meditating today on wisdom.
Wisdom is certainly more than knowledge, more than intelligence, more than technological know how. In our race for knowledge we forgot understanding. We forgot wisdom. We were fooled by thinking that knowledge would satisfy our longing. (sermon idea :)
But wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It is an acknowledgement that God is God and we are humans. He is the creator and we are the creature. Wisdom is truly beautiful, truly joyous, truly good for human existence.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
2/13/14
Still reading through Joshua. Joshua 8 is about the conquest of Ai.
Now more than ever before I read these passages with more terror than I ever had before. God is giving his people the land of Canaan, but in order to do that, he must dispossess the people who are presently there. Which means killing women and probably children.
Obviously, I am not in a position to judge God's commands, but I do struggle to incorporate this information into what I know about God. Perhaps there is another lens through which I can see these passages.
One thing I do know, God is good. No matter what else, I know that God is good. I can trust him, even when I don't understand him.
Lord, I'm filled with anxiety. I'm filled with fear and despair. I long for justice and peace, but I want it in a selfish way. Lord, free me from fear and anger. Free me from my insecurities.
Now more than ever before I read these passages with more terror than I ever had before. God is giving his people the land of Canaan, but in order to do that, he must dispossess the people who are presently there. Which means killing women and probably children.
Obviously, I am not in a position to judge God's commands, but I do struggle to incorporate this information into what I know about God. Perhaps there is another lens through which I can see these passages.
One thing I do know, God is good. No matter what else, I know that God is good. I can trust him, even when I don't understand him.
Lord, I'm filled with anxiety. I'm filled with fear and despair. I long for justice and peace, but I want it in a selfish way. Lord, free me from fear and anger. Free me from my insecurities.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
2/11/14
Trying to keep in the habit of posting, but things are busier than I expected. That's not an excuse, I just need to maintain the diligence to make sure that I make this a priority.
Today, I've been thinking a lot about humility. I've grown too arrogant about a few things in my life, while at the same time, there are things that I don't feel good about. I need to embrace God's grace in my brokenness.
Lord, I need you to remind me again of my great need. My brokenness is beyond my ability to repair. I don't even truly recognize the depth of my brokenness. Lord, help me to seek your Kingdom above all else. In my own sinfulness, help me never condemn someone else for their brokenness, rather help me to have compassion and strive to help them experience your grace and healing.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
2/6/14
Joshua 7
Once again faced with a God that is not palatable to our 21st century ideals, I need to pray for understanding. I need to approach God with humility, knowing that He is the creator and I am the creature. I have to remember that His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts.
Lord, in my desire to help others see you, I really want others to agree with me. I want to be a conservative Christian with the approval and applause of the world. Lord, I cannot have both of those things. I cannot be faithful to you and worried about the world's approval at the same time.
Lord, let me be sold-out for you. Father, help me once again be known by you and ready to do what you call me to do.
Once again faced with a God that is not palatable to our 21st century ideals, I need to pray for understanding. I need to approach God with humility, knowing that He is the creator and I am the creature. I have to remember that His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts.
Lord, in my desire to help others see you, I really want others to agree with me. I want to be a conservative Christian with the approval and applause of the world. Lord, I cannot have both of those things. I cannot be faithful to you and worried about the world's approval at the same time.
Lord, let me be sold-out for you. Father, help me once again be known by you and ready to do what you call me to do.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
2/4/14
Well, it seems I'm having problems consistently remembering to post. But I'm going to improve in my efforts.
Today, I want to think about what I fear. I've been struggling with why I don't have joy in my life. Why am I a pessimist?
I think I've always been a pessimist. I've always allowed fear to rule my life. But now it's fear of the future. What happens when our culture no longer accepts my evangelical beliefs. what happens when I have to suffer for my faith. I'm a doom and gloom kind of guy, so I see it just around the corner. And indeed it might be closer than anyone thinks.
but even if it is, why shouldn't I be joyous about what God is doing? The early Christians were in a much more difficult position than I am in, and they were filled with joy. is it because I don't have faith in Jesus? Perhaps. But perhaps, I expect life to be sunshine and lollypops all the time. Perhaps, I'm angry because I don't think God is living up to his end of the bargain.
perhaps I need to let go of some things.
