Ps. 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.
There once was a rich and prosperous man named Nabal (1 Sam. 25). He had lots of sheep and goats spread out over the countryside of Carmel. David and his men, being in the same area, treated Nabal's shepherds well, never stole from them or harmed them. In fact, they protected them such that Scripture says the shepherds felt as safe out in the open as if they were living in a walled city. And Nabal knew it. Yet when David asked Nabal to share food with them, Nabal rudely and insultingly refused. He acted against his own knowledge, against what he knew in his heart to be right and true. Believing there would be no consequence or judgment from anyone for his behavior. That's what a fool does. The name Nabal actually means "fool". Understand the difference between an ignorant man and a fool. An ignorant man lacks knowledge but a fool ignores it.
Our verse from Psalms describes a sinner as a fool, one whose hardened heart causes him to act against his knowledge and understanding of God and His Word. The wickedness of sin causes him to act contrary to what he knows to be right and true. The sinner chooses, not ignorantly but foolishly, to believe that God will not judge him for his sin. He doesn't deny God's existence but rather chooses to ignore His dominion. He allows his blatant, willful sinning to be that which has dominion (Ps. 19:13) over him.
We all will someday be judged (Heb. 9:27) according to our knowledge and understanding of God and His Word. In fact, Scripture tells us that His Word will reveal the thoughts and intents of our hearts (Heb. 4:12). Our actions, that is to say our lives, should acknowledge not only His existence but His dominion over us. Who will choose to ignore such knowledge? Only a fool.
Sock Monkey Snippet: Acknowledge His existence and His dominion.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Praising Wholeheartedly
Ps. 9:1 I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
Whether at work or play, we have a choice concerning how we perform any given activity or task. And by "perform" let's understand that I mean to describe sincere intentions and not to suggest some sort of staged, superficial response. We can be completely apathetic and indifferent, we can be halfhearted, or we can embrace what we do wholeheartedly. In the end, our performance (in this case, our praise) will reveal our passion. Show me someone who does something wholeheartedly and I'll show you someone with a passion.
The Free Dictionary gives three characteristics when defining a person who is wholehearted. This person is:
1. Unconditionally committed. No matter what, they have determined that what they are doing is worth the investment of time and effort. Consistently.
2. Unstintingly devoted. That is to say their devotion is without limit or bounds. Extravagant yet singularly focused.
3. Unreservedly enthusiastic. Their enthusiasm and energy are apparent, sincere and can even be contagious.
So, when it comes to praising God, in church or anywhere else, where do I see myself? Am I indifferent or lukewarm? Or, like David, is my praise really wholehearted?
I want my praise to be a consistent and unconditional investment of my time and effort regardless of my circumstances (Ps. 34:1). I want it to be extravagant (Mk. 14:3) like the fragrant oil poured on Jesus from the alabaster box, singularly focused on my Lord. I want my praise to be enthusiastic and apparent, with no rock needing to sing God's praises for me (Lk. 19:40). I want these things not that I might gain attention but that I might glorify the One who is so deserving and worthy to be praised. I want my praise to be more than an hour in church every week. I want it to be every day in the life I lead. With my whole heart for my whole life. I want to be found by Him praising wholeheartedly!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Your praise will reveal your passion.
Whether at work or play, we have a choice concerning how we perform any given activity or task. And by "perform" let's understand that I mean to describe sincere intentions and not to suggest some sort of staged, superficial response. We can be completely apathetic and indifferent, we can be halfhearted, or we can embrace what we do wholeheartedly. In the end, our performance (in this case, our praise) will reveal our passion. Show me someone who does something wholeheartedly and I'll show you someone with a passion.
The Free Dictionary gives three characteristics when defining a person who is wholehearted. This person is:
1. Unconditionally committed. No matter what, they have determined that what they are doing is worth the investment of time and effort. Consistently.
2. Unstintingly devoted. That is to say their devotion is without limit or bounds. Extravagant yet singularly focused.
3. Unreservedly enthusiastic. Their enthusiasm and energy are apparent, sincere and can even be contagious.
So, when it comes to praising God, in church or anywhere else, where do I see myself? Am I indifferent or lukewarm? Or, like David, is my praise really wholehearted?
