by David Scott Robertson
(John 14:6 NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
* * *
Jesus is the Way.
The way to life. The way to heaven. The way to peace. The way to fulfillment. The way to contentment. The way to abundance.
I want to be in the Way--that is, in Christ.
I don't want to be in the way of Christ, preventing Him from accomplishing what He desires for my life or in the lives of others. No, I want to be in the Way.
I desire for the Lord to show me the way. To show me His ways. To enable me to walk out His ways. I want to stay in the Way and make sure I stay out of His way. I want to help others find the Way.
I myself have walked the wrong way before I discovered that Jesus is the only way to God. Now I want to help others find their way off the one-way street of sin that leads away from God.
One way that I can do this is to read God's Word--to study God's ways and make them my ways. If I do that, then there's no way the devil can knock me out of the Way. With authority, I can order him to "go away"!
Since God's ways are higher than our ways, adopt His and abandon yours.
Any way you weigh it, to be in the Way is the way to go and to stay out of the way of God's movement in your life is the right way to live. Yahweh knows best.
* * *
(Psa 25:12 NIV) Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
(Psa 32:8 NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
(Psa 139:24 NIV) See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
(Prov 4:11 NIV) I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
(Prov 8:20 NIV) I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
(Prov 9:6 NIV) Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
(Prov 12:28 NIV) In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
(Prov 22:6 NIV) Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
(Isa 26:8 NIV) Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
(Isa 48:17 NIV) This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
(Jer 2:17 NIV) Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the LORD your God when he led you in the way?
(Acts 18:25 NIV) He [Apollos] had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
(Col 4:5 NIV) Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
(Titus 2:3 NIV) Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
DSR
4/25/05
Monday, April 25, 2005
Monday, April 18, 2005
More Important
by David Scott Robertson
Knowing God is more important than anything.
Knowing God is more important than knowing my wife in every biblical sense of the word "knowing." Knowing Jesus is more important than knowing my daughter, Abbey, my very own offspring. Knowing God is more important than serving God, or "doing ministry" as a pastor.
It's not enough to know about God philosophically, intellectually, or theologically; it's more important that we know God experientially, personally, and intimately.
Having my name found in the Lamb's Book of Life is more important than finding my name on a paycheck.
What God thinks about me is more important than what the world thinks about me.
Doing what God wants me to do is more important than my doing what others think I ought to do.
Growing into what God desires me to become is more important than fulfilling the dreams of others for me.
Knowing and doing the will of God is more important than having my own way.
Becoming familiar with God's Word, the Bible, through disciplined study and life application is more important than earning any degree in any institution of higher learning.
Lining up with God's standard and boundaries is more important than conforming to social mores and cultural norms.
Being "approved unto God, a workman [laborer in God's harvest field] who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) is more important than receiving the approval of fickle men.
To know God is the highest thing. There is no one and nothing greater than knowing and experiencing God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
The words that you are reading right now are alien to any culture or people group presently found on earth. Society and governments and institutions and businesses and educational systems and law enforcement agencies and the entertainment industry do not buy into what I am saying. The mission statements of such organizations may embrace noble ideals, but for most, not all but most, knowing God is not the prime directive.
One day in eternity what was more important concerning our life choices will become abundantly clear.
DSR
4/18/05
Knowing God is more important than anything.
Knowing God is more important than knowing my wife in every biblical sense of the word "knowing." Knowing Jesus is more important than knowing my daughter, Abbey, my very own offspring. Knowing God is more important than serving God, or "doing ministry" as a pastor.
It's not enough to know about God philosophically, intellectually, or theologically; it's more important that we know God experientially, personally, and intimately.
Having my name found in the Lamb's Book of Life is more important than finding my name on a paycheck.
What God thinks about me is more important than what the world thinks about me.
Doing what God wants me to do is more important than my doing what others think I ought to do.
Growing into what God desires me to become is more important than fulfilling the dreams of others for me.
Knowing and doing the will of God is more important than having my own way.
Becoming familiar with God's Word, the Bible, through disciplined study and life application is more important than earning any degree in any institution of higher learning.
Lining up with God's standard and boundaries is more important than conforming to social mores and cultural norms.
Being "approved unto God, a workman [laborer in God's harvest field] who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) is more important than receiving the approval of fickle men.
To know God is the highest thing. There is no one and nothing greater than knowing and experiencing God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
The words that you are reading right now are alien to any culture or people group presently found on earth. Society and governments and institutions and businesses and educational systems and law enforcement agencies and the entertainment industry do not buy into what I am saying. The mission statements of such organizations may embrace noble ideals, but for most, not all but most, knowing God is not the prime directive.
One day in eternity what was more important concerning our life choices will become abundantly clear.
DSR
4/18/05
Monday, April 11, 2005
How to Get Fired
by David Scott Robertson
No, not that kind of fired! I made up the title of this thought to make readers think I was going to talk about how to lose their job. No, I think we would all do well to keep our jobs and pay our bills.
The kind of "fired" I'm talking about that I think you and I need desperately to know is how do we get "fired up for Jesus," "on fire for God," and "on the firing line for our Lord"?
How do you get fired when the "wet blanket" of life's problems, offenses, disillusionment of the church, and/or confusing situations in the world you live in have tried to snuff out your flame?
Well, let's take a quick look at the basics of how to build a fire. First, you need some raw materials to get started. Some dry kindling like broken twigs or sticks, a crumpled up piece of newspaper, or something similar that will burn. Then, or course, you need a match or lighter to provide the heat to jump start combustion, right?
Well, getting on fire for God is not much different. Maybe your spiritual life has been dry lately. It's been quite a while since you've heard God's voice. You haven't had a dream or vision or revelation that related to the things of God in a long time. Your Bible study has become boring but you'd never describe it that way. You go to church but in reality you are going through the motions as you enter yet another work week without much joy in your heart and pep in your step.
Maybe your spiritual life is like the broken twigs or sticks. At one time you were alive in Christ, green and lush, closely attached to the Vine Christ Jesus Himself (John 15:5), and bearing much fruit. Nowadays, though, you've discovered that somewhere along the line you just "snapped" and you've been separated from that close intimacy with your First Love.
Maybe your spiritual life is like the crumpled up newspaper. At one time you had something to say. Nobody ever had to wonder what the headlines of your life were. Everybody could read loud and clear that "[your name here] Surrenders Life to Jesus Christ." Witnessing was easy. Sharing the good news was thrilling, but now somehow the thrill is gone.
If you feel your spiritual condition corresponds to any of the dry imagery that I'm using here, may I suggest that conditions are perfect for you to be set aflame?
I remember visiting my grandparents in rural Illinois on summer vacations where the forest service used to post signs at the local preserve that conditions were "high" for a forest fire because of the extended dryness. Campers were encouraged to take extra care not to let their fires get out of control. You see, it only takes a spark to get a fire going. One match can literally consume thousands of acres of prime habitat.
As you read this, you may admit: "OK, so I'm dry and broken and wadded up like an old newspaper, how then do I come in contact with the spark? How do I connect with the flame? How do I get fired?" I think the answer might be found buried in the songbook of the Old Testament:
"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him" (Psalm 2:12).
I think God has made the answer more simple than complex. I think the answer is found in the first three words of this verse: "Kiss the Son." To make the point more effectively, say it rather than read it. Close your eyes and say "kiss the Son" a few times out loud.
I know it's a play on words, but in our case, if we say "kiss the sun" then our metaphor of fire makes perfect sense. We may not be scientists but this one thing we know - anything that touches the sun burns up! As a matter of fact, there's a reason why God put the sun 92,900,000 miles (in January) away from earth. A few thousand miles closer and all life would be annihilated, a few thousand miles further away and Earth would freeze solid.
Your distance from the sun, or more appropriately the Son of God, Jesus Christ, makes all the difference in the world! How close do you have to be to a person to kiss them? Pretty close, I'd say. What kind of relationship do you have to have with a person before you kiss them? Again, a pretty close one (kiss the wrong person and you could get beat up!). There are only four women I generally kiss in my life - my wife, my daughter, my mom, and my grandma. That's because I am closely related to all of these women.
In the same way, if you want to get "fired up for Jesus," "on fire for God," and "on the firing line for your Lord," then you need to make the first move to kiss the Son.
What leads up to a kiss in the natural? Warm words, a tender gaze, a loving embrace. In spiritual terms those translate to me as worship.
As you and I take the initiative to worship God, however shy and awkward we may feel, God will respond and meet us more than halfway. He will embrace us and our fears will begin to melt away. He's just waiting for us to make the first move…
DSR
4/11/05
No, not that kind of fired! I made up the title of this thought to make readers think I was going to talk about how to lose their job. No, I think we would all do well to keep our jobs and pay our bills.
The kind of "fired" I'm talking about that I think you and I need desperately to know is how do we get "fired up for Jesus," "on fire for God," and "on the firing line for our Lord"?
How do you get fired when the "wet blanket" of life's problems, offenses, disillusionment of the church, and/or confusing situations in the world you live in have tried to snuff out your flame?
Well, let's take a quick look at the basics of how to build a fire. First, you need some raw materials to get started. Some dry kindling like broken twigs or sticks, a crumpled up piece of newspaper, or something similar that will burn. Then, or course, you need a match or lighter to provide the heat to jump start combustion, right?
Well, getting on fire for God is not much different. Maybe your spiritual life has been dry lately. It's been quite a while since you've heard God's voice. You haven't had a dream or vision or revelation that related to the things of God in a long time. Your Bible study has become boring but you'd never describe it that way. You go to church but in reality you are going through the motions as you enter yet another work week without much joy in your heart and pep in your step.
Maybe your spiritual life is like the broken twigs or sticks. At one time you were alive in Christ, green and lush, closely attached to the Vine Christ Jesus Himself (John 15:5), and bearing much fruit. Nowadays, though, you've discovered that somewhere along the line you just "snapped" and you've been separated from that close intimacy with your First Love.
Maybe your spiritual life is like the crumpled up newspaper. At one time you had something to say. Nobody ever had to wonder what the headlines of your life were. Everybody could read loud and clear that "[your name here] Surrenders Life to Jesus Christ." Witnessing was easy. Sharing the good news was thrilling, but now somehow the thrill is gone.
If you feel your spiritual condition corresponds to any of the dry imagery that I'm using here, may I suggest that conditions are perfect for you to be set aflame?
I remember visiting my grandparents in rural Illinois on summer vacations where the forest service used to post signs at the local preserve that conditions were "high" for a forest fire because of the extended dryness. Campers were encouraged to take extra care not to let their fires get out of control. You see, it only takes a spark to get a fire going. One match can literally consume thousands of acres of prime habitat.
As you read this, you may admit: "OK, so I'm dry and broken and wadded up like an old newspaper, how then do I come in contact with the spark? How do I connect with the flame? How do I get fired?" I think the answer might be found buried in the songbook of the Old Testament:
"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him" (Psalm 2:12).
I think God has made the answer more simple than complex. I think the answer is found in the first three words of this verse: "Kiss the Son." To make the point more effectively, say it rather than read it. Close your eyes and say "kiss the Son" a few times out loud.
I know it's a play on words, but in our case, if we say "kiss the sun" then our metaphor of fire makes perfect sense. We may not be scientists but this one thing we know - anything that touches the sun burns up! As a matter of fact, there's a reason why God put the sun 92,900,000 miles (in January) away from earth. A few thousand miles closer and all life would be annihilated, a few thousand miles further away and Earth would freeze solid.
Your distance from the sun, or more appropriately the Son of God, Jesus Christ, makes all the difference in the world! How close do you have to be to a person to kiss them? Pretty close, I'd say. What kind of relationship do you have to have with a person before you kiss them? Again, a pretty close one (kiss the wrong person and you could get beat up!). There are only four women I generally kiss in my life - my wife, my daughter, my mom, and my grandma. That's because I am closely related to all of these women.
In the same way, if you want to get "fired up for Jesus," "on fire for God," and "on the firing line for your Lord," then you need to make the first move to kiss the Son.
What leads up to a kiss in the natural? Warm words, a tender gaze, a loving embrace. In spiritual terms those translate to me as worship.
As you and I take the initiative to worship God, however shy and awkward we may feel, God will respond and meet us more than halfway. He will embrace us and our fears will begin to melt away. He's just waiting for us to make the first move…
DSR
4/11/05
Monday, April 4, 2005
Who Are You?
by David Scott Robertson
"One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" (Acts 19:15)
The Bible is full of endlessly fascinating truths. One such truth is embedded in the book of Acts and has to do with the communication network of the demonic underworld.
The following brief passage summarizes the situation:
"Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, 'In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.' Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, BUT WHO ARE YOU?' Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding" (Acts 19:13-16, emphasis mine).
I'm reasonably sure that this unique passage has been the text of countless sermons by preachers throughout the ages. Perhaps ministers in their messages have touched on the fact that the devil and his demonic administrative assistants keep tabs on human kind. That is to say, the devil knows who the authorized (and deputized) servants of God are and who are the imposters.
I think the evil spirit's question through the man in the Acts passage is insightful: "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
Of course the demonic realm knew who Jesus was. Once upon a time they had worshipped Him in the ageless past and had seen Him face-to-face in His preincarnate state. They knew full well that Jesus was the Creator of heaven and earth and of them. And they knew that this same Jesus, whom the Most High had sent to earth at just the right time had a mission: "…for this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
Interestingly (to me anyway) they also knew Paul, the servant of God. It was probably an embarrassing admission because there was a time when Saul worked in cooperation with this demon's workgroup. It seems they had harnessed Saul's religious zeal and twisted his understanding of the Scriptures to bring about the persecution of the church of Jesus Christ. Some were glad and some were sad (and mad) the day Saul converted to Christ and eventually morphed into the great Apostle Paul. So the demons were very correct in saying that they knew about Paul.
But to the offspring of a Jewish priest named Sceva, the demon challenged: "Who are you?" The imp could also have said: "Who are you boys to order me out?" You are unauthorized authorities and have no power at all to tell me what to do!"
It could be that this demon has some rank and position in the hierarchy of the demonic governmental structure because it seems evident that lesser demons had been cast out by these same sons of Sceva in their past "ministry of exorcism."
Now, let's turn our attention back to us. I ask you the same question: "Who are you?" Or perhaps more appropriately, "Whose are you?"
Do you have a reputation in the demonic underworld as a threat to their cause? Do you think a principality in another region of the world has heard about you through "the grapevine"? Are you committed enough to the lordship of Jesus Christ that you can confidently cast out demons in His name (Mark 16:17)? Is your life in good working order or is your spiritual life like a broken soft drink machine with an "out of order" sign hanging on it? Think about it. It makes a difference when you are confronting demonic entities.
The Bible gives us plenty of responses to say to an evil spirit that may confront us (usually through another human being) with the question of "who are you?" Some biblically verifiable replies to the deliberately belligerent question of "who are you?" might be…
WHO AM I?
- I am what I AM says I am!
- I am what the Word of God says I am!
- I can do what the Word of God says I can do!
- I can have what the Word of God says I can have! (Authority! See Luke 10:19)
WHO AM I?
- I am a child of God!
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
- I am not broken beyond repair but God has made me to be more than a conqueror!
- I am covered by the blood of Jesus and His blood forms a barrier between you and me!
- I am my Beloved's and He is mine and His banner over me is love!
- I am a victor, not a victim!
- I am an over-comer, not overcome!
- I am the head, and not the tail!
- I am the joy of my Heavenly Father created for His pleasure!
- I am altogether lovely in His eyes!
- I am not a mistake; I am the apple of God's eye!
- I am not damaged goods; I am the righteousness of God in Christ!
- I am forgiven of my sins and free to wreak havoc on you in Jesus' name!
WHO AM I?
- I'm the one that can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
- I'm that one that God pours supernatural power through so that nothing shall be impossible to me because I believe!
- I'm the one that through Jesus has eternal life! I'm headed for a throne and you're destined for the lake of fire!
- I have a place in the family of God!
- I have the mind of Christ on earth and a glorified body in heaven!
- I am presently wearing the full armor of God!
- My authority over you is legal because I am in submission to my spiritual leaders!
- I have the Holy Spirit as my Comforter and Teacher to lead and guide me into all truth!
- I am one who speaks for God as His ambassador to cast you out!
