April 10 - In the Silence

Matthew 27:11-26

“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge - to the great amazement of the governor” (v. 14).  Why didn’t Jesus say anything?  Why didn’t he protest?  Because the outcome was already decided, and he knew it.  Fighting the charges would have been counterproductive.  He knew what must be done and his silence spoke volumes.

Jesus’ lack of objection frustrated Pilate, especially when his wife told him “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man” (v. 19).  Pilate couldn’t understand why Jesus wouldn’t speak up and defend himself.  As the uproar began and the crowd shouted louder and louder “Crucify Him!” Pilate realized things were out of his control and he washed his hands saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood” (v. 24).

Up until this point, Pilate thought he was the one in control, but Jesus knew the truth – God was in control the whole time.  The outcome wasn’t determined by Pilate or the chief priests and elders or even the condemning crowd.  They had a part to play, but God was always in charge.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that today’s reading talks about washing hands.  It’s something we hear every day.  We’re told we MUST wash our hands in order to stop the spread of the virus.  Though Pilate didn’t realize it at the time, washing his hands is what saved us.  It was an integral part of God’s story.  If Pilate would have released Jesus, sin would have reigned.

So, let us remember that God is in control.  We may not realize or understand it now, but we all have a part to play.  Listen for your cue.

A Million Pieces

Romans 8:22-27

Waiting is never easy.  It’s tough when you’re five and it’s just as difficult at 45, even when you know something’s “worth the wait.”

Today’s passage talks about waiting eagerly and patiently.  Ah, what a virtue it is to wait eagerly and patiently.  But what if we’re annoyed and irritable?  That feels more like it.

Well, that’s where the Spirit comes in.  “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (v. 26-27).  He really does know best, yet it can be hard to hand over control especially when we want something NOW!

When we try to steal control from the Spirit, we end up feeling like we’re broken in a million little pieces.  The Spirit brings wholeness.

It’s like a spoon and egg race – when we run too quickly, the egg falls and breaks, but when we’re patient and let the spoon do the work (as slow as it may seem), the egg will arrive at its destination intact – and I’d really like to finish this (human) race in one piece.

But guess what?  Even if we fall and break into a million pieces, God is right there to put us back together.  He picks up the pieces, and like only He can, makes us whole again.  Don’t you love worshiping a God who does that?!

Embracing a New Way - God's Way

Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity. (Psalm 51:8-9 NIV)

When I read through this Psalm, I am reminded of how little control I maintain over my life and my future. I may think my life is all together, that I am always in control, but truth be said out loud, I am so out of control it isn't funny.

There is a picture in my mind's eye of what I want tomorrow to look like. In an instant I am confronted with reality. The reality is, I don't know best, but God does. He sees the big picture and only He understands my true needs. 

As I prayed this morning, and scribbled in my journal those scripture verses that touched me, I came to realize I am not praying for God's will. I am assuming my will is best and I am focusing on those dreams and ambitions I dumped on my prayer-table over the years.

I made a decision a few weeks ago and I now recognize it as, 'me' controlling my future. And controlling this future in the way I want to see played out. I have been praying, but not listening with open ears. My heart and mind already focused on my dream, not God's response. I need to practice listening - opening myself to what God planned for me. I understand from experience how His way is best. These aren't just nice words, they are truth. Truth, something I need to invite more of in my life.

Is there something you are praying about and trying to control at the same time? Why don't we give up this behavior together? We can discover what it is like to hear God and to follow His plan and not ours. I want to find out. Are you with me?

Who's shouldering your troubles?

Saturday, Daily Bible Blast will post the 3,000th devotion.

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—

    he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. (Psalm 55:22a MSG)

Troubles, we all have them. Some of us seem to have more than others, but it is often just a cycle. When we are young, we need to learn that we can't control everything. Not everyone nor every situation can be cleared up easily. Our efforts at control, of circumstances and/or individuals, generally ends up in failure.

As part of the recovery world for several of year, learning that I can't control anyone but myself was the beginning of my life-change. For years I tried to control people around me; attempted to anticipate situations and take appropriate actions. That behavior labeled me as sick as the people I was trying to change.

Embracing this new concept by turning my worries, pain and fear over to the only one who was really in control, provided a peace I never before experienced. The weight of these issues was lifted from my shoulders and I could breathe. Control is a master at giving us a false sense of security. Control is a negative reaction and not a healthy response.

Now, I love the fact that any thing that worries me, or even breaks my heart, no longer has control over me. I can turn over everything to God. I can "Pile all my troubles on God's shoulders - and He'll carry the load, He'll help me out."  Now that's the way to live.

Psalm 55:22-23

My Weakness for His Glory - All the Time

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

This statement sounds silly to the non-believer and to many of us who follow Jesus. It feels like I am asking for trouble or "borrowing trouble," as my grandmother used to say. Truth time here. I don't suffer well. I don't do pain and I avoid arguments at all costs. It used to be that I would do everything in my power to appear in control at all times. To be honest, I was mostly out of control.

The pain of being raised in an alcoholic home brought with it, embarrassment and shame. I felt like I was responsible for the actions of my parents. I have since learned that I am only responsible for my own actions, and I can only change myself, no one else.

