9/11: The Part We Can Long For

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            No one old enough has any problem remembering the events of September 11, 2001. I would venture to say most of us know exactly where we were when we heard the news of the attack on our country. I was returning home from taking my daughter to school. That day is forever etched in most of our memories. It was a clear demonstration of what evil looks like, perhaps the boldest example of it in our nation’s history. I’m not sure there’s much left to be said about that day that hasn’t already been said, but we should never forget it. Neither should we forget the days that followed as they were also unique in their own way, quite different from before 9/11 and certainly different from where we seem to be today.         

            I might be naïve but didn’t it seem that we had a different character to our nation for a time following 9/11? Of course there were those who from the very outset claimed that the United States got exactly it deserved, but their voices were few and little attention was paid to their ignorance. Although the result of great tragedy, the days that followed September 11, 2001 appeared different. Gone for the moment were all the things that seemingly divided us. For a change, our media reported events instead of creating them. For a change, our political parties worked together instead of against one another. Gone for the moment was the idea that unity within our nation was impossible. For a moment in time, politics, race or social class didn’t seem to matter. For the moment, no one cared about separation of church and state and if they did, little attention was paid to those voices. For the moment, prayer took on new meaning. We didn’t need to be prodded to pray, we wanted to be on our knees. Church became more than just a convenient option. For the moment, we welcomed God into every aspect of our lives. For that brief moment, we humbled ourselves enough to admit that maybe humans don’t have all the answers and should seek the only One who does. What happened to those days? Why does it take an event the magnitude of 9/11 for us to seek God? I would actually contend that it’s not so much in these moments that we reach out to seek God as much as it is that in these moments He is seeking us.         

            Think about where we are twelve years later. Our country couldn’t be more divided. Twelve years after 9/11, we would consider it progress if we were only in the same place as before that day. The divisions within our society have intensified and our media and politicians seem only to serve in propagating them. For a time following 9/11 it appeared we desired God’s intervention, but have since returned to our arrogant ways. We have this idea that our problems can be solved without God’s help. In fact, He is often seen as the problem. So unfortunately, it has become pretty clear that this momentary seeking of God in the days that followed 9/11 was just that, momentary. In years past, our nation had a determined resolve in dealing with adversity and in doing so unashamedly sought God for both guidance and comfort. I know He would welcome our return now. 

–          “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

–           “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) 

            Comfort for what afflicts us as a nation and each of us individually will never be solved any other way than spiritually. There are many who can testify to this truth, having relied solely on God for comfort in the midst of their own trials. And I’m convinced that through the evil acts of 9/11, many stand witness to the fact that what may have been meant for evil, God used for good. It may be a difficult reality to accept that God uses tragedy this way, but He does.

            So though we should never desire days like September 11th, the tremendous loss of innocent life and the overwhelming grief that results, when these times come, when evil is bold or subtle, though never its cause, be comforted knowing that God is both sovereign over it and with us in the midst of it. Adversity and affliction are often the moments in which He reveals Himself most clearly. These are many times the moment in which He saves. Difficulty and tragedy are all part of life. Though we don’t long for a repeat of that day, we can long for a repeat of what happened in the days that followed. For that brief moment in time, unity stood above division, our nation appeared to be one, and we sought the face of God. And as He was then and as He always is, our God stood ready to save.

Running From and Running To

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“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…” (2 Timothy 2:22) 

I wonder if when Timothy read the letter’s Paul wrote to him he ever thought to himself, “Doesn’t he think I know that”? You might think after almost twenty years of ministering together, Paul wouldn’t need to repeat what should be so obvious. But that’s the point; there are some things that always need repeating. To understand this passage it’s important to understand the context in which Paul wrote 2 Timothy, his last letter before his death. He chose to write Timothy, for one reason, he loved him as a son, but also because it was Timothy that Paul would entrust to “guard the good deposit” (2 Timothy 1:14), the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote to encourage Timothy to carry on in faithful ministry, but also, in a sense to provide him a roadmap on how to proceed in doing so. He encouraged Timothy to use the gifts God had given him, to not be ashamed of the gospel or let it become corrupted under the influence of false teachers. Continue reading →

Something Higher

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“God’s purpose in all His dealings with us is to make us grow into something higher. The greatest calamity that can come to a soul is to be satisfied with its present condition. – A.B. Simpson –

Twice in 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul stresses the “more and more” to those he was writing to in the church at Thessalonica. The “more and more” had to do with living a life pleasing to God and of expressing brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:1, 9). They are both characteristic of Christians. Some in Paul’s day took his teaching on grace to mean something it didn’t. They took it to mean that sin offered an opportunity for God’s grace to be magnified. That is not what Paul taught (Romans 6).

