I have been in Zechariah and Luke for the last few weeks. I have been very lazy in my writing but pretty good in my reading. I have found that when I am lazy in my writing, I don't take the time to really read into the scripture. I read it like a catalog and put it down. There is very little effect on my life. Today I read Zechariah 10. Now, Zechariah has been a bit of a struggle for me. It really doesn't make a lot of sense to a "theologically disabled" person like me. I'm sticking it out though because, if the Bible is the inspired word of God, every book can have some application to my life. Maybe I won't get it the first time I read it but maybe when I go back in a year of so, Zechariah will begin to make sense.
Zechariah 10 starts out talking about asking to Lord for rain. "It is the Lord who makes the storm clouds." The people of Israel were a fickle bunch. They would worship God and then over time they would revert back to worshiping "gods." Zechariah reminds them that it is God that brings the rain that waters their crops and, in turn, feeds them. Yet, not unlike us, the Israelites would go back to worshiping whatever god was popular at the time. It's been 2000 years and we have not learned a thing. "God please just give me more money and my life will be good. Then I can live for you." So what happens when we get that big raise at work? We buy a nicer car. We buy a bigger something. Then where are we? Same place. Same faith. Then what do we do? Pray to God again to fix things for us again.
Verse 2 tells us "Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for the lack of a shepherd. My anger burns against the shepherds and I will punish the leaders."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Psalms to Zachariah
I missed my goal of reading 7 days last week by missing two days. I could blame in on being sick but it is hard to blame something that causes you to lay around during your down time on not reading.
This morning I read a little more Psalms and then decided (or was directed) to focus on Zechariah for a while. I am struck by a reoccurring them at the beginning of several Psalms. The writer seems to feel abandoned by God quite often. I really understand how David felt. Just a few weeks ago I felt as far from God as I ever had. With the help of my Elders and Pastor, I remembered that although God may take a step back from a situation to test me, he will never abandon me. He is always there.
As I began to study Zechariah, the second verse of the first chapter is the Lord talking to the people of Israel. God says "Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will return to you." My God works in amazing ways. His book flows seamlessly and each book just confirms the next. When I was feeling abandoned by God and everyone else, my Brothers reminded me how much God loves me and His timing is beyond our comprehension. When I returned to God, He returned to me and my biggest issue, my schedule, was not only fixed but fixed perfectly.
Michael, your lesson yesterday fit into my life perfectly at a perfect time. Our God is an awesome God and His timing is perfect. We will probably spend the rest of our days trying to figure that out.
This morning I read a little more Psalms and then decided (or was directed) to focus on Zechariah for a while. I am struck by a reoccurring them at the beginning of several Psalms. The writer seems to feel abandoned by God quite often. I really understand how David felt. Just a few weeks ago I felt as far from God as I ever had. With the help of my Elders and Pastor, I remembered that although God may take a step back from a situation to test me, he will never abandon me. He is always there.
As I began to study Zechariah, the second verse of the first chapter is the Lord talking to the people of Israel. God says "Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will return to you." My God works in amazing ways. His book flows seamlessly and each book just confirms the next. When I was feeling abandoned by God and everyone else, my Brothers reminded me how much God loves me and His timing is beyond our comprehension. When I returned to God, He returned to me and my biggest issue, my schedule, was not only fixed but fixed perfectly.
Michael, your lesson yesterday fit into my life perfectly at a perfect time. Our God is an awesome God and His timing is perfect. We will probably spend the rest of our days trying to figure that out.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Please give me margin!
For the last couple days I have been in Psalms. I think the simple wisdom of how the first chapter opens is amazing. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked..." If you are anything like me, you are surrounded by non-believers all day. Now, I don't think that most non-believers really try to make you sin intentionally. At least I don't think that is the goal, much of the time. It is not their goal because they usually don't see themselves as sinners. I was having a conversation with a group today that was started by a guy bragging about being an "ex-Catholic." He went on to say, jokingly, that he liked living in sin and debauchery. I replied, "It's not the living in sin that will get you , it is dying in it that will screw you up." Since I just met him yesterday, I didn't really want to start beating him up with a Bible just yet, but at least I know who to start working on. Anyway, how do you witness to someone that thinks it is all funny?
Chapter 3, verse 3 goes on to say "But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." When I fear talking to someone about God, it is usually because I fear looking stupid or being made fun of. What kind of stupid excuse is that? If God is a shield around me, why should I care what people think of me?
Chapter 4, verse 4 says "In your anger do not sin." This really hit home because I feel like I am at my weakest when I am angry.