Anger- over the last couple of years at church.
Fear- We don't know what the future holds, so worrying about it just doesn't make sense.
Disappointment- I thought I'd be further along in my career by now
Today, I want to think about what I fear. I've been struggling with why I don't have joy in my life. Why am I a pessimist?
I think I've always been a pessimist. I've always allowed fear to rule my life. But now it's fear of the future. What happens when our culture no longer accepts my evangelical beliefs. what happens when I have to suffer for my faith. I'm a doom and gloom kind of guy, so I see it just around the corner. And indeed it might be closer than anyone thinks.
but even if it is, why shouldn't I be joyous about what God is doing? The early Christians were in a much more difficult position than I am in, and they were filled with joy. is it because I don't have faith in Jesus? Perhaps. But perhaps, I expect life to be sunshine and lollypops all the time. Perhaps, I'm angry because I don't think God is living up to his end of the bargain.
perhaps I need to let go of some things.
Anger- over the last couple of years at church.
Fear- We don't know what the future holds, so worrying about it just doesn't make sense.
Disappointment- I thought I'd be further along in my career by now
Thursday, January 30, 2014
1/30/14
sorry, my family and I have been under the weather, so I've been a little lax in my posting.
Joshua 7:1 The Israelites acted unfaithfully
Achan and his family acted unfaithfully and their transgression affected all of Israel. I often think that the things I think, the anger, the lust, that they don't affect my church family. But they do. I need to protect myself from my own weakness and brokenness. Tomorrow morning at church, I'm going to make sure my internet filter is up to date. I want to purify my life, so that our whole church will be victorious.
Joshua 7:1 The Israelites acted unfaithfully
Achan and his family acted unfaithfully and their transgression affected all of Israel. I often think that the things I think, the anger, the lust, that they don't affect my church family. But they do. I need to protect myself from my own weakness and brokenness. Tomorrow morning at church, I'm going to make sure my internet filter is up to date. I want to purify my life, so that our whole church will be victorious.
Monday, January 27, 2014
1/27/14
Joshua ch 6
Today I'm kind of wrestling with God's character. Everyone was killed. even little children. I need to strive to understand those texts, while at the same time striving to trust the God who loves me and loves the world.
Today I find myself distracted. I haven't slept much in the last couple of days, and it's starting to wear me out. I want to have a quiet time, but things are just confused and muddled
Today I'm kind of wrestling with God's character. Everyone was killed. even little children. I need to strive to understand those texts, while at the same time striving to trust the God who loves me and loves the world.
Today I find myself distracted. I haven't slept much in the last couple of days, and it's starting to wear me out. I want to have a quiet time, but things are just confused and muddled
Thursday, January 23, 2014
1/23/14
Joshua 4:10 "On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites ate the passover" "The manna dried up"
The Israelites spent went through several ceremonial procedures: circumcision, passover, and then they eat of the produce of the promised land. Before they are able to experience the full implications of being the people of God, they must be ceremonially clean. They celebrate God's deliverance (in a dare I say liturgical way) and only then can they eat the produce of the new land.
I need to remember that I'm just as tied to the past as I am the future. I don't want to focus on either of them to the exclusion of the other. I must remember all of God's faithfulness in the past. I can never forget where I came from. But I don't live in the past. The manna dries up. We're not meant to eat manna forever. We must be people who look to the future blessing.
The Israelites spent went through several ceremonial procedures: circumcision, passover, and then they eat of the produce of the promised land. Before they are able to experience the full implications of being the people of God, they must be ceremonially clean. They celebrate God's deliverance (in a dare I say liturgical way) and only then can they eat the produce of the new land.
