My small group has decided to do something novel. We decided to take a break from our study of Romans and go and pray with various families or individuals in our church. We started this week. It was amazing to see what happened to our group. We ended up hanging a few pictures as well as sharing a little more with each other. It was almost like we drew closer to God than by just opening His Word.
I was reminded again of Colossians 1, where Paul talks about praying for this church. He had heard about their growing faith and begin pouring out his heart in prayer for these people. There were some specific things that Paul prayed for that seem relevant to every Christ follower today.
The first thing to note was that his prayer was continuous. Too often we say that we'll pray for someone, and either we just spout out a quick prayer or we never actually pray for them. Paul's prayer wasn't just a one time flash prayer. It was an urgent, ongoing prayer for this church.
He prayed that God would fill them with knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. He says that he prays this so that they may life a life worthy of the Lord and that they may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God and being strengthened with all power according to God's glorious might. The reason? So that they may have great endurance and patience.
That's a little different than just praying for physical needs or specific situations. It's a prayer for spiritual growth. It's prayer for a full life in Christ. It's prayer for Christ's followers to become more and more aware of the presence of God in their life and to live acknowledging the presence and power of God in their life on a daily basis. It's a prayer to live an exemplary life, free of temptation, following God's will moment by moment. It's about being a light to the world, community, work place, classroom around us. It's a prayer that calls for the recipient to be a true representative of Jesus.
To be honest, I don't think that I've prayed specifically for each member of my congregation through the years that way. I have prayed for them as a whole. I've prayed for health, healing, jobs, relationships, to overcome certain temptations, but I really haven't prayed continuously for the things Paul prays for this Colossae church. But I'm starting today. I'm getting out my membership list and I'm praying through it. Join me. Reread Colossians 1:9-13. Jot the list down and start praying for those closest to you. And be sure to pray this for your pastor and staff.
God, I don't why I haven't really prayed this for my church family specifically in the past. I've read these verses time and time again. I'm gonna start praying this way today. Give me the insight into how to pray more specifically for them. I recognize it's not just about my teaching or counseling or involvement in their lives. It's about you and your involvement in their lives. I want to see my church family filled with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. I want to see them live a life worthy of you, pleasing you and bearing fruit in every good work. Give them the endurance and strength and patience each day. Let them rejoice with thanksgiving for the opportunity to share in the inheritance with the saints.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Daily Reflections on Prov. 17:6 (Parental Pride)
Ever since the death of my father in February of this year, I've thought a lot about the legacy of his life and my own. Seems like my dad made a lot more contributions to the development of the Kingdom of God, than I have. By the time he was my age he had already been a major influence in the writing of teen and college age study materials, helped to launch the concept of campus ministry, been involved in leading hundreds of adult Bible school or study leaders in new and effective ways for bringing enlightenment of God's Word.
Me, I haven't had that kind of impact. I've held several located ministries that are seemingly of inconsequential impact. My biggest accomplishment was leading a church to grow enough to purchase and relocate to an abandoned Wal-Mart building. Not quite the same impact. Oh sure, we average about 70 additions a year during my nearly 13 year tenure. And we launched an Hispanic church that was doing quite well at last report. We did raise up several young people who are now involved in missions, but I can't say that that equates with level of my dad.
Right now I'm involved in a struggling church plant. It's been uphill all the way with lots of set backs and challenges, more disappointments than victories. The spiritual battles have been relentless. The satanic attacks almost unbearable. Yet, we march on in God's power, pursuing God's call.
As I've contemplated the difference in the calling and Kingdom impact between my dad and me, my daughter has shared with me the pressure she felt to live up the impact both of us have made. I'm thinking, I don't know what you're talking about because I certainly haven't made that much of impact in the overall development of the Kingdom.
Proverbs 17:6 talks about how grandchildren are a crown to the aged. One of the joys for both my dad and mom have been the number of grandchildren they have that are involved in full time Christian service. The heritage and passion for the God and His Kingdom lives on. The legacy of my parents is that their kids and grandkids are pursuing a passionate relationship with Christ. Forget all the other accomplishments, that's the one of greatest significance to them.
