Stewards of Joy

Nehemiah 8:5-12

Thank you, pastors and teachers who serve as today’s Levites.  Thank you for “reading from the Book, making it clear and giving the meaning so that people understand.”  Thank you for listening to God’s call on your life.

Thank you for attending Seminary or participating in other means of study and for taking your education seriously.  It’s because of your dedication that we can “celebrate with great joy, because we now understand the words that have been made known to us.”

Thank you for putting things into perspective and making lessons applicable to our lives.  The Bible is an eternal document that will live on because of stewards like you.  His Word survives because you continue to explain the meaning behind the stories.

During Advent, a special story will be retold which many of us have heard a hundred times, but you will bring it to life for those to whom it is brand new - the story of a baby who has and will continue to change the world.  May we all experience the joy of the Lord this Christmas.

Psalms 29

The Voice of the Lord

As we sat around the fire pit observing a gorgeous fiery orange sunlit sky, the sphere

that lit up our world was slowly retiring for the night. Above, the evening sky was fading into darkness and sparkling stars began to appear. I thought, “You ARE an amazing God.”

The fire was lit for everyone to enjoy, and as the cool of nightfall emerged it felt nice. The group was conversing quietly as the flames danced in silence as if happy to be warming and comforting us.

From out of the blackness that surrounded us, someone approached and dropped a few large pieces of wood, some kindling followed by a few squirts of fuel onto the gently burning fire. The blaze grew, eventually erupting into something fierce and loud. The flames were no longer dancing but pounding and reaching every which way. Everyone backed away in awe and fear. I listened as the voices of the small crowd grew louder and more forceful. I watched as their expressions became intense, almost vulgar.

This observer could no longer participate in the event. My mind took me back to the Bible, and the frequent reference it makes to God being mighty and powerful. This voice of the Lord that was gentle and peaceful, warming His children became a fiery threat due to disrespect.

Psalms 29; 7-8 “The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightening.  The voice of the Lord shakes the desert.”

Psalms 29: 11 “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

As the fire was being treated respectfully, given the proper amount of wood and not violated in any way, it gently warmed the people surrounding it. They felt security and contentment to be in its presence. As too much fuel was added to the fire along with another change agent, it was nearly out of control and became dangerous. The people changed from comfortable to fearful.

The Lord is our strength and our salvation. He cares for us as we respect and follow his word.

As we stray and become lax in our commitment to Him, it’s like adding fuel to a fire that is already perfect.

Psalms 29: 1-2 “Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones,

Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”

Read/Listen to Psalms 29

Living strong in the Spirit

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 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 12:9-10

Anyone who pulls out a club and tees up the ball soon learns the agonizing truth that golf is “the game of opposites.”  When the clubhead passes through on a leftward trajectory, the ball “slices” to the right; when the pendulum swings right, the ball “hooks” left.  If we want the shot to go higher, we don’t “scoop” underneath the ball, rather we swing down on it.  But most of all, to hit the ball farther we must loosen our grip and (repeat after me) slow down!  It is the relaxed, easy swing that powers the longer, stronger golf shot.  It’s all so counterintuitive!  So frustrating!  Yet so true.

And so similar to living strong in the Spirit!  For the less we cling to our own will and the less we travel our own path, the more powerfully the Spirit of God flows in us and through us.  Jesus has coached us in this “opposites” principle clearly enough: “My power is made perfect in weakness.”  And ever his student, the Apostle Paul attested, “... when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The concept is hardly new, but a consistent truth throughout the Biblical narrative.  It wasn’t the 40 year-old, “kill-a-man-with-my-bare-hands” Moses who led Israel out of Egypt, but an older, weaker Moses, now “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.”  And what “mighty warrior” did God commission to save Israel from the Midianites but Gideon, the runt of the litter in the weakest clan of Manasseh!  (Who?  Me?)

On its face, strength in weakness seems so unnatural.  And perhaps that’s the key!  For God’s power is always aligned with his purposes, while our sinful nature always hacks away at our own. 

