by David Scott Robertson
When you're back's against the wall --
You can call on the name of cable TV and nothing will happen.
When you're in double trouble --
You can call on the name of your favorite pro sports team and nothing will happen.
When you're hurting for certain --
You can call on your friends you smoke pot with and nothing will happen.
When you've messed up or someone messed on you -
You can call on the manufacturer of your bass boat, your motorcycle, your car, your SUV, and nothing will happen.
When you're child's burning up with a fever -
You can call on the name of your alma mater, your political party, your gun club, your favorite movie star, your best friend who lives next door, and nothing will happen.
When life happens --
You can call on the name of any idol that can be named and nothing will happen.
But when you call on the name of Jesus -
Demons tremble,
Sickness flees,
Darkness dissipates,
Pain evaporates,
Situations are altered,
Circumstances change,
People experience a turnaround, a breakthrough, a healing, a deliverance, a miracle.
All because of THE name, not "a" name, but THE name --
The name of the Son of God, the One and Only Jesus Christ.
At that name,
Knees bow and tongues confess that
He, in fact, is Lord.
The name of Jesus goes beyond lip service,
The host of heaven, the Word of God, the power of the omnipotent Almighty God backs it up.
(Psa 20:7 NIV) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
(Acts 4:12 NIV) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
(Acts 3:16 NIV) By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
(Mat 18:20 NIV) For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
(Mark 16:17 NIV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
(Mark 16:18 NIV) they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
(John 14:13 NIV) And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
(John 14:14 NIV) You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
(John 14:26 NIV) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I've lived enough of life to realize that nearly everybody who is reading these words right now is probably going through a hard thing in one way or another to one degree or another.
If you're not, you've either just passed through a season of difficulty or you're headed there.
May I encourage you to call on the name of Jesus?
(John 16:24 NIV) Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
DSR
12/29/02
Sunday, December 29, 2002
Thursday, December 19, 2002
Five Loaves and Two Fish
by David Scott Robertson
Matthew 14:15-18 (NKJV)
When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food." [16] But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." [17] And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." [18] He said, "Bring them here to Me."
I love the story of Jesus feeding the five thousands (plus women and children)
With only five loaves and two fish.
This beloved Bible story chronicles an outright miracle.
Miracles were not uncommon when Jesus was in the mix.
Terminal situations unexpectedly turned around when Jesus showed up.
The ordinary bowed to the extraordinary
And the impossible became possible when the power of God flowed through Christ.
Let me tell you about what impressed me most about this particular Bible passage.
It's not really the great faith of Jesus we find recorded in verse 16:
[16] But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Rather, it's the great unbelief of the disciples found in verse 17:
[17] And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish."
Their response to Jesus' command is so typical.
"Lord, we can't possibly do what you've asked because we lack the resources."
Haven't we heard a hundred excuses of why men cannot do what God has plainly commanded?
My attention is captivated on a single word the disciples used in their objection to the Lord's command: and that is the word "only."
By including the word "only" in their statement
They were basically saying that five loaves and two fishes were not enough to get the job done.
They presumptuously informed the Son of God the facts of the situation,
But never forget that truth always overrides facts.
The reason I'm so drawn to the "five loaves and two fish" statement is that
I've heard that mentality many times before (sometimes out of my own mouth, I'm afraid!)
"We have here ONLY six stone pots of water and no wine at all, the wedding is ruined!"
(John 2:1-10).
"We have here ONLY a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."
(1 Kings 17:12).
"I have here ONLY two very small copper coins, worth ONLY a fraction of a penny, what difference could my tiny offering possibly make?" (Mark 12:42)
"We have here ONLY three hundred men with which to overthrown the Midianites, can it be done?" (Judges 7:7-8)
"We have here ONLY one hundred bucks left in our checking account, how are we going to make it?"
"We have here ONLY a marriage vow but all our feelings of love have left, is our marriage salvageable?"
"We have here ONLY David Robertson, what good is he?"
Five loaves and two fish may be the fact of the matter
But the truth is - glory to God - it's not the end of the matter!
The key is found in verse 18 of the story of the five loaves and two fish:
." [18] He said, "Bring them here to Me."
There it is!
Forget the facts, enter the truth!
Do you see it?
Jesus Christ is the Way (God WILL make a way for you!) -
Jesus Christ is the Truth (facts must bow down to the truth!) -
Jesus Christ is the Life (power to raise dead things in your life!) (John 14:6).
