Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Mountains for God (Count: Psalm 125)
I have had moments of truth where I knew I wanted to be a man for God. It's the most important mission of my life - to yield my heart, soul, mind, and strength to the Almighty King of the Universe.
A man for God, following God, listening to God...
But a "mountain" for God?
I can think of a few men I know who are built like a mountain. Strong muscles like Schwartzeneggar. Large like Shaquille O'Neal. I'm sure each guy has been called "a mountain of a man."
Psalm 125 describes a real mountain of a man.
"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever."
(Psalm 125:1)
So Arnold trusts in his workouts and his accent. Shaq trusts in his size and his personality.
Who do you trust in?
All too often, I trust myself. My own experiences, thought-patterns, abilities, or "wisdom." Deep down I know that God is the only one who is completely "trust-worthy," and that He knows best - all the time.
For the people who focus their hearts on trusting God, this Psalm gives a couple of strong promises...
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore"
(Psalm 125:2)
God is near. God brings strength. God's power and majesty rises like the mountains around us. In central Ohio, I have no visible grasp of this illustration. In January, however, I spent a week in Denver, and the mountains were a constant reality. A constant source of beauty. A reminder that there's something and Someone greater - a Creator - who is always a part of the scenery. Always here. Always has been, always will be.
There's something obviously eternal about what He promises - surrounding us "both now and forevermore."
How many mistakes have we made by trusting in ourselves? How tragic to neglect the eternal, loving, all-powerful creator who is right here, in our midst. Just like Jerusalem, engulfed by mountains, we are surrounded by God's presence, protection, and power. Why am I all too content to run around as if the 'mountains' aren't there? Why am I content to live by my own tastes and abilities, when God somehow offers MUCH more?
Those who trust in Him will be like Mount Zion - "which cannot be shaken and endures forever." Apparently, we'd rather be shaken and fade away?
When will we step up the trust-level and become mountains for God?
A man for God, following God, listening to God...
But a "mountain" for God?
I can think of a few men I know who are built like a mountain. Strong muscles like Schwartzeneggar. Large like Shaquille O'Neal. I'm sure each guy has been called "a mountain of a man."
Psalm 125 describes a real mountain of a man.
"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever."
(Psalm 125:1)
So Arnold trusts in his workouts and his accent. Shaq trusts in his size and his personality.
Who do you trust in?
All too often, I trust myself. My own experiences, thought-patterns, abilities, or "wisdom." Deep down I know that God is the only one who is completely "trust-worthy," and that He knows best - all the time.
For the people who focus their hearts on trusting God, this Psalm gives a couple of strong promises...
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore"
(Psalm 125:2)
God is near. God brings strength. God's power and majesty rises like the mountains around us. In central Ohio, I have no visible grasp of this illustration. In January, however, I spent a week in Denver, and the mountains were a constant reality. A constant source of beauty. A reminder that there's something and Someone greater - a Creator - who is always a part of the scenery. Always here. Always has been, always will be.
There's something obviously eternal about what He promises - surrounding us "both now and forevermore."
How many mistakes have we made by trusting in ourselves? How tragic to neglect the eternal, loving, all-powerful creator who is right here, in our midst. Just like Jerusalem, engulfed by mountains, we are surrounded by God's presence, protection, and power. Why am I all too content to run around as if the 'mountains' aren't there? Why am I content to live by my own tastes and abilities, when God somehow offers MUCH more?
Those who trust in Him will be like Mount Zion - "which cannot be shaken and endures forever." Apparently, we'd rather be shaken and fade away?
When will we step up the trust-level and become mountains for God?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Do it again, God! (Count: Psalm 126)
This morning, I woke up earlier than normal... came to church earlier than normal...
Really wanting to get a good head start on my day with people and with God. Hopefully not in that order.
Psalm 126 is such a great reminder of God's love and greatness to us.
His love is described as a dream come true.
He has done some great things for each of us.
The correlation would be that "we are filled with joy."
Possibly written for the Jews upon their (hoped for) return from captivity, this song expresses powerful joy that people feel when God intervenes, blesses, and does great things for us.
It's all too easy to focus on the tasks of my day ahead. It's all too easy to let myself wonder about the things God hasn't done yet. It's all too human to sometimes fear what's going to go wrong next.
But God has given us eternal life (Romans 6:23).
But God has created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27).
But God has given us His One and Only Son (John 1:14, 18).
But God has provided for the things we really need (Philippians 4:19).
But God has filled our hearts with His love (1 John 4).
Specifically, I thank Him again today for reaching a selfish sheep like me in a deep way when I was 13.
I thank Him for picking me up a thousand times since then and setting my feet on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
I thank Him for providing things in this life that I don't deserve - a fantastic wife, two extremely cute and healthy kids, a great ministry, and countless friends and people who have poured into my life.
