In my quiet time, I am reading the book of Colossians. It is one of those books I really enjoy. I do things probably different than most people. I try to stay in one book for an entire month. I especially like to spend time in the Epistles this way. I am able to read the entire Epistle many times in a period of a month. As I do, I am able to slowly glean and mine amazing truths from God’s Word. However, there is also time for me to linger, meditate and simply consume God’s Word. I always begin with an entire reading of the passage I intend to delve into for the month. Sometimes it may be portions of scripture instead of a full book. For instance, I love to spend a month in John 13-21. I also break up books like Romans, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hebrews, and other longer books this way. But my favorite is to take books like Colossians read them in one sitting and then begin back in chapter 1 and read them slowly a few more times during the month. I find this way especially useful to learn of the author’s intent and to really be informed of the context of the letter.
The intake of God’s Word is so very important. Too many Christians simply peruse the Word with the same interest and passion they do a good novel, a cheap Harlequin romance, or an interesting news article. Too often we forget that the Bible is the very Word of God. It is God speaking to us. It reminds me of the letters I would receive from my wife, Heidi, while we were dating miles apart. I would consume those letters. I would take it, smell it, tear it open, linger over every word, read it over and over again so grateful for each and every letter. The Bible is God’s love letter to you and me. How do you think Heidi would have felt if I would receive her letters and they would have stayed in an unopened envelope for a week or two? How would she feel if I would have read those letters with no passion and feeling? How would she how felt if the only reason I read her letters was to appease her and put me on her good side? How does God feel when we treat His love letter the same way?
It has been said of Spurgeon that he believed “There is no such thing as reverence for God and faithfulness to Christ, without obedience and faith in their words” (Spurgeon v. Hyper Calvinism by Iain H. Murray pg 9). Murray goes on to write, “Spurgeon is only repeating what Scripture itself says when he writes: ‘Unless we receive Christ’s words, we cannot receive Christ; and unless we receive the apostles’ words, we do not receive Christ; for John saith, ‘He that knoweth God heareth us; he that knoweth not God heareth not us. Hereby now we the spirit of truth and the spirit of error’” (Murray pg 9). I would go so far to say that a person’s attitude toward the Word of God is a very good barometer of their faith and closeness of their walk with God. Let me ask you a question. Other than you’re your time at church, how much time do you spend in the Word? The closeness of your walk with God is in direct proportion to the time you spend with God in His Word. If you have no desire to immerse yourself in the Word there can only be a couple of things at work. I will give you a little credit and simply say the first reason is you are simply too busy. The other two reasons (and much more accurate) are you do not have the Spirit of God living in you or you have so quenched the Spirit that He is unable to influence your decisions. Both of the later reasons have very serious implications and leave you on very shaky ground.
So when you are not in the Word what are you missing? There have been volumes of work that addresses this question. Let me offer a very simple illustration. Since I’m reading Colossians, let examine verse 2 of chapter 1. I have already read through the entire book once. I have now come back and will slow down my reading and read the Book as if God is over my shoulder reading with me. I have a picture of a first grade teacher hovering over their student and teaching them what a word or passage means they have just read. God is with me, reading His Word and helping me to decipher what He wants me to hear and glean that day. I quickly come to verse 2 and stop. “To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse.” I would love to proceed without reading this verse again. But I can not and I dare not leave until I have thought about what this passage means. Paul called the church holy, faithful, and in Christ. I know I am in Christ. That occurs the moment I am convicted of my sin, repent, and place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I also know in my position before God, I am holy. I have been set apart from the world and I am different because Christ lives in me. Oh how I wish I could go to verse three. The more I am eager to proceed the more God’s Spirit whispers “stop!” As you read the Word, be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. He will show you what He wants you to take away for that day. For me it was very simple, I know in position I am holy, but in my practice am I holy? I know God is faithful; it is who He is. But am I faithful to God and His Kingdom?