Jesus has the unique ability to take the inadequate and supernaturally convert it into MORE THAN ENOUGH!
"They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." (Mat 14:20 NIV)
Is your back up against the wall today?
Are you stuck in a dead-end predicament?
Has something died in your world?
Are you suffering from a situation of lack?
Do you feel trapped like Moses and the Israelites stuck between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea?
If so, bring your insufficiency to the Lord!
Carry your inadequacy to Christ!
Consecrate your finances, marriage, ministry, health, and so on to the Lord!
If you have ONLY a mustard seed size faith (Matthew 17:20) to combat your enormous, giant-sized need,
Then by all means obey the Lord's command in verse 18 of our text:
[18] He said, "Bring them here to Me."
Then stand still and see the miracle provision of the Lord Jesus Christ!
DSR
12/19/02
Matthew 14:15-18 (NKJV)
When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food." [16] But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." [17] And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." [18] He said, "Bring them here to Me."
I love the story of Jesus feeding the five thousands (plus women and children)
With only five loaves and two fish.
This beloved Bible story chronicles an outright miracle.
Miracles were not uncommon when Jesus was in the mix.
Terminal situations unexpectedly turned around when Jesus showed up.
The ordinary bowed to the extraordinary
And the impossible became possible when the power of God flowed through Christ.
Let me tell you about what impressed me most about this particular Bible passage.
It's not really the great faith of Jesus we find recorded in verse 16:
[16] But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Rather, it's the great unbelief of the disciples found in verse 17:
[17] And they said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish."
Their response to Jesus' command is so typical.
"Lord, we can't possibly do what you've asked because we lack the resources."
Haven't we heard a hundred excuses of why men cannot do what God has plainly commanded?
My attention is captivated on a single word the disciples used in their objection to the Lord's command: and that is the word "only."
By including the word "only" in their statement
They were basically saying that five loaves and two fishes were not enough to get the job done.
They presumptuously informed the Son of God the facts of the situation,
But never forget that truth always overrides facts.
The reason I'm so drawn to the "five loaves and two fish" statement is that
I've heard that mentality many times before (sometimes out of my own mouth, I'm afraid!)
"We have here ONLY six stone pots of water and no wine at all, the wedding is ruined!"
(John 2:1-10).
"We have here ONLY a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."
(1 Kings 17:12).
"I have here ONLY two very small copper coins, worth ONLY a fraction of a penny, what difference could my tiny offering possibly make?" (Mark 12:42)
"We have here ONLY three hundred men with which to overthrown the Midianites, can it be done?" (Judges 7:7-8)
"We have here ONLY one hundred bucks left in our checking account, how are we going to make it?"
"We have here ONLY a marriage vow but all our feelings of love have left, is our marriage salvageable?"
"We have here ONLY David Robertson, what good is he?"
Five loaves and two fish may be the fact of the matter
But the truth is - glory to God - it's not the end of the matter!
The key is found in verse 18 of the story of the five loaves and two fish:
." [18] He said, "Bring them here to Me."
There it is!
Forget the facts, enter the truth!
Do you see it?
Jesus Christ is the Way (God WILL make a way for you!) -
Jesus Christ is the Truth (facts must bow down to the truth!) -
Jesus Christ is the Life (power to raise dead things in your life!) (John 14:6).
Jesus has the unique ability to take the inadequate and supernaturally convert it into MORE THAN ENOUGH!
"They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." (Mat 14:20 NIV)
Is your back up against the wall today?
Are you stuck in a dead-end predicament?
Has something died in your world?
Are you suffering from a situation of lack?
Do you feel trapped like Moses and the Israelites stuck between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea?
If so, bring your insufficiency to the Lord!
Carry your inadequacy to Christ!
Consecrate your finances, marriage, ministry, health, and so on to the Lord!
If you have ONLY a mustard seed size faith (Matthew 17:20) to combat your enormous, giant-sized need,
Then by all means obey the Lord's command in verse 18 of our text:
[18] He said, "Bring them here to Me."
Then stand still and see the miracle provision of the Lord Jesus Christ!
DSR
12/19/02
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Mountain Top Experiences
by David Scott Robertson
"When He [Jesus] had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him." - Matthew 8:1
Why do you suppose that great multitudes did not follow Jesus UP the mountain?
