THE WORD

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.      John 1:1

 

Many years ago, a friend gave me an incredible gift, one that keeps on giving. She gave me a Bible reading schedule that takes me through the whole Bible in a year. I love it because it integrates the Old and New Testaments enhancing the richness and understanding of both. I’ve used the schedule for decades, and I’ve found the organization of books so helpful for my growth. It only takes about fifteen minutes a day, and each year I gain more knowledge and understanding.*

This season I decided to add something to my Advent disciplines: I set out to read all four Gospels during the Christmas season and to compare and contrast the texts from the perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. For example, they each had different objectives and audiences; they all had different experiences; and they were of varying ages and occupations. And so, in reading these narratives within the same time sequence, the Person of Jesus and his message become more vivid and endearing.

Each Gospel can be read in less than a week taking just a few hours per day or night. Without the stops and starts of piecemeal reading (such as in a devotional time), the story comes alive, and we become part of the scene. We see Jesus frustrated, compassionate, angry, loving, patient, and full of grace and truth. There is clarity about his clash with the Pharisees and religious leaders and amazement at his empathy with the marginalized and outcast of society. And there is heartbreak having walked with him as he revealed himself and his mission and then watching everyone (that would be all of us) abandon him to envious, self-seeking Jews and Romans. We see him suffer wordlessly, die bearing our sins that cut him off from God, and then gloriously resurrected. We have been with him, and we see that everything he said was true.

There is time during this holiday season (Christmas goes up to Epiphany.) to read all the Gospels and to walk with Jesus and his followers from his obscure birth to his majestic ascension. If we just put aside our usual evening indulgence and spend time rehearsing the old stories in an expectant way, we will be inspired, refreshed, renewed, and changed. Prepare yourself for the New Year with a fresh glimpse of Jesus.

Father, refresh our vision of our Lord as we press on to know him. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
*If you’d like a copy of the schedule, let me know.

STORMS

 

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

 

Many of us are recovering from the effects of bad weather, especially our friends in the Carolinas. But there are other forms of stormy weather that impact our lives. Just now in my circle of family and friends, one young mother is worrying about the leak in their roof not covered by insurance and with no funds set aside for repairs. Another family has been stunned by the tragic death of their young son. Several friends have been dealing with serious illnesses. A very dear elderly lady is losing both sight and hearing, and her children live in other states. And there are others…
Jesus told the story of two men who built houses—one on sand and one on rock. The storm approached and hit both houses. Jesus said that both houses experienced the same assault: “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house” (Matthew 7:25, 27). Yet, the house that was built on a solid foundation, when it was all over, was still standing.
We build our lives and our families over the course of many years. As believers, we integrate the Word into everything we do, making certain that all our life assumptions are founded on the Rock, Jesus Christ. And then, drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit, we discipline ourselves to be doers of the Word and not just professors.
Does this mean that we don’t feel the effects of the storm? That we don’t suffer along with the sand-builders? Absolutely not. It does mean, however, that when the storm passes—and it will pass—we will not have been destroyed. Our confidence and our faith will not have been shaken. We may have lost some shingles and a bit of siding, but we are still standing in trust, grateful for God’s presence, and secure in his love.
Paul addresses this beautifully: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed (II Corinthians 4:8, 9).
Storms come, the streams rise, and the winds blow, but when it’s all over—through God’s grace—we will still be standing.

 

Father, none of us likes storms, but they’re a part of life. Keep us obedient and true to you so that when it’s all said and done, we will be standing, glorifying you. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

TRANSFORMATION

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  II Corinthians 3:18  (NIV)

 

 

Have you ever wished you could change a certain attitude or drop an unattractive trait?  The Good News is that it’s possible.  Paul tells us how it can happen in a couple of his letters.  First, by exposing our true selves and concentrating on Jesus (II Cor. 3:18), his attributes, his character, and his love, we become more and more like him.  Then, we trust his working in us will be for good.  Remember, he has already begun a good work in us and will continue it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and he is working in us just now giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Phil. 2:13 NLT).

Finally, if we really want to grow and to change, we must listen to the Holy Spirit who speaks to each one of us.  It is his job to convict us regarding sin and righteousness (John 16:8).  Essentially, prior to our pursuing an attitude displeasing to God or speaking unkind words or acting in a manner unbecoming his child, the Holy Spirit quietly warns us.  In this millisecond we have a choice:  Do we follow our selfish instincts or do we respond to God?