The Spirit takes His surgical knife and begins to do surgery on my soul. In my spirit, He asks me tenderly and lovingly, is my behavior holy? Am I faithful? I stop reading and begin to look deeply into my life. With the aid of the Spirit, I begin to think of areas I have not been holy or faithful. I begin to confess those areas of sin and freely give them over to God. It is not easy but it is extremely beneficial and fruitful. In fact, it grieved my heart as I realize how unholy and unfaithful I am. But praise be to God, He is a God of forgiveness and he freely forgives those who come to Him in faith and repentance.
That morning I only read two verses of scripture. But God was able to take those verses and do a radical operation on my heart. You may think this sounds horrible, painful, and difficult. However, the opposite is true. In fact, it was one of the most freeing mornings I have experienced in a long time. Furthermore, I rose from my study refreshed, renewed, and revived in Christ. It was wonderful. That morning reminds me of John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Each and everyone one of us needs times of being sanctified and washed by God’s word. I challenge you to allow God’s Spirit to do surgery on you. Slow down when you read the Bible. Whether you read two verses, two chapters, or two entire books a day it matters not if you miss the direction and leading of God.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
It Begins in Earnest
Tomorrow my diet begins in earnest. How many times have I said that? My wife would argue I’ve said in at least two thousand times in our 17 years of marriage. I would hope it is only a few hundred times. The point, however, is simple: Something must change in my life. I eat way too much food, exercise much too little, and seemingly gain weight faster than most people brush their teeth. It is time to get serious about my physical health.
I have read every diet book out there. I have researched the diets and can tell you the difference between a carbohydrate, complex sugar, protein, and fat. I can explain to you the premise behind most of the “in” diets and can argue the pros and cons of each. I have done research about what vitamins I need and what pills I should avoid. I know where to find the best recipes and belong to a couple of the internet diet groups. The problem is I have lost a total of zero pounds. Even though I can tell you all about diets and loosing weight, until I begin to put into practice what I have learned, I will loose no weight. All the knowledge in the world will have no direct benefit to me until I practice what I learn.
I have realized how much my spiritual life is like a diet. Loosing weight means I must take out some things in my life (fats, sugars, calories etc.) and put some things into my life (exercise, fiber, fruits, vegetables etc). Loosing weight takes effort. Likewise, living a life of holiness means I must take some things out of my life (busyness, legalism, bitterness, etc) and replace it with something good (spiritual disciplines.). Holiness takes effort. Do I really want to loose weight? Do I really want to shed a few pounds in order to take pressure off my heart and body? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change. Do I want to live a holy life of dependence and obedience to my Lord? Do I want to get rid of my flesh that so easily entangles me to live a life worthy of my calling? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change.
I do understand that in our position before God we are holy. I am not speaking of our position before God. Instead, I am speaking of the practice of holiness. If we were honest, far too many Christians do not practice holiness. It is the practice of holiness which takes effort. Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). The word “train” is the Greek word gumnazo. It is the word we get our English word gymnasium from. It means to exercise or to train. It implies the idea of effort. In fact, the word means to exercise naked. As I thought about that word, I realized it means we must lay ourselves bare to God. We must strip ourselves of everything that entangles us from being the person God has created us to be. We must be willing to do anything to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).
Over the coming months, we are going to lay ourselves bare to our Lord. We are going to make an effort to practice holiness. To accomplish our goals, we are going to examine the spiritual disciplines and begin practicing them in our lives. Three of my favorite authors on the subject are Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Donald Whitney. I would encourage you to get their works on this subject. I think Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline is the best work out their on the subject of spiritual disciplines.
I have made a commitment to God and myself to take a more serious look at my physical and spiritual bodies. They are both important to Him. As I write, I will let you know how my struggle in the physical world is going and also lead us down a road of spiritual health. I encourage you to take the trip with me. Let me know how you are doing. I would love to be praying for you on this incredible journey.
I have read every diet book out there. I have researched the diets and can tell you the difference between a carbohydrate, complex sugar, protein, and fat. I can explain to you the premise behind most of the “in” diets and can argue the pros and cons of each. I have done research about what vitamins I need and what pills I should avoid. I know where to find the best recipes and belong to a couple of the internet diet groups. The problem is I have lost a total of zero pounds. Even though I can tell you all about diets and loosing weight, until I begin to put into practice what I have learned, I will loose no weight. All the knowledge in the world will have no direct benefit to me until I practice what I learn.
