Sermon Recap 1-30-11

Morning: The sermon, "The Good Life," explored Ecclesiastes 9:7-10. In this passage, Solomon explores the characteristics of the good life.

• Those who live the good life eat and drink with a joyful spirit. They rejoice in the gifts of God, and find satisfaction in his favor. As John Piper often says, "God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in him."

• Those who live the good life brighten up the world. They live a life that pursues holiness and righteousness. They live for the glory of God and the good of their neighbor.  

• Those who live the good life enjoy life with their spouse. They seek to become students of their spouse to enrich their companionship.

• Those who live the good life work hard.They rest in the calling that God has given them.They use their talents for his glory.They labor while there is time.

Evening:  We began looking at the patriarchs Jacob, Judah, and Joseph. Our focus was Genesis 37:1-50:26. We finished looking at Jacob tonight, and then turned our attention to Judah. Here is the outline:

Jacob

• Jacob (Israel) practiced favoritism (see Gen. 37:3-4) which lead to strife in his family.
• He appeared to experience bouts of self-pity (Gen. 31:38-42; 37:34-35; 42:36, 38; 43:14; 47:9)
• Sadness and grief drains a person's spirit (Gen. 37:34-35; 45:27)
• Good news has a reviving effect (Gen. 45:27)
• Remember your roots (Gen. 47:28-30)
• Know your children and help them find their path (Gen. 48:10-22; 49:1-28)

Judah

• Judah was Jacob's fourth son (born to Leah)
• He appears to have been a sneaky opportunist (Gen. 37:26-27; 38:11)
• Levirate Law (Gen. 38:8-14)
• Take the plank out of your own eye before trying to do speck removal (Gen. 38:15-24)
• A taste of humble pie can bring repentance (Gen. 38: 25-26)
• Judah offers himself as a substitute (Gen. 43:8-10; 44:18-34)
• Judah was promised praise, strength, service, and dominion (Gen. 49:8-12)
• See Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5
• Judah foreshadows Christ in his offering of himself as a substitution
• The promises of Genesis 49:8-12 prophetically connect to Jesus

Boasting About Tomorrow

"Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring" (Prov. 27:11, HCSB).

This proverb is urging us not to praise our tomorrows.  Although little orphan Annie might bet her bottom dollar, there is no guarantee that the sun will come up tomorrow, and even if it does there is no guarantee we will be alive to see it. 

Some people boast in their tomorrow by laying out elaborate plans. They fill their calendar with projects, goals, to do lists, and deadlines. When questioned, they can layout the next 15 years for the interviewer. They have it all figured out. They believe themselves to be the masters of their own destiny.

Other people boast in their tomorrow by putting everything off until later. Their motto is, "Never do today what can be put off until tomorrow." They muse, "Some day, some day." But someday never comes, because tomorrow is always on the horizon. They also believe they are the masters of their destiny, at least as soon as they can get to it.

Most of us assume tomorrow. We think and plan as if tomorrow is just around the corner. But none of us are promised tomorrow. As James says,

Come now, you who say, "'Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit."  Your don't even know what tomorrow will bring--what your life will be!  For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance.  All such boasting is evil (James 4:13-16, HCSB).

Planning has a place, but planning that does not give attention to seeking God's will is wasted.  Mapping our our future, without giving priority to God is destined to fail. Yes, it might succeed for a time, but judgment delayed is not judgment denied. We will all stand before God and give an account for our stewardship of time. The reward will not go to those with the best plans, but to those who have planned best.  That is, those who want to see their plans honored by God had better make his plans their own.

Some may read this and assume that there is no reason to plan at all, but that assumption misses the mark. James doesn't say all planning is evil, he says planning that leaves God out of the mix is boasting, and that boasting is evil. Seek God, then make your plans. In what ways does God what to grow you? In what ways has God blessed you? What are you talents and interests? What does God's Word say about the path you are taking? 

Commit your way to the Lord, and he will establish the plans of your heart. He will guide you. Commit to the plans he gives you.  Realize that their is a reason that you can only see so far down the road.  Keep the big picture in mind, as you face the day before you.  No matter how you try, you can't live twenty years in the span of a day.  As Jesus said, "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt. 6:34, HCSB).

Make No Provision for the Flesh

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Rom. 13:14, HCSB).