I think I know why.
Could it be because the path that leads up the mountain is a difficult one?
It's a hard trail that takes energy and effort and strength and sacrifice to make the ascent.
Frankly, many (not all) followers of Christ seek a pathway of least resistance.
But that path builds no spiritual muscle.
It's not always the paved path that God calls us to walk.
Often, very often in fact, it's the rugged trek
(You know the one that builds character)
That leads us through (not around) many dangers, toils, and snares.
Thankfully God has sent the Holy Spirit to help us traverse over, up, and around
The dangerous passes, crevices, and obstacles en route to the high places.
Many biblically significant events were mountain-top experiences:
Moses received the Ten Commandments of the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:11 - 20:18).
The Israelites entered the Promised Land proclaiming blessings on Mount Gerizim and curses
from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 11:29).
Moses viewed the panorama of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 32:49).
Joshua exterminated pagan kings on Mount Halak (Joshua 11:17).
Gideon assembled his army of three hundred on Mount Gilead to overthrow the oppressive Midianites (Judges 7:3).
Elijah triumphed over eight hundred and fifty false prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19-40).
Mount Zion is the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2).
Solomon built the temple of the Lord on Mount Moriah where God had appeared to his father David (2 Chronicles 3:1).
The Lord's zeal was aroused on Mount Perazim to do exploits (Isaiah 28:21) -
The glory of the Lord shown on Mount Paran (Habakkuk 3:3).
Jesus Christ continued the tradition of mountain-top experiences as history transitioned
from the Old Testament to the New Testament; from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant; from the Law to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ -
Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John up a high mountain (Matthew 17:1-2).
Jesus often spent the night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37-38).
The Lord prayed all night on a mountainside and got the revelation from Father God who the Twelve apostles should be (Luke 6:12-13).
One of Jesus' most famous discourses was the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 - 7:27).
Jesus withdrew on more than one occasion to the mountain for some quiet time (John 6:15).
One day, Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives and split the real estate with the brightness of His coming (Zechariah 14:4).
So you like those "mountain-top" experiences, huh?
We often think of the valley as the low points of our lives and mountains as the high points.
Not necessarily.
Abraham was directed by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the region of Moriah (Genesis 21:21).
Israel was chastened by God at Mount Horeb (Exodus 33:6).
Aaron died on Mount Hor (Numbers 20:23-28).
King Saul and his three sons were killed on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-6).
And most especially of all, Jesus died on a hill called Mount Calvary (Matthew 27:33).
Everyone wants a "mountain-top experience"
But be careful what you ask for!
The best thing we can do is to consecrate our lives totally to Almighty God,
Who can literally make mountains out of molehills.
DSR
12/17/02
"When He [Jesus] had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him." - Matthew 8:1
Why do you suppose that great multitudes did not follow Jesus UP the mountain?
I think I know why.
Could it be because the path that leads up the mountain is a difficult one?
It's a hard trail that takes energy and effort and strength and sacrifice to make the ascent.
Frankly, many (not all) followers of Christ seek a pathway of least resistance.
But that path builds no spiritual muscle.
It's not always the paved path that God calls us to walk.
Often, very often in fact, it's the rugged trek
(You know the one that builds character)
That leads us through (not around) many dangers, toils, and snares.
Thankfully God has sent the Holy Spirit to help us traverse over, up, and around
The dangerous passes, crevices, and obstacles en route to the high places.
Many biblically significant events were mountain-top experiences:
Moses received the Ten Commandments of the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:11 - 20:18).
The Israelites entered the Promised Land proclaiming blessings on Mount Gerizim and curses
from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 11:29).
Moses viewed the panorama of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 32:49).
Joshua exterminated pagan kings on Mount Halak (Joshua 11:17).
Gideon assembled his army of three hundred on Mount Gilead to overthrow the oppressive Midianites (Judges 7:3).
Elijah triumphed over eight hundred and fifty false prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19-40).
Mount Zion is the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2).
Solomon built the temple of the Lord on Mount Moriah where God had appeared to his father David (2 Chronicles 3:1).
The Lord's zeal was aroused on Mount Perazim to do exploits (Isaiah 28:21) -
The glory of the Lord shown on Mount Paran (Habakkuk 3:3).