I need to remember that I'm just as tied to the past as I am the future. I don't want to focus on either of them to the exclusion of the other. I must remember all of God's faithfulness in the past. I can never forget where I came from. But I don't live in the past. The manna dries up. We're not meant to eat manna forever. We must be people who look to the future blessing.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
1/22/14
Joshua 4- Monuments
I need to put up monuments to God's provision and grace. I need to have visible reminders of his love and faithfulness so that when Nate and Chelsea ask "what are these", I can tell them about his grace. I also need them for my own spiritual life.
I used to think often of God's faithfulness. I've been so wrapped up in myself that I can't think straight. I need to focus my thinking on the one who called me. I need to recapture the love of my youth. I need to remind myself of all of God's blessings that flow even in the midst of uncertainty.
I need to put up monuments to God's provision and grace. I need to have visible reminders of his love and faithfulness so that when Nate and Chelsea ask "what are these", I can tell them about his grace. I also need them for my own spiritual life.
I used to think often of God's faithfulness. I've been so wrapped up in myself that I can't think straight. I need to focus my thinking on the one who called me. I need to recapture the love of my youth. I need to remind myself of all of God's blessings that flow even in the midst of uncertainty.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
1/21/14
Joshua 3:5 "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you".
The last couple of days, God has been dealing with me about my self-pity. The last few years have been tough, but I've spent enormous energy in self-pity. I've gained weight because I feel like I deserve to eat because I've been treated unfairly. I've let my spiritual disciplines lapse because I'm always "tired".
I think I'm just wired to dwell in self-pity, but I want to begin to break that habit in my life. I'm not a victim. I'm not powerless. I can't control other people or how they treat me, but I can control how I respond, what I think, and how I continue to embrace the spiritual disciplines.
Lord, I want to consecrate myself. I want you to do amazing things. I don't want to allow helplessness and self-pity control my life.
The last couple of days, God has been dealing with me about my self-pity. The last few years have been tough, but I've spent enormous energy in self-pity. I've gained weight because I feel like I deserve to eat because I've been treated unfairly. I've let my spiritual disciplines lapse because I'm always "tired".
I think I'm just wired to dwell in self-pity, but I want to begin to break that habit in my life. I'm not a victim. I'm not powerless. I can't control other people or how they treat me, but I can control how I respond, what I think, and how I continue to embrace the spiritual disciplines.
Lord, I want to consecrate myself. I want you to do amazing things. I don't want to allow helplessness and self-pity control my life.
Friday, January 17, 2014
1/17/14
Joshua 2:24 "The LORD has surely given this whole land into our hands..."
Even in the midst of having to sneak around and being in fear of their lives, the spies are certain of God's provision. The testimony of Rahab strengthened them, she had seen the works of God and knew the He was the ruler of heaven and earth.
How often people who aren't believers can speak truth to me. I can get so wrapped up in the day to day church stuff, and someone else can see the truth more clearly than I.
I want to live a life of victory in God's presence. Lord, help me to be open to what you are doing in my life. Let me be willing to follow you to unexpected places.
Even in the midst of having to sneak around and being in fear of their lives, the spies are certain of God's provision. The testimony of Rahab strengthened them, she had seen the works of God and knew the He was the ruler of heaven and earth.
How often people who aren't believers can speak truth to me. I can get so wrapped up in the day to day church stuff, and someone else can see the truth more clearly than I.
I want to live a life of victory in God's presence. Lord, help me to be open to what you are doing in my life. Let me be willing to follow you to unexpected places.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
1/16/14
Joshua 1:14 "...but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers."
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. We need our brothers in our fight against the enemy. Even though it's not a fight our brothers have to fight personally, they take it on because we are brothers.
Over the last few months I've realized how much I need my brothers in my struggle with the enemy. In discovering that openness, that vulnerability, I've realized the strength that can only come from brothers united in the Lord.
Lord, help me accept the help of my brothers, and go ahead of my brothers to fight their battles as well. United us as one, as we bring down the strongholds of our enemy.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. We need our brothers in our fight against the enemy. Even though it's not a fight our brothers have to fight personally, they take it on because we are brothers.
Over the last few months I've realized how much I need my brothers in my struggle with the enemy. In discovering that openness, that vulnerability, I've realized the strength that can only come from brothers united in the Lord.
