He was born in the Spring of 1921. His mother took her job to raise him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord very seriously. She taught him from his earliest memories that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. He spent the rest of his life discovering what that meant.
What does a man that glorifies God look like? This was a question that he and I often talked about. He was a quiet man, a farmer. But this morning I read something that reminded me of him, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the streams. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." ( Jer. 17: 7,8)
When you live to be in your nineties you are bound to know days of drought as well as days of plenty, so it was for my father in law. But he was a humble man whose trust was in the Lord. In good times and bad he placed his confidence in God and not in himself or the circumstances he found himself in. He had been shown as as young child where the stream of living water was and that is were he sank his roots.
The night before last I sat watching the Sun set remembering the conversation he and I had the day before he died. I remembered asking him the question his mother had asked him so many years ago, "What is the chief end of man?" Without hesitation but with a smile he said,"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." He died the next morning. We had his Memorial on what would have been his 91st birthday had he lived. As I sat in that room full of people who had been touched by his life I remembered another verse, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep." (Acts 13: 36)
Father, when my life has ended may it be said of me that I brought Your glory and that mine was a life marked by the joy that belongs to someone who belongs to You.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
"I hate this!"
I don't know who pinned the note to the ceiling above the chair in the dentist office but I agreed with what it said. As the chair leaned back and the dentist would begin to insert the needle filled with Novocaine into my gums I would read, "I hate this!" Then I continued to hate it as I sat there opening my mouth so that he could proceed to take a drill to my tooth. I didn't fight against this. I didn't get up and run. The fact is I paid him to do it!
Just as decay needs to be dealt with in my teeth sin needs to be dealt with in my life but I don't like it. Before I can go to the dentist I have to admit I have a problem and call to make an appointment. The same is true with the sin in my life before I can deal with it I have to admit it's there. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(1 John 1:9) To confess is to agree with God.
I have never once gone to the dentist and asked to be given the drill so that I could use it on myself. In the same way I can't by any action of my own deal with the sin in my life. What is required of me is humility. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at he proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."(1 Peter 5:6,7)
Sometimes I just don't want to admit I have a problem. I'd rather ignore the pain than humble myself. If I can only stay busy enough it won't bother me anyway. At the heart of my problem is this question, "Do I really trust the Lord? Can I rest in His love for me? Does He love me enough that if I come to Him having failed again He can bring healing?"
Lord Jesus, here I am again. I want to be perfect on my own but the truth is I can't be. I would like to be able to fix myself without any help and without any pain but I can't do that either. Over and over You showed me Your faithfulness. Thank You.
Just as decay needs to be dealt with in my teeth sin needs to be dealt with in my life but I don't like it. Before I can go to the dentist I have to admit I have a problem and call to make an appointment. The same is true with the sin in my life before I can deal with it I have to admit it's there. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(1 John 1:9) To confess is to agree with God.
I have never once gone to the dentist and asked to be given the drill so that I could use it on myself. In the same way I can't by any action of my own deal with the sin in my life. What is required of me is humility. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at he proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."(1 Peter 5:6,7)
Sometimes I just don't want to admit I have a problem. I'd rather ignore the pain than humble myself. If I can only stay busy enough it won't bother me anyway. At the heart of my problem is this question, "Do I really trust the Lord? Can I rest in His love for me? Does He love me enough that if I come to Him having failed again He can bring healing?"
Lord Jesus, here I am again. I want to be perfect on my own but the truth is I can't be. I would like to be able to fix myself without any help and without any pain but I can't do that either. Over and over You showed me Your faithfulness. Thank You.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Stinky Feet
"Would you please get your stinking feet out of my face!"
I have seen pictures of what the table for the last supper might have looked like and it seemed to me that the dirty feet of the person next to you would be a real problem. The day must have been exhausting for everyone a lot had taken place that day and now they were tired. They didn't feel like washing their own feet much less anyone else's. I've had days when I felt like that too.
This was to be Jesus' last meal with them and I am so touched by the words, "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." (John 13:1) How did He express this love? He got up, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist and started washing their stinking feet.
I find that this happens when I live in community with others they become familiar my "stinky feet" and I with theirs. "Stinky feet" happen because although I am a Christian I still walk everyday in the world and I get dirty in the process. In community that dirt is exposed.
It is an act of humility to wash someone else's feet, not just humility it is love. It is also an act of humility to have someone else wash my dirty feet. I'm not sure which I struggle the most with having to confront someone else's "dirt" or having someone confront me with mine.
Lord Jesus, You showed me how to live in community. You showed me by example how to love others. Please help me to humbly love others by not ignoring their need to have their "feet washed" and help me to be humble when someone confronts me.
I have seen pictures of what the table for the last supper might have looked like and it seemed to me that the dirty feet of the person next to you would be a real problem. The day must have been exhausting for everyone a lot had taken place that day and now they were tired. They didn't feel like washing their own feet much less anyone else's. I've had days when I felt like that too.
This was to be Jesus' last meal with them and I am so touched by the words, "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." (John 13:1) How did He express this love? He got up, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist and started washing their stinking feet.
