The Joy Of The Lord

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." - Isaiah 12:2-3

My most recent entry dealt with trials and difficulties of life. The Scripture before us deals with joy. This is our theme today. Have you ever noticed that when difficulties come, we often loose sleep just pondering the weightiness of the matter, but when blessings come we rarely stay awake pondering the joy that God has seen fit to bestow upon us. Why such a disparity in thinking? If we are honest, I believe it stems from a sense of self-centeredness. Much like the ten lepers only one returned to say thanks.

Paul made it clear, as does Isaiah, that joy does not come from circumstances, but from drawing deeply from the well of salvation. Paul's joy seemed to be the greatest during his most difficult times. He tapped into the reality that life is short and eternity is long. He dwelled on the eternal not the temporal. He was thankful in all things.

Have you ever taken the time to reflect on the following? We are headed for a perfect home. There will be no sin. There will be no greed or anger. There will be no rebellion. We will be in constant bliss and joy. We will not be floating around in the clouds. We will have physical bodies and we will have great responsibilities here in this present physical world. These are the things that Paul pondered when he said, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). This is what kept Peter going as he pondered this truth: "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Peter 3:18).

The Lord has been faithful in His revelation regarding our salvation so that we can cling to it daily for our joy. Take a little time this week and meditate on those great truths. Without hope there is no joy. That's the way I see things.

Trials

In my 34 years as a believer, I have seen many different responses to pain and suffering. Needless to say, I will not go too deeply into this mysterious subject, but I desire to take a slice from my own pilgrimage and that of others which just might help you through your present trial.

Trials, pain, suffering, difficulties, living in a fallen world, or what ever label you want to give it does one of two things to people. They either get bitter and mad at God or they are drawn closer to Him because they know there is no other source of grace and strength to make it through. Hebrews 11:6 tell us, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." How much faith is required to live with a perfect wife, children who never get in trouble, excellent health, barring a hangnail once every ten years, $2 million in the bank, and a job you love? Faith is based on trusting God when the world has hemmed you in. It pleases God for us to tell Him that we know He has our best in mind. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Difficulties can also reveal much about our character. How we react or respond under the pressures of life will often expose what our hearts are really like. Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. It is equally true that out of its abundance it also acts. When that quiet, pleasant boss goes into a rage after a contract is lost, it tells you that anger lurks within his soul that will only be seen during times of pressure.

The Lord has put me under much pressure which has exposed more of my heart than I wish to know about. I thank Him for it and must by faith accept it as from His hand. For this is the only way we can please God. That's the way I see things.

Christ, My All In All

How long does it take us as believers to arrive at the truth that Christ must be everything to us? How many rugs must be pulled out from under us to regard this truth as paramount? How many dead ends streets must we travel before this truth becomes a reality? How much money will we need to make to find the futility of it all and in the end find Christ? How many disappointments must we experience in order to put our hope in Christ?

What must be removed from our lives that is keeping us from finding Christ as our all in all? When unbelievers tell me that Christ is a crutch, I take them one step further. He is not a crutch. He is a stretcher. Crutches are for people who can still limp along under their own strength. A stretcher is for someone who has no strength. No limb touches the ground for support. The Stretcher is his all in all. With regard to my opening question, I believe it takes a lifetime to learn this truth but the journey is worthy of the destination. That's the way I see things.

Giving and Receiving Criticism, Part 2

Yesterday we looked at the subject of giving correction in a biblical manner. There is, however, the flip side of the coin which deals with how to receive it. Proverbs has much to say about how a wise man becomes even wiser after correction, and how a fool despises any type of rebuke. None of us want to be labeled by Scripture as a fool, but I must say that few people receive good correction well. So what does God tell us?

Avoid being defensive. Realize that the one who comes to us may very well have some good advice that will help us in our careers, home life, and other relationships.

Always view correction as protection. Even if the person who performs the surgery fails to do it skillfully, it may benefit you in the long run. Don't focus on how it was said, but on the truthfulness of what was said.

Recognize that you don't see yourself the way others do. We generally have a higher view of how we come across which is why we relate to others the way we do. We feel it is right. Those who are around us most feel the radiation of our personality that we don't experience. The source of radiation doesn't feel it. This is why we need honest feedback from those who love us.

Don't expect people to correct you in a godly manner. Most people don't know how to do this, including many believers. Consider the following.