- I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, humility, and self-control - the fruit of the Spirit - in ever-increasing measure!
- I have access into the throne of grace to obtain grace and help in time of need - like now!
- I have the promises of God that are "yes" and "amen" for all my needs!
- To sum it up - as the Bible says: I have everything I need pertaining to life and godliness!
- I am what I AM says I am!
- I am what the Word of God says I am!
- I can do what the Word of God says I can do!
- I can have what the Word of God says I can have!
That, my Christian friend, is who you are in Christ Jesus. God knows it, the angels know it, the twenty-four elders and the four living beings in heaven know it, the great cloud of witnesses know it, the devil knows it, and the demons knows it. The real question is do you?
DSR
4/4/05
"One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" (Acts 19:15)
The Bible is full of endlessly fascinating truths. One such truth is embedded in the book of Acts and has to do with the communication network of the demonic underworld.
The following brief passage summarizes the situation:
"Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, 'In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.' Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, BUT WHO ARE YOU?' Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding" (Acts 19:13-16, emphasis mine).
I'm reasonably sure that this unique passage has been the text of countless sermons by preachers throughout the ages. Perhaps ministers in their messages have touched on the fact that the devil and his demonic administrative assistants keep tabs on human kind. That is to say, the devil knows who the authorized (and deputized) servants of God are and who are the imposters.
I think the evil spirit's question through the man in the Acts passage is insightful: "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
Of course the demonic realm knew who Jesus was. Once upon a time they had worshipped Him in the ageless past and had seen Him face-to-face in His preincarnate state. They knew full well that Jesus was the Creator of heaven and earth and of them. And they knew that this same Jesus, whom the Most High had sent to earth at just the right time had a mission: "…for this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
Interestingly (to me anyway) they also knew Paul, the servant of God. It was probably an embarrassing admission because there was a time when Saul worked in cooperation with this demon's workgroup. It seems they had harnessed Saul's religious zeal and twisted his understanding of the Scriptures to bring about the persecution of the church of Jesus Christ. Some were glad and some were sad (and mad) the day Saul converted to Christ and eventually morphed into the great Apostle Paul. So the demons were very correct in saying that they knew about Paul.
But to the offspring of a Jewish priest named Sceva, the demon challenged: "Who are you?" The imp could also have said: "Who are you boys to order me out?" You are unauthorized authorities and have no power at all to tell me what to do!"
It could be that this demon has some rank and position in the hierarchy of the demonic governmental structure because it seems evident that lesser demons had been cast out by these same sons of Sceva in their past "ministry of exorcism."
Now, let's turn our attention back to us. I ask you the same question: "Who are you?" Or perhaps more appropriately, "Whose are you?"
Do you have a reputation in the demonic underworld as a threat to their cause? Do you think a principality in another region of the world has heard about you through "the grapevine"? Are you committed enough to the lordship of Jesus Christ that you can confidently cast out demons in His name (Mark 16:17)? Is your life in good working order or is your spiritual life like a broken soft drink machine with an "out of order" sign hanging on it? Think about it. It makes a difference when you are confronting demonic entities.
The Bible gives us plenty of responses to say to an evil spirit that may confront us (usually through another human being) with the question of "who are you?" Some biblically verifiable replies to the deliberately belligerent question of "who are you?" might be…
WHO AM I?
- I am what I AM says I am!
- I am what the Word of God says I am!
- I can do what the Word of God says I can do!
- I can have what the Word of God says I can have! (Authority! See Luke 10:19)
WHO AM I?
- I am a child of God!
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
- I am not broken beyond repair but God has made me to be more than a conqueror!
- I am covered by the blood of Jesus and His blood forms a barrier between you and me!
- I am my Beloved's and He is mine and His banner over me is love!
- I am a victor, not a victim!
- I am an over-comer, not overcome!
- I am the head, and not the tail!
- I am the joy of my Heavenly Father created for His pleasure!
- I am altogether lovely in His eyes!
- I am not a mistake; I am the apple of God's eye!
- I am not damaged goods; I am the righteousness of God in Christ!
- I am forgiven of my sins and free to wreak havoc on you in Jesus' name!
WHO AM I?
- I'm the one that can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
- I'm that one that God pours supernatural power through so that nothing shall be impossible to me because I believe!
- I'm the one that through Jesus has eternal life! I'm headed for a throne and you're destined for the lake of fire!
- I have a place in the family of God!
- I have the mind of Christ on earth and a glorified body in heaven!
- I am presently wearing the full armor of God!
- My authority over you is legal because I am in submission to my spiritual leaders!
- I have the Holy Spirit as my Comforter and Teacher to lead and guide me into all truth!
- I am one who speaks for God as His ambassador to cast you out!
- I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, humility, and self-control - the fruit of the Spirit - in ever-increasing measure!
- I have access into the throne of grace to obtain grace and help in time of need - like now!
- I have the promises of God that are "yes" and "amen" for all my needs!
- To sum it up - as the Bible says: I have everything I need pertaining to life and godliness!
- I am what I AM says I am!
- I am what the Word of God says I am!
- I can do what the Word of God says I can do!
- I can have what the Word of God says I can have!
That, my Christian friend, is who you are in Christ Jesus. God knows it, the angels know it, the twenty-four elders and the four living beings in heaven know it, the great cloud of witnesses know it, the devil knows it, and the demons knows it. The real question is do you?
DSR
4/4/05
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Out of the Mouth of Babes
by David Scott Robertson
"Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him" (Acts 23:17).
* * *
I guess we're never too young or too old for God to use us. One outstanding example of this principle can be found in the book of Acts.
It seems the Apostle Paul's nephew, whose age remains a mystery, "accidentally" overheard a plot to assassinate his uncle. (I heard one person comment that "coincidence" is when God chooses to remain anonymous.)
"The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot…But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul." (Acts 23:12-13,16).
When the lad related the story to Paul, the Bible says: "Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him" (Acts 23:17).
Now this next verse convinces me that Paul's nephew was just a kid: "The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?" (Acts 23:19)
The reason I'm convinced that the little boy was a little boy is that I was a little boy once. I remember appreciating adults addressing me as "young man." That spoke to my ego and gave me hope of one day becoming a man. The other thing I remember is that little boys don't mind when an adult male holds their hand. Try calling a teenager a "young man" and leading him around by the hand! He'd probably be so offended that he couldn't even remember the reason he was brought to the commander in the first place!
So what's the big deal? Why is establishing the fact that Paul's nephew was a little boy so important to this thought? Well, have a look at the words that come out of this "little boy's" mouth to the commander:
"He [Paul's nephew] said: "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request" (Acts 23:20-21).
Did you catch that? I think what we're seeing here is a supernatural gift from God operating through a little boy! The kid didn't miss a detail! He seemed to know what he was talking about, speaking facts and details and numbers to the commander in such an intelligent way that the commander immediately acted upon the kid's counsel to "not give in to them." (The youngster had accurately retold the details of the plot TWICE - once to Paul and then to the commander.)
The statement from this lad amazes me! But why should it? Why does it seem amazing that God uses children to do His bidding?
Jesus was right again when He quoted Psalm 8:2, "Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" (Matthew 21:16 KJV)
Jeremiah was called to be prophet of God from his youth. When he objected to the Lord and attempted to use his young age as an excuse to disqualify him from God's assignment, God's response was rather shocking:
"'Ah, Sovereign LORD,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a child." You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now, I have put my words in your mouth'" (Jeremiah 1:6-9).
What an encouraging word to babies, toddlers, kindergartners, elementary school age kids, junior high and high school students! Your age does not disqualify you from speaking for God! The same goes for those who are "young in the Lord" or recent converts to Christianity!
Remember, your availability gives God opportunity to do miracles through you!
DSR
3/30/05
"Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him" (Acts 23:17).
* * *
I guess we're never too young or too old for God to use us. One outstanding example of this principle can be found in the book of Acts.
It seems the Apostle Paul's nephew, whose age remains a mystery, "accidentally" overheard a plot to assassinate his uncle. (I heard one person comment that "coincidence" is when God chooses to remain anonymous.)
"The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot…But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul." (Acts 23:12-13,16).
When the lad related the story to Paul, the Bible says: "Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him" (Acts 23:17).
Now this next verse convinces me that Paul's nephew was just a kid: "The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?" (Acts 23:19)
The reason I'm convinced that the little boy was a little boy is that I was a little boy once. I remember appreciating adults addressing me as "young man." That spoke to my ego and gave me hope of one day becoming a man. The other thing I remember is that little boys don't mind when an adult male holds their hand. Try calling a teenager a "young man" and leading him around by the hand! He'd probably be so offended that he couldn't even remember the reason he was brought to the commander in the first place!
So what's the big deal? Why is establishing the fact that Paul's nephew was a little boy so important to this thought? Well, have a look at the words that come out of this "little boy's" mouth to the commander:
"He [Paul's nephew] said: "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request" (Acts 23:20-21).
Did you catch that? I think what we're seeing here is a supernatural gift from God operating through a little boy! The kid didn't miss a detail! He seemed to know what he was talking about, speaking facts and details and numbers to the commander in such an intelligent way that the commander immediately acted upon the kid's counsel to "not give in to them." (The youngster had accurately retold the details of the plot TWICE - once to Paul and then to the commander.)
The statement from this lad amazes me! But why should it? Why does it seem amazing that God uses children to do His bidding?
Jesus was right again when He quoted Psalm 8:2, "Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" (Matthew 21:16 KJV)
Jeremiah was called to be prophet of God from his youth. When he objected to the Lord and attempted to use his young age as an excuse to disqualify him from God's assignment, God's response was rather shocking:
"'Ah, Sovereign LORD,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a child." You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now, I have put my words in your mouth'" (Jeremiah 1:6-9).
What an encouraging word to babies, toddlers, kindergartners, elementary school age kids, junior high and high school students! Your age does not disqualify you from speaking for God! The same goes for those who are "young in the Lord" or recent converts to Christianity!
Remember, your availability gives God opportunity to do miracles through you!
DSR
3/30/05
Monday, March 28, 2005
Choosing Sides
by David Scott Robertson
When I was a kid, the neighborhood boys and I liked to play football. We’d get everybody together, elect two team captains, flip a coin to see which captain got to choose first, then they’d begin “choosing sides.”
I don’t know where you come from, but growing up in suburban Chicago, the people chosen first were the biggest, fastest, toughest, most talented athletes in the neighborhood. You see, if I were captain, I would want the biggest guys on my team so I wouldn’t have to face them on the field! Strongest to weakest was usually the order in which players were chosen. Why? Because each captain wanted to build the best team so they could win the game!
In our neighborhood, maybe even yours, the scrawny guy with thick glasses was a late pick when we were choosing sides. So was the chubby kid with ruddy cheeks and freckles. And of course the kid who was born with a crooked arm and a limp, he got defaulted to whichever team was unlucky enough to get the last draw.
The entire process was quite humiliating, especially the longer it went on. As young men, our fragile egos and tender self-esteem were steadily deflated the longer we were not chosen. In choosing sides, it became abundantly clear what other boys thought of your abilities (or lack thereof).
Right or wrong, psychologically damaging or not, this is how young boys growing up in Chicago in the 1970’s chose sides to play football.
Not much has changed in the last 30 years. This is still how much of our world operates today. Employers choose employees based on what value they think they can bring to the organization. Universities choose faculty based on their pedigree and scholarly achievements. Ah, but it’s professional sports that exploits the principle of “choosing sides” to its maximum.
Nowhere else on earth is the principle of choosing sides based on perceived worth quite as blatant as in the arena of pro sports. We see the players in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB promoted and traded like stocks. The televised drafts are a spectacle to behold. Man after man is rated, assigned a value, and acquired by a team. Talent scouts make the farm league circuit in search of the next super athlete. Lottery-size contracts and salary packages are awarded to the most gifted individuals thus further (and artificially) inflating their egos and self-esteem to match their celebrity status. Aging or weak players are eventually cut from the team. Choosing sides in pro sports happens so owners and franchises can build the best teams possible. Why? To win, of course!
Now, let’s turn our attention from how the world (not always, but typically) chooses sides to how God chooses sides.
Obviously, being God, He has an advantage in knowing which “players” to choose. He’s got inside information on the track record, performance rating, character flaws, and the actual (not estimated) potential of every single person He brings on to His team. So how does He do it? How does God “choose sides"?
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Let’s look at one case study, one that I’m pretty familiar with…
* * *
RESUME OF DAVID S. ROBERTSON
CAREER OBJECTIVE: To develop an excellent and long-term relationship with God and return a 30-, 60-, or 100-fold return on His investment in me.
PERSONAL INFORMATION: Married (Monica, 18 years), father of one daughter (Abigail, 13), college graduate (MTSU), born in 1960, computer literate, hobbies include fitness training, biking, swimming and writing.
OTHER OUTSTANDING QUALITIES:
- Foolish
- Weak
- Lowly
- Despised
- Not much
REFERENCES: Available upon request
* * *
Years ago, I submitted my resume to God and was granted an interview! The interview took place in the summer of 1973 at an altar at an Assemblies of God church in Naperville, Illinois. The result? Did I get the job? Did God hire me? Did God want me to join His team? Did He choose me to be on His side?
I’m happy to report that I was hired on the spot!
Shortly after my interview, I began reading “letters of acceptance” written by representatives of God’s kingdom. These letters specified that I was…
- Chosen!
- Hired!
- On the team!
- Accepted!
- Anointed!
- Authorized!
- Appointed!
- Commissioned!
- Called!
- Sent!
The letters that gave me this “good news” are actually a collection of letters more commonly known as the “New Testament.”
I want you to know that I LOVE working for God! He pays so well! He offers great working conditions in a smoke-free environment! The benefits are excellent and the retirement package is without equal!
Presently I’m undergoing extensive OJT (On-the-Job-Training). I’m glad that God chose me to be on His side in spite of being eminently unqualified.
This thought today is for all readers who have for any reason ever felt “less than” or who struggle with self-esteem issues or you felt like you were near the bottom of the draw when others were “choosing sides.”
“Most gladly, therefore, I would rather boast about my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
DSR
3/28/05
When I was a kid, the neighborhood boys and I liked to play football. We’d get everybody together, elect two team captains, flip a coin to see which captain got to choose first, then they’d begin “choosing sides.”
I don’t know where you come from, but growing up in suburban Chicago, the people chosen first were the biggest, fastest, toughest, most talented athletes in the neighborhood. You see, if I were captain, I would want the biggest guys on my team so I wouldn’t have to face them on the field! Strongest to weakest was usually the order in which players were chosen. Why? Because each captain wanted to build the best team so they could win the game!
In our neighborhood, maybe even yours, the scrawny guy with thick glasses was a late pick when we were choosing sides. So was the chubby kid with ruddy cheeks and freckles. And of course the kid who was born with a crooked arm and a limp, he got defaulted to whichever team was unlucky enough to get the last draw.
The entire process was quite humiliating, especially the longer it went on. As young men, our fragile egos and tender self-esteem were steadily deflated the longer we were not chosen. In choosing sides, it became abundantly clear what other boys thought of your abilities (or lack thereof).
Right or wrong, psychologically damaging or not, this is how young boys growing up in Chicago in the 1970’s chose sides to play football.
Not much has changed in the last 30 years. This is still how much of our world operates today. Employers choose employees based on what value they think they can bring to the organization. Universities choose faculty based on their pedigree and scholarly achievements. Ah, but it’s professional sports that exploits the principle of “choosing sides” to its maximum.
Nowhere else on earth is the principle of choosing sides based on perceived worth quite as blatant as in the arena of pro sports. We see the players in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB promoted and traded like stocks. The televised drafts are a spectacle to behold. Man after man is rated, assigned a value, and acquired by a team. Talent scouts make the farm league circuit in search of the next super athlete. Lottery-size contracts and salary packages are awarded to the most gifted individuals thus further (and artificially) inflating their egos and self-esteem to match their celebrity status. Aging or weak players are eventually cut from the team. Choosing sides in pro sports happens so owners and franchises can build the best teams possible. Why? To win, of course!
Now, let’s turn our attention from how the world (not always, but typically) chooses sides to how God chooses sides.
