For the first time in a long time divorce statistics are on the decline. That would be good news except the cause of the decline is that more people are foregoing marriage and just living together. As Judge Judy says, "They're playing house." Gone is the commitment to long term relationships. Virtually every couple that comes to me to get married are either living together or might as well be. I always asked the question, "So why get married?"
On the eve of Father's Day I can't help buy contemplate the instruction of these verse. God said it wasn't good for a man to be without companionship so he made Eve, husband and wife. God intended for Adam and Eve to be lifelong companions and if you remember Adam lived to be over 900 years. Some sly commentators have noted that God didn't make Adam and Fred. But God also didn't make Adam and Eva and Felicity and Marsha.
God's intention was that a man and woman commit themselves to one another in marriage for a lifetime. Man (woman too) leaves father and mother joins with his wife (husband) to create a new family. Husbands, Dads, God calls you to cling to your wife. The ultimate responsibility for the long term growth of a marriage and family is the man's. I know it takes 2 to make a marriage; wives have their responsibilities too. But Husbands are the one who is "head" of the house. Headship means responsibility. It means greater service and giving up more rights. Husbands are to love their wives like Christ loves the Church.
Isn't it interesting that guys, who are notoriously known for their lack of relational skills, have the responsibility for the health of the marital relationship and family development? Husbands, Dads are called to set the love quotient in the family.
God, help me to be the pacesetter of love in my home. Help me to help my wife feel secure and wanted and loved and nourished. Allow her to feel my commitment to her now more than ever; to know I value her. I want to leave a legacy of what it mean for a husband to really love his wife for my kids.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 3:5-9 (Why so many denominations?)
Why are there so many denominations? Why do churches divide or split? As a new nondenominational church I hear those questions all the time, along with, "What kind of church are you? Baptist? Assembly? Full Gospel?" To which I typically respond, "We're simply trying to be Christ's Church with no denominational ties." The question of the origin of the many denominations and church splits probably comes back to the scenario depicted in these verses and our failure to recognize who's church it is and to whom we belong as believers.
Okay, an element of pride and selfishness probably plays a part. And of course there's no doubt a little, "this is MY church" mentality. I can't leave out political and national influences or differing interpretations or traditions or countless other not really relevant issues.
With the challenges facing churches, people, local and state governments today, isn't it time we, as Ray Ortlund once said, let the church be the church. Isn't it time we stop and recognize the church was never meant to be an organization or business or country club or split into a multitude of denominations. Jesus is supposed to be the head of the church not some council or board or pastor or ladies group or influential family. Isn't it time we put away the catechism books and church disciplines and bylaws and pick up the Word of God as our only rule of faith and guidance. The church belongs to God, to Christ not me or anyone else. He paid for it, not me.
I've always been amused at the immaturity that exists in churches which cause people and groups to follow after, worship, fight for, defend certain pastors or teachers or even denominations. It's silly. Pointing accusatory fingers at other believers doesn't seem to jive with, "they will know that you are my followers by your love for one another."
God, I recognize the church that I pastor belongs to you, not me. The people are yours, not mine. I ask that you supply me with the power, wisdom, ability, and strength to fulfill your purpose for me. Let people see you, be drawn to you, hear you, experience you and not me.
Okay, an element of pride and selfishness probably plays a part. And of course there's no doubt a little, "this is MY church" mentality. I can't leave out political and national influences or differing interpretations or traditions or countless other not really relevant issues.
With the challenges facing churches, people, local and state governments today, isn't it time we, as Ray Ortlund once said, let the church be the church. Isn't it time we stop and recognize the church was never meant to be an organization or business or country club or split into a multitude of denominations. Jesus is supposed to be the head of the church not some council or board or pastor or ladies group or influential family. Isn't it time we put away the catechism books and church disciplines and bylaws and pick up the Word of God as our only rule of faith and guidance. The church belongs to God, to Christ not me or anyone else. He paid for it, not me.
I've always been amused at the immaturity that exists in churches which cause people and groups to follow after, worship, fight for, defend certain pastors or teachers or even denominations. It's silly. Pointing accusatory fingers at other believers doesn't seem to jive with, "they will know that you are my followers by your love for one another."
God, I recognize the church that I pastor belongs to you, not me. The people are yours, not mine. I ask that you supply me with the power, wisdom, ability, and strength to fulfill your purpose for me. Let people see you, be drawn to you, hear you, experience you and not me.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Daily Reflections on Mt. 7:24-29 (Actions Speak Louder Than Words)
Actions speak louder than words! The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' practical instruction on the basic elements of The Law. In His teachings, Jesus talks about what leads to true happiness or contentment, marriage, divorce, anger, relationships, personal finance, anxiety, spiritual growth, prayer, grace, social and community responsibilities, and the way to a solid relationship with God. When He was done, His hearers went, "Wow! This guy teaches as one who knows what He's talking about. It really makes sense."
