House Cleaning

It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials. Through every cloud He brings our way, He wants us to unlearn something.

– Oswald Chambers

This is an interesting perspective – to unlearn something. We always talk about God teaching us something or learning something from God. As if we needed more head knowledge in this age of information overload! And yet we think that, if we are weak in our faith, we need to know more about God - that we just don’t know enough to be unwavering. Consider all that we have learned from spending time on this earth and from rubbing shoulders with family, friends, co-workers and strangers. We have accumulated years and years of impressions and experiences, and from these have made observations about our world. Most of these conclusions do not come from an eternal perspective. So, by placing an eternal perspective on top of all these human experiences, do we hope to diminish our human way of thinking? Magically, will we start thinking God’s thoughts and act according to His truths?

I think Chambers brings up a good point, although I prefer to think that trials bring with them learning and unlearning, rather than one or the other. We may “learn” that God promises to supply all our needs – physical, emotional and spiritual. Subsequently, we realize that we must “unlearn” our dependency on others for our self worth or financial security for peace of mind. Perhaps, when God reveals himself to us in difficult life situations, we should be more diligent about finding something to remove from our basket of human perspectives in order that we can begin replacing it with His truth and righteousness. Over time, I believe the basket will become lighter and a joy to carry.

House Cleaning

It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials. Through every cloud He brings our way, He wants us to unlearn something.

–        Oswald Chambers

 This is an interesting perspective – to unlearn something. We always talk about God teaching us something or learning something from God. As if we needed more head knowledge in this age of information overload! And yet we think that, if we are weak in our faith, we need to know more about God - that we just don’t know enough to be unwavering. Consider all that we have learned from spending time on this earth and from rubbing shoulders with family, friends, co-workers and strangers. We have accumulated years and years of impressions and experiences, and from these have made observations about our world. Most of these conclusions do not come from an eternal perspective. So, by placing an eternal perspective on top of all these human experiences, do we hope to diminish our human way of thinking? Magically, will we start thinking God’s thoughts and act according to His truths?

 

I think Chambers brings up a good point, although I prefer to think that trials bring with them learning and unlearning, rather than one or the other. We may “learn” that God promises to supply all our needs – physical, emotional and spiritual. Subsequently, we realize that we must “unlearn” our dependency on others for our self worth or financial security for peace of mind. Perhaps, when God reveals himself to us in difficult life situations, we should be more diligent about finding something to remove from our basket of human perspectives in order that we can begin replacing it with His truth and righteousness. Over time, I believe the basket will become lighter and a joy to carry.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

I have been reading through the book of Acts in my daily readings. The author of Acts - Luke the Physician - diligently records the amazing events at Pentecost and after, as the Gospel was spread to the outer limits of the Roman Empire. Well, one would expect a physician to be detailed in description and explanation! He manages to avoid reference to himself throughout most of the account, until chapter 14 verse 10 ~

After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

How did it come about that Luke became a constant companion of the Apostle Paul? In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul shares a little about his personal struggles ~

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Could it be that God allowed this "thorn in the flesh" in order that Paul would need an attending physician on his journeys? Would Acts have ever been written if Paul had not had a highly educated co-traveler with him at all times recording the miraculous events of the early Church? Of course we don't know for sure.

There are times in our life when we go through very difficult passages and we wonder why God doesn't give us relief or provide a deliverance from pain or suffering or material loss. It seems as though God isn't listening to us or doesn't care. Even the Apostle Paul asked for relief from his physical affliction, but it was not granted. In such situations, we must believe that God has something much better in mind; a plan that will bring greater glory to him and bless us in the process. We can only see the knots on the back of the tapestry - God sees the finished product. And it is guaranteed to be glorious!

Is There a Doctor in the House?

I have been reading through the book of Acts in my daily readings. The author of Acts - Luke the Physician - diligently records the amazing events at Pentecost and after, as the Gospel was spread to the outer limits of the Roman Empire. Well, one would expect a physician to be detailed in description and explanation! He manages to avoid reference to himself throughout most of the account, until chapter 14 verse 10 ~

After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

How did it come about that Luke became a constant companion of the Apostle Paul? In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul shares a little about his personal struggles ~

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Could it be that God allowed this "thorn in the flesh" in order that Paul would need an attending physician on his journeys? Would Acts have ever been written if Paul had not had a highly educated co-traveler with him at all times recording the miraculous events of the early Church? Of course we don't know for sure.