I thank Him for the opportunity to gain "treasures in Heaven" based on how I live and how I love people.
I thank Him for today.
In the second half of the song (Psalm 126), it's like they're asking God to do it all over again. Bless our crops with a harvest. Let us see great things happen in your Kingdom. Give us more of your wonderful love and blessing - we're addicted to it!
I should spend more time thinking about and thanking God for the "dreams come true" in my life. Especially the ones that were bigger or better than I would have dreamed for myself.
This kind of focus brings immense joy, and the audacity - or is it faith - to ask Him to do it again!
Really wanting to get a good head start on my day with people and with God. Hopefully not in that order.
Psalm 126 is such a great reminder of God's love and greatness to us.
His love is described as a dream come true.
He has done some great things for each of us.
The correlation would be that "we are filled with joy."
Possibly written for the Jews upon their (hoped for) return from captivity, this song expresses powerful joy that people feel when God intervenes, blesses, and does great things for us.
It's all too easy to focus on the tasks of my day ahead. It's all too easy to let myself wonder about the things God hasn't done yet. It's all too human to sometimes fear what's going to go wrong next.
But God has given us eternal life (Romans 6:23).
But God has created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27).
But God has given us His One and Only Son (John 1:14, 18).
But God has provided for the things we really need (Philippians 4:19).
But God has filled our hearts with His love (1 John 4).
Specifically, I thank Him again today for reaching a selfish sheep like me in a deep way when I was 13.
I thank Him for picking me up a thousand times since then and setting my feet on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
I thank Him for providing things in this life that I don't deserve - a fantastic wife, two extremely cute and healthy kids, a great ministry, and countless friends and people who have poured into my life.
I thank Him for the opportunity to gain "treasures in Heaven" based on how I live and how I love people.
I thank Him for today.
In the second half of the song (Psalm 126), it's like they're asking God to do it all over again. Bless our crops with a harvest. Let us see great things happen in your Kingdom. Give us more of your wonderful love and blessing - we're addicted to it!
I should spend more time thinking about and thanking God for the "dreams come true" in my life. Especially the ones that were bigger or better than I would have dreamed for myself.
This kind of focus brings immense joy, and the audacity - or is it faith - to ask Him to do it again!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Protect this House! (Count: Psalm 127)
Here's a chapter I usually talk about at Weddings, thanks to the influence of Wes Hartzfeld and probably Roger Peugh.
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its workers labor in vain." Psalm 127.
Who are you living for?
Who are you "arranging your life" around?
Usually, it's yourself. Sometimes, it's your boss or your work. Sometimes, it's the person you're trying to impress.
But unless your work is centered in God's heart, you are clearly wasting your time. A very powerful message.
The other verse that jumps off the page goes like this...
"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him."
A few thoughts about this...
- Yes, children are a great blessing!
- I think all couples who would like to have kids must realize that it happens ONLY in God's time and ONLY because He chooses to bless. NOT because we are little 'gods' who can have kids any time we want. We can't. Too many wonderful couples struggle with infertility and miscarriages that are painful reminders of this. We cannot create life on our own. God must bless.
- Unfortunately, some assume that a couple without children is 'cursed' rather than 'blessed.' While some of these couples do feel intense heartache, I don't think God views it as a curse. I don't think God is raining down judgment upon these couples. My wife and I have been one of those couples, losing our first child to miscarriage. That heartbreaking loss has opened the door for countless OTHER blessings in our lives.
- God does have other rewards and blessings to give out. Like a wonderful marriage that pulls together and deeper. Like couples who decide to adopt needy children or go into full-time missions. Like growing a heart that lets God build the house however He wants and being excited and content with God's "architecture" in your life.
After saying all of that, I know I am blessed to have kids like Allie and Luke. I do not take them for granted. Because of that, I am committed to being a husband and a father who builds our house on the foundation of loving and fearing God.
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its workers labor in vain." Psalm 127.
Who are you living for?
Who are you "arranging your life" around?
Usually, it's yourself. Sometimes, it's your boss or your work. Sometimes, it's the person you're trying to impress.
But unless your work is centered in God's heart, you are clearly wasting your time. A very powerful message.
The other verse that jumps off the page goes like this...
"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him."
A few thoughts about this...
- Yes, children are a great blessing!
- I think all couples who would like to have kids must realize that it happens ONLY in God's time and ONLY because He chooses to bless. NOT because we are little 'gods' who can have kids any time we want. We can't. Too many wonderful couples struggle with infertility and miscarriages that are painful reminders of this. We cannot create life on our own. God must bless.
- Unfortunately, some assume that a couple without children is 'cursed' rather than 'blessed.' While some of these couples do feel intense heartache, I don't think God views it as a curse. I don't think God is raining down judgment upon these couples. My wife and I have been one of those couples, losing our first child to miscarriage. That heartbreaking loss has opened the door for countless OTHER blessings in our lives.
