Do organizations get boring or do people get bored with organizations? Obviously organizations did what was not boring in the beginning because people were involved and interested. If they were doing the same things later that they were doing in the beginning, the organization was not boring, the people became bored with the way the leaders were doing things. I say that to say, is boredom a choice just like happiness and anger? Hmmm!?
Israel was visibly in the presence of God as they watched a pillar of fire by night and smoke by day but it was "boring."
"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him,"'Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.'" Ex 32:1 NKJV
God provided everything Israel needed, shoes, clothes and manna, but it was "boring."
"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet." Deut 29:5 NKJV
"Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said:'Who will give us meat to eat?5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic;6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!'" Num 11:4-6 NKJV
Now I understand these texts are out of chronological order but that does not change the fact of the attitude of the people.
At what point do we move beyond boredom into contentment, not complacency but contentment? Nothing God does is boring, we just become bored with the way He chooses to do things. Complacency is boredom. If we look to find God in all things, we will never be bored. It is only when we look to the ways of man to prove excitement that we become bored and then blame it on God for not giving us meat! Manna is boring to the one who would rather have quail but for the one who enjoys being fed by the Lord, Manna is filet mignon!
So what will you have for dinner?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Your Choice America
"I ask that all of you keep these families and these individuals in your prayers today." Texas Governor Rick Perry said.
God said, "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty." Malachi 3:7 NIV
Your choice America!! How loud must God call out to us before we listen?
This nation was founded on Biblical principles and Godly ideals. What has happened since then? For many years this nation has been in decline despite the appearance of success. We live higher, eat better, act refined, and appear to care. What all this amounts too is we have become self-centered, conceited and proud. Jesus addressed the religious community of His day when He called them white-washed tombs full of dead men's bones. (Matt. 23:27) This nation has become a nation of white-washed tombs. Like cups clean on the outside and disgustingly filthy on the inside. We battle in countries over oil and money but refuse to care for nations that are starving due to oppresive governments. We spend more on ice cream in one year in America than it would cost to feed nations. We spend billions of dollars to bail out mismanaged corporations while Americans suffer from the lack of affordable healthcare.
Young people are required to learn of alternative lifestyles and how to have sex without spreading disease but are not even informed of the thought of moral living that obviously comes from a moral law giver.
We cannot continue to turn our backs to God at every turn and expect Him to spare the rod of discipline. How quick we are as a nation to cry out to Him and acknowledge His existence when catastrophe hits. People around this nation are asking "Why God?" People around this nation today are praying for strength and healings. Today the military personnel are leaning on a God that would not have been acknowledged two days ago.
America and its leaders must today decide whom will you serve? Will this nation continue to depart from God or will it return?
I am thankful the Lord continues to protect this nation from the possiblities of evil destruction. The shooting tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas yesterday is but a glimpse of the devastation that will come when God lifts His protection only for a moment. If this nation is going to call itself a Christian nation then BE a Christian nation. If this nation will not BE a Christian nation, then hang on, for destruction is sure to come.
God said, "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty." Malachi 3:7 NIV
Your choice America!! How loud must God call out to us before we listen?
This nation was founded on Biblical principles and Godly ideals. What has happened since then? For many years this nation has been in decline despite the appearance of success. We live higher, eat better, act refined, and appear to care. What all this amounts too is we have become self-centered, conceited and proud. Jesus addressed the religious community of His day when He called them white-washed tombs full of dead men's bones. (Matt. 23:27) This nation has become a nation of white-washed tombs. Like cups clean on the outside and disgustingly filthy on the inside. We battle in countries over oil and money but refuse to care for nations that are starving due to oppresive governments. We spend more on ice cream in one year in America than it would cost to feed nations. We spend billions of dollars to bail out mismanaged corporations while Americans suffer from the lack of affordable healthcare.
Young people are required to learn of alternative lifestyles and how to have sex without spreading disease but are not even informed of the thought of moral living that obviously comes from a moral law giver.
We cannot continue to turn our backs to God at every turn and expect Him to spare the rod of discipline. How quick we are as a nation to cry out to Him and acknowledge His existence when catastrophe hits. People around this nation are asking "Why God?" People around this nation today are praying for strength and healings. Today the military personnel are leaning on a God that would not have been acknowledged two days ago.
America and its leaders must today decide whom will you serve? Will this nation continue to depart from God or will it return?