But in that same verse Solomon also talks about the fact that parents are the pride of their children. I look at my parents with a great deal of respect for all they have done in impacting this world for Christ. There is no way I could ever live up to them. I'm sure my daughter feels the same way. Yet, I know that I'm not perfect, nor was my dad or is my mom. I want to be proud of my parents, it's only natural. I am proud of my parents. But their calling is not my calling.
I don't have to be a world changer with lots of recognition. All I have to do is make a difference in the world around me. To bring joy to my grandparents, who have long since passed, and to my parents is to serve God with all my heart and to instill the same desire in my children. If my children have the same passion to serve God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, then I've brought joy to my parents.
Although I'm not a grandparent yet, I long to see the day when my grandchildren will grow to embrace God and His Kingdom. I pray that through my children, their children will find themselves involved in expanding the Kingdom of God and sharing the Good News with others.
God, sometimes I feel like I'm letting my parents down and letting you down for not achieving some great accomplishment in your Kingdom. I want to live up to my dad's heritage, but I really feel inadequate and even a failure at times. Yet I know that I'm following your calling on my life for me right now and that's all you ask me to do. Use me God to your fullest. Take my talents and gifts and multiply them to maximum effectiveness for your Kingdom. I pray also for my children to grow in their passion for you and desire to impact their world with your wonderful Good News and grace.
Me, I haven't had that kind of impact. I've held several located ministries that are seemingly of inconsequential impact. My biggest accomplishment was leading a church to grow enough to purchase and relocate to an abandoned Wal-Mart building. Not quite the same impact. Oh sure, we average about 70 additions a year during my nearly 13 year tenure. And we launched an Hispanic church that was doing quite well at last report. We did raise up several young people who are now involved in missions, but I can't say that that equates with level of my dad.
Right now I'm involved in a struggling church plant. It's been uphill all the way with lots of set backs and challenges, more disappointments than victories. The spiritual battles have been relentless. The satanic attacks almost unbearable. Yet, we march on in God's power, pursuing God's call.
As I've contemplated the difference in the calling and Kingdom impact between my dad and me, my daughter has shared with me the pressure she felt to live up the impact both of us have made. I'm thinking, I don't know what you're talking about because I certainly haven't made that much of impact in the overall development of the Kingdom.
Proverbs 17:6 talks about how grandchildren are a crown to the aged. One of the joys for both my dad and mom have been the number of grandchildren they have that are involved in full time Christian service. The heritage and passion for the God and His Kingdom lives on. The legacy of my parents is that their kids and grandkids are pursuing a passionate relationship with Christ. Forget all the other accomplishments, that's the one of greatest significance to them.
But in that same verse Solomon also talks about the fact that parents are the pride of their children. I look at my parents with a great deal of respect for all they have done in impacting this world for Christ. There is no way I could ever live up to them. I'm sure my daughter feels the same way. Yet, I know that I'm not perfect, nor was my dad or is my mom. I want to be proud of my parents, it's only natural. I am proud of my parents. But their calling is not my calling.
I don't have to be a world changer with lots of recognition. All I have to do is make a difference in the world around me. To bring joy to my grandparents, who have long since passed, and to my parents is to serve God with all my heart and to instill the same desire in my children. If my children have the same passion to serve God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, then I've brought joy to my parents.
Although I'm not a grandparent yet, I long to see the day when my grandchildren will grow to embrace God and His Kingdom. I pray that through my children, their children will find themselves involved in expanding the Kingdom of God and sharing the Good News with others.
God, sometimes I feel like I'm letting my parents down and letting you down for not achieving some great accomplishment in your Kingdom. I want to live up to my dad's heritage, but I really feel inadequate and even a failure at times. Yet I know that I'm following your calling on my life for me right now and that's all you ask me to do. Use me God to your fullest. Take my talents and gifts and multiply them to maximum effectiveness for your Kingdom. I pray also for my children to grow in their passion for you and desire to impact their world with your wonderful Good News and grace.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Daily Reflections on Ps. 62:1-12 (Why Do I Get So Stress Out?)
Why do I get so stressed out when I know that God is in control? Is it lack of faith? Is it my desire to be in control? Is it downright ignorance? Is it I think that God is not really interested in my problems, situations or circumstances? Is it my stupidity? Or is it a lack of awareness of God's presence in my life?