- God does have other rewards and blessings to give out. Like a wonderful marriage that pulls together and deeper. Like couples who decide to adopt needy children or go into full-time missions. Like growing a heart that lets God build the house however He wants and being excited and content with God's "architecture" in your life.
After saying all of that, I know I am blessed to have kids like Allie and Luke. I do not take them for granted. Because of that, I am committed to being a husband and a father who builds our house on the foundation of loving and fearing God.
Real Fear (Count: Psalm 128)
Psalm 128 gives both the blessing and description of someone who truly "fears the Lord."
Do you fear God?
Growing up, I wished there was a better word than "fear." "Fear" is commonly associated with things that shock, scare, or disgust us (see: Fear Factor).
But the Bible's definition of "fear"?
Reverence. Awe. Dependence. Humility. Obedience.
Psalm 128:1 - "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways."
There it is. If I fear God, I'll do what He says. If I do what He says, I'll be blessed.
Much of this Psalm talks about what God's blessing could look like for you. Prosperity in your life. A healthy marriage. A strong legacy, possibly through your children.
What sort of blessing are you looking for from God? How would you like Him to respond on your behalf? Make things different?
Seems like that blessing is intimately tied to how much you really fear the Lord and do what He says.
Do you fear God?
Growing up, I wished there was a better word than "fear." "Fear" is commonly associated with things that shock, scare, or disgust us (see: Fear Factor).
But the Bible's definition of "fear"?
Reverence. Awe. Dependence. Humility. Obedience.
Psalm 128:1 - "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways."
There it is. If I fear God, I'll do what He says. If I do what He says, I'll be blessed.
Much of this Psalm talks about what God's blessing could look like for you. Prosperity in your life. A healthy marriage. A strong legacy, possibly through your children.
What sort of blessing are you looking for from God? How would you like Him to respond on your behalf? Make things different?
Seems like that blessing is intimately tied to how much you really fear the Lord and do what He says.
Out of Oppression (Count: Psalm 129)
I'm not sure I have personally been "oppressed." There might come a day like that in my life, but so far, I have been in the majority or in the 'accepted' class in society.
God has a special heart for the oppressed.
Throughout the Old Testament, we hear the Father's love for the 'alien, fatherless, and widow.'
God allowed his chosen people Israel to be oppressed, mostly because of their sin. But the oppression served to turn their hearts back toward Him.
Psalm 129 reveals a heart that turns to God in the midst of oppression. The people of Israel, asking God to take revenge on the oppressors - probably the empire of Babylon.
The writer wishes that the enemy would wither. That they would be turned back in shame.
On one hand, songs like this are essential to understanding the events and heart of Israel through some tremendous difficulties.
On the other hand, songs like this remind us that God is in charge of the oppressor and the oppressed. Ultimately, our goal should be to find God's blessing upon our lives. The previous Psalms (which I'll write about above) give more detail on God's blessing on us....
God has a special heart for the oppressed.
Throughout the Old Testament, we hear the Father's love for the 'alien, fatherless, and widow.'
God allowed his chosen people Israel to be oppressed, mostly because of their sin. But the oppression served to turn their hearts back toward Him.
Psalm 129 reveals a heart that turns to God in the midst of oppression. The people of Israel, asking God to take revenge on the oppressors - probably the empire of Babylon.
The writer wishes that the enemy would wither. That they would be turned back in shame.
On one hand, songs like this are essential to understanding the events and heart of Israel through some tremendous difficulties.
On the other hand, songs like this remind us that God is in charge of the oppressor and the oppressed. Ultimately, our goal should be to find God's blessing upon our lives. The previous Psalms (which I'll write about above) give more detail on God's blessing on us....
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Book Review: Lamb and the Fuhrer
This afternoon, I finally finished the third book in the "Great Conversations" series by Ravi Zacharias. I already considered Ravi one of my favorite Christian authors, but this series has been... exceptional.His first in this series, The Lotus and the Cross, portrays a fictional "what-if" type of conversation between Jesus and Buddha. The second volume, Sense and Sensuality, posed a conversation between Jesus and the English poet Oscar Wilde about living for pleasure.
This current book, The Lamb and the Fuhrer, is a conversation between Jesus and Adolph Hitler.
I thought the conversation would have something to do with grace and judgment. Could even Hitler, the most notoriously-evil leader of our time (or "all time"?) have found forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ? Could He escape God's judgment?
The book did go there, but focused most of its energies on Hitler's own life, beliefs, and self-delusions.
During his life, Hitler exalted himself as a "god" who meted out judgments based on his own philosophy or beliefs.