Sock Monkey Snippet: Your praise will reveal your passion.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
God Understands
Heb. 2:17-18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Often times when discussing our tests, trials or afflictions with others we say, "You don't understand." Others are not experiencing what we are. They are not feeling what we are. How could they possibly even begin to understand what we are experiencing or feeling? And, truthfully, they can't. Unless they themselves have had the same experiences or feelings and as much as they try to console or comfort us, it's hard for us to accept their consolation having the knowledge that they don't and can't really understand. Their understanding is not borne out of their experience.
These two verses from Hebrews, tell us of a God who completely understands. When Jesus came to earth, He was fully man and fully God. His human nature allowed Him to understand tests, trials and afflictions by His own experience just like we do. His understanding of our suffering was indeed borne out of His own.
Jesus, as a man, was despised and rejected by others (Isa. 53:3), acquainted ("yada") with grief (some translations say sickness or disease) (Isa. 53:3), treated badly and unfairly (Isa. 53:7), misunderstood by His own family (Mt. 3:21), falsely accused (Mt. 11:15, 26:59) and even had unreliable friends (Mt. 26:40). He knew suffering.
In Scripture, we see the words "know" or "knew" translated from the Hebrew word "yada" which means to understand, particularly through or by experience. For example:
Ps.103:14 For He knows (understands) our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
Jesus understands us because in all things He had to be made and to suffer like us.
Take comfort in the midst of your test, trial or affliction because although those around you may not understand it, God understands!
Sock Monkey Snippet: He understands our suffering because He suffered.
Often times when discussing our tests, trials or afflictions with others we say, "You don't understand." Others are not experiencing what we are. They are not feeling what we are. How could they possibly even begin to understand what we are experiencing or feeling? And, truthfully, they can't. Unless they themselves have had the same experiences or feelings and as much as they try to console or comfort us, it's hard for us to accept their consolation having the knowledge that they don't and can't really understand. Their understanding is not borne out of their experience.
These two verses from Hebrews, tell us of a God who completely understands. When Jesus came to earth, He was fully man and fully God. His human nature allowed Him to understand tests, trials and afflictions by His own experience just like we do. His understanding of our suffering was indeed borne out of His own. Jesus, as a man, was despised and rejected by others (Isa. 53:3), acquainted ("yada") with grief (some translations say sickness or disease) (Isa. 53:3), treated badly and unfairly (Isa. 53:7), misunderstood by His own family (Mt. 3:21), falsely accused (Mt. 11:15, 26:59) and even had unreliable friends (Mt. 26:40). He knew suffering.
In Scripture, we see the words "know" or "knew" translated from the Hebrew word "yada" which means to understand, particularly through or by experience. For example:
Ps.103:14 For He knows (understands) our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
Jesus understands us because in all things He had to be made and to suffer like us.
Take comfort in the midst of your test, trial or affliction because although those around you may not understand it, God understands!
Sock Monkey Snippet: He understands our suffering because He suffered.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
You're Being Followed
Ps. 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
"You're being followed." These usually are not very comforting words to hear. They cause fear and uneasiness. They cause us to constantly look over our shoulder with the uncertainty of what might happen or with worry over what evil may come against us.
As believers, however, we can and should rejoice in knowing that we are constantly being followed. In a good way. God's goodness (blessings, favor) and mercy (loving kindness, forgiveness) follow us every single day. All the days of our lives. We live in the provision and pardon, the favor and forgiveness of God.
He is always with us (Mt. 28:20). In verse 4, David says that because God is with him, he will fear no evil. He doesn't need to be afraid or feel uneasy. He can enjoy and count on the perfect comfort and absolute security that come from God. And so can we. He gives us the rest (v.2) of green pastures. He gives us the refreshing (v.2) of still waters. He gives us the restoration (v.3) of our soul. His goodness supplies our needs and His mercy forgives our sins. And we can know it with the sames certainty, the same "surely", that David did. So rejoice, you're being followed!
