Don't Miss the Real Issue

S - Isaiah 7:4, 9b (NIV): "Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood--because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. … If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.' "

O - Being careful under intense hostility and pending doom is rarely something that hasn't crossed our minds. Yet, the care the Lord instructs the king (Ahaz, son of Uzziah) to engage is not about wartime strategies or foreign relations. He is not called to be careful about palace protocols or making some leadership miscalculation which will plunge him and his kingdom into destruction. He is called be careful concerning faith i.e. his personal response to the Living God. It is a concern which is greater than the current emergency and the counsel is not a plan to get through the crisis but to come near the Lord. This response will reveal and determine the state of his heart and this is the issue of pleasing God and growing forward in God's will on earth. The result of this kind of being careful is a calm based on God's presence and a confidence based on God's love and power.

A - Circumstances and situations can be serious inspirations to lose heart. We can't see any way out or any good that will come from the current dilemma. While such is what I can't see what I can glimpse is the Lord and his greatness, kindness, brilliance, power and goodness. When the pressure of timelines, shadows of inevitabilities and the intimidation of quite apparent impossibilities are all gathered around my very little life the Lord's counsel to the king is also his counsel to me. Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid … do not lose heart … stand firm in your faith. He calls me to this regardless of the circumstance and only in the context of today. Today I will do the work of believing, of trusting and of staying near. Jesus plainly says that tomorrow will worry about itself. Standing today with hope for the future will require me to take him at his word. I will take the Lord at his word.

P - Dear Immanuel,
Thank you for coming near us, being with us and for helping us know what to do and how to focus. This day is my only opportunity to stand, to believe and to stay near. Lord, I am so very happy, even in unhappy circumstances, to engage your counsel and your person. LORD, I yield to your awesome brilliance, limitless power and extreme goodness. Today while it is called today I will be careful, keep calm, refuse fear and not lose heart. I will rely on you and your relentless love.
Standing,

Steve

Stone Age or Ageless Life?

S - 2 Corinthians 3:3-6 (NLT): "Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God. He is the one who has enabled us to represent his new covenant. This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life."

O - The "old way" is not just the Judaism of the first century but any religious system based on rules, laws and regulations. This includes those based on the writings of New Testament as well. It seems to be in us to codify, to think we can reduce to formula and tradition that which defies them all. Jesus, God's Kingdom and God's word defy them all. This is the point of Colossians 2:23 “These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires." Two thousand years of Christian history irrefutably confirms this conclusion. Regardless of the source of "inspiration" for such rules and traditions, ultimately they are all the same. "The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life." The old way referenced in these verses was actually based on Scriptures … on words Moses and others received from God. Yet, this "way" not only ends in death it demanded the death of the innocent and beautiful and only true Friend of the entire human race. And this is how it ends for us all if we succumb to the temptation of human control and the pressure of culture (both religious and secular).

A - What "covenant" am I really attempting to live by? Am I recreating an old covenant existence using New Testament words? Am I living in the Stone Age (the carved on stone type) or in the reality of Spirit life (that which is written on human hearts)? All Scripture promises are true. All Kingdom are principles eternal. There is no formula. Real life and God's Kingdom always require the immediate and intimate person of Jesus. He is heaven's last word and he is life; vibrant, refreshing, irrepressible and eternal. I choose Jesus and the covenant he offers to me and to all.

P - Sovereign Strong and Only True Friend of the Whole World,

I praise you for your relentless love and defiant mercy; for your tender patience and powerful grace; for wanting us at our worst and for giving us your very self to love, follow and trust. Today I want you (actually need you) to write on my heart according to all that you are and all you desire. I want your spirit pouring into me and out of me … not just at my assigned post this morning but all day and every day while it is called today. This is beyond me and any rigorous activities I might engage. I can't earn it or prove worthy of it. Only you can give it and this is exactly what you desire to do. I don't just want to come near I want to stay near … to have your life coming into me and splashing, maybe even pouring, out of me. Thank you for loving me and for refusing to change your mind.

I love you back,

Steve

Good Liars

S - 1 Timothy 4:1-6 (NIV): "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed."

