There is no easy way to say it - being around some people can be downright depressing. To listen to them speak is like reading from a book of complaints. They are often joyless, hardly ever satisfied, and their perspective on life is so skewed that their cup is always half-empty, never half-full. To tell them a cheerful "Good Morning" is to be met with an attitude that says "What's good about it?", and to do them a favor is to be viewed with suspicion. Simply put, these people could wear out a saint.
At different times in their history, Israel was like that. In various portions of the Old Testament narratives we read of them "murmuring", more accurately, "complaining" (e.g. Exodus 15:24; 16:2; 17:3, KJV). This despite obvious signs of God working miraculously in different situations on their behalf. According to the Psalmist, "Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. . . . Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea. . . . Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD" (106:7, 22, 24-25). Can you hear them? Murmuring had become so much a part of them that they no longer listened to the voice of the LORD. That's dangerous ground to stand on.
The LORD was not amused. The narrative tells us, "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD", so much so that "the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LRD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp" (Numbers 11:1). Space limitation do not allow us to go fully into the verse, but it is worth nothing the LORD's initial response to the complaining: "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD". These are sobering words that we need to keep in mind the next time we are tempted to complain. For sure, things do not always go our way and at different times we have to face challenges, but let us not forget that God can and often use those situations for our benefit (Romans 8:28). Let us trust Him instead of complaining. He is very pleased with that.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Longing After God
When David decided to write what we know as Psalm 42, I believe in his mind was a picture of a tired and thirsty deer. Hunted for meat and sport, the speed of the deer was crucial to his survival. As a speedy animal, its moments of thirst are characterized by a panting, a longing, a condition that is only satisfied when it finds and drinks from the object of its search - the water brook.
As the Psalmist reflected upon the longing in his soul, he realized it was no different than that of the thirsty and panting deer. He writes, "As the [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (vv. 1-2). This is not unlike the longing we feel when we are separated from those we love; the longing to experience the joy and comfort of being in their presence. As long as we are in that state, nothing else really matters. In context, David was banished to the land of Jordan away from the the courts of the temple and as such was deprived from serving in, and receiving the comforts of being in it. In exile, his soul longed for God and the joys of going into His courts with praise.
It is one thing to love God but something different to long after Him. There are times when God places us in positions where our soul cries out for after Him. As Bible Scholar Matthew Henry writes, "If God, by [H]is grace, has wrought in us sincere and earnest desires towards [H]im, we may take comfort from these when we want those ravishing delights we have sometimes had in God, because lamenting after God is as sure an evidence that we love [H]im as rejoicing in God." The soul cannot truly lament after that which it does not love. David knew the joys of being in the presence of his God, and when he no longer had that his soul was restless; he could not be satisfied. Like the thirsty deer, he longed for the refreshing restoration that came with drinking from the fountain of living water.
In our world of mixed-up priorities, what is it that your soul longs for? If not for God and the things of God, could it be that your priorities are misplaced?
As the Psalmist reflected upon the longing in his soul, he realized it was no different than that of the thirsty and panting deer. He writes, "As the [deer] panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (vv. 1-2). This is not unlike the longing we feel when we are separated from those we love; the longing to experience the joy and comfort of being in their presence. As long as we are in that state, nothing else really matters. In context, David was banished to the land of Jordan away from the the courts of the temple and as such was deprived from serving in, and receiving the comforts of being in it. In exile, his soul longed for God and the joys of going into His courts with praise.
It is one thing to love God but something different to long after Him. There are times when God places us in positions where our soul cries out for after Him. As Bible Scholar Matthew Henry writes, "If God, by [H]is grace, has wrought in us sincere and earnest desires towards [H]im, we may take comfort from these when we want those ravishing delights we have sometimes had in God, because lamenting after God is as sure an evidence that we love [H]im as rejoicing in God." The soul cannot truly lament after that which it does not love. David knew the joys of being in the presence of his God, and when he no longer had that his soul was restless; he could not be satisfied. Like the thirsty deer, he longed for the refreshing restoration that came with drinking from the fountain of living water.
