A FAITHLESS NATION

[This is a repost from last year.  It is even more timely today than when first written.  Part two follows tomorrow.]

“In that day--[this is] the Lord's declaration--you will call [Me], ‘My husband,’ and no longer call Me, ‘My Baal.’  For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth; they will no longer be remembered by their names.  On that day I will make a covenant for them with the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the creatures that crawl on the ground.  I will shatter bow, sword, and weapons of war in the land and will enable the people to rest securely.  I will take you to be My wife forever.  I will take you to be My wife in righteousness, justice, love, and compassion.   I will take you to be My wife in faithfulness, and you will know Yahweh.” (Hosea 2:16-20 HCSB)

On July 4, 1776, America’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.   It begins,

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…” and concludes by appealing to God, the Supreme Judge of the world and says, “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” 

Indeed, Providence smiled upon them and America was birthed with the blessing of God.  He has been faithful through our meteoric rise, but we have been unfaithful to Him.  Systematically, we are stripping away all reference to God from the public arena.   If that first Congress were offering such a document today, the current Supreme Court would likely rule it “unconstitutional” a “violation of the separation of church and state” by the Founding Fathers including such references to God!  What lunacy! 

Forces are attempting to secularize America.  But, to suggest that America has become strictly secular, and placed Christianity into its ghetto, would not be fully correct.  Nature abhors a vacuum and if the empty hearts of the citizens are not filled with true faith, they will be filled with paganism, Islam and the cults, even as Christianity is held up to contempt.  So is the political and spiritual landscape of America rapidly becoming. 

God has a warning!  There are some lessons for us from ancient Israel.  God brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey, but they spurned Him for false gods.  They were ungrateful and unfaithful.  Hosea had a message for such people—a message for us today.

THE LOVE OF GOD SEEN IN A MARITAL ILLUSTRATION (Chapters 1-3)  These chapters present  THE BROKEN HOME OF HOSEA.

“The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel.  When the Lord first spoke to Hosea, He said this to him: ‘Go and marry a promiscuous wife and [have] children of promiscuity, for the land is committing blatant acts of promiscuity by abandoning the Lord.’” (1:1-2) 

The prophet’s marriage would be a powerful message—a picture of the sermon he preached.

In the narrative we see A FAITHLESS WOMAN (1:1-11)

“So he went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.   Then the Lord said to him: ‘Name him Jezreel, for in a little while I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu and put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.  On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.’

She conceived again and gave birth to a daughter, and the Lord said to him: ‘Name her No Compassion, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel. I will certainly take them away.  But I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will deliver them by the Lord their God. I will not deliver them by bow, sword, or war, or by horses and cavalry.’

After Gomer had weaned No Compassion, she conceived and gave birth to a son.  Then the Lord said: ‘Name him Not My People, for you are not My people, and I will not be your God.’” (Hosea 1:3-9 HCSB)

Hosea is commanded to marry Gomer.  God tells his servant that the marriage will not bring happiness but heartache.  Although I do not think she was a harlot at the time, it was in Gomer’s heart.  She had no more got the marriage vows out of her mouth, until she got out of the house and into someone else’s arms.  A pattern of promiscuity developed. 

Some of you have known the pain of a spouse committing adultery.  You can sympathize with this man—and it was played out in the public arena.  In fact she has children, which aren’t even Hosea’s!    He looks at one baby and says, “Not mine!”  That becomes the child’s name!

This was the story of Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant with God.  It is being repeated in America today.

A faithless woman becomes A FORSAKEN WRETCH (2:1-13). 

“Therefore, this is what I will do: I will block her way with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so that she cannot find her paths.  She will pursue her lovers but not catch them; she will seek them but not find [them].  Then she will think, ‘I will go back to my former husband, for then it was better for me than now.’” (Hosea 2:6-7 HCSB)

Night after night of shameful living took its toll.  Having all those children affected her figure.  Time and gravity set in and she was not the beauty she once was, and her lovers began to desert her.

This is God’s way—the way of painful correction.  Hardship would drive Gomer back to her husband.  Remember the parable of the Prodigal Son?  Jesus told of a boy who fled his father’s house with a fortune to squander on wasteful and wanton living.  When the money ran out, so did his friends, and he wound up destitute and desperate.  Our Lord said that it was then the young man came to his senses and went back home to his father. 

Israel was going to be chastened severely.  Samaria would fall.  The nation would be conquered by the cruel Assyrians and those who were not slaughtered would become their slaves.  Might it be that we are headed for the same fate?  Why should we think America will be any different, when we are behaving no differently and God’s holy character is no different?

But, notice—and here is the hope—a faithless woman who became a forsaken wretch winds up A FORGIVEN WIFE (2:14-3:5) 

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.’  So I bought her for 15 shekels of silver and five bushels of barley.

I said to her, ‘You must live with me many days. Don't be promiscuous or belong to any man, and I will act the same way toward you.’   For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or household idols.   Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come with awe to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days.” (Hosea 3:1-5 HCSB) 

Picture this: Gomer has sold herself into slavery to avoid starvation.  Hosea is commanded to go and buy this cheater and bring her home!  He will forgive her and restore her.  She has been faithless, but he will be faithful to his promise. 

This experience illustrated the relationship of God and Israel.  Though the people had been faithless, God will be forever faithful.  We may break our vows and break God’s heart.  We may be broken in discipline, accordingly, but even in this God is faithful in His love to bring correction and bestow compassion.

Is it possible for us to sing with conviction, “America, America, God shed His grace on thee”?  That’s what grace is all about, isn’t it?  We get what we do not deserve!  We do not deserve to be forgiven, but we can be. 

As the prodigal spouse named Gomer came back to her husband; as the prodigal son came back to his father; so may the prodigal state come back to her God.  It is time to seek the Lord!  Call upon God!  He is our only hope.

FOR THIS I HAVE JESUS

There never comes a day without challenges.  Some of them are of the nature of a pesky mosquito, while other days bring an invasion of ravenous beasts.  But, that is life in a fallen world.

It is also why God gives grace that surpasses our needs.  There is grace for the demands on us, and a bit more, so we can share with others.

Needs drive us to God.  That is not a bad thing!  In fact, the storms of life enable us to discover God as our Refuge.  We run to the shelter of His arms.

Although I can't recall who said it, I have never forgotten the statement heard decades ago, "Whatever you face today, you can always say, 'For this I have Jesus!'"