I am thankful the Lord continues to protect this nation from the possiblities of evil destruction. The shooting tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas yesterday is but a glimpse of the devastation that will come when God lifts His protection only for a moment. If this nation is going to call itself a Christian nation then BE a Christian nation. If this nation will not BE a Christian nation, then hang on, for destruction is sure to come.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Leading/Following
Many times we are confronted with great decisions that not only affect ourselves but many that we do not even have any contact with. Leadership is by far one of the hardest tasks ever given. Solomon was given this authority at a very young age. The Bible lends us to think he could have asked the Lord for anything. For a materialistic mind this could have been the proverbial "Genie in a bottle" wish. Solomon, exhibiting great wisdom even with his prayer, sought wisdom from the Lord to give him wisdom to govern God's people.
Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
1 Kings 3:7-9 NKJV
We must use great caution when placed in a postion of leadership. Not only do we have the responsibility to lead wisely but also Biblically. I have found it found very hard at times to discern between the voice of God and the voices of human influence. It is very difficult to over come fleshly desires and "gut" reactions when opportunities arise to pursue what seems to be a righteous agenda. Sometimes I feel like Peter with a sword, but Jesus told him to put the sword away for if you live by the sword you will die by the sword. When we find ourselves in the point of contention and not sure what direction to move we must find ourselves seeking God's leadership. Sometimes it does not make any sense and may seem to be against past examples but when confidence comes as we rest in Him, common sense or the lack thereof becomes Faith.
King Jehoshaphat was at this point in his leadership when the enemy came against him.
2 Chron 20:1212 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."NKJV
2 Chron 20:15-1715 He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"NLT
God often calls us to stand and stand firm but not proceed or pursue; just be at ready. It is at this point He continues the fight. When we come to our vantage point, we will find, if we have been obedient, to see the victory and collect the spoil.
2 Chron 20:24
24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.NLT
When the battle comes, it is not ours but God's. We are only His to be used as tools for whatever purpose He chooses. May we always be given the wisdom and discernment needed to be the appropriate tool.
Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"
1 Kings 3:7-9 NKJV
We must use great caution when placed in a postion of leadership. Not only do we have the responsibility to lead wisely but also Biblically. I have found it found very hard at times to discern between the voice of God and the voices of human influence. It is very difficult to over come fleshly desires and "gut" reactions when opportunities arise to pursue what seems to be a righteous agenda. Sometimes I feel like Peter with a sword, but Jesus told him to put the sword away for if you live by the sword you will die by the sword. When we find ourselves in the point of contention and not sure what direction to move we must find ourselves seeking God's leadership. Sometimes it does not make any sense and may seem to be against past examples but when confidence comes as we rest in Him, common sense or the lack thereof becomes Faith.
King Jehoshaphat was at this point in his leadership when the enemy came against him.
2 Chron 20:1212 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."NKJV
2 Chron 20:15-1715 He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"NLT
God often calls us to stand and stand firm but not proceed or pursue; just be at ready. It is at this point He continues the fight. When we come to our vantage point, we will find, if we have been obedient, to see the victory and collect the spoil.
2 Chron 20:24
24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.NLT
When the battle comes, it is not ours but God's. We are only His to be used as tools for whatever purpose He chooses. May we always be given the wisdom and discernment needed to be the appropriate tool.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Consequence or Penalty
My son is a very smart boy with the need to do more than what his order can hold. Each night, the task of completing his homework in a timely manner is often a great difficulty; but it is something that has to get finished before the next morning. Often his procrastination leads to no television or video games before bed. This is not a punishment but a reality, a consequence of procrastination. The homework must get done even if it takes the whole evening to do it. Even a bad grade the next day is not a punishment but a consequence. Although he feels like the loss of TV or games is a punishment he continues to put off completion. Why is it that many times we feel like consequences are punishment and forgiveness removes all results of our choices. I can tell my son that I forgive him for disobedience for not finishing his homework and he wonders why I still will not let him watch TV. The consequence is that he must complete all other tasks for the day and TV is not a required task. Hence the consequence.
Adults think because we are forgiven of sin that the consequences should be removed because of forgiveness but only the punishment can be removed. For instance, the Christian husband who has an affair fails to forsee the consequences. The sin of adultery is forgiven by the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Death is the punishment for his sin but the penalty or punishment is conferred to his substitute, Christ. However the consequence of his sin remains; broken family, scarred children, lost trust and roles of leadership. One of the hardest concepts for people to understand about Christianity is Jesus' sacrifice transfers the penalty from one to another but the consequences remain with the original owner.
A consequence is the natural progression of effects following an action.
A person gains wisdom by realizing the consequences before an action takes place and chooses a different action based on the consequences, not because of the punishment. Too often people weigh the punishment and not the consequence.
