There has been a lot of unrest over the last couple months leading up to and since the general election. Democrats control both the house and senate. Barak Obama is our new president elect. The stock market continues to take a beating. Bankruptcies are pending for businesses and individuals alike. Big businesses and mortgage companies are still begging for bailouts. The big three US automakers are in real trouble. Foreclosures are at an all time high. The unemployment rate is at it highest in over 25 years.
A lot of people are feeling the heat (and it isn't coming from their furnace, heating oil is too high). Store retailers are predicting one of the worst Christmas seasons in recent history. A friend of mine recently had to close his business because revenue was down and banks aren't lending.
With all the turmoil going on in our country and even the world, many are dealing with various forms of anxiety. They are worried about the economy, their's in particular. They are distress about their 401K or health insurance or investments. They are anxious about a new president who may or may not be to their liking.
Daniel went through some major changes in his life. There was an extreme regime change in his country. It was conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel was carried off into captivity. He was ripped away from his home and family and forced to serve the new king. Instead of going to pieces and worrying himself to death, Daniel took care of himself physically and spiritually staying close to God. In Daniel 2:20-22, he says, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them." He recognized that God was in control.
Daniel didn't have a collapse. He didn't lie awake at night. He didn't get depressed or have an anxiety attack. He continued to serve God no matter how bleak the circumstances seem to be. Daniel was close to losing his life. Yet, because of his faithfulness and trust in God, he was spared his life.
God, I don't what's going to happen to our country and our economy. We are in uneasy times. I'm counting on you to see me through. I want to focus on the things Daniel focused on, taking care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually. I'm keeping my eyes on you and I'm trusting you. Allow me to point others to you during these unsettling days.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ezek. 37:1-14 (I Thought It Was Dead)
As a kid with a big imagination, I loved the story of the valley of dry bones found in Ezekiel 37. I could picture this valley covered with dry bones everywhere. An arm here. A leg there. A disconnected hand. Then all of the sudden, the bones begin to rattle as the bump together in an attempt to find their missing counter parts. Before long skeleltons would be forming, some looking for a leg or an arm. Others would be looking for their head like C3P0 in episode 2 of "Stars Wars." Dogs would be chasing the dancing bones, while half formed skeletons would be trying to get away. (I said I had a big imagination.) The next thing you know these separated dry bones were coming to life again.
Normally, I was not into horror movies or skeletons. Even scenes from "Pirates of the Carribean" kind of freak me out. But for some reason, this story fascinated me and still does to this day. Modern day special effects artists would do wonders depicting this scene.
Although I think Ezekiel tends to be one of those books left to those into prophesy and end times, I think that there's a much deeper meaning to this odd story than meets the eye. It really captures the theme of the entire Bible in these few short verses. There's nothing deader in our minds than a bunch of old dry bones. No chance for life. Yet, God speaks to these dead, dry bones through Ezekiel and they begin to come to life.
That's the whole message of the Bible. Things that where dead by our standards can be revived by the power of God. It is certainly true of our spiritual life and our relationship with God. He can take the deadest of lives and revive them. And if that's true about our spiritual life, what about other areas of our life? If God can raise the dead spiritually and physically, what about a dead marriage or a dead career or dead finances or a dead relationship? If all God did was to tell Ezekiel to prophesy or deliver His message to a bunch of dry bones and they came to life, why can't He do that to these other areas of life?
What seems dead in your life right now? What seems hopeless? Maybe all it needs is God's breath blown into it or God's word spoken into it to be revived. Remember God spoke creation into existence. He has the power to give life. How about putting it into God's hand?
God, you are totally amazing. You speak and life happens. You blow your breath and things come to life. Speak into my life. Blow your breath upon me. Revive the dead areas of my life. Renew me.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Daily Reflections on Prov. 27:23-27 (Managing Finances in Tough Economic Times)
It's been called the worst economic times since the depression. Since I didn't live in the depression I'd have say that it's the worst economic times that I've experienced since the Jimmy Carter days. Back then we faced double digit inflation, interest rates reached as high as 21%, gas prices had quadrupled through the decade. Things were spiraling out of control. It was an uneasy time for America.
But today's financial crisis is something that I've never experienced before. The idea of a total economic meltdown has many really worried. Poor fiscal practices at all levels have no doubt led us to where we are today nationally and internationally. Even if you had saved diligently and thought you invested wisely for your future, you are still not safe. Many 401k's or retirement accounts are taking huge hits. I like the cartoon that recently appeared in the New Yorker magazine of stock broker on the phone telling his client he needed to diversify mattress.