Jesus Christ continued the tradition of mountain-top experiences as history transitioned
from the Old Testament to the New Testament; from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant; from the Law to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ -
Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John up a high mountain (Matthew 17:1-2).
Jesus often spent the night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37-38).
The Lord prayed all night on a mountainside and got the revelation from Father God who the Twelve apostles should be (Luke 6:12-13).
One of Jesus' most famous discourses was the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 - 7:27).
Jesus withdrew on more than one occasion to the mountain for some quiet time (John 6:15).
One day, Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives and split the real estate with the brightness of His coming (Zechariah 14:4).
So you like those "mountain-top" experiences, huh?
We often think of the valley as the low points of our lives and mountains as the high points.
Not necessarily.
Abraham was directed by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the region of Moriah (Genesis 21:21).
Israel was chastened by God at Mount Horeb (Exodus 33:6).
Aaron died on Mount Hor (Numbers 20:23-28).
King Saul and his three sons were killed on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-6).
And most especially of all, Jesus died on a hill called Mount Calvary (Matthew 27:33).
Everyone wants a "mountain-top experience"
But be careful what you ask for!
The best thing we can do is to consecrate our lives totally to Almighty God,
Who can literally make mountains out of molehills.
DSR
12/17/02
Monday, December 9, 2002
God Can Handle It
by David Scott Robertson
This morning I sat down in my favorite chair to read my Bible.
As is my custom, I let my pet cockatiel, Moses, out of his cage to fly around the room.
Before he launches off into the "wild blue yonder" he likes to stretch his wings.
I sat there in the rocking chair admiring the design of his perfectly formed tiny body
Which enabled him to do something I could not - fly.
One thought led to another,
And I found myself giving glory to God for His ingenious creation.
You see, I disagree with scientists who suppose that time + chance = everything.
No, you don't throw a grenade into a print shop and out of the explosion comes an unabridged dictionary.
You cannot toss a bomb into an airplane hanger and the blast produces the space shuttle.
Absurd.
No, things don't naturally develop from simple to more complex;
From disorder to order as a result of an evolutionary process.
True science has revealed "the law of entropy" which correctly states that
Things left alone for long periods of time tend to break down.
Maintenance men believe in the law of entropy.
Doctors believe in the law of entropy.
People that mow lawns believe in the law of entropy.
Fitness instructors believe in the law of entropy.
The junkyard is full of evidence
As are a hundred cornfields with old, leaning, decimated barns that look like they are ready to fall down at the next strong wind.
But that's not the point I want to make today.
What I'm driving at is
Before you have a creation, you must have a Creator.
Before you have a design, you must have a Designer.
Before you have a plan, you must have a Planner.
And I know this Planner.
His name is God.
He's the Inventor of heaven and earth.
He said "let there be…" and there was.
He thought up a hummingbird that can fly backwards.
He thought up a bumblebee whose wing structure confounds mathematicians as to how it can fly at all.
He thought up geese that fly in a "V" formation at 70% greater efficiency for thousands of miles to a precise roosting spot.
He thought up my pet cockatiel, Moses, that brings my wife joy.
And birds are just one tiny slice of His creation
That doesn't even scratch the surface of creation.
The complex world of physical science.
The complex world of astronomy, solar systems, and universes.
The complex world of anatomy and physiology of the human body.
The complex world of Kingdoms, Phylums, Classes, Orders, Families, Genus, and Species of the plants, animals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
We haven't even considered medical technologies,
Architectural wonders,
Literary libraries,
And other modern marvels that God has permitted man to join Him in His expressions of creative genius.
We haven't even touched on the mystery of love that is too wonderful to understand.
There remain enigmas, puzzles and quandaries of life that are inexplicable,
Yet in Christ Jesus we find that we have all that we need pertaining to life and godliness.
I could go on and on but I trust you get the point.
God has thought of everything,
And even provided a plan of salvation [in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, SEE John 3:16] to get you from cradle to grave and beyond successfully.
Given that,
Do you, O man, really believe that God cannot handle the problem you are facing today?
DSR
12/9/02
This morning I sat down in my favorite chair to read my Bible.
As is my custom, I let my pet cockatiel, Moses, out of his cage to fly around the room.
Before he launches off into the "wild blue yonder" he likes to stretch his wings.
I sat there in the rocking chair admiring the design of his perfectly formed tiny body
Which enabled him to do something I could not - fly.