Sock Monkey Snippet: His goodness and His mercy always follow us.
"You're being followed." These usually are not very comforting words to hear. They cause fear and uneasiness. They cause us to constantly look over our shoulder with the uncertainty of what might happen or with worry over what evil may come against us.
As believers, however, we can and should rejoice in knowing that we are constantly being followed. In a good way. God's goodness (blessings, favor) and mercy (loving kindness, forgiveness) follow us every single day. All the days of our lives. We live in the provision and pardon, the favor and forgiveness of God.
He is always with us (Mt. 28:20). In verse 4, David says that because God is with him, he will fear no evil. He doesn't need to be afraid or feel uneasy. He can enjoy and count on the perfect comfort and absolute security that come from God. And so can we. He gives us the rest (v.2) of green pastures. He gives us the refreshing (v.2) of still waters. He gives us the restoration (v.3) of our soul. His goodness supplies our needs and His mercy forgives our sins. And we can know it with the sames certainty, the same "surely", that David did. So rejoice, you're being followed!
Sock Monkey Snippet: His goodness and His mercy always follow us.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
One Ordinary Day
Ps. 4:7 (I have) More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. (MSG)
I like ordinary days. I enjoy what I do for a living. You know, ordinary things. And although my job will probably not make me a rich man, it's those ordinary days doing ordinary things that make me happy.
But for many people, ordinary days just aren't enough because they measure their happiness and joy by their material gain. By their worldly success and prosperity. By their "shopping sprees" as this translation from the Message Bible puts it. Sadly, they seek man's fortunes more than God's face. They are more concerned with what is in their hand than Who is in their heart, even though they will never be satisfied with what they manage to accumulate (Eccl. 5:10).
The joy, happiness and contentment we as Christians have in a single "ordinary day" is more than most rich and successful people will know in a lifetime. We see God's favor because we seek God's face. And His presence fills our hearts with a joy (Acts 2:28) that words simply cannot express (1 Pet. 1:8). He makes every day extraordinary for us. German composer, Richard Wagner, once wrote, "Joy is not in things, it is in us." The One who dwells in us is the source of our joy and strength (Neh. 8:10).
Our joy is found not in what we have but in Who we know. Not in a fortune accumulated over a lifetime but in the favor of God that can be found by seeking (and finding) Him in one ordinary day!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Our joy is found not in what we have but in Who we know.
I like ordinary days. I enjoy what I do for a living. You know, ordinary things. And although my job will probably not make me a rich man, it's those ordinary days doing ordinary things that make me happy.
But for many people, ordinary days just aren't enough because they measure their happiness and joy by their material gain. By their worldly success and prosperity. By their "shopping sprees" as this translation from the Message Bible puts it. Sadly, they seek man's fortunes more than God's face. They are more concerned with what is in their hand than Who is in their heart, even though they will never be satisfied with what they manage to accumulate (Eccl. 5:10).
The joy, happiness and contentment we as Christians have in a single "ordinary day" is more than most rich and successful people will know in a lifetime. We see God's favor because we seek God's face. And His presence fills our hearts with a joy (Acts 2:28) that words simply cannot express (1 Pet. 1:8). He makes every day extraordinary for us. German composer, Richard Wagner, once wrote, "Joy is not in things, it is in us." The One who dwells in us is the source of our joy and strength (Neh. 8:10).Our joy is found not in what we have but in Who we know. Not in a fortune accumulated over a lifetime but in the favor of God that can be found by seeking (and finding) Him in one ordinary day!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Our joy is found not in what we have but in Who we know.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Use Them
Rom. 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...
An antique mantel clock sits atop our living room fireplace. It once belong to my uncle but found it's way into our home shortly after he moved.. We don't wind it, in fact, we're not ever sure it will keep time. So there it sits ignored and unused. Other than looking pretty, it benefits no one.
While taking down our Christmas decorations, my wife moved the clock ever so slightly and it began to chime. We both knew it had that ability, but because it sat for so long, you could say that we lost sight of it's potential and purpose. At one time, when it was being used, it produced a beautiful melody every day.