As Jesus concludes this message, He gives the well known illustration of the wise man who built his house on the rock versus the foolish man who built his house on the sand. What a huge difference it makes with all of life's twists and turns, challenges and crises, storms and swells. Jesus says those who build their life on and around His teachings will be able to endure.
But the key words in this simple illustration are "everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice." Hears and puts them into practice. Two issues: first, you have to be willing to listen to the words and teachings of Jesus. Many people just close their eyes and ears to what Jesus has to say. It's not cool. They're afraid they're going to have to give up their life, so they don't listen.
The second issue is another story. Jesus says you have to put them into practice. And that's where a lot of "followers of Christ" fail. They know all about the truths. They may have parts of it memorized. They've logged countless hours listening to sermons and teachings, etc. But the transition from ears to the heart never happens. It's one thing to ignore God's teaching. It's another thing to spend the time listening and never putting the truths into practice. Many believers look just like the world because even though they go to church and Bible study every week, they never translate those teachings into the everyday aspects of their lives. It's going in one ear and out the other. James says that we have to be both hearers and doers of the Word. Sitting in church week after week doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in your garage makes you a car.
God, I don't want to be all talk and no action, all blow and no go. Help my deeds match my talk. I want to be wise. Help me put your truths into practice every day.
As Jesus concludes this message, He gives the well known illustration of the wise man who built his house on the rock versus the foolish man who built his house on the sand. What a huge difference it makes with all of life's twists and turns, challenges and crises, storms and swells. Jesus says those who build their life on and around His teachings will be able to endure.
But the key words in this simple illustration are "everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice." Hears and puts them into practice. Two issues: first, you have to be willing to listen to the words and teachings of Jesus. Many people just close their eyes and ears to what Jesus has to say. It's not cool. They're afraid they're going to have to give up their life, so they don't listen.
The second issue is another story. Jesus says you have to put them into practice. And that's where a lot of "followers of Christ" fail. They know all about the truths. They may have parts of it memorized. They've logged countless hours listening to sermons and teachings, etc. But the transition from ears to the heart never happens. It's one thing to ignore God's teaching. It's another thing to spend the time listening and never putting the truths into practice. Many believers look just like the world because even though they go to church and Bible study every week, they never translate those teachings into the everyday aspects of their lives. It's going in one ear and out the other. James says that we have to be both hearers and doers of the Word. Sitting in church week after week doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in your garage makes you a car.
God, I don't want to be all talk and no action, all blow and no go. Help my deeds match my talk. I want to be wise. Help me put your truths into practice every day.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Daily Reflections on Phil. 3:1; 4:4 (Learning to Rejoice)
"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." (clap, clap) "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." (clap, clap) "Rejoice, Rejoice, Again I say rejoice. Rejoice, Rejoice, Again I say rejoice." I loved singing those words as a kid because we did it in a round. Truth is I didn't enjoy the song because of the message or because I knew what it meant to rejoice in the Lord. I enjoyed it because of the way we sung it.
As I watch the worship wars in churches, I wonder how many are focused on the way a song is sung, the style, rhythm, beat, harmony, etc. It reminds me of the old American Bandstand show with Dick Clark. He'd introduce a new song and then have two people from the audience rate the song. "It has a good beat," or "I can dance to that," were familiar answers.
Sometimes I think we miss the point of corporate worship. We're more in love with our style of worship music than we are the Savior. We rejoice in the music instead of the Lord. Paul exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord. Music is a catalyst for mood and attitude, but it doesn't change your life, only Jesus through the Holy Spirit can do that.
What would our life be like if we were plugged into Jesus like we were our ipods, mp3's, itunes, etc. What would our daily attitude be like if each day we rose from our slumber and began rejoicing in the Lord, pursuing Him, celebrating our relationship with Him. What if we went through each day plugged into Jesus, listening to Him, relying on Him, consulting Him. Paul knew how to rejoice in the Lord. No wonder he could say he had learned to be content in all circumstances and could sing praise in prison at midnight.
God, I don't want to just know about you. I want to learn to really rejoice in you; to really celebrate you in my life. I want to be able to say truly that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I want face each day rejoicing in you no matter what it brings.
As I watch the worship wars in churches, I wonder how many are focused on the way a song is sung, the style, rhythm, beat, harmony, etc. It reminds me of the old American Bandstand show with Dick Clark. He'd introduce a new song and then have two people from the audience rate the song. "It has a good beat," or "I can dance to that," were familiar answers.
Sometimes I think we miss the point of corporate worship. We're more in love with our style of worship music than we are the Savior. We rejoice in the music instead of the Lord. Paul exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord. Music is a catalyst for mood and attitude, but it doesn't change your life, only Jesus through the Holy Spirit can do that.