One thought led to another,
And I found myself giving glory to God for His ingenious creation.
You see, I disagree with scientists who suppose that time + chance = everything.
No, you don't throw a grenade into a print shop and out of the explosion comes an unabridged dictionary.
You cannot toss a bomb into an airplane hanger and the blast produces the space shuttle.
Absurd.
No, things don't naturally develop from simple to more complex;
From disorder to order as a result of an evolutionary process.
True science has revealed "the law of entropy" which correctly states that
Things left alone for long periods of time tend to break down.
Maintenance men believe in the law of entropy.
Doctors believe in the law of entropy.
People that mow lawns believe in the law of entropy.
Fitness instructors believe in the law of entropy.
The junkyard is full of evidence
As are a hundred cornfields with old, leaning, decimated barns that look like they are ready to fall down at the next strong wind.
But that's not the point I want to make today.
What I'm driving at is
Before you have a creation, you must have a Creator.
Before you have a design, you must have a Designer.
Before you have a plan, you must have a Planner.
And I know this Planner.
His name is God.
He's the Inventor of heaven and earth.
He said "let there be…" and there was.
He thought up a hummingbird that can fly backwards.
He thought up a bumblebee whose wing structure confounds mathematicians as to how it can fly at all.
He thought up geese that fly in a "V" formation at 70% greater efficiency for thousands of miles to a precise roosting spot.
He thought up my pet cockatiel, Moses, that brings my wife joy.
And birds are just one tiny slice of His creation
That doesn't even scratch the surface of creation.
The complex world of physical science.
The complex world of astronomy, solar systems, and universes.
The complex world of anatomy and physiology of the human body.
The complex world of Kingdoms, Phylums, Classes, Orders, Families, Genus, and Species of the plants, animals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
We haven't even considered medical technologies,
Architectural wonders,
Literary libraries,
And other modern marvels that God has permitted man to join Him in His expressions of creative genius.
We haven't even touched on the mystery of love that is too wonderful to understand.
There remain enigmas, puzzles and quandaries of life that are inexplicable,
Yet in Christ Jesus we find that we have all that we need pertaining to life and godliness.
I could go on and on but I trust you get the point.
God has thought of everything,
And even provided a plan of salvation [in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ, SEE John 3:16] to get you from cradle to grave and beyond successfully.
Given that,
Do you, O man, really believe that God cannot handle the problem you are facing today?
DSR
12/9/02
Monday, December 2, 2002
Who Will Deliver Me?
by David Scott Robertson
(James 4:17 NIV) Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
Even though I love the Word of God,
Sometimes I struggle over some of the scriptures I encounter.
The aforementioned verse is one of them.
Not that I question its theological soundness or validity.
Rather the opposite.
Concern arises within when I am confronted with a scripture that I'm not fully obeying.
Let me take five areas of my life and explain what I mean.
1. My spiritual life
Case in point: Instead of reaching for my Bible, I reach for the TV Guide.
2. My Money
Case in point: Instead of reaching for the checkbook to write an offering (above my tithes) to the missionary, I write the check instead to the restaurant or movie rental store.
3. My Marriage
Case in point: Instead of reaching for the hand of my wife to take a walk, I reach for my briefcase to do more work for the church.
4. My Family
Case in point: Instead of reaching for a game to play with my daughter or a devotional to read to her, I reach for the remote.
5. My Health
Case in point: Instead of reaching for my racquetball racket or jump rope I reach for a piece of pie or ice cream.
The results?
Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
So now I find myself in a dilemma.
I read the Bible and of course it's true.
Then I compare my life to it and it doesn't line up as consistently as I desire.
Please understand that I've not set the bar of the standard of my life to complete and utter perfection and anything less is failure.
Not at all.
Still, and I think this is a balanced view, I am striving for excellence in all things.
It's when I begin to feel the twinge of guilt or heaviness in my heart
In any or all of these five areas that I've mentioned,
That I begin to think on these things.
That's not an obsessive, compulsive behavioral response -
That just might be one of the greatest gifts God ever gave mankind -
The conviction of the Holy Spirit.
You see, I want to do what it takes now to avoid contracting a terminal disease called regret.
Given these facts, what shall I do then?
Thankfully, I'm not the first or last to grapple with these issues.
Another fellow had a similar problem in the area of self-discipline like me.