There are times in our life when we go through very difficult passages and we wonder why God doesn't give us relief or provide a deliverance from pain or suffering or material loss. It seems as though God isn't listening to us or doesn't care. Even the Apostle Paul asked for relief from his physical affliction, but it was not granted. In such situations, we must believe that God has something much better in mind; a plan that will bring greater glory to him and bless us in the process. We can only see the knots on the back of the tapestry - God sees the finished product. And it is guaranteed to be glorious!

Ear Training

There have been times in my life when I have been thrown into difficult situations - health issues, loss of a loved one, loss of employment, emotional stress - and dear friends have said to me, "Call me anytime - day or night. I want to do anything I can to help." Those words are like cool, clear water to parched lips. In times of stress or trouble, you do feel like you're trying to navigate a tugboat through 30 foot waves. The waters tower above you, and you fear that the next swell may plunge you into the dark abyss. How sweet are the words of a friend willing to come and find you and walk through the darkness with you.

How quickly we turn to friends and family for help in times of need. It is only human, and therein lies a problem. They are only human too. We must train ourselves to turn first to the One who really can be there day or night - the Good Shepherd who will spend the entire night searching for the one sheep that has wandered off or fallen off the path. The Shepherd will not fail in his mission. That sheep will be found, tenderly carried home on the Shepherd's shoulders, and given proper care. How can we be more responsive to the Shepherd's voice? Not by head knowledge, but by heart knowledge. We must spend much time with him until we can recognize his voice in the midst of the hurricane or the quietness of the desert. A piano tuner can train his ear to hear gentle nuances of pitch. A Christian can train the "ears" of his heart to hear the gentle words of the Savior. Lord, give us ears to hear.

Ear Training

There have been times in my life when I have been thrown into difficult situations - health issues, loss of a loved one, loss of employment, emotional stress - and dear friends have said to me, "Call me anytime - day or night. I want to do anything I can to help." Those words are like cool, clear water to parched lips. In times of stress or trouble, you do feel like you're trying to navigate a tugboat through 30 foot waves. The waters tower above you, and you fear that the next swell may plunge you into the dark abyss. How sweet are the words of a friend willing to come and find you and walk through the darkness with you.

How quickly we turn to friends and family for help in times of need. It is only human, and therein lies a problem. They are only human too. We must train ourselves to turn first to the One who really can be there day or night - the Good Shepherd who will spend the entire night searching for the one sheep that has wandered off or fallen off the path. The Shepherd will not fail in his mission. That sheep will be found, tenderly carried home on the Shepherd's shoulders, and given proper care. How can we be more responsive to the Shepherd's voice? Not by head knowledge, but by heart knowledge. We must spend much time with him until we can recognize his voice in the midst of the hurricane or the quietness of the desert. A piano tuner can train his ear to hear gentle nuances of pitch. A Christian can train the "ears" of his heart to hear the gentle words of the Savior. Lord, give us ears to hear.

In Dependence

"In popular culture dependence is often understood as a sick relationship, a lack of personal control, an inability to stand on one's own two feet. This goes so far that for many dependence has no simply neutral meaning but is always a bad thing." — Don Talafous OSB

Truly, in our American culture, I can't think of any situation in which dependence is valued and prized. Young adults who live at home with their parents are considered immature or unmotivated. A manager who doesn't claw his/her way to the top of the corporate ladder is viewed as passive and without goals or ambitions. We don't want to have to depend on anyone for financial help, emotional support, or physical assistance. We would rather do without something than be forced to borrow an item from a neighbor or friend. What ever happened to people sharing things, so that we all didn't have to possess all the same things? This hunger to create our own little kingdoms of possessions is fed by commercialism and the message that we deserve it and shouldn't be dependent on others.

Is it any wonder that we struggle with concepts such as "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me"? This goes against everything in our being! I can do NOTHING without Christ? Well, we certainly CAN do something without Christ, but...it will go up in a puff of smoke at the day of judgment. We can do nothing of ETERNAL value and significance - without Christ. Does that matter to us? It should. If it does matter, then be prepared for a lifelong battle with the voices of our culture. You will be misunderstood, overlooked, and seen as weak. Only the Spirit can give us the wisdom and power and perseverance to swim up this crowded stream. May we ask for His help daily.

In Dependence

"In popular culture dependence is often understood as a sick relationship, a lack of personal control, an inability to stand on one's own two feet. This goes so far that for many dependence has no simply neutral meaning but is always a bad thing." — Don Talafous OSB

Truly, in our American culture, I can't think of any situation in which dependence is valued and prized. Young adults who live at home with their parents are considered immature or unmotivated. A manager who doesn't claw his/her way to the top of the corporate ladder is viewed as passive and without goals or ambitions. We don't want to have to depend on anyone for financial help, emotional support, or physical assistance. We would rather do without something than be forced to borrow an item from a neighbor or friend. What ever happened to people sharing things, so that we all didn't have to possess all the same things? This hunger to create our own little kingdoms of possessions is fed by commercialism and the message that we deserve it and shouldn't be dependent on others.