Chapter 3, verse 3 goes on to say "But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." When I fear talking to someone about God, it is usually because I fear looking stupid or being made fun of. What kind of stupid excuse is that? If God is a shield around me, why should I care what people think of me?
Chapter 4, verse 4 says "In your anger do not sin." This really hit home because I feel like I am at my weakest when I am angry.
Monday, September 14, 2009
It's good to be back.
It was so good to be back at church this week. I have been so hungry, yet I have spent too much time indulging in junk food and not enough time feeding on God's word.
Yesterday there was a reoccurring theme that kept convicting me. It is all about the cross and not about me, my problems or my weaknesses. The enemy had convinced me that I had to spend so much time feeling guilty about my "issues" that there was virtually no focus on God. I know I'm not worthy of His gift, but guess what? God knows it too! People that know me well also know it. God did not send His son to die on the cross to make me feel guilty. He sent Him to pay for my guilt, not add to it. Satan knows my weakness (I guess that should be plural since there are many!) and he hits me in the pity and guilt department with all he's got.
In my study of Galatians 5 today, I read in verse 6 "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Then onto verse 23 where we are told "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Note the word "fruit." It is not "fruits." All of the traits given by Paul are one fruit. We don't get to pick and choose which ones we will be good at or want to do. If we are producing real Christlike fruit, we will produce them all.
I am starting to keep a prayer list of my own. It contains certain personal requests I have for God when I talk to Him. The newest one I have is for those that are not able to worship regularly. I'm talking about the people that, because of a career choice or physical issue, just honestly can't be there. I now really understand how those people are targeted by Satan and picked apart from the flock. Now my struggle is not being annoyed with those who don't show up by choice. They have no idea what they are setting themselves up for.
Yesterday there was a reoccurring theme that kept convicting me. It is all about the cross and not about me, my problems or my weaknesses. The enemy had convinced me that I had to spend so much time feeling guilty about my "issues" that there was virtually no focus on God. I know I'm not worthy of His gift, but guess what? God knows it too! People that know me well also know it. God did not send His son to die on the cross to make me feel guilty. He sent Him to pay for my guilt, not add to it. Satan knows my weakness (I guess that should be plural since there are many!) and he hits me in the pity and guilt department with all he's got.
In my study of Galatians 5 today, I read in verse 6 "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Then onto verse 23 where we are told "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Note the word "fruit." It is not "fruits." All of the traits given by Paul are one fruit. We don't get to pick and choose which ones we will be good at or want to do. If we are producing real Christlike fruit, we will produce them all.
I am starting to keep a prayer list of my own. It contains certain personal requests I have for God when I talk to Him. The newest one I have is for those that are not able to worship regularly. I'm talking about the people that, because of a career choice or physical issue, just honestly can't be there. I now really understand how those people are targeted by Satan and picked apart from the flock. Now my struggle is not being annoyed with those who don't show up by choice. They have no idea what they are setting themselves up for.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Why am I here?
As I write this I am spending time in praise and prayer. I usually do my praise on Pandora.com and listen to gospel bluegrass music. As I was listening a few minutes ago, an old time favorite of mine came on. The song was "It is well with my soul." As I listened to the words I really prayed for my heart to soften to the point where, no matter the situation I really do want it all to be "well with my soul." As I prepared for the "Take it to the limit" series in my Life Group, I really see how my crowded life takes away from my relationship with God. This praise time really brings it all closer into perspective. My entire purpose really is about Him. Not my family, not church, not the DOC. It is about Him, for Him. I do so many things that are contrary to what I know God wants for me. I pray for strength, wisdom. I really need to be quicker to listen and slower to speak
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Conflict Resolution
Galatians 5: 14-17 - "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit desires what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."
Have you ever really wanted to do something but it just seems that you can't get around to it. You just can't make the time. Take for instance studying the Bible. How many times have you made the decision to start studying on a regular basis. "I'm gonna read every day." How long did it last? Did you even get past one week, or a day, or even get started? I'm going to eat healthier and loose some weight.......right after this twinkie!
It is so hard for people to really commit to something. Why? Because we want to be in charge. We want to make the decisions. I don't want to have to actually study the Bible. It would be so much easier if the preacher would just tell me what it says. I don't want to go to the gym to lose weight, I just want to take a pill and go on the Krispy Kreme diet!
I love bluegrass music. A couple years ago, Karen got me a banjo for Christmas. I really tried to learn it but then put it down. A while back I decided to pick it up again and really try to learn it. I even checked into lessons. One day I said a prayer to God that if he would allow me to learn how to play the banjo, I would use it for His glory somehow. (I know, kinda silly but I really meant it.) Wouldn't you know that that was the last day I picked that thing up and it has been several months.