Yet we are his people, and he is our God.  His purposes have become our purposes, and our struggles he has taken upon himself.  So we do well to put on Christ and rely on his strength working in and through us.  For “The spirit is willing,” said Jesus, “but the flesh is weak.”

To what impossible task has God called you?  Can you trust him to be your strength for it?

Mark 12:28-34

…..and with all your STRENGTH.

This is a spiritual strength that can only come from our Lord. It is in times of trial we must rely on Him for the strength we require to love Him, as well as others.

We all experience seasons in our lives when we feel strong. Generally this strength has nothing to do with our physical being, but instead where we are emotionally; the overall status of our own world.

For some it may be (but not always) more connected with relationships, home, children, and possibly work. For others however, it may be (but not always) have a more job status, financial stability, and property or accomplishment focus. Regardless, we each experience life from our own paradigm and view the world from a unique perspective based on our individual past experiences, and genetics.

For some, it may come easier than others to “be strong,” due to their circumstances. Consider however, those you know who seem to be able to handle just about anything with an air of confidence and grace. Often those are the ones who have one thing after another come at them. We may even pray on their behalf, for a reprieve from all of their trials.

It is likely those who accept their circumstances with what appears to be ease, is in reality the strength of the Lord. We are weak, but He is Strong.

When we look to our God in times of triumph as well as trial, and stay the course, always seeking his wisdom and grace, we will remain strong in Him, and be able to love Him with all of our strength. It is when we fall away that we become weak and are not able to handle what comes our way and reach out to our God to strengthen us.

Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”  AMEN!

Strength in Weakness

Samuel 23:15-29

David was an unlikely candidate for kingship in the eyes of many. He was young, naive, sincere, and inexperienced. All the things a strong and controlling man like Saul despises, yet just what the Lord desires.

David fled to avoid conflict and follow God’s will. Saul hunted him like prey. Does that sound familiar? 

Often as we attempt to do as our Lord commands, we feel scrutiny, attack, and disapproval from others in our life. At times we may even be attacked by our loved ones. Is this opposition truly coming from the hearts of our attackers, or is it perhaps instigated by satan and they have no defense against him? Does their lack of connection with Christ perhaps facilitate their need to lash out? These times require us to be strong in the Lord regardless of what others think or how weak we are perceived to be.

The bible says there is strength in weakness, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Those who demonstrate a quiet, reserved nature are often perceived as weak, yet in reality they may possess a quiet strength and confidence that comes from deep within and they feel no need to put their solid personality on display. Their power needs no audience or attention. The Lord’s grace is enough.

So who would you rather stand with, the one with a robust personality who roars like a lion gaining personal attention and perhaps soliciting fear, or one who approaches life like a lamb, thoughtfully addressing each day as it comes and reaching out to others?

As we are sometimes “driven into the desert” let us remember that God may use challenging situations to grow and strengthen us for His purpose. We are shaped and molded like clay in God’s hands through our experiences.

Today is a great day to stand before the Lord and recommit to His purpose for us. Even when we feel weak, we are strong in Him.

Read/Listen to: 1 Samuel 23: 15-29

The Walls are Rebuilt….Rejoice!

Nehemiah 8

"They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so the people could understand what was being read.” Nehemiah 8:8

What a gift, to have God’s book read to you, and then explained in a way that relates to your own life. It’s as though the Lord is speaking directly to you and you can make sense of the messages, and the words coming alive within you. That is what our God intended. His Word was written for US.

If you do not yet have the regular experience of feeling God’s word come alive within you when you attend a church service, I urge you to look further. The purpose of a sermon is to make God’s teaching clear and to show relevance to our daily lives just as Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites did. The same is true for any devoted Christ follower. Making God’s promises clear and understandable to those who do not know Him and helping them realize the importance and relevance of a relationship with God is a life saving act.

