...this is an intersting concept - your thoughts?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Leftovers
I waited patiently for the Lord and he inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock and established my steps. He also put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.
Romans 5:1-2
He put a new song in my mouth. It is the experience of fresh salvation from the hand of God, the joy of finding renewed grace.
At the moment God rescued us from the domain of darkness, we received our introduction into this grace in which we now stand. Our conversion marked the initial step beyond God's common grace, the general grace He extends to all men, into His specific grace. Specific in that His effectual call leads to the place of saving faith and redemption, securing our access to every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Col 1:13; Ps 145:9; Matt 5:44-45; Eph 1:3).
Of these spiritual blessings, I suggest one to be our capacity to share in His joy - the very joy of which the Son of God possessed. From this attitude we give expression to Paul's teaching to 'rejoice always'. We are blessed in that we are freed to trust in a sovereign God who graciously fashions our days and guides us to openly rejoice in them (John 15:11; I Thess 5:16; Psalm 118:24). Again, God gives us fresh grace.
Don’t settle, eat well.
Typically I abide by a 24 hour policy when it comes to leftovers. This, of course, doesn’t apply to those dishes that get “better” once the seasoning is absorbed overnight. But in general, should the food under consideration have been in the fridge over 24 hours, I’ll make a PBJ. Would that I have the same standard spiritually!
Consume God’s grace. Absorb His mercy, and not for the sheer “wow-ness” of it, but simply because God is always present. His grace and mercy, never in flux, are a constant dynamic within the lives of His children no matter what may befall us.
Eat a well balanced diet.
Some are bound to the “wow-ness” of God. By their regular craving for the next “god-high”, their nutrition proves to be off balance. Having yet to feed on the various nuances of grace, these miss the perpetual realities of God’s grace and mercy. Experiencing grace in times of miraculous manifestation is one thing. Sensing His sustaining grace through the monotonous grind of our days and trusting this same grace when calamity strikes, these are something all together different.
To the imbalanced diet, John Tauler cautions. He writes that there is a type of spiritual captivity that is forever bound to the “sweet raptures of the spirit. Many a man attuned to God loses his way in this captivity because he pursues the sweetness too long and surrenders to it in an undisciplined manner, searching for and holding on to it to eagerly, because it seems a good thing and delightful to possess. But that is the moment when nature claims her share and man is deprived of the delight, just when he thinks he has grasped God…(he becomes) discontented and troubled as soon as the sweetness is taken away from him and whether he is unable to serve God as willingly and loyally as when he still possessed it (20 Centuries of Great Preaching, John Tauler, Sermon for the Sunday of the Ascension of Our Lord, vol 1, pg, 214).
Similarly, John of the Cross in his popular work The Dark Night of the Soul recalls the seasons that God expressly removes the intense joy of His presence simply for the purpose of honing our desire for Him (Devotional Classics, Richard Foster). As Cross writes, these times are divinely sent so that our desire is less for, to borrow from Tauler, “the sweet raptures of the spirit” and more toward the concentrated pursuit of who God is.
These dark nights, equip us to persevere. Though feeling the weight of discouragement and disillusionment, we wait patiently for daybreak. Knowing that though weeping is for the night a shout of joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:4-5).
Again, eat well. Know that God's grace is never in flux. Wait and listen for the New Song. Find fresh movements of His grace in every corner of life.
Blessings
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
At this moment my boys would prefer an outline of either Elmo or Barney. But soon, very soon, they will learn to appreciate the finer privileges of being a male. Feel free to take a look at the most amazing Jack O'Lantern ever constructed!
Speechless
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Al and Bernard on Pride
Vanity, definitely my favorite sin
With this statement, the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate sharply concludes. After failing to corrupt the protagonist with the obvious allure of gluttony, greed, power, and lust - Al Pacino, playing The Deceiver, resorts to a most subtle ploy. Entomb the good man in his own pride.
Having only seen the end of the movie on TNT, I’m not commending it for viewing pleasure. Yet I mention this scene precisely because its’ closing statement is profoundly true. Vanity is his favorite sin.
