelation, is: Truth for the Trenches of Life.

May we always thank God for His inspired, inerrant Word! And may we always seek to be doers of His Word by the power of His Spirit and not just hearers of His Word (see James 1:22-25). By doing this, we'll build our lives on a rock which will stand through every storm of life (see Matthew 7:24-27).

Blessings...

Reaching the Next Level Is Available through SonLife Christian Bookstore in Hammond, LA

Great news! Reaching the Next Level is available through SonLife Christian Bookstore in Hammond, LA. So now you have more options than ever on how you can get your copy today. You can get the books directly from the publisher by clicking on the book ad located on the right column of this blog, from major online bookstores (like www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com), or through our very own local Christian bookstore right here in Hammond!

SonLife Christian Bookstore is located at 1417 West Morris, Hammond, LA 70403, and you can reach the store at 985-345-6576.

The hours of operation for the store are as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

You can access the Hammond store's website at:

http://www.sonlifechristianstore.com/Hammond-Store.html.

If you chose to go by SonLife to order your copy, please let the owner Whit know how much you appreciate his service to our local community and for ordering your copy of Reaching the Next Level through his store.

Blessings!

The Centrality of the Cross

Here's another quote from Pendleton's Christian Doctrines (see my last blog post). Actually, Pendleton takes these words below from a Dr. Edward Payson.

I can't help but reflect on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 as I read this quote. In these verses Paul says things like:

1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (NIV).

1 Corinthians 1:23-24, "[W]e preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (NIV).

1 Corinthians 1:30-31, "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord'" (NIV).

1 Corinthians 2:2, "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (NIV).

Seems pretty clear that the centrality of the cross should be proclaimed in every aspect of our life and message.

So here's Dr. Payson's thoughts on the centrality of the cross as Pendleton quotes them. Of course, please remember that this language and manner of expression is from a by-gone century! Enjoy...

"To the cross of Christ all eternity has looked forward; to the cross of Christ all eternity will look back. The cross of Christ was, if I may so express it, the first object which existed in the divine mind; and with reference to this great object all other objects were created. With reference to the same object they are still preserved. With reference to the same object every event that takes place in heaven, earth, and hell is directed and overruled. Surely, then, this object ought to engage our undivided attention. We ought to regard this world merely as a stage on which the cross of Christ was to be erected and the great drama of the crucifixion acted. We ought to regard all that it contains as only the scenes and draperies necessary for its exhibition. We ought to regard celestial luminaries merely as lamps, by the light of which this stupendous spectacle may be beheld. We ought to view angels, men, and devils as subordinate actors on the stage, and all the commotions and revolutions of the world as subservient to this one grand design. Separate any part of this creation, or any event that has ever taken place, from its relation to Christ, and it dwindles into insignificancy. No sufficient reason can be assigned for its existence, and it appears to have been formed in vain. But when viewed as connected with him every thing becomes important; everything then appears to be a part of one grand, systematic, harmonious whole - a whole worthy of him that formed it. It was such a view of things which led the apostle to exclaim, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.'"

[This quote is taken from Dr. Edward Payson as it appears in James Pendleton, Christian Doctrines: A Compendium of Theology (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1878), 103-104.]

All I can say to this is "Amen!" May we all live every moment of our lives in light of the centrality of the cross.

Blessings!

It's All About God's Glory

I'm reading a couple of books these days. One of them is by James M. Pendleton, and it's entitled Christian Doctrines: A Compendium of Theology. It was originally published in 1878. The other book I'm reading is by Joshua Harris, and it's entitled Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters. It was originally published in 2010! Both books are basically systematic theology books - they're attempting to systematize what all of Scripture says on particular theological subjects like God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Humanity, Sin, etc.

Of course, everything you and I read must be measured against and filtered through the truth of God's Word. Only the Scriptures are inspired and inerrant (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

So here's a little "nugget" from Pendleton's book which I thought I would pass along to you concerning what Scripture says about the supreme priority of God's glory in all things. I love the message in these words, and I must say I also love the 1878 language, too! Enjoy...

"God in willing to create the universe designed thereby to promote the glory of his own name. It is needless, and indeed it would be untrue, to say that he had no other object in view; but manifestly his supreme purpose was the glory of his own name. All other purposes are inferior and subordinate to this. For men to seek their own glory is selfish and culpable, because in this case they seek a low and insignificant object; whereas the highest and most important object - namely, the divine glory - should ever be had in view. Hence there is a positive command: 'Do all to the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31). But how is it with God himself? The divine intellect in the boundless range of its contemplations finds no object of such exalted importance as the divine glory, and God is therefore under the blessed necessity of acting with a view to his own glory, and of subordinating everything to its promotion. He had his glory supremely in view in the creation of all things; and as the purpose of creation is executed in providence and redemption, we see that is one and the same. We therefore learn from the Old Testament that 'the Lord Jehovah hath made all things for himself' (Proverbs 16:4), and that his glory he 'will not give to another' (Isaiah 42:8); while in the New Testament it is said of Christ that 'all things were created by him, and for him' (Colossians 1:16)."

[The above quote is taken from James M. Pendleton, Christian Doctrines: A Compendium of Theology (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1878), 102-103.]

Well, I think the message here is clear, don't you? May we live everyday for the purpose for which we were created - To glorify God!

Blessings...

"Silent" But Not "Still"

Well, it's been about two weeks or so since I've posted on the blog. Although I've been "silent" during this time, I've certainly not been "still"! The Lord has done some really neat things over the last few days, and I can summarize His work with four words...

1. Replicate

I was honored to be a part of the Replicate conference in New Orleans on October 29-30th. I led a breakout session on Reaching the Next Level, and God encouraged me greatly with the response I received toward the books.

Let me share a little background about why I was so encouraged. You see, some time ago (a couple or so years ago, I guess), my wife and I participated in another conference at New Orleans Seminary called Kaleo (basically, Greek meaning "to call"). This is a conference NAMB (or the North American Mission Board) puts on for Juniors and Seniors in high school and college students who are exploring the possibility of a call to ministry or missions. I spoke in one of the large sessions at this conference, and I also led a couple of breakout sessions.

Well, for my second breakout session, no one showed up! Listen, I mean, NO ONE showed up! I was sitting in my designated room at the appointed starting time with the door opened, and no one arrived. It was just me, my Bible, and Jesus - which is more than enough for any and every situation in life, by the way.