1. What was said?
Ponder any truth that comes with the correction.

2. Who said it?
The amount of truth is directly proportional to the credibility of the one who said it.

3. Let them say it.
You can dig through and remove the bones later.

I hope this has been of some value to you. Now let's put some feet to it and carry it with us wherever we go. That's the way I see things.

Giving and Receiving Criticism, Part 1

No one will escape critical words. It is part of life so we might as well accept the fact and learn from Scripture how to handle it best when it comes.

We should consider several things before looking into the subject. We must first ask ourselves if we are by nature critical and secondly we must consider how well we respond to criticism. Pride and insecurity make us bristle at the thought of being corrected. No one enjoys being told that they are lazy or are not doing a good job. This goes right to the heart of our very being. So let's take a look at how to give and receive criticism. This should help us within our families, our jobs, and our church.

How To Give Criticism

1. Earn the right to correct.
This means that you should have poured words of encouragement into the person over a period of time. They will be far more receptive to correction when it is needed (Proverbs 8:33).

2. Be gentle but not evasive.
The Scriptures tell us that the servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle (II Timothy 2:24). If we combine this with Ephesians 4:15, which tells us to speak the truth in love, then we should have an excellent balance in our approach.

3. Always show the recipient of your correction that you care (Proverbs 27:5-6).
People are far more receptive if they know you have come to them with a pure heart and a desire to help.

4. Always follow up.
Thank them for any improvement that you see as a result of the correction. This builds confidence and will help you bond with them.

Remember, we all have blind spots that only others can see. Only a fool despises correction (Proverbs 9:8-9). That's the way I see things.

In my next entry we will look at how to receive criticism.

Vision Casting

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." - Proverbs 29:18

The subject of vision is of great importance and the church must understand what God means by vision. Not only must we understand, but we must obey. Here are some of the key points regarding this biblical truth.

First and foremost is the fact that Scripture is strongly in opposition to vision casting when it proceeds from our own will. All vision casting in Scripture was first cast by God to an individual who then cast it before others. Let's take a look at God's vision for Abraham found in Genesis 12 where the Lord told Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation. When no child came, Abraham's wife, Sarah, decided to help God out and cast her own vision, "And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai" (Genesis 16:2). This vision was from the flesh. She had not heard from God, but made her own plans, which resulted in serious consequences.

So how do I know whether my vision is from God or my flesh? Vision stems from passion. When the Lord gives you a passion to advance His kingdom several things will be true.

1. The passion will not be for your glory but His.
2. You will be driven by His Spirit to carry it out.
3. It will be consistent with the big vision of Scripture and will never contradict Scripture.
4. It will require God's power.
5. You will not feel satisfied until it is fulfilled.
6. It will be about Him and not about you.

All of us are visionaries. Whenever I tell people that I'm not good at setting goals, it means that I am not good at the logistics. My vision is multifaceted. One of the visions God has given me is to help you find your passion for therein lies your vision. May the Lord empower you as you follow the dream He has placed in your heart to advance the kingdom. That's the way I see things.

The Beauty of Transformation

I never cease to be amazed at the strength of my flesh. Its natural affinity for the world offers no resistance but yields so easily. This fallen man, referred to by Paul as "wretched" is so hopelessly entangled with pleasing itself it becomes drowned in its own selfish pursuits. Thus we must see ourselves through the lens of Scripture that penetrates the heart where self-examination fails to reach. Scripture affords us the great privilege of looking beyond our natural horizons. We can see with the eye of faith that which the natural eye will never comprehend. We can hear the voice of God that our natural ears are deaf to.

We are foreigners to a life of rest, but very familiar with frustration, angst, fear, restlessness and unnecessary busyness. This should not be. If God is our central pursuit, then all that satisfies us will be found in Him. We are not to be discouraged by our fallen nature but are to rejoice in the power of our new nature, which is born again and takes us out of the kingdom of darkness and places us into the kingdom of God's dear Son. That's the way I see things.

It's All About Him

The older I get the more aware I become that it is all about Him and not about me. The older I get the shaper becomes my focus on eternity. The older I get the more I see life as it really is. We should all grow wiser with age because the Scriptures tell us to do so "Teach us to number our days that we may apply our heart unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). This prayer by the Psalmist should be ours as well. He sees every day as a learning experience and does not want to lose one moment of instruction from the guiding eye of Jehovah.