God always does his part in changing us from glory to glory, but we have to do ours.  God has given us free will to follow him or to indulge our flesh.  The instant his Spirit softly alerts us, we can respond in obedience and find ourselves more like our Lord or we can reject him and become more entrenched in the behaviors and attitudes that even we despise.

So we return to that life regimen we call discipline. To cooperate with God’s work in transforming us, we listen when his Spirit speaks, and we discipline ourselves to do his will.  In that instant of decision, he empowers us, and as we continue this right behavior, it becomes a habit.  At last, with practice, we are no longer enslaved by that sinful attitude or behavior.  It’s really quite simple.

God’s part:  conviction and empowerment; our part: disciplined obedience.  Result:  transformation.

 

 

Father, how long have we tried to change ourselves when we know that only you can make us like Jesus?  Give us ears to hear your Spirit and determination to do your will.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN.

START YOUR ENGINES

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  James 4:17

 

Someone I know suffers from severe depression and has for years.  She is a faithful believer and spends time in the morning reading and studying the Bible.  In fact, she wouldn’t think of skipping a day without devotions.  When I mentioned that it might be helpful to look each day to see what God was actually telling her to do—something actionable—in the Word, it was as if lightning had struck.  This was a whole new concept.

How much time do we spend reading and studying the Bible with absolutely no intention or thought of doing what God says in order to be transformed?  We are enjoying the status quo rather than being changed day by day into his image.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (principles of belief), for reproof (reprimand), for correction (making right), for instruction in righteousness (right standing with God):  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  (II Timothy 3:16-17)

The Word of God gives direction (Psa. 119:105); obeying the Word brings blessing (Luke 11:28); doing the Word protects us in the storm (Luke 7:24); the Word provides understanding (Psa. 119:130); the Word is truth (John 17:17); the Word heals (Psa. 107:20); whoever keeps his Word loves him (John 14:21); keeping his Word brings success (Josh. 1:8).  AND living in the Word is the surest way to grow spiritually and to maintain a joyous relationship with him.

Why should we sell ourselves short when delight in him is so easily accessed?  Pick up the Bible; ask him to speak through his Word; talk to him; and live in him.  He’s made the way so plain that even the most stupid can’t miss it (Isa. 35:8 TLB).

 

Father, in you is everything we will ever need for life and righteousness.  Strengthen our faith to trust you in all things, and help us to discipline ourselves so that we may be transformed into your likeness.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN.

BEING HUMAN

…those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  Romans 8:5  (NIV)

 

I was making some notes in my journal, reflecting on recent attitudes and trying to decide how to describe my struggle and annoyance.  Finally, I could think of nothing better to say than, “The flesh is so tiresome.”

Have you ever felt like that?  What Paul calls “the flesh” we often refer to as “being human.”  We use it to excuse almost every behavior that doesn’t measure up.  It seems that Paul had the same struggles when he writes in Romans 7 that what he wants to do, he doesn’t, and what he doesn’t want to do, he does.  He doesn’t leave us hanging, however.

Paul moves on into the glorious eighth chapter of Romans that grandly informs us of our freedom in Christ.  “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (8:37).  The flesh is never going to cooperate with the Spirit, but through Christ we can ignore the flesh, discipline ourselves, and move with the Spirit.  Rather than expecting the flesh to change, let’s just deny it and keep walking.

 

Father, this Easter time is such a time of good news.  Those things that had bound us in the past can no longer be our lords because of Jesus’ victorious death on the cross.  THANK YOU for the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  AMEN.

JUST FAITH

Now the just shall live by faith…  Hebrews 10:38  (NIV)

 

Have you ever been glad that our forward progress is simply by faith, sometimes by just putting one foot in front of the other?  If we tend to measure our spiritual temperature by the way we feel, we can become terribly discouraged.  Feelings fluctuate with the weather, an unpleasant phone call, a news report, or any number of random things.  Sometimes we can feel bland for no reason at all.

But, thank God, he says that’s not the way we live.  We learn to disregard our feelings (emotions) and continue walking by faith in his faithfulness.  Someone once told me to fake it till I make it.  There’s no need for a Christian to do that.  Instead, we can faith it as we make it.

By faith we can give God every care, every disappointment, every wound, every anxious thought without sensing any spiritual gain.  By faith we place those troubles in his hands and walk away knowing he will bring peace or provide wisdom or whatever the need is because he said so.

Because he said so we can thank him that he is doing in the unseen exactly what is needed for our particular situation.  We can praise him for who he is, and we can walk on until the answer (or the feeling) overtakes us.  Nothing more is needed from us but simple faith.  We live by faith.  Thanks be to God.

