"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has
made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed
down." - Psalm 145:13b-14
Have you ever had a relationship with someone who was faithful? You knew
you could depend on that person to do what he said. You learned that his
word was completely trustworthy. If he said he would call you, he would.
If he said he'd be somewhere at a certain time, he'd be there. In fact,
if he was late, you began to wonder if he had an accident because it was
so contrary to his nature. It's great to have friends who are faithful.
God is faithful. He is faithful to fulfill every promise in His Word.
Sometimes we think God isn't faithful because it appears He has not
fulfilled a desire that we have. Sometimes we think He is not faithful
because of a crisis event that seems to say God isn't faithful. We must
remember that God is more concerned about accomplishing His ultimate
purpose in the life of every believer than giving us the desires of our
heart. Sometimes this results in hardship.
The Bible is full of accounts of God's faithfulness that was often
accompanied by hardship. He brought Joseph out of slavery to be greatly
used in a nation. He delivered the people from Egypt and brought them
into the Promised Land. He gave Abraham the son of promise late in his
life. He delivered David from his enemies and made him a king. In story
upon story, we learn of God's faithfulness.
Are you a faithful man or woman? The workplace needs faithful men and
women. Take an inventory of your life today and ask God if you have been
faithful with what He has entrusted to you.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
EMBRACING THE MESS
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of
an ox comes an abundant harvest." - Proverbs 14:4
My wife and I run together through a new home subdivision. Often we see
the street filled with red clay from the land as bulldozers clear it to
lay a foundation. The job site is littered with lumber, all sorts of
trash from workers, and is generally a mess. The house looks ugly; it
has all its insides exposed as it is being pieced together, yet this
process is necessary to get to the finished product. When completed, the
home is beautiful. The landscaping looks like it came out of a
home-design magazine. Everything is clean and perfect in order for the
new homeowner to move in.
Our walk with God is much the same process. Often we must go through a
messy period of our lives in which all aspects of it are in disarray. It
is in these times that God builds a new structure. He might remove some
structural timbers in our lives and replace them with new ones. He might
even add on another room. And unless this process takes place, we will
never see the end product. The goal is more Christlikeness. In order to
achieve this in us, He requires a period of removing all that is not of
Him. It can be a painful process.
It would be impossible to keep oxen in a barn without having to clean up
the mess from time to time. It just comes with the territory, but the
result of the oxen is an abundant harvest. God may be allowing a mess in
order to ensure a fruitful harvest in your life. Learn from Him so that
you might experience the fulfillment of His purposes for you in these
times.
an ox comes an abundant harvest." - Proverbs 14:4
My wife and I run together through a new home subdivision. Often we see
the street filled with red clay from the land as bulldozers clear it to
lay a foundation. The job site is littered with lumber, all sorts of
trash from workers, and is generally a mess. The house looks ugly; it
has all its insides exposed as it is being pieced together, yet this
process is necessary to get to the finished product. When completed, the
home is beautiful. The landscaping looks like it came out of a
home-design magazine. Everything is clean and perfect in order for the
new homeowner to move in.
Our walk with God is much the same process. Often we must go through a
messy period of our lives in which all aspects of it are in disarray. It
is in these times that God builds a new structure. He might remove some
structural timbers in our lives and replace them with new ones. He might
even add on another room. And unless this process takes place, we will
never see the end product. The goal is more Christlikeness. In order to
achieve this in us, He requires a period of removing all that is not of
Him. It can be a painful process.