Drinkers do not want to drink and drive because of fear of punishment, not because the consequence could be property damage, personal injury or injury or death to others bringing more consequence of rehab, broken and ruined families and lost opportnities. The punishment is fines and jail but the consequences remain.
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Cor 9:27 NKJV
Adults think because we are forgiven of sin that the consequences should be removed because of forgiveness but only the punishment can be removed. For instance, the Christian husband who has an affair fails to forsee the consequences. The sin of adultery is forgiven by the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Death is the punishment for his sin but the penalty or punishment is conferred to his substitute, Christ. However the consequence of his sin remains; broken family, scarred children, lost trust and roles of leadership. One of the hardest concepts for people to understand about Christianity is Jesus' sacrifice transfers the penalty from one to another but the consequences remain with the original owner.
A consequence is the natural progression of effects following an action.
A person gains wisdom by realizing the consequences before an action takes place and chooses a different action based on the consequences, not because of the punishment. Too often people weigh the punishment and not the consequence.
Drinkers do not want to drink and drive because of fear of punishment, not because the consequence could be property damage, personal injury or injury or death to others bringing more consequence of rehab, broken and ruined families and lost opportnities. The punishment is fines and jail but the consequences remain.
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Cor 9:27 NKJV
Monday, August 31, 2009
Shoot for the bullseye
2 Tim 2:15-16
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. NIV
A few weeks ago our son-in-law received a traffic citation in the mail for failure to yield at a stop light. In the envelope were several pictures of his car including positive proof of him as driver and a clock to show he did not come to a complete stop. The citation was in the amount of $446! That is a gigantic amount when you have just married, trying to shift your gears to the financial adjustment of living on your own and to provide for an additional person. None the less, he still had to pay the huge fine for what seems like a very trivial offense since he did slow to almost stopping and he did look to make sure the way was adequate to enter into traffic, but the law said STOP! There is only one way to interpret this command.
Many times in the Scripture, God’s commands are crystal clear and very understandable. But other times we must see extra guidance and counsel to properly interpret God’s commands toward us. As believers we have the individual responsibility to search the Bible for truths. Many times the answer we are looking for is not underlined and highlighted but it is in the obscure synthesization of the whole intent of the Scripture.
When I was a sales representative for a large carpet manufacturer I would go to great lengths to close a sale. Many times I would alter company policies, nothing illegal, in order to close the sale. Most times it would have to do with shipping times or discount percentages or time periods. But the most convenient thing about all of this was that I was new to the company and even though I was very fluent in company policy I often found it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission.
I am afraid the church operates very much the same way today. The tweaking of Scripture to help alleviate the pressure of living by Biblical standards, when those standards seem to leave room for us to follow our personal desires, is much too common in the church today.
The desire of the believer should be to absolutely stay in the line that God has laid before us. We should do the best we can and go to any and all lengths to live a life that is pleasing to Him; searching every crevice of the word to be sure we are living with the mind of Christ.
Oswald Chambers in the book “My Utmost for His Highest” reminds us that “Every bit of your life physical, moral and spiritual, is to be judged by the standard of the Atonement.” When we constantly compare our lives to the life offered by Jesus we may still find it hard to make the desired choices but it will not be because we have not exhausted every appeal to “correctly handle the Word of truth.”
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. NIV
A few weeks ago our son-in-law received a traffic citation in the mail for failure to yield at a stop light. In the envelope were several pictures of his car including positive proof of him as driver and a clock to show he did not come to a complete stop. The citation was in the amount of $446! That is a gigantic amount when you have just married, trying to shift your gears to the financial adjustment of living on your own and to provide for an additional person. None the less, he still had to pay the huge fine for what seems like a very trivial offense since he did slow to almost stopping and he did look to make sure the way was adequate to enter into traffic, but the law said STOP! There is only one way to interpret this command.
Many times in the Scripture, God’s commands are crystal clear and very understandable. But other times we must see extra guidance and counsel to properly interpret God’s commands toward us. As believers we have the individual responsibility to search the Bible for truths. Many times the answer we are looking for is not underlined and highlighted but it is in the obscure synthesization of the whole intent of the Scripture.
When I was a sales representative for a large carpet manufacturer I would go to great lengths to close a sale. Many times I would alter company policies, nothing illegal, in order to close the sale. Most times it would have to do with shipping times or discount percentages or time periods. But the most convenient thing about all of this was that I was new to the company and even though I was very fluent in company policy I often found it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission.
I am afraid the church operates very much the same way today. The tweaking of Scripture to help alleviate the pressure of living by Biblical standards, when those standards seem to leave room for us to follow our personal desires, is much too common in the church today.