I have realized how much my spiritual life is like a diet. Loosing weight means I must take out some things in my life (fats, sugars, calories etc.) and put some things into my life (exercise, fiber, fruits, vegetables etc). Loosing weight takes effort. Likewise, living a life of holiness means I must take some things out of my life (busyness, legalism, bitterness, etc) and replace it with something good (spiritual disciplines.). Holiness takes effort. Do I really want to loose weight? Do I really want to shed a few pounds in order to take pressure off my heart and body? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change. Do I want to live a holy life of dependence and obedience to my Lord? Do I want to get rid of my flesh that so easily entangles me to live a life worthy of my calling? Then I must have a complete lifestyle change.
I do understand that in our position before God we are holy. I am not speaking of our position before God. Instead, I am speaking of the practice of holiness. If we were honest, far too many Christians do not practice holiness. It is the practice of holiness which takes effort. Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). The word “train” is the Greek word gumnazo. It is the word we get our English word gymnasium from. It means to exercise or to train. It implies the idea of effort. In fact, the word means to exercise naked. As I thought about that word, I realized it means we must lay ourselves bare to God. We must strip ourselves of everything that entangles us from being the person God has created us to be. We must be willing to do anything to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).
Over the coming months, we are going to lay ourselves bare to our Lord. We are going to make an effort to practice holiness. To accomplish our goals, we are going to examine the spiritual disciplines and begin practicing them in our lives. Three of my favorite authors on the subject are Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Donald Whitney. I would encourage you to get their works on this subject. I think Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline is the best work out their on the subject of spiritual disciplines.
I have made a commitment to God and myself to take a more serious look at my physical and spiritual bodies. They are both important to Him. As I write, I will let you know how my struggle in the physical world is going and also lead us down a road of spiritual health. I encourage you to take the trip with me. Let me know how you are doing. I would love to be praying for you on this incredible journey.
Thoughts on God, Suffering and West Virginia
Thoughts on the Virginia Tech Massacre
For the past couple of days, I have been riveted to the news reports of the terrible tragedy on the campus of Virginia Tech. There are many times when our nation is faced with incredible tragedy. This week is one of those times. I believe there is no better time for us to consider the things of God than during a time of heartache and heartbreak. I believe we serve such big God that He is not taken back by our concerns, worries, doubts, and questions. There is not one person on this earth who will not be impacted by tragedy in some aspect. It is imperative for you and I to have a sound biblical view about God in times of tragedy.
My theological training as taught me that God is sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, immutable, and eternal. However, when we face times of trials and suffering, theological terms often do not soothe the broken heart or our deep felt hurts. When we face a time of suffering we do not need a well spoken or written treatise on the attributes of God. Instead, we need hands on, applicable and relative set of truths that we can hold onto no matter what we face. Therefore, I submit to you three very simple truths which will help you to face any trial you may face. On the surface, these elementary truths may seem much too simple to be of any good. Nonetheless, in times of suffering, the simple often brings the most meaning. Furthermore, in times of suffering, the simple can be better remembered and believed.
In our times of suffering, God cares about every heartache and tear we have. I can not say it simpler. God is a god that truly cares about you. The Bible teaches us that He is our Father. As a Father, he has an infinite capacity to care about each of us. There are times our feelings may tell us that He does not care. However, the truth is we can “cast our cares upon Him, He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• Are you standing over a graveside of a loved one? God cares!
• Are you facing mounting debt and a mountain of bills? God cares!
• Are you contemplating divorce and fed up with your life? God cares!
• Have you just been diagnosed with an incurable disease? God cares!
• Are you having worries you can seem to get past? God cares.
The most basic truth of all is this: No matter what is raging around you, God cares.