At the National New Church Conference in Orlando, aka Exponential 09, this spring, I sat in on a workshop led by John Burke from Austin, TX. The workshop had to do with helping messy people become holy people. Mr. Burke shared an idea God had pressed on his heart for his congregation, that I've been seriously thinking about employing at my church. For 60 days he had his congregates set an alarm on their watch, cell phone or computer to go off every 60 minutes. When the alarm went off he told them to say a short prayer acknowledging the presence of God and asking Him what He wanted them to do at that moment.
It worked and a soul revolution was begun in his church. People became more aware of God's daily presence and found themselves more actively living their life to Him.
In this 60-60 experiment the people of Gateway Church discovered what David discovered in Psalm 62. David says, "my soul finds rest in God alone." In verse 8 he writes, "Trust in Him at all times, o people; pour out your heart to Him for God is our refuge." Recognizing and living in the daily presence of God has to change me. It changes my perspective. It changes my attitude. It changes my work ethic. It changes my thought process. It keeps me balanced. It makes me a better time manager. It improves my relationships. It keeps me focused on what really is important. It relieves my stress.
Sounds like the way to live. Without God, I think I'm one of those messy people. If I'm not focused on Him, I get so wrapped up in things of little to no consequences and those are often the things that mess with my mind. It's not unmanly to depend on God. It's wise to seek His advice, His direction, His strength, His insights. It's not weakness to depend on God. It's about productivity. And not only am I being more productive in business life, I'm being more productive in my personal life.
God, I don't know why I get so freaked out sometimes over things that I don't have any control over. I know to look to you and to depend on you. But for whatever reason, I seem to lose track of your presence and involvement in my life. I need your wisdom, strength, protection, direction, etc. I'm trusting you. I'm pouring my heart out to you.
At the National New Church Conference in Orlando, aka Exponential 09, this spring, I sat in on a workshop led by John Burke from Austin, TX. The workshop had to do with helping messy people become holy people. Mr. Burke shared an idea God had pressed on his heart for his congregation, that I've been seriously thinking about employing at my church. For 60 days he had his congregates set an alarm on their watch, cell phone or computer to go off every 60 minutes. When the alarm went off he told them to say a short prayer acknowledging the presence of God and asking Him what He wanted them to do at that moment.
It worked and a soul revolution was begun in his church. People became more aware of God's daily presence and found themselves more actively living their life to Him.
In this 60-60 experiment the people of Gateway Church discovered what David discovered in Psalm 62. David says, "my soul finds rest in God alone." In verse 8 he writes, "Trust in Him at all times, o people; pour out your heart to Him for God is our refuge." Recognizing and living in the daily presence of God has to change me. It changes my perspective. It changes my attitude. It changes my work ethic. It changes my thought process. It keeps me balanced. It makes me a better time manager. It improves my relationships. It keeps me focused on what really is important. It relieves my stress.
Sounds like the way to live. Without God, I think I'm one of those messy people. If I'm not focused on Him, I get so wrapped up in things of little to no consequences and those are often the things that mess with my mind. It's not unmanly to depend on God. It's wise to seek His advice, His direction, His strength, His insights. It's not weakness to depend on God. It's about productivity. And not only am I being more productive in business life, I'm being more productive in my personal life.
God, I don't know why I get so freaked out sometimes over things that I don't have any control over. I know to look to you and to depend on you. But for whatever reason, I seem to lose track of your presence and involvement in my life. I need your wisdom, strength, protection, direction, etc. I'm trusting you. I'm pouring my heart out to you.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Daily Reflections on Prov. 11:21-31 (Attitudes)
Attitude, mindset, disposition, whatever you want to call it does make a difference in life. It's not how much you have in resources, talents, abilities, or even your surrounding circumstance that really make a difference. It's what's going on in your heart.
In this series of proverbs in chapter 11, Solomon makes clear that those looking for trouble will find it and those looking for good will find that. Those who are generous are received with fondness and the tightfisted are looked upon with disdain.
I think I've found a new verse to add to my list of favorites. Verse 22 says, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion." Wow, does that have lot to say to the young ladies in our culture today where sexting has become the latest rage and sex on the first date is the norm. It has a lot to say to all women of all ages quite frankly who so easily trade indiscretion for false security or approval.
Solomon talks here how troublemakers, the selfish, the negative, the self-absorbed all get what they have coming to them in the end. The more open our heart is to others, the more cheerful, the more generous, the more optimistic, the more good things come to our life.