The desire of the believer should be to absolutely stay in the line that God has laid before us. We should do the best we can and go to any and all lengths to live a life that is pleasing to Him; searching every crevice of the word to be sure we are living with the mind of Christ.
Oswald Chambers in the book “My Utmost for His Highest” reminds us that “Every bit of your life physical, moral and spiritual, is to be judged by the standard of the Atonement.” When we constantly compare our lives to the life offered by Jesus we may still find it hard to make the desired choices but it will not be because we have not exhausted every appeal to “correctly handle the Word of truth.”
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Age of Accountability
What a comfort to know that our loved ones that have died in Christ now live with Him. It is also comforting to know those loved ones who were never able to proclaim Christ are also living with Him. Having this assurance makes living possible.
It would be easy to just say “I believe our children are in the presence of God.” Please stay with me as I present the case for what I call “Childhood Redemption.” As we read the Scripture this water sometimes becomes murky. With passages such as “unless one be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” (John 3:3) and “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), it can be discomforting if not heart wrenching. I hope in the next passages, to give an unshakable assurance that all those who have died young or without adequate mental capacity will be found with Christ.
First, I feel we should have a good understanding of the sovereignty of God. He has created us for His good pleasure.
Secondly, this brings into question at what age does a person become responsible for their own sin or by questioning the term “age of accountability?”
The Bible does teach, ever so subtly, that there is an age, which is unknown to man, at which each one does become accountable.
“While the status of infants and those who never reach moral competency is a difficult question, it appears that our Lord did not regard them as under condemnation.” (Erikson, Millard J, Christian Theology pg 654)
Isa 7:15-16
15 By the time this child is old enough to eat curds and honey, he will know enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong. 16 But before he knows right from wrong, the two kings you fear so much--the kings of Israel and Aram--will both be dead. NLT
Third, the Jews followed a belief of corporate responsibility, meaning everyone would be required to pay the consequences of sin. However, as the Lord dictated who would enter into the Promised Land He made provision for those who had not reached this “age of accountability.”
Deut 1:39
39'Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it. NASU
Every person must stand accountable for his own actions but at what point do we become responsible for this accountability?
Finally, since the responsibility comes with the knowledge of good and evil as it did in the very beginning then we know by this that the Lord has made provision for eternal life for undelivered babies, infants, young children, people without the capacity to understand and possibly others.
Ex 33:19
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. NIV
God said to Moses “I AM”. (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus told the Pharisees that asked about marriage “You do not know the power of God”. (Matt. 22:29)
The Bible does not plainly say what we desire in our hearts to hear but we can have peace in His word and through the Spirit that guides us in and through faith in Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:8-98 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done,…NLT
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. NKJV
It would be easy to just say “I believe our children are in the presence of God.” Please stay with me as I present the case for what I call “Childhood Redemption.” As we read the Scripture this water sometimes becomes murky. With passages such as “unless one be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” (John 3:3) and “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), it can be discomforting if not heart wrenching. I hope in the next passages, to give an unshakable assurance that all those who have died young or without adequate mental capacity will be found with Christ.
First, I feel we should have a good understanding of the sovereignty of God. He has created us for His good pleasure.
Secondly, this brings into question at what age does a person become responsible for their own sin or by questioning the term “age of accountability?”
The Bible does teach, ever so subtly, that there is an age, which is unknown to man, at which each one does become accountable.
“While the status of infants and those who never reach moral competency is a difficult question, it appears that our Lord did not regard them as under condemnation.” (Erikson, Millard J, Christian Theology pg 654)
Isa 7:15-16
15 By the time this child is old enough to eat curds and honey, he will know enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong. 16 But before he knows right from wrong, the two kings you fear so much--the kings of Israel and Aram--will both be dead. NLT
Third, the Jews followed a belief of corporate responsibility, meaning everyone would be required to pay the consequences of sin. However, as the Lord dictated who would enter into the Promised Land He made provision for those who had not reached this “age of accountability.”
Deut 1:39
39'Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it. NASU
Every person must stand accountable for his own actions but at what point do we become responsible for this accountability?
Finally, since the responsibility comes with the knowledge of good and evil as it did in the very beginning then we know by this that the Lord has made provision for eternal life for undelivered babies, infants, young children, people without the capacity to understand and possibly others.
Ex 33:19
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. NIV
God said to Moses “I AM”. (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus told the Pharisees that asked about marriage “You do not know the power of God”. (Matt. 22:29)
The Bible does not plainly say what we desire in our hearts to hear but we can have peace in His word and through the Spirit that guides us in and through faith in Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:8-98 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done,…NLT
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. NKJV
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