While reading Psalm 51 today there was one particular phrase that jumped out at me. David writes; “In your good pleasure make Zion prosper.” (Psalm 51:18a)  Zion is a title used to denote the “city of God,” the “mount of God,” and the chosen “people of God.”  The fact is that God prospers His people according to His good pleasure.

This may not sit well with some of us because of many reasons:  We have a prosperity gospel that is preached and it only seems to work in America.  We live in a “right now” society.  Everyone is familiar with the commercial that advocates “it’s my money and I want it now!”  This promotes getting the money from a prior settlement in an agreed upon contract now instead of waiting for the original timetable.  It doesn’t tell you how much you will have to shell out to the company in order to get your immediate satisfaction.  Of course, we have all heard the famous phrase from a fast food chain; “have it your way.”  There was Frank Sinatra’s hit song - “My Way.”  And don’t forget one from days past; “We make money the old fashioned way, we earn it!”

Americans, in particular, pride themselves in their rugged independence and ability to “get ‘er done,” but this isn’t just an American philosophy.  The problem is as universal and as old as the rebellion in the heavens and in the Garden of Eden.  When Satan decided to lift up himself above God because he thought his way was better than God’s way, he was cast out of heaven.  Then he convinced Adam and Eve that God was a bully and didn’t really have their best interest in mind and they decided to do things their own way and sent the whole creation on the downward spiral of sin.

Thankfully, God, in His Omniscience, had already made a way for man and creation to be redeemed.  That’s what the whole Scripture is about – God’s Big Story – His redemptive plan in Christ Jesus!

Omniscience – now there is a good word.  It is, of course, one of God’s major attributes.  It is made of two words: omni and science.  Omni is defined as; “a combining form meaning all used in the formation of compound words.”  Science is; “a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.”  So omniscience would be the trait of “having all knowledge of all facts and truths pertaining to any and all systems and laws.”  The formal definition is “having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things.”

Having all knowledge!  Now there is another good word -  ALL.  My college Bible professor loved to emphasize this.  What does all mean?  It means the whole, the greatest possible, every, any, dominated by, everything, only, all in all, everything considered – in other words nothing lacking!  WOW!  What a God we serve!

Some would have us to believe God is limited in His knowledge.  It is even taught in some circles that He is often caught by surprise or is still learning things even as we are still learning.  What kind of god is that?  It is a “little g” god that doesn’t deserve our worship or allegiance.

Our God, the God of Scripture, is a “Big G” God.  He is the God who is large and in charge of ALL!  That’s why Solomon in all his wisdom could write: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)  And, “Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD,  how then can man understand his way?” (Proverbs 20:24)  And again, “There is no wisdom and no understanding  and no counsel against the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:30)

Man in his rugged individualism and self-righteous independence becomes arrogant and self-reliant and the result is SIN – “selfish independent negation” of God’s will.  In our desire to be in control and “do it my way” we push God aside and pursue our own designs.  However, God is very patient and loving and kind and is willing to allow us to stumble around in our folly until we come to the end of ourselves.  (I refer you to the story of the “Prodigal Son” in Luke 15:11-32.)  Then, with open arms, God the Father welcomes us back and reminds us:
 “I, even I, am the LORD,
And there is no savior besides Me. . .
Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:
‘I am the first and I am the last, ?And there is no God besides Me. . . .
I am the LORD, and there is no other,
The One forming light and creating darkness,
Causing well-being and creating calamity;
I am the LORD who does all these. . . .
Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, ?And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
(Isaiah 43:11; 44:6; 45:6b-7; 46:10)

Be encouraged and take heart!  Know this, that God our Heavenly Father, is running the show!  Even if you are struggling or stumbling around, His plans – His purposes will prevail!  He knows all.   He sees all.  Let’s pray as David did, “In your good pleasure make Zion prosper.”

Tags: arrogant, encouragement, faith, God, independence, prosperity, purpose, redemption, self-reliant, selfish, sin, soverignty, success

I’m in the second week of my “bout with gout” and I have had some good time with the LORD to pray, read and meditate.  It can be very frustrating when you are in constant pain and not able to get around but even in the midst of it all the LORD has shown me some key truths.

