Psalm 13:1-3
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
I spent a good amount of time sitting with Soldiers yesterday and just answering questions about faith, God, and religion. Some of these questions I could see had been ones that they had wanted to ask for a while and were just not sure who to ask or think anyone would care to answer them. Of course I did my best to give them an answer from my background and if I didn't know I was honest and would say, "that's a tough question I wrestle with too. But, this is where I'm at with it."
You see, I think a lot of us have questions we want to ask God or things that we struggle with in our minds. But, that's as far as it goes. We are afraid to ask God these hard questions because it would seem petty, or insolent, or even disrespectful. As we can see from David's Psalm today... He's good with it. God would rather us ask him then try and come up with the wrong answer on our own. He would rather us ask the hard question to Him because that means we actually are talk with Him. In our frustration and fears we have a lot of questions for God... why don't you ask them? What's holding you back? Are you afraid of the answer? God isn't. It's ok. Cast your cares on Him because He cares for you.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
31Mar16
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
When I was in elementary school there was a kid that was so annoying. He wasn't a bully or anything. He just had this way about him that drove me insane. He would say the wrong thing at the wrong time, his voice was that pitch that made you want to scream, and all he talked about were POGs (kids, ask your parents about POGs). I didn't even want to know his name and avoided him at all cost. Later on in the year, or possibly even the next year, I was dealing with some things in my life and found myself on the outside looking in. Guess who was there with me? Yup...Pog kid. I had been indifferent to him and yet he was there for me. Turns out that he is a pretty cool guy.
Sometimes people do things that get right up under our skin. Sometimes that happens consistently. But, we are called to be humble (putting others before ourselves) and gentle (like a basket of puppies in a spring field)and patient (waiting without wanting to punch someone). I like how the rest of the verse goes..."bearing with one another in love." Bearing. Does that sound like fun? Nope. Sometimes bearing with someone in love takes effort. Sometimes it's pog guy. Sometimes it's your roommate. Sometimes it's your spouse. But try doing the first three things first and the last part becomes less "bearing" and more natural.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
When I was in elementary school there was a kid that was so annoying. He wasn't a bully or anything. He just had this way about him that drove me insane. He would say the wrong thing at the wrong time, his voice was that pitch that made you want to scream, and all he talked about were POGs (kids, ask your parents about POGs). I didn't even want to know his name and avoided him at all cost. Later on in the year, or possibly even the next year, I was dealing with some things in my life and found myself on the outside looking in. Guess who was there with me? Yup...Pog kid. I had been indifferent to him and yet he was there for me. Turns out that he is a pretty cool guy.
Sometimes people do things that get right up under our skin. Sometimes that happens consistently. But, we are called to be humble (putting others before ourselves) and gentle (like a basket of puppies in a spring field)and patient (waiting without wanting to punch someone). I like how the rest of the verse goes..."bearing with one another in love." Bearing. Does that sound like fun? Nope. Sometimes bearing with someone in love takes effort. Sometimes it's pog guy. Sometimes it's your roommate. Sometimes it's your spouse. But try doing the first three things first and the last part becomes less "bearing" and more natural.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
30Mar16
Proverbs 19:14 ESV
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Marriage is a wonderful thing! Are you blessed by God through your marriage? When I first got married, and sadly for the first little bit of my marriage, I thought I was hot stuff. I thought I was the "catch." Whenever there would be a disagreement I would think, "well, she's just lucky to have me." I thought a lot about myself and what she could do for me. For a lot of the couples I get to talk to this is a real problem. When we married our spouses we were thinking about what they were going to be bringing to us, about what we were going to be inheriting through the marriage, not what we were going to be doing to make their life better for the rest of our lives.
Luckily, I was blessed with a prudent wife who saw through my crap to the man I could be and wanted to be. She didn't, and doesn't, need me to be her savior because she has a Savior already. She doesn't need me to define her, because God has already told her who she is. She doesn't need me to love her, because she is fully loved by a greater source. She is the catch. She's the one who is forced to put up with me. It took me years to realize it. It took a lot of failure on my part and a really hard look at who I was as a person to understand that I don't deserve her at all. I don't possess her. She is the greatest blessing God's ever given me. I didn't earn her.