IN OR OUT!

I still remember summertime as a kid.  School was out and each day was running and playing in the heat of the sun and on till the only light came from a streetlight and dew blanketed the lawn.  One of the side effects of our eagerness to play was to run out the screen door and slam it behind us.  Then, we might remember something inside we wanted to play with and run back in.  Next, it was back out with a bang.  Sure enough, before long I needed a drink of water.  After some of this, my mother would say, "In or out!  Stop slamming that door!"

It was time for a choice--in or out.

This morning I was thinking about the four lepers sitting at the gate of the city of Samaria as recorded in 2 Kings 7.  Inside there was a famine and people were slowly dying.  To go inside meant death.  Beyond the walls camped the Syrian army that had besieged the city.  To go there would most likely result in death.

But, as outlandish a scheme as it might seem, the one glimmer of hope was maybe, just maybe, the invaders would have pity and throw them a crust of bread.  Should the Syrians plunge a sword into them, it would be a swift and merciful death compared to perishing agonizingly of starvation.  One thing was certain, to remain there was a losing proposition.  They looked at each other and asked this, "Why are we sitting here until we die?"

God honored their step of faith and not only did they experience a miracle, the Israelis living in the city were delivered from the Syrians and starvation.  God caused the marauders to hear the sound of another army marching against them.  They panicked and fled, leaving all their provisions.  All this came from a decision to stop sitting and get up and do something.

As I look at our church--and we are no different than most--we are starving of a segment of our population. Young adults--those singles in college or beginning their career--a number of folks called the Millennials by some sociologists, these twenty-somethings, are absent. A few churches are reaching them, but most are unchurched and what is criminal is that the majority of churches are making little effort to engage them.

Can we look at these young folks and let them walk away from the only source of true life, eternal life, Jesus Christ?  Don't we care?  As the current church population ages, and we fail to replace dying saints with younger ones, can we not see the church is hemorrhaging and needs a transfusion of youth?

Meanwhile we occupy our pews and wish for the "good old days" and vainly hope for better days that cannot be until we ask, "Why are we sitting here until we die?"

So, I am by the grace of God going to get out of my comfort zone, and embrace my responsibility to do what I can.  Starting this Sunday and for the next three months this summer I'm going to do all I can to reach out to these young adults.  Here's the outlandish plan.

When the morning worship service concludes, we are inviting our young singles to lunch in the Family Life Center.  This food for our bodies will later give way to food for the soul, as I teach a Bible study--thirteen weeks of over-viewing God's Story, Genesis to Revelation.  Our young pastoral intern, Robert Justice will aid me, as I cultivate him and give him increasing responsibility to take over the group by the end of August.  When our time of high-energy, fast-paced, practically useful study concludes we will have some games and activities for those who wish to be involved in that.

It's about connection--connecting with God and each other in the study of transforming truth.

Will it work?  God only knows and time will tell.  All I know is that the virtual nothing we are doing isn't working--and never will.

So, what can you do?  If you are 18-29 and single, come to the launch of this ministry and bring a friend.  For those who are still involved in our church, would you be willing to help serve on a leadership team?  It needs to become your ministry to be most fruitful.  I am asking older adults to pray specifically and fervently for this effort.  We need Sunday School classes that will volunteer to help with a meal, Sunday by Sunday.  Should you want to help me with setup, or hospitality, or outreach and followup, that would be wonderful.

I leave you with this: "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not to do it." (James 4:17 NLT)  In or out?  I'm "all in!"  How about you?

MY GOAL

Here are the words from my journal entry this morning:

I have been reminded once more of my great goal in life:

"To meet people where they are and lead them to become like Jesus."

It is rooted in this passage from Colossians,

"Him [Christ] we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.  To this end I labor, striving according to His working that works in me mightily." (1:28-29 NKJV)

Praying today that God reinforces this Word and rekindles a fire which burns more intensely as I head  down the homestretch of ministry!

If those who read this would join me in that passion and prayer, what a difference it would make in us, and then we would make a difference in our world!

COMMENCEMENT TIME

I am re-posting this from last year.  Yesterday at Pole Creek we recognized 12 High School graduates and 6 College graduates.  Here are some truths to guide them in this critical part of their life journey.

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.” (Psalm 37:4-6 HCSB)

It is commencement time. In a few brief days, graduates from high schools, community colleges, universities and seminaries will march across a stage in cap and gown, will be handed a diploma and they and their families will celebrate.

Then what?

You who are graduating are going to be making the biggest decisions of your lives in the next few years: you will be deciding about continuing your education, getting married, and about your career. These are big days—crucial days—commencement time. Graduation exercises are called commencement. We think, “That’s over! I’m finished!”

Wrong!

That word doesn’t mean the end, but the start! To commence is to begin! The key question is a matter of direction. How can we start on the right track? Look at this verse from Psalm 37: “A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.” (v.23).

It was commencement time for Solomon. His preparations for his lifetime vocation had been completed—and now his career loomed before him. Perhaps Psalm 37 was David’s “commencement address” at young Solomon’s graduation. The words are certainly appropriate.

The world our graduates are facing, and the future that looms before them, is one of incredible peril and imposing problems. I’m not trying to “rain on your parade.” I am telling you, that if you are to make a difference in this world, you must walk off the stage and quickly exchange your cap and gown for the whole armor of God. The diploma can be hung on a wall, and the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God be taken in hand.

Now, I’m not saying you have to be a missionary or pastor, but that whatever vocation you choose, you are to be led by the Spirit of God and labor for the glory of God. You have a brief time, I believe, to impact the world. If you do not unleash a movement back to God, the society will continue to disintegrate. If you do not flood your world with light, it will become immersed in darkness—that darkness grows daily, exponentially. Many believe we are at “the tipping point.”

I think of Mordecai’s words to Queen Esther, long ago, when it seemed hope was hanging by a thread, “Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14b). It was time for her to throw caution to the wind, to become totally committed—and so it is for you. It’s commencement time.

Psalm 37 tells us how to be people of impact—whether young or old—but in particular these words challenge us, as we are reaching adulthood. They tell us how to commence correctly.

EXHIBIT FEARLESSNESS (v.1-4)

Fear will paralyze us. Panic will drive us into bad decisions. As we look at our world today, if we look with human eyes alone, there is every reason to fear. But, God calls us to walk by faith and not by sight. David was high school age or younger—a pimple faced kid with peach fuzz on his chin—when he went out to fight a ten foot tall giant, armed only with a slingshot. Human perspective would lead one to conclude, “He’s too big to beat!” David chose heaven’s perspective and concluded, “He’s too big to miss!” That was the same courage David sought to arouse in young Solomon.