 

Though when we read and listen to God’s Word and reflect on our daily lives, we may become sad and even grieved because we know we are not always following his  commands and directives, Nehemiah reminds us; “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” God’s joy is to show grace and keep His promises. God rebuilds us through his Word. Attending worship service regularly and becoming part of a community of believers is important, but also vital is feeding ourselves through His word. Today, in this country, we can freely access God’s teachings within our own Bibles, so..... read, reflect, act, and rejoice.

The Joy Of The Lord Is Our Strength!

Read/Listen to: Nehemiah 8

Psalm 69

Prayer is Breaking

“Blessed be your name, in a land that is plentiful.

Where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name.”

“Blessed be your name, when I’m found in the desert place.

Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.”

These lines sung by Chris Tomlin and several other artists illustrates how we as Christ followers are called to praise the name of the Lord no matter what our circumstances. Through the good times and bad, amidst joy as well as sorrow and suffering, our God looks for us to worship and thank Him. Yes, it’s much easier to be grateful for the blessings in our lives than the pain and sorrow, but as we become more aware of God’s workings and realize our plans are often not the same as His it becomes a bit easier to do.

The true test of our devotion is when the rain keeps coming day after day, month upon month, and for years on end. When one trial after another beats us down and empties our soul as in Psalm 69, ---the Lord waits for us to cry out in our brokenness. Verses 1-3; “Save me, Oh God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; and the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.” 

We tend to turn our backs and run from pain and trials, but perhaps that is not what is best. If we stay in the pain rather than attempt to flee from it, God will meet us in that pain and do His work in us if we allow it. Standing firm within the storm and lifting our eyes, hands and heart upward is the best way to see the storm through and then look around to realize and appreciate what the rains have produced.

“We must trust the Lord through the darkness, and honor Him with unwavering confidence even in the midst of difficult situations. The reward of this kind of faith will be like that of an eagle shedding its feathers is said to receive—a renewed sense of youth and strength.” J.R. Macduff

Read/Listen to Psalm 69

Joshua 1:1-9 Commission of Joshua

As a child, from time to time I recall trying to tell adults what to do.  It never worked very well, and often rather than compliance I would hear the phrase, “Who died and made you boss?” These are the thoughts that came rushing back to me when I read today’s passage. Hey, I thought that line was a joke, but it really happened to Joshua! So when the Israelites asked him that same question, his answer could have been, “God did!” They might have questioned him further, and his clarification would be simple; Moses died, and God made me boss.” How awesome to be able to answer like that? What I would have given to reply in that way when I was a kid, and have it actually be true. “God made me boss, so there!” Honestly when I made suggestions to adults about how they might behave, I felt I had very valid rational. With God as my appointee things would have been much different. People would have actually listened to me, right?

We can only wish it were that easy. We see pastors and Christians of all ages communicating and modeling the message of God on a regular basis, but so much of the world simply turns away. God commissioned Joshua upon the passing of Moses, just as He has commissioned us upon the passing of Jesus. “Be strong and courageous,” God commanded Joshua three times in this scripture reading. He also reminded Joshua that He is a promise keeping God in verses 3-6, and suggested that he mull over the first five books of the bible for insight and spiritual guidance in verses 7 and 8. 

Reading the book of Joshua will surely provide a clear picture of how Joshua’s God transformed him into the dynamic leader he became. Remember, God has not changed over the centuries. The promises He made to Joshua are very alive and real for us today. Live boldly within those promises, and hold tight to His word. As you grow in faith, courage and strength for the Lord, I hope you underline, highlight, and write in your bible. If you haven't yet---start now in Joshua. 

Read Joshua 1:1-9 here
Listen to Joshua 1:1-9 here

Psalm 22:12-21

"But you, LORD, do not be far from me. 

You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 

Deliver me from the sword, 

my precious life from the power of the dogs. 

Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; 

save me from the horns of the wild oxen." (Psalm 22:19-21)

Our lives are filled with many seasons (Ecclesiastes 3).  There are times when we face sickness and even death; times when a new life brings joy and happiness, then too there are the periods when we search for meaning and rejoice in peace and serenity.  Seasons can change from day to day, just as life does.