 

Father, I’m so grateful that through you we are given love, power, and a spirit of discipline to faithfully navigate the ups and downs of this fickle earth.  Strengthen us with all goodness to glorify you in all we say, do, and think.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN.

REGARDING TEMPTATION

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!  Matthew 4:10  (NIV)

 

I gave myself a holiday this week, which happened to coincide with the Spring Break of my 6- and 9-year-old grandchildren.  Since they’re both rather artistic, I thought a trip to the local craft store would be a big hit, and I was right.  En route, William suggested it would be “freakin’ packed” with all the Breakers, but we determined it would be worth the risk.  To our happy surprise, we were so early, almost no one but the “partners” were there.

The game rules had been predetermined:  everyone would decide what special thing he or she would select, and then we’d hit the aisles.  William knew immediately what he wanted, but he politely suggested that Caroline, the younger, might need a little longer to decide and that we should let her go first.  It didn’t take Caroline long to select a build-it-yourself tent and bedroll for her American Girl doll.  And then she did something unexpected:  Caroline turned her head and covered her eyes, saying, “There are so many things that I like, I don’t want to see any more.”  William selected a helicopter kit, and we led Caroline, hand still covering her eyes, to the cash register.

I wish temptation were that easy to resist.  Or perhaps it is—we just don’t cover our eyes, and we’re not that determined to avoid it.  One of my clergy friends told me he’d never seen a temptation he didn’t like.  That’s really the nature of temptation—something we like or desire but distinctly know it’s not for our good nor God’s glory.  (Why go to a malt shop when you’re trying to lose weight?)  “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (I Cor. 10:13 NIV)

Caroline reminded me of something important:  While God can provide a way out of temptation, I have to cooperate by turning away from those things that can trip me up.  Way to go, little one.

 

Father, thank you for continuing to teach us—even through little children.  We know you will be faithful to your Word, but help us also to discipline ourselves to be obedient to your truth.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN.

FAMINE

The time is surely coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.  They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it.  Amos 8:11, 12.

 

In England “just one tenth of the nation’s Christians attend church, and churches are now closing faster than mosques are opening.”  (UK Times Online 2007)  In 2010 the Pew Research Center data…highlighted the degree to which the European population reported no religious affiliation:  France (28%), Germany (24.7%), Italy (12.4%), Netherlands (42.1%), and the United Kingdom (21.3%).  By contrast, 16.4% of the United States population is unaffiliated with any religion.

Notwithstanding, is God’s Word being spoken or read from our pulpits and in our Sunday school classrooms every week when we gather?  Are we, instead, feeding hungry souls with philosophy, ideology, or humanism instead of the Bread of Life that alone can satisfy human hearts and lives?  How can we expect to reach our goals of universal peace without including the Prince of Peace; of empowerment without the Spirit who strengthens us to do all things; of sustainability without calling on the Rock who is the eternal foundation?  And however will we know eternal life without encountering the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)?

Yes, there is hunger, even starvation for the Word of God.  Sometimes it seems we offer cotton candy when people are craving bread.  For our own sustenance, are we seeking opportunities to grow spiritually through the Word?  I am often amazed that “cradle” church-goers haven’t yet established the practice of daily Bible reading that’s so essential to nurturing our spirits.

In Psalm 119, traditionally attributed to David, the writer enumerates the many blessings accrued to the one who loves God’s Word, who enjoys it, and who walks in its statutes.  God’s Word is “a delight,” it “preserves,” it “gives hope,” it “is precious.”  If you haven’t feasted on the 119^th Psalm recently, take time now.  You will be fed.

The time of Lent is a wonderful time to begin to experience God’s presence through the daily discipline of reading and meditation on his Word.  And we can learn, like Samuel, to say, “Speak, for thy servant heareth” (I Samuel 3:10).

 

 

Father, arouse us to the need for your Word in our lives and in those around us.  Cause us to share the Bread of Life and Living Water rather than temporary platitudes that don’t speak to the deep desires in our souls.  Awaken us to the desperate hunger around us.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN.

MAINTENANCE

 

…mine own vineyard have I not kept.  Song of Solomon 1:6  (KJV)

“Come on, we’re going on a field trip,” the bishop announced as he pulled staff members out of their offices.  The rains have been abundant this spring, and so avoiding the many puddles would be part of the adventure as we headed out the door.

We all walked cautiously down the hill and then traversed the pathway that edged the meadow where children hunt eggs every Easter.  We passed by patches of iris that were standing in water, on through stands of Mountain Laurel that had already bloomed, and then made our descent to the springs—the source of the San Antonio River.