Here are some vital truths to help us commence with courage:

“Trust in the Lord” (v.3a); “trust in Him” (v.5b).

Faith forces out fear. Henry Blackaby has said, “Fear is having faith in the enemy.” Who is bigger—the enemy or God? Who is stronger—the enemy or God? Place your faith in the Lord!

“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him” (v.7a); “those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” (v.9b).

So many are restless—they pace the floor, they run about trying to get ahead, they toss and turn at night consumed by worry. God wants us to rest in Him—to lie back in His arms. When Satan whispers there is no hope, quiet your soul and listen instead to the still, small voice of Him who is hope itself!

Then what? Wait! Be patient. That’s hard I know. Americans are hooked on speed. I’m not talking about drugs—but always being in a hurry. We ride people’s bumpers; we honk if they don’t go immediately when the light turns green; we’re irritated whenever we have to wait in line. We overextend ourselves with debt because we don’t want to wait until we can save to buy the latest gadget. We don’t wait for sex until we are married. Rash decisions made on impulse are rarely good decisions. I know. I said “we” for I still struggle in this area. But, struggling with it does mean we have to surrender to it! Choose to surrender to God instead. This leads to the next commencement challenge.

EXPRESS FAITHFULNESS (v.5-6)

These verses have been life-changing to me. It was the evening of July 30, 1976—imagine almost 36 years ago as I write these words(!)—that my wife, Marilyn and I were in an open air auditorium, on a warm summer night at the Ben Lippen Conference. That facility still stands on what is now called the Crest. The late Stephen Olford took these verses and challenged us to full-time Christian service. I had been wrestling with God’s call on my young life. Marilyn and I had prayed and talked and wondered where God was leading. That night we knew. When a commitment call was issued at the end of the sermon, we both stepped out and surrendered to the will of God. We signed a card, “Lord Jesus, anything, anywhere, anytime, I am ready.” We embarked on an incredible journey and we haven’t looked back. Though there has been a stumble or two along the way, we have tried to be faithful to God’s call.

Here are some insights into how to express our faithfulness to God:

Verse 3 includes this exhortation: “do what is good.” This is the being faithful—doing the right thing. The time for talk is over, and the time for tasks has begun. This is commencement. It is a call for action.

“Commit your way to the Lord” (v.5a)

Picture a plane roaring down the runway as it prepares for take off. There is a line drawn on the runway—known as the point of no return. If the pilot reaches that point, there is not enough room left to stop. He is committed to flight. That is the place you are racing toward. When you hear the voice in heaven’s control tower say, “Clear for take-off,” then go full-throttle!

God will bring this glorious new day for you, “making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday” (v.6) If we will be faithful, our righteous life and just conduct will be evident to all. Let your light shine.

EXCLUDE FRETFULNESS (v.7-8)

Three times in these verses we are told not to be agitated (v.1a, 7b, 8b). Some translations render this, “do not fret.” If God says something once, that should be enough. If he repeats it three times, it isn’t that it is necessarily more important, but that we are more apt to ignore it! Don’t!

The Hebrew term for agitate is literally “to boil.” We might say, “hot under the collar.” We are tempted to boil over when we see others succeed, even though we may have worked harder; or someone else gets ahead by cheating, while we try to do it right. Don’t get steamed when you think life isn’t fair—it isn’t! Neither is God, by the way, but He is just—which means in the end He’ll do right. Fairness is a human, subjective ideal. Justice is a heavenly, objective standard. Do the right thing and trust God to take care of the results. He will in His time and in His way.

Envy is a vexing evil, and hence the command, “do not envy those who do wrong.” (v.1b) We fret because we envy what others have. It will ignite desires in you that cannot be legitimately fulfilled. Are you reaching the boiling point? “Refrain from anger and give up [your] rage;
do not be agitated-it can only bring harm.” (v.8) It will give you ulcers or cause a stroke. Anger will poison your relationships: with your spouse, your kids, fellow workers and everyone else. Don’t be a time bomb waiting to explode. Envy lights the fuse.

EXPERIENCE FRUITFULNESS (v.9-11)

Those who exhibit fearlessness, express faithfulness and exclude fretfulness will experience fruitfulness! This is a life that will make a difference in the world.

Don’t miss the difference that makes the difference:

We read, “dwell in the land and live securely.” (v.3b); “those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” (v.9c); “But the humble will inherit the land.” (v.11a) To the Jew all the blessing of God was tied up in the land—a land flowing with milk and honey. Jesus quoted this passage as a promise to us (Matthew 5:5). We do not get ahead by striving but serving—not by promoting ourselves, but humbling ourselves.

Would you want everything your heart desires? You can have it! “Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you your heart's desires.” (v.4) When we desire only what God desires, then He delights to give what we desire. It is wondrous when our will is linked to His will and our heart beats as one with His! Then you, “will enjoy abundant prosperity.” That is to have all you need, to do all God wants you to do, and be able to enjoy it. Now, there’s success!

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act,” (v.5). If you commit yourself to God, then it becomes His responsibility to enable you to fulfill His calling. David knew what he was talking about. That had been his experience, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread.”

Do you want the conclusion of your life to be like that? Then make sure the commencement of your journey is in the right direction.

MOVING ON IN MATURITY

“Therefore…let us go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1)

We began the year challenging Pole Creek to be a “Church on the Move.”  I understood that according to Scripture we could not move up, unless we raised the bar on leadership.   So, we turned to the Good Book and went through Nehemiah, learning what godly leadership looks like, and were challenged to MOVE UP IN MINISTRY.

Now, it is time to MOVE ON IN MATURITY.   While we need to develop our leaders, we must then disciple our laity!  The writer of Hebrews has this as a major theme of his New Testament epistle.   With that in mind, the rest of the year will propel us forward in growth.  No matter the level of spirituality we currently occupy, we can make progress—and it’s time for that to happen!

One of the keys to this is not only getting into the Word, but getting the Word into us.  This is our daily bread—and as our bodies must have physical food to develop, the Body of Christ must be nourished with the manna of God’s message.  We don’t just look at it, or even merely taste it; we consume it and digest it!  