It would be impossible to keep oxen in a barn without having to clean up
the mess from time to time. It just comes with the territory, but the
result of the oxen is an abundant harvest. God may be allowing a mess in
order to ensure a fruitful harvest in your life. Learn from Him so that
you might experience the fulfillment of His purposes for you in these
times.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
FAILURE THAT LEADS TO GODLINESS
"All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered
around him, and he became their leader...." - 1 Samuel 22:2
God uses broken things to accomplish His greatest work. When David was
anointed to be the next king, he was just a boy, the youngest among all
his brothers. Little did he know that the next several years would be
years of fleeing from Saul whose successes turned into obsessions as a
leader who had fallen from God's anointing. Perhaps David thought, "Why
am I living a life as a fugitive?" I am the next king of Israel. Yet,
his life was filled with adversity after adversity before he ever
fulfilled the ultimate calling God had for him. Others began to hear of
David's successes and identify with his plight. But, it wasn't the
successful and polished who came to join him. It was "those who were in
distress or in debt or discontented" who would be part of his army-and
an army it was! His army would become known throughout the world as the
greatest ever assembled, not because of their skill, but because of the
God behind the army. God turned David's men into "mighty men of valor"
(see 1 Chron. 11:10).
God often uses failure to make us useful. When Jesus called the
disciples, He did not go out and find the most qualified and successful
people. He found the most willing, and He found them in the workplace.
He found a fisherman, a tax collector, a farmer, and a doctor.
The Hebrews knew that failure was a part of maturing in God. The Greeks
used failure as a reason for disqualification. Sadly, in the Church, we
often treat one another in this way. This is not God's way. We need to
understand that failing does not make us failures. It makes us
experienced. It makes us more prepared to be useful in God's Kingdom-if
we have learned from it. And that is the most important ingredient for
what God wants in His children.
around him, and he became their leader...." - 1 Samuel 22:2
God uses broken things to accomplish His greatest work. When David was
anointed to be the next king, he was just a boy, the youngest among all
his brothers. Little did he know that the next several years would be
years of fleeing from Saul whose successes turned into obsessions as a
leader who had fallen from God's anointing. Perhaps David thought, "Why
am I living a life as a fugitive?" I am the next king of Israel. Yet,
his life was filled with adversity after adversity before he ever
fulfilled the ultimate calling God had for him. Others began to hear of
David's successes and identify with his plight. But, it wasn't the
successful and polished who came to join him. It was "those who were in
distress or in debt or discontented" who would be part of his army-and
an army it was! His army would become known throughout the world as the
greatest ever assembled, not because of their skill, but because of the
God behind the army. God turned David's men into "mighty men of valor"
(see 1 Chron. 11:10).
God often uses failure to make us useful. When Jesus called the
disciples, He did not go out and find the most qualified and successful
people. He found the most willing, and He found them in the workplace.
He found a fisherman, a tax collector, a farmer, and a doctor.
The Hebrews knew that failure was a part of maturing in God. The Greeks
used failure as a reason for disqualification. Sadly, in the Church, we
often treat one another in this way. This is not God's way. We need to
understand that failing does not make us failures. It makes us
experienced. It makes us more prepared to be useful in God's Kingdom-if
we have learned from it. And that is the most important ingredient for
what God wants in His children.
Monday, September 20, 2010
EXPERIENCE GOD IN YOUR BUSINESS
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do
not see." - Hebrews 11:1
The CEO walked into the president's office after reviewing his new
marketing plan for the next year. It was a well-prepared, thoughtful
plan.
"This will not do!" exclaimed the CEO. "This plan describes how you
will achieve these objectives through your own planning. I am certain you
can achieve these objectives through normal business operations; however,
you have allowed no room for faith in your plan. Now you must determine
what God wants us to trust Him to accomplish through this business. You
must go beyond what you can naturally achieve."
What was this CEO saying? If you and I want to experience God in
business at the practical level, we must be willing to trust Him for
more than what our natural abilities can accomplish. God likes to show
Himself in the midst of unlikely circumstances. This is the place that
God receives the glory. God always forced Israel to trust Him for the
supernatural. This is how glory was brought to the Father. It is no
different in our lives.
The world is looking for real faith. Perhaps you are the instrument
that He wants to use to demonstrate real faith to the unbelieving business
world. It will require courage, faith, and action; also, it will
require risk. You may risk finances, reputation, and being misunderstood. This
was the risk of all leaders in the Bible. It was a risk worth taking.