What would our life be like if we were plugged into Jesus like we were our ipods, mp3's, itunes, etc. What would our daily attitude be like if each day we rose from our slumber and began rejoicing in the Lord, pursuing Him, celebrating our relationship with Him. What if we went through each day plugged into Jesus, listening to Him, relying on Him, consulting Him. Paul knew how to rejoice in the Lord. No wonder he could say he had learned to be content in all circumstances and could sing praise in prison at midnight.
God, I don't want to just know about you. I want to learn to really rejoice in you; to really celebrate you in my life. I want to be able to say truly that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I want face each day rejoicing in you no matter what it brings.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Daily Reflections on Jn. 14:13-14; 15:7-8 (Is God a Genie?)
Is God a genie? We keep Him bottled up until we want something. Then we uncork the bottle, let God out and ask (or demand) God to grant our wish and we wait for Him to work His magic. When we're done with Him, we put Him back in His bottle until the next time we need or want something.
Many people treat God this way. They read a passage like this and think God will give them anything they ask. In fact there are a slew of religious teachers and showmen that proclaim the reason you're poor is that you haven't "named it and claimed it" in Jesus' name. Some expound you'd never have to be sick; proclaiming if you'd have enough faith God would give you instant healing.
As the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, God certainly can take care of your financial needs. There's no question that God can and does miraculous healing. And Jesus did say ask Him anything in His name and He would give it to you. However, the genie approach to prayer is not what Jesus had in mind when He said those words.
If you read closely the context of these passages, you'll discover that Jesus is talking about passing on the mantle of fulfilling God's mission and purpose. He's going back to The Father. He's expecting the disciples to pick up the cause and pursue it with all their being, heart, soul, mind and strength. If their passion and purpose is to fulfill God's will and they are relying on God's power to fulfill it, God says ask away. If their desire is to accomplish God's task, with God's power, to God's glory, then go for it.
God, I don't want to treat you like a genie. You don't exist for me. I exist for you. I want to be Your servant. I want to be Your messenger and to accomplish Your purpose for me. I want people to see You, come to know You, experience Your grace and Your victory, to revel in Your glory and majesty, to bask in the light of Your presence, to love You.
Many people treat God this way. They read a passage like this and think God will give them anything they ask. In fact there are a slew of religious teachers and showmen that proclaim the reason you're poor is that you haven't "named it and claimed it" in Jesus' name. Some expound you'd never have to be sick; proclaiming if you'd have enough faith God would give you instant healing.
As the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, God certainly can take care of your financial needs. There's no question that God can and does miraculous healing. And Jesus did say ask Him anything in His name and He would give it to you. However, the genie approach to prayer is not what Jesus had in mind when He said those words.
If you read closely the context of these passages, you'll discover that Jesus is talking about passing on the mantle of fulfilling God's mission and purpose. He's going back to The Father. He's expecting the disciples to pick up the cause and pursue it with all their being, heart, soul, mind and strength. If their passion and purpose is to fulfill God's will and they are relying on God's power to fulfill it, God says ask away. If their desire is to accomplish God's task, with God's power, to God's glory, then go for it.
God, I don't want to treat you like a genie. You don't exist for me. I exist for you. I want to be Your servant. I want to be Your messenger and to accomplish Your purpose for me. I want people to see You, come to know You, experience Your grace and Your victory, to revel in Your glory and majesty, to bask in the light of Your presence, to love You.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Daily Reflection on Ps. 14 (Suspicion, Cynicism, Safety and Refuge)
Selfishness! That's the result of a world that rejects or ignores God. It's the logical end for those who have chosen to be their own god or to act like God. In this "all about me" world we live in, even the most giving of people have to be cautious. I get tired of constantly trying to keep from being scammed or taken advantage of.
It's not just about locking my car or my house anymore. I'm wary of the auto mechanic, the repairman, the businessman, the advertiser, the salesman, virtually everyone with whom I do business. I have to protect myself against identity theft, spam, computer viruses, hackers, theft, arson, liability, false suits, bogus websites.
I confess, society has taught me to be suspicious of everyone and always on my guard, defensive. It causes me to be cynical about people and trust no one. I'm always attempting to decipher the angles others are working on me. I guess it causes me to become cold and demanding and self-protective. I'm less sensitive to needs and less responsive when I see one. I'm tired of expecting to be conned or ripped off every time I turn around.
I really feel the cry of King David in the last verse of this Psalm. Will it ever stop? Will I ever feel safe? And if I feel this way, what about the weak and defenseless who are prime targets for the purveyors and perpetrators of evil? Who will stand for the innocent and helpless? Who will minister to the poor, hungry, homeless, aged, defenseless?