Not only does God care, but God also comforts. I remember so vividly when I was a young child how much I enjoyed going to my parent’s bed when I was scared. When I had a nightmare or a storm was thrashing around our house, there was only one place I wanted to go. I always made a bee line to my parent’s bed. There was strength and comfort in my parent’s bed. I never forget how I felt when my father’s arm would gently cradle me. Even when the storm was violent and intense, I found comfort in my father’s arms. I know my Father in Heaven is even better than my earthly father at bringing comfort. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 promises me that God is a god of all comfort. He is not a god of a little comfort or some comfort but all comfort. When I face times of trouble and trials I look quickly to the presence of God to bring me comfort. I go to the Psalms and read the promises I find in Psalms. I go to the passage in 2 Corinthians and rely in faith that my God is one of comfort. I read 1 Peter 5 and in prayer, I freely give away my life and allow the peace of God to come in and take the place of worry. When you are scared, crawl up in your Father’s lap. Allow the peace and presence of God to fill you and overflow in you. Take time to silently sit before God, taking in His word, and believing it for what it says. As you do, the God of comfort will bring his comfort to you.
The second truth in times of suffering is also very simple: No matter what it looks like God is a god of comfort and offers you the comfort of His presence.
God not only cares and comforts us in our time of distress, but we can rest in the assurance that God is in complete and total control. For some, that might be a distressing truth. If God is in control, why would He allow this young man to massacre 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech? Honestly, I do not fully know. What I do know is history is not randomly taking place. History, past, present, and future, is on a logical course of completion. God is working His plan in perfect detail. The events of April 16 at Virginia Tech did not surprise God or take Him off guard. The book of Acts teaches us that the death of Jesus was part of God’s “set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). Just as the death of Jesus was part of God’s redeeming plan, so was the massacre at Virginia Tech. I do not fully understand all of what that implies. However, I do know and trust God is still on His throne working everything out as He chooses to the completion of His glory and Christ’s ultimate rule. I would much rather trust a God who chooses not to intervene during the shootings than trust a God who was impotent to do anything about it. God was, is, and always will be able to intervene. What we view as inactivity on God’s part is simply God sovereignty working His perfect plan for Christ’s future reign. .
The third truth in times of suffering is very simple, even when it doesn’t look like it, God is in complete control.
As a follower of Christ, was does this mean to me? To those in need, I must become Jesus to them. I must never forget that often times God shows people He cares as I take time to show I care. I do not need to have all the answers. I must simply be willing to show I care by my presence. I must realize that often God comforts people through me. Often a gentle touch or a godly word, God can bring comfort to a person. I must be willing to be a bridge for God’s care and comfort.
Finally, if you are facing incredible times of suffering, I offer the following words of encouragement. God has given us tears to cry, so cry. God has given the gift of touch, so go to someone and receive the comfort held in a hug. God has given us time, so wait. While time does not heal all wounds, in time the wounds begins to heal and you realize you will make it another day. God has given us truth, so believe it. God does care and will comfort you. Finally, God has given himself, trust Him. If you have yet to place you faith and trust in Jesus Christ, do so now. Don’t face another series of trials without the comfort and care of a wonderful Savior. Drop me a line, I would love to talk to you about how Jesus can begin to make His home in you.
My heart is broken for those people who have lost loved one this week. But I take great comfort in knowing that my God reigns and He will have great glory in the midst of great suffering.
For the past couple of days, I have been riveted to the news reports of the terrible tragedy on the campus of Virginia Tech. There are many times when our nation is faced with incredible tragedy. This week is one of those times. I believe there is no better time for us to consider the things of God than during a time of heartache and heartbreak. I believe we serve such big God that He is not taken back by our concerns, worries, doubts, and questions. There is not one person on this earth who will not be impacted by tragedy in some aspect. It is imperative for you and I to have a sound biblical view about God in times of tragedy.
My theological training as taught me that God is sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, immutable, and eternal. However, when we face times of trials and suffering, theological terms often do not soothe the broken heart or our deep felt hurts. When we face a time of suffering we do not need a well spoken or written treatise on the attributes of God. Instead, we need hands on, applicable and relative set of truths that we can hold onto no matter what we face. Therefore, I submit to you three very simple truths which will help you to face any trial you may face. On the surface, these elementary truths may seem much too simple to be of any good. Nonetheless, in times of suffering, the simple often brings the most meaning. Furthermore, in times of suffering, the simple can be better remembered and believed.