God is our refuge and strength, 
A very present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
 Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
Selah.     – Psalm 46:1-3 (NASV)

If God is our refuge and strength, and He is always present in the midst of our need, then why should we ever be fearful?  The Almighty, the Great I AM, Father God is with us and cares for us!  Whatever comes into our lives is always filtered through His hands.  Whether it is our daily struggles, tests or trials or “the sting of death” or the “victory of the grave” God has already faced it and OVERCOME!  He has filtered it so it “will not harm” us – His children.

Isaiah put it this way:
“¹ But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
 “For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”  – Isaiah 43:1-3 (NASV)

Those of us who are “in Christ” have received this promise!  It is one of safety, strength, and security!  Yes, it was made to Israel but it is also for us who believe.  Look at this promise also from Isaiah: 

 “Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals
And brings out a weapon for its work;
And I have created the destroyer to ruin.
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper;
And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. – Isaiah 54:16-17  (NASV)

I can hear someone say, “Well, that’s all Old Testament promises.”  Remember, we must view the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus Christ who is the fulfillment of the law and the One Who offers these promises to us!

We live in a sinful world that is still suffering the consequences of sin, i.e. death and destruction.  However, because we are now “children of God“  we are no longer “of this world.”  Our home, our abode is now “with Christ.”  We are citizens of His Heavenly Kingdom and ambassadors of it to this lost world.  Jesus said if the world hated Him it will also hate us and therefore this world and it’s corrupt system will oppose us and cause us to suffer.  Here is what Peter says,

“Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.” – I Peter 4:19 (ASV)  and,

“Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.  And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” – I Peter 5:8-10  (ASV)

If you came to Christ thinking all your problems would be over then someone failed to give you the whole Gospel!  It could be said that when you come to Christ our sin problem is taken care of but your troubles are just beginning!  Here is the Good News – you will never have to go through these troubles alone!  Jesus promises to be with you always, “even to the end of the age.”  Take encouragement from Isaiah as he pens the words of our LORD;

“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” – Isaiah 41:9-10  (NASV)

Tags: encouragement, faith, fear, God, Gospel, hope, Jesus, strength, tests, trials

The year 2011 was a difficult one for me and my family.  However, in the midst of struggle the Lord managed to teach me some things.  I would like to share some of them with you:
 (1)  Material possessions are meaningless!  In a world that is driven by consumerism, greed and avarice, the focus seems to be on getting more, having the  latest and greatest, and pursuing wealth(riches).
Last year we lost pretty much everything we had worked so hard for and tried so hard to hang on to.  Our circumstances were hard but in the midst of it all we found a new dependence on our Heavenly Father.  He once again proved Himself to be Jehovah – Jireh, The God Who Provides!  We had what we needed; shelter, food, clothing, transportation, health and most of all family and friends.
It’s good to remember that all theses worldly things will rust and turn to dust but relationships are eternal!  “Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.  The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”  Psalm 34:9-10

(2) In the midst of trials it is easy to lose the right focus.  When you are going through tough times, if you are not diligent to keep your focus on God, you can be drawn to other things.  When your focus shifts to other things, your circumstances tend to seem insurmountable, problems become bigger and you tend to become anxious and worried.  When this happens you lose peace within.
The key word is diligent.  (characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort : painstaking <a diligent worker>)
You must purposefully pursue God and His Kingdom.  You must desire to be in His Presence.  Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28  My Pastor calls this “inflight refueling.”  However, it does not just happen – we must make the effort to come to Jesus!  When we seek Him we find Him!  Look at what God said to the children of Israel when He told them they would be scattered  and sent into bondage:  “But if from there (bondage) you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
God goes on to promise that when we are in distress, if we will turn to Him and obey Him, He will show us mercy!

(3) God is always faithful and trustworthy!  Even when we may stumble and lose heart and our faith falters He remains faithful still!
It is wonderful to know that my relationship to God the Father is not dependent upon how I act or what I do.  God loves me just as much when I sin as He does when I do all things right.  Why?  Because I am “in Jesus.”  And being “in Jesus” means that God the Father loves me just as He loves Jesus!  When He looks at me He sees Jesus!   “I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one:  I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me.”  John 17:22-23
My stance with God is based solely upon what Jesus Christ did for me.  He was the perfect sacrifice for sin.  He defeated Satan, death, and the grave!  He sits now at the right hand of God the Father and rules His Kingdom. (Hebrews 10:12-13)  He gave me the amazing gift of salvation, filled and sealed me with His Holy Spirit, and works in me daily to bring His Kingdom life more fully into this life on earth.  And, one day He will take me home to reign with Him for all eternity!
He promises to keep me and watch over me (Psalm 121:7-8); He promises to always be with me (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20); He promises to take care of all my needs ( Psalm 23:1; II Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19); and He assures me I have nothing to fear (Psalm 23:4; 27:1; 34:4; 46:2; Isaiah 43:1; and John 4:18)!
No matter what my circumstances – God has always been there and has proved Himself faithful!  It may not have been the way I was expecting it but it always worked for my ultimate good.
So, those were three primary lessons of 2011.  You know, they really seem familiar, like I have been taught them before.  But it seems we are quick to forget them.  I’m so glad that Father God is patient, loving and kind and continues to remind us.  Blessed by His Holy Name!  Have a blessed New Year!