Are you willing to see God move in your business life? Ask Him what
this might mean for you.
not see." - Hebrews 11:1
The CEO walked into the president's office after reviewing his new
marketing plan for the next year. It was a well-prepared, thoughtful
plan.
"This will not do!" exclaimed the CEO. "This plan describes how you
will achieve these objectives through your own planning. I am certain you
can achieve these objectives through normal business operations; however,
you have allowed no room for faith in your plan. Now you must determine
what God wants us to trust Him to accomplish through this business. You
must go beyond what you can naturally achieve."
What was this CEO saying? If you and I want to experience God in
business at the practical level, we must be willing to trust Him for
more than what our natural abilities can accomplish. God likes to show
Himself in the midst of unlikely circumstances. This is the place that
God receives the glory. God always forced Israel to trust Him for the
supernatural. This is how glory was brought to the Father. It is no
different in our lives.
The world is looking for real faith. Perhaps you are the instrument
that He wants to use to demonstrate real faith to the unbelieving business
world. It will require courage, faith, and action; also, it will
require risk. You may risk finances, reputation, and being misunderstood. This
was the risk of all leaders in the Bible. It was a risk worth taking.
Are you willing to see God move in your business life? Ask Him what
this might mean for you.
Friday, September 17, 2010
EXPECTATIONS
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will
have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in
my body, whether by life or by death." - Philippians 1:20
Have you ever had expectations that did not get fulfilled? Perhaps a
coworker let you down. Perhaps you were trusting God for something in
your life that never materialized. Perhaps you became devastated by an
unmet expectation that you felt you were entitled to. Expectations can
be a difficult trap for each of us if we are not fully committed to
God's purposes in our lives.
Paul wrote this verse from prison to the people of Philippi. He had an
expectation that his life would bring glory to God, whether through his
continued ministry or his death. His joy in living was not based on his
expectations getting fulfilled, but on remaining true to the purpose for
which God made him.
When we react to circumstances with bitterness and resentment as a
result of unmet expectations, we are saying that we know better than
God, and that God has made a mistake in not meeting our expectations.
The process of resolving unmet expectations may require full disclosure
to the individual who was the source of the unmet expectation, and of
how the unmet expectation made you feel. This is not to make the person
feel obligated to meet the expectation, but simply to share your
feelings about it. If God was the source, then it is important to share
this with the Lord. However, once we have done this we must let go of
the situation and allow God to work in our hearts the grace that is
needed to walk in freedom from the pain of the unmet expectation. If we
do not do this, we will allow the seed of bitterness and resentment to
enter in. This seed of bitterness will create leanness in our soul and
eventually will spread to others.
Ask yourself today if you have any unmet expectations. How have you
responded to them? Have you processed this with the Lord and others who
may be involved? These are the steps to freedom from unmet expectations.
have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in
my body, whether by life or by death." - Philippians 1:20
Have you ever had expectations that did not get fulfilled? Perhaps a
coworker let you down. Perhaps you were trusting God for something in
your life that never materialized. Perhaps you became devastated by an
unmet expectation that you felt you were entitled to. Expectations can
be a difficult trap for each of us if we are not fully committed to
God's purposes in our lives.
Paul wrote this verse from prison to the people of Philippi. He had an
expectation that his life would bring glory to God, whether through his
continued ministry or his death. His joy in living was not based on his
expectations getting fulfilled, but on remaining true to the purpose for
which God made him.
When we react to circumstances with bitterness and resentment as a
result of unmet expectations, we are saying that we know better than
God, and that God has made a mistake in not meeting our expectations.
The process of resolving unmet expectations may require full disclosure
to the individual who was the source of the unmet expectation, and of
how the unmet expectation made you feel. This is not to make the person
feel obligated to meet the expectation, but simply to share your
feelings about it. If God was the source, then it is important to share
this with the Lord. However, once we have done this we must let go of
the situation and allow God to work in our hearts the grace that is
needed to walk in freedom from the pain of the unmet expectation. If we
do not do this, we will allow the seed of bitterness and resentment to
enter in. This seed of bitterness will create leanness in our soul and
eventually will spread to others.