After the hero shuns all manner of temptation and makes a costly stand for justice, one would assume him to be rid of the Enemy. Yet the last scene portrays a shocking twist. The Tempter appears as an adoring reporter, playing to the hero’s pride. At first the hero proves uncomfortable with the attention but then his countenance shifts. He entertains temptation. Without a word you can hear his thoughts, “Unlike the other attorneys, I stood against evil. My morals would not be compromised, I am unique. Maybe I should be recognized”
Unwittingly, he was doomed. Abruptly, the credits roll.
Recently while reading Bernard of Clairvaux, I came across a sermon entitled On David and Goliath and quickly Pacino’s line came to mind. In this piece ‘David’ typifies the saints determined to follow righteousness. Accordingly, ‘Goliath’ is a type of pride. The giant who threatens to crush all would be seekers of God.
In my own life I've felt pride take many forms, perhaps none more frustrating than the type On David and Goliath highlights. And while not personally keen on typological/allegorical interpretations of Scripture, Bernard’s handling of pride in the life of the believer deserves attention largely because it is so practical. For this reason alone, a few portions are worth sharing (20 Centuries of Great Preaching, Vol 1, Bernard of Clairvaux, On David and Goliath, pg 149-50):
For pride is the greatest of sins, to the assaults of which the people of God are more liable than are any others, and it singles out for attack those especially who seem to have overcome all the other vices. Here you have the reason why it challenges us religious to single combat, because namely, it usually makes its appearance when the rest of our enemies have been routed.
Then, quite hopeless of gaining the victory by his own unaided powers, and armed with faith alone, let him not consider Goliath’s enormous stature, lest perchance he should grow fearful of being crushed under his weight…
(On the five stones David took from the riverbed) It seems to me, therefore, that by the five stones taken from the torrent we may not unreasonably understand the fivefold word of the Word of God, that is to say, the word of warning, the word of promise, the word of charity, the word of example, and the word which relates to prayer.
Bernard goes on say that when under the temptation of pride these stones are to be our defense. We need remember and “fear the terrible threats of God” against the proud. We need recall the “infallible promises of God” to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. We need consider the “love which the Lord of Majesty has shown” for us, the most lowly. We need think of “the examples of the saints” who have walked in humility and service. Lastly when incapable of recalling any of these stones, “thou must apply thyself to prayer with all the fervor thou can command”.
Wherever we may be spiritually, let us “easily understand and quickly discern what we’ve felt in our interior”. For “unhappy is the man who devoting all his attention to the outward observances, remains ignorant of his interior”. Should the Spirit use these words for illumination, take the grace and kindness of God to heart. As Paul encourages, God alone is faithful to complete the work He started in us.
In closing, do you agree with Bernard’s assessment of pride in the life of the believer?
From your own life, what might you add to his thoughts?
Maybe it’s an attitude or a specific action, but in your life what does spiritual pride look like? When do you know you’ve crossed the line into sin?
With this statement, the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate sharply concludes. After failing to corrupt the protagonist with the obvious allure of gluttony, greed, power, and lust - Al Pacino, playing The Deceiver, resorts to a most subtle ploy. Entomb the good man in his own pride.
Having only seen the end of the movie on TNT, I’m not commending it for viewing pleasure. Yet I mention this scene precisely because its’ closing statement is profoundly true. Vanity is his favorite sin.
After the hero shuns all manner of temptation and makes a costly stand for justice, one would assume him to be rid of the Enemy. Yet the last scene portrays a shocking twist. The Tempter appears as an adoring reporter, playing to the hero’s pride. At first the hero proves uncomfortable with the attention but then his countenance shifts. He entertains temptation. Without a word you can hear his thoughts, “Unlike the other attorneys, I stood against evil. My morals would not be compromised, I am unique. Maybe I should be recognized”
Unwittingly, he was doomed. Abruptly, the credits roll.
Recently while reading Bernard of Clairvaux, I came across a sermon entitled On David and Goliath and quickly Pacino’s line came to mind. In this piece ‘David’ typifies the saints determined to follow righteousness. Accordingly, ‘Goliath’ is a type of pride. The giant who threatens to crush all would be seekers of God.