I find that this happens when I live in community with others they become familiar my "stinky feet" and I with theirs. "Stinky feet" happen because although I am a Christian I still walk everyday in the world and I get dirty in the process. In community that dirt is exposed.
It is an act of humility to wash someone else's feet, not just humility it is love. It is also an act of humility to have someone else wash my dirty feet. I'm not sure which I struggle the most with having to confront someone else's "dirt" or having someone confront me with mine.
Lord Jesus, You showed me how to live in community. You showed me by example how to love others. Please help me to humbly love others by not ignoring their need to have their "feet washed" and help me to be humble when someone confronts me.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Only Thing That Counts
"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (Galatians 5:6) I'm trying to understand this, so, what is faith? "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." ( Hebrews 11:1) I also know from that chapter that without faith it is impossible to please God. But faith without love is nothing. "If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."(1 Corinthians 13:2)
The night before Jesus died He gave an illustration of what love looks like. "When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."(John 13:1) He laid aside his outer garments tied a towel around his waist and began to wash their feet. He told them that night that people would know who belonged to Him because His disciples would be the ones loving each other.
I've always been struck by the parallel between these two verses "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."(John 3:16) "Believing in him" is what faith is all about. "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16) If by faith I accept the love of God it means by faith I must also lay aside my pride and love others the way Jesus showed me.
Now my question is this what does faith have to do with love? By faith I believe that I am no longer a slave to my flesh but instead I am free to obey the law of love. So when I read that the works of the flesh are evident and that they include selfish ambition, desiring what other people have, being argumentative and outbursts of anger, just to name a few, I feel a bit sick realizing that I have myself displayed all of these traits just yesterday. Where faith comes in is that although I sin, sin no longer has dominion over me. So when I sin I confess it and by faith lay claim to the grace of God and seek to once more lay aside my pride and love others.
Lord Jesus, You have taught me that faith without love is nothing. You said that the only thing that really counts is faith expressing it's self through love. I want to be Your follower I want to love others but the truth is I often fail. Thank You that by faith I can be sure of what I hope for and confident about what I don't see that because of Your grace I can love others.
The night before Jesus died He gave an illustration of what love looks like. "When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."(John 13:1) He laid aside his outer garments tied a towel around his waist and began to wash their feet. He told them that night that people would know who belonged to Him because His disciples would be the ones loving each other.
I've always been struck by the parallel between these two verses "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."(John 3:16) "Believing in him" is what faith is all about. "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16) If by faith I accept the love of God it means by faith I must also lay aside my pride and love others the way Jesus showed me.
Now my question is this what does faith have to do with love? By faith I believe that I am no longer a slave to my flesh but instead I am free to obey the law of love. So when I read that the works of the flesh are evident and that they include selfish ambition, desiring what other people have, being argumentative and outbursts of anger, just to name a few, I feel a bit sick realizing that I have myself displayed all of these traits just yesterday. Where faith comes in is that although I sin, sin no longer has dominion over me. So when I sin I confess it and by faith lay claim to the grace of God and seek to once more lay aside my pride and love others.
Lord Jesus, You have taught me that faith without love is nothing. You said that the only thing that really counts is faith expressing it's self through love. I want to be Your follower I want to love others but the truth is I often fail. Thank You that by faith I can be sure of what I hope for and confident about what I don't see that because of Your grace I can love others.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Sure Footing
My son Andrew was three years old and was determined that he was able to go by himself. That was a problem because were he was going was an ice covered hill. I too was going up the hill but I had chosen a path that still had unfrozen grass so I had traction. Andrew chose solid ice.
Soon he began to slip and because he had no traction he continued slipping. Seeing him in distress I went to help him. I firmly took his hand and together we made it to the top of the hill.
There have been several times in my life when I have felt myself slipping. Times when I have felt I had no traction under my feet and I have been grateful for the verse that says," The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds him with His hand."(Psalm 37: 23,24)
If my confidence were only in my ability I would be like my three year old son trying to walk up an ice covered hill. When I put my trust in God He establishes my steps. Because He holds my hand even when I stumble, and I do stumble, I am not I am not cast headlong.
Father, I do slip. I often find myself stumbling along the path. Sometimes on this journey I fall but my confidence is not in my own ability but in Your promise to hold my hand. Thank You for letting this journey not be based on my strength but on Your faithfulness.
Soon he began to slip and because he had no traction he continued slipping. Seeing him in distress I went to help him. I firmly took his hand and together we made it to the top of the hill.
There have been several times in my life when I have felt myself slipping. Times when I have felt I had no traction under my feet and I have been grateful for the verse that says," The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds him with His hand."(Psalm 37: 23,24)
If my confidence were only in my ability I would be like my three year old son trying to walk up an ice covered hill. When I put my trust in God He establishes my steps. Because He holds my hand even when I stumble, and I do stumble, I am not I am not cast headlong.
Father, I do slip. I often find myself stumbling along the path. Sometimes on this journey I fall but my confidence is not in my own ability but in Your promise to hold my hand. Thank You for letting this journey not be based on my strength but on Your faithfulness.