I do know my weaknesses, and they are many. That is one good reason I begin every day reading my Bible and studying those scriptures which speak to my heart. I use a journal to record much of this precious time.  

My weakness becomes my strength because it drives me to the foot of the cross. My troubles chain me to that cross and reveal how much I need a Savior. I draw strength from God's Word and I know I don't have to be in control. I have given up control; I have submitted to the Will of God and I rely on Him to handle those things I cannot.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

What Does Your Desk Look Like?

2 Chronicles 20:17

You can tell a lot about a person by their desk or work space or living area. For instance, my desk is almost always uncluttered and neat. Everything is in its place. You won’t find papers scattered all over my desk or a half-eaten sandwich stuffed in a drawer. Do you know why? Because it’s an attempt to control a small part of my world.

The story in 2 Chronicles 20 that surrounds verse 17 is about the struggle between trust and control. Early in the chapter, King Jehoshaphat learns that there is a “vast army from Edom” that is marching against them. His immediate reaction is to be terrified, but this leads him to “beg the Lord for guidance”.

The men of Judah begin praying. They plead for the Lord to rescue them based on the history of God’s work with Israel and on who God is – His promises, faithfulness, love and power. While praying, Jahaziel receives a word from the Lord. That word is “do not be afraid... for the Lord is with you”. Just trust Him.

It sounds easy, but it isn’t. Keep in mind, while the men of Judah are praying instead of preparing for battle, the mighty army from Edom is steadily marching towards them. Talk about trust and giving up control.

What the Lord said through Jahaziel was counter-intuitive. There were no instructions to prepare for battle; no strategizing; no sharpening of swords. In fact, the only action to be taken was, “take your position; then stand still and watch. Watch the Lord’s victory”. Impossible for us as humans who need control.

We don’t like to trust others because it involves risk. And risk can result in failure, losing valuable resources, rejection or just plain looking bad. We prefer to keep control ourselves in an attempt to avoid the painful consequences of risk, and to gain power over our circumstances and people.

Our lives are like my desk. I try to control my life as much as I can so that everything has its place; everything is orderly. That way I know what to expect. Risk is minimized. But what about trusting the Lord? Where does that fit in with my orderly life? I frequently need to remind myself of Jahaziel’s word: “the Lord is with you” Joe.

What does your desk look like? Is it neat and orderly because you have control, or does God have control?

¹⁷ But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”     NLT

Ezekiel 34:20-31

The Voice of the Lord

Why do so many of us feel the need to be in control?  I have observed men, women and even children with an intense desire for control over others. These are not generally happy, content people.

The anxiety that accompanies constant attempts to govern others seems to limit ones ability to develop close relationships. If we are truly Christ followers, and believe in the Word, we must also live a life that reflects our trust and dependence upon our God.

Having a supervisory role in the workplace is an opportunity to display God's will for us as sheep. We can be relational with other employees and manage them without being controlling. As the head of a household, we can be pleasing to the Lord as we model for and direct our family in the way of the Lord without controlling them. When we do so, there will be peace within us and around us.

"You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 34:31

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11

We have been offered many gifts from God in this world. One of them is peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

We do not have to manage the world. Scripture tells us that the Lord is our master, He is in control.

Certainly we are to manage our own behaviors and keep a check on our attitudes, but the beauty that lingers within when we let go and let God, is a peace so many will never experience because of this longing for control.

Disagreement is inevitable, but conflict, fighting, and war result when we look to ourselves to be in charge rather than our Almighty and Sovereign Lord.

Dear God, we praise you and give you thanks for the many wonders you have blessed us with. For the goodness and grace you shower us with daily, and for the peace you have instilled in the hearts of many. Father, we pray for those who feel the need to be in control. Please open their eyes and soften their hearts to the example of Jesus and the life he lived here on earth. Help them to hear your voice, put their trust in you alone, and discover the strength and beauty of your peace. In the name of your precious son Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Please Read/Listen to Ezekiel 34:20-31

God-in-a-Box

Acts 11:1-18

 

 

No doubt you have seen a “jack in the box” toy before. You may have even played with one as a child; which means that you experienced the excitement of anxiously anticipating the clown to unexpectedly pop out of the box as “Pop Goes the Weasel” reached its climax.

 

Have you ever tried to control God? It sounds ridiculous to ask the question, but if we are honest with ourselves, we do it every day. It’s called sin. We rationalize, manipulate and do everything but back flips, to control our world.

 

The church in the first century tried to control God by saying that only Jews could follow Jesus, not Gentiles; not the uncircumcised. They wanted a god-in-a-box; a god that they could control; that wouldn’t surprise them.

 

After visiting Cornelius in Caesarea, Peter returns to Jerusalem where he comes under fire for associating with the uncircumcised. He explains to the Jews how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles in the same way that He had with them.

 

^17 “Since God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I stop the work of God?” ¹⁸ When the believers heard this, they stopped arguing. They praised God and said, “So God is allowing even other nations to turn to him and live.” NCV

 

Confronting this concept of a god-in-a-box, was a constant battle for Jesus during his earthly ministry. His ministry focused on people who were scorned by the culture, and as a result, were social, religious and emotional outsiders.