Lord, help me accept the help of my brothers, and go ahead of my brothers to fight their battles as well. United us as one, as we bring down the strongholds of our enemy.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
1/15/14
Joshua 1:7-8 "7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
So much in these verses upon which to meditate. One of the things I must (I choose) to do is to keep God's word front and center in my life. It's more important for Joshua to be faithful to God than to be innovative, clever, competent, or skilled.
I often think that in order to be "prosperous" and "successful" requires incredible talent and dedication. Of course, talent and dedication are important, but the most important thing to being successful in the Kingdom is to be faithful to the one who called us.
I honestly think this is why the Church in the US is so anemic and powerless. It's because we forgot to meditate day and night on the word. We forgot that faithfulness is more important than success.
Lord, today I want to meditate on your word. Not just today, but everyday. I want your word to be my hope and shield. I want your word to penetrate my heart and change me.
8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
So much in these verses upon which to meditate. One of the things I must (I choose) to do is to keep God's word front and center in my life. It's more important for Joshua to be faithful to God than to be innovative, clever, competent, or skilled.
I often think that in order to be "prosperous" and "successful" requires incredible talent and dedication. Of course, talent and dedication are important, but the most important thing to being successful in the Kingdom is to be faithful to the one who called us.
I honestly think this is why the Church in the US is so anemic and powerless. It's because we forgot to meditate day and night on the word. We forgot that faithfulness is more important than success.
Lord, today I want to meditate on your word. Not just today, but everyday. I want your word to be my hope and shield. I want your word to penetrate my heart and change me.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
1/14/14
Been a couple of days since i posted....
Joshua 1:5 "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you"
I thought as I begin this new phase of leadership, it would be good to meditate/read through Joshua. A young man embarking on a journey without his mentor...sounds appropriate.
The first chapter has to do with fear. I'm not afraid because I fear I don't have the talent to lead. I'm probably too confident in my abilities (arrogance has always been a trap for me). My fear is that I won't be spiritually strong enough to endure. I fear I will develop poor habits and coping skills to deal with the stress of leadership. Hence, this blog and the need for accountability.
Lord, help me to trust that you are with me--that you will never forsake me.
Joshua 1:5 "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you"
I thought as I begin this new phase of leadership, it would be good to meditate/read through Joshua. A young man embarking on a journey without his mentor...sounds appropriate.
The first chapter has to do with fear. I'm not afraid because I fear I don't have the talent to lead. I'm probably too confident in my abilities (arrogance has always been a trap for me). My fear is that I won't be spiritually strong enough to endure. I fear I will develop poor habits and coping skills to deal with the stress of leadership. Hence, this blog and the need for accountability.
Lord, help me to trust that you are with me--that you will never forsake me.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
1/9/14
1 Thess. 5:8 "But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet"
I often forget that I'm engaged in warfare. It's a real battle with real weapons and real conflict. I want to be a solider for Christ--disciplined, well trained, devoted, and prepared. Faith and love serve to protect my heart, hope protects my mind.
I just saw it: faith, hope, and love--again!
Lord, help me live in faith, hope and love. I give into despair, doubt, and apathy so quickly. I've been so worried about my future career (what will happen when our culture turns on biblical faith). I've been so pessimistic. But faith, hope and love bolster me and assure me that God has won the war. My family's future (and mine) is secure in Christ Jesus.
Help me gather strength from that assurance.
I often forget that I'm engaged in warfare. It's a real battle with real weapons and real conflict. I want to be a solider for Christ--disciplined, well trained, devoted, and prepared. Faith and love serve to protect my heart, hope protects my mind.
I just saw it: faith, hope, and love--again!
Lord, help me live in faith, hope and love. I give into despair, doubt, and apathy so quickly. I've been so worried about my future career (what will happen when our culture turns on biblical faith). I've been so pessimistic. But faith, hope and love bolster me and assure me that God has won the war. My family's future (and mine) is secure in Christ Jesus.