Obviously, being God, He has an advantage in knowing which “players” to choose. He’s got inside information on the track record, performance rating, character flaws, and the actual (not estimated) potential of every single person He brings on to His team. So how does He do it? How does God “choose sides"?
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Let’s look at one case study, one that I’m pretty familiar with…
* * *
RESUME OF DAVID S. ROBERTSON
CAREER OBJECTIVE: To develop an excellent and long-term relationship with God and return a 30-, 60-, or 100-fold return on His investment in me.
PERSONAL INFORMATION: Married (Monica, 18 years), father of one daughter (Abigail, 13), college graduate (MTSU), born in 1960, computer literate, hobbies include fitness training, biking, swimming and writing.
OTHER OUTSTANDING QUALITIES:
- Foolish
- Weak
- Lowly
- Despised
- Not much
REFERENCES: Available upon request
* * *
Years ago, I submitted my resume to God and was granted an interview! The interview took place in the summer of 1973 at an altar at an Assemblies of God church in Naperville, Illinois. The result? Did I get the job? Did God hire me? Did God want me to join His team? Did He choose me to be on His side?
I’m happy to report that I was hired on the spot!
Shortly after my interview, I began reading “letters of acceptance” written by representatives of God’s kingdom. These letters specified that I was…
- Chosen!
- Hired!
- On the team!
- Accepted!
- Anointed!
- Authorized!
- Appointed!
- Commissioned!
- Called!
- Sent!
The letters that gave me this “good news” are actually a collection of letters more commonly known as the “New Testament.”
I want you to know that I LOVE working for God! He pays so well! He offers great working conditions in a smoke-free environment! The benefits are excellent and the retirement package is without equal!
Presently I’m undergoing extensive OJT (On-the-Job-Training). I’m glad that God chose me to be on His side in spite of being eminently unqualified.
This thought today is for all readers who have for any reason ever felt “less than” or who struggle with self-esteem issues or you felt like you were near the bottom of the draw when others were “choosing sides.”
“Most gladly, therefore, I would rather boast about my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
DSR
3/28/05
Monday, March 21, 2005
God's Unlikely Warriors
by David Scott Robertson
God has at various times for various reasons used some mighty unlikely characters to fight His battles for Him.
Gideon - The least member of his family from the weakest clan in Manasseh to lead a successful rebellion against the Midianites (Judges 6:14).
Saul - A Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel and a member of the least clan of his entire tribe to lead the nation as Israel's first king and destroy the enemies of the Lord.
David - A ruddy shepherd boy to conquer the giant Goliath and eventually replace Saul as king over Israel and Judah (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
Jael - Wife of Heber to single-handedly kill the mighty enemy general Sisera by lulling him to sleep and driving a tent peg through his temple (Judges 4:17-23).
The list goes on and on of how God used weak human vessels to execute judgment on the strong and powerful enemies of Israel. But God's military genius embraces even more unorthodox and unlikely warriors than these.
Hornets - "I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way" (Exodus 23:28).
Snakes - "Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died" (Numbers 21:6).
Lions - "When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people" (2 Kings 17:25).
Tar pits - "Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills" (Genesis 14:10).
Vegetation - "The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword" (2 Samuel 18:8).
Hail - "From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible" (Revelation 16:21).
Sleet - "He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet" (Psalm 78:4).
Lightning - "He shot arrows and scattered the enemies, bolts of lightning and routed them" (2 Samuel 22:15).
Water - "He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water his earth and show his love (Job 37:13).
Earthquakes - "At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven" (Revelation 11:13).
Wind - "No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff" (Isaiah 40:24).
Mildew - "I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not turn to me,' declares the LORD" (Haggai 2:17).
Germs - "He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague" (Psalm 78:50).
Confusion - "Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords" (1 Samuel 14:20).
God can use the least likely characters to deliver or destroy. Are you willing to be used in the hands of God for His glory? You may not be called a "mighty man or woman of God" but you will be remembered as "a man or woman of a mighty God."
DSR
3/21/05
God has at various times for various reasons used some mighty unlikely characters to fight His battles for Him.
Gideon - The least member of his family from the weakest clan in Manasseh to lead a successful rebellion against the Midianites (Judges 6:14).
Saul - A Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel and a member of the least clan of his entire tribe to lead the nation as Israel's first king and destroy the enemies of the Lord.
David - A ruddy shepherd boy to conquer the giant Goliath and eventually replace Saul as king over Israel and Judah (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
Jael - Wife of Heber to single-handedly kill the mighty enemy general Sisera by lulling him to sleep and driving a tent peg through his temple (Judges 4:17-23).
The list goes on and on of how God used weak human vessels to execute judgment on the strong and powerful enemies of Israel. But God's military genius embraces even more unorthodox and unlikely warriors than these.
Hornets - "I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way" (Exodus 23:28).
Snakes - "Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died" (Numbers 21:6).
Lions - "When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people" (2 Kings 17:25).
Tar pits - "Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills" (Genesis 14:10).
Vegetation - "The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword" (2 Samuel 18:8).
Hail - "From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible" (Revelation 16:21).
Sleet - "He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet" (Psalm 78:4).
Lightning - "He shot arrows and scattered the enemies, bolts of lightning and routed them" (2 Samuel 22:15).
Water - "He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water his earth and show his love (Job 37:13).
Earthquakes - "At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven" (Revelation 11:13).
Wind - "No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff" (Isaiah 40:24).
Mildew - "I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not turn to me,' declares the LORD" (Haggai 2:17).
Germs - "He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague" (Psalm 78:50).
Confusion - "Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords" (1 Samuel 14:20).
God can use the least likely characters to deliver or destroy. Are you willing to be used in the hands of God for His glory? You may not be called a "mighty man or woman of God" but you will be remembered as "a man or woman of a mighty God."
DSR
3/21/05
Monday, March 14, 2005
Pattern of Disobedience
by David Scott Robertson
I love the Old Testament. As the pages unfold, so do history, drama, prophecy, adventure, tragedy, irony, humor, types, foreshadows, and patterns. The patterns are of particular interest to me. As the Holy Spirit enables, I pick up on cycles that I notice recorded in the Scriptures. Let me give you an example.
I'm currently reading 2 Kings. I see a pattern. It goes something like this: A king comes to power - he was evil - God got mad - the king repents - deliverance comes - the king/nation backslides once the trouble has passed. Let's take a closer look at the pattern of disobedience:
VERSE 1. THERE WAS A KING - (2 Ki 13:1 NIV) In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah king of Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years.
VERSE 2. THE KING WAS EVIL IN THE LORD'S SIGHT - (2 Ki 13:2 NIV) He did evil in the eyes of the LORD by following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them.
VERSE 3. THE LORD WAS ANGRY WITH THE KING AND NATION - (2 Ki 13:3 NIV) So the Lord's anger burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad his son.
VERSE 4. THE KING REPENTS AND/OR PLEADS WITH GOD FOR RELIEF - (2 Ki 13:4 NIV) Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord's favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.
VERSE 5. GOD SENDS DELIVERANCE - (2 Ki 13:5 NIV) The LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before.
VERSE 6. ONCE DELIVERED, ISRAEL REVERTS TO IDOLATRY - (2 Ki 13:6 NIV) But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit; they continued in them. Also, the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria.
I see this six-step process recurring time and again in the times of the kings of Israel.
KING AHAB
1. THERE WAS A KING - (1 Ki 16:29 NIV) In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years.
2. THE KING WAS EVIL IN THE LORD'S SIGHT - (1 Ki 21:25 NIV) (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.
3. THE LORD WAS ANGRY WITH THE KING AND NATION - (1 Ki 21:21 NIV) 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel--slave or free.
4. THE KING REPENTS AND/OR PLEADS WITH GOD FOR RELIEF - (1 Ki 21:27 NIV) When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
5. GOD SENDS DELIVERANCE - (1 Ki 21:29 NIV) "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."
6. ONCE DELIVERED, ISRAEL REVERTS TO IDOLATRY -(1 Ki 22:6 NIV) So the king of Israel [Ahab] brought together the prophets [false prophets of idols]--about four hundred men--and asked them, "Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?" "Go," they answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand."
(1 Ki 22:7 NIV) But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?"
The pattern of disobedience is once again repeated and vividly illustrated in the reign of Manasseh, King of Israel. And so the vicious cycle repeats itself over and over again. What can we learn from this?
A pattern of disobedience to the Lord will bring a curse. A pattern of obedience to the Lord will bring a blessing. Get the pattern wrong and the judgment of God will fall on your house (or if you are king, your nation; or if you are a leader, your followers; or if you are father, your family, etc.). Get the pattern right and the glory of God will fall on your house.
Patterns are powerful because they involve habit. The kings of ancient Israel had a nasty habit of conforming to the patterns of the pagan nations they were commanded by God to displace from the land.
Whenever we read about a good king, we discover the pattern of fearing the Lord, consulting with the Lord's prophets, and abolishing various levels of idolatry during their reigns. And God responded mightily on their behalf.
Fast forward to our time. How do we apply this truth?
I suggest committing to yourself to do "the basics" well (in a spiritual context). Do things right (quality) and do the right things (priorities). Jesus was right: Seek Him first and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and everything else will work itself out for good (Romans 8:28). Good habits are as hard to break as bad habits. Get the pattern of obedience to God so ingrained in you that it becomes an unbreakable, unshakeable habit in your life. Do this and you will be well on your way to a lifestyle of pleasing God and will reap the corresponding rewards.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will' (Romans 12:2).
DSR
3/14/05
I love the Old Testament. As the pages unfold, so do history, drama, prophecy, adventure, tragedy, irony, humor, types, foreshadows, and patterns. The patterns are of particular interest to me. As the Holy Spirit enables, I pick up on cycles that I notice recorded in the Scriptures. Let me give you an example.
I'm currently reading 2 Kings. I see a pattern. It goes something like this: A king comes to power - he was evil - God got mad - the king repents - deliverance comes - the king/nation backslides once the trouble has passed. Let's take a closer look at the pattern of disobedience:
VERSE 1. THERE WAS A KING - (2 Ki 13:1 NIV) In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah king of Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years.
VERSE 2. THE KING WAS EVIL IN THE LORD'S SIGHT - (2 Ki 13:2 NIV) He did evil in the eyes of the LORD by following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them.
VERSE 3. THE LORD WAS ANGRY WITH THE KING AND NATION - (2 Ki 13:3 NIV) So the Lord's anger burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad his son.
VERSE 4. THE KING REPENTS AND/OR PLEADS WITH GOD FOR RELIEF - (2 Ki 13:4 NIV) Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord's favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.
VERSE 5. GOD SENDS DELIVERANCE - (2 Ki 13:5 NIV) The LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before.
VERSE 6. ONCE DELIVERED, ISRAEL REVERTS TO IDOLATRY - (2 Ki 13:6 NIV) But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit; they continued in them. Also, the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria.
I see this six-step process recurring time and again in the times of the kings of Israel.
KING AHAB
1. THERE WAS A KING - (1 Ki 16:29 NIV) In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years.
2. THE KING WAS EVIL IN THE LORD'S SIGHT - (1 Ki 21:25 NIV) (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.
3. THE LORD WAS ANGRY WITH THE KING AND NATION - (1 Ki 21:21 NIV) 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel--slave or free.
4. THE KING REPENTS AND/OR PLEADS WITH GOD FOR RELIEF - (1 Ki 21:27 NIV) When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
5. GOD SENDS DELIVERANCE - (1 Ki 21:29 NIV) "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."
6. ONCE DELIVERED, ISRAEL REVERTS TO IDOLATRY -(1 Ki 22:6 NIV) So the king of Israel [Ahab] brought together the prophets [false prophets of idols]--about four hundred men--and asked them, "Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?" "Go," they answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand."
(1 Ki 22:7 NIV) But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?"
The pattern of disobedience is once again repeated and vividly illustrated in the reign of Manasseh, King of Israel. And so the vicious cycle repeats itself over and over again. What can we learn from this?
A pattern of disobedience to the Lord will bring a curse. A pattern of obedience to the Lord will bring a blessing. Get the pattern wrong and the judgment of God will fall on your house (or if you are king, your nation; or if you are a leader, your followers; or if you are father, your family, etc.). Get the pattern right and the glory of God will fall on your house.
Patterns are powerful because they involve habit. The kings of ancient Israel had a nasty habit of conforming to the patterns of the pagan nations they were commanded by God to displace from the land.
Whenever we read about a good king, we discover the pattern of fearing the Lord, consulting with the Lord's prophets, and abolishing various levels of idolatry during their reigns. And God responded mightily on their behalf.
Fast forward to our time. How do we apply this truth?
I suggest committing to yourself to do "the basics" well (in a spiritual context). Do things right (quality) and do the right things (priorities). Jesus was right: Seek Him first and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and everything else will work itself out for good (Romans 8:28). Good habits are as hard to break as bad habits. Get the pattern of obedience to God so ingrained in you that it becomes an unbreakable, unshakeable habit in your life. Do this and you will be well on your way to a lifestyle of pleasing God and will reap the corresponding rewards.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will' (Romans 12:2).
DSR
3/14/05
Monday, March 7, 2005
For Special Occasions Only
by David Scott Robertson
"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table" (Matthew 26:6-7).
* * *
Last Christmas some good friends of mine gave me a bottle of men's cologne as a gift. Giving gifts at Christmas and cologne to men are rather commonplace and don't draw much attention. However, there's more to this story.
This particular four-ounce bottle of cologne that my friends gave me was extremely rare, very expensive, and only through much research, calls, and effort, were they able to obtain it from an obscure location in Florida. Usually an advanced search of the Internet at Google.com will turn up about anything you're looking for. Not so with this Christmas gift. Even the Internet was uncharacteristically useless on this quest. Nevertheless, through determination my friends made it happen. All that to say that this small bottle of great smelling men's cologne is pretty special to me. It's the kind of item that you reserve for special occasions only.
It's sort of like a woman buying a beautiful dress to be Maid-of-Honor at a girlfriend's wedding. Or renting a limo to drive the newlyweds from the church to their reception. Or whispering to the waiter at the fine restaurant that you're there to celebrate a family member's birthday. Graduations, weddings, funerals, job interviews, awards banquets, appearing on television, and the like all fall into the category of "special occasions" that warrant special preparation, wouldn't you agree?
Well, I started out wearing my cologne only to church on Sundays. And even then, I limited it to one squirt only! After all, I reasoned, I have to ration it and make it last as long as possible, right? I got to thinking, at this rate, this four-ounce bottle should last for years!
I know this sounds silly, but this rare gift also got me to thinking about what constitutes a "special occasion." I actually pondered in my heart the question of how many men and women die every year with unused bottles of cologne and perfume in their cabinets back home? How many of us put off doing something, saying something, going somewhere…waiting for "just the right moment" - a moment that strangely, sadly, too often never comes.
For example, take the man who is so intent on waiting for the right moment that he never actually gets around to proposing to the love of his life. Or the parent who waits for a special achievement to tell his daughter he's proud of her. Or the Christian who never shares her faith with her co-worker because she never feels the timing is quite right.
As I processed such thoughts, I wondered if I were to suddenly and unexpectedly be taken out of the picture, who would get the rest of my bottle of cologne? More than likely someone who doesn't know the story or the value of what they hold in their hand.
So, these days I'm celebrating a lot of special occasions.
- My daughter's birthday came up and we took her out to dinner. Squirt.
- I had breakfast with my one-and-only mother the other day. Squirt.
- I scurried off to my weekly staff meeting at church. Squirt.
- I taught a class of new Christians last week. Squirt.
- I ran down to Wal-Mart the other day to pick up oil change supplies. Squirt.
As I write this, I'm getting ready to go to work. There's nothing particularly special going on today. Today, my friends, I'm going for two squirts!
What about you? Anything you've been putting off waiting for just the right moment - a special occasion - before you allow yourself to do it, say it, or experience it? You can avoid a disease worse than cancer called REGRET by simply making up your mind to live this day - no, I take that back, live EVERY DAY - as if it were what it actually is - a special occasion. Fact is, every day is a grace gift from God. And any gift from God is pretty special.
DSR
3/7/05
"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table" (Matthew 26:6-7).
* * *
Last Christmas some good friends of mine gave me a bottle of men's cologne as a gift. Giving gifts at Christmas and cologne to men are rather commonplace and don't draw much attention. However, there's more to this story.