In this verse, Paul uses the term "flesh" to denote the sinful nature. We may not speak of it as "flesh" or "sinful nature," but we know what he means.  There is an internal compulsion that drives us. Usually, it drives us to do the things that we want to do.  At other times, it drives us to do things we would rather not do. We call it cravings, addictions, or obsessions.  Call it what we will, it is sin seeking to rule our hearts.

It is the same compulsion that compels us to hit the snooze button when the alarm goes off. It drives us to scarf down donuts and Twinkies, when we should be watching our weight. It sabotages our efforts for self-improvement and complicates our relationships. The flesh seeks to keep us in a state of rebellion to the will of God. It seeks to preserve its dominion.

However, as believers we don't live by the flesh.  That is to say, we don't live to satisfy our sinful nature. Paul calls us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. It may sound like Paul is comparing Jesus to an article of clothing, but he has something bigger in mind. Jesus acts as a covering for us. He shields us from the wrath of God and God's enemies.  He is a refuge, a hiding place.

By faith, we are to cloth ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, just as God clothed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  He prepared for them a covering, animal skins that hid their nakedness. In order for their to be a covering, their had to be blood shed. Through Jesus' sacrificial death a covering has been made for humanity. Our sins have been covered by the Lord Jesus Christ.

With that reality in mind, we are called to stop making provisions for our sinful nature. We move the clock away from the bed, so that we have to get up to turn it off (then we don't allow ourselves to go lay back down).  We replace the donuts in our shopping cart with apples. We replace the My Name Is Earl marathon with a run on the treadmill, and trade our recliner for an incline press. We set a definite time for prayer and Bible study every morning, and we prepare for it as if we were meeting with royalty or celebrity (because we are really meeting with the High King of Heaven, the Creator and Redeemer of the Universe).

In order to put an end to making provisions for the flesh, we have to stop making and stop accepting excuses for our behaviors. We have to nip that kind of behavior in the bud. Sure there may be things that arise that throw off our lives, but if we have plan in place it is much easier to make the proper adjustments.

It is hard to overcome the desires of the flesh.  In fact, we cannot do it alone.  That is why Paul compels us to put on Christ. It is only through faith in the gospel that we can succeed. Only by apply the gospel to our lives can we stop providing for the flesh.  We may not kill the flesh's desires, but we can keep from feeding it.

Hymns: "I Will Glory in My Redeemer"

The song, "I Will Glory in My Redeemer," written by Steve and Vikki Cook is a powerful song. It has captured my heart of the course of the last few weeks. I find myself playing it frequently. Here is a video of the song for your enjoyment.  May you be richly blessed.




Here are the lyrics:


I will glory in my Redeemer
Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails
And hung him on that judgment tree
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who crushed the power of sin and death
My only Savior before the holy Judge
The Lamb who is my righteousness
The Lamb who is my righteousness

I will glory in my Redeemer
My life He bought, my love He owns
I have no longings for another
I'm satisfied in Him alone
I will glory in my Redeemer
His faithfulness my standing place
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me
My feet are firm, held by His grace
My feet are firm, held by His grace

I will glory in my Redeemer
Who carries me on eagles' wings
He crowns my life with lovingkindness
His triumph song I'll ever sing
I will glory in my Redeemer
Who waits for me at gates of gold
And when he calls me, it will be paradise
His face forever I'll behold
His face forever I'll behold

FAQs Mondays: What Do We Pray for in the Sixth Petition of the Lord's Prayer

Last week, we looked at the fifth petition of the Lord's Prayer. You can read that article here.  Now we turn our attention to sixth, and final, petition of the Lord's Prayer.

What do we pray for in the sixth petition of the Lord's Prayer?

In the sixth petition, which is, "And lead us not into temptation, but delivered us from the evil one" (Matt. 6:13), we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.  Jesus said to his disciples, "Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41, HCSB).  Psalm 19:13 states, "Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me.  Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion."  Paul states, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity.  God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13, HCSB). John 17:15 states, "I [Jesus] am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one."

Summary

The final petition of the Lord's Prayer is a prayer for protection.  We live in a world that is under the curse of sin, and under the sway of the evil one.  However, Jesus is making all things new, and God the Father is bringing all things under Jesus' feet.  While we live in this world, for the glory of God, we will face opposition.  We are to look to our heavenly Father for protection from the evil one.

This article not only concludes our study on prayer, but also our walk through the Baptist Catechism. Are there questions you have that you would like me to answer?  Send me a message or leave a comment, and you might find your question the subject of future FAQs Mondays.