But I must confess, I was feeling pretty discouraged at the time. Then a college student walked by my room. I don't think he was coming to my session because he first walked past my room, then he took a couple of steps backward to check on me. I explained no one was in my session so he asked if he could talk with me. I told him that would be fine - all I had was time!

We had a very good conversation sharing about all God was doing in our lives both through the seasons of spiritual "plenty" and seasons of spiritual "pain". After we talked, we went our separate ways. We talked again either personally or via email since that time, and it always amazed me how this student would refer back to that conversation at Kaleo as a special time God used to encourage him. By the way, he's now serving the Lord through missions in Canada.

Okay, now fast forward to a couple of weeks ago to Replicate in New Orleans. When I arrived early on Saturday morning, I was planning to connect with one of the conferenece leaders to find a place to set my "books" up with order cards so that anyone who was interested in the books could glance at them and take an order card. But I really second-guessed this plan when I arrived. I mean, all the other exhibits were on big tables with tons of info, banners, decorations, candy, brochures, etc. I was going to have a set of printer proofs of the books with a typed-out flyer saying they were not for sale and a stack of business-sized order cards! I decided I wasn't going to worry about it. So feeling a bit discouraged and foolish, I kept the books with me.

I must tell you at this point, I was remembering my empty room at the Kaleo conference and wondering if anyone was even going to show up for the breakout session on Reaching the Next Level. And so after a busy morning connecting with folks and finding out my breakout assignment, I set things up in the room and put everything in God's hands.

Then when the time came to begin the session, I was amazed. People started coming through the door. They filled every seat, stood against the back wall, sat on the floor, and (I found out later) one person said she was sitting in the hallway, I believe! While things were pretty rushed because of time constraints, we had a great time overviewing the books and sharing a few questions and answers.

After the session, folks were coming up to me to get order cards and ask questions about using the books. One youth pastor was interested in maybe using it with his students, another leader was curious about using it for a new members orientation class, one Dad asked about using it as a discipleship tool for his family, etc! I don't know if anything will come from these inquiries, but it was nevertheless very encouraging to me to see how people were responding to the books.

2. Rest

After the Replicate conference, I preached at our Fellowship and led the Lord's Supper the next day (Sunday), and then our family took-off for a few days of vacation. We traveled to Hope, Arkansas to visit some friends. I was able to relax and watch the second half of the Sunday Night Saints game - WHO DAT! We had a great time sleeping in, hanging out, and sharing with our friends about the Lord's work in our lives.

Then we traveled to Missouri and stayed at the Big Cedar Lodge just outside of Branson, Missouri. Man, this place was amazing! The sights were unbelieveable. I've never been to the Ozark Mountains before, but I definitely hope to go again.

You might ask what we did while we were there - we took things day by day! Some of our sweetest friends were with us on the trip, and we just enjoyed sleeping in, taking naps, checking things out around the Big Cedar Lodge area and Branson, and eating some fabulous food. It was so much fun and such a wonderful time of rest!

3. Release

When we returned home from the vacation time, Reaching the Next Level was already officially released. The books are now available through the main distribution channels (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.).

However, I must say that I still think the best deal, at least from what I can see, is to get them through the publisher's website by using the book ad located on the right column of my blog. It seems the prices for the books "fluctuate" on Amazon, for example, but they are the same on the publisher's site. So while you may get one version of the book at a lower price on Amazon, for instance, the other version may be listed higher. Whereas on the publisher's site, the prices for both books are listed at the same discounted amount and set at a certain price which has remained the same since the pre-order phase.

4. Revivals

The Lord also opened a couple of doors to preach for two revivals in the last few days. First, I was with my dear Brother Kevin and his wife Beth (and their precious little son, Silas) at FBC Lockport for a "Discipleship Revival".

Wow! This was a sweet and special time of ministry for several reasons. One reason was that I was sharing preaching time with Bro. Tim, my "father in the faith" and one of my key mentors. What an honor it was to serve in this way.

And another reason was that some of the men who attended the revival were used by God in very special ways in my life over the years. For example, one of the men who attended all the services was another "Bro. Tim" who encouraged me to return to school during a time when I was out of Bible College for a season. And another man was "Bro. A.J" who was the Deacon who used to take me and my older brother to the nursing home to preach on Thursday nights soon after I was converted. Both of these men attended the services on the last night I was preaching which happened to focus on the practical need to invest in others for God's Kingdom purposes. Their lives are an excellent illustration of obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations (see Matthew 28:18-20). I will always be personally thankful for the ways they invested in my life!

Second, I was honored to preach on Tuesday night (11/9/10) at FBC Kentwood. Pastor Joey there was such a wonderful host, and the fellowship with the Believers was very special. One of the men from our Fellowship in Hammond offered to drive me up to the meeting since he was a former member of FBC Kentwood, and we had a delightful time visiting together during the round-trip drive and a late-night breakfast at Cracker Barrel on the way back.

Again, as you can easily see, while I've been "silent" on the blog, God's not been "still" in my life! By the way, I think here's a great principle to always remember: When God is "silent", He's not "still". You know, there may be times when you feel like God isn't "saying anything" to you, but when God is "silent", He's not "still" because He's always working to accomplish His perfect will in His perfect timing for the glory of His great name (see Romans 8:28)!

Blessings...

They're Here!

As you can see from the picture on your right, the author proofs for Reaching the Next Level arrived in the mail yesterday! Praise be to the Lord!

Now that I've approved the proofs, they should be scheduled for their first printing within the next couple of days. They should also go "live" on major online bookstore websites within a couple of weeks.

I would like to say "Thank You" again to so many people Jesus used to help me through this process. I could never express enough gratitude to my sweet wife - she has sacrificed and supported me and this work more than anyone will ever know. My boys, Joseph and Joshua, are the best sons any Dad could ever have. And scores of others have invested in my life for God's Kingdom purposes. I hope that this milestone is in some small way an encouragement to them as well.

Okay, now that the books are here, let's keep making disciples of all nations for the glory of God (Matthew 28:18-20)! This is the whole goal, right?

Blessings...

I LOVE My Wife!

Today is my sweet wife's birthday! While I won't tell her age, I will definitely say how much I absolutely ADORE her!

You know, the book of Proverbs wraps-up with a description of the virtuous woman, and in the closing verses of this portrait of true beauty, it quotes the husband of the virtuous woman's opinion of her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all" (Proverbs 31:29, NIV).

Well, I can't find better words to capture my thoughts and feelings for my wife. Simply put: She surpasses them all!