To be honest, I get tired of all the nay sayers and negative and cold water throwers. The contentious, doomsdayers, and pessimistic wear me out. I've sat in countless board meetings, committee meetings and even staff meetings where the "that won't work" mentality overrides any potential opportunity and dowses the entrepreneurial spirit of the group.
I have heard it said that generous people live longer. I don't know if that's true or not but my bet is that they live happier and have a much more enjoyable life with a lot more friends. And my guess is that virtually no rags to riches story has at the center a pessimistic or negative or miserly person. I'm positive that no healthy, happy family has a troublesome personality that dominates or keeps things stirred up all the time.
There are so many scriptures that come to mind, ie. "give and it shall be given to you...," "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," "He is able to do abundantly, immeasurably more that what we can think or imagine." But the one that really seems an appropriate crescendo to these Proverbs comes from Phil. 2, where Paul instructs us to have the same attitude of Christ, taking on a servant's mentality.
God, in this negative, pessimistic world, it's easy to develop a negative, pessimistic or even cynical attitude. I know that in you I have victory. I want to have your mind. I want to be a servant like you. I want to extend grace like you. I want to remain optimistic. Let me be a blessing to others today.
In this series of proverbs in chapter 11, Solomon makes clear that those looking for trouble will find it and those looking for good will find that. Those who are generous are received with fondness and the tightfisted are looked upon with disdain.
I think I've found a new verse to add to my list of favorites. Verse 22 says, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion." Wow, does that have lot to say to the young ladies in our culture today where sexting has become the latest rage and sex on the first date is the norm. It has a lot to say to all women of all ages quite frankly who so easily trade indiscretion for false security or approval.
Solomon talks here how troublemakers, the selfish, the negative, the self-absorbed all get what they have coming to them in the end. The more open our heart is to others, the more cheerful, the more generous, the more optimistic, the more good things come to our life.
To be honest, I get tired of all the nay sayers and negative and cold water throwers. The contentious, doomsdayers, and pessimistic wear me out. I've sat in countless board meetings, committee meetings and even staff meetings where the "that won't work" mentality overrides any potential opportunity and dowses the entrepreneurial spirit of the group.
I have heard it said that generous people live longer. I don't know if that's true or not but my bet is that they live happier and have a much more enjoyable life with a lot more friends. And my guess is that virtually no rags to riches story has at the center a pessimistic or negative or miserly person. I'm positive that no healthy, happy family has a troublesome personality that dominates or keeps things stirred up all the time.
There are so many scriptures that come to mind, ie. "give and it shall be given to you...," "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," "He is able to do abundantly, immeasurably more that what we can think or imagine." But the one that really seems an appropriate crescendo to these Proverbs comes from Phil. 2, where Paul instructs us to have the same attitude of Christ, taking on a servant's mentality.
God, in this negative, pessimistic world, it's easy to develop a negative, pessimistic or even cynical attitude. I know that in you I have victory. I want to have your mind. I want to be a servant like you. I want to extend grace like you. I want to remain optimistic. Let me be a blessing to others today.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Daily Reflections on Isa. 50:10-11 (Dark Consequences)
I'm thinking that's the world's a mess right now. I know, you're thinking, "Great insight, Dave. That's really deep. What a keen observer." Okay, I know that that isn't world breaking news. We all know that we're in a mess. And there are a lot of opinions on how we got here and how we get out. Expert testimony and analysis differs widely. But I figure the experts aren't looking to the right solution or at least the person with the right solution.
I don't claim to be an expert on any or all of the world's issues. I don't think I'm even an expert on my own life and why I do what I do. I get confused over that too. But one thing I do know for sure is that everything has its consequences. No matter what I say or do, there is consequence for that. Sir Isaac Newton said that one of the laws of nature is that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. That principle can easily be applied to our behavior, thoughts and actions.
Without trying to sound pessimistic, I'd say the Bible is right when it describes the world as dark or darkness. Darkness is the absence of light. If God is light, there's a lot of places where He is absent. Not by His choice, but by our exclusion of Him. Yes, God is everywhere, but He doesn't push His presence when He is uninvited. He won't intervene where He is not asked or included. He is perfectly willing to let us crash and burn on our own.