The church should be a community that is a place of refuge and encouragement and giving. It should be a place where we can trust one another and share with one another and seek to meet each others' needs. The aged, weak, poor, abused, forgotten, addicted are all around us. Unfortunately we, The Church, have developed the attitude of letting the government take care of things and people.
God, I truly want to be a light shining in the darkness. I want to be salt that seasons and preserves. Forgive my cynical and suspicious spirit. Forgive my cold heart and blind eye. Show me how to be more giving, more gracious. I want to be your hands and feet and touch. I want people around me in need to find refuge, strength and security in You through me.
It's not just about locking my car or my house anymore. I'm wary of the auto mechanic, the repairman, the businessman, the advertiser, the salesman, virtually everyone with whom I do business. I have to protect myself against identity theft, spam, computer viruses, hackers, theft, arson, liability, false suits, bogus websites.
I confess, society has taught me to be suspicious of everyone and always on my guard, defensive. It causes me to be cynical about people and trust no one. I'm always attempting to decipher the angles others are working on me. I guess it causes me to become cold and demanding and self-protective. I'm less sensitive to needs and less responsive when I see one. I'm tired of expecting to be conned or ripped off every time I turn around.
I really feel the cry of King David in the last verse of this Psalm. Will it ever stop? Will I ever feel safe? And if I feel this way, what about the weak and defenseless who are prime targets for the purveyors and perpetrators of evil? Who will stand for the innocent and helpless? Who will minister to the poor, hungry, homeless, aged, defenseless?
The church should be a community that is a place of refuge and encouragement and giving. It should be a place where we can trust one another and share with one another and seek to meet each others' needs. The aged, weak, poor, abused, forgotten, addicted are all around us. Unfortunately we, The Church, have developed the attitude of letting the government take care of things and people.
God, I truly want to be a light shining in the darkness. I want to be salt that seasons and preserves. Forgive my cynical and suspicious spirit. Forgive my cold heart and blind eye. Show me how to be more giving, more gracious. I want to be your hands and feet and touch. I want people around me in need to find refuge, strength and security in You through me.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Daily Reflections on Prov. 28:23
So when do you speak up and when do you keep your mouth shut? Sometimes that's hard to know as a friend. Most of us don't like conflict or confrontation. So we avoid it at all costs, even to the detriment of the person we love. Sometimes you do have let stuff go, but other times you can't let it slide.
Codependency is just as much a personal issue as alcoholism or drug addiction or any other self-destructive behavior pattern. Sometimes we don't want to address an issue with a loved one because we feel needed. We reinforce or ignore or perpetuate the ill behavior of others for our own strange sense of self esteem.
But more often than not, we don't want to speak up because we don't want to get involved or hurt someone's feelings or strain our relationship. We try to close our eyes and blindly just go on. Or we just avoid the person or conversation.
I don't like confrontation anymore than the next person. But I'd rather have my friends and family be honest with me than to let me pursue a potentially self-destructive behavior pattern or irritating habit. If I'm trailing a piece of TP when I leave the restroom or my fly is open or I've got toothpaste on my face, I appreciate when my loved ones enlighten me and save me from greater embarrassment.
Friends, loved ones who are really friends know when and how to speak up and when to let it pass. People who just tell me good stuff about me all the time don't really help me grow as a person. In fact, I can't really trust their opinion. I want people to be honest with me so I can grow, develop, etc. I'm not talking about constant criticism. I'm talking about a companion who encourages me through their honesty.
God, thanks for the friends around me who help me grow. Help me to be that kind of friend and companion, to know when and how to speak. Help me speak truth with love and to graciously receive the truth when shared with me.
Codependency is just as much a personal issue as alcoholism or drug addiction or any other self-destructive behavior pattern. Sometimes we don't want to address an issue with a loved one because we feel needed. We reinforce or ignore or perpetuate the ill behavior of others for our own strange sense of self esteem.
But more often than not, we don't want to speak up because we don't want to get involved or hurt someone's feelings or strain our relationship. We try to close our eyes and blindly just go on. Or we just avoid the person or conversation.
I don't like confrontation anymore than the next person. But I'd rather have my friends and family be honest with me than to let me pursue a potentially self-destructive behavior pattern or irritating habit. If I'm trailing a piece of TP when I leave the restroom or my fly is open or I've got toothpaste on my face, I appreciate when my loved ones enlighten me and save me from greater embarrassment.
Friends, loved ones who are really friends know when and how to speak up and when to let it pass. People who just tell me good stuff about me all the time don't really help me grow as a person. In fact, I can't really trust their opinion. I want people to be honest with me so I can grow, develop, etc. I'm not talking about constant criticism. I'm talking about a companion who encourages me through their honesty.
God, thanks for the friends around me who help me grow. Help me to be that kind of friend and companion, to know when and how to speak. Help me speak truth with love and to graciously receive the truth when shared with me.
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