This particular four-ounce bottle of cologne that my friends gave me was extremely rare, very expensive, and only through much research, calls, and effort, were they able to obtain it from an obscure location in Florida. Usually an advanced search of the Internet at Google.com will turn up about anything you're looking for. Not so with this Christmas gift. Even the Internet was uncharacteristically useless on this quest. Nevertheless, through determination my friends made it happen. All that to say that this small bottle of great smelling men's cologne is pretty special to me. It's the kind of item that you reserve for special occasions only.
It's sort of like a woman buying a beautiful dress to be Maid-of-Honor at a girlfriend's wedding. Or renting a limo to drive the newlyweds from the church to their reception. Or whispering to the waiter at the fine restaurant that you're there to celebrate a family member's birthday. Graduations, weddings, funerals, job interviews, awards banquets, appearing on television, and the like all fall into the category of "special occasions" that warrant special preparation, wouldn't you agree?
Well, I started out wearing my cologne only to church on Sundays. And even then, I limited it to one squirt only! After all, I reasoned, I have to ration it and make it last as long as possible, right? I got to thinking, at this rate, this four-ounce bottle should last for years!
I know this sounds silly, but this rare gift also got me to thinking about what constitutes a "special occasion." I actually pondered in my heart the question of how many men and women die every year with unused bottles of cologne and perfume in their cabinets back home? How many of us put off doing something, saying something, going somewhere…waiting for "just the right moment" - a moment that strangely, sadly, too often never comes.
For example, take the man who is so intent on waiting for the right moment that he never actually gets around to proposing to the love of his life. Or the parent who waits for a special achievement to tell his daughter he's proud of her. Or the Christian who never shares her faith with her co-worker because she never feels the timing is quite right.
As I processed such thoughts, I wondered if I were to suddenly and unexpectedly be taken out of the picture, who would get the rest of my bottle of cologne? More than likely someone who doesn't know the story or the value of what they hold in their hand.
So, these days I'm celebrating a lot of special occasions.
- My daughter's birthday came up and we took her out to dinner. Squirt.
- I had breakfast with my one-and-only mother the other day. Squirt.
- I scurried off to my weekly staff meeting at church. Squirt.
- I taught a class of new Christians last week. Squirt.
- I ran down to Wal-Mart the other day to pick up oil change supplies. Squirt.
As I write this, I'm getting ready to go to work. There's nothing particularly special going on today. Today, my friends, I'm going for two squirts!
What about you? Anything you've been putting off waiting for just the right moment - a special occasion - before you allow yourself to do it, say it, or experience it? You can avoid a disease worse than cancer called REGRET by simply making up your mind to live this day - no, I take that back, live EVERY DAY - as if it were what it actually is - a special occasion. Fact is, every day is a grace gift from God. And any gift from God is pretty special.
DSR
3/7/05
Monday, February 28, 2005
God's Homework Assignments
by David Scott Robertson
"In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now" (Jeremiah 36:1-2).
* * *
How would you like to have been in the prophet Jeremiah's sandals when God laid this homework assignment on him?
God basically was saying to Jeremiah: "I want you to write - word perfectly -no matter how long it takes - every single thing I ever said to you about Israel and Judah up to the present moment. Do not leave one detail out because thousands of years from now people will be reading this."
In the natural, of course, this assignment that God had given to Jeremiah would have been totally impossible! The prophet, left to his own intellect and memory, would have failed miserably in the task.
However, as Christ-followers who trust the reliability of Scripture know, Jeremiah completed his assignment flawlessly. How could Jeremiah have dictated to his assistant, Baruch, son of Meriah, every single word the Lord had spoken concerning Israel and Judah without leaving a single statement out?
I believe Jeremiah could successfully complete his homework assignment the same way that…
- Moses completed his assignment of writing the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch).
- Daniel completed his assignment of recording (in advance) the rise and fall of major world governments from his present day to the end of the age.
- Micah completed his assignment of predicting the Messiah's birth.
- Isaiah completed his assignment in describing Jesus' earthly ministry and subsequent suffering on the cross.
- King David completed his assignment and wrote (in the first person) about how Jesus felt while offering His body as the perfect sacrifice on the cross.
- Paul and the other apostles recorded New Testament scripture.
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21).
This being "carried along" - mere men inspired by the Holy Spirit - is the reason each homework assignment given to men by God was able to be completed in completely reliable fashion.
This is why we can read our Bibles and be fully persuaded that "every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5).
The good news for us who find ourselves on the timeline of history in the 21st century is that this same Holy Spirit who helped Jeremiah is available to help us.
If you have been handed what you feel is a "tough assignment" from God to fulfill then simply do what all these men of God I've mentioned did - call out to God for the Holy Spirit's help. Whether they or we can theologically understand it is irrelevant. It is God the Holy Spirit who will become for you the "Divine Enabler" to cause your assignment to get completed, turned in on time, and make the grade God intends.
When God gives you a homework assignment, don't stress over it--call out for help from the Teacher.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me [Jesus] by taking from what is mine and making it known to you" (John 16:13-14).
I encourage you to purposely demote (humble) yourself to the position of God's little helper, His assistant, servant, scribe just like Jeremiah had Baruch and Paul had Tertius (Romans 16:22) to help write the copy.
The next time you get a homework assignment, a marching order, a prescription to fill (choose your own metaphor)--in other words, when God tells you to do something call out to the Holy Spirit for divine recall, supernatural support, heavenly help, and ingenious inspiration.
"So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6).
DSR
2/28/05
"In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now" (Jeremiah 36:1-2).
* * *
How would you like to have been in the prophet Jeremiah's sandals when God laid this homework assignment on him?
God basically was saying to Jeremiah: "I want you to write - word perfectly -no matter how long it takes - every single thing I ever said to you about Israel and Judah up to the present moment. Do not leave one detail out because thousands of years from now people will be reading this."
In the natural, of course, this assignment that God had given to Jeremiah would have been totally impossible! The prophet, left to his own intellect and memory, would have failed miserably in the task.
However, as Christ-followers who trust the reliability of Scripture know, Jeremiah completed his assignment flawlessly. How could Jeremiah have dictated to his assistant, Baruch, son of Meriah, every single word the Lord had spoken concerning Israel and Judah without leaving a single statement out?
I believe Jeremiah could successfully complete his homework assignment the same way that…
- Moses completed his assignment of writing the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch).
- Daniel completed his assignment of recording (in advance) the rise and fall of major world governments from his present day to the end of the age.
- Micah completed his assignment of predicting the Messiah's birth.
- Isaiah completed his assignment in describing Jesus' earthly ministry and subsequent suffering on the cross.
- King David completed his assignment and wrote (in the first person) about how Jesus felt while offering His body as the perfect sacrifice on the cross.
- Paul and the other apostles recorded New Testament scripture.
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21).
This being "carried along" - mere men inspired by the Holy Spirit - is the reason each homework assignment given to men by God was able to be completed in completely reliable fashion.
This is why we can read our Bibles and be fully persuaded that "every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5).
The good news for us who find ourselves on the timeline of history in the 21st century is that this same Holy Spirit who helped Jeremiah is available to help us.
If you have been handed what you feel is a "tough assignment" from God to fulfill then simply do what all these men of God I've mentioned did - call out to God for the Holy Spirit's help. Whether they or we can theologically understand it is irrelevant. It is God the Holy Spirit who will become for you the "Divine Enabler" to cause your assignment to get completed, turned in on time, and make the grade God intends.
When God gives you a homework assignment, don't stress over it--call out for help from the Teacher.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me [Jesus] by taking from what is mine and making it known to you" (John 16:13-14).
I encourage you to purposely demote (humble) yourself to the position of God's little helper, His assistant, servant, scribe just like Jeremiah had Baruch and Paul had Tertius (Romans 16:22) to help write the copy.
The next time you get a homework assignment, a marching order, a prescription to fill (choose your own metaphor)--in other words, when God tells you to do something call out to the Holy Spirit for divine recall, supernatural support, heavenly help, and ingenious inspiration.
"So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6).
DSR
2/28/05
Monday, February 21, 2005
Grand Opening
by David Scott Robertson
"Then He [Jesus] said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.' AND HE OPENED THEIR UNDERSTANDING, THAT THEY MIGHT COMPREHEND THE SCRIPTURES." (Luke 24:44-45, emphasis mine).
* * *
In my Spirit-Filled Life Bible I have a bookmark on the page in which this text appears and I have boxed the verse in with a pen. Nearly every day before I read the Word, I go to this verse and pray that the Lord open my understanding that I might comprehend the Scriptures.
God is very apparently in the business of opening things…
- Jesus opened the eyes of the physically blind (John 9:17; Isaiah 35:5).
- God opened up the eyes of people who could see fine in the natural but failed to see supernatural provision (Genesis 21:19).
- Jesus opened the ears of the physically deaf (Mark 7:35).
- Jesus opened the mouth of the mute (Luke 1:63-64).
- Jesus opened the grave to give up its dead (John 11:34).
- The Lord opened the wombs of barren women (Genesis 29:31; 30:22).
- God opened the eyes of a skeptical servant to see angelic forces (2 Kings 6:17).
- The Lord opened the mouth of a donkey to rebuke a backslidden prophet (Numbers 22:28) then opened the eyes of the prophet to see the Angel of the Lord (22:31).
- God opened a path through the Red Sea (Psalm 106:9), opened up a rock that a river might gush out and refresh His people Israel (Psalm 105:41), and opened the doors of the heavens to rain down manna to sustain millions of people in a barren desert (Psalm 78-23-24).
- He's opened up the earth to swallow His enemies (Psalm 106:17), and promised to open up the windows of heaven to bless His faithful stewards (Malachi 3:10).
Revelation 4:1 talks about a door in heaven being opened and John being invited to "come up here…" That eye-opening experience is one that all true believers will also get to enjoy!
There were many more verses and examples I looked up in my research, but the point, I think, has been made: God is very apparently in the business of opening things!
What do you need opened that seems to be shut? Do you want, like me, for the Holy Spirit to "open your eyes" to understand the Scriptures more clearly? Do you want open ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church? Do you want a heart that is open and tender to the gentle wooing of the Spirit of Jesus? Do you want the Lord to open your mouth and fill it with good things to say? Do you want a broken relationship opened up that's shut down? Do you want something to open up in your job or new career?
I don't know what you need but I know that Jesus is the key that can open the thing that is locked.
Could the "grand opening" that you've been waiting for be just a short prayer away?
Why not pray it right now?
DSR
2/21/05
"Then He [Jesus] said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.' AND HE OPENED THEIR UNDERSTANDING, THAT THEY MIGHT COMPREHEND THE SCRIPTURES." (Luke 24:44-45, emphasis mine).
* * *
In my Spirit-Filled Life Bible I have a bookmark on the page in which this text appears and I have boxed the verse in with a pen. Nearly every day before I read the Word, I go to this verse and pray that the Lord open my understanding that I might comprehend the Scriptures.
God is very apparently in the business of opening things…
- Jesus opened the eyes of the physically blind (John 9:17; Isaiah 35:5).
- God opened up the eyes of people who could see fine in the natural but failed to see supernatural provision (Genesis 21:19).
- Jesus opened the ears of the physically deaf (Mark 7:35).
- Jesus opened the mouth of the mute (Luke 1:63-64).
- Jesus opened the grave to give up its dead (John 11:34).
- The Lord opened the wombs of barren women (Genesis 29:31; 30:22).
- God opened the eyes of a skeptical servant to see angelic forces (2 Kings 6:17).
- The Lord opened the mouth of a donkey to rebuke a backslidden prophet (Numbers 22:28) then opened the eyes of the prophet to see the Angel of the Lord (22:31).
- God opened a path through the Red Sea (Psalm 106:9), opened up a rock that a river might gush out and refresh His people Israel (Psalm 105:41), and opened the doors of the heavens to rain down manna to sustain millions of people in a barren desert (Psalm 78-23-24).
- He's opened up the earth to swallow His enemies (Psalm 106:17), and promised to open up the windows of heaven to bless His faithful stewards (Malachi 3:10).
Revelation 4:1 talks about a door in heaven being opened and John being invited to "come up here…" That eye-opening experience is one that all true believers will also get to enjoy!
There were many more verses and examples I looked up in my research, but the point, I think, has been made: God is very apparently in the business of opening things!
What do you need opened that seems to be shut? Do you want, like me, for the Holy Spirit to "open your eyes" to understand the Scriptures more clearly? Do you want open ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church? Do you want a heart that is open and tender to the gentle wooing of the Spirit of Jesus? Do you want the Lord to open your mouth and fill it with good things to say? Do you want a broken relationship opened up that's shut down? Do you want something to open up in your job or new career?
I don't know what you need but I know that Jesus is the key that can open the thing that is locked.
Could the "grand opening" that you've been waiting for be just a short prayer away?
Why not pray it right now?
DSR
2/21/05
Saturday, February 12, 2005
By Invitation Only
by David Scott Robertson
"Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, 'Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.' And He went in to stay with them" (Luke 24:28-29 NKJV).
* * *
In the 24th chapter of Luke's gospel, we find a key to experiencing God.
Two followers of Jesus (Luke identifies one of the two as Cleopas, v. 18) were walking and talking down the road about the things that had just occurred concerning the Christ. They were confused and grieving. The Bible says, "while they conversed and reasoned" (v. 15), Jesus Himself showed up and joined their conversation. God was walking and talking with them but they didn't realize they were walking and talking with God.
Jesus asked them what they were talking about "and beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (v. 27).
As they were about to complete the seven-mile walk from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, Jesus "indicated that He would have gone farther" (v. 28). Now here's the key to experiencing God that I want to share with you in this thought: The two disciples, in agreement, petitioned the Lord to do something for them.
"…they constrained Him, saying, 'Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent'" (v. 29).
Evidently, Jesus would have walked out of the conversation and their experience with Him could have terminated on the spot. However (and this is the key), they invited Jesus to stay and eat with them. And kindly, providentially, and I believe gladly, "…He went in to stay with them" (v. 29).
A key, then, to experiencing God is to invite Him to come to you, to stay with you, to eat with you, to fellowship with you, to walk with you and talk with you along life's narrow way.
Note seven things that happened to Cleopas and his friend because they "constrained" Jesus to sit with them for a while:
1. GOD WAS IN THEIR PHYSICAL PRESENCE - "Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them…" (v. 30)
2. GOD FED THEM - "…that He took bread…" (v. 30)
3. GOD SPOKE BLESSING - "…He took bread, blessed and broke it…" (v. 30). (Later they remarked how He was known to them in the breaking of bread - v. 35.)
4. GOD SERVED THEM - "…He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them" (v. 30).
5. GOD OPENED THEIR EYES - "Then their eyes were opened…" (v. 31).
6. THEY EXPERIENCED GOD - "…and they knew Him…" (v. 31).
7. THEY WITNESSED A MIRACLE - "…and He vanished from their sight" (v. 31).
Mind you, these seven things never would have happened had they not "constrained" Jesus to stay and fellowship with them. Their previous conversation and reasoning on the road did not bring about a "burning in their hearts" like spending time with Jesus did (v. 32).
Jesus expounded on the key to experiencing God in John 15:7:
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
When the two disciples on the road to Emmaus said to the Lord, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent" (v. 29), they were, in essence, putting Jesus' admonition in John 15:7 into practice by inviting Him to abide with them and making room in their schedule for His words to abide in them.
As long as the two asked each other for answers concerning the Christ, they would continue to be frustrated and confused. But when they began to substitute human reasoning with Godly wisdom through abiding in Christ late one afternoon, they experienced God and were later able to joyfully testify to their brethren about their encounter with their resurrected Lord:
"So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, 'The Lord is risen indeed and has appeared to Simon!'" (Luke 24: 33-34).
I've already said this once, but it bears repeating: These seven things never would have happened had they not "constrained" Jesus to stay and fellowship with them!
What does this mean to us today in 2005? It means that unless you and I open our mouths and our hearts and invite the Lord to come to us, to abide in us, we are doubtless going to miss out on revelations, illuminations, and miracles that God has reserved for those who constrain Him to abide with them--not merely for a brief visit, but forever.