O - Last days, abandoned faith, deceiving spirits, things taught by demons, hypocritical liars, seared consciences … wow what a list! What in the world would follow such a diabolical description? What kind of teachings or lies would such heavyweight forces of darkness seek to foist upon the human race? The information which follows is rather shocking in its humanly tepid description. In fact what follows is often applauded, promoted and required by the religious of our day … the religious who claim the Scriptures as their authority and Jesus as their Lord. Celibate clergy, forbidden to drink parishioners, superior vegan disciples are among the very elite religion puts forward as examples for all to admire and follow. Certainly any of these chosen lifestyles are fine for those who want to live as such. However, to require or forbid and to make an ideal, this is worse than an honest mistake … it is that which is taught by demons. Good ministers are not those who tote and promote such religious "company lines". Good ministers/followers are those who point out the tragic opposition such teachings and ideas have to the awesome realities of God's never ending kingdom and his ever expanding family (cf. Galatians 2:19-21, 5:4 ; Colossians 2:20-23; Mark 7:14-23; Romans 14:1-4).

A - Only one of the foundational Apostles was unmarried. Why is the exception made the rule? Jesus would not qualify to be a credentialed minister or serve as an elder or deacon in many evangelical, charismatic and pentecostal churches because he was a "drinker." To make matters worse, good ministers are labeled by these organizations as those who live and promote such abstinence for "the good of society." Is society's good really in view when the life, words, testimony, teaching and purpose of Jesus is ignored, covered up and (even unintentionally) made less than sufficient? Is there any state other than the righteousness of Jesus which meets heaven's standard? If abuse and addictive concerns are the issues for which the only answer is abstinence, then what about prescription drugs, married sex, and money? Why would God's word identify the basis for a doctrine of demons and then those claiming to represent him embrace and impose such a doctine on others? Romans chapter 14 confirms the Lord's point and assigns all people (me included) the "bottom line" for such issues. Verse 22 says "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." How about if we all become good ministers … point out the problem of thinking that we're called to Jesus plus something else and whatever way we feel led to live out our lives we keep to ourselves and God? This would be awesomely good for society and give the Lord a clearer playing field to work his wonderful and redeeming work by amazing grace and defiant mercy. It would reduce the endless judgments Jesus says we should not make and stop creating categories which depersonalize people Jesus died and rose again for. The 2,000+ year old warning remains potently in force: "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

P - Lord who is life,

Thank you for your written voice (the Scriptures) and for warning and teaching us according to the real and vibrant life which is your Kingdom. Enable me to live out loud your truth according to love and to refuse the fall from grace (Galatians 5:4) which is so prevalent and natural to my fallen, little mind. You are the living word, the final word and the only hope of all people. Cause your life to come into me and to come out of me … let me be a reason someone else would believe. Thank you for grace, for wanting us at our worst and for giving us clear instructions on how to grow forward with you. Let all who name your name be the good ministers you intend.

Glad to be following,

Steve

Take Hold?

S - 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV): "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

O - What exactly is Timothy being encouraged to do when he is told to "take hold of the eternal life"? In current context it sounds like something edging toward "getting saved." Certainly this cannot be what is intended and so the question not only remains but deepens. In our day eternal life has been distilled and packaged to mean some type of arrangement with God which one has secured against the inevitable day of their death. It is a completely future reality which has historic roots in the past (Jesus' earthly death) and an anniversary date/moment from which assurance is to be taken and its receipt celebrated. It includes forgiveness from sins and excludes any real practical expression until death us do die. If this is eternal life then the instruction to Timothy is pointless OR he's been doing some serious and unidentified backsliding. While the instruction seems to reference a "start date" what was started was clearly more than our 21st century construct of eternal life. Since eternal life is a person (Jesus) and not an asset one secures against future unavoidable liabilities the instruction given takes on a remarkably relational context and purpose. Eternal life, real, vibrant, death defying, irrepressible and refreshing starts now, not merely in concept but in personal exchange and transformation. The call to eternal life is the call to Jesus and he is all about daily, ongoing relationship unto ongoing points of expression and change. In this context, "take hold" takes on its intended meaning.

A - I have an anniversary date with Jan and with Jesus. Both indicate the start of something important and lasting. Both have historic roots and annual points of celebration. Neither are static. They require consistent exchange or they lose their intended purpose and surrender their vibrant nature. Neither are merely the sum of accepted principles, though both are built on timeless realities. Ultimately, the state of my marriage and my eternal trajectory are directly connected to the current state of my heart toward and relationship with the parties included. The assurance in today is less about anniversary dates and way more about personal devotion. The celebration of these relationships is not reserved to exceptional moments but is to infuse my daily life with opportunities for expression, growth, change and effort. Today while it is called today … my assignment is to take hold.