Tags: avarice, faithfulness, fear, God, greed, Jesus, possessions, riches, salvation, wealth

Ah Christmas!  The lights, the decorations, the Christmas trees, the presents, the smaltzy TV shows that tug at your heart strings and emotions, the music, the gatherings, all those things that we have come to associate with this festive season; and don’t forget the “shopping!”

In the midst of all this it is easy to forget how the first Christmas happened.  What was it like when Jesus first came?  Well, I want to share some thoughts that are not original with me but were shared recently by a friend of mine (Steve Green) at his Christmas Concert.

When He came, He came into a time of scandal, confusion and terror!

The scandal was immense!  It starts in the genealogy of Jesus.  Matthew gives all of those in the line, including the scandalous, for instance:   “and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar…”    Judah was not a very wise man, he chose a wife for his son Er.   Then His son Er, who married Tamar, was wicked and God killed him.  So since there was no heir Judah asked his son Onan to lie with Tamar and conceive.  Onan did not want this to happen since the offspring would not be considered to be his. (read the account in Genesis 38:9 and following)  This was wicked so the Lord killed him, too!  After Judah’s wife died he went down to Timnah during his time of sadness.  Tamar knew that his third son was now grown but Judah refused to give him to her for marriage.  ( He had already had two sons killed by God)  Then Tamar dressed as a prostitute and deceived Judah into sleeping with her to gain offspring and had twins!

Also mentioned is Manasseh, who was the bloodiest king Israel ever had.  And there are others.  Read it for yourself in Matthew 1.  How about the scandal of Mary and Joseph?  Mary, pregnant “out of wedlock!”  Imagine the talk going on behind her back, and maybe right in front of her.  Joseph was so upset he thought of putting her away privately, until the angel came to explain the situation.

Then there was confusion.  An edict had been passed requiring all the people to be registered for taxation.  This required a long journey for our expectant couple, on a donkey, to a crowded city where confusion was rampant.  There was so much going on that there was no place available for them except a cattle stall.  Can you imagine the filth, the smell, the craziness of this “birthing room?”  (see Luke 2)

And then there was terror!  We hear a lot about terror in theses days but when Jesus was born the evil king Herod, after he had tried unsuccessfully to locate the child, ordered every male child two years and under to be killed in hopes of destroying this prophesied King of the Jews!  Can you hear the wailing of the mothers and fathers as their sons lay in pools of blood for the sole reason that they were two years old and younger?  (ref. Matthew 2:16-20)

So, even though we have all these pristine visions of what Christmas should be about, we must remember what the world was like when He came the first time.  It was much like it is now, full of scandal, confusion, and terror!  Remember why He came:  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.”     – Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus came because He and the Father loved us!  God, in His infinite wisdom made a way for a sinful world full of scandal, confusion and terror to be made right with Him.  That way has a name – Jesus Christ!  He has established his Kingdom already and sits on the throne awaiting that day when all of his enemies shall be made his footstool. (Hebrews 10:10-13)  He is The Mighty God Who can take scandal and turn it into His own purposes for good!  He is the Wonderful Counselor Who can help us sort through all our confusion!  He is the Prince of Peace Who stills our hearts in times of terror and gives us the “peace that passeth all understanding!”  This is why He came!  His Kingdom has been, is being, and will be established!  How will this happen?  It happens by the zeal of God Almighty!

Remember, Jesus came to “get messy.”  Merry Christmas!!

He Came To Get Messy – The Skit Guys

Tags: celebration, christmas, confusion, Gospel, Jesus, love, messy, peace, scandal, terror