Here’s the promise:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”  (Joshua 1:8)

The Jews were moving on into the Promised Land and God told them that moving on would require meditating on the Word.

Each month of our study, we will focus on memorizing a key text from Hebrews.  Here is the first one for the youth and adults to work on in June:

“God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” . (Hebrews 1:1-2)

There is an abbreviated passage which the children will be memorizing:  “God…has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.”

As you memorize these verses, ask yourself, “What does this mean?  What does it mean to me?  How can I apply this truth?”  Then meditate on it, day and night.  It will grow you up!

BE ENCOURAGED AND BE AN ENCOURAGER

There are a lot of good people serving in our churches that are struggling.  They are just ground down.  I want to be someone to encourage them--a lifter of leaders!

We need to be people who are putting courage into people, rather than sucking it out!  AND I WANT TO PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH!  All of us get weary in the work, but let us not grow weary of the work.  We may not always get it perfect, but we can surely make progress!  Remember, that the bottom line is about loving God and loving people.  Let us ask ourselves, “Am I applying 1 Cor.13 prayerfully and persistently?”  

Thanks for your efforts and may each of us embrace our responsibility to be a load lifter today--and especially of those in leadership who are on the front lines and under the hottest fire!  For our church volunteers, may we inspire rather than tire, so they don’t just retire. J  With that in mind, here is a neat link if you haven’t had a chance to read it.

Please let me know what you think of these ideas.

http://toddrhoades.com/how-to-lead-an-exhausted-team/

"Out in the highways and byways of life,

  Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

  Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,

Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,

  Make me a blessing to someone today."

Great song!  Do you know it?  That’s what I want to be.

Grace and Peace,

Dennis

HOW TO GET YOUR WEEK OFF TO A GREAT START

[This is a re-post from last year.  On a Monday morning, it may be a special encouragement to you!]


"It is good to praise Yahweh, to sing praise to Your name, Most High, to declare Your faithful love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night..." (Psalm 92:1, 2 HCSB)

Some will start their day by saying, "Good morning, Lord!" Others will say, "Good Lord--morning!" The former hear the clock alarm as the dinner bell summoning them to come and feast on heavenly manna, while the latter hear it as a church bell summoning them to trudge to a funeral. We can throw off the blankets, seize the day and secure our opportunity, or pull the covers over our heads, let the day grip us around the throat and shun the responsibility.

It's a choice.

We may not have a choice about all that happens to us as our week unfolds, but we do have a choice about the attitude we have as our week begins. Psalm 92 tells us how to get our week off to a great start.

LOOK UP AND WORSHIP!

The psalm begins,

"It is good to praise Yahweh, to sing praise to Your name, Most High, to declare Your faithful love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night, with a ten-stringed harp and the music of a lyre." (Psalm 92:1-3 HCSB)

I can't think of a better way to begin the week! The alarm awakens us and our eyes open--look up! Transform your bedroom into a tabernacle and begin to praise the Lord. I would caution you that if others are asleep in the house, you might want to make melody in your heart, rather than sing in the shower! God knows our thoughts and delights when those first thoughts are directed toward Him.

It is hard to restrain the song. It wells up in our soul, and the next thing we know, it overflows from our lips. God is so good! He faithfully watched over us as we slept--our eyes closed, but His were ever open toward us. He will be faithful to lavish his love on us as the new day dawns. No circumstance we face can change that! Listen to Paul's song of praise:

"Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

As it is written:

Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, [hostile] powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 8:35-39 HCSB)

Hallelujah!

If you want to get your week off to a great start look up and worship! Then, LOOK BACK AND WONDER!

"For You have made me rejoice, Lord, by what You have done; I will shout for joy
because of the works of Your hands.

How magnificent are Your works, Lord, how profound Your thoughts!

A stupid person does not know, a fool does not understand this: though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be eternally destroyed.

But You, Lord, are exalted forever.

For indeed, Lord, Your enemies--indeed, Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

You have lifted up my horn like that of a wild ox; I have been anointed with oil.

My eyes look down on my enemies; my ears hear evildoers when they attack me." (Psalm 92:4-11 HCSB)

The inspired author cannot contain his gratitude over the goodness of God! As he looks back at what the Lord has done, he finds his vocabulary strained to encompass the majesty of God's glory and multiplicity of His grace. These verses call to mind the Messianic title Isaiah expressed, "Wonderful Counselor," when the psalmist shouts joyfully, "how profound Your thoughts!"

We can face the week ahead with delight rather than dread, if we will look back with discernment at the week that is past. As the old song exhorts:

"Count your blessings,
Name them one by one;
Count your many blessings,
See what God hath done."

That isn't to say that we may not have faced gut-wrenching problems and heart-breaking pain. The psalmist acknowledges he has enemies that have attacked him and that he lives in world filled with evil. Life can be tough. Many weeks may be hard. What did you go through last week? I dare not minimize the difficulty as though it is trivial. But, the wonder is, whatever we went through--we got through last week! The Lord brought us through it.

You get your week off to a great start when you look up and worship, look back and wonder, plus LOOK AROUND AND WITNESS!

"The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare: 'The Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.' " (Psalm 92:12-15 HCSB)

There is a permanency about the child of God. The palm and the cedar are evergreen; they are particularly impervious to the attack of the elements and insects. The righteous are that way. This is in contrast to the wicked, who "sprout like grass" (v.7) but are soon cut down.

This permanency is connected to the believer's planting--their roots are in the powerful presence of God. This gives stability in the storms that howl around us. Battered, buffeted, bent, but not broken because our roots have wrapped around solid rock--the Rock of Ages!

Our permanency and planting lead to our productivity--even in old age, still bearing fruit! I will confess that the older one gets, the greater the challenge is to rise from the bed. Joints creak and pop, bones are stiff and pain can plague every step across the bedroom floor as we stumble toward the bathroom. But, what recharges the batteries and rekindles the fire is the decision to declare, "The Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

The secret to fruitfulness is abiding in Christ (read John 15). Today we can bear witness to Him and have an opportunity to make an eternal difference in somebody. That's exciting! Not all the difficulties of humanity, nor even the demons of hell can stop us, if we decide to do this.

Have a great week!