Instruction is all around us, but we must be wise and understanding students. We must be attentive to the details for nothing happens without a sovereign purpose, from the falling of the sparrow to the devastation of a hurricane. The sons of Adam see everything as fate, good luck, bad luck, happenstance, coincidence, or "that's just life." How sad not to be able to interpret what is being written or said. But is this not the nature of those who are blind and deaf to spiritual maters? As sons of God we must not fall into such a narrow way of thinking, trapped by human reason, which in essence is atheistic at worst and agnostic at best. Remember that it is all about Him. We are not central to the purposes of God. His glory is central. This is what I am learning the older I get. That's the way I see things.

A Passion For The Christ

There has been much banter regarding the movie The Passion Of The Christ. Through personal dialog, media blitz, theological debate, and a host of other forums that have been used to discuss the relevance of this movie, we must not lose sight of the fact that out of The Passion Of The Christ must flow A Passion For The Christ.

There are many passionate statements in Scripture, such as "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Philippians 3:10). Such statements are deeply rooted in conviction that is expressed by the Apostle Paul who above all others was given the greatest revelation regarding Christ. His passion for intimacy is also found in his prayers. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him" (Ephesians 1:17). However, such prayers were for the church that it might have the same desire to grow and experience what Paul experienced. His passion for the Christ carried him to total abandonment of any worldly interests. Suffering became a way of life that was welcomed because it would testify to the glory of God and the furtherance of the gospel.

Where do we see this today? Why is passion an emotion reserved only for sporting events, the Dow Jones Industrials, and the lottery? Why is passion directed at the temporal and not the eternal? The answer is not found by searching commentaries, nor is it buried in some theological tome. The answer is found in our heart. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). The heart becomes mired in worldly pursuits. A passion for more competes with a passion for less. A passion for less you say? Who in his right mind would develop a passion for less? The person who wishes to avoid many sorrows, that's who. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (I Timothy 6:10-11). A passion for the Christ will drain the soul of its passion for the stuff of life. It seems we are always trying to get rid of stuff. However, it was never called stuff when we bought it. It was called merchandise or valuables. It was called keeping up with the Jones. It was called a great buy or a wise purchase. So when does it turn into stuff? It doesn't morph from merchandise in the store to stuff at a garage sale. It is just stuff pure and simple and always will be.

Stuff is only a blessing from God when...
1) It is appreciated as coming from God
2) We hold it loosely
3) We do not despair if it is lost or damaged
4) It doesn't dull our passion for the Christ

Sorry about the length, but I had to get a lot of STUFF off my chest and out of my garage. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 19

"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight." -Proverbs 11:1

Honesty is a character trait that has undergone radical examination by society and the verdict is in. Honesty is no longer acceptable as a moral trait. The more we can shade the truth, cheat on a test, or deceive the IRS, the more we are heralded as clever, which is far more important than honesty. The tail is now wagging the dog. Isaiah warns of such times when he says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20).

The body of Christ must be above reproach. We must avoid the false balance and see to it that integrity reigns. Truth sheds light on that which is false. Our work ethic along with the words we speak must represent the God we serve. If we put the integrity of our lives on one side of the scale and falsehood on the other side, which side would tip the scale in its favor? Remember that Christ said, I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 18

"It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom." -Proverbs 10:23

We as believers must not fall into the trap of playing the part of a fool. The Scriptures remind us that "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child," but by adulthood these fleshly tendencies should be a thing of the past. The consequences of foolishness, whether enjoyed vicariously or acted out in person, should have succeeded in doing its refining work in our lives so that we no longer seek its company. To actually make foolishness a sport is the ultimate in folly and is this not what reality TV is all about? What does this tell you about our nature? What does it tell you about us? That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 17

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." -Proverbs 9:10

This verse is often quoted, but have you ever considered why this is true? Why is fearing God the beginning of wisdom? Why not prayer or Bible study? Fear seems to be a strange starting point to gain wisdom. To fear God (reverence and awe) is to recognize His supreme authority in every area of life. Our moral conduct, when governed by our respect for His sovereign rule and omniscience, is the beginning of true wisdom. For we are now aware of His attendant gaze upon our lives, and His desire for us to obey and reap the fruits of adherence to His commandments. "which are not grievous" (I John 5:3).