In our world of mixed-up priorities, what is it that your soul longs for? If not for God and the things of God, could it be that your priorities are misplaced?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
"If I Perish, I Perish"
When Queen Esther was challenged by Mordecai to speak to king Ahasuerus on behalf of her people the Jews, I do not believe he expected the resolute response he received. According to the narrative, "Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:15-16, KJV). In other words, bolstered by three days of fasting by the Jews, she would put her life at risk for an audience with her husband the king.
There are a number of lessons to be gleaned from the text, and one that stands out is the determination to what is right in spite of the cost. Back in the day it was not lawful for the queen to appear before the king on such matters, yet Esther realized that Mordecai was right. Her place as queen, replacing Vashti who had displeased the king (Chapter 2), was divinely orchestrated "for such a time as this" (3:14). Nothing happens by chance in the life of the child of God. Even if we find ourselves in places and positions that are not to our liking, let us not forget that God may have placed us there for a reason. As Christ's ambassadors we are called upon to represent Him everywhere. Everyone around us may be doing the questionable thing but we are called upon to do what is right, regardless of the cost. Esther resolved, "If I perish, I perish", but she would see the king.
Today's believers are called upon to show the same resolve in standing for the cause of Christ and fellow Christians everywhere. We do not have the luxury of sitting back and being indifferent. In our respective spheres of influence, God expects us to stand up for what is right, to speak up on behalf of those who are oppressed, and more importantly, to be bearers of the good news no matter the cost.
What is it that you are being called upon to do?
There are a number of lessons to be gleaned from the text, and one that stands out is the determination to what is right in spite of the cost. Back in the day it was not lawful for the queen to appear before the king on such matters, yet Esther realized that Mordecai was right. Her place as queen, replacing Vashti who had displeased the king (Chapter 2), was divinely orchestrated "for such a time as this" (3:14). Nothing happens by chance in the life of the child of God. Even if we find ourselves in places and positions that are not to our liking, let us not forget that God may have placed us there for a reason. As Christ's ambassadors we are called upon to represent Him everywhere. Everyone around us may be doing the questionable thing but we are called upon to do what is right, regardless of the cost. Esther resolved, "If I perish, I perish", but she would see the king.
Today's believers are called upon to show the same resolve in standing for the cause of Christ and fellow Christians everywhere. We do not have the luxury of sitting back and being indifferent. In our respective spheres of influence, God expects us to stand up for what is right, to speak up on behalf of those who are oppressed, and more importantly, to be bearers of the good news no matter the cost.
What is it that you are being called upon to do?
Jason Upton's No Sacrifice
A very dear friend recently shared the video below with me, and the words of the song continue to challenge me. I don't think there are too many of us who have not yielded to the temptation of giving God the parts of our lives that we want to, yet He stands patiently waiting for us to surrender all of it. "I Surrender All" is so much the heart's cry but it isn't always the easiest of things to do. It takes trust and an unwavering commitment to say to the Lord, "To you I give my life, not just the parts I want to / To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to" and really mean it. But that is exactly what God asks of you and me, and being fully aware that I fall short in that area is why this song challenges me. Like Paul, I have not yet attained but am pressing towards that goal. I pray this song challenges you to full surrender.
To you I give my life, not just the parts I want to
To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life
To you I give the gifts
Your love has given me
How can I hoard the treasures that you've designed for free?
Because
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life
To you I give my future
As long as it may last
To you I give my present
To you I give my past
Because
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life
To you I give my life, not just the parts I want to
To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life
To you I give the gifts
Your love has given me
How can I hoard the treasures that you've designed for free?
Because
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life
To you I give my future
As long as it may last
To you I give my present
To you I give my past
Because
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice
Here's my life
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Speaking Gracious Words
"It's only words." Have you heard that statement before? Stated with good intent, the speaker seeks to soften the impact of words spoken. In one way or another we can all bear witness to the fact that the school yard taunt, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is not quite true. Words are powerful. Author Nan S. Russell writes, "Poorly chosen words can kill enthusiasm, impact self-esteem, lower expectations and hold people back. Well chosen ones can motivate, offer hope, create vision, impact thinking and alter results."
Christians are not immune from using poorly chosen words. At one point or another we have spoken or received words tainted with sarcasm, irritation, anger or frustration; words packing quite an emotional punch. Intentionally or unintentionally, we have been hurt by the words of others and we have hurt others with our words. In addressing the use of words among Christians in the early church, Paul writes, "Let your word be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6, Literal Translation). Salt not only preserves but in right amounts, makes our food tasteful. The goal at all times is for our words to be edifying and pleasing. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the verse, "Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out" (The Message). There is no ambiguity as to our responsibility to choose our words wisely and carefully.