Ask yourself today if you have any unmet expectations. How have you
responded to them? Have you processed this with the Lord and others who
may be involved? These are the steps to freedom from unmet expectations.
Monday, September 13, 2010
ELEVATED FROM THE PASTURE
"Now then, tell my servant David, "This is what the Lord Almighty says: I
took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over
My people Israel." - 2 Samuel 7:8
Have you ever heard someone say, "He is a self-made millionaire"? They
are stating that this person accomplished everything through his own
efforts. His achievements were a result of his hard work and street
smarts.
David was nearing the end of his life. The prophet Nathan was responding
to David's idea to build a temple where the Ark of the Covenant would
stay. God reminded David of his roots and where He had brought him. God
took David from the fields of pasturing sheep to pastoring a nation. God
reminded David that He cut off all of David's enemies. (David never lost
a battle.)
Have you ever felt tempted to look at your accomplishments with pride as
if you were the reason for your success? Have you ever thought your
prosperity was due to your ingenuity? Has your material success been a
testimony to others that God is the ruler of all aspects of your life,
even the material side?
Joseph's greatest test was not his temptation to be bitter against his
brothers. It wasn't the sexual temptation that came inside Potiphar's
house. It wasn't even the discouragement of years of imprisonment for
being wrongfully accused. It was the temptation of prosperity and
ownership. Once he was elevated, he was given choices that he never had
before. It was totally up to him as to which choice he would make.
Stewardship reveals what we believe about God and ourselves.
Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to
pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is
prosperity. -Oswald Chambers
Do you have a proper understanding of who you are? Do you understand
that it is God who has given you the ability to work and achieve? He is
the source of all good things. Ask God today if your life models this
belief.
took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over
My people Israel." - 2 Samuel 7:8
Have you ever heard someone say, "He is a self-made millionaire"? They
are stating that this person accomplished everything through his own
efforts. His achievements were a result of his hard work and street
smarts.
David was nearing the end of his life. The prophet Nathan was responding
to David's idea to build a temple where the Ark of the Covenant would
stay. God reminded David of his roots and where He had brought him. God
took David from the fields of pasturing sheep to pastoring a nation. God
reminded David that He cut off all of David's enemies. (David never lost
a battle.)
Have you ever felt tempted to look at your accomplishments with pride as
if you were the reason for your success? Have you ever thought your
prosperity was due to your ingenuity? Has your material success been a
testimony to others that God is the ruler of all aspects of your life,
even the material side?
Joseph's greatest test was not his temptation to be bitter against his
brothers. It wasn't the sexual temptation that came inside Potiphar's
house. It wasn't even the discouragement of years of imprisonment for
being wrongfully accused. It was the temptation of prosperity and
ownership. Once he was elevated, he was given choices that he never had
before. It was totally up to him as to which choice he would make.
Stewardship reveals what we believe about God and ourselves.
Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to
pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is
prosperity. -Oswald Chambers
Do you have a proper understanding of who you are? Do you understand
that it is God who has given you the ability to work and achieve? He is
the source of all good things. Ask God today if your life models this
belief.
Friday, September 10, 2010
THE ERROR OF POSITIVE THINKING
..."Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord
Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
God's people should be the most positive, joyful people on earth. This
joy should be a by-product of a healthy, intimate relationship with
Jesus. In today's business climate, we are barraged with every possible
means of becoming more productive workplace believers. Positive thinking
and self-help philosophy are promoted as tools for workplace believers
to fulfill their potential and overcome the mountains in their lives.
God calls each of us to be visionary leaders, but we must be careful
that vision is born out of His Spirit, not the latest self-help program.
These ideas lead us away from dependence on God to a self-based
psychology designed to give us more power, prosperity, and significance.