The Christian life is a progressive process of being made more and more like Christ. It’s very easy to settle into the routine of our Christian lives in which we become satisfied with our present condition instead of seeking a deeper fellowship with the Lord. This is neither God’s intention nor desire. Continue reading →

Secure In His Arms

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“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4) 

God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Last year as a church family, we read through the Bible. During the month of August the schedule took us to the Psalms and on that particular morning it brought me to Psalm 121. At that time, prominent on my mind and a prominent topic in mine and Karen’s conversations was the fact that we now had two children in high school, even more; we had a senior, Kristin. That meant in a year, she would be heading off to college. Well, today, those thoughts and conversations become reality as today is the day we move Kristin to Auburn University to begin a new phase of her life, and a certain transition for our family. Today is also the day where God’s Word’s in this psalm becomes more real to me than ever. These years have flown by. I didn’t really believe it when people used to tell me that they would, but it’s true. I can still remember as if it was yesterday when we put her on the school bus for the first time as she started kindergarten. As the bus drove away, the tears flowed, not Kristin’s, but mine and Karen’s. When we leave her today, they’ll be no bus to bring her home when school’s out.

            “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” My Bible titles Psalm 121 My Help Comes from the LORD. It is a fitting title because it is God’s supernatural strength that we must all rely on as we live out His will. The specific purpose of this psalm was to give confidence to those traveling to Jerusalem in order to attend the feasts and worship in the temple. It expresses the LORD’s tireless care and sovereign protection throughout all of one’s life. As His child, you can be assured He’s always there.

Encountering God’s Word is encountering God. It’s where He reveals Himself to us and challenges us to walk according to His statutes. But it is also where He assures and encourages us with His promises. God knew I needed the comfort of Psalm 121 last August, and He knows that from today forward, I’ll need it even more. In just a few years, Logan will follow Kristin and take the next step in his life’s journey. I know many parents who are in similar situations as Karen and I, at the point of having to let go as never before. It’s a great moment in many ways for our children, but at the same time, a frightening one for us as parents. Be comforted by the promise of this psalm. We have a God we can trust. So, all of our preparations are complete; we’ve purchased the necessities for her dorm room and the cars are packed. At the end of the day today we’ll leave, and as we have, we’ll continue to pray for Kristin. We will pray that in our absence God will continue to watch over her. I know He will. He always has. After all, it’s in His arms where she’s most secure. “From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD…” Thank you God!

 Prayer

Father, I trust you and thank you for watching over Kristin. I know that as she sleeps, you won’t; when she moves about, you’ll be there; and if she falls, you’ll catch her. It’s our tendency sometimes to hold tighter to the one’s we love the most. Father, as our children grow and as they go, help us as parents to know it is in your arms that we give them. Help us to be comforted by that. Be with those we love and keep them safe. Thank you for your ever watchful eye. Amen!

Originally posted August 2012

Grace In An Unlikely Place

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“James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1)

            In order to appreciate God’s grace fully, we often need a lesson from the past. In James’ epistle, he encourages Jewish Christians to live out their faith in spite of difficult circumstances. He wrote to them saying, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). James never taught that people were saved by their works, but that true faith, faith that is “living” works itself out practically in a person’s life. There are many important lessons in the book of James, but I want us to see the lesson of the grace of God as displayed in the life of James. In the opening of his letter, James, the brother of Jesus describes himself as a servant. But James had a past. Having grown up alongside of Jesus, witnessing His childhood and His public ministry, James rejected Jesus as Messiah (John 7:5). It was only upon Jesus’ resurrection that James believed. So why would Jesus have any use for James after he had denied Him for all those years?       

            You and I have a past as well. The title of this devotion, Grace In An Unlikely Place is not meant to imply that God’s grace is in some way obscure in Scripture, but instead to show that it permeates all of Scripture, even where we may not readily see it. God’s grace is displayed not only in what the Holy Spirit inspired James to write in his epistle, but also, that after years of unbelief, he was allowed to write it. James becoming a leader in the church of Jerusalem and known as one of its “pillars” has wonderful implications for you and me. He is a testimony of God’s grace. No matter how long you have been in denial about Jesus Christ, when you believe, God can use you in a mighty way. God’s grace is free flowing and when it’s truly received, like it did with James, it will affect change in our lives. So, look for God’s grace in His Word; even in the places it may not seem obvious. Think about how God has shown His grace to you and respond to Him in a manner worthy of that grace.  

 Prayer

Father, what a gracious God you are. You displayed that grace prominently in how you used James although he didn’t believe Jesus to be Messiah until after the resurrection. But you revealed yourself to Him, changed him and used him for your glory. Thank you for that same grace you’ve shown me. Let it continue to change me that I may bring you glory as well. 

Turning The Other Cheek

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“To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29)

Why do we find it so easy to retaliate? What is it about human nature that makes us want to make sure the person who hurts us is hurt even more? Even if we don’t act on it, we still wish it and that’s every bit as bad in God’s eyes. Nobody denies the difficulty in turning the other cheek, but that is exactly what Jesus taught. You may be thinking, I know that somewhere in the Bible it says an eye for an eye. And you would be right, but the Old Testament intent for “an eye for an eye” was that of proportional justice, the idea that no matter the social class, the punishment would fit the crime. But sinful people, as they often do, take the intent of a passage, use it out of context, and misrepresent it. Such was the case in the circumstance of the Old Testament references to “an eye for an eye” approach. It is and never was meant to be a license for payback.

Jesus said, “To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29). No, Jesus wasn’t kidding! In fact, in the verses just prior, He said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27–28).

Today, as you go through your day and people strike you on the cheek, some lightly and some not so lightly, resist the temptation to retaliate. To love your enemies is a command. To turn the other cheek is a command. But most importantly is who it is that gave the command. He is the one who expressed love for His enemies and a willingness to be humiliated by turning the other cheek like no other. His name is Jesus.

 Prayer

Thank You, heavenly Father for Your Word. I confess my failure to take Your Word seriously on this issue. Forgive me and help me do what is unnatural in my own strength to do. Help me to please You and love those who strike out at me. After all, You loved me first. Amen.

Suffering: The Reality, Purpose and Promise

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“When God allows suffering and trials in our lives, sometimes it’s for us to unlearn something and simplify our beliefs until our relationship with Him is like that of a child.”  – Oswald Chambers – 

It’s not that we should desire to suffer or go through trials, but we do need to accept this truth of what Scripture teaches. As God’s people, we must be prepared to suffer, because suffering is certain.  

–          “Many are the afflictions of the righteous…”  (Psalm 34:19)  

–          “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)  

–          “and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s co-worker in the gospel of Christ, to   establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions.  For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3) 

–          “For to this (suffering) you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you…” (1 Peter 2:21)   

–          “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) 

However, equally certain to suffering, is not only God’s sustaining grace through it, but also His Divine purpose in it. One purpose according to Chambers is that we simplify our beliefs. We should never outgrow our dependence on God, and often, trials are to ensure that we don’t. One of the biggest mistakes we make as Christians when encountering an unbelieving world is to not be prepared to answer why a loving God would allow His people to suffer. Sometimes, the best answer comes when they see you, His child, display that grace in your deepest time of need. Trust that God’s grace is always sufficient, His purposes always right, and that He will be with you each step of the way. You can, because He keeps all His promises.    

–          “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

–          “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) 

–          “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

From Whom Are We Now Seeking Our Independence?

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“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34) 

                On Thursday, we celebrate the independence of our nation. As the early settlers charted the course of our nation, they had no shame concerning the things of God. The first line in the Mayflower Compact was, “In the name of God, Amen” and when the Pilgrims’ signed it in 1620, they acknowledged God’s sovereignty and sought to glorify Him. Our founding fathers believed the truths of the Bible and acknowledged their faith in God as they wrote the Constitution. Many prominent universities were founded on the Word of God. God is in our pledge and it is “in Him” we claim to trust on our currency. But given the current state of affairs in our country, can we say that He is in our hearts? As we reflect this July 4th, we might ask, from whom are we now seeking our independence?          

            “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. Proverbs 14:34 teaches that actions aligned with God’s standards exalt or “lift up” a nation while sin is a disgrace. The United States has been richly blessed. Throughout our history, we have taken up the cause for much that is right and good. But have we, in our pride, forgotten what David wrote in Psalm 8:4, “What is man that you are mindful of him”, that as great as God is, it’s amazing He would take notice of and care for us. Have we really come to believe that “man is the measure of all things”, that we determine what is right and true? Perhaps we have. Today, many deny His sovereignty. Many of those educational institutions that were founded on the Word of God are now major influencers in denying Him. Our Creator, whom we used to hold close, we now appear to be, in increasing measure, pushing away. It will make you wonder if there is any reason for hope for our nation.

            But there is hope! There is always hope because our hope lies, not in our government or our courts, but in a sovereign God. Nothing that happens ever happens outside of His control. We hope, knowing God will preserve His people through times such as these. We hope, knowing that God is building His church and nothing can stop Him.

            It’s easy to get discouraged, confused and quite frankly, angry by recent events and our nations progressive departure from God’s will. But it’s also important to remember the greater the darkness the greater the opportunity for the light of the gospel of Christ to shine. The opportunity and privilege we have as Christians is to display what the gospel has done in our own lives, to remember who we were before Christ saved us (an enemy of God), and to let what He has graciously done in our hearts motivate us in our witness. The gospel is not only for those whose sins are different from ours, but for all of our sins. Pray that in a time of increasing darkness the gospel would go forth and trust that it would bring a harvest. Pray that our nation would realign with the will of God and instead of seeking our independence from Him, we would reaffirm our dependence on Him. “If my people who are called by name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

 Prayer

Father, as a nation we have strayed. We have strayed in so many ways on so many issues. Forgive us. Help us to pursue righteousness and let Your glory be our desire. Thank You God for forgiving me for my sin. Thank You for Jesus Christ whose perfect atonement cleanses all sin. Let our nation exalt Him above all. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Let us be a people who seek to please You alone. Amen!

Being Whole

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“Wholeness begins by deliberately and daily receiving the lavish, unreasonable, unfailing love of God all the way into our marrow.  When life is too foggy to see the evidences of His love around us, behold it in His Word.  Know it until you feel it.”      — Beth Moore —

            Webster’s dictionary defines whole as being complete; not broken or divided. Too often we look only to what we can see and feel to make us whole. Sometimes we believe other people or things can make us whole. No matter how much we may love them, they can’t. The truth is that wholeness is found only in God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The joys we find in everything else are merely His gifts. They will never complete us. In fact, they will often let us down. God never will. No one loves you like He does. When you can’t see the evidence of God’s love behold it in His Word because His Word is filled it. Seek Him and you’ll find it.

Grace In Spite Of Me

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“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) 

            There are numerous places in Scripture that speak of the value and responsibility of parents to instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. One of those places is in the book of Ephesians. Unity within the family is an important theme Paul addresses in his teachings. As he begins chapter 6 of Ephesians, he reminds children of their responsibility to obey and honor their parents, and of the resultant blessing that follows their submission (Ephesians 6:1-3). In verse 4 he instructs the fathers saying, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  Fathers are not to frustrate and dominate their children, provoking them to anger, but to instead instill in them both the discipline and instruction of the Lord in hopes that these teachings will serve as a foundation for their lives as they grow. It is crucial that parents play a primary role in the discipleship of their children.   

            On their CD, Hymns for the Christian Life, Keith and Kristyn Getty have included a song entitled, A Mother’s Prayer. Though titled a mother’s prayer, the Getty’s describe the song as a prayer for any parent as they watch their children grow and learn faith for themselves. I first heard this song when they led worship at our church in the fall of last year. I was immediately struck by the songs third verse, “You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach as the road will rise to lead your feet on a journey of your own. May my mistakes not hinder you, but His grace remain and guide you through; this is my prayer for you.” This particular verse stood out to me so personally because my children are either now, or soon will be at the place in their lives where they will be left to live out their faith on their own.  

            I sometimes wonder as a parent what I may have done to hinder my children in living out their faith. As they’ve aged I’ve wondered it even more. I suppose most Christian parents at some point have wondered the same. It’s unmistakable that as parents we will make mistakes in raising our children, but equally unmistakable is that God’s grace not only covers, but also compensates for those mistakes. We should constantly pray to that end. What an encouraging thought reflected in this song as to the magnitude of God’s grace. It simply never ends. So, by His grace and through His power, let us strive each day to be the kind of parents that our heavenly Father has so perfectly modeled for each of us.     

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your forgiveness. Thank you for constant grace because as parents, we need it. Though perfection in this life is impossible, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to model for our children a life of faith. Minimize our hindrance to their spiritual growth and give them grace in spite of it. Thank You most of all for Your Son and for the forgiveness we have in Him. Help us to honor Him in all we do. Amen.