Solomon, the wisest of men, observes, "The right word at the right time--beautiful!" and goes on further to say, "The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry" (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11, The Message). Even when stating truth, we are not at liberty to do so irresponsibly but rather to do so "in love" (Ephesians 4:15). By ourselves we are prone to get it wrong every time, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can speak our words with grace at all times regardless of circumstances. He stands ready to help all those who ask it of Him.
How do you speak to those around you? How about those at home? Are your words spiced with grace?
Christians are not immune from using poorly chosen words. At one point or another we have spoken or received words tainted with sarcasm, irritation, anger or frustration; words packing quite an emotional punch. Intentionally or unintentionally, we have been hurt by the words of others and we have hurt others with our words. In addressing the use of words among Christians in the early church, Paul writes, "Let your word be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6, Literal Translation). Salt not only preserves but in right amounts, makes our food tasteful. The goal at all times is for our words to be edifying and pleasing. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the verse, "Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out" (The Message). There is no ambiguity as to our responsibility to choose our words wisely and carefully.
Solomon, the wisest of men, observes, "The right word at the right time--beautiful!" and goes on further to say, "The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry" (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11, The Message). Even when stating truth, we are not at liberty to do so irresponsibly but rather to do so "in love" (Ephesians 4:15). By ourselves we are prone to get it wrong every time, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can speak our words with grace at all times regardless of circumstances. He stands ready to help all those who ask it of Him.
How do you speak to those around you? How about those at home? Are your words spiced with grace?
Saturday, August 08, 2009
When Life Happens
The first twelve words of Isaiah 6:1 are words with which some of us are familiar: "In the year that king Uzziah died I [Isaiah] saw also the LORD." Present in Isaiah's words is a profound contrast - Israel's king was dead, but Israel's God still lives.
How many times have we allowed some event, some loss, to cause us to lose sight of the ever living God? In his commentary on this text (July 13, My Utmost for His Highest), Oswald Chambers writes, "Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place, and that is when we falter, fail, and become discouraged. . . . When the person died who represented for me all that God was, did I give up on everything in life? Did I become ill or disheartened? Or did I do as Isaiah did and see the Lord?" In other words, when something or someone we hold dear was removed from our lives, what was our response?
How we respond during the times when we are walking in our respective valleys is very much dependent on how much of God we know before those times come. For some of us, our most memorable times with God were during some of the most difficult and challenging times of our lives. While we see from our limited perspectives and consider those times to be ones of disappointments and tragedies, it is possible that God, seeing things from His perspective, permits them in our paths so we would see Him. We have to be careful that we do not become so caught up in our circumstances that we fail to see God who stands supreme over our lives.
Chambers continues, "Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God and no one [or nothing] else is taken into account whatsoever. Your prayer will then be, "In all the world there is no one but You, dear God; there is no one but You."
"In the year king Uzziah died I saw the Lord." Who do you see when life happens?
How many times have we allowed some event, some loss, to cause us to lose sight of the ever living God? In his commentary on this text (July 13, My Utmost for His Highest), Oswald Chambers writes, "Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place, and that is when we falter, fail, and become discouraged. . . . When the person died who represented for me all that God was, did I give up on everything in life? Did I become ill or disheartened? Or did I do as Isaiah did and see the Lord?" In other words, when something or someone we hold dear was removed from our lives, what was our response?
How we respond during the times when we are walking in our respective valleys is very much dependent on how much of God we know before those times come. For some of us, our most memorable times with God were during some of the most difficult and challenging times of our lives. While we see from our limited perspectives and consider those times to be ones of disappointments and tragedies, it is possible that God, seeing things from His perspective, permits them in our paths so we would see Him. We have to be careful that we do not become so caught up in our circumstances that we fail to see God who stands supreme over our lives.
Chambers continues, "Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God and no one [or nothing] else is taken into account whatsoever. Your prayer will then be, "In all the world there is no one but You, dear God; there is no one but You."
"In the year king Uzziah died I saw the Lord." Who do you see when life happens?
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