 

Think of the hemorrhaging woman, the lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, the demoniac; all of them fit into this category. The religious establishment didn’t have room for them. Their god-in-a-box wouldn’t allow it.

 

God-in-a-box: it doesn’t seem like it would sell very well, but in reality, we all buy into it. We want to control our life and if we can control God, then we are well on our way to accomplishing our goal.

 

But God will not be controlled. His Holy Spirit will move whomever and whenever He desires.



Our decision is whether we want to be a part of His work… or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2011%3A1-18&version=NIV;NCV

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Acts.11.1-Acts.11.18

 

 

 

Letting Go

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

 

There is a TV commercial about a daughter heading off to college that makes me cry every time I watch it. Maybe because it reminds me of our only child, a daughter, who we sent off to college. As parents, we spend all of our time preparing our children to leave. Then when it happens they’re ready, but we’re not. It’s hard to let them go.

 

The children of Israel took forty years in the wilderness to prepare for freedom. Their Father provided for them with manna and quail. He taught them life lessons. He disciplined them. He loved them. And when the time came, Moses gave them His final instructions.

 

These verses in Deuteronomy are at the heart of those instructions. Before and after them, Moses has reminded them about their history and God’s faithfulness. He has reminded them of the promises of God, and His faithfulness in keeping them. He has reminded them about God’s laws, commands and decrees, and God’s faithfulness.

 

Here is a link for the commercial. http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/120-college Take 30 seconds to watch it.

 

Moses is like the Father in the commercial who has done everything he can to prepare his daughter for college so all he can think to do is remind her to buckle her seat belt, drive carefully and call when she gets there. Then he says what is most important as he lets her go, “I love you”.

 

Isn’t that how our Heavenly Father treats us? He prepares us, disciplines us, teaches us and loves us. He is constantly drawing us to Him. He is always with us and faithful to His Word and promises - regardless of whether we are or not. Then he says, “I love you”, and gives us the freedom to follow Him or not. 

 

When I went to college my Dad told me that he expected one letter a week from me. Today, kids would look at you like you have three eyes if you said that. But back then, I did what he asked. For my Dad, it all boiled down to one letter a week. For our Heavenly Father it boils down to, “Love me with all your heart and soul and strength”. If nothing else, do this. Then He lets us go.

 

(This devotional is devoted to my daughter Tara, my Grandchildren, my Dad and my Heavenly Father who has loved me, drawn me to Him and always been there for me, even when I haven’t noticed.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206%3A1-9&version=NIV;GNT
https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Deut.6.1-Deut.6.9

Cry, Wait & Hope

Psalm 130 & 131

　
　

"Wait, Israel (or Joe), for God. Wait with hope."

We live in a very impatient society. I want what I want when I want it. Right now! I get impatient when my computer takes too long to respond. I get frustrated when the car in front of me at the McDonalds drive through is slow. I get angry when someone cuts in front of me on the highway.

What does Psalm 130 tell us about patience?

"Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

Lord, hear my voice."

This is not your typical sanitized prayer that you might hear on a Sunday morning or at a polite Bible study. This comes from the depths of pain and despair straight to the heart of God. Think of Jesus sweating drops of blood in Gethsemane. The Message says it like this:

"Help God - the bottom has fallen out of my life"!

How well do you handle waiting? I can wait for someone on the outside and yet be very impatient on the inside.

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

and in His Word I put my hope."

This verse puts your heart, soul and body into waiting for the Lord. As sinful people, we crave control of our lives. But where does that leave the Lord?

"Put your hope in the Lord,

for with the Lord is unfailing love

and with him is full redemption."

What things do you hope for? A sunny, warm day? A big sale to come through at work? Your kids to get all A’s? How much more will the Lord’s unfailing love and full redemption change your life?

Crying, waiting and hoping are all based on how we relate to the Living, Personal God of the Bible. Together, let us cry to the Lord, wait for the Lord and hope in the Lord and see what He does in our lives.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20130-131&version=NIV;MSG
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Ps.130-Ps.131

Ephesians 5:22-33

I began to read the text for today and immediately my thoughts went negative on me.  "Not again, why do I have to read the submission text again?  Why do I have to write about submission yet one more time?"  Do you know what I mean here?  I am such a control enthusiast (I am avoiding the word freak), that even the term, s-u-b-m-i-s-s-i-o-n causes me to take a deep breath.

I know what you are going to say, "But it's not about allowing someone to take advantage, it's about letting God be in control and honoring our spouses and those in authority."  Yes, I understand and your comments are true.  It is just that the word submission touches a nerve.  I know there is a reason for that.  Do you have the same issue?  I suspect I am not the only one who does.

What it boils down to is submitting to God; living as if God knows everything and has only my best interests in mind.  Cause He does.  I need to learn to bend my knees more often, submit to Him in prayer.  Submitting is another form of humility.  Now we are getting down to the nitty-gritty.  Humility isn't always my strong suit.  God is doing a job here and I am going to do my best to learn quickly with as little pain as possible.

Read all the Ephesians 5:22-33 text here.