Solomon gives some wise advice in Proverbs 27 regarding financial security. He talks about knowing the conditions of your flocks and herds. Now most of us don't measure our wealth by our livestock these days. But there is something to be said about keeping a close eye on our assets and investments and being aware of the condition of our overall finances.
As I read these words I was just reflecting on the condition of my own finances and got out a pen and paper. To be honest, it was a little depressing. My wife and I had used up all of our reserves to invest in the church plant we are currently serving. So this last year has been especially hard. Our youngest daughter was suspected of having lymphoma. Our part of the bill was over $5,000. Our oldest daughter totaled one of our cars. The payoff on the loan was over $1,500. Within the span of six weeks I lost engines in 2 vehicles and along with other repairs and car rentals the cost was over $13,000. We made an investment to start a new business to cover some these costs of over $6,000. In just the last twelve months we have had unexpected expenses totalling over $27,000. Ouch! And that doesn't include my wife's 401k that has lost nearly 40% of it's value over the same time period.
Depressing? Absolutely. Defeated? Absolutely not. Now more than ever Solomon's sound words make sense. By considering the condition of our finances we can make wise financial and budgeting decisions about our present and our future. Despite $4 a gallon gas and crashing stock markets, through careful financial planning we've been able to increase our offerings to our church by 20% and still knock off over $5,000 of our unexpected debt.
God, Solomon was right when he said that riches don't endure forever. It's really important in the stewardship of life and resources to pay attention. I don't need a lot of luxuries. I just need the basics. Even in a tanking economy living by your wise advice both personally and financially makes a lot of sense. I know that the only way we've been able to make it is by trusting you to supply and giving us the wisdom to manage our finances. Thanks, Lord.
But today's financial crisis is something that I've never experienced before. The idea of a total economic meltdown has many really worried. Poor fiscal practices at all levels have no doubt led us to where we are today nationally and internationally. Even if you had saved diligently and thought you invested wisely for your future, you are still not safe. Many 401k's or retirement accounts are taking huge hits. I like the cartoon that recently appeared in the New Yorker magazine of stock broker on the phone telling his client he needed to diversify mattress.
Solomon gives some wise advice in Proverbs 27 regarding financial security. He talks about knowing the conditions of your flocks and herds. Now most of us don't measure our wealth by our livestock these days. But there is something to be said about keeping a close eye on our assets and investments and being aware of the condition of our overall finances.
As I read these words I was just reflecting on the condition of my own finances and got out a pen and paper. To be honest, it was a little depressing. My wife and I had used up all of our reserves to invest in the church plant we are currently serving. So this last year has been especially hard. Our youngest daughter was suspected of having lymphoma. Our part of the bill was over $5,000. Our oldest daughter totaled one of our cars. The payoff on the loan was over $1,500. Within the span of six weeks I lost engines in 2 vehicles and along with other repairs and car rentals the cost was over $13,000. We made an investment to start a new business to cover some these costs of over $6,000. In just the last twelve months we have had unexpected expenses totalling over $27,000. Ouch! And that doesn't include my wife's 401k that has lost nearly 40% of it's value over the same time period.
Depressing? Absolutely. Defeated? Absolutely not. Now more than ever Solomon's sound words make sense. By considering the condition of our finances we can make wise financial and budgeting decisions about our present and our future. Despite $4 a gallon gas and crashing stock markets, through careful financial planning we've been able to increase our offerings to our church by 20% and still knock off over $5,000 of our unexpected debt.
God, Solomon was right when he said that riches don't endure forever. It's really important in the stewardship of life and resources to pay attention. I don't need a lot of luxuries. I just need the basics. Even in a tanking economy living by your wise advice both personally and financially makes a lot of sense. I know that the only way we've been able to make it is by trusting you to supply and giving us the wisdom to manage our finances. Thanks, Lord.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Daily Reflections on Titus 2:1-8 (Relationships Are Hard)
Relationships are hard these days, especially with all the role confusion. The Equal Rights Movement has pushed us deeper into a selfish mentality. Every one demands "their" rights. It's about me, what I want, what I deserve.
Paul, in his instruction to Titus, has a different take on what makes for healthy relationship and a sound society. He list some characteristics that need to be apparent among the mature figures of our communities and families and churches. He says that mature men or older men should be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in their faith, love and endurance. Grouchy, demanding, irreverent, selfish behavior is not appropriate. Mature men should be models for other men to follow. The should set the standard for younger men to mimic.