There's no way for me to list all the ways I love my wife in one blog - I couldn't do it in one lifetime, but I do want to share just three of the ways...

1. I love her love for God and others.

I've said this many times before, and I'll say it many times again because it's just the truth: My wife is the clearest expression of God's grace in my life on a daily basis. Her love is unconditional, unlimited, and unbelieveable. As a pastor, many people see my life when I'm always trying to be strong for others, but my wife is the constant source of encouragement for me when I'm weak, struggling, and confused. Yet, her love never flinches.

I know that Wendy demonstrates this type of supernatural grace in and through her life because she's encountered, experienced, and embraced the grace of God herself. This is why she cares for others so much. It's because the Spirit of the God of All Grace has redeemed her with His incomprehensible love! And I thank the Lord Jesus that she shares with others what she has freely received from Him.

2. I love her wisdom.

As a pastor, many people come to me for counsel, and I try to give the very best Biblical counsel I can in every situation. But who does the pastor go to when he needs counsel? You guessed it: Wendy is a treasure of godly wisdom! Of course, she always offers wise counsel because she is a "woman of the Word". She doesn't lean on her own understanding, but she acknowledges God in all of her ways.

In fact, just last night after Wendy and I had a conversation about a certain decision we're seeking the Lord's will on, she offered the most perfect Biblically balanced solution. And my thoughts later as I reflected on this were: "What am I going to do if I ever lose my wife? Who am I going to talk to? Who is going to share God's wisdom with me as I struggle through the trenches of life?"

I can't recall all the times I struggle on a weekly basis and just a word of wise counsel from my wife soothes my troubled mind and heart. Her conscience is so rock-solid in her Biblical convictions that I always aspire to be as strong as she is.

3. I love her devotion to our family.

I've never met a person who has ever sacrificed more for her family than my wife. I can do all the things I do because my wife has always supported and sacrificed for me.

During our college days, Wendy worked. She took some classes here and there, but her focus was to do whatever she could so that I could follow God's call. For much of my Seminary studies when we had to cover the expenses, Wendy never blinked at how much tuition and books cost us. She simply managed things (both time and money) with unbelieveable wisdom and frugality so that I could do what I sensed the Lord leading us to do.

Of course, these couple of comments don't even come close to all the sacrifices she makes because of our service in local Church ministry. No one will ever know the hours she recently worked through the days and late into the nights to get our home ready for Open House. And she does all of this with joy in her heart because she loves God and others.

Then I could mention the fact that she's always stayed home to be with our sons. We've simply counted the costs on this one, and we've never regretted it. I know my wife - she's bright, unbelieveable in talents and skills, beautiful, etc. I know that she could succeed with excellence in anything she set her heart on. Yet, she has always used everything God has given her to make sure our boys were cared for and received the very best opportunities to become all God wants them to be in life. For example, even through the difficulties of homeschooling two boys, she's always done what needed to be done in order to offer them the very best foundation for their faith.

Wendy and I joke sometimes that if anything ever happened to her - I would starve because I'm absolutely helpless and hopeless in the kitchen! And once again she's right!

But the truth of the matter is that I would die because I couldn't live without HER. I don't know what I would ever do without her.

So I just want to say again: "Thank you Lord Jesus, for my sweet wife. She's clearly a demonstration of Your amazing grace, and may I love her as You loved the Church. She truly deserves nothing less."

"Many women do noble things, but Wendy, you do, indeed, surpass them all!"

I love you, Bae, with all my heart!

Happy Birthday
October 27, 2010

God's Providential Fingerprints - Part 3

As we come to the closing chapters of the book of Esther (Esther 7-10), we find yet more of God's providential fingerprints on every page of this story. Consider these three additional examples...


8. Gallows (Esther 7)

One of the fascinating aspects of the book of Esther is the use of irony. For example, Haman desires to be honored and to execute Mordecai, but he ends up having to honor Mordecai and being executed! And of course, another aspect of this irony is that Haman is literally executed on the gallows he built for Mordecai's execution.

So how does this evidence God's providential fingerprints? God takes note of the wicked, and He executes His justice (see Psalm 5:4-6). While we may not see the execution of God's justice in this life all the time, the Lord's justice is nevertheless sure. In other words, it may seem at times in this world that the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, but we must always remember that this world will not last forever (see Psalm 37).

Of course, in the story of Esther, though, we see an actual example of how God's justice was executed in this life - Haman hung from the literal gallows he built for Mordecai. Again, we see here an example of God's providential fingerprints.

9. The markings of a signet ring (Esther 8)

It's fascinating to read that the king's signet ring was removed from Haman and put it on Mordecai's finger (see Esther 8:2)! Now the transition of authority is complete. In other words, whoever had the king's signet ring literally had the imprint of the king's authority to do what they wanted to do.

Talk about God's providential fingerprints! In this example, we're actually seeing how the "imprint" of a king is illustrating the imprint of THE KING - the Lord God Almighty. I'm not trying to spiritualize the Text here in anyway by suggesting that the image of the king's imprint had some type of reference to God or something - I don't even know what image was on the king's signet ring. I'm simply saying that in God's providence and sovereignty, He used the imprint of a king's signet ring to show how He was working to accomplish His will to save His people from genocide.

10. Turned tables (Esther 9)

I find the words of Esther 9:1 to be very interesting: "On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them" (NIV).

Interesting, don't you think? Through much of the story, it appears that the Jews are hopelessly doomed, but when everything is said and done, the opposite occurs.

So here's the obvious question: Who turned the tables? You guessed it, God's providential fingerprints! Just as God fought Israel's battles before (see Joshua 10:11), He did it again here. The Lord delivered His people - not only in the actual battles that were waged but also in all the events leading up to the battles. For example, the favor of Hegai and the king, the promotion of Esther, the spoiled assination plot, the sinister pride of Haman, the risking of a life, the building of a set of gallows, the reading of the royal records on a night when the king couldn't sleep, the honoring of Mordecai, etc., God's sovereignty is seen over all these things, and He accomplished His will.

There's no doubt that God worked according to His absolute power in the book of Esther - we can see His providential fingerprints everwhere in the story. And He's the same God today, sovereignly working in our lives as well.

So be encouraged. It's been well-said that even when you may not be able to trace God's hand, you can always trust His heart. He's in control, and He's accomplishing His perfect purposes for the glory of His name through times of both pleasure and pain.

Blessings!