Isaiah asks the question in verse 10 of our text, "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?" Good question. Fear isn't about being terrified here, it's about respect and reverence. The bottom line on dealing with darkness is simply to trust in the name of the Lord and rely on God. Trusting and relying is more than just acknowledgment. It's about being totally submissive to God's direction and truths.
However, our tendency is try to handle the dark episodes or issues or occurrences on our own. We break out our handy dandy little flashlight and try to dispel the darkness. Even with the flashlight, we can't see everything. You can still stay lost in forest with a flashlight.
Isaiah says, "Go ahead, light your torches, follow your own path, but you can't see down the road like God can. It may seem right to you now, but you're on the wrong path and that path is going to lead to greater trouble and you're really going to be in a mess." I tell people all the time that we can choose to do whatever we want, we just can choose our consequences.
God, I don't know if there is more darkness in this world than ever before or not, but right now there appears to be a lot of darkness out there. What makes it seem worse is that there are a lot of people, influential people who apparently have adjusted to seeing or living in the dark themselves. Darkness has become the norm in society. That scares me a little bit and saddens me even more, because the darkness is becoming heavier, thicker, and spreading into all areas of life, including your church. I want to walk in your light. I'm extinguishing my torch, I'm turning off my flashlight and completely trusting and relying on you.
I don't claim to be an expert on any or all of the world's issues. I don't think I'm even an expert on my own life and why I do what I do. I get confused over that too. But one thing I do know for sure is that everything has its consequences. No matter what I say or do, there is consequence for that. Sir Isaac Newton said that one of the laws of nature is that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. That principle can easily be applied to our behavior, thoughts and actions.
Without trying to sound pessimistic, I'd say the Bible is right when it describes the world as dark or darkness. Darkness is the absence of light. If God is light, there's a lot of places where He is absent. Not by His choice, but by our exclusion of Him. Yes, God is everywhere, but He doesn't push His presence when He is uninvited. He won't intervene where He is not asked or included. He is perfectly willing to let us crash and burn on our own.
Isaiah asks the question in verse 10 of our text, "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?" Good question. Fear isn't about being terrified here, it's about respect and reverence. The bottom line on dealing with darkness is simply to trust in the name of the Lord and rely on God. Trusting and relying is more than just acknowledgment. It's about being totally submissive to God's direction and truths.
However, our tendency is try to handle the dark episodes or issues or occurrences on our own. We break out our handy dandy little flashlight and try to dispel the darkness. Even with the flashlight, we can't see everything. You can still stay lost in forest with a flashlight.
Isaiah says, "Go ahead, light your torches, follow your own path, but you can't see down the road like God can. It may seem right to you now, but you're on the wrong path and that path is going to lead to greater trouble and you're really going to be in a mess." I tell people all the time that we can choose to do whatever we want, we just can choose our consequences.
God, I don't know if there is more darkness in this world than ever before or not, but right now there appears to be a lot of darkness out there. What makes it seem worse is that there are a lot of people, influential people who apparently have adjusted to seeing or living in the dark themselves. Darkness has become the norm in society. That scares me a little bit and saddens me even more, because the darkness is becoming heavier, thicker, and spreading into all areas of life, including your church. I want to walk in your light. I'm extinguishing my torch, I'm turning off my flashlight and completely trusting and relying on you.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Daily Reflections on 1 Jn. 5:13-21 (I Just Want to Know)
There's a tabloid that makes it's living off the phrase, "Inquiring minds want to know." Being inquisitive is basic human nature. We want the latest gossip. We crane our necks to catch a glimpse of an accident as we drive by. We read the section in our local newspaper of the court records to find out who did what to whom, who got caught speeding, who's divorcing, who's getting married, etc. Celebrity gossip shows or websites get lots of viewers, because we just want to know.
As John pens the lines of 1 John, there are some things he wants us to know. He notes as he closes out the first of his three short epistles four basic "We knows." He tells us that he writes this first letter so that WE may KNOW we have eternal life. That's great information. WE can KNOW we have eternal life. We don't have to worry about. We can be assured. In his Gospel, John records Jesus' prayer in the garden in which Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ. Knowing is not knowing about God and Jesus. It's not a casual acquaintance with them. Knowing, in the context of John 17 is an intimate oneness with them.