BOSTON: BOMBS AND BELLS

After the events of yesterday, the haunting words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow emerged from the shadows of my thoughts.  Longfellow had settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the greater Boston area, not far from the scene of the Marathon carnage. The Civil War was still raging, and the poet had received word that his son, serving in the Union Army, was gravely wounded.  His mind was plagued by the horror of explosions, shrapnel, smoke, screams and death—even as Americans faced yesterday.  Those morbid musings were invaded by the peals of church bells ringing for Christmas.  It was a time to celebrate, but it felt more like a time to cry.  How quickly the tide can turn!  You may have runners crossing a finish line to cheers and then a flash—fire and fury—and chaos reigns.  Families frantically search for missing loved ones, victims see missing limbs, and even one so young as eight will be missing from the table for the rest of his parents’ days as a casket and funeral will mark a young bud killed by an unexpected frost.

Where is God in this? 

Longfellow wondered the same thing.  Though the season is different, the lyrics penned in such close proximity to that Boston brutality ring just as clear.

“Christmas Bells”

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,

and mild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Indeed, God is alive and at work despite what we see about us, and in the end death will be swallowed up by life.

CAVE MEN AND WOMEN

I posted this exactly one year ago.  After the suicide of a fellow pastor, I re-post it in hope it might help someone who is in the darkness of a cave experience, perhaps contemplating this irreversible act. 

"Free me from prison so that I can praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because You deal generously with me." (Psalm 142:7 HCSB)

Perhaps you have begun reading this, expecting a story about knuckle-dragging Neanderthals, grunting as they kill a mammoth. Maybe you are anticipating a diatribe against evolution or an announcement that I have accepted Darwinism. You would be wrong on all counts. This is actually a story about you and me. All of us are cave men and cave women!

David was a cave man. The superscription, which sets the context, for understanding Psalm 142 reads, "A Davidic Maskil. When he was in the cave. A prayer." David was a man on the run, like some desperado hiding out in the wild West, holed up in a cave. That was how King Saul was treating him, although David had done no wrong. That was what made his experience almost unbearable. The worst part was that in the darkness of that dungeon-like dwelling, it felt at times as if God had abandoned him.

Haven't you been in that cave before? At some point in life, we all become cave men or cave women. You may be in such a black hole right now.

What do we do? Is there a word from God to light a torch of hope in this dark den? There most assuredly is!

There is a STRUGGLE TO ADMIT.

"I cry aloud to the Lord; I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. Although my spirit is weak within me, You know my way. Along this path I travel they have hidden a trap for me." (Psalm 142:1-3 HCSB)

One of the reasons we find the Psalms so helpful is their blunt portrayal of raw human emotions. They enable us to identify with the heights of joy and depths of feeling in the breadth of life experience. Even, when David is hurt, disappointed--sometimes even angry--his lyrics give voice to our thoughts.

Sometimes we struggle to admit our struggles! We need to vent, but instead put on a happy face, and speak "Christianese" as we reply to the question, "How are you?" with, "I'm doing wonderful, dear brother! God is so good!" Of course He is...but sometimes haven't we wondered just a little? Can we have such thoughts? Dare we admit them? Surely that would be wrong.

Who are we fooling? We may fool others most of the time, we might succeed in fooling ourselves some of the time, but you can never fool God any of the time. If you are discouraged, disappointed, disillusioned and distressed, God knows, and you may as well admit it, for admitting it is a vital step for finding hope and getting help.

Where are you God? Don't you see? Don't you care? I can't handle this! Ever felt like that? David did when he was in a cave. Distress will drive us to seek God intensely. When the cave walls close in on us and we have nowhere to turn, we turn to the Lord--and that turns a bad circumstance to good.

There is not only a struggle to admit, but a SOLITUDE TO ACKNOWLEDGE.

"Look to the right and see: no one stands up for me; there is no refuge for me; no one cares about me." (Psalm 142:4 HCSB)

David may have really been all by himself at the moment that gave rise to this Psalm. His men may have been on patrol or foraging for food while he rested in the cave, alone with his troubling thoughts. It is also possible that there were others with him, but he didn't think they were "with him"--that is, he questioned whether he could count on them to stand by him when the chips were down. David had reason to doubt their loyalty. They were not men of great character. In fact, the Scripture describes these soldiers of fortune as, "desperate, in debt, or discontented" (1 Sam.22:2). They would later turn on him and discuss killing him (see 1 Sam.30:6). These were not the best of people, but the reality is that even the best of people cannot unequivocally be counted on, for they still have this problem--they are still people! We are not always on the top of our game. Even if our intent is to help, we are not omnipotent. Should we desire to stand by a friend, we are not omnipresent. The inadequacy of humanity means that sometimes we will be in a cave--all alone.

Nobody cares. What an awful place to be in! But, when all you have is God then you will discover that God is all you need! How often we hear the still, small whisper of God when we are in the quiet place of seclusion. Jesus frequently went away, alone, to pray and exhorts us, "But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret." (Matt.6:6) Admit your struggle and acknowledge your solitude.

Then we find a SHELTER TO ATTAIN.

"I cry to You, LORD; I say, 'You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living.' Listen to my cry, for I am very weak. Rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Free me from prison so that I can praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because You deal generously with me." (Psalm 142:5-7 HCSB)

The cave that David thought to be a prison actually had been transformed into a refuge. Ultimately, he found that irrespective of circumstances, he was not confined by them for God was his shelter. No matter that he had nothing to lean on or nobody to count on--God was his portion. He might as well have sung, "Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong."

He closes with an expression of confidence--a word of faith. God will send people to encourage him. God will supply provision to edify him. A light ignites to dispel the shadows that haunt the dark corners of the cave. The truth comes to drown out the sinister taunt of the demonic Serpent in the cave. It's better to be in a cave with God, than in a castle without Him! It's better to be in a prison in God's will, than in a palace outside His will.

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Call of God

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV)

One commentator aptly notes concerning this verse:

A needful preface to what follows: for the office of a bishop or overseer in Paul’s day, attended as it was with hardship and often persecution, would not seem to the world generally a desirable and “good work.”^[1]

I will never forget walking into a homiletics class at Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute and on my first day being confronted by Dr. Kenneth Ridings with these arresting words, “If you can do anything other than preach, do it!  If you do not know God has called you, leave the class.”  There was a lot of nervous shifting in the seats and indeed some would not make it beyond the week.  Others would fall by the wayside and about half the number who started finished.  Years later, only a handful are still in ministry.

It is a good work, but nobody said it was an easy work!  For me, however, there really is nothing else I can do, or want to do—for it is a faithful God who has called me to this good work and I am honored to serve.