He believed that Germany - and more specifically, the Aryan race - was to be the superior race and rule over a powerful kingdom for a thousand years. He believed that anyone weak, diseased, or disabled, should be exposed of. To him, the Jews were an inferior, conniving group of people who should be wiped off the face of the earth.
Hitler told himself (and others) that His will would not be stopped. That he was the supreme leader, emperor, rule-maker, and decision-maker. It was all propaganda, deception, authoritarian rhetoric that millions of people bought into.
Hitler chose his own laws over God's. Hitler chose his own absolute judgment and lack of forgiveness over Christ's offer of redemption, forgiveness, and love. Hitler chose a facade of love for country over any form of genuine love.
Author Ravi Zacharias weaves a great, imaginary conversation between Jesus and Hitler, just several moments after Hitler's suicide. Ravi also introduces several people into the discussion - people who knew Hitler during his lifetime and stood as witnesses of the man's personality and (lack of) character.
As usual, Ravi goes back into some of the philosophies and ideas that influenced Hitler's own way of thought - naturalism, nihilism, Nietzsche, etc. Interesting to note the consequence of ideas as they take shape in the following generation. Hitler's life and legacy served a message to the world about what life is like when you remove God from the equation...
Or at least "try to remove God." God is still in control - before, during, and after the reigns of human rulers. He sets them up and also makes them fall.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Souls, Sins, and Such (Count: Psalm 130)
Before reading this Psalm, I was all feeling guilty for not keeping up with my reading of the Psalms. Don't get me wrong, I have been reading, just not blogging. Life comes at you fast, or so the commercial (with Fabio) says.
Anyhow, so I was feeling guilty...
And here's Psalm 130 talking about forgiveness of sins.
"If God kept a record of sins, who could stand?"
The question is rhetorical, the answer is obvious - nobody could stand.
But God offers unfailing love. God offers complete forgiveness. God wants our souls to long for Him.
We often find ourselves waiting on God. Unanswered prayer. Unsure of His will. Distant from Him in our sins and personal guilt... But this man is pursuing God, persevering, waiting for God to give Him a response.
Does your soul long for God? Unfortunately, we don't long for God until we are completely "in the depths" of life's struggle or feeling the weight of our sins...
Ultimately, this song isn't about me, my sins, or my soul's longing for God.
It's about the God who loves to redeem and rescue us. The God with unfailing love for His peeps. Will my soul focus on myself, or on Him?
Anyhow, so I was feeling guilty...
And here's Psalm 130 talking about forgiveness of sins.
"If God kept a record of sins, who could stand?"
The question is rhetorical, the answer is obvious - nobody could stand.
But God offers unfailing love. God offers complete forgiveness. God wants our souls to long for Him.
We often find ourselves waiting on God. Unanswered prayer. Unsure of His will. Distant from Him in our sins and personal guilt... But this man is pursuing God, persevering, waiting for God to give Him a response.
Does your soul long for God? Unfortunately, we don't long for God until we are completely "in the depths" of life's struggle or feeling the weight of our sins...
Ultimately, this song isn't about me, my sins, or my soul's longing for God.
It's about the God who loves to redeem and rescue us. The God with unfailing love for His peeps. Will my soul focus on myself, or on Him?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Quiet the Ambitions... (Count: Psalm 131)
Is it me, or is it God?
This person I think I am.
These dreams I have for my life.
This definition of "success" or "fulfillment" in life.
Is it from me?
Or is it from God...
Even a full-pastor is not immune from these questions...
I want them to be from God...
How do I know if they are from God?
Regardless, can I be content with where God has me today? Can I quiet my heart, and place my hope in God - now and forevermore?
Yes.
This person I think I am.
These dreams I have for my life.
This definition of "success" or "fulfillment" in life.
Is it from me?
Or is it from God...
Even a full-pastor is not immune from these questions...
I want them to be from God...
How do I know if they are from God?
Regardless, can I be content with where God has me today? Can I quiet my heart, and place my hope in God - now and forevermore?
Yes.
Monday, February 06, 2006
David, Jesus, and Psalms (Count: Psalm 132)
Have you ever really looked at how much Jesus is in the Old Testament?
Psalm 132 is another easy evidence of that. Jesus, as a descendant of King David, is the fulfillment and triumph of many Old Testament passages.
Here's a song about God's promises to Israel... to David.
Here's a song about God's great love and desire to make Israel great.
Here's to a God who keeps his promises - and we reap some tremendous benefits.
Will we write songs like this about Him?
Psalm 132 is another easy evidence of that. Jesus, as a descendant of King David, is the fulfillment and triumph of many Old Testament passages.
Here's a song about God's promises to Israel... to David.
Here's a song about God's great love and desire to make Israel great.
Here's to a God who keeps his promises - and we reap some tremendous benefits.
Will we write songs like this about Him?
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