DSR
2/12/05
"Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, 'Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.' And He went in to stay with them" (Luke 24:28-29 NKJV).
* * *
In the 24th chapter of Luke's gospel, we find a key to experiencing God.
Two followers of Jesus (Luke identifies one of the two as Cleopas, v. 18) were walking and talking down the road about the things that had just occurred concerning the Christ. They were confused and grieving. The Bible says, "while they conversed and reasoned" (v. 15), Jesus Himself showed up and joined their conversation. God was walking and talking with them but they didn't realize they were walking and talking with God.
Jesus asked them what they were talking about "and beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (v. 27).
As they were about to complete the seven-mile walk from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, Jesus "indicated that He would have gone farther" (v. 28). Now here's the key to experiencing God that I want to share with you in this thought: The two disciples, in agreement, petitioned the Lord to do something for them.
"…they constrained Him, saying, 'Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent'" (v. 29).
Evidently, Jesus would have walked out of the conversation and their experience with Him could have terminated on the spot. However (and this is the key), they invited Jesus to stay and eat with them. And kindly, providentially, and I believe gladly, "…He went in to stay with them" (v. 29).
A key, then, to experiencing God is to invite Him to come to you, to stay with you, to eat with you, to fellowship with you, to walk with you and talk with you along life's narrow way.
Note seven things that happened to Cleopas and his friend because they "constrained" Jesus to sit with them for a while:
1. GOD WAS IN THEIR PHYSICAL PRESENCE - "Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them…" (v. 30)
2. GOD FED THEM - "…that He took bread…" (v. 30)
3. GOD SPOKE BLESSING - "…He took bread, blessed and broke it…" (v. 30). (Later they remarked how He was known to them in the breaking of bread - v. 35.)
4. GOD SERVED THEM - "…He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them" (v. 30).
5. GOD OPENED THEIR EYES - "Then their eyes were opened…" (v. 31).
6. THEY EXPERIENCED GOD - "…and they knew Him…" (v. 31).
7. THEY WITNESSED A MIRACLE - "…and He vanished from their sight" (v. 31).
Mind you, these seven things never would have happened had they not "constrained" Jesus to stay and fellowship with them. Their previous conversation and reasoning on the road did not bring about a "burning in their hearts" like spending time with Jesus did (v. 32).
Jesus expounded on the key to experiencing God in John 15:7:
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
When the two disciples on the road to Emmaus said to the Lord, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent" (v. 29), they were, in essence, putting Jesus' admonition in John 15:7 into practice by inviting Him to abide with them and making room in their schedule for His words to abide in them.
As long as the two asked each other for answers concerning the Christ, they would continue to be frustrated and confused. But when they began to substitute human reasoning with Godly wisdom through abiding in Christ late one afternoon, they experienced God and were later able to joyfully testify to their brethren about their encounter with their resurrected Lord:
"So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, 'The Lord is risen indeed and has appeared to Simon!'" (Luke 24: 33-34).
I've already said this once, but it bears repeating: These seven things never would have happened had they not "constrained" Jesus to stay and fellowship with them!
What does this mean to us today in 2005? It means that unless you and I open our mouths and our hearts and invite the Lord to come to us, to abide in us, we are doubtless going to miss out on revelations, illuminations, and miracles that God has reserved for those who constrain Him to abide with them--not merely for a brief visit, but forever.
DSR
2/12/05
Monday, February 7, 2005
A Formletter of Encouragement
by David Scott Robertson
* * *
INSTRUCTIONS: Below is a "form letter" or "template" that you might consider customizing and then emailing or sending to a Christian friend you know is going through a tough time right now. Edit as necessary for an unsaved friend.
* * *
Date
Dear __________,
I thought the Lord would have me write you a quick note. Can you dare to believe that the BEST is yet to come? I can and I am for you!
I know you're going through a tough time but I want you to consider that "if God is for you who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31). I'm for you too! I've taken your name and your need to the throne room of grace to obtain mercy and grace in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
God's Word to you in your present situation is: "…'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:9). And speaking of perfect, God is offering you His perfect peace to help you through: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).
As you trust in the Lord with all your heart, trying to make sense of things but always keeping in mind that God is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6), God will grant you what He described as "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" to guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
My sincere hope in writing you this note is that somehow the Holy Spirit will take it and remind you that because you are a Christian…
- God loves you (John 3:16).
- God has forgiven your sins and will not hold them against you (1 John 1:9).
- God does hear and answer prayer - in His time (Philippians 4:6).
- God supplies all your needs (Philippians 4:19) and doesn't even have a problem giving you the desires of your heart as you delight in Him (Psalm 37:4).
- God has given you power and authority over the devil (Luke 10:19).
- God has given you the power of His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and His Spirit (Acts 1:8) to work on your behalf.
- God has dressed you in the full armor of God to protect you from the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:11) plus he has decreed that the devil's weapons formed against you will not function properly (Isaiah 54:17).
- One day in the not too distant future, you will join God in the place for you in the new heavens and the new earth (Isaiah 65:17) with a new body (1 Corinthians 15:54) living in a new mansion (John 14:2) custom-built just for you!
Forever with God is not a bad deal! Since your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Luke 10:20) you can rest assured that one day you can stand before God with confidence that your relationships with Jesus during your lifetime will make all the difference for you in eternity.
I am including lots of scripture verses in this note because God's Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12) and as you read it and believe it, the Lord promises "It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and succeed in the matter for which I send it" (Isaiah 55:11).
I want to end this note to you the way the Apostle Paul ended his second letter to the Christians in the city of Corinth because I want for the same thing for you that he wanted for his friends there: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14).
In the peace that only Jesus gives,
Your friend, ______________
DSR
2/7/05
* * *
INSTRUCTIONS: Below is a "form letter" or "template" that you might consider customizing and then emailing or sending to a Christian friend you know is going through a tough time right now. Edit as necessary for an unsaved friend.
* * *
Date
Dear __________,
I thought the Lord would have me write you a quick note. Can you dare to believe that the BEST is yet to come? I can and I am for you!
I know you're going through a tough time but I want you to consider that "if God is for you who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31). I'm for you too! I've taken your name and your need to the throne room of grace to obtain mercy and grace in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
God's Word to you in your present situation is: "…'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:9). And speaking of perfect, God is offering you His perfect peace to help you through: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).
As you trust in the Lord with all your heart, trying to make sense of things but always keeping in mind that God is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6), God will grant you what He described as "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" to guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
My sincere hope in writing you this note is that somehow the Holy Spirit will take it and remind you that because you are a Christian…
- God loves you (John 3:16).
- God has forgiven your sins and will not hold them against you (1 John 1:9).
- God does hear and answer prayer - in His time (Philippians 4:6).
- God supplies all your needs (Philippians 4:19) and doesn't even have a problem giving you the desires of your heart as you delight in Him (Psalm 37:4).
- God has given you power and authority over the devil (Luke 10:19).
- God has given you the power of His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and His Spirit (Acts 1:8) to work on your behalf.
- God has dressed you in the full armor of God to protect you from the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:11) plus he has decreed that the devil's weapons formed against you will not function properly (Isaiah 54:17).
- One day in the not too distant future, you will join God in the place for you in the new heavens and the new earth (Isaiah 65:17) with a new body (1 Corinthians 15:54) living in a new mansion (John 14:2) custom-built just for you!
Forever with God is not a bad deal! Since your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Luke 10:20) you can rest assured that one day you can stand before God with confidence that your relationships with Jesus during your lifetime will make all the difference for you in eternity.
I am including lots of scripture verses in this note because God's Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12) and as you read it and believe it, the Lord promises "It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and succeed in the matter for which I send it" (Isaiah 55:11).
I want to end this note to you the way the Apostle Paul ended his second letter to the Christians in the city of Corinth because I want for the same thing for you that he wanted for his friends there: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Corinthians 13:14).
In the peace that only Jesus gives,
Your friend, ______________
DSR
2/7/05
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Robertson Sets New World Record
by David Scott Robertson
MURFREESBORO, TN - January 27, 2005 - Middle distance runner David S. Robertson broke a world record today in the 5-mile run at Middle Tennessee State University's indoor track. The official time was 39:04:05. The record-breaking dash undercut the Olympic record by 3.25 seconds and the world record by a full two seconds. It was a personal best for Robertson at this distance.
ESPN2 caught up with Robertson at the finish line to capture these remarks:
* * *
ESPN2: Congratulations, David! Do you realize you've broken the Olympic record and the world record with tonight's performance?
ROBERTSON (breathing hard): Yes, I'm aware of that! It's also my personal best.
ESPN2: The crowd was certainly behind you tonight.
ROBERTSON: I appreciate that. I want to dedicate my new personal best time to the boys in the Lazarus Project, a ministry of the Hope Center. I'd like to dedicate the new Olympic record to my wife, Monica, and my daughter, Abigail. And I'd like to dedicate the new world record to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
ESPN2: Your run was incredible! You really turned it on that last 1,000 meters coming from fourth place to first to run right into the record books.
ROBERTSON: I'd like to give credit where credit is due…my Coach was with me every step of the way…my Coach's name is the Lord Jesus Christ…
ESPN2: Reporting live from MTSU, this is Randy Kazopolis, back to you, Bob,
at Sports Central.
* * *
The above scenario has been brought to you by my imagination. Most of it is true. My name is Robertson. I did run 5 miles at MTSU in roughly 39:04:05. There towards the end of my run I did jog past an old woman in Spandex, two college co-eds with pony tails, and what looked like a retired chemistry professor. Later, in the shower, I did actually dedicate my "personal best" and two "records" to those I mentioned. The only thing missing was ESPN2 and an audience.
I've discovered that for me it's fun and motivating to imagine what I would do and say if I were suddenly thrust into the spotlight for my "fifteen minutes of fame." I did this a lot while watching the '04 Olympics in Athens this past summer. I remember watching with great joy, delight, and admiration as many young athletes were bold with their faith and appreciation to God when the microphone came their way. Many times, the first words out of their mouth was not a message of self-glorification to tens of millions of people but a message of thanksgiving to an audience of One - to God.
My thought today is that the next time you accomplish a goal or achieve something worthwhile to you, be bold in your faith and give credit where credit is due, even if it is only to an audience of One, that is, to God alone. For example...
- You've just washed ten loads of laundry in record time! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- You've mowed the lawn and weed-whacked faster than you've ever done it before! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- You washed two cars, cleaned the interiors, AND properly inflated both sets of tires - all on your lunch break! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- Your husband arrives home after work and the toddlers are alive! You've done your job! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- You've made the photocopies, finished the report, read the homework, written the paper, sent the faxes, purged the emails, made all your meetings…whatever it is that you have done of heroic proportions on the job, at school, or at home - rejoice! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
I think the Lord would very much enjoy hearing you give thanks with a grateful heart and rejoice over your accomplishment(s) by crediting Him for His kind (direct or indirect) assistance in your exploit.
Our names may never appear in the Guinness Book of World Records for some astonishing feat, but as the two scriptures below suggest that God is keeping score of our thoughts, words, and deeds in His record keeping system, then we've made the history books after all!
"…your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your BOOK before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16 - emphasis mine).
"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and BOOKS were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books" (Revelation 20:12 - emphasis mine).
DSR
1/30/05
MURFREESBORO, TN - January 27, 2005 - Middle distance runner David S. Robertson broke a world record today in the 5-mile run at Middle Tennessee State University's indoor track. The official time was 39:04:05. The record-breaking dash undercut the Olympic record by 3.25 seconds and the world record by a full two seconds. It was a personal best for Robertson at this distance.
ESPN2 caught up with Robertson at the finish line to capture these remarks:
* * *
ESPN2: Congratulations, David! Do you realize you've broken the Olympic record and the world record with tonight's performance?
ROBERTSON (breathing hard): Yes, I'm aware of that! It's also my personal best.
ESPN2: The crowd was certainly behind you tonight.
ROBERTSON: I appreciate that. I want to dedicate my new personal best time to the boys in the Lazarus Project, a ministry of the Hope Center. I'd like to dedicate the new Olympic record to my wife, Monica, and my daughter, Abigail. And I'd like to dedicate the new world record to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
ESPN2: Your run was incredible! You really turned it on that last 1,000 meters coming from fourth place to first to run right into the record books.
ROBERTSON: I'd like to give credit where credit is due…my Coach was with me every step of the way…my Coach's name is the Lord Jesus Christ…
ESPN2: Reporting live from MTSU, this is Randy Kazopolis, back to you, Bob,
at Sports Central.
* * *
The above scenario has been brought to you by my imagination. Most of it is true. My name is Robertson. I did run 5 miles at MTSU in roughly 39:04:05. There towards the end of my run I did jog past an old woman in Spandex, two college co-eds with pony tails, and what looked like a retired chemistry professor. Later, in the shower, I did actually dedicate my "personal best" and two "records" to those I mentioned. The only thing missing was ESPN2 and an audience.
I've discovered that for me it's fun and motivating to imagine what I would do and say if I were suddenly thrust into the spotlight for my "fifteen minutes of fame." I did this a lot while watching the '04 Olympics in Athens this past summer. I remember watching with great joy, delight, and admiration as many young athletes were bold with their faith and appreciation to God when the microphone came their way. Many times, the first words out of their mouth was not a message of self-glorification to tens of millions of people but a message of thanksgiving to an audience of One - to God.
My thought today is that the next time you accomplish a goal or achieve something worthwhile to you, be bold in your faith and give credit where credit is due, even if it is only to an audience of One, that is, to God alone. For example...
- You've just washed ten loads of laundry in record time! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- You've mowed the lawn and weed-whacked faster than you've ever done it before! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- You washed two cars, cleaned the interiors, AND properly inflated both sets of tires - all on your lunch break! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- Your husband arrives home after work and the toddlers are alive! You've done your job! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
- You've made the photocopies, finished the report, read the homework, written the paper, sent the faxes, purged the emails, made all your meetings…whatever it is that you have done of heroic proportions on the job, at school, or at home - rejoice! CELEBRATE TO AN AUDIENCE OF ONE AND GIVE GLORY TO GOD!
I think the Lord would very much enjoy hearing you give thanks with a grateful heart and rejoice over your accomplishment(s) by crediting Him for His kind (direct or indirect) assistance in your exploit.
Our names may never appear in the Guinness Book of World Records for some astonishing feat, but as the two scriptures below suggest that God is keeping score of our thoughts, words, and deeds in His record keeping system, then we've made the history books after all!
"…your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your BOOK before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16 - emphasis mine).
"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and BOOKS were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books" (Revelation 20:12 - emphasis mine).
DSR
1/30/05
Monday, January 24, 2005
Clean, Crisp, Refreshing
by David Scott Robertson
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders...no DRUNKARDS nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinithians 6:9-10 - emphasis mine).
* * *
Driving home from the local university from a workout recently I passed a beer truck. On the side of the truck in huge letters was the name of the beer being proudly advertised. Just below the product's name were stenciled these three words: Crisp, clean, refreshing.
I thought to myself, that's false advertising. Three alternate words came to my mind immediately: "dangerous, poisonous, deadly".
As a pastor, I've seen the horrific aftermath of those who bought the lie that alcoholic beverages were in fact crisp, clean, and refreshing. I've counseled with them in my office as they've held their heads in their hands, crying hot salty tears, because they're on the brink of losing everything dear to them due to alcoholism.
In so many words, they've desribed different aspects of their lives being destroyed by imbibing crisp, clean, and refreshing alcoholic beverages:
* * *
THEIR WORK LIFE IN THREE WORDS: tardiness, absentee-ism, fired
THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH IN THREE WORDS: sickness, cirrosis, obesity
THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IN THREE WORDS: addiction, anguish, bondage
THEIR FAMILY LIFE IN THREE WORDS: verbal-abuse, physical-abuse, sexual-abuse
THEIR FINANCIAL STATUS IN THREE WORDS: lack, collections, poverty
THEIR LEGAL STATUS IN THREE WORDS: fines, lockup, suspension
THE ACCIDENT THEY CAUSED IN THREE WORDS: child, tragedy, casket
* * *
Unless they repent, their eternal status can be summed up in three words as well: judgment, loss, hell.
It's not only mothers who are against drunk driving. It's not only police departments and school systems that are against substance abuse. God opposes drunkeness.