God's Providential Fingerprints - Part 2

As we continue reading the story of Esther, we find more of God’s providential fingerprints in chapters 4-6 as we did in the first three chapters of the book. Again, the Lord is working in His sovereign and providential power to fulfill His will through both ideal and imperfect circumstances.

4. Timing and positioning (Esther 4)

Fasting is mentioned twice in Esther 4 (see verses 3 and 16). This is probably the closest we come to seeing a mention of God in the book of Esther. The reasoning goes something like this: When Jewish people like Mordecai and Esther are fasting, we can be sure prayers are also involved, and if they’re praying, we can be certain they’re praying to the One, True God!

Nevertheless, we still don’t see an explicit mention of God’s name here. Yet, we do see His providential fingerprints. Mordecai relays a classic question to Esther as he tries to convince her to go before the king to plead for the safety of the Jewish people. He asks her in Esther 4:14b, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (NIV)?

We can answer this question, can’t we? We know why Esther’s in her royal position, and furthermore, we know who put her there – God did! His providential fingerprints are all over the place. God positioned Esther in her position by His providential power in order to fulfill His purposes. It's true that Esther needed a little time to see God’s plan, but she eventually got it (see Esther 4:15-16).

And here’s an interesting point about God’s providence and sovereignty: Many times we don’t know what God is doing, but God always knows what He’s doing! In other words, we may not “see” things immediately just as it took Esther a little time to “see” the ways God was working. But we can always be sure that God is working even if we can’t “see” it. His providential fingerprints are all over our lives as well.

5. Approval and the heart of a king (Esther 5)

One of the reasons Esther hesitated to approach the king was because she had not been summoned before his presence for 30 days (see Esther 4:11). This point of information is important since Persian law allowed the king to execute anyone who came into his presence uninvited. Esther was basically risking her life now in order to try to save Jewish lives later.

But here’s where we catch a glimpse of God’s providential fingerprints even on the heart of the king! Esther 5:2 says, “When [the king] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter” (NIV).

Again, we see God’s fingerprints in the fact that Esther gained “approval” before the king. God was granting her favor in the eyes of the king in order to accomplish His purposes. Also, we see God’s fingerprints in the fact the king extended his scepter to her instead of executing her!

Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised at all to find God’s fingerprints on the heart of the king. We can see how God can moved the heart of a pagan king to accomplish His plans (see 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4), and Proverbs 21:1 also says, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (NIV).

So, we need to always remember who’s really in control. We might see different people in positions of power with our physical eyes, but God alone is sovereign, exercising ultimate power over all people and things.

6. Sleepless nights and just the right readings in royal records (Esther 6)

Esther 6:1-5 is nothing short of amazing when we thing specifically about God’s providential fingerprints! First, we have a king who can’t sleep (see Esther 6:1). Who do you think is keeping him awake? Obviously God is because Haman is hatching a sinister plot to have Mordecai hung the next day (see Esther 5:14).

Second, we have someone (we’re not even sure of the person’s name) find a place to read the royal record to the king in order to help him sleep. And it “just so happens” that they read the account of how Mordecai spoiled an assassination plot against the king, right? Wrong! God’s providential fingerprints are all over this story (see Esther 6:2).

Third, we have the king asking what honor has been bestowed on Mordecai for his loyalty and service. And when he learns that no honor has been given to Mordecai, Haman “happens” to be showing up to ask the king for permission to execute Mordecai (see Esther 6:3-4)! Hmmm. Who do you think is overseeing the perfect timing of all these events? Surely, God’s providential fingerprints are everywhere.

7. Exaltation and humility (Esther 6)

The way Esther 6 closes is a powerful depiction of the Biblical truth that God alone exalts and humbles. Proverbs 3:34 is plain: “[God] mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble” (NIV). Jesus also says in Luke 18:14 that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (NIV).

So, here we see Mordecai honored by the command of the king through the hand of Haman, but obviously, God is sovereign over all of it. He alone is the One who exalts and humbles. It’s His providential fingerprints that appear on the details of this story.

Of course, we’re not finished with the book of Esther, yet. There’s still more of God’s providential fingerprints to see!

Blessings…

Life Is Like a Maze!

Today, my family and other homeschool families went to a cornfield maze. And it was so much fun! We watched a show of singing chickens, fed some animals, cheered for a pig race, got lost several times in a cornfield maze, and had an absolute blast riding a crazy cow ride.

Whew!

I thought I would share just a little bit about what I "learned" today. It can be summed up with this statement: Life is like a maze! Now, here are a few thoughts along this line. Enjoy...

1. Try new things!

You know, sometimes you just have to try some new things in life. If you don't, you'll feel like you simply move around in life's maze without really getting anywhere.

Take my youngest son, for example. Here he is feeding a pony. It's not every day that you get to feed a pony. Well, maybe for some people who live on a farm it is. But we don't live on a farm. So this is a cool "new thing" for us.

This is the point. I think I read in Drew Brees' book that if you want a different result, you have to alter your routine sometimes. I believe he's on to something here.

If you've never launched out into some new things, there's no better time like the present! If the Lord's leading you to do something you've never done before, trust Him and go for it by faith! Just spend a little time reading Hebrews 11, the great "Hall of Faith" chapter in the Bible, and think about how God called all kinds of people to do all kinds of "new" things by faith.

2. Everybody's got a race to run!

I've never seen a pig race before, but you can take a look at one right here. Just watch the video below, and enjoy a good laugh, too!



It's kind of interesting when you watch one of the little pigs run his race. Did you notice how in the hustle and bustle, the little guy got turned around?

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I get "turned around" as well. Then, when I get my direction straight, I'm ready to go again. And one day, I'll finish the race!

So run your race. I'm not sure all God has in store for you, but I'm sure we all have a race to run. I'm also sure we'll all get "turned around" at times. Yet, we must never give up. We've got to keep on running until we finish the race one day (see Philippians 3:10-14).

Of course, the "finish line" isn't anywhere on this side of heaven. We'll be finished with our race only when we see Jesus face to face. (Hey, that rhymes!)

3. Without a map, you're shot!

I can't tell you how long we walked around in that maze today. But it was quite a while! Of course, once we asked someone for help, we were able to make some real progress.

Now, the cool thing about the person who helped us was that he was way up in the air on a scissor lift. There were some people walking through the maze with us, but they couldn't really help us because they were only seeing what we were seeing. The person on the lift, however, had a totally different vantage point. He could see the whole maze from where he was. So he knew exactly what we needed to do and gave us clear directions.