Help me gather strength from that assurance.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
1/8/14
1 Thess. 4:12 "So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders..."
Today I'm filled with energy. Energy I want to put towards my ministry, my family, my faith. Of course, the pessimist in me says, "yeah, one day of energy in a year filled with sloth". I want to silence that voice, and give God praise for the energy. I want to see what today will bring.
So often, I begin the day with my fears and failures. Today I want to begin with thanksgiving and gratitude. I want to have a joy that wins the respect of outsiders. I want people to see a difference in me.
Today I'm filled with energy. Energy I want to put towards my ministry, my family, my faith. Of course, the pessimist in me says, "yeah, one day of energy in a year filled with sloth". I want to silence that voice, and give God praise for the energy. I want to see what today will bring.
So often, I begin the day with my fears and failures. Today I want to begin with thanksgiving and gratitude. I want to have a joy that wins the respect of outsiders. I want people to see a difference in me.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
1/7/14
1 Thess. 4:7 "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life"
Holiness will probably be the theme of my devotional life this year. Last year it was discipline; which was mildly successful. I think I want to keep devoted myself to discipline, but I want to discipline myself for holiness.
Tomorrow, 1/8. I'm going to fast before PEAK. I want to pray and focus myself for holiness. Paul says that sanctification is controlling our body (or at least that is a part of it) 4:3-4. Sanctification is not allowing our lusts (not just sexual, but indeed sexual applies) to dictate our actions.
I want to tell my body "no" to food tomorrow in order to train myself to say no to other lusts as well. I also want to spend some real time reading and meditating.
Holiness will probably be the theme of my devotional life this year. Last year it was discipline; which was mildly successful. I think I want to keep devoted myself to discipline, but I want to discipline myself for holiness.
Tomorrow, 1/8. I'm going to fast before PEAK. I want to pray and focus myself for holiness. Paul says that sanctification is controlling our body (or at least that is a part of it) 4:3-4. Sanctification is not allowing our lusts (not just sexual, but indeed sexual applies) to dictate our actions.
I want to tell my body "no" to food tomorrow in order to train myself to say no to other lusts as well. I also want to spend some real time reading and meditating.
Monday, January 6, 2014
1/6/14
1 Thessalonians 4:1 "Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please, God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."
I've been thinking quite a bit on how we put so much emphasis in our culture on making sure that we know
God loves us just the way we are. We can't make God love us more. But we very rarely talk about living in a way that pleases God. I guess we just assume that God is pleased with us no matter what we do.
The bible certainly doesn't ever say that. We can live to please God. We should live to please God. not in order to make him love us, but because he loves us. i want to please him, because he loves me.
Whenever I felt tempted this past week, i declared to myself "He loves me". That really helped. I need to focus on that phrase more and more. "He loves me". So that i remember the reason why i want to please Him.
I've been thinking quite a bit on how we put so much emphasis in our culture on making sure that we know
God loves us just the way we are. We can't make God love us more. But we very rarely talk about living in a way that pleases God. I guess we just assume that God is pleased with us no matter what we do.
The bible certainly doesn't ever say that. We can live to please God. We should live to please God. not in order to make him love us, but because he loves us. i want to please him, because he loves me.
Whenever I felt tempted this past week, i declared to myself "He loves me". That really helped. I need to focus on that phrase more and more. "He loves me". So that i remember the reason why i want to please Him.
Friday, January 3, 2014
1/3/14
1 Thes. 3:13 "May He strengthen your hearts so that you may be blameless and holy"
Continuing on the theme of the strengthening of my heart, I am today thinking about the way in which God will give me the strength to be blameless and holy. I again am reminded of our culture of sensory overload. The more I think of how much stuff (electronic media, tv, music, internet) I allow into my life....most of the time without thinking about it.
I can't kid myself. This takes a toll. I need the quiet. I need the silence. God will not speak unless I am listening.
I need to find a quiet place today and listen. I need to break the yoke of media slavery.
Holiness does, at least in part, bear the idea of separateness. Perhaps this separateness should be transferred to physical separation from the incredible noise of life.
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