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).
"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1).
God is not trying to steal your fun and rain on your parade. God is trying to redeem your life from destruction and surround you with lovingkindness.
God knows that it's not only the liquor stores and retailers that sell alcohol that gain a clientele from the users of this product - it's the doctor's offices, hospitals, counseling centers, and funeral homes that bear the increased burden.
Satan's tactics include tempting us to sin while witholding information about the consequences of such choices. Beer commercials portray happy, scantily-clad slim women and handsome men with flat abs enjoying their product but they conveniently leave out "the rest of the story."
The wars of Afganistan and Iraq (plus all other war-time casualties combined) still don't equal the staggering total of alcohol related injuries and death in our world today. We gasp in shock and horror (and rightfully so) as over 150,000 people's lives are swept away in an instant from earthquakes and tidal waves yet are strangely desensitized to the fact that millions more are gradually killing themselves through alcohol and substance abuse.
The remedy is not so much in adhering to the gospel of alcohol manufacturers to "drink responsibly"; instead, the remedy is to turn to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to "...open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness" (Isaiah 42:7).
If you or a friend you know are caught in the web of addiction to the crisp, clean, and refreshing taste of beer, wine, hard liquor, illegal drugs (or abuse of prescription drugs), may I encourage you to enjoy the crisp, clean, and refreshing invitation of Jesus Christ who alone is able to set you free from the law of sin and death.
DSR
1/24/05
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders...no DRUNKARDS nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinithians 6:9-10 - emphasis mine).
* * *
Driving home from the local university from a workout recently I passed a beer truck. On the side of the truck in huge letters was the name of the beer being proudly advertised. Just below the product's name were stenciled these three words: Crisp, clean, refreshing.
I thought to myself, that's false advertising. Three alternate words came to my mind immediately: "dangerous, poisonous, deadly".
As a pastor, I've seen the horrific aftermath of those who bought the lie that alcoholic beverages were in fact crisp, clean, and refreshing. I've counseled with them in my office as they've held their heads in their hands, crying hot salty tears, because they're on the brink of losing everything dear to them due to alcoholism.
In so many words, they've desribed different aspects of their lives being destroyed by imbibing crisp, clean, and refreshing alcoholic beverages:
* * *
THEIR WORK LIFE IN THREE WORDS: tardiness, absentee-ism, fired
THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH IN THREE WORDS: sickness, cirrosis, obesity
THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IN THREE WORDS: addiction, anguish, bondage
THEIR FAMILY LIFE IN THREE WORDS: verbal-abuse, physical-abuse, sexual-abuse
THEIR FINANCIAL STATUS IN THREE WORDS: lack, collections, poverty
THEIR LEGAL STATUS IN THREE WORDS: fines, lockup, suspension
THE ACCIDENT THEY CAUSED IN THREE WORDS: child, tragedy, casket
* * *
Unless they repent, their eternal status can be summed up in three words as well: judgment, loss, hell.
It's not only mothers who are against drunk driving. It's not only police departments and school systems that are against substance abuse. God opposes drunkeness.
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).
"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1).
God is not trying to steal your fun and rain on your parade. God is trying to redeem your life from destruction and surround you with lovingkindness.
God knows that it's not only the liquor stores and retailers that sell alcohol that gain a clientele from the users of this product - it's the doctor's offices, hospitals, counseling centers, and funeral homes that bear the increased burden.
Satan's tactics include tempting us to sin while witholding information about the consequences of such choices. Beer commercials portray happy, scantily-clad slim women and handsome men with flat abs enjoying their product but they conveniently leave out "the rest of the story."
The wars of Afganistan and Iraq (plus all other war-time casualties combined) still don't equal the staggering total of alcohol related injuries and death in our world today. We gasp in shock and horror (and rightfully so) as over 150,000 people's lives are swept away in an instant from earthquakes and tidal waves yet are strangely desensitized to the fact that millions more are gradually killing themselves through alcohol and substance abuse.
The remedy is not so much in adhering to the gospel of alcohol manufacturers to "drink responsibly"; instead, the remedy is to turn to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to "...open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness" (Isaiah 42:7).
If you or a friend you know are caught in the web of addiction to the crisp, clean, and refreshing taste of beer, wine, hard liquor, illegal drugs (or abuse of prescription drugs), may I encourage you to enjoy the crisp, clean, and refreshing invitation of Jesus Christ who alone is able to set you free from the law of sin and death.
DSR
1/24/05
Monday, January 17, 2005
King David, the Man of Blood
by David Scott Robertson
1 Chron. 28:2-3 (NASB)
Then King David rose to his feet and said, "Listen to me, my brethren and my people; I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it. [3] "But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.'
* * *
King David had the unique honor of being called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). There are a lot of noteworthy people listed in the Bible, but no one else gets this extraordinary comment made about them.
One reason for this might be David’s incomparable passion for God. David loved God so much that he was willing to become undignified in his worship before the Lord. This caused some to despise him for it (2 Samuel 6:20-21). God loves it when people fear God more than men.
Another reason David might have been called a man after God’s own heart is that David had an unparalleled understanding of and appreciation for authority. He demonstrated this time and again when he refused to kill King Saul even though he had multiple opportunities to do so as Saul relentlessly hunted David down like an animal.
David’s zeal for God is forever documented in the many Psalms that bear his name as author. His love songs were not to women but to his God. And God loved him for it and made a covenant with David establishing his dynasty forever.
Once God had firmly established David’s kingdom, it was in the heart of David to build a permanent dwelling – a magnificent temple – to house the Ark of the Covenant and to glorify the name of the one true God, Jehovah.
But here is where God draws the line and says no. He sends Nathan the prophet to the king to relay the message that it is a good thing for David to desire to honor God in building a temple. But that honor will not fall to David but rather to his son Solomon.
The reason? “But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.' (1 Chronicles 28:3).
There is no telling how much blood David shed on the battlefield. As a matter of fact, David was such a prolific warrior that the women of the day made up a song about David’s conquests:
(1 Sam 18:7 NIV) As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."
Even on his deathbed, David, the man of blood, is plotting the murders of men. He instructs Solomon to execute Joah son of Zeruiah for his senseless murder of two of David’s army generals (1 Kings 2:5-6). And David also says this about a man named Shimei son of Gera, the man who cursed David with a terrible curse as he was fleeing from Absalom:
“[David to Solomon] You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him’” (1 Kings 2:9).
David was a man of war and a man of blood. But it’s not the blood he shed on the battlefield fighting the righteous battles of the Lord that I believe prevented David from building the temple. I believe there was blood on his hands that had nothing to do with the “tens of thousands” of deaths he was responsible for, both directly and indirectly as commander-in-chief of Israel’s armed forces.
The reason I feel David was called “a man of blood” was because he shed the innocent blood of one man: Uriah the Hittite. In his lust, David had an affair with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and got her pregnant. To cover up his sin, David plotted the death of Uriah, who incidentally was listed among David’s mightiest men. Uriah was part of a famous and elite group of David’s troops called “The Thirty” (2 Samuel 23:39) that put their lives on the line constantly in defense of the king and Israel.
Although David did not personally plunge the dagger into Uriah’s heart and take his life, God nevertheless held the king responsible for the death sentence that David had imposed on this faithful warrior. And because of that, I believe, the Holy Spirit who inspires the writing of all scripture, chose to have King David described as “a man of blood.”
Psalm 51 records the deeply repentant response of King David to Nathan the Prophet’s exposure of the conspiracy. And this repentance and subsequent reconciliation with his God saved the kingdom from being handed over to another more worthy to rule as God did in the case of King Saul who had disobeyed God so flagrantly.
David was forgiven but the consequences for David, the man of blood, were that the sword of violence within his own household would never depart. David made love to Bathsheba at the cost of three of his sons' lives (the baby from the affair, Ammon, and Absalom) and the privilege to build the temple to the great God Jehovah.
The book of Proverbs hosts a list of seven things that God hates. Included in the list are “hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17). May we as modern-day Christians, the blood-bought church of the redeemed, treat the blood of men and of Jesus with utmost respect.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
DSR
1/17/05
1 Chron. 28:2-3 (NASB)
Then King David rose to his feet and said, "Listen to me, my brethren and my people; I had intended to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God. So I had made preparations to build it. [3] "But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.'
* * *
King David had the unique honor of being called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). There are a lot of noteworthy people listed in the Bible, but no one else gets this extraordinary comment made about them.
One reason for this might be David’s incomparable passion for God. David loved God so much that he was willing to become undignified in his worship before the Lord. This caused some to despise him for it (2 Samuel 6:20-21). God loves it when people fear God more than men.
Another reason David might have been called a man after God’s own heart is that David had an unparalleled understanding of and appreciation for authority. He demonstrated this time and again when he refused to kill King Saul even though he had multiple opportunities to do so as Saul relentlessly hunted David down like an animal.
David’s zeal for God is forever documented in the many Psalms that bear his name as author. His love songs were not to women but to his God. And God loved him for it and made a covenant with David establishing his dynasty forever.
Once God had firmly established David’s kingdom, it was in the heart of David to build a permanent dwelling – a magnificent temple – to house the Ark of the Covenant and to glorify the name of the one true God, Jehovah.
But here is where God draws the line and says no. He sends Nathan the prophet to the king to relay the message that it is a good thing for David to desire to honor God in building a temple. But that honor will not fall to David but rather to his son Solomon.
The reason? “But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.' (1 Chronicles 28:3).
There is no telling how much blood David shed on the battlefield. As a matter of fact, David was such a prolific warrior that the women of the day made up a song about David’s conquests:
(1 Sam 18:7 NIV) As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."
Even on his deathbed, David, the man of blood, is plotting the murders of men. He instructs Solomon to execute Joah son of Zeruiah for his senseless murder of two of David’s army generals (1 Kings 2:5-6). And David also says this about a man named Shimei son of Gera, the man who cursed David with a terrible curse as he was fleeing from Absalom:
“[David to Solomon] You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him’” (1 Kings 2:9).
David was a man of war and a man of blood. But it’s not the blood he shed on the battlefield fighting the righteous battles of the Lord that I believe prevented David from building the temple. I believe there was blood on his hands that had nothing to do with the “tens of thousands” of deaths he was responsible for, both directly and indirectly as commander-in-chief of Israel’s armed forces.
The reason I feel David was called “a man of blood” was because he shed the innocent blood of one man: Uriah the Hittite. In his lust, David had an affair with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and got her pregnant. To cover up his sin, David plotted the death of Uriah, who incidentally was listed among David’s mightiest men. Uriah was part of a famous and elite group of David’s troops called “The Thirty” (2 Samuel 23:39) that put their lives on the line constantly in defense of the king and Israel.
Although David did not personally plunge the dagger into Uriah’s heart and take his life, God nevertheless held the king responsible for the death sentence that David had imposed on this faithful warrior. And because of that, I believe, the Holy Spirit who inspires the writing of all scripture, chose to have King David described as “a man of blood.”
Psalm 51 records the deeply repentant response of King David to Nathan the Prophet’s exposure of the conspiracy. And this repentance and subsequent reconciliation with his God saved the kingdom from being handed over to another more worthy to rule as God did in the case of King Saul who had disobeyed God so flagrantly.
David was forgiven but the consequences for David, the man of blood, were that the sword of violence within his own household would never depart. David made love to Bathsheba at the cost of three of his sons' lives (the baby from the affair, Ammon, and Absalom) and the privilege to build the temple to the great God Jehovah.
The book of Proverbs hosts a list of seven things that God hates. Included in the list are “hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17). May we as modern-day Christians, the blood-bought church of the redeemed, treat the blood of men and of Jesus with utmost respect.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
DSR
1/17/05
Monday, January 10, 2005
For the Lord Was With Him
by David Scott Robertson
"David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him" (1 Samuel 18:14).
* * *
When I read this verse in my daily Bible reading in 1 Samuel chapter 18, I don't mind telling you that I wanted it to apply to me. I wanted it to become one of my "life verses" that I commit to memory and quote regularly. It's perfect for me. I know it refers to David, son of Jesse, whom Samuel anointed to be king of Israel. But what if I could somehow lift that verse from the Scriptures and have it apply to me, now? Wouldn't that be great?
"David [Scott Robertson] continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him."
There are other verses in the same chapter that are equally fantastic that illustrate that David's phenomenal success was due to the Lord's being with him:
- "Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander in his army, an appointment that was applauded by the fighting men and officers alike" (1 Samuel 18:5).
- "But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle" (1 Samuel 18:16).
- "Whenever the Philistine army attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul's officers. So David's name became very famous through the land" (1 Samuel 18:30).
But alas, the Lord's presence in this ancient patriarch's life is an isolated incident, right? The Lord granting David of old unusual favor, incredible success, and supernatural protection were all a "one-time thing," right? God did this because He wanted to build a dynasty through David, and eventually through his son, Solomon, and ultimately fulfill the Messianic prophecies that the Christ would come through the house and line of David, isn't that correct?
Yes and no. While it is true that God had a sovereign plan for King David and his lineage, and it is true that the Messiah would eventually come through this natural ancestry, at the same time it is not true that God's favor and presence in David's life was an isolated incident, a one-time thing!
I believe with all my heart that God does not play favorites. If we as modern-day followers of Jesus, disciples of Christ, true believers in the Son of God, "fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13), then it is my firm conviction that we can enjoy the same presence of God and subsequent success in life and times as King David did in his. I believe my statement here is more than "wishful-thinking" and really draws upon theological underpinnings to validate its truth to me and you:
- "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
- "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
- "…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
- "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8).
What was it about King David that so drew God's attention that He instructed the prophet Samuel to fill up his horn with oil and go and anoint David, son of Jesse to be king?
- David's first love was God.
- David was a passionate worshipper.
- David was a humble man.
- David was obedient in all things to God and man.
- David had a profound respect for authority.
- David was loyal to his friends.
- David loved his family immensely.
- David was a man after God's own heart.
Would your friends testify that the above list of statements pretty much describe you?
Do you possess qualities such as these? Are you growing in these areas? Is Jesus truly your first love?
If so, then you have a heart after God and you can expect that His presence will go with you and He will give you rest (Exodus 33:14). As God was with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and Moses and Elijah and Jeremiah and Samuel and David and Paul and Peter and James and John…so God will be with you. And if God is with you, success in whatever your hand finds to do cannot be far behind.
DSR
1/10/05
"David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him" (1 Samuel 18:14).
* * *
When I read this verse in my daily Bible reading in 1 Samuel chapter 18, I don't mind telling you that I wanted it to apply to me. I wanted it to become one of my "life verses" that I commit to memory and quote regularly. It's perfect for me. I know it refers to David, son of Jesse, whom Samuel anointed to be king of Israel. But what if I could somehow lift that verse from the Scriptures and have it apply to me, now? Wouldn't that be great?
"David [Scott Robertson] continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him."
There are other verses in the same chapter that are equally fantastic that illustrate that David's phenomenal success was due to the Lord's being with him:
- "Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander in his army, an appointment that was applauded by the fighting men and officers alike" (1 Samuel 18:5).
- "But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle" (1 Samuel 18:16).
- "Whenever the Philistine army attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul's officers. So David's name became very famous through the land" (1 Samuel 18:30).
But alas, the Lord's presence in this ancient patriarch's life is an isolated incident, right? The Lord granting David of old unusual favor, incredible success, and supernatural protection were all a "one-time thing," right? God did this because He wanted to build a dynasty through David, and eventually through his son, Solomon, and ultimately fulfill the Messianic prophecies that the Christ would come through the house and line of David, isn't that correct?
Yes and no. While it is true that God had a sovereign plan for King David and his lineage, and it is true that the Messiah would eventually come through this natural ancestry, at the same time it is not true that God's favor and presence in David's life was an isolated incident, a one-time thing!
I believe with all my heart that God does not play favorites. If we as modern-day followers of Jesus, disciples of Christ, true believers in the Son of God, "fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13), then it is my firm conviction that we can enjoy the same presence of God and subsequent success in life and times as King David did in his. I believe my statement here is more than "wishful-thinking" and really draws upon theological underpinnings to validate its truth to me and you:
- "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
- "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
- "…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
- "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8).