Too often older men think that as head of their home, everyone else should bow to their every wish and whim and serve their every need. They bark out orders, make demands that everyone else should follow. But that's not the image that Paul paints here. Respect is not gained through demand. Respect is gained through a servant mentality and appropriate behavior. Respect is gained when I demonstrate a consistency of faith, love and endurance; when my life matches our image of wholesomeness, grace and strength. Wives respect husbands who serve them and their families and others with a genuine love that comes from an inner strength and confidence.
Society tells wives today to demand equal status from their relationships. But equal status isn't gained through demands and selfishness. It's gained through servanthood. Once again, a serving heart will gain higher status in the eyes of their husbands than a demanding or argumentative one. To make a relationship work, both persons must relinquish their rights and seek the best interest of the other. Paying attention to family needs and serving those needs is the key to a healthy marital relationship, by both husband and wife.
Paul says that the responsibility of modeling and passing these concepts on is that of mature men and women. That means older men and women have to work harder at displaying these characteristics in their own lives and marriages and relationships. Older men ought to practice temperate behavior that gains the respect of younger men. Older women should demonstrate a graceful reverence that gets the attention and admiration of younger ladies.
But Paul doesn't stop there. He makes a point of older men and women assuming the role of instructor to their younger counterparts. It can't be in a demanding sort of way. The instruction should be in mentoring role. Wouldn't it be great if within our churches and neighborhoods and communities we would see mature men, women, couples who demonstrated these characteristics in their lives, taking younger men, women, couples under their wings to encourage, teach, mentor, and love them?
God, I still have a lot to learn about being the kind of husband that honors my wife and family. I still need a mentor in my life. But, Lord, help me find a younger man that I can pass on what I've learned. Fill me with your grace, strength, insights, patience, understanding and desire. Help me to model these characteristics to others.
Paul, in his instruction to Titus, has a different take on what makes for healthy relationship and a sound society. He list some characteristics that need to be apparent among the mature figures of our communities and families and churches. He says that mature men or older men should be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in their faith, love and endurance. Grouchy, demanding, irreverent, selfish behavior is not appropriate. Mature men should be models for other men to follow. The should set the standard for younger men to mimic.
Too often older men think that as head of their home, everyone else should bow to their every wish and whim and serve their every need. They bark out orders, make demands that everyone else should follow. But that's not the image that Paul paints here. Respect is not gained through demand. Respect is gained through a servant mentality and appropriate behavior. Respect is gained when I demonstrate a consistency of faith, love and endurance; when my life matches our image of wholesomeness, grace and strength. Wives respect husbands who serve them and their families and others with a genuine love that comes from an inner strength and confidence.
Society tells wives today to demand equal status from their relationships. But equal status isn't gained through demands and selfishness. It's gained through servanthood. Once again, a serving heart will gain higher status in the eyes of their husbands than a demanding or argumentative one. To make a relationship work, both persons must relinquish their rights and seek the best interest of the other. Paying attention to family needs and serving those needs is the key to a healthy marital relationship, by both husband and wife.
Paul says that the responsibility of modeling and passing these concepts on is that of mature men and women. That means older men and women have to work harder at displaying these characteristics in their own lives and marriages and relationships. Older men ought to practice temperate behavior that gains the respect of younger men. Older women should demonstrate a graceful reverence that gets the attention and admiration of younger ladies.
But Paul doesn't stop there. He makes a point of older men and women assuming the role of instructor to their younger counterparts. It can't be in a demanding sort of way. The instruction should be in mentoring role. Wouldn't it be great if within our churches and neighborhoods and communities we would see mature men, women, couples who demonstrated these characteristics in their lives, taking younger men, women, couples under their wings to encourage, teach, mentor, and love them?
God, I still have a lot to learn about being the kind of husband that honors my wife and family. I still need a mentor in my life. But, Lord, help me find a younger man that I can pass on what I've learned. Fill me with your grace, strength, insights, patience, understanding and desire. Help me to model these characteristics to others.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ps 90 and 91 (Is Anything Secure Anymore?)
Not doubt these are troubling times. Wars continue to plague us. Economic disaster appears imminent. Jobs are insecure. The housing market is tanking. Credit is hard to come by. The uncertainty of a presidential election. Medicare is in trouble. Social Security is headed for bankruptcy. The stock market is on life support. Banks are failing. Foreclosures are at an all time high. Global warming is threating our environment. Natural disasters are wreaking havoc everywhere. There's general unrest throughout the world. Terrorism remains a real threat.