His name was the apostle Paul and he wrote out of his frustration centuries ago like I write out of my frustration today:
Romans 7:15-25 (NKJV)
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. [16] If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. [17] But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. [19] For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. [20] Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. [21] I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. [22] For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. [24] O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!..."
Aha! The solution to my dilemma, my problem, my difficulty, my trouble, my crisis, my predicament, my quandary, my flaw, my compromise, my setbacks, my misaligned priorities is none other than Jesus Christ my Lord!
Time spent with Jesus
Will translate into clear thinking and appropriate responses to the obstacles that I face as a Christian, a steward, a husband, a father, and a human being.
Then, it's not hopeless.
God is committed to helping me make good choices and grow in the grace and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ in my spiritual life.
He is also quite adept in the roles of
Financial Advisor to guide me in good stewardship and eternal investments;
Marriage Counselor to guide me in proper skills development in my love relationship with my wife;
Family Mentor to guide me to focus on my family;
And Personal Fitness Trainer to guide me to maintain my body temple so that it may prosper and be in good health (1 John 3:2).
Subsequently, my focus must be on "living in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16)
And walking in a "moment-by-moment" relationship with the Lord.
If we mess up, repent, and go and sin no more.
In the meantime, think on these things:
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
DSR
12/2/02
(James 4:17 NIV) Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
Even though I love the Word of God,
Sometimes I struggle over some of the scriptures I encounter.
The aforementioned verse is one of them.
Not that I question its theological soundness or validity.
Rather the opposite.
Concern arises within when I am confronted with a scripture that I'm not fully obeying.
Let me take five areas of my life and explain what I mean.
1. My spiritual life
Case in point: Instead of reaching for my Bible, I reach for the TV Guide.
2. My Money
Case in point: Instead of reaching for the checkbook to write an offering (above my tithes) to the missionary, I write the check instead to the restaurant or movie rental store.
3. My Marriage
Case in point: Instead of reaching for the hand of my wife to take a walk, I reach for my briefcase to do more work for the church.
4. My Family
Case in point: Instead of reaching for a game to play with my daughter or a devotional to read to her, I reach for the remote.
5. My Health
Case in point: Instead of reaching for my racquetball racket or jump rope I reach for a piece of pie or ice cream.
The results?
Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
So now I find myself in a dilemma.
I read the Bible and of course it's true.
Then I compare my life to it and it doesn't line up as consistently as I desire.
Please understand that I've not set the bar of the standard of my life to complete and utter perfection and anything less is failure.
Not at all.
Still, and I think this is a balanced view, I am striving for excellence in all things.
It's when I begin to feel the twinge of guilt or heaviness in my heart
In any or all of these five areas that I've mentioned,
That I begin to think on these things.
That's not an obsessive, compulsive behavioral response -
That just might be one of the greatest gifts God ever gave mankind -
The conviction of the Holy Spirit.
You see, I want to do what it takes now to avoid contracting a terminal disease called regret.
Given these facts, what shall I do then?
Thankfully, I'm not the first or last to grapple with these issues.
Another fellow had a similar problem in the area of self-discipline like me.
His name was the apostle Paul and he wrote out of his frustration centuries ago like I write out of my frustration today:
Romans 7:15-25 (NKJV)
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. [16] If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. [17] But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. [19] For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. [20] Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. [21] I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. [22] For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. [24] O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [25] I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!..."
Aha! The solution to my dilemma, my problem, my difficulty, my trouble, my crisis, my predicament, my quandary, my flaw, my compromise, my setbacks, my misaligned priorities is none other than Jesus Christ my Lord!
Time spent with Jesus
Will translate into clear thinking and appropriate responses to the obstacles that I face as a Christian, a steward, a husband, a father, and a human being.
Then, it's not hopeless.
God is committed to helping me make good choices and grow in the grace and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ in my spiritual life.
He is also quite adept in the roles of
Financial Advisor to guide me in good stewardship and eternal investments;
Marriage Counselor to guide me in proper skills development in my love relationship with my wife;
Family Mentor to guide me to focus on my family;
And Personal Fitness Trainer to guide me to maintain my body temple so that it may prosper and be in good health (1 John 3:2).
Subsequently, my focus must be on "living in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16)
And walking in a "moment-by-moment" relationship with the Lord.
If we mess up, repent, and go and sin no more.
In the meantime, think on these things:
Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
DSR
12/2/02
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)