Once we recognize that about our spouse, about how precious they are, and get over ourselves, then we can start to appreciate out marriage. Once we appreciate our marriage, then we can rest in that relationship. Once we are able to rest in that relationship, we can be happy because we have chosen to value what we have right in front of us. Love isn't a feeling... it's a choice. Will you choose to recognize the blessing you've been given and love your spouse today? Or do you think you somehow deserve better? Enjoy your blessing from God.
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Marriage is a wonderful thing! Are you blessed by God through your marriage? When I first got married, and sadly for the first little bit of my marriage, I thought I was hot stuff. I thought I was the "catch." Whenever there would be a disagreement I would think, "well, she's just lucky to have me." I thought a lot about myself and what she could do for me. For a lot of the couples I get to talk to this is a real problem. When we married our spouses we were thinking about what they were going to be bringing to us, about what we were going to be inheriting through the marriage, not what we were going to be doing to make their life better for the rest of our lives.
Luckily, I was blessed with a prudent wife who saw through my crap to the man I could be and wanted to be. She didn't, and doesn't, need me to be her savior because she has a Savior already. She doesn't need me to define her, because God has already told her who she is. She doesn't need me to love her, because she is fully loved by a greater source. She is the catch. She's the one who is forced to put up with me. It took me years to realize it. It took a lot of failure on my part and a really hard look at who I was as a person to understand that I don't deserve her at all. I don't possess her. She is the greatest blessing God's ever given me. I didn't earn her.
Once we recognize that about our spouse, about how precious they are, and get over ourselves, then we can start to appreciate out marriage. Once we appreciate our marriage, then we can rest in that relationship. Once we are able to rest in that relationship, we can be happy because we have chosen to value what we have right in front of us. Love isn't a feeling... it's a choice. Will you choose to recognize the blessing you've been given and love your spouse today? Or do you think you somehow deserve better? Enjoy your blessing from God.
Monday, March 28, 2016
29Mar16
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
A lot of people have heard and read this verse. We tend to look at it and find hope that we can persevere. There is this tendency to read this and say, "just keep going, I can make it." But, in fact the opposite is true. We like the second half of this verse but, we struggle with the first half. In order to mount up, run, and walk without weariness we first have to wait. Yes. Wait. That means stopping. That doesn't mean keep on going and going thinking God is going to give you the strength. God calls us to stop and wait so that we can go and accomplish.
I hate traffic lights. In fact, I really like how Koreans view them... as optional. They seem to impede my progress from one place to the next. They seem to be an utter waste of time. Why can't I just go go go all the way to the end? Well, part of that is because I am not the center of the universe! I have to make way for others. I have to keep them safe and be safe by stopping. The surrounding verses of this passage all point out that we are not the center of the universe. God is. He calls us to wait so that He can do what He wants to do in us... not what we think should be done.
This isn't a call to laziness. When God gives us the green light the pedal should be on the floor and we are ready to go as long and hard as He wants. But, when the tank is empty you have to ask yourself where are you getting your fuel? Did God give you enough for this or are you trying to do something He hasn't called you too yet.
Are you feeling tired today? Worn down? Then maybe it's time to wait on the Lord instead of trying to push forward in your own strength. Pay attention to the traffic signals in your life. If you feel like waiting will only bring you further from your goal... then maybe you have to reassess if it is YOUR goal or GOD's goal for you. Wait on the Lord and renew your strength today.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
A lot of people have heard and read this verse. We tend to look at it and find hope that we can persevere. There is this tendency to read this and say, "just keep going, I can make it." But, in fact the opposite is true. We like the second half of this verse but, we struggle with the first half. In order to mount up, run, and walk without weariness we first have to wait. Yes. Wait. That means stopping. That doesn't mean keep on going and going thinking God is going to give you the strength. God calls us to stop and wait so that we can go and accomplish.