John goes onto say in 1 John 5, that WE KNOW that anyone born of God does not continue to sin. Now when John says that he's talking about our attitude. It's really similar to what Paul writes in Romans 8. It's about our choice to really allow God ultimate control of our life. If we allow ourselves to walk in God's Holy Spirit, which He places in all His followers who surrender their life to Him and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we would never have to sin again. It's an attitude of choosing to pursue Christ on a daily basis.
He also says that WE KNOW that we are children of God (if we're born of God) and that we live in a world where the devil is in control. We're in foreign territory. We're behind enemy lines. The world isn't, non-Christians aren't our enemy, Satan is. God has allowed Satan dominion over this world, which mean as long as we're still on this planet, we have to live with, endure, overcome the nature of this broken and dying world. We can expect difficulties, trials, temptations, hardships, injustice and even moronic thinking.
He concludes this book by saying that WE KNOW that the Son of God has come to give us understanding, that WE may KNOW him who is true. We can't forget that we are in HIM who is true and in HIM is true eternal life. God really wants to have a deep, personal oneness with us. He reveals more and more of Himself as we our relationship with Him grows. The more we know Him and understand Him and His truths, the better equipped to deal with the travails of this life and the greater assurance of victory is ours.
God, I long to know you more and more, deeper and deeper. Enlighten me. Empower me. Give me the tools and insight I need on this journey of life. Protect me. Strengthen me. Give me perspective. Give me greater understanding of you and your truths. Assure me. Do this so that I may bring you glory and reveal you to the darkened, lost world around me.
As John pens the lines of 1 John, there are some things he wants us to know. He notes as he closes out the first of his three short epistles four basic "We knows." He tells us that he writes this first letter so that WE may KNOW we have eternal life. That's great information. WE can KNOW we have eternal life. We don't have to worry about. We can be assured. In his Gospel, John records Jesus' prayer in the garden in which Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ. Knowing is not knowing about God and Jesus. It's not a casual acquaintance with them. Knowing, in the context of John 17 is an intimate oneness with them.
John goes onto say in 1 John 5, that WE KNOW that anyone born of God does not continue to sin. Now when John says that he's talking about our attitude. It's really similar to what Paul writes in Romans 8. It's about our choice to really allow God ultimate control of our life. If we allow ourselves to walk in God's Holy Spirit, which He places in all His followers who surrender their life to Him and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we would never have to sin again. It's an attitude of choosing to pursue Christ on a daily basis.
He also says that WE KNOW that we are children of God (if we're born of God) and that we live in a world where the devil is in control. We're in foreign territory. We're behind enemy lines. The world isn't, non-Christians aren't our enemy, Satan is. God has allowed Satan dominion over this world, which mean as long as we're still on this planet, we have to live with, endure, overcome the nature of this broken and dying world. We can expect difficulties, trials, temptations, hardships, injustice and even moronic thinking.
He concludes this book by saying that WE KNOW that the Son of God has come to give us understanding, that WE may KNOW him who is true. We can't forget that we are in HIM who is true and in HIM is true eternal life. God really wants to have a deep, personal oneness with us. He reveals more and more of Himself as we our relationship with Him grows. The more we know Him and understand Him and His truths, the better equipped to deal with the travails of this life and the greater assurance of victory is ours.
God, I long to know you more and more, deeper and deeper. Enlighten me. Empower me. Give me the tools and insight I need on this journey of life. Protect me. Strengthen me. Give me perspective. Give me greater understanding of you and your truths. Assure me. Do this so that I may bring you glory and reveal you to the darkened, lost world around me.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Daily Reflections on Ps. 90:1-17 (Enough Is Enough, Already)
It's a rainy day and I'm not even in Georgia. But it sure feels like it's raining all over the world, at least in my life. This has been one tough stretch in my life. Church planting definitely isn't for cowards or the weak of heart. Weak yes, weak of heart, no. Right now, not only is it raining on the outside, it's raining on the inside of me. My tears are welling up in me and I long for God to wipe them from my eyes.
The news has not been good the last couple of weeks for me personally, actually for the last few years. Not that any one thing is so devastating, it's the culmination of things building. We're losing income, especially from outside support both as a church and me personally. We're losing personnel at church due to job changes and various personal reasons. Seems we're battling against a lot of stuff. I'm battling a lot of personal stuff. I'm really feeling more and more like Elijah all alone in the wilderness or Jehoshaphat facing the vast army of the Moabites and Ammonites or even Gideon up against the Midianites that were "as thick as locust" and their camels that "no more could be counted than the sand on the seashore."
