Response

 

Still working through Ps 119. As I read yet again the verses and acknowledge each time "You/Your" (God) is mentioned, I am taking careful notice of the Psalmist's response. He dips his quill in the ink and writes out over 150 responses. To You, God and Your word, "I seek, know, mediate, and have life." He continues with "I will never forget, love, follow, obey, and call with all my heart."  Yes, ours is indeed a life of response.  It is a leaning in—for more.  What a most beautiful cycle.  God is.  I respond.

Sin is self-serving self-focus

 

Ouch!

The Sovereignty of God

 

Jonah is a great illustration of the Sovereignty of God. God spoke.  Jonah ran. God provides visual aids to get Jonah’s attention (disastrous storm, throwing sailors, puking fish, plant, worm, and a scorching east wind).  “You can do it My way or My way.” It is always God's way. The Sovereignty of God.

Expectation with Prepared Anticipation

 

30 Second Encouragement: In the mid-1800's, in a small town in Ohio, they were experiencing a major drought. A young pastor awoke one Sunday morning compelled to pray (yet again) for rain—but this time it would be different. He started the service asking God to bring the rain and he continued on with the service. Halfway through, there were sounds of thunder & the rain fell. It was noted later that Charles Finney was (oddly) seen carrying an umbrella to church that morning. His prayer was no different than others who prayed—except he came prepared. Jesus said (it's in red) to pray with expectation, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Matt 7:7-8). Expectation with prepared anticipation. May we open our umbrellas today. Happy Monday.

Theology Thursday - Worship

 

Worship. Sadly, our society has shifted the true design of worship from being solely directed to God - to placing whoever, whatever WE want at the front and center of our adoration. Biblical worship is directed toward—GOD ALONE. It is the "bowing down" in reverence, devotion, attributing glory & honor. "Honor the LORD for the glory of His name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (King David - Ps 29:2, NLT). May we be so very aware of what/who we bow down to.

Coram Deo

 

Coram Deo.  Latin and basically means "Before the face of God." I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I SERIOUSLY considered this prior to beginning each day, each conversation and each action. Making myself aware that whatever I am doing (reading, watching, listening to) wherever I am going and how I am acting is under the gaze of God. Not with the mindset, "OH, better not—God is watching" but the heart attitude of being so profoundly aware of His sovereignty. That I live my life under the authority of God—to the glory of God. "Coram Deo!"

Biblical Interpretation

 

When reading the Bible, there are 2 types of Interpretation: 1st) Exegesis is proper interpretation, the "leading out" of the text, (pulling out the true meaning) conveying the original author's intent (looking at language, culture and the big story).  Where 2). Eisegesis is "pushing into" the text. It is concerned with interjecting one's ideas to make a point or reading into the text what they hope to find. May we be intentional with our handling and understanding of the Word of God.

Giants to Slay

 

Giants to Slay

“Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33, emphasis mine).

I LOVE the story of David and Goliath. Big nasty dude yelling stupid things about God and God’s people. But one day a boy comes to camp. Goliath continues yelling, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” (v10). Goliath is not just asking for any opponent; he wants a man. A grown, trained, mature, “give me a challenge” —man.

There is but one response. David. Scholars believe him to be about seventeen(ish) when he told King Saul “Send me.” Saul’s response basically says, “You are but a boy, an adolescent. The situation is beyond you—beyond what you are.”

Saul tries to get David to wear his suit of armor. “I cannot go in these” he says (v39). There was no hesitation on David’s part. There was no “give me a minute while I figure this out.” He takes his sling, stick and smooth stones and RUNS toward Goliath. I must add, Goliath’s shield-bearer was out there too (v41). Not so tough now, big guy! David swung his sling, the stone hit the target. Down went the opposing giant of a man. Goliath called for a man. King Saul declares a mere boy. David did what God called him to do. Victory!

What is God calling us to?

May there be no hesitation in us when we are called beyond what we seem to be. Perhaps too young, untrained, too small. Or possibly too big, or too old.

Chances are we’ll run into a Saul now and then, but don’t let them pull out their measuring stick and attempt to size us up, their assumption has nothing to do with what God can do through us! Let us not begin a wardrobe change, trying to fit into someone else’s stuff. But take up what we know. His word. His presence and RUN toward what God calls us to. I'm sure if you wish to yell, “For Narnia!” God will understand.

We all have giants to slay.

Now go.

Hacked

 

It was presented recently (Dallas Theological Seminary "Covenants" class) that our “conscience can not only be seared, but it can also be HACKED” (to use a modern analogy). Agreed! To hack is to gain unauthorized access. It is done creatively, secretively, with hopes of being undetected. We HAVE to get our mind and heart guarded—SECURE. It is only done with the Spirit and the word of God! I side with King David, "I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" (Ps 16:8). Got me the ultimate security system. You?

Found

 

I recently read the statement, "God reveals Himself to a people that aren't even looking for Him." I thought about that for days.  Thinking of the “in and out” relationship the people of Israel had with God.  Soon I placed myself in the people category. Frankly I too wasn't looking for God at the age of sixteen, but yet there HE WAS! I was lost and didn't know it. Found by a God I wasn't even looking for.  God tells the folks through Isaiah, "I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me” (Isaiah 65:1). 