I hate traffic lights. In fact, I really like how Koreans view them... as optional. They seem to impede my progress from one place to the next. They seem to be an utter waste of time. Why can't I just go go go all the way to the end? Well, part of that is because I am not the center of the universe! I have to make way for others. I have to keep them safe and be safe by stopping. The surrounding verses of this passage all point out that we are not the center of the universe. God is. He calls us to wait so that He can do what He wants to do in us... not what we think should be done.
This isn't a call to laziness. When God gives us the green light the pedal should be on the floor and we are ready to go as long and hard as He wants. But, when the tank is empty you have to ask yourself where are you getting your fuel? Did God give you enough for this or are you trying to do something He hasn't called you too yet.
Are you feeling tired today? Worn down? Then maybe it's time to wait on the Lord instead of trying to push forward in your own strength. Pay attention to the traffic signals in your life. If you feel like waiting will only bring you further from your goal... then maybe you have to reassess if it is YOUR goal or GOD's goal for you. Wait on the Lord and renew your strength today.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
25Mar16
John 15:12-14 ESV
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."
Today is Good Friday for the Christian community. But, really there's little "good" about it. This is the day we remember the brutal death and crucifixion of our Savior Jesus at the hands of the world. This one man died for the many. This one man suffered for the masses. This one man gave all so we could have all. It's a theme that is repeated over and over again in the Bible... God wants us to give for others. In the Army, many have chosen to serve because of this one ideal. Many have given their lives for the cause of the many. That is great love. Today is a moment to reflect on our own shortcomings and meditate on why we need a Savior but, it is also a day to evaluate whether we are living this standard as well. Are you giving of yourself more or for others? Are you doing what you do to fulfill a need in someone else's life or are you doing it just to further your own goals? Look to your right and left... have you done anything to make their lives better?
I've said it before in these messages but, it bears repeating, it is one choice you make to die for something. It is a much harder thing to choose every single day to live for something. This man Jesus suffered greatly on this day for others. For you. What are you doing to honor that memory?
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."
Today is Good Friday for the Christian community. But, really there's little "good" about it. This is the day we remember the brutal death and crucifixion of our Savior Jesus at the hands of the world. This one man died for the many. This one man suffered for the masses. This one man gave all so we could have all. It's a theme that is repeated over and over again in the Bible... God wants us to give for others. In the Army, many have chosen to serve because of this one ideal. Many have given their lives for the cause of the many. That is great love. Today is a moment to reflect on our own shortcomings and meditate on why we need a Savior but, it is also a day to evaluate whether we are living this standard as well. Are you giving of yourself more or for others? Are you doing what you do to fulfill a need in someone else's life or are you doing it just to further your own goals? Look to your right and left... have you done anything to make their lives better?
I've said it before in these messages but, it bears repeating, it is one choice you make to die for something. It is a much harder thing to choose every single day to live for something. This man Jesus suffered greatly on this day for others. For you. What are you doing to honor that memory?
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
24Mar16
Matthew 18:6
"If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Jesus was always really fond of children, the brokenhearted, and the outcast. What he was always upset with was legalism and "religion" that restricted people from encountering God. Multiple times Jesus encounters those that would put a gate in the way of people coming to him and spending time with him and in every instance Jesus smashes it down with a vengeance. He wants it to be easy for people to have a relationship with God in a very personal way and gets upset when people try to get in the way of that. He lays out a warning in this passage to anyone who would try to put rules and restrictions on those who would come to him. This is a warning and an encouragement to us today. God wants us to come to Him as we are and will break down opposition to that cause. What are you allowing to stand in the way of your personal faith? Are you using an obstacle to justify not being close to God? Are you making it difficult to know God or for others to know God by placing obstacles in their ways?
As we approach the Easter holiday more people will attend church services than at any other time in the year. It is the Christian's highest holiday. Are you going to go and encounter God on that day? Are you going to reach out and have that personal relationship or are you just fulfilling some kind of self-imposed obligation? Are you standing in the way of someone being able to celebrate by making them dress a certain way, or be a certain way, or stop a certain activity, or maybe even physically making it impossible for them to be there? Let's join together and be a light to the world not a closed gate with a bouncer.