Surely, you see where I'm going (no pun intended), right? When we follow others who only see the things of this world, we're not really getting help and direction. But when we seek the Lord, He reigns from heaven over all things, and His instructions are perfect and clear! This is why we always need to follow Him (see Proverbs 3:5-7).

Also, once we got to a certain point in the maze with the help of our "guide in the sky," we knew how to better use our map. Of course, we first needed to know what path we were on. When we began our trek through the maze, I wasn't sure if we were supposed to follow the black spaces or the white lines. Take a look at our map, and you'll see what I'm talking about.


(Okay, I just have to pause right here and say something: Who Dat!?! Alright, thanks for letting me get that out. Let's pick-up where we left off...)

But after we figured out we were on the white lines, we were good to go. In fact, after we knew where we were and how to use our map, we finished the maze without a single problem!

Our "map" for life's maze is God's Word, of course. When we know how to use our "map" as we walk through the maze of life, we can follow Christ's directions and finish strong (see Psalm 119:105).

4. The journey is rough and fast, so have some fun!

Towards the end of our day at the cornfield maze, we rode in a little "cow" ride. Boy, was it a blast! Our guide for the ride was having a lot of fun with us.

Now, it was pretty rough and fast for an old guy like me, but it was tons of fun. Just take a look at this video and have a good laugh with (or at) me!



You know, Jesus never said that following Him would be easy and just loads of fun (see John 16:33), but we do need to realize that "joy" is mentioned in Paul's list of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galaltians 5:22-23). In other words, I think if anybody should have a smile on their faces, it should be Christians. After all, we're forgiven and going to heaven! We're more than conquerors (see Romans 8:31-39)!

Some Believers say they have "joy" in their hearts, but apparently their faces don't know about it because they always look like they've been baptized in 500 gallons of pickle juice!

The Scripture says on one occassion that Jesus was full of joy in the Holy Spirit (see Luke 10:21a). No surprises here in light of the fact that we just mentioned how joy is listed as a part of the fruit of the Spirit.

So here we have it. Life is a maze, but as we move through it, we need to try some new things, run our race, use our map, and have some fun along the way. Don't ever give up when you feel like your going in circles because God is going to finish the good work He started in you (see Philippians 1:6).

Blessings!

God's Providential Fingerprints - Part 1

I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but the book of Esther possesses at least one unique characteristic when compared with all the other books of the Bible.

What is it? Esther is the only book of the Bible which doesn't explicitly mention God one single time. However, it's been well-said that even though God's name isn't mentioned once in the entire book of Esther, His fingerprints are on every page!

If the book of Esther illustrates anything about God, it definitely shows His providential power and sovereignty over and over. What do the words "providence" and "sovereignty" mean? These words refer to God's power to accomplish His will through any and all circumstances. In times of pleasure and pain, God is at work. He's fulfilling His perfect purposes through both ideal and imperfect life situations.

This is precisely what we find in Esther 1-3. In these three opening chapters, we see God's providential fingerprints etched in the twists and turns of this story although we don't read an explicit mention of God's name once. Here are just some His fingerprint markings...

1. Violating a king's command and unleashing his fury (Esther 1)

As king Ahasuerus and his subjects (both great and small) are engaging in an elaborate and lengthy celebration, queen Vashti is summoned to appear before the king so that he can parade her beauty before his people and officials. But Vashti resists the king's order, and he is infuriated.

Of course, we might not view this whole situation as "ideal" at all. From the king's party to his desire in his drunken state to parade Vashti's beauty to others to Esther's violation of the king's order, we might generally conclude that all of this is a recipe for trouble.

But God is at work. Through these events, we can see His providential fingerprints. He's working even through these circumstances to place a new Persian queen in position in order to save His people from an approaching attempt of genocide.

2. Showing favor to a young girl and being in a royal position (Esther 2)

As a search begins and moves throughout all of Persia to find a new queen, a different tone surfaces in the book of Esther. There's anticipation and excitment in the air! Everyone (including us the readers) are asking, "Who's she going to be?" And three times in Esther 2, we encounter the statement that Esther found favor in the eyes of others. For instance, Esther gained favor in the eyes of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the king's harem, who then saw to it that Esther received the best possible treatment and preparation (see Esther 2:8-9). Also, Esther gained favor in the eyes of "everyone who saw her" (Esther 2:15b, NIV). Lastly, Esther gained favor in the eyes of the king which resulted in her receiving the royal crown and taking Vashti's place as queen of Persia (see Esther 2:17).

Of course, we might view this series of circumstances in a much more positive light in general from the events of chapter 1. Here we basically see a "rags to riches" story unfold right before our eyes!

And God is at work. Through these events, we can see His providential fingerprints. All we need to do is ask ourselves: Who is giving Esther all this favor in these progressive steps? She first receives favor from a single official, then everyone who sees her, and ultimately from the king who places a crown on her head and names her his queen. Just as God worked through the troubling times of chapter 1, He's also working through the seemingly "better" times of chapter 2.

3. Allegiance, assassination attempts, and annals (Esther 2-3)

As life in the kingdom of Persia continued on its course, we learn about two "assassination" attempts. One is against the king, but Mordecai learns of the plot and tells Esther who then reports it to the king. Murder is avoided, and all this is recorded in the royal records. Another "assassination" attempt is against an entire ethnic group - the Jews. But we have to wait to see how this one unfolds. In the meantime, the king honors a man named Haman who then has a problem with Mordecai because he refuses to bow down to him. So Haman decides to annihilate not only Mordecai but all Jews throughout Persia. Yet, he doesn't act out according to his murderous intentions immediately. Rather, he casts a lot to determine the day of the attack.

Obviously, we're back to a "not-so-good-sounding" course of events. "Assassination attempts" on either individuals or entire ethnic groups are never signals that things are moving along in an "ideal" fashion, to say the least.

But you guessed it! God is at work. Through these events, we can see His providential fingerprints. He's working through even the evil attempts of assassination and the boring details of a royal record. And He's going to work through the casting of a lot because He alone is the One who's in control throughout all the events of every day on the calendar.

Just think about it: Life is in God's hands. He's the Creator and Sustainer. No one lives and dies without God's knowledge. Also, while the casting of the lot appears completely haphazard, we know better. Proverbs 16:33 plainly says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (NIV).

Once again, God's providential fingerprints are all over the book of Esther (and also the entire Bible)! So be encouraged today. I'm not sure what you're going through. Things may appear "ideal" or "imperfect" before your eyes, but rest assured that God is sovereign. He's accomplishing His perfect purposes in and through all circumstances.