It's no wonder many have a sense of anxiety. We are crying out for peace and security and things to be calm again in our lives. The basis of our anxiety is our perception of the circumstances which surround us. Things appear out of control which creates the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty.
When we base our feelings on the circumstances around us, we place ourselves in risky hands. As long as things go smooth, we're fine. But when things get a little out of kilter, the nervousness and anxiety begins to creep in and ultimately takes over.
The psalmist suggests that if we want to feel secure no matter the circumstances that arise around us, we should put our trust in God. The Bible uses terms like "refuge" and "fortress" to describe God's protection and solace. It's turning complete control over to Him of all aspects of our lives. Since we live in a society that promotes individualism and personal achievement, surrendering that complete control is a huge challenge for most of us. We're are good at saying it, just not good at doing it.
Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High sounds really cool, actually doing it is another story. We are so used to trusting in ourselves or the government or our employer or our wealth that it's hard to let go. Unfortunately all those things falter and eventually pass. Our skill and ability and health fades. Governments eventually fall. Wealth slips away. Employers shut their doors. But God remains steadfast.
Read these psalms again. Capture the essence of God's secure eternal nature and His readiness to cover us with His protective presence. Reflect on His power and awesome love. Choose then where you want to dwell, in the turmoil and pressure of the world or in the shelter of His presence.
God, I live most of my life wrestling with things over which I have no power. I often find myself in internal tension and worrying about things I can't change or impact. I struggle needlessly with the world and the things of this world resting in my own ability, ingenuity or strength. I'm worn out. My blood pressure is too high. It's sometimes hard to sleep. Cover me with your wings. I want to dwell in you. Teach me to number my days aright.
It's no wonder many have a sense of anxiety. We are crying out for peace and security and things to be calm again in our lives. The basis of our anxiety is our perception of the circumstances which surround us. Things appear out of control which creates the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty.
When we base our feelings on the circumstances around us, we place ourselves in risky hands. As long as things go smooth, we're fine. But when things get a little out of kilter, the nervousness and anxiety begins to creep in and ultimately takes over.
The psalmist suggests that if we want to feel secure no matter the circumstances that arise around us, we should put our trust in God. The Bible uses terms like "refuge" and "fortress" to describe God's protection and solace. It's turning complete control over to Him of all aspects of our lives. Since we live in a society that promotes individualism and personal achievement, surrendering that complete control is a huge challenge for most of us. We're are good at saying it, just not good at doing it.
Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High sounds really cool, actually doing it is another story. We are so used to trusting in ourselves or the government or our employer or our wealth that it's hard to let go. Unfortunately all those things falter and eventually pass. Our skill and ability and health fades. Governments eventually fall. Wealth slips away. Employers shut their doors. But God remains steadfast.
Read these psalms again. Capture the essence of God's secure eternal nature and His readiness to cover us with His protective presence. Reflect on His power and awesome love. Choose then where you want to dwell, in the turmoil and pressure of the world or in the shelter of His presence.
God, I live most of my life wrestling with things over which I have no power. I often find myself in internal tension and worrying about things I can't change or impact. I struggle needlessly with the world and the things of this world resting in my own ability, ingenuity or strength. I'm worn out. My blood pressure is too high. It's sometimes hard to sleep. Cover me with your wings. I want to dwell in you. Teach me to number my days aright.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Daily Reflections on 1 Tim. 6:7-19 (Money, Money, Money)
Money makes the world go round. If that's the case the world must be coming to a halt or even might be spinning backward. Government bail outs, foreclosures, bank failures, stock devaluation has the world economy in a precarious position. All I know is that my wife's 401k has plummeted nearly 40% in the last year. There's now less in the fund than what we've put into it. The value of my house has also dropped significantly in the past year. The interest on my saving accounts has virtually dropped to nothing. I'm thinking about transferring my investments to my mattress.
Economies are cyclical, or so I'm told. Markets fluctuate and occasionally self correct. But the truth is that nothing financial is certain in life. If we place all our focus and energy into getting and making money or material things, we may be investing in things that are fleeting or worse. Paul tells Timothy that the love of of money is the root of all evil. Let's be honest, much of the financial crisis that we're facing today has to do with major lending companies greed. The executives love of money has led to a major disaster worldwide.
Paul challenges us as followers of Christ to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness instead of money. He said to take hold of eternal life. He says those with wealth shouldn't put their hope in it. It's uncertain. That's been apparent recently. Putting your hope in God is a much more secure place. Riches are found in doing good deeds. By doing so, we lay up treasures in heaven.