Is it any wonder that we struggle with concepts such as "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me"? This goes against everything in our being! I can do NOTHING without Christ? Well, we certainly CAN do something without Christ, but...it will go up in a puff of smoke at the day of judgment. We can do nothing of ETERNAL value and significance - without Christ. Does that matter to us? It should. If it does matter, then be prepared for a lifelong battle with the voices of our culture. You will be misunderstood, overlooked, and seen as weak. Only the Spirit can give us the wisdom and power and perseverance to swim up this crowded stream. May we ask for His help daily.

Keeper of the Door

Is there really no nighttime in heaven? I think I would miss that. There is something so calming and restoring about twilight and evenings. Cool breezes, the stars twinkling overhead, the sound of crickets, the rumble of far away thunder, the sound of wind through the pine trees, the hooting of an owl. Is there not a place for this in the new earth? Perhaps the reference in Revelation (“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”) of heaven being continuous light is a statement of the lack of evil and not a scientific observation. I can see the throne of God resplendent with the sun’s rays in the morning – light so brilliant that it hurts the eyes! God’s presence is even brighter. But I can also imagine the throne of God at night, with so many candles that you can’t count them. Incense wafting in the night breezes. Angels and cherubim flying through the temple quietly. There is a hush. And everyone bows in worship of the King. Everyone present is filled with awe and wonder and contentment. For the moment, there is no other place I’d rather be. Father, in years past, I was concerned with how big a “mansion” you would prepare for me. Now, I realize that I would be happy with the smallest of rooms – just for sleeping actually – for I would spend my days in the temple worshiping you and loving those around me. My “mansion” would only serve to give me a place to rest my head at night. We really “need” so very little when our hearts are focused on you! Just let me be a “keeper of the door”.

Oh, let me be a servant

A Keeper of the door

My heart is only longing

To see forever more

The glory of Your presence

The dwelling of the Lord

Oh, let me be a servant

A Keeper of the door

- Twila Paris (Sanctuary)

Keeper of the Door

Is there really no nighttime in heaven? I think I would miss that. There is something so calming and restoring about twilight and evenings. Cool breezes, the stars twinkling overhead, the sound of crickets, the rumble of far away thunder, the sound of wind through the pine trees, the hooting of an owl. Is there not a place for this in the new earth? Perhaps the reference in Revelation (“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”) of heaven being continuous light is a statement of the lack of evil and not a scientific observation. I can see the throne of God resplendent with the sun’s rays in the morning – light so brilliant that it hurts the eyes! God’s presence is even brighter. But I can also imagine the throne of God at night, with so many candles that you can’t count them. Incense wafting in the night breezes. Angels and cherubim flying through the temple quietly. There is a hush. And everyone bows in worship of the King. Everyone present is filled with awe and wonder and contentment. For the moment, there is no other place I’d rather be. Father, in years past, I was concerned with how big a “mansion” you would prepare for me. Now, I realize that I would be happy with the smallest of rooms – just for sleeping actually – for I would spend my days in the temple worshiping you and loving those around me. My “mansion” would only serve to give me a place to rest my head at night. We really “need” so very little when our hearts are focused on you! Just let me be a “keeper of the door”.

Oh, let me be a servant

A Keeper of the door

My heart is only longing

To see forever more

The glory of Your presence

The dwelling of the Lord

Oh, let me be a servant

A Keeper of the door

- Twila Paris (Sanctuary)

Disconnect

I had a thought yesterday concerning Evangelicals (of which I suppose "I am one") or those who attend "bible-teaching churches". We don't have much of a heritage to draw upon. Other denominations - Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Orthodox - have centuries of saints, leaders, and liturgy to draw upon and connect them with generations past. Because evangelicals formed in an attempt to create a church that "didn't do" certain things - responsive readings, incense, infant baptism, communion every Sunday, clerical robes, acolytes, organ music, kneeling - they have ended up with very little to remind them of those whose faith we stand upon. These rituals, these things we have held in common with generations who have worshiped before us, create a sense of community and strength. If we remove them, we stand alone in our faith. It is similar to the individual who estranges himself from the rest of the family and relatives because he doesn't agree with them on an issue. Eventually, he finds that he has created his own loneliness and has no support when he goes through trials and sufferings. I believe the evangelical community is in a dangerous position right now. They face a multitude of issues in he workplace, our country and in the world, and they are not even connected to each other for strength. Evangelicalism is individualism gone bad. We long for a sense of community in our churches but end up engaging in futile "worship wars", thinking that the type of music or service will bring about this elusive connectedness. How our bickering must grieve the Holy Spirit! We have lost our compass and need to regain the link with our brothers and sisters over the centuries - the "great cloud of witnesses" that stand in the presence of God. O, how much we could learn from them!

Disconnect

I had a thought yesterday concerning Evangelicals (of which I suppose "I am one") or those who attend "bible-teaching churches". We don't have much of a heritage to draw upon. Other denominations - Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Orthodox - have centuries of saints, leaders, and liturgy to draw upon and connect them with generations past. Because evangelicals formed in an attempt to create a church that "didn't do" certain things - responsive readings, incense, infant baptism, communion every Sunday, clerical robes, acolytes, organ music, kneeling - they have ended up with very little to remind them of those whose faith we stand upon. These rituals, these things we have held in common with generations who have worshiped before us, create a sense of community and strength. If we remove them, we stand alone in our faith. It is similar to the individual who estranges himself from the rest of the family and relatives because he doesn't agree with them on an issue. Eventually, he finds that he has created his own loneliness and has no support when he goes through trials and sufferings. I believe the evangelical community is in a dangerous position right now. They face a multitude of issues in he workplace, our country and in the world, and they are not even connected to each other for strength. Evangelicalism is individualism gone bad. We long for a sense of community in our churches but end up engaging in futile "worship wars", thinking that the type of music or service will bring about this elusive connectedness. How our bickering must grieve the Holy Spirit! We have lost our compass and need to regain the link with our brothers and sisters over the centuries - the "great cloud of witnesses" that stand in the presence of God. O, how much we could learn from them!

What Kind of Fruit is This?

"...a Christian must be consistent in his relationship to the life of the Son of God in him, not consistent to strict, unyielding doctrines. People pour themselves into their own doctrines, and God has to blast them out of their preconceived ideas before they can become devoted to Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers

-- No author assigned in CUT

Our natural bent is to lean toward rules and doctrine and belief systems and away from the Person of Christ. It’s as if we are saying, “Thanks, Lord, for saving me and giving me eternal life, but I can take it from here.”

What a mess we make – worship wars, looking for the best Sunday school curriculum, recruiting people who don’t always have a deep walk with God, trying to build a sense of “community” with programs or service changes. Why do we look to human methods and thinking to solve our church problems? We are trying so hard to produce our own fruit. No fruit? Well, don’t throw the vine out! Better make sure you’re still attached to the vine, because it’s the vine that produces the fruit – not us. In our Type A culture, we can’t imagine that being still, praying, and pursuing our relationship with Jesus Christ will ever accomplish anything. What fun is that? We couldn’t claim any of the praise for it. Lord, have mercy upon us! We are such dumb animals. Remind us today of our spiritual limitations and the need to know you more. You don’t ask a lot of us – just obedience, trust and a willingness to follow. These, however, strike at the heart of our egos. Am I willing to set aside my own agenda in order to follow yours? With mine, there are no surprises. With yours, I must be open to anything. Almighty God, make me willing and ready. Shepherd, help me to hear your voice. Counselor, may I hear your soft whispers. Amen.

What Kind of Fruit is This?

"...a Christian must be consistent in his relationship to the life of the Son of God in him, not consistent to strict, unyielding doctrines. People pour themselves into their own doctrines, and God has to blast them out of their preconceived ideas before they can become devoted to Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers

-- No author assigned in CUT

Our natural bent is to lean toward rules and doctrine and belief systems and away from the Person of Christ. It’s as if we are saying, “Thanks, Lord, for saving me and giving me eternal life, but I can take it from here.”

What a mess we make – worship wars, looking for the best Sunday school curriculum, recruiting people who don’t always have a deep walk with God, trying to build a sense of “community” with programs or service changes. Why do we look to human methods and thinking to solve our church problems? We are trying so hard to produce our own fruit. No fruit? Well, don’t throw the vine out! Better make sure you’re still attached to the vine, because it’s the vine that produces the fruit – not us. In our Type A culture, we can’t imagine that being still, praying, and pursuing our relationship with Jesus Christ will ever accomplish anything. What fun is that? We couldn’t claim any of the praise for it. Lord, have mercy upon us! We are such dumb animals. Remind us today of our spiritual limitations and the need to know you more. You don’t ask a lot of us – just obedience, trust and a willingness to follow. These, however, strike at the heart of our egos. Am I willing to set aside my own agenda in order to follow yours? With mine, there are no surprises. With yours, I must be open to anything. Almighty God, make me willing and ready. Shepherd, help me to hear your voice. Counselor, may I hear your soft whispers. Amen.