Let's Get Real

What's worse....associating with immoral and ungodly people of this world or folks that claim to be Christian, but are not? To the apostle Paul, this was a no-brainer. Take a look at I Corinthians 5:9-11:

I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people- not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Isn't it much easier to love a person who is genuinely lost and living in and of this world?....as opposed to one who claims to be redeemed, but is thoroughly hypocritical. Ouch, maybe there is something to be said for authenticity. I am just so impressed with the clarity of the Apostle Paul in this matter. So, you know I have to ask....where do you place yourself on the authentic / hypocritical continuum? Let's get real.

Front Row or Balcony?

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13:20

"Life is a theater, invite your audience carefully." (Thank you Mike Lecates for the inspiration and quote.)

There are people who should not be sitting on the front row of our lives; they belong in the balcony. When we observe the relationships around us we realize that some people completely drain us. Some greatly encourage us while others completely discourage us. Some are growing in their relationship with God while others are moving away from God. Some lift us up while others take us down. We cannot change the people around us, but we can change the people we are around. Lord, grant us the guidance and discernment to choose wisely those whom we allow to sit in the front row of our lives.

Your Enemies....cont.

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'" Romans 12:19-20

Uh oh, I think we might have a problem. From yesterday, I was good with just letting the Lord have at our enemies. However, I believe that Paul might be going a bit too far with this instruction. Surely, he doesn't know our situation.....he just doesn't realize the enemy that I am dealing with in my life. Yet, this is God's Word; meaning- we don't have the luxury of picking and choosing only select passages that we are comfortable with. Disclaimer: I am not suggesting that we try to move toward harmful situations nor "poisonous" people. What I am saying is that we have to take this passage seriously and seek to apply it to our "enemy" situations. Of course, it is real easy to sit down and type some words about extending goodness to our enemies....it is quite another thing to actually live it out. Let's take one or two steps in this direction this week. You game?

By the way, check back tomorrow.....I heard something very profound today that I will share tomorrow.

Our Enemies....

In Romans 12:17-19 Paul reminds us: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath....."

We all have "enemies." Some are just quasi-enemies....you just have a hunch that they really don't like you, so you return the favor and you just choose to not like them. Others are really all- out enemies. They did something spiteful and are simply mean-spirited toward you. What in the world are we supposed to do with these folks? Want to waste a tremendous amount of energy and have the life sucked out of you? Then, fight back, take revenge, repay evil for evil, don't give one inch in making sure they know that you can't stand them. However, there is another way....leave room for God's wrath. Want to free up a huge load on you emotionally?....try the biblical remedy for enemies....let the Lord have at 'em.

Loved? Really?

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God...." I Peter 2:9

"...I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

Would you agree that there is no one who knows you better than yourself? You are the one who lives with you 24/7; you know when you get up and when you lie down....you know your own thoughts when no one around you has any idea of what you are thinking....you know exactly what makes you laugh and what makes you cry. Then how is it that we have such a skewed perspective of ourselves? We hear really thin people talk about how fat they are....physically beautiful people who question their own looks....etc. We all have our own favorite self-loathing beliefs. In reality, there is one who knows us better than ourselves-- our creator and redeemer. He says we are chosen, of royalty, holy, and loved with an everlasting love. That's amazing! The question is- How close is my self-perspective in alignment with what God believes about me? How about you?

Eternal Perspective

"The older I get, I do not fear failure as much as I fear that I will be successful at things that really do not matter." -Dr. Brian Simmons

I was off campus today attending an ACSI Economic Summit in Lancaster, PA. During the final plenary session the president of ACSI, Dr. Simmons, spoke a truly refreshing word. He asked the question, "What will matter in 1,000 years?" He was driving the point that it is essential for Christians (and Christian Schools) to maintain an eternal perspective. He also asked and answered the question, "What are the only two things we have now that we will have in eternity?" ....do you know?....(1)the souls of humans and (2) God's truth. That's it. I'm thinking that we spend way too much energy and time on pursuits that do not impact these eternal things. One of his concluding statements that is worth refecting upon was: "The older I get, I do not fear failure as much as I fear that I will be successful at things that really do not matter." I'm thinking that he just might have a great point.

For which it is sent....