Sunday Recap 1-23-11

Morning:  The sermon, "Difficulties in Life," examined Ecclesiastes 8:16-9:6. After a lifetime of racking his brain for answers, Solomon concluded there are some things that are difficult to grasp.  While his list is not exhaustive, it includes:

• Humanly speaking, there is no way to figure out what God is up to.  He has to reveal his will to us, or else we can never guess it.
• Our actions don't ensure the desired outcome. Doing all the right things doesn't mean that life will go smoothly.
• Death is the only sure thing.  Everybody dies.
• Sometimes, we lack the sense to see death coming and make the appropriate arrangements.

Faith enables us to navigate the difficulties of life, and still cling to the Lord Jesus.  Solomon was sure that God was at work even though he wasn't sure of much else.  We, too, can trust the Lord in difficult times.

Evening:  Tonight we looked at the life of Jacob from Genesis 28:10-36:43.  Some of the principles we glean from Jacob's life:

• God's promises rest on his character, not the character of those he calls.
• We need to make spiritual markers.
• Don't worry about what you will eat or what you will wear (see Matthew 6:25-33).
• You reap what you sow (see Galatians 6:7).
• If you can't be with the one you love, love the one your with.  Jacob's lack of love for Leah brought about great heartache and pain for her, her sister, their servants, and their children.
• The Lord looks after his people.
• If we want to experience happiness, we need to shift our focus to God.
• Prayer transforms those who pray.
• God humbles those he chooses to use.
• Vigilante justice fails to bring true justice.
• Revisit the places and events where God has revealed himself to you.

E. M. Bound's The Power of Prayer

Grace--Old Man by Eric Enstrom

I just finished reading, The Power of Prayer in  E. M. Bounds on Prayer.  I have to say that I can't remember reading a book that cuts so deeply in a long time.  Page after page, I found myself convicted by my own prayerlessness.  His seething, white-hot rebukes poured over me like coals of fire.  I found myself crying in my heart, "Woe is me, I am a man of prayerless lips, surrounded by prayerless people."

As I worked through those fifty-seven pages of pure dynamite, I found myself tempted to flee their presence.  Days would pass between readings.  I read a little, and let is rest a little.  Yet after a couple of days, I would be compelled to pick it up again and read on. I found each chapter to be a relentless hand tearing back the curtain of my blindness. 

On almost every page, I was remind of how little I pray.  I felt the inadequacy of my prayer life.  Even as the book made me aware of the weakness of my prayer life, it also generated a desire to pray more.  I found myself yearning for a better understanding of prayer, and beyond that I was driven to pray.

Although I found the book very helpful, it had a couple of weaknesses.  First, it was primarily aimed at preachers.  It's aim may have been the reason, I personally found it convicting at every turn, but it might have less of an impact on someone who isn't a preacher.  Second, the book focuses the problem without offering much of solution.  Bound's suggests praying more and praying earlier, but he doesn't give many pointers on how to pray.

Right after beginning the book, I questioned whether or not it was a good starting point.  I will have to reserve final judgment until I have finished Bound's other books.  I can say The Power of Prayer has made me eager to learn more about prayer, as well as, to pray more.  What resources have helped you in your prayer life?  I would love the hear about them, so go ahead and leave a comment.

Do Something for God

While reading Isaac Watt's, A Guide to Prayer, I came across this quote:

"I am at last convinced that it is better for me to do something for God, though it be imperfect, than to be guilty of perpetual delays in hopes of better pleasing myself" (pg. 5).

He was speaking about his book.  He felt that it need more polishing, but realized that he might never get around to it. As I read the quote, I thought of all the things I have put off finishing, because I couldn't make them perfect.

I wonder how many people wrestle with this kind of thinking. I tempted to say that most, if not all, the procrastinators I know fall into this category. Most of them are gifted, creative people, but they are also critical of their own work. Many of them are never satisfied with their own work, no matter what anyone else says.

How much different would our lives be, if we could grasp the full meaning of Watt's words. It is better to do something that is imperfect, than to do nothing while waiting for perfection. Maybe there is something you have been putting off for a while, because you thought you couldn't do it good enough. Maybe you should take the plunge and do it.

It is time to stop waiting for the right time, and the right words. In faith, seize the moment and say it in the best way you know how. Don't put it off in hopes of pleasing yourself, because your delays are displeasing to God. Take the risk, and you might just find that others will benefit from your work.

Thursday Humor: Mitch Hedberg

The late Mitch Hedberg had a lot of funny material, although some of it was not suitable for all audiences.  Here is a clip from the Late Show.  It's funny and clean.  I hope it makes you laugh.

Judgment Through Consequences

Have you ever found yourself wondering why bad things happen? Have you ever asked yourself, "Why doesn't God stop sin from happening?" In part, God doesn't immediately judge sin, because he is showing mercy to the sinner. He willing shows patience to extend the opportunity of repentance to the rebel. Sometimes what seems like delayed justice is actually God judging through consequences.

Speaking about human conflict, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once wrote, "It is God's judgment upon us, not in the sense that he caused or sent war, but that He has allowed our sins to work itself out and lead to its inevitable consequences of suffering and pain" (The Plight of Man and the Power of God, pgs. 90-91).

Someone might argue, "But so many innocent people get hurt and killed during war." If we take the popular understanding of the nature of mankind, that people are inherently good, then it would seem that many innocent lives are consumed by the ravages of war.  The biblical view of the nature of mankind is not so optimistic.  The Bible teaches that mankind is inherently sinful.  We are sinners by nature and sinners by choice.

Experience confirms this.  Children instinctively learn to rebel against authority. Each night on the news we hear report after report of brutality, corruption, deception, etc. Education cannot erase the darkness of the human heart.  Wealth does not eliminate it.  Even the socially mobile can do despicable things.

The reality of mankind's sinful nature means that there is no truly innocent people.  We have all fallen short of what God created us to be.  We have all failed to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.  We all stand condemned before a holy, righteous Judge. Therefore, it is consistent with God's just nature to allow mankind to go their own way.

Isaiah says we all like sheep have gone astray (see Isa. 53:6).  The good news is that God has sent a Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come into the world to pursue us.  He ransomed us through his death and resurrection and now calls us to turn from sin and place our faith in him.  But for those who have rejected his grace and suppressed the truth with their unrighteousness, he has turned them over to their waywardness.

That sense of turning them over to their own devices is what Dr. Lloyd-Jones is talking about.  Mankind wishes, for the most part, to be free of God's authority.  Therefore, they erect structures and systems that undermine that authority. When God permits them to do so, these structures and systems bring destruction instead of freedom. Sinners reject God's rules for living, and then get angry at God for not keeping them from hurting themselves while they were doing their own thing.  It is similar to a person gouging our their own eyes, and being upset by their blindness.

God, in his grace, has shown patience to humanity. Humanity has rebelled against God, and he has permitted them to go. The rebellious heart of mankind drives people farther from their Creator. The farther mankind gets away from God the more damage they do to themselves and others. Pain and suffering are the logically results of mankind's rebellion.

Had God not willed to rescue humanity, through Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection, we all would still be going astray. We would all be consumed by the darkness of the human heart unrestrained by the law of God. Were it not for the grace of God, humanity would have wiped itself out long ago.  But God has preserved for himself a people. And in the midst of the suffering and pain of this world, there is a light.  If only we will turn to Jesus, and find it.

FAQs Mondays: What Do We Pray for in the Fifth Petition of the Lord's Prayer

Last week, we focused on the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer. You can read that article here. This week, we are looking at the fifth petition.

What do we pray for in the fifth petition of the Lord's Prayer?

In the fifth petition, which is, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matt. 6:12), we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.  Jesus warned, "So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brothers from his heart" (Matt. 18:35, HCSB).  Mark 11:25 states, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing." David states,

Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. . . . For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. . . . Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:1, 3, 7, HCSB).

Summary

The fifth petition is for forgiveness.  Through this petition, we seek the grace to extend the forgiveness to others that we so desperately seek for ourselves.  This request reminds us of the reality that it is impossible receive the forgiveness of God, and not extend forgiveness to others.  God's forgiveness transforms the heart so that it gives as freely as it gets.  Next week, we answer the question, "What do we pray for in the sixth petition of the Lord's Prayer?".

Sunday Recap 1-16-11

Morning: The sermon, "Farther Along," examined Ecclesiastes 8:10-15.  In this passage, Solomon lists two mysteries that seem "meaningless."  Most likely, meaningless here means incomprehensible.  These are mysteries that one can't get their head around.  They are riddles without answers.  After stating each mystery, Solomon proposes a better way to view the situation.

Mystery # 1. Wicked people are often honored in the very places they committed their crimes. When bad people appear to get away with there bad deeds, it creates the feeling that justice will always be denied.  These feelings lead people to contemplate imitating the wicked.  People assume that justice delayed is justice denied.  While it may be true at times, there are other reasons justice is delayed. 

Sometimes justice is delayed because no one knows who committed the crime.  Sometimes justice is delayed because bribes have been paid.  Sometimes justice is delayed, because God is patient, not wanting any to perish.  It is dangerous to assume that since God hasn't punished a sin yet, he never will judge it.

Solomon encourages us to rethink the situation.  Just because it looks like the wicked are getting away with murder, doesn't mean that they have.  No, they are only getting a slight reprieve so that they might repent and turn to God.  A day is coming when they will face judgment for all their crimes.  Solomon explains that it will go better for the God-fearing person, for those who live reverently before the Lord.  The wicked will fade away, but the righteous will endure.


Mystery # 2.  Why do good things happen to bad people? And why do bad things happen to good people?  This too, is incomprehensible.  Solomon was not in a position to "see" why these things happen, because Jesus had not yet entered the world.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:24, that at student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  Adam brought sin and suffering into the world, so Christ had to enter the world and suffer.  Now his followers must follow him in the path of suffering.

Solomon encourages his listeners to enjoy life.  He says there is nothing better than to eat, drink, and be glad.  Now the context, helps us to understand that Solomon isn't calling for sinful living.  He is calling for a life that is lived in light of God's presence.  A life that celebrates the gifts that God has given us, and enjoys what God has blessed us with.

Solomon says that the mysteries cannot be solved, but they shouldn't stop us from enjoying all that God has given us.  Fear God and enjoy his many blessings.

Evening: We continued our survey of the the foundational stories of the Bible.  Tonight we looked at the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  We looked at Genesis 18:1-28:9; Romans 4:18-22, 9:6-13; Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-20; and Galatians 4:21-31.

Principles:

• God's will cannot be stopped.
• Faith doesn't mean that we never have any questions
• Faith considers the facts in light of God's presence and power
• God desires genuine interaction with his people
• Prayer is God's appointed means for His appointed ends
• God never accidentally judges anyone
• A person's righteousness (or wickedness) impacts those around them
• Sin will be punished (Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a warning)
• Looking back can be costly
• Hagar and Sarah foreshadow the 2 covenants (Gal. 4:21-31)
• The Lord is worthy of supreme devotion
• Faith produces obedience (Heb. 11:17-20)
• Avoid Canaanite women--at all costs!  
• Marry wisely--it is a decision that will impact the rest of your life
• Providence has guided you to where you are
• God's purpose of election will stand (Rom. 9:6-13)
• Never exchange your inheritance at any price (Heb. 12:16)
• If you name your son, "Deceiver," don't get mad when he lies to you.
• Bless your children
• Playing favorites can destroy a family

Numbering Our Days

"LORD, reveal the end of my life and the number of my days.  Let me know how short-lived I am.  You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight.  Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor" (Ps. 39:4-5, HCSB).

"Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts" (Ps. 90:12, HCSB).

Time is something most of us assume we have.  Under normal circumstances, we operate without a sense of urgency.  A sixteen year-old assumes that there is another fifty or sixty years to come.  A thirty-five year-old assumes that there is another thirty or forty years left.  A fifty year-old assumes there is another twenty or so years left.

The reality is that none of know when life will end.  All we really know is that life will end.  It might be different for humanity if they came out of the womb with an expiration date.  David  (Psalm 39) wanted to know his expiration date.  He wanted to know the number of his days so that he could squeezes the most out of them for the glory of God.  It seems he knew how prone people can be to assuming that time is on their side.  David didn't want to be lulled into a false sense of security, he wanted to make the days he had count.

Moses (Psalm 90) also wanted to know the best way to go about numbering the days.   Moses reasoned that the right numbering of our days leads to wisdom.  If we are going to walk in the way that pleases the Lord, without turning to the left or right, we need to focus on the end.  The end must always be in sight.

Living with the end in sight allows us to major on the majors.  It keeps us from chasing all the time consuming rabbits that devour the precious moments of our lives.  It teaches us to maximize every opportunity.

It is dangerous to drift through life thinking that we will never run out of time.  That kind of thinking keeps us from fleeing to Christ for salvation.  We assume there is time for us to "live a little," and then come to Christ.  We fail to see that today is the appointed today, and that tomorrow may never come. 

Thinking there will always be more time, keeps us from fully devoting ourselves to Christ once we have trusted him.  "Tomorrow, Jesus," we say, "I promise I'll get on that first thing in the morning."  Time is ticking away, but we don't seem to hear it. Tick-tock. Tick-tock.  How long before the trumpet sounds?  We don't know.

I'm not suggesting we mope around worried about the day of our death.  Rather, I am suggesting we live as if our days are numbered and as if we want them to count.  Are you counting your days?  Are you making your days count?

Desperate for God

In Psalm 13, we catch a glimpse of a man desperate for God.  Have you ever had an experience where it felt like your prayers weren't being heard?  The experience is called by different names: God desertions,  dark nights of the soul, crisis of faith, etc.  Many of God's people have experienced it, and David was no exception.

We find David in the midst of some struggle in Psalm 13.  He is under attack from some unnamed enemy which seems to have the upper hand.  David is pleading for God to rescue him, but he is not getting the answer he so desperately desires.  He feels as though death is closing in on him.

The strong commitment we find in Psalm 13:5-6 is a shocking in light of the questions we find in Psalm 13:1-2.  David wants to know how long God will forget him.  He wants to know when God's face will shine on him again.  Desperation has set in and his heart is breaking.  He is thrashing in the ocean of faith hoping to find some solid ground before the waves of doubt overwhelm him.

Psalm 13:3-4 expresses the do-or-die attitude of David.  It appears that David is persuaded that unless God helps him (immediately), he will die.  He sees the writing on the wall.  His enemies have the upper hand.

In spite of David's fear, he anchors his hope in God.  He vows to trust in God's unfailing love.  He pledges to rejoice in the salvation of the Lord.  He promises to sing, because of God's goodness.

Although we are not given insight into David's reasoning, it is clear that he trusted the Lord even though it felt like God wasn't listening.  While he might have struggled with understanding what was happening, he had no questions concerning the character of God.  The God who heard prior to this silence would soon hear him again.  God's love does not fail.

What do we do when we are desperate for God? We keep trusting in his unfailing love, we keep rejoicing in our salvation, and we keep singing his praises.  We keep doing the right things until our emotions catch up.

Hymns: Blessed Redeemer

Casting Crowns has a beautiful version of the hymn, Blessed Redeemer.  Here is a video that uses their music and combines it with scenes from The Passion of the Christ.  Easter is still a ways off, but we should meditate on the cross frequently.

FAQs Mondays: What Do We Pray for in the Fourth Petition of the Lord's Prayer

Last week, the looked at the third petition of the Lord's Prayer.  You can read that article here.  This week, we turn our attention to the fourth petition.

What do we pray for in the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer?

In the fourth petition, which is, "Give us today our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11), we pray that of God's free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy his blessing with them.  Proverbs 30:7-9 states,

Two things I ask of You; don't deny them to me before I die: Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me.  Give me neither poverty not wealth; feed me with the food I need.  Otherwise, I might have too much and deny You, saying, "Who is the LORD?" or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God.

Paul reminded Timothy with these words, "But godliness with contentment is a great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.  But if we have food and clothing we will be content with these" (1 Tim 6:6-8).  He also said, "For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer" (1 Tim. 4:4-5).

Summary

The fourth petition is asking for the necessities in life: our food, clothing, and the like.  But it is also a commitment to contentment.  It is asking God to provide our needs, and make us glad in their provision.  We are not only asking for what we need, we are asking to be satisfied with what we get.  Next week, we tackle the question, "What do we pray for in the fifth petition of the Lord's Prayer?"

Sunday Recap 1-9-11

Morning: The sermon, "In the Service of the King," looked at Ecclesiastes 8:1-9.  Solomon sets before us the question, "Who is like a wise man?"  Wisdom is the ability to know and do what pleases God.  Solomon explains the rules, reasons, and reality of following authority.  On the surface, it appears that Solomon is only speaking about human authority (specifically the king), but in the back of the Hebrew mind was the concept of God's kingdom.

Rules for serving the King

1. Obey his command.  We are to obey the king for one or two reasons.  The phrase translated, "Because you took an oath," could mean that we have promised to follow the king, because we promised to follow God.  Or it could be translated, "because of the oath God swore," which means that God put them where they are.

2. We shouldn't be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Leaving the king's presence too quickly implies rebellion.  The same is true in the spiritual world.  When we fail to linger in God's presence it suggests that there is rebellion in our hearts.

3. We need to be careful where we take our stand.  It is a dangerous thing to side with the wrong people.

Reasons for following the Rules

1. The King has the last word.  When dealing with a dictator, the wrong choice of words can cost you dearly.  When walking with the Lord, we have to be satisfied with the fact that God doesn't always explain everything.  He is not obligated to tell us any of the details.

2. Obedience is its own sort of safety.  Solomon says that following orders doesn't harm.

3. It's part of knowing the right timing.  There is a right time and procedure for everything.  We just need a discerning heart.

4. You don't know how things will shape up, so you just do what you have to.  In the face of adversity or even death, you have to push forward.

5. We are locked into a war with wickedness, and it won't be defeated easily.  We have to face it head on.

The reality of serving the king.

The heavenly King is always just.  He always does what is right.  However, earthly kings don't always do the right thing.  Sometimes they hurt the people they are meant to lead.  Solomon's warning serves to inform the wise that they must chose their alliances carefully.


Evening:  We began our Foundations study again tonight.  We focused on Genesis 12-17.  We looked at the call of Abram, and God's promise to bless him.  As we studied the text we interwove Galatians 3, Hebrews 7, and Romans 4.   Some principles we learned:

• God is always faithful.
• God's Word never fails.
• God protects his people and preserves his promises.
• God's planned to save the Gentiles all along.
• Abraham is our spiritual father and through his seed, Jesus Christ, we inherit the blessing of God.

A Picture of Regret

Regret is a terrible burden to carry.  It tends to stoop the shoulders, bow the back, and bend the knees.  It makes eye contact feel like intense interrogation.  Missed opportunities, harsh words unleashed, broken promises, shattered dreams--these are some of the things most of us carry around.  Somewhere in the back of our mind a little voices sings, "What if?" or "If only."

Little in this world is as effective at ripping open an old wound like a jog down memory lane.  For those of you who have always made the right choices, memory lane is probably a great street to race down periodically.  However, it isn't as pleasant for some.  Photo albums are wonderful things to have, but they can also remind you of things you regret.

When you look back at those faces, places, and events stamped on paper, it can remind you of that awesome present you got when you were 12 and hoped you would be able to pass down to you kids (but eventually you broke).  It can remind you of that time your family ran around the house playing a crazy version of tag, because of some goofy show you watched.

But photo albums can also remind you of words left unsaid.  They can remind you of how fickle your heart is or how judgmental you can be.  They remind you that life is made up of hundreds of moments--some good, some bad, some awesome, some terrible,--and that each is an opportunity to do more or be more than you think possible.  They can also remind you of people that you have lost--some to death, others that just faded out of your life.

Have you ever experience a profound sense of melancholy when looking at a photo album?  Do you find regret staring back at you from the pages of your scrapbook?  How do you deal with regret? 

Thursday Humor: Ron Pearson "Math Class Lies"

Here is a clip about math.  I think it's pretty funny (and true).  I leave it to you to figure it out.

A Lamp and a Light

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105, HCSB).

I have been trying to cultivate a greater desire for the Word of God in my life.  The more I think about it the more I realize how much I need the Scripture to guide me.  In this verse the Psalmist implies that he is surrounded by darkness.  He needs a lamp and a light to guide his steps.  He couldn't see to make his way forward without the Word of God.

Not much has changed in the world since the Psalmist wrote these words.  There is still a moral darkness hanging over humanity.  We each continue to go astray and turn to his own way.  We all still miss the mark.  We still need the same lamp to guide our feet.

The Word of God leads us through the darkness, by illuminating our pathway.  Therefore, we need have it near us always, and consult it regularly.  One of the best ways to do that is to begin a Bible reading plan.  There are many plans available.  Justin Taylor posted several on his blog, Between Two Worlds.  You can view them here.  The list contains several excellent reading plans, including the two I mentioned at church (Grant Horner's plan consisting of 10 chapters a day, and James Grey's How to Master the English Bible).  I encourage to you check out the list, and select a reading plan that you find useful.  There are also special Bibles that have the Scriptures divided up into 365 daily readings.

FAQs Mondays: What Do We Pray for in the Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer?

Last week, we looked at the second petition of the Lord's Prayer.  You can view that post here.  This week we turn our attention to the third petition.

What do we pray for in the third petition of the Lord's Prayer?

In the third petition, which is, "You will be done on earth as it is in heaven," (Matt. 6:10) we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven. Again the Psalms have much to teach us. Psalm 25:4-5 states, "Make me know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."  Psalm 119:26 states, "When I told you of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!"  Finally, Psalm 103:20-21 states, "Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you might ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!  Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!"

Summary

The third petition merely elaborates on the second petition.  Ultimately, we are asking God to make us sensitive to and capable of keeping his will.  The desire of our hearts should be that our obedience is as prompt and complete as the angels in heaven.  Next week, we answer, "What do we pray for in the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer?"

Sermon Recap 1-2-11

Morning: The sermon, "Looking Forward," focused on Joshua 3:1-17.  In this passage, Joshua prepares the Israelites to cross over the Jordan.  The passage evokes anticipation and wonder.  Joshua tells the people three things that will enable them to see the promise land.

They must consecrate themselves.  For the nation of Israel, consecration was about setting one's self apart to the LORD. There were rituals and rules that guided the process.  For the modern believer, consecration is about setting heart, mind, and soul on the things of the LORD.  Consecration takes commitment to the course.  It takes confession, that is, internal cleansing.  And it takes obedience. They not only needed to set themselves apart, but they also need to listen to the Word of the LORD.

Joshua called Israel together and commanded them to listen to the Word of the LORD.  For them, the word was a specific message concerning the crossing of the Jordan.  However, it can be expanded out to include all of God's revealed Word.  The Word of God is our authority.  It is our guide.  If we want to see God in our midst, we must hear his Word, and do what it says.

Finally, Joshua told the Israelites to move out.  The Lord sends his Word in order to move his people.  We are called to action, to step out on faith.  We know that we trust the Lord when we do what he commands.  We know the Lord is with us because he strengthens us to do what he calls us to do.

We are called to live in anticipation, ready to see the Lord at work.  Part of living in that anticipation is setting ourselves apart for service to the Lord.  Another part of that anticipation is listening to the Word of God.  When we finally see what the Lord is calling us to we need to set out in obedience.

Evening: Business meeting.

A Secret Ingredient to a Happy Life

A truth has recently dawned on me.  It isn't that I hadn't heard it said countless times before, but it never really sank in.  But now I have learned a secret long know by the truly happy.  It is a key ingredient to a happy life.

Before I let you in on the secret, I have to warn you: you probably won't believe it.  I didn't believe it for years.  Intellectually, I have been persuaded by the mounting evidence surrounding the veracity of this secret.  Emotionally, I am still trying to understand the implications.

Happiness is elusive.  It isn't hard to find, but it can be difficult to keep.  Countless individuals have found happiness in the midst of a windfall, only to find themselves dissatisfied.  A change in fortune, an increase in wealth provides a temporary sense of euphoria, but it is usually short lived.

The secret to genuine, lasting happiness is delayed gratification.  I know what your thinking, "How can not having what I want when I want it, ever make me happy?"  In an immediate sense, it can't.  If you only wish to live in this moment, without thought or concern for the future, delaying gratification will never make you happy.  However, learning to give up a momentary pleasure for a more permanent pleasure, can make you happy.

For example, imagine yourself watching your favorite t.v. show.  As you're sitting there, you begin to crave ice cream.  In your mind, you can taste its creamy richness.  Your mouth begins to water, your tummy begins to rumble.  "Mmmmm, ice cream," you think.  At this moment, nothing short of a heaping bowl of ice cream is going to make you happy.  However, you're not thinking about those tight pants you'll have to wear to work tomorrow, or the high score you'll get on you next cholesterol test.  Sure, your taste buds would probably do a happy dance over the ice cream, but your waist wouldn't be singing "the Hallelujah Chorus" anytime soon.

By delaying your gratification, you prolong your happiness.  Some might argue, "If I wanted ice cream, and couldn't have any, then I wouldn't be happy."  But what if you wanted something more than you wanted ice cream.  The principle applies to much larger concerns as well.  Whenever you hear a musician that can really play music, you can be assured that they gave up something else to have that ability. 

I want to put this secret into practice in my life this year.  I hope that I succeed.  There are things more valuable than the momentary pleasures that seek to distract us from higher things.