In our times of suffering, God cares about every heartache and tear we have. I can not say it simpler. God is a god that truly cares about you. The Bible teaches us that He is our Father. As a Father, he has an infinite capacity to care about each of us. There are times our feelings may tell us that He does not care. However, the truth is we can “cast our cares upon Him, He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• Are you standing over a graveside of a loved one? God cares!
• Are you facing mounting debt and a mountain of bills? God cares!
• Are you contemplating divorce and fed up with your life? God cares!
• Have you just been diagnosed with an incurable disease? God cares!
• Are you having worries you can seem to get past? God cares.
The most basic truth of all is this: No matter what is raging around you, God cares.
Not only does God care, but God also comforts. I remember so vividly when I was a young child how much I enjoyed going to my parent’s bed when I was scared. When I had a nightmare or a storm was thrashing around our house, there was only one place I wanted to go. I always made a bee line to my parent’s bed. There was strength and comfort in my parent’s bed. I never forget how I felt when my father’s arm would gently cradle me. Even when the storm was violent and intense, I found comfort in my father’s arms. I know my Father in Heaven is even better than my earthly father at bringing comfort. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 promises me that God is a god of all comfort. He is not a god of a little comfort or some comfort but all comfort. When I face times of trouble and trials I look quickly to the presence of God to bring me comfort. I go to the Psalms and read the promises I find in Psalms. I go to the passage in 2 Corinthians and rely in faith that my God is one of comfort. I read 1 Peter 5 and in prayer, I freely give away my life and allow the peace of God to come in and take the place of worry. When you are scared, crawl up in your Father’s lap. Allow the peace and presence of God to fill you and overflow in you. Take time to silently sit before God, taking in His word, and believing it for what it says. As you do, the God of comfort will bring his comfort to you.
The second truth in times of suffering is also very simple: No matter what it looks like God is a god of comfort and offers you the comfort of His presence.
God not only cares and comforts us in our time of distress, but we can rest in the assurance that God is in complete and total control. For some, that might be a distressing truth. If God is in control, why would He allow this young man to massacre 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech? Honestly, I do not fully know. What I do know is history is not randomly taking place. History, past, present, and future, is on a logical course of completion. God is working His plan in perfect detail. The events of April 16 at Virginia Tech did not surprise God or take Him off guard. The book of Acts teaches us that the death of Jesus was part of God’s “set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). Just as the death of Jesus was part of God’s redeeming plan, so was the massacre at Virginia Tech. I do not fully understand all of what that implies. However, I do know and trust God is still on His throne working everything out as He chooses to the completion of His glory and Christ’s ultimate rule. I would much rather trust a God who chooses not to intervene during the shootings than trust a God who was impotent to do anything about it. God was, is, and always will be able to intervene. What we view as inactivity on God’s part is simply God sovereignty working His perfect plan for Christ’s future reign. .
The third truth in times of suffering is very simple, even when it doesn’t look like it, God is in complete control.
As a follower of Christ, was does this mean to me? To those in need, I must become Jesus to them. I must never forget that often times God shows people He cares as I take time to show I care. I do not need to have all the answers. I must simply be willing to show I care by my presence. I must realize that often God comforts people through me. Often a gentle touch or a godly word, God can bring comfort to a person. I must be willing to be a bridge for God’s care and comfort.
Finally, if you are facing incredible times of suffering, I offer the following words of encouragement. God has given us tears to cry, so cry. God has given the gift of touch, so go to someone and receive the comfort held in a hug. God has given us time, so wait. While time does not heal all wounds, in time the wounds begins to heal and you realize you will make it another day. God has given us truth, so believe it. God does care and will comfort you. Finally, God has given himself, trust Him. If you have yet to place you faith and trust in Jesus Christ, do so now. Don’t face another series of trials without the comfort and care of a wonderful Savior. Drop me a line, I would love to talk to you about how Jesus can begin to make His home in you.
My heart is broken for those people who have lost loved one this week. But I take great comfort in knowing that my God reigns and He will have great glory in the midst of great suffering.
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