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11

What an amazing reality. Sometimes I read God's word so quickly because I think I know what it is saying.....and I have to stop myself and with deliberate intention read it again very slowly as if reading it for the first time. The scripture passage above is one such passage. We have all heard that "God's word does not return void." It is a familiar Christian mantra. But, let's read it slowly as if it is the first time we have ever encountered this passage. ......Go ahead....yes, I am talking to you......really, go back and read it again and seek to capture the fulness of the meaning. ......Isn't that awesome! God's word will always accomplish what it intends. What other book on the face of this earth is capable of that magnitutude of influence and impact? Lord, help me to hear your word.....let it penetrate the soil of my life and accomplish what you desire!

His Ways....My Ways....

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8-9

As a parent I think my thoughts are higher than my children's thoughts. I have such a strong desire for them to fulfill God's purpose and plan for their lives. I am at a place in my life where I have experienced so much more than they have. I know things about life that they really do not know. I so want them to do what is right and so I tell them stories and speak to them about making wise choices. When I see them not fully reaching their potential, I press them because I know that they are capable of so much more. If you are a parent, are you connecting with what I am saying? .....wait a minute....maybe this is what God, our spiritual Father, is speaking to us. Check out the verses above one more time....Maybe I really can trust His ways...His thoughts...His plans...His desires.

Knitted.....

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

Knitting is a skill that I have never acquired....and probably won't. However, I am always amazed at the patterns and the intricate nature of a creation. Anyhow, I am wondering if you have ever questioned your value? When thinking about this question, one of the most important things to keep in mind is, "from whose perspective?" To the queen of England, my life is of no value....she does not know me, I do not know her....I am basically nothing if I were to stand in her presence. To other people, I am sure that my life is of differing values. For those who do not like me...little value....to those who are good friends....I trust my value is a bit greater. To my family, I think my life is of great value. I am sure you get the point. Think about my value or your value to God. How much does an awesome, sovereign, most holy, all powerful, all perfect God value me....or value you? Well, the psalmist reminds us that God is the one who knit us together....God is the one who declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I think I need to remember whose perspective ultimately matters. How about you?

Set him free....

"In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free." -Psalm 118:5

We all have our standard greetings when we come in contact with another person. For me it's, "How's life treating you?" I should change this...It always sounds kind of odd as it is coming out of my mouth. Anyhow, I said this yesterday to a person and he responded by telling me the truth. This is rare....and yet, very refreshing. He was not complaining or whining or anything like that....he simply said that life was very rough right now for him. I really appreciated his honesty. It was evident that he needs to be set free. He is dealing with major issues in his life. Will you join me in prayer for him?...."Lord, set him free"....As often as this short prayer comes to mind throughout the day, please whisper it to the Lord. Oh, and if you are that man....the Lord will hear our collective prayers....so get ready to embrace your new found freedom! I think I might try this short prayer in my life also....how about you?

Deceived?

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." -James 1:22

Striving to be authentic requires daily attention to the stripping away of self-deception. I love how James defines this task....just "do what it says" (ie. God's Word). The self deception that he is referring to is, in essence, thinking we can somehow have a relationship with God without actually sowing the application of God's word into our experience. It's not possible. Oh, we can have a form of godliness and do "religious" things....but what's the point? If you think this task is too difficult or overwhelming, well, it is. Here's an idea: open the Bible, find a principle, a proverb, or a promise and make a decision today to align your life in accordance with that one thing. Amazingly, this will prove much more benefical than it sounds....really. And just like the directions on the shampoo bottle: "Repeat" (daily).

Clothed and Confident?

Just in case you didn't check out Ephesians 6:12-18 yesterday....allow me to paraphrase (loosely, yet with tremendous respect for God's Word).

You can't see the enemy, yet the battle rages in spirit on the fields of the mind and heart. You will be defeated if you are not properly attired. Here's your spiritual "clothes"....rather, your armor: (1) stand strong, (2) fix your mind upon truth, (3) protect your heart by doing what's right, (4) ready yourself to share the good news, (5) put your faith out front (this is a tremendous defense), (6) be sure of your salvation, (7) stand on God's word, (8) pray in all the different ways you know how, and (9) stay alert.

I know this sounds kind of preachy, but a huge part of having an authentic relationship with God is understanding that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). If we are clothed and confident, we stand a much better chance of having an authentic and vibrant relationship with God. Consider the options?

Naked? (cont. from yesterday)

"Therefore put on the full armor of God...." -Ephesians 6:13

Have you ever felt spiritually exposed....vulnerable....or susceptible to the wiles of the enemy? We all have. Can you imagine waking up in the morning, showering, eating breakfast, finding your keys, driving to work, walking into your place of employment....and just as you are entering you suddenly realize that you forgot to put your clothes on? What stark reality! Well, as the redeemed, we are that blatantly exposed, with even graver consequences (believe it or not), when we are without the "full armor of God." The only difference....9 times out of 10, when we are spiritually exposed to the enemy, it has been a slow and gradual process of yielding to the enemy. In other words, most of us (myself included) do not get the shock factor....we simply find ourselves spiritually stuck, stripped, emotionally barren and dry. We can walk around for days, months, or even seasons fully exposed. Bottom-line, you may want to check out Ephesians 6:13-18....get your armor on!

The Struggle

Paul says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:12

I wonder why there seems to be two extremes in us Christian folks....those that really don't believe, especially practically that there is an enemy seeking to devour, destroy and divide the redeemed....and those that are ultra-sensitive to the "holy ghost" and see the devil behind every proverbial bush. Neither extreme seems helpful nor healthy. If we are striving to be authentic and real, we have to grasp the truth and reality of the enemy and then move forward in using the power and guidance that the scriptures implore. In other words, we have to read on through the next set of verses for guidance: Ephesians 6:13-20. We can't stop at verse 12 and get freaked out by the reality of the enemy....we've got to put on the full armor of God.....(to be continued)

Simple Instructions

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." I Corinthians 16:13-14

What simple instructions! No additional words necessary.

The Funeral Passage

Jesus says in John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me."

Many years ago, I served as pastor in a three-point charge in Rock Hall, Maryland. There were so many wonderful people in Rock Hall.... Anyhow, in the three years that I served in this community I performed exactly 100 funerals. That's a lot. And so, the passage above became a standard verse to read at some point in every funeral service. But, that passage is really for the living. Sometimes I think we can't survive without some type of "troubled" anxiety. It is so natural for us. There is pain, there is suffering, and there are real things that warrant our hearts being troubled.....from a human perspective. The first sentence in the verse above makes no sense without the second. However, the question remains, are the things that trouble my heart too big for God?

More Acceptable

Proberbs 21:3 says "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

Does this mean that sometimes simply doing something that is right and just is even better than doing some "religious" thing? I get the sense that this proverb captures the essence of the fine distinction between focusing on "religion" versus "relationship." Jesus sure did have this thing figured out. Remember the "religious" people of his day that had issues with some of the amazingly right things that he did while apparently violating the "religious" law? Wonder how my life is aligned with this concept?

Ugly

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." -Proverbs 11:2

How about a little free association?....What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "ugly?" For me, it is the concept of pride....which can probably be considered the universal curse of mankind. It's one of those things that is so easy to spot in the "other" person. Today may be a good day to check our "pride-o-meters" within (I think I just made up a new word!...that sounds rather prideful though, huh?).
Let's turn it around. Have you ever experienced a person with true, authentic humility. I am so blessed to be able to say that I have seen this modeled in my life through my own father. It is one of the most beautiful things on the face of this earth. Today, let's choose beauty, humility and wisdom....over ugly, pride and disgrace. Lord, help us to see clearly within.

Hiding?

"Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" -Jeremiah 23:23-24

The LORD sort of lays it on the line....in essence, don't even think you can hide from me. I am the God who knows all. This sounds intimidating; yet, I can't even count the number of folks that have wept in my office confessing sin and wrongdoing. In nearly all of these situations, they have left my office relieved and lightened. This has nothing to do with any words of wisdom that I might have mustered up nor the expertise of the listening ear....in reality it has everything to do with the unbelievable acknowledgement that "the" secret is exposed. It is no longer hidden! Funny thing-- it was never really hidden in the first place....

Motives Revealed

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (I Cor. 4:5)

Read that one more time and tell me that isn't confusing. The Lord is going to expose the motives of men's hearts....and then each will receive praise from God. On second thought, one who has a clear conscience is able to speak this.

Clear conscience....

The apostle Paul says,

"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself....my conscience is clear." (I Cor. 4:3-4a)

Can you imagine what it would be like to truly hold this perspective? Our actions, our speech, even the inflection of our voice change depending upon our perception of the depth of judgment that others hold about us. Of course we carry various roles...my "fatherly" role is different than my "huband" role....is different than my "leader" role...is different than my "friend" role. This is not the issue. Is there a true authentic self that is the essence of each of these various roles?

Authentic

Why is it so difficult to simply be authentic. We all have persons in our lives who are just plain real. When we are around these people, there is an innate sense of trust. When others in our presence are vulnerable, we are drawn to them. So, if we know this, why don't we want others to see the real us?