In my own life I've felt pride take many forms, perhaps none more frustrating than the type On David and Goliath highlights. And while not personally keen on typological/allegorical interpretations of Scripture, Bernard’s handling of pride in the life of the believer deserves attention largely because it is so practical. For this reason alone, a few portions are worth sharing (20 Centuries of Great Preaching, Vol 1, Bernard of Clairvaux, On David and Goliath, pg 149-50):
For pride is the greatest of sins, to the assaults of which the people of God are more liable than are any others, and it singles out for attack those especially who seem to have overcome all the other vices. Here you have the reason why it challenges us religious to single combat, because namely, it usually makes its appearance when the rest of our enemies have been routed.
Then, quite hopeless of gaining the victory by his own unaided powers, and armed with faith alone, let him not consider Goliath’s enormous stature, lest perchance he should grow fearful of being crushed under his weight…
(On the five stones David took from the riverbed) It seems to me, therefore, that by the five stones taken from the torrent we may not unreasonably understand the fivefold word of the Word of God, that is to say, the word of warning, the word of promise, the word of charity, the word of example, and the word which relates to prayer.
Bernard goes on say that when under the temptation of pride these stones are to be our defense. We need remember and “fear the terrible threats of God” against the proud. We need recall the “infallible promises of God” to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. We need consider the “love which the Lord of Majesty has shown” for us, the most lowly. We need think of “the examples of the saints” who have walked in humility and service. Lastly when incapable of recalling any of these stones, “thou must apply thyself to prayer with all the fervor thou can command”.
Wherever we may be spiritually, let us “easily understand and quickly discern what we’ve felt in our interior”. For “unhappy is the man who devoting all his attention to the outward observances, remains ignorant of his interior”. Should the Spirit use these words for illumination, take the grace and kindness of God to heart. As Paul encourages, God alone is faithful to complete the work He started in us.
In closing, do you agree with Bernard’s assessment of pride in the life of the believer?
From your own life, what might you add to his thoughts?
Maybe it’s an attitude or a specific action, but in your life what does spiritual pride look like? When do you know you’ve crossed the line into sin?
Grace and Peace
Friday, October 23, 2009
...
But now thus says the Lord, He who created you,O Jacob,he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, 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 shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Throughout the days prior to Josiah's surgery these two passages meant a great deal to my family. While there was fear, they kept us from being afraid. While there was angst, they kept us from being given to sorrow. While there were questions, they allowed us to trust in the Answer.
Know that wherever your journey may lead the Hope we carry will not disappoint. For God in His glory has woven the Divine Spirit into our consciousness, reminding us of His enduring love.
Be it a faint whisper, let us whisper with conviction - I am Yours
Be it a bold exclamation, let us declare - I am Yours
With whatever we've got, let us know - We are Yours
Wherever the road may lead...
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Evening Prayer
…and when Jaden and Judah get big, let them fight the bad guys… Amen
As long as I’ve been praying with the big boys this request has been a constant. I desire for them to be men of keen biblical discernment, willing to openly address those who distort God’s truth, justice, and grace. I desire for them to become men who, from either cathedral or corporate ladder, clearly detect the Spirit and move in His power. I desire that God fashion them into men willing to speak when others are silent, willing to engage when others are distracted - that they be able to detect the paths of righteousness and courageously walk in their freedom. In preschool speak, that they “fight the bad guys”.
Last night, Judah finally asked the question...
Daddy, who are the bad guys?
With a dry smile and grateful heart…
Bad guys are those who teach and say bad things about God. They are daddies who don’t listen and obey God. Daddies who think they are better than everyone else and who think they are always right. They are mean to the mommies and their boys. Bad guys are people who steal food from the hungry and don’t share their stuff.
The prolonged silence was finally broken…
Daddy, you better get me my little wooden sword.
One step down a very long, winding path – I agree. But a very important step indeed.
Father, allow the seeds of courage to be sown upon hungry soil and by Your grace let us meet this task, molding them into men of undeniable faith and contagious character.
Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen
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