In Mt. 25:14-30 we find the Parable of the Talents where the master "delivered his goods" (v. 14) to three of his servants. In other words, he entrusted, loaned and expected a return on that which he gave them to invest. Each servant was given something to use. We read that two out of the three did so, but the third ignored or squandered what he had been given.
We must not be ignorant or selfish when it comes to God's plan for our lives. We have the potential and purpose to make a difference with what He has "delivered" to us. He gave us gifts to benefit and bless others, glorify Him and produce a beautiful melody every single day. Don't squander what you've been given to invest. Recognize your talents, be a good steward (1 Pet. 4:10) and use them!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Use you talents and abilities to reach your potential, fulfill your purpose and glorify God.
An antique mantel clock sits atop our living room fireplace. It once belong to my uncle but found it's way into our home shortly after he moved.. We don't wind it, in fact, we're not ever sure it will keep time. So there it sits ignored and unused. Other than looking pretty, it benefits no one.
While taking down our Christmas decorations, my wife moved the clock ever so slightly and it began to chime. We both knew it had that ability, but because it sat for so long, you could say that we lost sight of it's potential and purpose. At one time, when it was being used, it produced a beautiful melody every day.In Mt. 25:14-30 we find the Parable of the Talents where the master "delivered his goods" (v. 14) to three of his servants. In other words, he entrusted, loaned and expected a return on that which he gave them to invest. Each servant was given something to use. We read that two out of the three did so, but the third ignored or squandered what he had been given.
We must not be ignorant or selfish when it comes to God's plan for our lives. We have the potential and purpose to make a difference with what He has "delivered" to us. He gave us gifts to benefit and bless others, glorify Him and produce a beautiful melody every single day. Don't squander what you've been given to invest. Recognize your talents, be a good steward (1 Pet. 4:10) and use them!
Sock Monkey Snippet: Use you talents and abilities to reach your potential, fulfill your purpose and glorify God.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Creating Something New
Isa. 43:19 I am creating something new. There it is! Do you not see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands. (CEV)
Considering the heavens and the earth, and all they contain (including us), it would be understandable to think that God's full-time job is just maintaining or managing that which already exists. And He does do that, but I think we sometimes limit our present-day view of God to only that of being a manager and no longer a creator.
The fact of the matter, however, is that God still continues to create. In the visible as well as the invisible realms (Col. 1:16). And His creations are new and unique. They are wondrous and awe-inspiring, confirming His glory (Ps. 19:1). Also, each and every one of God's creations has purpose. Look around you. For obvious things like snowflakes, clouds and newborn babies. For perhaps less obvious things like new friends, a new home or a new job. As Isaiah 43:19 asks, "Do you not see them?"
In our daily lives, it's easy to become discouraged and overlook or stop looking altogether for the continuing, purposeful creations of God that are meant for us. So, what are you looking for? What unique need do you have in your life right now that God can and will creatively fill? Look for Him to do it. God still is, and will forever be, in the business of creating something new!
Sock Monkey Snippet: God is creating something new for you. Look for it.
Considering the heavens and the earth, and all they contain (including us), it would be understandable to think that God's full-time job is just maintaining or managing that which already exists. And He does do that, but I think we sometimes limit our present-day view of God to only that of being a manager and no longer a creator.
The fact of the matter, however, is that God still continues to create. In the visible as well as the invisible realms (Col. 1:16). And His creations are new and unique. They are wondrous and awe-inspiring, confirming His glory (Ps. 19:1). Also, each and every one of God's creations has purpose. Look around you. For obvious things like snowflakes, clouds and newborn babies. For perhaps less obvious things like new friends, a new home or a new job. As Isaiah 43:19 asks, "Do you not see them?"
In our daily lives, it's easy to become discouraged and overlook or stop looking altogether for the continuing, purposeful creations of God that are meant for us. So, what are you looking for? What unique need do you have in your life right now that God can and will creatively fill? Look for Him to do it. God still is, and will forever be, in the business of creating something new!
Sock Monkey Snippet: God is creating something new for you. Look for it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)