What was it about King David that so drew God's attention that He instructed the prophet Samuel to fill up his horn with oil and go and anoint David, son of Jesse to be king?
- David's first love was God.
- David was a passionate worshipper.
- David was a humble man.
- David was obedient in all things to God and man.
- David had a profound respect for authority.
- David was loyal to his friends.
- David loved his family immensely.
- David was a man after God's own heart.
Would your friends testify that the above list of statements pretty much describe you?
Do you possess qualities such as these? Are you growing in these areas? Is Jesus truly your first love?
If so, then you have a heart after God and you can expect that His presence will go with you and He will give you rest (Exodus 33:14). As God was with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and Moses and Elijah and Jeremiah and Samuel and David and Paul and Peter and James and John…so God will be with you. And if God is with you, success in whatever your hand finds to do cannot be far behind.
DSR
1/10/05
Monday, January 3, 2005
Seven Steps to a Blowout Year
by David Scott Robertson
How many of you reading this would like for the year 2005 to be the best year of your life? How would you like to surpass merely SURVIVING the year? Survival is good. Nearly 150,000 (so far) victims of the terrible tsunami in Southeast Asia weren't even able to accomplish this feat last year (through no fault of their own).
For us in America, surviving 2005 means that at the end of the year you were not only able to accomplish respiration, digestion, and circulation successfully for another twelve months, but you were also able to avoid a natural catastrophe or freak accident. That's great, but how many of you like me have set your sights for 2005 beyond mere survival?
How would you like to surpass even being SUCCESSFUL in 2005? Being successful means getting a few "wins under your belt" throughout the year. Maybe you've set your sights on changing careers, or obtaining a promotion and earning a higher wage. Perhaps your goals include getting on a budget and beginning a savings account, or starting to exercise and eat right and lose 15 pounds to improve the quality of your life. Maybe in 2005 you want to go back to school and learn a skill, a trade, or finish your degree. Once again, that's all good, but is worldly success - academically or economically - really all there is to life?
How would you like to stretch past survival and past success all the way to actually making 2005 the most SIGNIFICANT year in the history of you? Do you believe that this is possible? What if something bad happens? What if you get sick? What if you go to the doctor and he says the "C" word? What then? What if you get fired? What if you total the car in a ditch? What if somebody you love dies? Does that automatically disqualify 2005 from being the best year?
Not necessarily. You see, it's not what happens TO YOU, but what happens IN YOU that counts. A significant life is an inside job. It's getting a winning attitude inside you that comes through faith in God who is bigger and stronger and wiser than any obstacle you and I will face in the New Year.
I believe that we individually play a big role in whether or not 2005 is going to be best year of our lives. We've got to be serious enough to make a commitment. A commitment is when you give your word that you're going to do something and you do it. In this thought today, I'm going to challenge you to make 7 commitments to GOD and YOURSELF in order to assure your victory in the New Year.
COMMITMENT #1: I WILL DO THE SPIRITUAL BASICS WELL
For years I've been saying that "living the Christian life rarely goes beyond doing the basics well." Interview any respected and stable Christian and you will find three basic but common denominators that I encourage you to enfold into your own daily routine:
(1) I WILL READ MY BIBLE FROM COVER-TO-COVER IN 2005 - I recommend using the One-Year Bible format available at any Christian bookstore.
(2) I WILL HAVE A DAILY PRAYER TIME - Give the "first-fruits" of every day in '05 to the Lord. Make time to talk to Him in prayer and spend a few moments each day listening.
(3) I WILL WORSHIP GOD DAILY - Get a worship CD or tape and listen to it until you can sing the words to each song by heart. Then get another CD or tape and repeat the process. Just like "burning a CD" on your home PC, you need to burn worship songs onto the tablet of your heart so that you can recall them from memory. Worship is a weapon and powerful spiritual warfare.
COMMITMENT #2: I WILL GET AND STAY PURE
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
How serious is God about this purity thing? Well, according to the above scripture, without it you won't even make it to heaven. Let me make a statement: There will be no ongoing spiritual power in your life without purity. God is not going to dispense miracle-working power to lukewarm believers.
Personal holiness is not an impossible standard. When the Bible calls something holy, it means it has been "set apart for God's use." It is reserved, consecrated, dedicated to God exclusively. Is that something you desire?
To get pure, repent of known sin. Ask God to expose sinful tendencies in you. Examine your thought life. Avoid sexual immorality. Make personal holiness and sexual purity a priority in your life in 2005.
If I were king, I would require every married man in my kingdom to read the book "Every Man's Battle" by Steve Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. I would require every single man in my kingdom to read "Every Young Man's Battle." These books help men win the war for their purity in a sexually-charged society. "Every Woman's Battle" and "Every Young Woman's Battle" assist women in the same pursuit of sexual purity.
Why is this important? Because Internet porn is the #1 addiction in the United States of America. Because the divorce rate in the church and in the world are no different. Because sexually active church-going singles fill our churches in epidemic proportions. Few things short-circuit God's plan for your life faster than sexual impurity. The Ten Commandments condemned adultery, but Jesus took it a step further in the New Testament:
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).
The very (controversial) subjects of masturbation and "how far can a Christian go?" are robbing Christians of discernment and disqualifying many from the Christian race. A moral failure is not easily overcome. God's standard for purity is plain:
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Ephesians 5:3).
COMMITMENT #3: I WILL CONNECT WITH GOD'S PEOPLE
Don't connect with just anybody, connect with God's people who will "spur you on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). If you are a Christian, your best friend should not be an unbeliever. Establish and fiercely guard strong boundaries.
Why so dogmatic on this? Because God will not be mocked, "…Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Be faithful to attend church services. Get in a small group. Get a prayer / accountability partner whom you give permission to ask you the hard questions.
I assure you that all the Christian men who had an affair in 2004 and all the Christian women who caved into temptation in 2004 did not make and keep these first 3 commitments that I've described thus far.
If you don't want to lose spiritual ground in this New Year, then you must make a commitment to stay connected to God's people, the church, the family of God, the community of believers.
COMMITMENT #4: I WILL WIN SOULS AND MAKE DISCIPLES
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…And lo, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).
By making a decision to join God in His work of seeking and saving those who are lost you automatically have positioned yourself in the center of God's #1 priority for mankind. God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9), but that all should come to repentance. And guess who He wants to enlist to fulfill this Great Commission? You. Accept the challenge and there's a great reward for you on the Day of Judgment; neglect it and suffer loss.
COMMITMENT #5: I WILL CONSECRATE EVERYTHING I HAVE TO GOD
This commitment is key. It's a major expression of your faith and trust in God to "let go and let God have His way" with all the variables and people that make up your life and lifestyle.
I implore you to completely give your marriage, your kids, your relationships, your job, your money, your time, your goals, hopes, and dreams to God. Lay them on the altar and echo Jesus' God-pleasing, world-changing profession: "not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 26:42).
There is nothing you and I have and enjoy that did not come directly or indirectly from the hand of God. Our possessions are stewardship responsibilities - from our cars to our kids - for God to monitor how wisely we use these resources to see how He will use us in eternity.
COMMITMENT #6: I WILL RISE ABOVE THE LEVEL OF MEDIOCRITY
I am passionate about what I'm about to say to you on this point. I hate mediocrity with a perfect hatred and count it my enemy! I hate normal and usual and boring routine that sucks the adventure out of life!
God didn't make you and me to be turkeys scratching dirt but the more appropriate metaphor is majestic eagles fashioned to soar on the thermals and see things no turkey will ever see! I want to encourage you to live life on the edge - to push the envelope of your experience with God!
Live an expanded life. Like Jabez ask and receive from God an enlarged spiritual territory. Do that thing that God has been nudging you to do but you've been too chicken to do. Quit holding back in public and private worship for fear of looking stupid.
Rising above the level of mediocrity is removing whatever limitations that have intimidated the daylights out of you and tethered you like a hot air balloon on a rope and kept you from soaring to new heights in God.
Are you always playing it safe when it comes to the things of God? Are you too timid and shy to dare to believe God for more that you're currently experiencing? I've heard it said that "it takes guts to get out of the ruts." A rut is nothing more than a grave with both ends kicked out. Good, Christian people who would never consider commiting suicide will nevertheless live far below their privileges and fritter away their goal-less, aim-less lives one meaningless day at a time.
Don't let it happen to you! Allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct you into hundreds of opportunities this year to really live an expanded life that is anything but mediocre.
COMMITMENT #7: I WILL LOOK FOR JESUS TO RETURN IN 2005
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Jesus did not return in 2004, perhaps 2005. It's possible. The Rapture of the Church is a biblical fact. You may not understand it or you may not have heard many sermons preached on the subject at your church, but it nevertheless is an event on God's prophetic time clock.
This same Jesus who came to earth the first time as the Suffering Savior will one day return as THE Conquering King of kings and Lord of lords!
There are many compelling signs of Christ's return to this earth as prophesied in the Bible. I believe the catastrophe of the 9.0 undersea earthquake and subsequent tidal waves which massacured Sumatra, India, Indonesia, and other nations is one of those signs.
Luke 21:25 reveals that in the last days prior to Jesus' return: "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." Are the nations not in anguish at this very hour at the roaring and tossing of the sea?
Plan like He's not coming back in your lifetime, but live like He's coming back today!
My friends, as we approach a New Year, we need to have tucked away in our hearts an expectancy that we will live to see the coming of the Lord and an urgency to get about the Father's business of winnings souls and making disciples.
DSR
1/3/05
How many of you reading this would like for the year 2005 to be the best year of your life? How would you like to surpass merely SURVIVING the year? Survival is good. Nearly 150,000 (so far) victims of the terrible tsunami in Southeast Asia weren't even able to accomplish this feat last year (through no fault of their own).
For us in America, surviving 2005 means that at the end of the year you were not only able to accomplish respiration, digestion, and circulation successfully for another twelve months, but you were also able to avoid a natural catastrophe or freak accident. That's great, but how many of you like me have set your sights for 2005 beyond mere survival?
How would you like to surpass even being SUCCESSFUL in 2005? Being successful means getting a few "wins under your belt" throughout the year. Maybe you've set your sights on changing careers, or obtaining a promotion and earning a higher wage. Perhaps your goals include getting on a budget and beginning a savings account, or starting to exercise and eat right and lose 15 pounds to improve the quality of your life. Maybe in 2005 you want to go back to school and learn a skill, a trade, or finish your degree. Once again, that's all good, but is worldly success - academically or economically - really all there is to life?
How would you like to stretch past survival and past success all the way to actually making 2005 the most SIGNIFICANT year in the history of you? Do you believe that this is possible? What if something bad happens? What if you get sick? What if you go to the doctor and he says the "C" word? What then? What if you get fired? What if you total the car in a ditch? What if somebody you love dies? Does that automatically disqualify 2005 from being the best year?
Not necessarily. You see, it's not what happens TO YOU, but what happens IN YOU that counts. A significant life is an inside job. It's getting a winning attitude inside you that comes through faith in God who is bigger and stronger and wiser than any obstacle you and I will face in the New Year.
I believe that we individually play a big role in whether or not 2005 is going to be best year of our lives. We've got to be serious enough to make a commitment. A commitment is when you give your word that you're going to do something and you do it. In this thought today, I'm going to challenge you to make 7 commitments to GOD and YOURSELF in order to assure your victory in the New Year.
COMMITMENT #1: I WILL DO THE SPIRITUAL BASICS WELL
For years I've been saying that "living the Christian life rarely goes beyond doing the basics well." Interview any respected and stable Christian and you will find three basic but common denominators that I encourage you to enfold into your own daily routine:
(1) I WILL READ MY BIBLE FROM COVER-TO-COVER IN 2005 - I recommend using the One-Year Bible format available at any Christian bookstore.
(2) I WILL HAVE A DAILY PRAYER TIME - Give the "first-fruits" of every day in '05 to the Lord. Make time to talk to Him in prayer and spend a few moments each day listening.
(3) I WILL WORSHIP GOD DAILY - Get a worship CD or tape and listen to it until you can sing the words to each song by heart. Then get another CD or tape and repeat the process. Just like "burning a CD" on your home PC, you need to burn worship songs onto the tablet of your heart so that you can recall them from memory. Worship is a weapon and powerful spiritual warfare.
COMMITMENT #2: I WILL GET AND STAY PURE
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
How serious is God about this purity thing? Well, according to the above scripture, without it you won't even make it to heaven. Let me make a statement: There will be no ongoing spiritual power in your life without purity. God is not going to dispense miracle-working power to lukewarm believers.
Personal holiness is not an impossible standard. When the Bible calls something holy, it means it has been "set apart for God's use." It is reserved, consecrated, dedicated to God exclusively. Is that something you desire?
To get pure, repent of known sin. Ask God to expose sinful tendencies in you. Examine your thought life. Avoid sexual immorality. Make personal holiness and sexual purity a priority in your life in 2005.
If I were king, I would require every married man in my kingdom to read the book "Every Man's Battle" by Steve Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. I would require every single man in my kingdom to read "Every Young Man's Battle." These books help men win the war for their purity in a sexually-charged society. "Every Woman's Battle" and "Every Young Woman's Battle" assist women in the same pursuit of sexual purity.
Why is this important? Because Internet porn is the #1 addiction in the United States of America. Because the divorce rate in the church and in the world are no different. Because sexually active church-going singles fill our churches in epidemic proportions. Few things short-circuit God's plan for your life faster than sexual impurity. The Ten Commandments condemned adultery, but Jesus took it a step further in the New Testament:
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).
The very (controversial) subjects of masturbation and "how far can a Christian go?" are robbing Christians of discernment and disqualifying many from the Christian race. A moral failure is not easily overcome. God's standard for purity is plain:
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Ephesians 5:3).
COMMITMENT #3: I WILL CONNECT WITH GOD'S PEOPLE
Don't connect with just anybody, connect with God's people who will "spur you on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). If you are a Christian, your best friend should not be an unbeliever. Establish and fiercely guard strong boundaries.
Why so dogmatic on this? Because God will not be mocked, "…Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Be faithful to attend church services. Get in a small group. Get a prayer / accountability partner whom you give permission to ask you the hard questions.
I assure you that all the Christian men who had an affair in 2004 and all the Christian women who caved into temptation in 2004 did not make and keep these first 3 commitments that I've described thus far.
If you don't want to lose spiritual ground in this New Year, then you must make a commitment to stay connected to God's people, the church, the family of God, the community of believers.
COMMITMENT #4: I WILL WIN SOULS AND MAKE DISCIPLES
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…And lo, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).
By making a decision to join God in His work of seeking and saving those who are lost you automatically have positioned yourself in the center of God's #1 priority for mankind. God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9), but that all should come to repentance. And guess who He wants to enlist to fulfill this Great Commission? You. Accept the challenge and there's a great reward for you on the Day of Judgment; neglect it and suffer loss.
COMMITMENT #5: I WILL CONSECRATE EVERYTHING I HAVE TO GOD
This commitment is key. It's a major expression of your faith and trust in God to "let go and let God have His way" with all the variables and people that make up your life and lifestyle.
I implore you to completely give your marriage, your kids, your relationships, your job, your money, your time, your goals, hopes, and dreams to God. Lay them on the altar and echo Jesus' God-pleasing, world-changing profession: "not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 26:42).
There is nothing you and I have and enjoy that did not come directly or indirectly from the hand of God. Our possessions are stewardship responsibilities - from our cars to our kids - for God to monitor how wisely we use these resources to see how He will use us in eternity.
COMMITMENT #6: I WILL RISE ABOVE THE LEVEL OF MEDIOCRITY
I am passionate about what I'm about to say to you on this point. I hate mediocrity with a perfect hatred and count it my enemy! I hate normal and usual and boring routine that sucks the adventure out of life!
God didn't make you and me to be turkeys scratching dirt but the more appropriate metaphor is majestic eagles fashioned to soar on the thermals and see things no turkey will ever see! I want to encourage you to live life on the edge - to push the envelope of your experience with God!
Live an expanded life. Like Jabez ask and receive from God an enlarged spiritual territory. Do that thing that God has been nudging you to do but you've been too chicken to do. Quit holding back in public and private worship for fear of looking stupid.
Rising above the level of mediocrity is removing whatever limitations that have intimidated the daylights out of you and tethered you like a hot air balloon on a rope and kept you from soaring to new heights in God.