Whatever the stage we find ourselves, God is there with us.  My journal is filled with pleas to Him to keep me close.  I know I don't need to beg Him to stay close to me - that is where He always is.  But, sometimes I will stray or merely move away, out of earshot.  It is those times I must ask God to keep me close to Him.

The line above which is in bold (emphasis by this writer) is a prayer I keep tucked in my heart and use daily.  

You are my strength; come quickly to help me. A day doesn't go by when I don't need His help.  What season do you find yourself residing in today?

Read Psalm 22 text here.

Listen to Psalm 22 here.

Power Through Weakness

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

We all want to make a difference in this world. We hope to leave our mark upon society in some way that is relevant. When the day comes that we pass on, we hope that kind words will be said about us at our memorial service. We want to be remembered as unique, in whatever way is important to us as individuals. This brings to mind the concept of a headstone and how the dates of birth and death are not the significant part, but the dash in between those dates. The question is: "How did you live your dash?"

So many of us feel as though we have to do something BIG, to be significant enough to matter. Others think accumulating a great deal of money or assets will mean success. Still others focus on just striving to be happy. God tells us that the meek shall inherit the earth, and he always calls on the most unlikely to do his work. There are so many, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the world, Jesus' disciples, simple fishermen and laborers became fishers of men, Goliath brought down the giant, Noah, built the ark........ none of these men were influential, noble, or wise by human standards. God uses the weak to lead, the sick to demonstrate courage, children remind us all what is truly important.

No matter who we are, or what this world has molded us into, we are all the same in the eyes of the Lord. We may feel insignificant and weak, but we are relevant and powerful. We may flounder in our own problems and predicaments, but we have the ability to do great things through and because of our trials. We are all here to make a difference, from right where we are. Jesus has shown us the way!

Acts 21:27-36

We all run into times in life when telling the truth causes pain for us. Sometimes being forthcoming will get us into trouble, but we know that truth is always better than lies even if it doesn’t feel like it. We may face punishment or rejection when we tell it like it is and not sugar-coat anything.

Much of my early life was shrouded with half-truths and deception. It was difficult to remember who I said what too. Shortly after earnestly walking with Jesus I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to change this behavior. It was difficult for a few days to get into the habit of being honest. But I soon discovered there was such peace associated with this new way of living.

The Scripture today finds Paul in the midst of a crowd trying to discredit him and his work. They are using lies to move the throng against him. “Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks”. (Acts 21:34)

We have witnessed the peace Paul experienced when he shared the Gospel message with boldness. He didn’t soften anything but told the people what they needed to hear. When he would be imprisoned because of this he could be found singing and praising God while in chains. Oh, that I could be so truthful. Jesus give me the strength and the will.

Read the Acts 21:27-36 text here.

Those Sitting in Darkness - Psalm 107:10-16

The people in prison were there because of their rebellion against God. God humbled them by putting them in chains and making them work hard. They were miserable and stumbled in the darkness. They felt they would die. There was no one to help them. They were without hope. (v 10-12)

They cried out to the Lord. God, in His infinite grace, heard their cries and rescued them out of their darkness. (v 13-14)

The Psalmist jumps ahead and enters what their response to being saved should be: ”Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds…” (v 15-16)

We can be frozen in our world by unexpected life situations: the death of a loved one, loss of job, illness, or terrible accident. We can stumble around in life when we feel helpless in our addictions. We can be blinded by our habits of anger, overwork, wanting more than we need. We invite or allow these things to imprison our minds and hearts, and turn us away from God. We create our own darkness.

When we find ourselves sitting in darkness, fear, pain, or helplessness we can turn to Him. He will rescue us. Thank God for His incredible patience and for His abounding mercy and forgiveness in Christ. Confess to Him any ways in which you resist His care and control of your life. Ask forgiveness and choose to trust Him.

He, alone, offers hope and strength to those who sit in darkness.

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