Monday, July 23, 2012
When the Landscape of Life Changes
I looked Psalm 46:2 up in several translations and this is what I found:
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. New International Version
So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. New Living Translation
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. New American Standard Bible
Honestly, how would I feel if the earth should give way,quake or change? When what I am standing on is no longer stable? And what about when mountains fall, crumble or slip into the sea? When the landscape of my life changes and the things I thought were stable are simply no longer there, how would I respond? Panic is a word that comes to mind. Panic by definition is a sudden overwhelming fear that produces hysterical or irrational behavior. When what I'm standing on is no longer solid panic would be a good word to define how I would feel.
It is interesting to me that the the verse that precedes this is, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." God is the one I flee to for safety. The truth is I do get afraid and there are times when I feel very vulnerable when this happens I go to God as my place of safety. He is my source of strength when I am in danger. Even when what I am standing on gives way, quakes and changes the God I have put my trust in remains secure.
Mountains are an earthly picture of strength so when they fall,crumble or slip into the sea it is terrifying! When my heart panics because what I thought was stable begins to shake I also find that God comes to my rescue. He is a very present help in time of need. God is my strength. I sometimes think I'm strong but take away all my props and the truth is made evident, I need a source of strength outside myself. In times like this I do not turn to God I RUN to Him.
Oh Father, because I have found You to be be my source of strength in times of danger I will not fear. Because You are the high tower, the fort the fortress where I have always found safety in times of danger I will not fear. I am weak and defenseless but You have opened wide Your arms and and invited me to find refuge in Your strength and so when the landscape of my life changes I will not fear.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. New International Version
So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. New Living Translation
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. New American Standard Bible
Honestly, how would I feel if the earth should give way,quake or change? When what I am standing on is no longer stable? And what about when mountains fall, crumble or slip into the sea? When the landscape of my life changes and the things I thought were stable are simply no longer there, how would I respond? Panic is a word that comes to mind. Panic by definition is a sudden overwhelming fear that produces hysterical or irrational behavior. When what I'm standing on is no longer solid panic would be a good word to define how I would feel.
It is interesting to me that the the verse that precedes this is, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." God is the one I flee to for safety. The truth is I do get afraid and there are times when I feel very vulnerable when this happens I go to God as my place of safety. He is my source of strength when I am in danger. Even when what I am standing on gives way, quakes and changes the God I have put my trust in remains secure.
Mountains are an earthly picture of strength so when they fall,crumble or slip into the sea it is terrifying! When my heart panics because what I thought was stable begins to shake I also find that God comes to my rescue. He is a very present help in time of need. God is my strength. I sometimes think I'm strong but take away all my props and the truth is made evident, I need a source of strength outside myself. In times like this I do not turn to God I RUN to Him.
Oh Father, because I have found You to be be my source of strength in times of danger I will not fear. Because You are the high tower, the fort the fortress where I have always found safety in times of danger I will not fear. I am weak and defenseless but You have opened wide Your arms and and invited me to find refuge in Your strength and so when the landscape of my life changes I will not fear.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Stone of Rememberance
Diane was discouraged when she got to our house. Her present and her future seemed dismal. During the two weeks she stayed with us I gently questioned her about how God had directed her in the past. She and I were both blessed as she recounted God's faithfulness time and time again in her life. Remembering God's past blessing she was encouraged for the future.
Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah, which in Hebrew means "a military observation point,"and Shem, which means "to teach diligently." The name of the stone was Ebenezer meaning, "thus far has the Lord helped us."
God had won a mighty victory for the children of Israel. The Ebenezer stone was to be a reminder to them of His faithfulness. As a military observation point this memory would give them courage. As they diligently taught it to their children it would teach them that they too could put their faith in God.
I often find myself like Diane discouraged. God has done great things for me He has been very faithful but my mind can sometimes just dwell on negative thoughts. How interesting to me that this stone of remembrance was set up between a "military observation point" and a place whose name meant "to teach diligently." This reminds me that not only do I need to remind myself about what God has done for me but I also need to share it with others.
Father, when my enemy whispers discouragement to my soul help me to counter his attacks by remembering all the places in my life where You have blessed me.
Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah, which in Hebrew means "a military observation point,"and Shem, which means "to teach diligently." The name of the stone was Ebenezer meaning, "thus far has the Lord helped us."
God had won a mighty victory for the children of Israel. The Ebenezer stone was to be a reminder to them of His faithfulness. As a military observation point this memory would give them courage. As they diligently taught it to their children it would teach them that they too could put their faith in God.
I often find myself like Diane discouraged. God has done great things for me He has been very faithful but my mind can sometimes just dwell on negative thoughts. How interesting to me that this stone of remembrance was set up between a "military observation point" and a place whose name meant "to teach diligently." This reminds me that not only do I need to remind myself about what God has done for me but I also need to share it with others.
Father, when my enemy whispers discouragement to my soul help me to counter his attacks by remembering all the places in my life where You have blessed me.
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