P - Lord who is forever life,

Thank you for calling me to take hold of that for which you have also taken hold of me. Thank you for life on earth not just a hope for life in heaven. Thank you for wanting us, calling us, helping and serving us in the irrepressible reality which is you. Lord, let your life flow into me and out of me today. Lord, I turn to you and reach out to take hold of your hands already taking hold of me. You are marvelous. You are awesome. Lord, I love you back.

Steve

All Natural is not Always All Good

S - Jude 1:19-23 (NIV): "These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."

O - Following "mere natural instincts" is not favorably noted in this passage. The result of these instincts in the lead of a person or a group is division i.e. the lack of and resistance to the unity Jesus prayed, died and rose from the dead for. Our religious minds are trained to assume that "natural instincts" refer to the dark and seedy side of our humanity (sexual perversion, abuse, rebellion). Of course the Scripture does not call these natural at all but identifies them as unnatural (e.g. Romans 1:26-27). So, what then are the natural instincts which divide us? How about competition for limited resources or our culturally beloved entrepreneurialism? These divide us all the time. What about self-preservation, fear or individualism? Intellectual superiority and our desire for control are also among the natural instincts which have fragmented families, groups and nations. The problem with these natural instincts is that they are so very natural to us, affirmed by culture (religious and non-religious) and allowed to wreak their havoc on our lives and our world with almost absolute impunity. These are preeminent among the causes of the devastating divisions which plague our planet including church splits, family feuds, bigotry and corruptions of every kind. The Scriptures are clear (James 3:16) “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

A - To ask the question of Romans 7 … who will deliver me from this body of death? The answer in Romans is same for me … Jesus! Not the concept, principle or idea of Jesus but Jesus himself. This is the beauty of the good news. It is not found in another facet we can control or manipulate like information or resources. Transformation, protection from myself, rescue from the deadly natural instincts which are mine are all found in a person not a creed or pattern or principle. He is unity. He draws together to unify our fragmented lives and planet into the unbounded freedom of his own person and image. Will I yield to and welcome his person to take the lead and l keep the lead; leading me into the love, mercy and faith which is vibrantly alive forever? Will I turn away from the naturally inspired divisions and into the supernatural unity of his unending life and family?

P - Lord who is Unity,

Thank you for wanting to lead me with all my natural and unnatural inclinations! Thank you for desiring to grow us up into your image and release us into the freedom that truly free. Lord, I turn from myself and to you! Please take and keep the lead in my little life. Enable me to live out loud the beauty of the identity and inheritance which is already mine in you. Lord, today while it is called today I turn into your love, mercy, faith and transforming presence.

Following gladly and in relief,

Steve

Watch Your Step - It's a Hard and Avoidable Fall

S - Titus 3:4-7 (NIV): "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

O - The hope of eternal life is NEVER connected to any righteous activity we can do. This is always true for all people of all time. Amazing grace and defiant mercy are the only means such life is obtained AND maintained. Life in the Kingdom of Jesus is never about our performance; it is forever about God's kindness and love. Any other conclusion or basis is identified in the Scripture as a fall from grace (Galatians 5:4) and an enemy of the cross (Philippians 3:18; Colossians 2:23).

A - All activities, well intended and upright, can never secure my hope nor my eternal status because life (eternal and irrepressible) and hope are a person … and he gives these simply and exclusively because he is kind and generous and seriously loves us. He wants us so intensely he would literally rather die than be without any of us. He is my life, my hope and the salvation of the world. Today, my assignment is to welcome the life and hope that is Jesus to pour into me and (hopefully) to at least splash out of me. I can avoid the fall or returning to an enemy combatant … all for the sake of love. Today, with all of its unknowns and current pressures and brewing dilemmas, really is going to be a beautiful day, one overflowing with life and hope.

P - Dear Eternal life and hope,

How awesome of you to make yourself available to whosoever will. Lord Jesus, I will! Lord, thank you for real life and for resilient hope. Thank you that when I go hopeless and when hope in me is broken you still hope for me and keep that hope available to me. Lord, today your hope is finding me and I am literally and eternally grateful. I give myself to the work of believing and ask that in some way I could be a reason another might believe. I really do love you back.

Steve