We are told that, as Christians, we will be persecuted. You had better believe that whenever he gets the chance, Satan will try to derail every good plan you make. If it is going to be for the glory of God, Satan will stop at nothing to spoil your plans.
Does that mean that we should stop trying? No way! We know that we will be persecuted. We are told that in 2 Timothy 3:12 "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." If we know it is coming, it should be easier for us to prepare. We trust in Jesus and know that the Bible is the inspired word of God, so why should we be so surprised when life throws us a curve ball just when we thought everything was going our way?
We need to learn to celebrate our trials. If Satan is attacking us, we must be doing something worth attacking. We got his attention!
Back in Galatians 5:6 we are told"....the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Next time you are under attack, remember to show your faith through loving others. Next time you see me going through a trial, remind me that I wrote this!
Have you ever really wanted to do something but it just seems that you can't get around to it. You just can't make the time. Take for instance studying the Bible. How many times have you made the decision to start studying on a regular basis. "I'm gonna read every day." How long did it last? Did you even get past one week, or a day, or even get started? I'm going to eat healthier and loose some weight.......right after this twinkie!
It is so hard for people to really commit to something. Why? Because we want to be in charge. We want to make the decisions. I don't want to have to actually study the Bible. It would be so much easier if the preacher would just tell me what it says. I don't want to go to the gym to lose weight, I just want to take a pill and go on the Krispy Kreme diet!
I love bluegrass music. A couple years ago, Karen got me a banjo for Christmas. I really tried to learn it but then put it down. A while back I decided to pick it up again and really try to learn it. I even checked into lessons. One day I said a prayer to God that if he would allow me to learn how to play the banjo, I would use it for His glory somehow. (I know, kinda silly but I really meant it.) Wouldn't you know that that was the last day I picked that thing up and it has been several months.
We are told that, as Christians, we will be persecuted. You had better believe that whenever he gets the chance, Satan will try to derail every good plan you make. If it is going to be for the glory of God, Satan will stop at nothing to spoil your plans.
Does that mean that we should stop trying? No way! We know that we will be persecuted. We are told that in 2 Timothy 3:12 "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." If we know it is coming, it should be easier for us to prepare. We trust in Jesus and know that the Bible is the inspired word of God, so why should we be so surprised when life throws us a curve ball just when we thought everything was going our way?
We need to learn to celebrate our trials. If Satan is attacking us, we must be doing something worth attacking. We got his attention!
Back in Galatians 5:6 we are told"....the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Next time you are under attack, remember to show your faith through loving others. Next time you see me going through a trial, remind me that I wrote this!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Refreshed heart
I have not read Psalms in a long time. I had forgotten how refreshing for the soul it can be. Today I read Psalm 51.
In verse 1 it says "Have mercy on me O God, according to your unfailing love." Unfailing love. That, to me is such a difficult concept to grasp. My love for people is so conditional upon their behavior that I don't understand how God can have an unfailing love. What if God loved people like I do? I know I would not stand a chance to ever see my home in Heaven. I fail Him daily but he is always there to pick me up, dust me off and let me try again.
Verse 18 says "Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This needs to be my prayer every day. Most of the time when I try to walk away from sin, I am only addressing the action of that sin. Where does sin come from? It comes from the heart. Garbage in, garbage out as they say. What you allow your senses to take in, your heart will put out. I think you can fake the funk for a while but sooner or later, a fake is found out for what they really are.
Verses 16 & 17: "You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it, you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are: a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise. My actions mean nothing if my heart is not right. I can pretend to be a great Christian, but if my heart is not right with God, it is all a waste of my time.
In verse 1 it says "Have mercy on me O God, according to your unfailing love." Unfailing love. That, to me is such a difficult concept to grasp. My love for people is so conditional upon their behavior that I don't understand how God can have an unfailing love. What if God loved people like I do? I know I would not stand a chance to ever see my home in Heaven. I fail Him daily but he is always there to pick me up, dust me off and let me try again.
Verse 18 says "Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This needs to be my prayer every day. Most of the time when I try to walk away from sin, I am only addressing the action of that sin. Where does sin come from? It comes from the heart. Garbage in, garbage out as they say. What you allow your senses to take in, your heart will put out. I think you can fake the funk for a while but sooner or later, a fake is found out for what they really are.
Verses 16 & 17: "You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it, you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are: a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise. My actions mean nothing if my heart is not right. I can pretend to be a great Christian, but if my heart is not right with God, it is all a waste of my time.
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