Should anyone be considering whether God is calling them and they have an idea that it is a job laden with perks and privileges, they are bound for disappointment.  That is not to say that being a pastor is unattended by blessings—there are many—but the reality is that there are also many burdens, buffetings and bruises. 

The critical matter is the call of God.  If this is thrust upon a man he has been invited into the highest of honors to shepherd the flock of God.

A PRAYER

Almighty God,

You never call us to rigor without providing resources.  Thank you that your grace is available for each demand placed upon Your servants.  This is a faithful word.  Your word always is and we rejoice that You have called us to faithfully proclaim it!  You have given us a good work and we want to do it well.  Fill us with gratitude for the opportunity to make an eternal difference through the church.

In the Name of the Living Word, Jesus,

Amen. 

---

^[1] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1 Ti 3:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

TIME FOR SCHOOL

(This is a re-post from last year.  Hope it moves you to get up and go to Sunday School tomorrow!)


"when all Israel assembles in the presence of the Lord your God at the place He chooses, you are to read this law aloud before all Israel. Gather the people-men, women, children, and foreigners living within your gates-so that they may listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 31:11, 12 HCSB)

Three of the most dreaded words, a teenager ever hears, were just spoken to my son mere minutes ago: "Time for school!" I felt the same way. Now, of course, my perspective has changed. There is a recognition on my part of the necessity of education--the benefits that come to those who learn.

I suppose that's the way we feel sometimes when the clock goes off on Sunday mornings. Did you hear the story about a fellow who refused to get up, despite his wife's persistent pleas? "Get ready for church!" He rolled over and put the pillow over his head. She continued to yell up the steps, "Time for church!" Her voice was like fingernails raked across a chalkboard at that early hour. His grouchy response was, "I don't want to!" His wife said, "You have to!" He yelled, "Tell me one good reason!" She replied, "Because you are the pastor!"

Been there, done that! But, not often. Most of the time, I am eager to get to the house of God. I realize the blessings and the joys that come when I go to the house of the Lord. It is true that I have a job to do--the one day when some people think I have to work. But, I was going with eagerness to Sunday School before I became a pastor. It wasn't a job, but a joy. I had been born again--and I was like a baby craving for the milk of God's Word. His saving grace put a hunger in me that remains to this day. I must feed on the Word, and now I have matured to the place that I am privileged to feed others!

Sunday School, small groups, cell groups--whatever terminology you use and whenever or wherever you meet, this education in the Word of God is indispensable. One of the last things Moses did was to underscore this fact. When people know they are about to die, they dispense with the trivial and stress the essential. Listen up!

We need to ASSEMBLE. All Israel was to gather to be instructed in the Scripture. They gathered in the presence of the Lord. While it is true that God is everywhere, there is a particular expression of His presence that we can know when we meet with His people in anticipation of hearing from Him. Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20 HCSB) God reveals Himself in His Word. All ages were to gather for instruction. From the youngest child to the oldest member, we always need, and never outgrow, the instruction of Scripture. Fundamental truths are like seed sown in a youngster's heart, which will later bear fruit. It is cultivated as we grow, and there is constant weeding and pruning as long as we live. In later years, we may start to droop and need to be "staked up" with God's promises. What I have found is that in every season of life, there is a relevant message from the Bible. Even the foreigners were to come and learn. We might equate this to the evangelistic thrust of Sunday School and the need for invitation and assimilation of the lost into our Bible studies, prayerfully trusting the Holy Spirit to use the powerful Gospel to dispel spiritual darkness and bring conviction of sin.

We must be ATTENTIVE. Moses told the Jews to listen and learn. One may be physically present in the church building and yet be mentally "out to lunch." Listening is not an easy task. Learning is not automatic. It requires effort. There is the additional barrier in that our sinful hearts are resistant to the truth, our exposure to the world's deception clouds our thinking and Satan is like an evil bird ready to swoop in and devour the seed before it can germinate. So, we are trying to hear commands from the Captain of our Salvation, while surrounded by "the fog of war." Jesus exhorted us, "Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." (Luke 8:18 HCSB) Be prayerful, asking God to open your eyes, and be prepared by expecting the Holy Spirit to speak. Have your Bible open, pen and paper in hand, with an open mind and heart. It should be added that the teacher and preacher have a responsibility in this also. We must be engaging and enthusiastic to be effective. If the communicator isn't excited about his or her subject, then we can hardly expect the audience to be. Moses prayed what every teacher needs to seek, "Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants." (Deuteronomy 32:2 HCSB)

We respond with AWE. Moses said the result of hearing the Word of God would be to learn to fear the Lord. This has to do with inward transformation and is a matter of attitude. The more we hear God's Word, the closer we are drawn to Him and in the light of His holiness we see the depth of our sinfulness. We are gripped by the majesty of God's nature, are captivated by the wonder of His person and are brought to brokenness before Him. If we do not learn to fear the Lord, then we may rest assured we have not encountered Him in the Word.

We respond with ACTION. This is the true test. We are not mere hearers of the Word, but become doers of it. Moses warned, "be careful to follow all the words of this law." This means that true inward transformation has occurred, for it yields outward application. You have not learned to drive by simply studying a driver's education manual, as important as that is. You have learned to drive when you can put that knowledge to work by getting behind the wheel and operating the vehicle. Some think that to have a head full of Bible facts is the sum total of Christianity (and we do want heads full of truth). It is hearts full of love and hands full of righteous deeds that are the product of real learning.

So, get ready teacher. Be prepared student. Study preacher! Plan to attend church member. In a few hours, the alarm will signal, "Time for school!"

THE BIG DECISION

I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.  Choose life so that you and your descendants may live... (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Every day, and throughout each day, we make a myriad of decisions.  Some of these are of small importance and a few of great significance—decisions that are trivial, such as what will I eat for lunch and what color shirt will I wear; decisions that are monumental—what career path will I choose and whom shall I marry. 

Ultimately, there is a big decision.  It involves blessing or cursing.  The implications issue in life or death. What will our decision be?

That is the choice God presented to Israel.  They should have known He meant business; they had seen their parents die in the desert for their foolish disobedience.  God allows these spiritual shipwrecks to remain visible to us on our journey that we would not crash upon the reef of unbelief and sink in the sea of sin.  God doesn't fool around.  But, Israel did.

The people of God chose a curse instead of a blessing.  While there have been periods of obedience to God's principles that have brought down showers of blessing on the Jews, their history is filled with disobedience and the resulting horrors that have come to the nation.  We reap what we sow.