The result is heresy. Our faith in God becomes faith in faith. It is
born out of hard work and diligence rather than obedience to God's
Spirit. The problem lies in that these philosophies sound good, and can
even be supported by Bible verses. Beware of anything that puts the
burden of performance on you rather than God. There are times in our
lives when God doesn't want us to climb every mountain. Sometimes He
wants us to go around. Knowing the difference is the key to being a man
or woman led by the Spirit.
God has called us to affect the workplace through His Spirit, not by our
might. Have you tapped into the real power source of the soul? Ask the
Lord to reveal and empower you through His Spirit today. Then you will
know what real positive thinking is.
Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
God's people should be the most positive, joyful people on earth. This
joy should be a by-product of a healthy, intimate relationship with
Jesus. In today's business climate, we are barraged with every possible
means of becoming more productive workplace believers. Positive thinking
and self-help philosophy are promoted as tools for workplace believers
to fulfill their potential and overcome the mountains in their lives.
God calls each of us to be visionary leaders, but we must be careful
that vision is born out of His Spirit, not the latest self-help program.
These ideas lead us away from dependence on God to a self-based
psychology designed to give us more power, prosperity, and significance.
The result is heresy. Our faith in God becomes faith in faith. It is
born out of hard work and diligence rather than obedience to God's
Spirit. The problem lies in that these philosophies sound good, and can
even be supported by Bible verses. Beware of anything that puts the
burden of performance on you rather than God. There are times in our
lives when God doesn't want us to climb every mountain. Sometimes He
wants us to go around. Knowing the difference is the key to being a man
or woman led by the Spirit.
God has called us to affect the workplace through His Spirit, not by our
might. Have you tapped into the real power source of the soul? Ask the
Lord to reveal and empower you through His Spirit today. Then you will
know what real positive thinking is.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
DYING FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
"The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he
had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God." - 1 Chronicles 13:10
A business friend of mine confessed that he did not like to read. He
found it a difficult discipline. I replied, "If you do not commit
yourself to knowing what is in God's Word and following it, you will
fail to know and experience God. God's Word is life to our souls. It
provides knowledge that leads to life." The prophet Hosea tells us, "My
people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected
knowledge, I also reject you as My priests; because you have ignored the
law of your God, I also will ignore your children" (Hos. 4:6).
God has given us His Word that has specific laws and principles that
must be followed if we expect His blessing. King David forgot to follow
one of those laws related to the ark. "...But they must not touch the
holy things or they will die..." (Num. 4:15). When they were
transporting the ark, Uzzah innocently reached to steady the ark but was
immediately stricken dead when his hands touched the ark of God. Did
David know this law or did he simply forget? Did Uzzah know this law? If
so, did he really believe it? David thought it was okay to carry the ark
the way Uzzah did. A man lost his life for his presumption.
Many workplace believers I know take God's Word lightly. They believe
they can violate His Word without consequence. This is not true; the
Lord stands by to uphold His Word. It can be life, or it can bring
death. When God provides instructions, we need to follow them.
Knowing this about God brings a healthy fear of the Lord. "David was
afraid of God that day and asked, 'How can I ever bring the ark of God
to me?' " (1 Chron. 13:12) We must all have a fearful respect of God's
Word. For truly, it is life or death.
Do you take God's Word seriously? Is it life or death for you? Do you
feed upon His Word daily so that you might know Him and know His
precepts? Feed upon this knowledge and be blessed of God.
had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God." - 1 Chronicles 13:10
A business friend of mine confessed that he did not like to read. He
found it a difficult discipline. I replied, "If you do not commit
yourself to knowing what is in God's Word and following it, you will
fail to know and experience God. God's Word is life to our souls. It
provides knowledge that leads to life." The prophet Hosea tells us, "My
people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected
knowledge, I also reject you as My priests; because you have ignored the
law of your God, I also will ignore your children" (Hos. 4:6).