Remember good old Abe?  He settled in the land of Haran, God told him to move on and go to a land He would show him.  Abram wasn't looking to move let alone looking for God.  Abram was busy, looking elsewhere, he wasn't looking for God.  Yet there He was—looking at Abram. 

How many of us too weren't looking?  We were busy elsewhere.  Thank You God for making Yourself known, seen and heard.  Thank You that even when we weren't aware of our lostness, YOU revealed Yourself.  

Found.

Full-stop, Turn Aside

 

Moses & the burning bush (Exodus 3). Moses is out with the flock when he saw a bush on fire, but not being consumed. Curious, he thinks he should go to investigate. When Yahweh saw that he "turned aside to look"—it was then He called to Moses from within the bush and ultimately commissions him. God waited. He waited until Moses gave Him his full attention. This one-on-one, God with Moses (from the flame) sets the narrative for the rest of Exodus, God was in the flame. Moses trusted the flame. May we too, not keep God waiting—offering full stop, "turn aside." It is here that God speaks. Here, we take off our sandals, this place is holy, God’s presence—God’s word.

Cause to Pause

In our current culture we raise and wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). That alone is cause to pause. Reverence and awe.

 

Holy Expectation

30 Second Bible Study: King David wrote, "Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:2-3, NIV). Scholars believe David wrote this when running from his "wanting to de-throne the King" son, Absalom. David didn't just pray, he leaned in. He leaned forward. Anticipating God's response. He did so in the morning - early. May we too lean in with such eagerness. First thing. Holy expectation! Happy Sunday. 

 

I'm wondering. Where are our older folks? 50+ in age? Why don't we see them on the platforms anymore? Paul wrote "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). That good work is NOT done yet. God said, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you" (Is 46:4). God sustained. God is still sustaining. They have something to say, wisdom to share - to encourage, to teach.

Do It Afraid

Multiple times we read in the bible, “Do not be afraid." Afraid of people. Afraid of circumstances. Afraid of what people will say and do. Each instruction speaks to the fear – yet – continues with instruction. Sometimes we must “Do it afraid!”  Stepping out in faith does not mean there is not some level of fear. Apprehension. Pause. We cannot, must not allow fear to paralyze us. To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, "Do not be afraid." Hezekiah "He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him (2 Ki 18:6) Yet it was told him "Do not be afraid" (19:6). And to Daniel "Do not be afraid." (10:12).  And Stephen giving his speech, (Acts 7) I’m sure his heart was racing.  Were they men of faith?  Yes.  They did it afraid, in and through the fear.  Do it afraid.

 

Quietly

"Let all that I am wait QUIETLY..." Wow, what a challenge. If you are like me, I tend to always be fiddling with stuff. Crackling - noisy stuff. Stuff that is full of complaint and self focused. Yes, I am noisy. May I lay it all down and come to God empty handed (best plan for a noise-less encounter). Quietly.

 

Guarding

30 Second Bible Study: "Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Pro 4:23, NIV). Besides, paying close attention and learning good judgment and not losing sight of wisdom, (context of the Proverb) we are to guard, we are to protect our heart. Our heart (our inner man; our mind, will and emotions) is vulnerable. It HAS to be protected. Guarding is a God quality, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble..." (Ps 32:7a) And not to mention, (but I will, because I NEED it) “Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth, keep watch over the doors of my lips." (Ps 141:3). Guarding and protecting is a shared responsibility, God does His part and WE do ours. Guarding.

 

Your Listing

 

Esther 'sacrificed' - she went before the king to speak on behalf of her people without an invitation (punishable by death) she survived and the King granted her request. Ruth 'loved' her mom in law and followed her to a new country, people, God and found Boaz (King David's great-grandparents). Martha 'served' those who studied at Jesus' feet. Hannah 'prayed' for a child and believed God to provide (thus Samuel). Mary 'believed' the angel and summitted her will to being Jesus' mom. Miriam 'danced' and lead others in worship as they left Egypt and escaped the Egyptian army.

What will be YOUR listing...

Write It Out

 

When studying a portion of scripture (Or a book of the bible) what better way to ponder the words than reading and writing. Keep an "It is written" journal. Write it out word for word. AND, if you write it in cursive, it may be 'code' for future days.   The kings of Israel were commissioned to "write for himself on a scroll a copy of the law." (Deut 17:18).  Write it out.

Consuming Fire

 

"The Lord is a Consuming Fire ("Esh Oklah" in Hebrew, Deut 4:23-24) who will ultimately destroy whatever is opposed to His holiness. He is also a Jealous God, who loves us completely and who, therefore, demands our wholehearted response. If we love Him, we can be confident of His mercy, and our own zeal will make us jealous for God's honor and glory." (Excerpt from my morning devotional, "Praying the Name of God" by Ann Spangler). In our current culture we raise & wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). In reverence and awe.