When the aquifer fills, the springs burst from the ground and mostly follow their ancient path.  Some spill over onto the meadows creating a bog.  The life-giving source of water has drawn people to this site for thousands of years and was the impetus for settlement of the indigenous Payaya Indians and later the Spanish missionaries.

The sense of history on our sacred grounds is compelling.  Prior to the bequest of the lands to us in the last century, the owner had obviously respected and loved the place where so many had lived and thrived for centuries.  He employed twelve gardeners to maintain the nineteen acres that stretched across the valley and on into the basin.  Besides the native species of plants and trees, Gaucho planted hundreds of azaleas and created a small pond where a boat was moored for an afternoon’s enjoyment.

As we meandered through the soggy grounds, I noticed an overgrown stone walkway climbing the hillside.  And then to our right where terraced cutting beds had lined the walkway, bushes and weeds blotted out all signs of flowers from another day.  The acreage around the old home is lush with naturalistic landscaping, but the farther one roams from the house, invasive plants are obscuring what was once a paradise.  Nothing is static.  Everything has to be maintained.

My practical mother told me of a time she dressed and was headed out the door to do some “good works”.  She said that as she was leaving, she noticed cobwebs on the ceiling of the porch and sensed God telling her she needed to first take care of her own home before she could credibly go out and share Jesus with someone else.  Maintenance.

And so, I’ve been thinking…  Seeing the overgrown beds and walks on our grounds was sad, but it was just a reminder that, while it might be more exciting to get out of the familiar and engage in stimulating ministries, our first obligation is Jerusalem:  our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and our family and our community.  Solomon’s “beloved” had been busy taking care of the family vineyards, but she hadn’t tended to her own needs (Song of Sol. 1:6).  And Martha was so busy worrying while she worked that she had neglected “the most important thing” (Luke 10:41).  On the other hand, Jesus regularly spent time with his Father, communing and being strengthened by him (Matt. 14:13, Mark 1:35, Mark 6:45, 46, Mark 14:32-34).  Essentially, even our spiritual lives must be maintained.

And that happens through the spiritual disciplines – Bible reading, prayer, and meditation as starters.  To paraphrase the violinist Jascha Heifetz, if I don’t spend intentional time with God one day, I notice it; if I miss two days, my friends notice it; if I miss three days, everyone notices it.  We have to tend our own gardens, spending time with our Father, and then we can go out to work in the fields to which he’s called us.

 

Lord, thank you for speaking to us in our ordinary days through your creation.  Give us ears to hear and feet to obey.  In Jesus our Lord.  AMEN.

TRAINING

 

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.  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

 

Phyllis is my trainer, but she’s not what you think.  You see, I have two wonderful dogs, Edward and Frances, who have not yet learned that I am the Boss.  And so we have Phyllis.  One might think she is here to train Edward and Frances, but that would be incorrect.  Phyllis is training me.

 

I am learning that when Edward licks me, he is not showing his affection; he is demonstrating his dominance.  When Frances dashes ahead of me on walks and pulls at the leash, I am following her.  This has become her walk, not mine.  And so Phyllis is training me.

 

This training is not exactly fun, but I am discovering that the more consistent I become, the better my dogs behave.  I don’t like having to give reminders or having to reinforce “the rules,” but Edward and Frances are happier and more obedient when they realize I am in charge.

 

It’s not a big leap to see how this can apply to our daily journey of faith.  However, unlike us, God never wearies of disciplining his children, of correcting us, and he doesn’t let our bad behavior slide.  As we respond to his “training,” our trust is built, our faith is strengthened, our security is increased, and our behavior is greatly improved.

 

John talks about discipline as “pruning.”  The branches of the vine are strengthened when the old dead wood is cut out and the unproductive branches are trimmed back.  Of course, this is painful, and we may wonder what we’ve done to deserve such treatment.  Instead, we should remind ourselves that discipline is intended for our enrichment.  It causes us to produce more fruit, righteousness and peace, and eventually brings glory to God.

 

(I can draw parallels with Frances and Edward.  I envision a time when I won’t have to explain to passing walkers that Frances’ jumping and barking at them just indicates she wants to be friendly.  And that when Edward tries to vault onto the cabinet, it’s only because he’s interested in what I’m cooking.  Yes, I look forward to the time when I can enjoy the results of discipline.)

 

Father, thank you for teaching us your truths through the things we experience around us every day.  Thank you for putting people in our lives to shine lights on our blind spots.  Help us to submit to your training for your glory and our peace.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN.