Unless the temperature is in the triple digits or is freezing, I try to find a few minutes each day to spend in my retreat. My special place is the deck just outside my patio doors. I love to put on my sunglasses, pour a cup of coffee, and sometimes gather up some reading material then head to the deck. First, I plug in the water fountain because I love the sound of falling water. Then I will prop my feet up and sit back and relax. For a few minutes I do nothing—just soak in the atmosphere. The birds visit the feeders, the squirrels jump from branch to branch, plants move in the breeze, and the skies display their magnificent beauty.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3 NIV
How can anyone consider nature and not believe in my God? I experience God while I quietly take in nature. It is a time of reflection and prayer.
“The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.” Psalm 97:6 NIV
Truly God makes himself known to us in two ways: Scripture and nature.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV
Some of the most rewarding times of Bible study I have had this summer have been on the deck. While reflecting on a Bible passage, I will see a hummingbird approach the feeder. How amazing! My God created that fascinating creature. He created it so it can hover and drink the nectar at the same time! God perfectly created all things, and God is perfectly in control of all things.
So slow down, look around at nature, and thank God for all he has created.
Lord, thank you for making yourself known to me through nature. It amazes, entertains, and sustains me.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Not an Accident
It is not an accident that I am here at this time experiencing this set of circumstances. It is God ordained. God knows I need to experience the events that I am experiencing so that I will draw closer to him—so that he can use me for his glory. I understand this. It is one of the things I love about serving my God. However, I do not like what is happening right now. I am frustrated and angry with myself because I know I should rise above the petty things which are making me mad.
A person in my life is saying some hurtful and thoughtless things to me. I do not believe these things are being said to be mean. The comments are either ego protecting or said supposedly out of thoughtfulness. Why do I let them get to me? It is because I am trying so hard to do what is right and my pride wants my efforts recognized. That realization is part of why I am angry with myself. I know I am sinning.
“For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:11 NIV
For Christians, God will forgive our sins if we ask, but there is a condition.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
So we cannot nurse our hurts and refuse to forgive if we want God to forgive our sins.
This is a tough one for me. I tend to hang onto hurts longer than I should. I examine them and rationalize my behaviors. Sometimes I am utterly innocent. In my eyes the offending person is totally at fault. Usually though I eventually recognize my culpability in the hurtful incident—either in the initiation or non-resolution. It often takes me a long time to work through my hurt. Forgiveness normally comes in stages or only partially. However, Scripture clearly says we are to forgive completely.
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
The Lord forgives wholly and immediately when we ask him. Okay, I can understand this concept. I am to forgive. It will be hard to perfect, but I can work on it. My issue is with someone who repeatedly hurts me. Once or twice, I can handle because we all are thoughtless or insensitive at times. But after that….
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22 ESV
Let’s see here. I have forgiven the person who is currently frustrating me four times for the same thing. After that I started getting angry. According to Jesus, I have to forgive 486 more times. In other words, I must forgive over and over again. Jesus has to continually forgive me for my repeated sins. If I am to be “Jesus with skin on” I must not restrict my forgiveness.
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give me a forgiving heart.
A person in my life is saying some hurtful and thoughtless things to me. I do not believe these things are being said to be mean. The comments are either ego protecting or said supposedly out of thoughtfulness. Why do I let them get to me? It is because I am trying so hard to do what is right and my pride wants my efforts recognized. That realization is part of why I am angry with myself. I know I am sinning.
“For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:11 NIV
For Christians, God will forgive our sins if we ask, but there is a condition.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
So we cannot nurse our hurts and refuse to forgive if we want God to forgive our sins.
This is a tough one for me. I tend to hang onto hurts longer than I should. I examine them and rationalize my behaviors. Sometimes I am utterly innocent. In my eyes the offending person is totally at fault. Usually though I eventually recognize my culpability in the hurtful incident—either in the initiation or non-resolution. It often takes me a long time to work through my hurt. Forgiveness normally comes in stages or only partially. However, Scripture clearly says we are to forgive completely.
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
The Lord forgives wholly and immediately when we ask him. Okay, I can understand this concept. I am to forgive. It will be hard to perfect, but I can work on it. My issue is with someone who repeatedly hurts me. Once or twice, I can handle because we all are thoughtless or insensitive at times. But after that….
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22 ESV
Let’s see here. I have forgiven the person who is currently frustrating me four times for the same thing. After that I started getting angry. According to Jesus, I have to forgive 486 more times. In other words, I must forgive over and over again. Jesus has to continually forgive me for my repeated sins. If I am to be “Jesus with skin on” I must not restrict my forgiveness.
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give me a forgiving heart.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Give Me Joy
If pleasure could make us happy, Americans would be the happiest people in the world. We are bombarded with advertisements and opportunities to make our lives enjoyable. But are we really happy? I think not. How many people do you know who tell you they are happy? Generally people talk about their problems and disappointments. They are “going with the flow”—just trying to get through life. But as Sarah Palin said on Fox News the other evening, “Only dead fish go with the flow.” If all you are doing is going with the flow, you stink. You are living a rotten, cheerless life. You cannot express happiness except as a temporary, short-lived occurrence. Give me joy any day. Happiness is temporary, but Jesus said joy is eternal.
“… I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22b NIV
True joy comes from the God.
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV
True joy is given to us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.
“… you love him; … you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy...” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV
So we can participate in and have a permanent joy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 NIV
So instead of seeking happiness on earth, we should be seeking the permanent joy and peace only God can give.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, grant me your joy and peace today and every day I am on earth.
“… I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22b NIV
True joy comes from the God.
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV
True joy is given to us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.
“… you love him; … you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy...” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV
So we can participate in and have a permanent joy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 NIV
So instead of seeking happiness on earth, we should be seeking the permanent joy and peace only God can give.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, grant me your joy and peace today and every day I am on earth.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tyrants
Whatever your sin is, is your tyrant. It controls you.
Says who? I chose to do what I want to do. Nothing rules me. I live a good life, and what I do does not hurt anyone. I am much better than most people. I don’t break any laws except I do speed some. Nothing controls me but me. How dare you even suggest that I am not in total command of me!
Not too long ago I would have responded like this to the original comment. It was not that I did not sin. I did. I just did not recognize the seriousness of the sin in my life. I was like the rich man that sought out Jesus.
“A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” Luke 18:18 NIV
In the conversation between Jesus and this man, the rich man asserts that he has followed all of the commandments since he was a boy. In other words, he was saying that he was a very good person. He was expecting Jesus to recognize his goodness and to affirm that he would be given eternal life based on that goodness. Jesus did not give the rich man the answer he wanted because Jesus knew the man’s heart.
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’"
Luke 18:22 NIV
Jesus recognized the man’s tyrant. His sin was the love of his money and all that it would buy. The Bible does not say there is anything wrong with being rich. Abraham, Joseph, David, and Solomon were all very wealthy. God loved and blessed them. It was not the money which was the problem. It was the rich man’s attitude about money.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
So what sin is controlling you? My most troubling tyrants are submission and self-direction. I recognize my sins, but they will not relinquish control of me. I am in a constant battle with these powerful tyrants. But I know that through the power of the Holy Spirit they can be conquered.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Lord, take control of all areas of my life. Make me submissive to you.
Says who? I chose to do what I want to do. Nothing rules me. I live a good life, and what I do does not hurt anyone. I am much better than most people. I don’t break any laws except I do speed some. Nothing controls me but me. How dare you even suggest that I am not in total command of me!
Not too long ago I would have responded like this to the original comment. It was not that I did not sin. I did. I just did not recognize the seriousness of the sin in my life. I was like the rich man that sought out Jesus.
“A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” Luke 18:18 NIV
In the conversation between Jesus and this man, the rich man asserts that he has followed all of the commandments since he was a boy. In other words, he was saying that he was a very good person. He was expecting Jesus to recognize his goodness and to affirm that he would be given eternal life based on that goodness. Jesus did not give the rich man the answer he wanted because Jesus knew the man’s heart.
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’"
Luke 18:22 NIV
Jesus recognized the man’s tyrant. His sin was the love of his money and all that it would buy. The Bible does not say there is anything wrong with being rich. Abraham, Joseph, David, and Solomon were all very wealthy. God loved and blessed them. It was not the money which was the problem. It was the rich man’s attitude about money.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
So what sin is controlling you? My most troubling tyrants are submission and self-direction. I recognize my sins, but they will not relinquish control of me. I am in a constant battle with these powerful tyrants. But I know that through the power of the Holy Spirit they can be conquered.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Lord, take control of all areas of my life. Make me submissive to you.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
My Center
I was feeling sorry for myself this afternoon. My life has taking a dramatically different path from the one I had planned. Three years ago God made it very clear that I was to make some changes. I left a career that I loved. It was my idol. It took me almost two years after I resigned to give it up in my heart. The past year had another unexpected turn of events. God allowed me to experience some relationship difficulties in two areas of my life along with some other unexpected trials. I wish I could say I am a quick learner and God just needed to nudge me this time. Unfortunately, God knew I would need to suffer some excruciating pain to get me to pay attention and make me desire to be submissive so he could mold me as my Master Potter.
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ…I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:7, 10, 12b, 14 NIV
So I must cultivate a desire to know God more than any desire I might have for things in this world. Paul did and God used him powerfully. Maybe if I truly place God before anything else, including myself, then God will use me in some small way to bring glory to my Lord Jesus Christ.
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 NIV
I want to be like the lady who made this request on her ninety-eighth birthday, “Please pray for me to know God’s plan for my life and what He’s left me on earth to do.”
Lord, be the center of my life on earth. Make me your obedient, humble servant
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ…I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:7, 10, 12b, 14 NIV
So I must cultivate a desire to know God more than any desire I might have for things in this world. Paul did and God used him powerfully. Maybe if I truly place God before anything else, including myself, then God will use me in some small way to bring glory to my Lord Jesus Christ.
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 NIV
I want to be like the lady who made this request on her ninety-eighth birthday, “Please pray for me to know God’s plan for my life and what He’s left me on earth to do.”
Lord, be the center of my life on earth. Make me your obedient, humble servant
Monday, August 16, 2010
Trouble
If anyone tells you that living the Christian life is easy and if you are a good Christian you will be prosperous, run the other direction for the truth is not being spoken. The truth is that there will be tough times in our lives. Why should we expect otherwise? Jesus mentions his trials during the last meal he ate with his disciples.
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials.” Luke 22:28 NIV
As a matter of fact, Paul warns his followers that trials will happen and to be prepared for them.
“so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
Life on earth will include difficult times because Satan loves to attack those who love Jesus. What is ironic is that Satan means to hurt us, but God will allow unpleasant situations in our lives to draw us closer to him. Isn’t it sad that we seem to be willing to rely on God most when life is challenging?
If we are promised that we will face difficulties even if we live good Christian lives, why should we bother? Why not just do as we please?
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV
First, our troubles are temporary. Our salvation is eternal.
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV
So God is allowing our temporary challenges to refine us—to shape us—to grow our faith.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Lord, shape my attitude. May I see each difficulty as a chance to grow closer to you.
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials.” Luke 22:28 NIV
As a matter of fact, Paul warns his followers that trials will happen and to be prepared for them.
“so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
Life on earth will include difficult times because Satan loves to attack those who love Jesus. What is ironic is that Satan means to hurt us, but God will allow unpleasant situations in our lives to draw us closer to him. Isn’t it sad that we seem to be willing to rely on God most when life is challenging?
If we are promised that we will face difficulties even if we live good Christian lives, why should we bother? Why not just do as we please?
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV
First, our troubles are temporary. Our salvation is eternal.
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV
So God is allowing our temporary challenges to refine us—to shape us—to grow our faith.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Lord, shape my attitude. May I see each difficulty as a chance to grow closer to you.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Live How?
“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Eph 5:15-16 NIV
How to I make the most of every opportunity?
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:17-18 NIV
So I have to read and meditate on God’s Word and not get drunk. But what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5 NIV
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16 NIV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
So if I am making the most of every opportunity, I will not live my life engaged in satisfying my sinful nature but instead I will cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Of these the hardest for me is self-control. Satan knows this and sets traps for my sin nature to be drawn out. If I am tired or stressed or just not vigilant, the lack of self-control will take over to wreck havoc in my life and in the lives of those around me. How I long for the ability to direct my energies in a way that always will be pleasing to God.
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5 NIV
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit grant me self-control.
How to I make the most of every opportunity?
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:17-18 NIV
So I have to read and meditate on God’s Word and not get drunk. But what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5 NIV
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16 NIV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
So if I am making the most of every opportunity, I will not live my life engaged in satisfying my sinful nature but instead I will cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Of these the hardest for me is self-control. Satan knows this and sets traps for my sin nature to be drawn out. If I am tired or stressed or just not vigilant, the lack of self-control will take over to wreck havoc in my life and in the lives of those around me. How I long for the ability to direct my energies in a way that always will be pleasing to God.
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5 NIV
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit grant me self-control.
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