Paul wraps this truth up for us nicely in Romans 8:28 when he writes that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV). Also, the writer of Proverbs sums things up nicely for us in Proverbs 16:4, "The Lord works out everything for his own ends--even the wicked for a day of disaster" (NIV) and in Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (NIV).

We may not see it now, but when the light of eternity bursts forth over the tapestry of our lives, we'll see God's providential fingerprints everywhere on the tattered threads of all our days. He is sovereignly weaving together His perfect purposes in and through all things!

Blessings...

God's Word - It "Comforts" and "Afflicts"

Have you ever heard the saying, "God's Word comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable"? I have, and I beleive it's true.

For instance, notice the words Paul uses to describe the benefits of the Bible in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV).

Did you catch that? God's Word is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." The main point to understand here is that God's Word is profitable for every season of our lives. Sometimes we're afflicted, and the promises of Scriptures soothe our wounded souls; at other times we grow too "comfortable" (meaning, we're complacent, apathethic, lax, etc.), and the message of God's Word stirs us to repentance. For example, Isaiah proclaimed words of comfort (see Isaiah 40:1ff) and challenge (see Isaiah 1:1ff); Jesus preached words of reassurance (see Matthew 11:28-30) and rebuke (Matthew 23:1ff).

We actually see God's Word fulfilling both of these roles in Nehemiah 8-9. One of the main features of the book of Nehemiah is its description of Ezra reading and interpreting God's Word publicly while the people stood and listened to the Scriptures for hours (see Nehemiah 8:2-8). What a powerful picture!

Now as the Word of God was read and explained, we see different responses to its message. First, the people were told not to mourn because they "had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law" (Nehemiah 8:9b, NIV). Here we can see how the Scriptures comforted the people (see also Nehemiah 2:9-12).

Second, the people also confessed and repented when they heard God's Word. Nehemiah 9:3 says, "[The people] stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of a day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God" (NIV). Here we can see how God's Word flashed light on His people's sin and "afflicted" them in their disobedience (see also Nehemiah 9).

It's important for us to understand this two-pronged benefit of God's Word - "comfort" and "affliction". Why? Simple: The Bible, as a true lamp to our feet and light to our path (see Psalm 119:105), does give us rays of hope in the darkness ("comfort") and does reveal areas for repentance because of our disobedience ("afflict the comfortable").

So, again, I beleive it - God's Word truly "comforts the afflicted" and "afflicts the comfortable!"

Let's always have open hearts to the powerful truth of the Scripture which sets us free, indeed (see Psalm 119:9-11; John 8:31-32; Hebrews 4:12-13).

Blessings...

Reaching the Next Level Is Now Available for Pre-Order!

It's now available! You can pre-order your copy of Reaching the Next Level today from the publisher at a reduced price - $10.46 plus shipping and handling (retails at $14.95 plus shipping and handling). Simply copy and paste the following link in your web browser.

http://www.crosslink.org/products.php?category=growth

Next, choose a version(s) of the book (Student Guide and/or Leader Guide) by clicking on the word "Buy" and then click on the "Buy Now" box. Finally, complete the simple and secure online pre-order form to reserve your copy today!

The book should release to other distrubtion channels (www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, etc.) by mid-November!

Please help me spread the word and blessings!

If You Build It, Opposition Will Come!

Have you ever watched the movie Field of Dreams? One of its famous scenes is when the main character hears a voice from "another world" say to him: If you build it, he will come. Of course, this statement in the movie describes how if the main character builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his field, his deceased father will come to this Field of Dreams.

Well, I think we can tweak this statement a little to make another point we see in Scripture: If you build it, opposition will come! And we don't have to look far to see this truth surface in God's Word - it's everywhere!

For example, Jesus confirms this truth when He says in Matthew 16:18b, "[O]n this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (NIV). Paul confirms this message when he says in 2 Timothy 3:12b, "[E]veryone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (NIV). We can also see this truth in the Old Testament. All we have to do is reflect on the lives of Moses, Joshua, David, and Jeremiah just to name a few!

But perhaps one of the clearest Biblical illustrations of this principle is found in Nehemiah 4-6. As Nehemiah was literally building a wall, opposition came. And it just goes to show us that when we obey God's call to be a part of what He's building, all types of opposition will come.

Let's glance through Nehemiah 4-6, and identify some of the types of opposition that will come...

1. Mocking will come (Nehemiah 4:1-3).

When we take a stand for Christ, others will mock our lives and work in God's Kingdom. They will consider us to be insignificant and our work to be of no-consequence.

2. Confusion will come (Nehemiah 4:7-8).

When we obey God's call to labor in His Kingdom, others will try to confuse us in our work. They will seek to distract us from focusing on fulfilling God's call in our lives.

3. Danger will come (Nehemiah 4:11-13).

When we follow the Spirit's lead, others will try to harm us. Sometimes this harm will be physical in nature; sometimes this harm may center more on our reputation, for example, than our bodies.

4. Relentless distractions will come (Nehemiah 6:1-4).

When we walk in obedience, others will constantly try to frustrate our concentration on God's call. Opposition will not vanish if we resist it once; rather, it will surface repeatedly over the course of our lives as we labor in God's Kingdom.

5. Assignment-of-motive will come (Nehemiah 6:5-9).

When we remain faithful to God's work, others will spread rumors about our motives, seek to cast suspicion on our character, and question our integrity. If they can't destroy us, they will seek to tear down our reputation in the eyes of others which will in turn eliminate our effectiveness in God's Kingdom work.

Now it's abundantly clear throughout the entire message of the Bible in general and in the book of Nehemiah in particular that God is victorious over any and all opposition! No amount nor kind of opposition derails God's Kingdom work. When the dust of opposition settles, God is glorified, and all opposition is silenced. This is what we see in Nehemiah's life. After he finished building the wall, Nehemiah 6:16 says, "When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God" (NIV).

There we have it: God is victorious; all opposition is defeated.

So be encouraged today! Anytime we stand for Christ and follow Him, all kinds of opposition will come. This isn't anything new. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 5:8-11, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" (NIV).

Let's hear the words of Jesus in John 16:33b give us assurance of His victory over every kind of opposition we'll ever face in our lives: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (NIV).

Blessings...

The Believer's "DSL"

Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually" (NIV). The classic King James Version reads, "Pray without ceasing."