On top of all the challenges upon us, upon me, I heard on the radio this morning a DJ talking about his experience with an elderly gentleman at the gym. He went on making excuses for the inappropriate social behavior and out of touch attire of this OLDER man. Then he revealed the that this aged person looked to be in his mid fifties. Hang on just a minute. Mid fifties is a long way from geezerhood.
With all of this stuff weighing on my heart, the Lord led me to Psalm 90 today. What a perfect passage for me. Not only does it reaffirm my mortality and my inadequacy, it celebrates the majesty and power of God. In this Psalm, noted as a prayer of Moses, the psalmist notes the brevity of our lives and the toll life takes on us through the years. He cries out to God to teach us to "number our days aright" so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Okay, my days are waning on this earth. If the psalmist is right, I've got about fifteen to twenty-five years left if I'm lucky. Every day from here on out can't be wasted doing ineffective things or piddling around. Every day has to count for Him.
Yet, the cry of the psalmist in verse 13 is the cry of my heart today. Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have some compassion on your servant. Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days. Make me glad for as many days as you have afflicted me, for as many years as I've seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servant, your splendor to my children. May the favor of the Lord, my God rest upon me; establish the work of my hands for me--yes, establish the work of my hands.
God, I don't how much more I can take. I need to see your hand moving. I need to experience your presence like never before. I give up. I'm crying, "Uncle." I'm broken and dishearten. God, I know the psalmist didn't say satisfy me with success. He said satisfy me with your unfailing love. I need that unfailing love. You promised, Lord that you would not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. I'm feeling pretty bruised today and I'm just smoldering. Renew my flame. Heal my spirit. Fill me with your joy. Give me the victories of Elijah and Jehoshaphat and Gideon. Not that I deserve it, but for your glory.
The news has not been good the last couple of weeks for me personally, actually for the last few years. Not that any one thing is so devastating, it's the culmination of things building. We're losing income, especially from outside support both as a church and me personally. We're losing personnel at church due to job changes and various personal reasons. Seems we're battling against a lot of stuff. I'm battling a lot of personal stuff. I'm really feeling more and more like Elijah all alone in the wilderness or Jehoshaphat facing the vast army of the Moabites and Ammonites or even Gideon up against the Midianites that were "as thick as locust" and their camels that "no more could be counted than the sand on the seashore."
On top of all the challenges upon us, upon me, I heard on the radio this morning a DJ talking about his experience with an elderly gentleman at the gym. He went on making excuses for the inappropriate social behavior and out of touch attire of this OLDER man. Then he revealed the that this aged person looked to be in his mid fifties. Hang on just a minute. Mid fifties is a long way from geezerhood.
With all of this stuff weighing on my heart, the Lord led me to Psalm 90 today. What a perfect passage for me. Not only does it reaffirm my mortality and my inadequacy, it celebrates the majesty and power of God. In this Psalm, noted as a prayer of Moses, the psalmist notes the brevity of our lives and the toll life takes on us through the years. He cries out to God to teach us to "number our days aright" so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Okay, my days are waning on this earth. If the psalmist is right, I've got about fifteen to twenty-five years left if I'm lucky. Every day from here on out can't be wasted doing ineffective things or piddling around. Every day has to count for Him.
Yet, the cry of the psalmist in verse 13 is the cry of my heart today. Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have some compassion on your servant. Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days. Make me glad for as many days as you have afflicted me, for as many years as I've seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servant, your splendor to my children. May the favor of the Lord, my God rest upon me; establish the work of my hands for me--yes, establish the work of my hands.
God, I don't how much more I can take. I need to see your hand moving. I need to experience your presence like never before. I give up. I'm crying, "Uncle." I'm broken and dishearten. God, I know the psalmist didn't say satisfy me with success. He said satisfy me with your unfailing love. I need that unfailing love. You promised, Lord that you would not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. I'm feeling pretty bruised today and I'm just smoldering. Renew my flame. Heal my spirit. Fill me with your joy. Give me the victories of Elijah and Jehoshaphat and Gideon. Not that I deserve it, but for your glory.
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