I can tell you from personal experience that financial investment don't always pay lasting dividends. Sometimes you take a huge loss, even on things that appear to be safe. The only investments that you can count on being lasting and always paying dividends are the investments you make in the Kingdom of God. God's stock never crashes. His bank never fails. His rewards out pay any here on earth.
God, I want to be rich. Not in financial terms but in Kingdom terms. I'm laying up my treasures in heaven. Help me be wise in my earthly investment, but I'm placing my hope in you. I want to be rich in good deeds.
Economies are cyclical, or so I'm told. Markets fluctuate and occasionally self correct. But the truth is that nothing financial is certain in life. If we place all our focus and energy into getting and making money or material things, we may be investing in things that are fleeting or worse. Paul tells Timothy that the love of of money is the root of all evil. Let's be honest, much of the financial crisis that we're facing today has to do with major lending companies greed. The executives love of money has led to a major disaster worldwide.
Paul challenges us as followers of Christ to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness instead of money. He said to take hold of eternal life. He says those with wealth shouldn't put their hope in it. It's uncertain. That's been apparent recently. Putting your hope in God is a much more secure place. Riches are found in doing good deeds. By doing so, we lay up treasures in heaven.
I can tell you from personal experience that financial investment don't always pay lasting dividends. Sometimes you take a huge loss, even on things that appear to be safe. The only investments that you can count on being lasting and always paying dividends are the investments you make in the Kingdom of God. God's stock never crashes. His bank never fails. His rewards out pay any here on earth.
God, I want to be rich. Not in financial terms but in Kingdom terms. I'm laying up my treasures in heaven. Help me be wise in my earthly investment, but I'm placing my hope in you. I want to be rich in good deeds.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Daily Reflections on 2 Thes. 1:4-12 (Getting Vengeance)
Vengeance is mine says the Lord. I keep reminding myself of that promise. Last night I learned of the tragic murder of two of my friends and former church members. I confess my heart aches deeply today and my anger is brewing under the surface. Everything within me is crying out, "It's wrong. It's wrong, Lord." I find myself longing to be at the sides of family members. I want to get involved in the investigation. I want their killers hunted down. I want God to do something.
In my frustration, God brought me some comfort in today's reading from 2 Thessalonians. In the most severest of trials, faith is of the utmost importance. It's our steadfastness of faith that makes a difference and draws us to the presence of God. In these verses, Paul reassures us that God is just and will pay back those who cause us, His faithful, trouble. He also promises to give us relief from our trouble. In the end, God will punish those who don't know Him or obey His standards. He will bring on them everlasting destruction and ban them from His presence.
But for those of us who are faithful and remain in Him and trust Him, God promises to be glorified in us. We experience His majestic power. God will right things in the end. Evil will be punished. His faithful rewarded. I have no question in my mind of the eternal fate of my friends. Today they are in the very presence of God. I look forward to embracing them again because of Jesus.
Yet, my heart still aches for my loss, for the family of my friends and my former congregation. So what little comfort I'm able to bring to them, I'll offer it. Like Paul, my constant prayers will be for them; that not only that God brings them comfort but through them God will fulfill an even greater purpose because of their faith.
God, I need your comfort and reassurance today. I know the family of my friends need your comfort and reassurance today. I'm asking that you bring your punishment upon those who did this evil. Show your mighty power. Remove any vengeful spirit in me and the family. Pour out your grace on us.
In my frustration, God brought me some comfort in today's reading from 2 Thessalonians. In the most severest of trials, faith is of the utmost importance. It's our steadfastness of faith that makes a difference and draws us to the presence of God. In these verses, Paul reassures us that God is just and will pay back those who cause us, His faithful, trouble. He also promises to give us relief from our trouble. In the end, God will punish those who don't know Him or obey His standards. He will bring on them everlasting destruction and ban them from His presence.
But for those of us who are faithful and remain in Him and trust Him, God promises to be glorified in us. We experience His majestic power. God will right things in the end. Evil will be punished. His faithful rewarded. I have no question in my mind of the eternal fate of my friends. Today they are in the very presence of God. I look forward to embracing them again because of Jesus.
Yet, my heart still aches for my loss, for the family of my friends and my former congregation. So what little comfort I'm able to bring to them, I'll offer it. Like Paul, my constant prayers will be for them; that not only that God brings them comfort but through them God will fulfill an even greater purpose because of their faith.
God, I need your comfort and reassurance today. I know the family of my friends need your comfort and reassurance today. I'm asking that you bring your punishment upon those who did this evil. Show your mighty power. Remove any vengeful spirit in me and the family. Pour out your grace on us.
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