Have you ever thought about what this might look like in real life? I mean, I think we all realize that it doesn't mean we need to pray with our eyes closed and perhaps on our knees 24/7.

But if it doesn't mean this, then what does it mean? What does this look like?

I believe we see a picture of it in Nehemiah 2:4b-5a. Of course, if we read Nehemiah 1, we understand that Nehemiah has received a troubling report about conditions in Jerusalem - its wall is broken down, and its gates are burned down (see Nehemiah 1:3). Upon hearing this news, Nehemiah cries out to the Lord and asks God to give him favor so that he could do something about the disturbing situation in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 1:11b).

Now the scene shifts. In the next chapter we find Nehemiah in the presence of king Artaxerxes who is asking why he is sad (see Nehemiah 2:1-2). It's at this point that Nehemiah shares with the king about the disaster back in Jerusalem. So the king asks Nehemiah what he wants him to do (see Nehemiah 2:4a).

And here's where a portrait of "continual prayer" comes into sharp focus. Nehemiah 2:4b-5a says, "Then [Nehemiah] prayed to the God of heaven, and [he] answered the king..." (NIV).

Can we see it? I'm sure Nehemiah didn't hold up his hand after the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted him to do, get on his knees, bow his head, close his eyes, and recite a lengthy prayer! No. It actually appears things moved along seamlessly from the king's question, Nehemiah's prayer to God, and his response to Artaxerxes.

And this is the point: Nehemiah was living in a constant attitude of prayer when he talked with the king. So Nehemiah never had to "start" praying because he never really "stopped" praying!

It seems clear from these verses that when our hearts are truly and fully engaged with God, prayer is not something we do from time to time. Rather, it's how we live all the time. We live in a constant attitude of prayer.

It's like we live with what I call: D.S.L. or "Daily Spiritual Link!" We're continually sensitive to God's work so prayer is always permeating our hearts and minds. When we live with this "Daily Spiritual Link," prayer isn't our last-ditch effort after we've exhausted all other options. No, it's actually our first response to any and every situation.

Paul says in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (NIV). This is how we live in continual prayer! This is the Believer's "DSL".

Blessings...

Reaching the Next Level Final Cover Designs

Okay, here they are! The final cover designs are in for Reaching the Next Level.

The images for the front and back covers of the Leader Guide are followed by the images for the front and back covers of the Student Guide. I beleive the Lord blessed with a design which really captures the central ideas of both the main title (Reaching the Next Level) and the subtitle (Partnering with Others for Spiritual Growth).

The Leader Guide Front Cover...


The Leader Guide Back Cover...


The Student Guide Front Cover...


The Student Guide Back Cover...


As you can see, the differences focus on the color schemes for each. The Leader Guide centers on a blue design, and the Student Guide uses an orange design. Also, the second paragraph on the back cover is different for each version of the book because it highlights the unique aspects of the Leader Guide and the Student Guide, respectively.

As usual, I would love your feedback! You can post your comments to this blog if you like. Thanks for all your input.

Blessings!

P.S. If things proceed as planned, the publisher is aiming for November 12, 2010 as a possible release date on www.amazon.com. Of course, this date is subject to change so I'll keep everyone posted on the latest details as they unfold. Thanks for all your on-going prayers and support!

Be a Person of God's Word

My wife and I love to read epitaphs. We don't get to do this often, but it has been something we've found interesting.

I know you might find this strange, but think about it: What words will sum-up your life? Wendy and I have read all kinds of epitaphs. Some were very serious, and others were actually humorous.

For example, I'll never forget one epitaph we read. My eyes still moisten when I think about it. It was a very small tombstone at the head of a grave which looked less than twenty-four inches long. The message simply read something like: "Budded on earth to bloom in heaven."

Of course, I've heard of other epitaphs that were actually humorous. I guess the funniest one was this message on a headstone: "I told you I was sick!"

Why am I mentioning epitaphs in this blog? Well, it's because I just love Ezra 7:10. What a powerful thumbnail sketch of a person's life! I think it would be an honor to have these words summarize the life of any Beleiver. Just think about it...

There were three things about Ezra's life that stand out, and all of them centered around the Word of God. First, Ezra learned God's Word. Many people say that they wish they had a better understanding of the Bible, but they don't want to invest the time and work it takes to dig deep into the Scriptures. The reality is that we're blessed with so many tools for Bible study which are available right at our fingertips. All we have to do is take advantage of them, and the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to the truth of God's Word.

Second, Ezra lived God's Word. Knowledge isn't the main goal of Bible study. Rather, a life transformed by the power of God's truth for His glory is the ultimate goal! If we merely "listen" to God's Word without putting it into practice, we're like foolish people who build their houses on shifting sand according to Jesus (see Matthew 7:26-27). But if we "practice" what we hear, we're like wise people who build their houses on solid rock which can sustain any storm that comes our way (see Matthew 7:24-25). Of course, the key distinction here isn't "hearing" Christ's teachings - both the foolish and the wise person do this. Rather, the key is "practicing" Christ's teachings - this is the difference between standing or falling in life.

Third, Ezra led others to learn and live God's Word. Our study of God's Word isn't for our consumption alone. We're called to share what we learn with others so their lives may be impacted by the truth of God's Word, too. I love what Paul told young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1-2, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (NIV). This sort of sounds like Jesus' Great Commission, doesn't it (see Matthew 28:18-20)? Sure it does! This is the point: We're not saved soak in isolation; we're saved to serve for impact to the glory of God!

Again, what a powerful summary statement for a life! May we take God's challenge to heart in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (NIV). And may we approach each day with a focus on learning, living, and leading others to learn and live God's Word!

Blessings!

God's Chastening Hand

Once we read through 1 and 2 Kings and then through 1 and 2 Chronicles, our heads can be spinning! A few kings did right, but the majority did evil.

Yet, when we get to the end of 2 Chronicles, we find a summary statement of how God dealt with His people. The words of 2 Chronicles 36:15-23 provide a sort of "bottom-line" description of God's chastening hand. It mixes correction and compassion because any discussion of of God's chastisement must mention both His motive (love) and His method (training).

Let's take a general look at 2 Chronicles 36:15-23 in light of these points above...

1. 2 Chronicles 36:15, "The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place" (NIV).

Surely, we can see God's compassion in these words. In fact, we can see God's compassion bleed through all the words spoken by every prophet God sent to His people. While some of their messages were hard to hear, God was calling His people back to Himself through the prophets because of His great love for them.