God has given us His Word that has specific laws and principles that
must be followed if we expect His blessing. King David forgot to follow
one of those laws related to the ark. "...But they must not touch the
holy things or they will die..." (Num. 4:15). When they were
transporting the ark, Uzzah innocently reached to steady the ark but was
immediately stricken dead when his hands touched the ark of God. Did
David know this law or did he simply forget? Did Uzzah know this law? If
so, did he really believe it? David thought it was okay to carry the ark
the way Uzzah did. A man lost his life for his presumption.
Many workplace believers I know take God's Word lightly. They believe
they can violate His Word without consequence. This is not true; the
Lord stands by to uphold His Word. It can be life, or it can bring
death. When God provides instructions, we need to follow them.
Knowing this about God brings a healthy fear of the Lord. "David was
afraid of God that day and asked, 'How can I ever bring the ark of God
to me?' " (1 Chron. 13:12) We must all have a fearful respect of God's
Word. For truly, it is life or death.
Do you take God's Word seriously? Is it life or death for you? Do you
feed upon His Word daily so that you might know Him and know His
precepts? Feed upon this knowledge and be blessed of God.
Monday, September 6, 2010
DRAWING NEAR TO DARKNESS
"The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the
thick darkness where God was." - (Exodus 20:21)
Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of
God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get
there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel,
but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted
to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses
did. This grieved the heart of God.
Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if
it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?
Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown.
The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like
what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of
darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.
Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's
messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us--a
calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His
presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that
appears to have nothing good behind it.
We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it
means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we
must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into
darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will
become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who
longs for fellowship with you and me.
thick darkness where God was." - (Exodus 20:21)
Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of
God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get
there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel,
but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted
to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses
did. This grieved the heart of God.
Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if
it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?
Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown.
The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like
what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of
darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.
Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's
messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us--a
calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His
presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that
appears to have nothing good behind it.
We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it
means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we
must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into
darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will
become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who
longs for fellowship with you and me.
DRAWING NEAR TO DARKNESS
"The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the
thick darkness where God was." - (Exodus 20:21)
Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of
God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get
there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel,
but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted
to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses
did. This grieved the heart of God.
Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if
it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?
Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown.
The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like
what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of
darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.
Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's
messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us--a
calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His
presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that
appears to have nothing good behind it.
We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it
means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we
must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into
darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will
become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who
longs for fellowship with you and me.
thick darkness where God was." - (Exodus 20:21)
Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of
God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get
there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel,
but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted
to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses
did. This grieved the heart of God.
Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if
it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?
Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown.
The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like
what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of
darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.
Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's
messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us--a
calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His
presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that
appears to have nothing good behind it.
We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it
means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we
must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into
darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will
become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who
longs for fellowship with you and me.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
THE DOOR OF FULL SURRENDER
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come
forth as gold." - Job 23:10
I was recently sitting with the leader of a workplace organization as he
described a question he poses to workplace believers. "What if there
were two doors to choose from; behind one door was the complete will of
God for your life and behind the other door was how life could be
according to your own preference. Which door would you choose?" The
struggle for most lies in the desire to follow God completely and the
fear of what might be behind the door of full surrender. Most of us
desire to follow God, but few of us will do it at any cost. We do not
really believe that God loves us to the degree that we are willing to
give Him complete permission to do as He wills in us.
If we desire to fully walk with Christ, there is a cost. We may give
intellectual assent and go along with His principles and do fine;
however, if we are fully given over to Him and His will for our life, it
will be a life that will have adversity. The Bible is clear that humans
do not achieve greatness without having their sinful will broken. This
process is designed to create a nature change in each of us, not just a
habit change. The Bible calls it circumcision. Circumcision is painful,
bloody, and personal.
If God has plans to greatly use you in the lives of others, you can
expect your trials to be even greater than those of others. Why?
Because, like Joseph who went through greater trials than most
patriarchs, your calling may have such responsibility that God cannot
afford to entrust it to you without ensuring your complete faithfulness
to the call. He has much invested in you on behalf of others. He may
want to speak through your life to a greater degree than through
another. The events of your life would become the frame for the message
He wants to speak through you.
Do not fear the path that God may lead you on. Embrace it. For God may
bring you down a path in your life to ensure the reward of your
inheritance. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Cor. 4:17).
forth as gold." - Job 23:10
I was recently sitting with the leader of a workplace organization as he
described a question he poses to workplace believers. "What if there
were two doors to choose from; behind one door was the complete will of
God for your life and behind the other door was how life could be
according to your own preference. Which door would you choose?" The
struggle for most lies in the desire to follow God completely and the
fear of what might be behind the door of full surrender. Most of us
desire to follow God, but few of us will do it at any cost. We do not
really believe that God loves us to the degree that we are willing to
give Him complete permission to do as He wills in us.
If we desire to fully walk with Christ, there is a cost. We may give
intellectual assent and go along with His principles and do fine;
however, if we are fully given over to Him and His will for our life, it
will be a life that will have adversity. The Bible is clear that humans
do not achieve greatness without having their sinful will broken. This
process is designed to create a nature change in each of us, not just a
habit change. The Bible calls it circumcision. Circumcision is painful,
bloody, and personal.
If God has plans to greatly use you in the lives of others, you can
expect your trials to be even greater than those of others. Why?
Because, like Joseph who went through greater trials than most
patriarchs, your calling may have such responsibility that God cannot
afford to entrust it to you without ensuring your complete faithfulness
to the call. He has much invested in you on behalf of others. He may
want to speak through your life to a greater degree than through
another. The events of your life would become the frame for the message
He wants to speak through you.
Do not fear the path that God may lead you on. Embrace it. For God may
bring you down a path in your life to ensure the reward of your
inheritance. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Cor. 4:17).
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
ENTITLEMENTS
"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became
obedient to death-even death on a cross!" - Philippians 2:8
Society today has duped many of us into believing that the world owes
us. It owes us a good living, a loving spouse, good health throughout
our whole life, sexual pleasure when we want it, and paid vacations the
rest of our lives. The world has told us if we work hard and do right,
we are entitled to these things. This is the Esau perspective on life.
For a mere meal, he sold his own birthright for a simple pleasure to
which he felt entitled.
Society, and even the Church, is more pleasure-focused than ever
before.
We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure
appetites drive us. It is increasingly common to hear people turning
down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would
interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time
activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a
major priority. The average household spends more money on
entertainment
than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline. Recreational
activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given
to them. [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal
Books, 1990), 82.]
What are the motives for our work life? Is it only to gain increased
pleasure and leisure time? Jesus said He came only to do the work of
the Father. I am sure that Jesus had times of refreshment in His life that
allowed Him to get recharged for the mission God called Him to.
However,He understood the balance of maintaining mission and play. When we view
life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming
disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go
unmet.
Ask the Lord if you need to relinquish any rights that may be hindering
your freedom to experience His love and grace.
obedient to death-even death on a cross!" - Philippians 2:8
Society today has duped many of us into believing that the world owes
us. It owes us a good living, a loving spouse, good health throughout
our whole life, sexual pleasure when we want it, and paid vacations the
rest of our lives. The world has told us if we work hard and do right,
we are entitled to these things. This is the Esau perspective on life.
For a mere meal, he sold his own birthright for a simple pleasure to
which he felt entitled.
Society, and even the Church, is more pleasure-focused than ever
before.
We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure
appetites drive us. It is increasingly common to hear people turning
down job offers because the hours or other responsibilities would
interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time
activities. Even our spending habits show that playing has become a
major priority. The average household spends more money on
entertainment
than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline. Recreational
activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given
to them. [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal
Books, 1990), 82.]
What are the motives for our work life? Is it only to gain increased
pleasure and leisure time? Jesus said He came only to do the work of
the Father. I am sure that Jesus had times of refreshment in His life that
allowed Him to get recharged for the mission God called Him to.
However,He understood the balance of maintaining mission and play. When we view
life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming
disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go
unmet.
Ask the Lord if you need to relinquish any rights that may be hindering
your freedom to experience His love and grace.
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