America's fate will be no different.  This good land God has given us—the privileges we have enjoyed—have been due to His grace and the choice of our founders to establish our country on the truths of Scripture.  No nation has known such Divine favor as the United States.  We became, in rather short order, the most powerful and prosperous people ever to walk this planet.  So God promised and we have experienced.

Now, that is changing.  There is a certain grim foreboding that we feel as we see what looms in the future.  A storm is about to break.  We have watched the dark clouds gathering.  We have seen intermittent flashes of lightning and heard occasional distant rumbles of thunder.  Faithful preachers of the Word of God have been sounding a warning for decades, like the prophets of old—and like those prophets, their warnings are mocked and their pleas ignored.

Blessing or cursing; life or death?  God—this God so patient, merciful and kind—longs for us to choose life!  He finds no pleasure in bringing down wrath.  It does not have to be.  We can repent and return to God!  If we do, then once more America will be crowned with good from sea to shining sea.  But, if we don't seek Him urgently, out of those seas, tsunamis of terror are going to flood the land.  It's our decision.

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Man of God

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV)

The office of elder in the church is reserved for a God-called man.  God has established roles and responsibilities for human institutions—and some of these are gender specific.  Men are to be leaders in their family and among God’s flock.

It must be stated emphatically that this has nothing to do with one sex being superior to the other—that is a misguided notion of subordination.  The Spirit is subject to the Father and the Son and the Son is eternally submissive to the Father.  Yet, each Person of the Godhead is fully divine and equal in their standing, although having a different role and being a distinct Person.  There is perfect harmony and equality.

Note these verses:

Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.  ‎For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  ‎ The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  ‎For “He has put all things under His feet.”  But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.  Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.  (1 Cor.15:24-28)

Women may serve in many capacities in the church—and thankfully so many do!  As they serve in submission to their husbands and/or elders their gifts are incredibly useful in building up and extending the Kingdom.

We are equal, as men and women, but different.  That is by God’s design and extends to the Garden of Eden—before the fall.  However, since the fall and because of the curse of sin, the battle between the sexes still exists.  Yet, Christ came to redeem us from the curse and part of that extends to redeeming sexuality.  It is vital that the church portray a redeemed community and proper exercise of authority is a facet of that.

Men are hard-wired to the side of objective thinking, as a general rule; likewise, women are instinctively more subjective in their thoughts and feelings.  Both aspects are essential, yet better suited for particular roles, both in the home and in the church.  Because of this, men are better fitted to teach Scripture authoritatively and guard doctrine against heresy.  This is crucial for the church and therefore the elders who are to insure this are to be holy men of God.

Just before Paul gave these qualifications for the pastors and deacons in chapter three, he wrote the following words and this helps us understand the context,

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.  ‎And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.  ‎For Adam was formed first, then Eve.  ‎And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.  Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.  (1 Timothy 2:11-15)

I know such thinking is not politically correct, but our aim is to be theologically correct.   The purpose of this brief post is not to discuss all the dimensions of this complex and, in the present day, controversial nature of gender roles.  My heart is to charge men—and young men in particular—to be open to the call of God and if the Lord is dealing with them about Gospel ministry to devote their lives to His church.

A PRAYER

Lord, You are Sovereign over the Church.  You appointed Your Son as Head, and the Church is His Bride.  May we submit to the Spirit’s order for how the church is to be led as given in the Word.  Thrust out men into the fields that are ripe and ready for harvest.  Oh, Lord of the Harvest, the laborers are few!  Give us men of God.  Father, make me a holy man of God.  Thank you for the inexpressible privilege of serving You and Your flock.  In the name of the Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

ARE YOU READY FOR WORSHIP?

[I am re-posting this article from last year.  I believe it is as TIMELY for today as it was then.  Read it and see!]

You are to bring there your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tenths and personal contributions, your vow offerings, and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.  You will eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household in everything you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.  (Deuteronomy 12:6-7)

The psalmist said, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”  But, he never had to face a "time-change Sunday"!  While it is a wonderful thing on the first night of Daylight Savings Time to gain that extra hour of daylight, it is tough to lose the hour of sleep the night before.

Will you be on time?  Will you turn in early, so you show up gladly rather than grouchy?  It is important.

The commands given to Israel underscore this.  At the center of their camp was the tabernacle. Wherever they traveled in their pilgrimage, they pitched their tents around the house of God.  As Moses instructed them in anticipation of entering the Promised Land, where a temple would be built, he reminded them that worship would still be at the core of their experience.  They were being readied to cross into Canaan, and that demanded they be ready for worship.  Will we be ready for worship?

There are several requirements if we are to be ready.  We must go to the place of worship.  We must know the pattern of worship.  We must show the preparation for worship.  We must bestow the provision through worship.

WE MUST GO TO THE PLACE OF WORSHIP (Deuteronomy 12:1-14). You can worship God anywhere. You should. But, most often you won't. I hear that excuse sometimes for why people don't attend worship. They say, "When I'm in nature, I feel so much closer to God." Really? How much time do you spend focusing on the Father while fishing? How much singing to the Lord do you do while splashing in the lake? While you are hunting is heaven on your mind? The creation ought to inspire us with awe and is meant to direct us to the Creator. Our problem is that our minds, darkened by sin, begin to worship the creation itself (see Romans 1:18-25). This is why Moses forbids the Jews from going out to the hills, and under the stars, then constructing their own altars. If we spend time with the saints at the house of God engaged in corporate worship, it affords the needful corrective to our wandering hearts which tend to devise a god of our own imagination instead of the God of revelation. Father God may give way to Mother Nature, if we aren't cautious. The first commandment tells us to have no other God.

WE MUST KNOW THE PATTERN OF WORSHIP (Deuteronomy 12:15-13:18).  You can't worship God anyway you want.  The second commandment prohibits images in worship—not just the correct Person to worship, but the correct pattern is important.  Particularly note 12:30, "Do not inquire about their gods, asking, 'How did these nations worship their gods? I'll do the same.'"  God said, "You must not do the same to the LORD your God..." (v.31).  Jesus taught us that the only acceptable worship is in spirit and truth (see John 4:23-24).  Let us bring that kind of worship to God—nothing superficial, no sham—not ritual, but reality.  The congregation has the responsibility to safeguard that only the truth of God is proclaimed.  In Israel, false prophets were dealt with severely (13:1-5).  It isn't a matter of one man's opinion—one can be mistaken or just have an ax to grind—but a body of believers led of the Spirit can insure truth is spoken in worship.