Now look at what happened: The people did not listen to God's message through the prophets, and they went into captivity. So we can ask ourselves: Was God being "heartless" through the sometimes hard messages of the prophets? Or, was God lovingly calling them to repentance so that they could avoid the devastating consequences of their disobedience? It's clear: God's love was the motivation for His discipline.

2. 2 Chronicles 36:16, "But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy" (NIV).

Of course, the people, for the most part, did not heed God's call to repentance through the prophets. So there should be no surprise on our part that God's people faced His chastisement. Why? Simple: God is holy, and His Word is true. When we stubbornly violate His Word and run pass warning sign after warning sign, the consequences for our sin will catch-up with us.

3. 2 Chronicles 36:17-19, "He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar. 18 He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the LORD's temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. 19 They set fire to God's temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there" (NIV).

Wow, the consequences of sin are steep, aren't they? And the consequences of sin are also wide-spread. Many people suffered during this time of discipline. As long as God's people obeyed Him, no enemy could stand against them (see Joshua 1:1-9), but when His people disobeyed Him, they couldn't stand against any enemy (see Joshua 7:1-15)!

4. 2 Chronicles 36:20-21, "He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. 21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah" (NIV).

But there's hope! As long as God is factored into the equation, there's always a solution - even for the most complex problem. Did you notice the subtle clues and irony of hope that surface in these words? For example, the mention of a "remnant" means God isn't through with His people. The word "until" signals that this isn't the end of the story. The words "desolation" and "rest" appear almost side-by-side which let us know that God has a plan even in the midst of our pain; He's sovereign even when we experience the suffering of our sin. The words "until the seventy years were completed" indicate that sin's devastation won't last forever. And the mention of "Jeremiah" reminds us how God's Word, even though "despised" and "scoffed" (see verse 16 above), will be fulfilled. In other words, no one scripts the end of the story but God. Regardless of how bleak life may look, God still reigns over all.

5. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: 23 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you-- may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up"'" (NIV).

Again, we see another mention of "Jeremiah" here, reminding us that God will fulfill His Words even in the midst of what we consider to be "hopeless" circumstances. Why? Simple: God works to accomplish His will. If He can use even pagan kings to accomplish His plan, then surely He can use His people - even with all of their imperfections.

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 12:7-11 says, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (NIV).

God does chasten His children, but always remember that His motivation is love and His method is to train us through our sufferings so that He might produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for His glory!

Blessings...

Greater Power!

We don't need to fear because God's power is greater than any and every enemy we'll ever face.

This truth is powerfully illustrated for us in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8a. Here's the context for these words before we read them. King Hezekiah was seeking to be faithful to God (see 2 Chronicles 32:1a). He wasn't perfect, but he had a sensitive heart (see 2 Chronicles 32:24-26). Yet, even though Hezekiah was seeking to be faithful to the Lord, he still faced enemies. In fact, right on the heels of a statement about his faithfulness, we find Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invading Judah (see 2 Chronicles 32:1b).

So this is the context of 2 Chronciles 32:7-8a. Hezekiah is seeking to be faithful, but he still has battles to fight. And he encourages his people with this message: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of the flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8a, NIV).

The point is clear, isn't it? God's power is greater than any and every enemy!

Now what happened in the rest of this story between Hezekiah and Sennacherib? Well, after the pagan king blasphemed God in his pride, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed (see 2 Chronicles 32:9-20). Then "the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword" (2 Chronicles 32:21, NIV).

Have you ever heard the little saying: One person plus God is a majority? Well, it's not true. God ALONE is a majority! He doesn't need anyone else to supplement His power.

Be encouraged today; don't be discouraged. Why? Simple: God's power is greater than any and every enemy you'll ever face. Sure, as you seek to live in faithfulness to the Lord, there will be fights that surface. But you don't have to live in fear because God's power is greater than every other power.

Just reflect on the following truths from God's Word...

1 John 4:4, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (NIV).

Romans 8:35-39, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (NIV).

John 16:33b, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (NIV).

2 Peter 1:3, "[God's] divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (NIV).

All of these promises in God's Word and many more ARE true. We're not crossing our fingers and holding our breath in hopes that they're true - they ARE true because God's Word is truth (see John 17:17). This is why we march into battle with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17b, NIV). "For the word of God is living and active" (Hebrews 4:12a, NIV), and "[we don't] live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4b, NIV).

Remember: God's power is greater than any enemy you'll face today or on any other day!

Blessings...

Focus on Faithfulness

Over the last month or so, I've shared the following thought in three different settings. And today (10/11/10), the principle surfaced again in my daily Scripture reading.

Here's the thought: God calls us to focus on faithfulness. Sometimes we're tempted to do or not do certain things in light of how people will respond to us. For example, we might do such and such if we think people will respond favorably to us, and at other times, we might not do such and such if we thing people will forsake us. But we shouldn't live with a focus either on being favored or forsaken by people. Rather, God calls us to live focused on faithfulness to Him. HE ALONE is our focus.

As I mentioned above, I encountered this truth in my daily reading today which was 2 Chronicles 28-30. In 2 Chronicles 28, we read about king Ahaz. Like many other kings, Ahaz "did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 28:1b, NIV). But after Ahaz died, his son, Hezekiah, reigned in his father's place. Now, Hezekiah sought to do "what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done" (2 Chronicles 29:2b, NIV). He cleansed the Temple and renewed its worship (see 2 Chronicles 29:12-36). Hezekiah also led the people to celebrate the Passover (see 2 Chronicles 30).

It's at this point that we encounter the principle of living with a focus on faithfulness. As Hezekiah sent out people to deliver an invitation to celebrate Passover, the invitation was favored by some and forsaken by others. Second Chronicles 30:10-11 describes the situation in these words: "The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned and ridiculed them. Nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem" (NIV).

Isn't the point obvious? Hezekiah focused on faithfulness to God even though his invitation was favored by some and forsaken by others. Why? Simple: Faithfulness to the Lord was his focus. He didn't decide to do or not do things based on people's responses to his actions. Rather, he acted out of faithfulness to God alone because this was his sole focus.

So, how about us? Are we living with a focus on faithfulness? I hope we are every day. When we take a stand for Jesus Christ and Biblical truth, some people will favor us and some people will forsake us, but we're not living for their responses, either good or bad. We're living for an audience of One: Jesus Christ.

By the power of God's Spirit and according to the truth of His Word, let's live with a focus on faithfulness!

Blessings...