Our fallen nature always thinks it knows best but is always counter to the will of God. To follow God's will, out of a respectful fear of Him, leads to life and peace. To not fear God is to go the way that naturally seems right but the results are always wrong, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" Proverbs 14:12. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 16

"Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding." -Proverbs 9:5-6

In Proverbs 9 wisdom invites us to a feast, where the table is spread and the offer is to come and dine. As I look at the text, I sense it's an all-you-can-eat invitation. In America we are used to going back for seconds, as we never feel quite full, but when it comes to spiritual matters, there is often a sense of "I just don't seem to have much of an appetite."

If our body has no appetite for an extended period of time, this can be considered serious and we may need the expertise of a doctor to tell us why. When there is no spiritual appetite, it is brushed off as "That's just the way I am." Maybe it's time for a check up. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" Matthew 5:6. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 15

"For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." -Proverbs 8:35-36

What a solemn warning to be told that whoever sins against wisdom wrongs his own soul. This is an inviolable law that God has established. If you find yourself living with never-ending confusion, a long wake of broken relationships, and financial indebtedness that is never your fault, then you may well have refused to respond to the call of wisdom.

Don't be afraid to take a hard look at your life. Wisdom is always available to help us change. I have learned a great deal about myself. The wake has not always been good, but the forgiveness of God and the dispensing of His wisdom have brought much healing to my soul. Join me in the journey as we seek Him together. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 14

"Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: that they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words." -Proverbs 7:4-5

No other passage of Scripture gives such a strong admonition with regard to moral purity. The Lord is careful in His warning to avoid any details that would lead our minds astray while at the same time not compromising the integrity of the admonition. If you should read the text, note the elements necessary for potential disaster. The young man is said to be void of understanding. The reason for such a declaration is that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. To go near her house at night is a dangerous intersection.

How careful we must be to avoid putting ourselves in the place of temptation. We may have to remove certain temptations that might lead us down a path of no return. As I have said before, technology allows us to visit her house without even leaving ours. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 13

"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him...:" -Proverbs 6:16

Of the seven abominations, a proud look is the leading batter. Pride is the root of all sin. Satan fell because of pride, and he enticed the first couple with this inner beast which says, "I'm right and God is wrong." Every time we go against the will of God, we are telling Him that we know what's best. We demote Him to the first grade while we promote ourselves to the school of higher learning, which says, "If it feels good, do it."

The only way to slay this dragon of self-righteousness is to admit to our falleness, which by its very nature, resists the ways and will of God. The Scriptures tell us that only by pride comes contention. Pride is at the center of divorce, broken relationships, office in-fighting, and bitterness. Is there any contention in your life that is rooted in pride? Kill it before it grows. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 12

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." -Proverbs 6:6

I have come to realize in life that most people are extremely diligent. Diligent, that is, in those areas where their passion lies. If you are into landscaping then you will probably have an immaculate lawn. If you are into cars, then you will probably change the oil every 3,000 miles and vacuum the inside weekly. These are certainly praiseworthy attributes, but still of a temporal nature. Where is our passion for that which is eternal? Do we desire to seek the Lord through prayer, meditation, and the Word? Are these central to our lives or tangential in nature? We must make the time to draw close to God. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 11

"And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, 'How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof.'" -Proverbs 5:11-12

What a strong reminder to finish well, for who desires to look back at their life and see nothing but consequences of sin and say to themselves, "I hated instruction"? The wake of our lives will tell a story. It is never too late to start doing what is right. We must listen to the voice of wisdom, so that when life draws to an end, we will be able to say with the apostle Paul "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 10

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." -Proverbs 4:23

The Scriptures have much to say about the heart. It is deceitful, it can be hardened, and out of its abundance we speak. The heart is the very center of our being. It's who we are and thus it must be guarded. To guard the heart implies that sentinels must be posted at its door to filter out all enemies that desire to make inroads and lay claim to territory that rightly belongs to God. The eye-gate and ear-gate are the major highways that lead to the heart. If we do not guard what we watch and hear, then unrighteous thoughts will set up shop and make havoc of our lives. You may want to take some time and meditate on Philippians 4:8. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From Proverbs, Part 9

"Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life." -Proverbs 4:13

As I was reading through Proverbs 4, I couldn't help but notice the strong words of exhortation. We are told to "exalt her, hear her, take fast hold of her, attend to her, let her not depart," and to "keep her." If we didn't have any context, we might be inclined to think that these are words for our lover. We cannot afford to ignore such strong admonition to court wisdom. That's the way I see things.