"If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Jesus was always really fond of children, the brokenhearted, and the outcast. What he was always upset with was legalism and "religion" that restricted people from encountering God. Multiple times Jesus encounters those that would put a gate in the way of people coming to him and spending time with him and in every instance Jesus smashes it down with a vengeance. He wants it to be easy for people to have a relationship with God in a very personal way and gets upset when people try to get in the way of that. He lays out a warning in this passage to anyone who would try to put rules and restrictions on those who would come to him. This is a warning and an encouragement to us today. God wants us to come to Him as we are and will break down opposition to that cause. What are you allowing to stand in the way of your personal faith? Are you using an obstacle to justify not being close to God? Are you making it difficult to know God or for others to know God by placing obstacles in their ways?
As we approach the Easter holiday more people will attend church services than at any other time in the year. It is the Christian's highest holiday. Are you going to go and encounter God on that day? Are you going to reach out and have that personal relationship or are you just fulfilling some kind of self-imposed obligation? Are you standing in the way of someone being able to celebrate by making them dress a certain way, or be a certain way, or stop a certain activity, or maybe even physically making it impossible for them to be there? Let's join together and be a light to the world not a closed gate with a bouncer.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
23Mar16
Proverbs 22:16-17
A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
When I was younger I always thought that certain things were totally "unfair." In fact you could hear me a mile away yelling, "But, that's not FAAAAAIR!" I felt oppressed and pushed down by the rules an requirements of my parents and teachers and so many other people in authority over me. I'm not saying that what they did and enforced was right all the time, by any means, and you may find yourself in an unjust situation where you are the "poor" being taken advantage of so someone can look good to the "rich." But, what I realized very quickly as I grew up is that I have the tendency and capacity to do the EXACT SAME THING.
We all want approval. We all want to succeed and look good. Sometimes the way we do that is by making other people look bad or by taking advantage of the power we have over them. But, ultimately one who succeeds in this way comes to ruin. They are building a false face to a house that is molding on the inside. Once we realize that we are no better than those who are "beneath" us then we are able to succeed together. Then we are able to build a strong house that has a foundation in which all are invested in. Look around you. Are you doing this for them or yourself? Are you willing to push anyone around you down to get just a little further up? Are you working as part of the team or do you see the team working for you?
The way to success is in the second part of the verse. Listen to wise counsel and seek instruction. Be humble enough to know you don't have all the answers on your own. Don't judge those who you may see as doing what you have the capacity to do yourself. Make sure you are building yourself up in righteousness and in the truth with your whole heart instead of just complaining about a bad situation. Check yourself in every small decision you are making and in the ways you are interacting. Form the team you want to be a part of where you are at today.
A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
When I was younger I always thought that certain things were totally "unfair." In fact you could hear me a mile away yelling, "But, that's not FAAAAAIR!" I felt oppressed and pushed down by the rules an requirements of my parents and teachers and so many other people in authority over me. I'm not saying that what they did and enforced was right all the time, by any means, and you may find yourself in an unjust situation where you are the "poor" being taken advantage of so someone can look good to the "rich." But, what I realized very quickly as I grew up is that I have the tendency and capacity to do the EXACT SAME THING.
We all want approval. We all want to succeed and look good. Sometimes the way we do that is by making other people look bad or by taking advantage of the power we have over them. But, ultimately one who succeeds in this way comes to ruin. They are building a false face to a house that is molding on the inside. Once we realize that we are no better than those who are "beneath" us then we are able to succeed together. Then we are able to build a strong house that has a foundation in which all are invested in. Look around you. Are you doing this for them or yourself? Are you willing to push anyone around you down to get just a little further up? Are you working as part of the team or do you see the team working for you?
The way to success is in the second part of the verse. Listen to wise counsel and seek instruction. Be humble enough to know you don't have all the answers on your own. Don't judge those who you may see as doing what you have the capacity to do yourself. Make sure you are building yourself up in righteousness and in the truth with your whole heart instead of just complaining about a bad situation. Check yourself in every small decision you are making and in the ways you are interacting. Form the team you want to be a part of where you are at today.
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