WE MUST SHOW THE PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP (Deuteronomy 14:1-21).  The dietary restrictions on the Jews doubtless had health reasons, but those were secondary to the main purpose—to remind them that they were to be different from the pagans.  They belonged to the Lord—and that extended to every dimension of life—from outward expression (v.1-2) to inward digestion!  They were not to be governed by their passions but God's precepts.   To eat to live is one thing, to live to eat another.  Only a people whose hands were clean could lift them to God in praise.  Only those whose lips were pure could open them in prayer.  One must not come to a holy God in worship carelessly, casually—but reverently.  It is when we are spiritually prepared for worship that we encounter God in powerful ways.  You cannot ignore Him all week, doing as you desire, and then flip a switch and expect something transformative on Sunday.  Are you ready for worship?  By all means adjust your clock, but also adjust your soul—orient it to God in submission.

WE MUST BESTOW THE PROVISION THROUGH WORSHIP (Deuteronomy 14:22-15:23).  Have you ever heard someone say, "I didn't get anything out of worship today."  But a better perspective would be, "What can I give today?"  I have found that the best way to receive a blessing is to be one.

This has to do with liberty (15:1-3; 12-18).  God wants to set the captives free.  He might well use you to proclaim that liberty.

This has to do with generosity (14:22-29; 15:4-11).  Whether providing for those in ministry or for those in poverty—a liberal hand is an indicator of a loving heart.

This has to do with priority (15:19-23).  God demanded the first and the finest.  Worship that is content to give God the leftovers of our time, treasure and talent is a pious fraud.

So, are you ready for worship?  The clock is ticking.  Don't keep God waiting!

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV)

Occasionally some young man will approach me and say, “I believe the Lord is calling me into the ministry.”  Why does he think that?  How does he know?  For that matter, how can I be sure God has called me?  I don’t want this to be a case of the blind leading the blind!

Periodically, it is good to return to the Word of God and examine the standard God has set for those who would shepherd His flock.  This is serious business for the sheep are His—and bought at such a high price—the blood of His dear Son!

Paul, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 sets forth the shepherd’s standard.  Even today, as I read them, I am challenged by these impeccable qualities and called to elevate my lifestyle—to see if I have let any matter slip and take corrective action.

These are not optional, but essential qualities.  Though there may be some times of struggle and shortcoming to fully exhibit them all, these characteristics must mark the pastor’s lifestyle.

Paul begins with, “This is a faithful saying.”  Five times Paul uses this expression in the Pastoral Epistles to highlight a particular truth.  All truth is, of course, important, but these matters seem to be underscored by the Apostle in terms of their strategic significance to the church.  In this case, the priority of having a man of sterling character to mount the pulpit each Lord’s Day is given emphasis.  If the man who leads is not a man of God, then the church is in trouble!

A PRAYER

Lord, You are my Shepherd—and in Your Son, we see the Perfect expression of the Shepherd—and now by Your Spirit generate those qualities in me and in all Your pastors as we look intently into the mirror of Your Word.  At times I struggle to attain them in the measure You demand.  I repent and seek Your grace to keep my vision clear and my steps steady in this course You have established for men of God.  In the name of the Good Shepherd, Amen.

WHAT IS THE GREAT CONTROVERSY?

I opened my mailbox recently to find a paperback stuffed inside with the title, “The Great Controversy” and this teaser question on the cover, “How Will It End?”  Perhaps you received a copy, or might soon.

This is a mass-mailing of the Seventh-day Adventists.  The book was authored by E. G. White—Ellen G. White—their prophetess.  If the writing style seems antiquated, it is because she wrote the book about the time of the Civil War.

It came out of a “vision” she had.  Although the SDA Church does not place it on the same level of inspiration as Scripture in their statements, in practical effect they treat it and her other writings virtually so—and they are woven into their theology.

Had Ellen White read Galatians instead of writing visions it would have been more helpful.  She and others in the SDA movement follow the same error Paul refuted—mixing law and grace—and thus promoting a different Gospel.  That is not something to take lightly.

Here is what Paul said, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”(Galatians 1:6–9)

If White is the “mother” of this movement, William Miller is the “father.”  Miller was a Baptist pastor who became convinced that he knew the relative date for Christ’s return.  He said, “My principles in brief, are, that Jesus Christ will come again to this earth, cleanse, purify, and take possession of the same, with all the saints, sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844."  It didn’t happen, so he recalculated and came up with October 22, 1844—and once more his prophecy proved false.  Had he been living under the Old Testament law which Adventists advocate so strongly, the head of their movement would have been stoned to death for the false prophecy!

Even White, in the aforementioned book tried to make excuses and stated, “William Miller and his associates did not, themselves, fully comprehend the import of the message which they bore.  Errors that had been long established in the church prevented them from arriving at a correct interpretation…” (Great Controversy, p.185).  The name Adventists is drawn from this prime focus of the movement on the end time events—which they misinterpret still.

The explanation for what happened on that date which SDA promotes is that Christ rather than return to earth, entered into the Heavenly Sanctuary to carry out, “an investigative judgment” to determine who is truly saved.  Only in keeping the law—dietary regulations, Sabbath observance, etc.—will one become fit for heaven, along with trusting in Christ.  Failure to do so may mean our names are blotted out of God’s Book.

Other errors they promote are:

1)      Satan has a part in bearing our sins.

2)      When people die, the soul sleeps until the Judgment Day—they are in a state of unconsciousness until the resurrection.

3)      Those judged to be wicked will be annihilated—they do not suffer torment forever in hell.

4)      Failure to keep the Sabbath and choosing to worship on Sunday is in the end to take the Mark of the Beast.

All of these false teachings are easily corrected by the Scripture.

Harold J. Berry wrote this, “Because of their deviation from the Scriptures, the Seventh-day Adventists cannot be called evangelicals.  This does not mean that every person in the Seventh-day Adventist movement is unsaved.  Any person who trusts Christ alone for salvation has eternal life, regardless of his religious affiliation.  However, it is regrettable that most of those in this movement are blind to the Galatianism which their church teaches and which has never been renounced by its leaders.” (Examining the Cults, pp.111-112).

I wanted to warn you, lest you be troubled by SDA teaching.