Are you always playing it safe when it comes to the things of God? Are you too timid and shy to dare to believe God for more that you're currently experiencing? I've heard it said that "it takes guts to get out of the ruts." A rut is nothing more than a grave with both ends kicked out. Good, Christian people who would never consider commiting suicide will nevertheless live far below their privileges and fritter away their goal-less, aim-less lives one meaningless day at a time.
Don't let it happen to you! Allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct you into hundreds of opportunities this year to really live an expanded life that is anything but mediocre.
COMMITMENT #7: I WILL LOOK FOR JESUS TO RETURN IN 2005
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Jesus did not return in 2004, perhaps 2005. It's possible. The Rapture of the Church is a biblical fact. You may not understand it or you may not have heard many sermons preached on the subject at your church, but it nevertheless is an event on God's prophetic time clock.
This same Jesus who came to earth the first time as the Suffering Savior will one day return as THE Conquering King of kings and Lord of lords!
There are many compelling signs of Christ's return to this earth as prophesied in the Bible. I believe the catastrophe of the 9.0 undersea earthquake and subsequent tidal waves which massacured Sumatra, India, Indonesia, and other nations is one of those signs.
Luke 21:25 reveals that in the last days prior to Jesus' return: "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." Are the nations not in anguish at this very hour at the roaring and tossing of the sea?
Plan like He's not coming back in your lifetime, but live like He's coming back today!
My friends, as we approach a New Year, we need to have tucked away in our hearts an expectancy that we will live to see the coming of the Lord and an urgency to get about the Father's business of winnings souls and making disciples.
DSR
1/3/05
Monday, December 27, 2004
Scripture Pep Talk
by David Scott Robertson
When the circumstances around you
Don't look so super great --
Just bear in mind, my Christian friend,
ROMANS 8 AND 28.
When you mess up one more time,
And fear your sin will prevent your entrance to heaven --
Remember that God's grace is sufficient in
FIRST JOHN 1 AND 7.
When your pathway seems so rocky,
And appears crooked as can be --
Remember who your Shepherd is in
PSALM 37 AND 23.
When you're tired and you're weary,
And your burden is too heavy a weight --
Just rest in the peaceful comfort of
MATTHEW 11 AND 28.
When you sense your enemy closing in,
And fear your protection is all but gone --
Don't worry, you're not helpless,
Declare all of PSALM 91.
Just look up to the Lord,
And know that He's always right on time -
Be strong and brave and daring
Directs JOSHUA 1 AND 9.
For if you trust in Jesus,
Whose grace and mercy are plenty -
That blessed day is coming soon
When we realize REVELATION 22 AND 20.
DSR
12/27/04
When the circumstances around you
Don't look so super great --
Just bear in mind, my Christian friend,
ROMANS 8 AND 28.
When you mess up one more time,
And fear your sin will prevent your entrance to heaven --
Remember that God's grace is sufficient in
FIRST JOHN 1 AND 7.
When your pathway seems so rocky,
And appears crooked as can be --
Remember who your Shepherd is in
PSALM 37 AND 23.
When you're tired and you're weary,
And your burden is too heavy a weight --
Just rest in the peaceful comfort of
MATTHEW 11 AND 28.
When you sense your enemy closing in,
And fear your protection is all but gone --
Don't worry, you're not helpless,
Declare all of PSALM 91.
Just look up to the Lord,
And know that He's always right on time -
Be strong and brave and daring
Directs JOSHUA 1 AND 9.
For if you trust in Jesus,
Whose grace and mercy are plenty -
That blessed day is coming soon
When we realize REVELATION 22 AND 20.
DSR
12/27/04
Monday, December 20, 2004
Are We There Yet?
by David Scott Robertson
* * *
"Are we there yet?" Any parent will tell you this familiar question from their child rates right up there with "What did you bring me?" or "Can I go, please, please, please?" Children are famous for their impatience. For them, instant gratification takes too long. Unfortunately, many children grow up to become adults who say the same things to God, albeit in more sophisticated language.
"How long, Lord, how long, before you come through on my prayer? I've done my part, now please do yours (ending the prayer "in Jesus' name," of course).
"Father, you know this is the desire of my heart; can't you make it happen?"
"Lord, I want your will in the matter but please, please, please let your will be that I can go!"
Adults are famous for their impatience. For many, instant gratification takes too long. We see it in biblical times and we see it in our time.
Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus
John 11:32 (NLT)
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell down at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
Mary basically is saying, "Jesus, you're a day late and a dollar short! If you had come when you were sent for we wouldn't be in this mess!"
JAIRUS, THE SYNOGOGUE RULER
Mark 5:35 (NLT)
While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from Jairus's home with the message, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now."
The messengers basically were saying, "It's too late, now, Jairus. Your daughter has passed away. There's absolutely no use for Jesus to come to house now."
KING SAUL
1 Samuel 13:10-12 (NLT)
Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, [11] but Samuel said, "What is this you have done?"
Saul replied, "I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn't arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. [12] So I said, 'The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven't even asked for the Lord's help!' So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came."
King Saul was basically saying to Samuel, the prophet of God: "Listen, Samuel, you're late! Since you didn't keep your word and show up when you said you would I felt 'led of the Spirit' to go ahead and offer up the burnt offering to encourage my soldiers. My army is down to about 600 men as it is!"
Two out of three of these stories had a happy ending. Jesus raised Mary's brother, Lazarus, from the dead as well as Jairus' daughter. King Saul, however, lost the kingdom through his impatience and disobedience.
The moral of this story is that whenever you are tempted to accuse God of dragging his feet, don't. Resist it. Take a thought like that captive. It is a lustful, carnal thought that does not come from God but from the evil one.
God is never late, ever. He knows exactly what He is doing and when is the best time to do it. God is not into "instant gratification" because it rarely benefits His children.
Psalm 84:11 (NLT)
For the Lord God is our light and protector.
He gives us grace and glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold
from those who do what is right.
The Lord is not going to withhold anything from you that is good for you, including lessons, testing, and discipline.
Are you there yet? Have you come to the place in your walk with Christ that you trust Him enough to leave the timing issues in your life to Him without griping about it?
DSR
12/20/04
* * *
"Are we there yet?" Any parent will tell you this familiar question from their child rates right up there with "What did you bring me?" or "Can I go, please, please, please?" Children are famous for their impatience. For them, instant gratification takes too long. Unfortunately, many children grow up to become adults who say the same things to God, albeit in more sophisticated language.
"How long, Lord, how long, before you come through on my prayer? I've done my part, now please do yours (ending the prayer "in Jesus' name," of course).
"Father, you know this is the desire of my heart; can't you make it happen?"
"Lord, I want your will in the matter but please, please, please let your will be that I can go!"
Adults are famous for their impatience. For many, instant gratification takes too long. We see it in biblical times and we see it in our time.
Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus
John 11:32 (NLT)
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell down at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
Mary basically is saying, "Jesus, you're a day late and a dollar short! If you had come when you were sent for we wouldn't be in this mess!"
JAIRUS, THE SYNOGOGUE RULER
Mark 5:35 (NLT)
While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from Jairus's home with the message, "Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now."
The messengers basically were saying, "It's too late, now, Jairus. Your daughter has passed away. There's absolutely no use for Jesus to come to house now."
KING SAUL
1 Samuel 13:10-12 (NLT)
Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, [11] but Samuel said, "What is this you have done?"
Saul replied, "I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn't arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. [12] So I said, 'The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven't even asked for the Lord's help!' So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came."
King Saul was basically saying to Samuel, the prophet of God: "Listen, Samuel, you're late! Since you didn't keep your word and show up when you said you would I felt 'led of the Spirit' to go ahead and offer up the burnt offering to encourage my soldiers. My army is down to about 600 men as it is!"
Two out of three of these stories had a happy ending. Jesus raised Mary's brother, Lazarus, from the dead as well as Jairus' daughter. King Saul, however, lost the kingdom through his impatience and disobedience.
The moral of this story is that whenever you are tempted to accuse God of dragging his feet, don't. Resist it. Take a thought like that captive. It is a lustful, carnal thought that does not come from God but from the evil one.
God is never late, ever. He knows exactly what He is doing and when is the best time to do it. God is not into "instant gratification" because it rarely benefits His children.
Psalm 84:11 (NLT)
For the Lord God is our light and protector.
He gives us grace and glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold
from those who do what is right.
The Lord is not going to withhold anything from you that is good for you, including lessons, testing, and discipline.
Are you there yet? Have you come to the place in your walk with Christ that you trust Him enough to leave the timing issues in your life to Him without griping about it?
DSR
12/20/04
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Lying Prostrate Before the Lord
by David Scott Robertson
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35).
* * *
As is my custom, I begin each day with prayer. The time may vary but the habit has been firmly established - the "first fruits" of each day belong to God.
On this particular morning, I was "lying prostrate before the Lord." No, I wasn't engaged in heartfelt prayer in the posture of being on my face (some call it "sucking carpet.") No, I was lying "prostrate before the Lord." That's code for "I was praying and fell asleep!"
Jesus had the right idea in that He "got up" and "left the house" and "went off" somewhere to pray. He knew the human limitations of a tired body and He also knew the incredible power of daily fellowship with His Father. So wisely, His custom was to get up, get out, and get going in communication with God first thing.
Have you ever prayed a sleepy prayer? I believe that sleepy prayers are better than no prayers at all, most especially if you pray in the Spirit! I can identify with the disciples who kept falling asleep while trying to pray and Jesus caught them cat-napping and said:
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Mat 26:41).
Whenever I find myself "lying prostrate before the Lord," I resist the temptation to feel guilty and self-condemning. I no longer feel like I've failed God. I used to think that way but I got over it.
Prayer is not a "pass/fail" proposition. Its quality cannot be measured in terms of quantity. What it all boils down to is that God knows our hearts. He knows our bodies too. He designed them (on purpose) with limited time, strength, and energy. Most important of all, He knows our spiritual hunger for more of Him.
He understands, more than anybody, that when we seek Him with our whole hearts that we will find Him. So even if I run the risk of "lying prostrate before the Lord" as I endeavor to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who apparently was an early riser, I am committed to rely on God's mercy rather than on my own expectations and performance.
I would think that God's "grading policy," if we can call it that at all, accentuates our effort, desire, and motives even more so than results.
Having said that, tomorrow morning, when my two alarms go off (one next to my bed and one way across the room), I'll drag my weary body out of bed and give it another shot. It may be tough but it's definitely worth it once I "break through" into the presence of God!
So my prayer to the Lord to end this thought is a slightly modified version of King David's found in Psalm 19 verse 14:
"May the words [or snores] of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
DSR
12/12/04
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35).
* * *
As is my custom, I begin each day with prayer. The time may vary but the habit has been firmly established - the "first fruits" of each day belong to God.
On this particular morning, I was "lying prostrate before the Lord." No, I wasn't engaged in heartfelt prayer in the posture of being on my face (some call it "sucking carpet.") No, I was lying "prostrate before the Lord." That's code for "I was praying and fell asleep!"
Jesus had the right idea in that He "got up" and "left the house" and "went off" somewhere to pray. He knew the human limitations of a tired body and He also knew the incredible power of daily fellowship with His Father. So wisely, His custom was to get up, get out, and get going in communication with God first thing.
Have you ever prayed a sleepy prayer? I believe that sleepy prayers are better than no prayers at all, most especially if you pray in the Spirit! I can identify with the disciples who kept falling asleep while trying to pray and Jesus caught them cat-napping and said:
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Mat 26:41).
Whenever I find myself "lying prostrate before the Lord," I resist the temptation to feel guilty and self-condemning. I no longer feel like I've failed God. I used to think that way but I got over it.
Prayer is not a "pass/fail" proposition. Its quality cannot be measured in terms of quantity. What it all boils down to is that God knows our hearts. He knows our bodies too. He designed them (on purpose) with limited time, strength, and energy. Most important of all, He knows our spiritual hunger for more of Him.
He understands, more than anybody, that when we seek Him with our whole hearts that we will find Him. So even if I run the risk of "lying prostrate before the Lord" as I endeavor to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who apparently was an early riser, I am committed to rely on God's mercy rather than on my own expectations and performance.
I would think that God's "grading policy," if we can call it that at all, accentuates our effort, desire, and motives even more so than results.
Having said that, tomorrow morning, when my two alarms go off (one next to my bed and one way across the room), I'll drag my weary body out of bed and give it another shot. It may be tough but it's definitely worth it once I "break through" into the presence of God!
So my prayer to the Lord to end this thought is a slightly modified version of King David's found in Psalm 19 verse 14:
"May the words [or snores] of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
DSR
12/12/04
Sunday, December 5, 2004
Lord, Help!
by David Scott Robertson
The next time you find yourself in a sticky situation, I want to encourage you to pray this two-word prayer: "Lord, help!" Never underestimate the power of this prayer. Psalm 107 describes four scenarios in which great distress was turned into great deliverance because the people cried out, "Lord, help!"
* * *
Scenario #1: The Israelites were wandering in the desert, lost and homeless, hungry and thirsty, and they nearly died (v. 4-5).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 6).
Results of this two-word prayer: He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live (v. 7)! He satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things (v. 9)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 8)!
* * *
Scenario #2: Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, miserable prisoners in chains (v. 10). They were rebels scorning counsel the counsel of God (v. 11). That's why God broke them with hard labor, and they were falling under the heavy burden with none to rescue them (v. 12).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 13).
Results of this two-word prayer: God snapped their chains and led them out of darkness and deepest gloom (v. 14)! He broke down their prison gates of bronze and cut apart their bars of iron (v. 16)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 15)!
* * *
Scenario #3: Some were fools in their rebellion suffering from their sins (v. 17). Their appetites were gone and they were on the brink of death (v. 18).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 19).
Results of this two-word prayer: God spoke and they were healed, snatched from the very door of death (v. 20)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 21)!
* * *
Scenario #4: Sailors caught in a tempest, a hurricane so serious that these experienced seamen were cringing in terror, reeling and staggering like drunkards (v. 27).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 28).
Results of this two-word prayer: God calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves (v. 29)! He brought them safely into harbor (v. 30)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 31)!
* * *
These are not bad results for a two-word prayer, wouldn't you say? To my understanding, it's not WHAT you pray but TO WHOM you are praying that is important.
"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21).
If you'll allow it to, today's thought will encourage you to pray "Lord, help!" in your time of need and you can expect fantastic results.
DSR
12/5/04
The next time you find yourself in a sticky situation, I want to encourage you to pray this two-word prayer: "Lord, help!" Never underestimate the power of this prayer. Psalm 107 describes four scenarios in which great distress was turned into great deliverance because the people cried out, "Lord, help!"
* * *
Scenario #1: The Israelites were wandering in the desert, lost and homeless, hungry and thirsty, and they nearly died (v. 4-5).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 6).
Results of this two-word prayer: He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live (v. 7)! He satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things (v. 9)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 8)!
* * *
Scenario #2: Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, miserable prisoners in chains (v. 10). They were rebels scorning counsel the counsel of God (v. 11). That's why God broke them with hard labor, and they were falling under the heavy burden with none to rescue them (v. 12).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 13).
Results of this two-word prayer: God snapped their chains and led them out of darkness and deepest gloom (v. 14)! He broke down their prison gates of bronze and cut apart their bars of iron (v. 16)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 15)!
* * *
Scenario #3: Some were fools in their rebellion suffering from their sins (v. 17). Their appetites were gone and they were on the brink of death (v. 18).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 19).
Results of this two-word prayer: God spoke and they were healed, snatched from the very door of death (v. 20)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 21)!
* * *
Scenario #4: Sailors caught in a tempest, a hurricane so serious that these experienced seamen were cringing in terror, reeling and staggering like drunkards (v. 27).
"'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress" (v. 28).
Results of this two-word prayer: God calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves (v. 29)! He brought them safely into harbor (v. 30)!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them (v. 31)!
* * *
These are not bad results for a two-word prayer, wouldn't you say? To my understanding, it's not WHAT you pray but TO WHOM you are praying that is important.
"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21).
If you'll allow it to, today's thought will encourage you to pray "Lord, help!" in your time of need and you can expect fantastic results.
DSR
12/5/04
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