February 21, 2011

Restitution

It's been taught that when one goes astray that the way back to God requires confession, repentance, and restitution. This is very true, expecially when we have sinned against another person.  But what about sins against God? What restitution can a person possibly make? What could satisfy God justice of restitution in kind, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life."  Consider Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, what can humanity do to make restitution?

We we think of the first sin, we usually think of what Adam and humanity lost through the fall, but what did God lose? Adam & Eve were His highest creation, His crowning joy---perfect and without blemish. His creation that made angels marvel. Daily God walked with Adam in the Garden, delighting in joyful fellowship. In Adam God saw the realization of His dream to restore that which was lost by Satan's rebellion.  Now, because of Adam's sin all this was lost! No only did Adam's sin take destroy that which God prized, we all add to the debt with our own sins and failures.

So, in making restitution to God for His loss, what do we have to offer? Can we pay a fine and all be restored? We have no money of our own, God owns it all. It's like a thief borrowing money from the one he stole from to pay it back! Sacrifice animals? They to already belong to God and cannot replace what was lost. Maybe if we sacrificed our firstborn? Or even ourselves? Yet the same tainted blood flows in our veins as in Adam's. So we are helpless with no way of making restitution to God for the loss we have inflicted. No wonder that under the law their were no sacrifices for intentional sin or sins against God except possibly the Day of Atonement. So how can restitution be made?  

God had a plan! God Himself would become man, and through death satisfy His just requirement of payment in kind---an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life! And through the resurrection restitution is made, the perfect man presented to God for the human race! Now, through Jesus, God crowning joy can once again be without blemish, have fellowship with Him, wow the angels, and restore the damage done by Satan's rebellion and slander! By faith we are now the righteousness of God in Christ, holy and without blemish in His loving gaze.

January 24, 2011

Goodness and Mercy from His Presence

My morning devotion was from Psalm 23, "Surly goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Who could ask for anything more!  Just being in the Presence of our Shepherd assures us of His care and provision at all times! 

As I ponder thoughts of His goodness and mercy, my mind goes to the diseases and other difficulties with which many of us struggle. So I asked, "If your 'goodness' is your predisposition to actively bestow good upon us, why are these sicknesses not healed?" Then the thought hit me, "Without His mercy these things would have already killed us, and, in contemplating His absolute perfection, holiness, and justice, if we got what we deserved we would all be goners!"

His mercy means He doesn't give us what we deserve. His mercy allows Him to give us the help (His goodness) that we desperately need but don't deserve, and from His goodness healing has and is flowing into our lives. We have been healed and are being healed or we would not even be here to ask these questions! God is so good! From His Presence all goodness is available, including healing!. Living in His Presence (dwelling in the House of the Lord) is to be immersed into His grace every moment. His healing power is constantly renewing and restoring as we live in Him! I pray that God will grant me the humility and grace to receive His wonderful blessings in an even greater measure. His mercies are new every morning!

"Thank you Lord, for your goodness, mercy, and your Presence. I know that from your wonderful Presence all goodness, including healing, is constantly being bestowed on us, and I thank you for it., and I'm sorry I ever questioned!"

November 2, 2008

As long as someone loves you, there is hope!

Love is something wonderfully marvelous, yet often difficult to define.  When you love someone, you love and cherish that person for who he or she is now, but you also treasure the shared times of the past together with dreams of what is to come.  Love is past, present, and future all rolled into one!  This makes love visionary.  It overlooks faults and sees the ideal person, what you can be.  Love so values its beloved that it makes the lover feels unworthy, yet blessed and honored beyond are merit.  In some ways it has an element of exhaltation or adoration (in the proper order of course, with honor and thanksgiving to God first).  When there is love, there is a future.  Love always gives us something to live for!  The great love of all is the love God has for us.  When we receive HIs love, our hearts kow that there is a future, and our hope is sure!  I am so blessed to have such great friends and family that love me, to have a loving wife of 48 years that still believes in me, and most to know that God loves me! 

 

October 11, 2008

A Beautiful Fall Day

Soft rays of the gentle sun filters through the golden canapy aglow with every hue of purple, red and yellow.  A cool breeze refreshes even the most weary soul.  It's Saturday, the week is past, all is well, God is in contol.  All nature proclaims His majesty, the birds sing of His faithful care, even the trees whisper of hidden mysteries. All around the handiwork of God is evident.  He that made the heavens is with us, His promises are certain, His love beyond measure.  As our voices rise in adoration, we know that all will be well!  Tomorrow we will worship and praise our King with friends we hold so dear.  Today I bask in sweet assurance as creation proclaims the greatness of God's love and care.  All is well!

 

September 27, 2008

Maybe Good, Maybe Bad

Once, long, long ago in China, there was a man who worked his farm with just his son and one horse for labor.  The horse pulled the plow, took the wagon to market, and lots of other things needed to keep the farm going.  The family depended on the horse for just about everything.  Then one day something spooked the horse and it ran off to the mountains.  The family was devastated!  The neighbors all came to offer their sympathy saying, "It's a bad thing that your horse has run off.  Now you and your son will have to do all the work by hand."  The man simply answered, "Maybe good, maybe bad."  So the son pulled the plow while the man guided it.  Without the horse the son now had to do all the heavy work with the help of his father.  They now had to work so much harder and still got a lot less done.

Then one day the horse came back and brought with a whole herd of wild horses with him.  With the help of the horse the man and his son were able to herd them into the corral and capture them.  The neighbors came to rejoice at the good fortune of their friends, "It was a good thing that your horse ran off.  Now you have a corral full of horses!" The man answered, "Maybe good, maybe bad."   Then one day as the son was breaking the new horses he was thrown and broke his leg.  The neighbors returned to commiserate saying, "It was a bad thing that the horses came back.  Now your son is hurt and you will have to do all the work alone."  The man smiled and answered, "Maybe good, maybe bad."

Not too long after this war broke out, and the army came through the village recruiting all the young men to go fight.  Since the son had a broken leg, he was left behind.  The army went to war and was terribly decimated.  A great number of the young men from the village fell in battle and were killed.  When word reached the village, the neighbors visited the man again, "It was a good thing that your horse ran away.  Because of your son's broken leg he is still alive!"  The man could only say, "It was good!"  For us who are believers in Jesus Christ, we can say with assurance, "God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him."  In the end, it will be well for the child of God.

September 26, 2008

Overcoming Anxiety

Today the economic health of our nation look very shaky!  These must be anxious times for those whose fortunes and futures are invested in these troubled companies.  I know these are serious times, but I can't help but compare these tensions with the teachings of our Lord.  He seemed amazed that people can have their lives so wrapped up in material things that their lives and joy can be wrecked by the uncertainties of this world.  Our Master taught us that we should not be filled with anxiety.  Here are a few reasons.  First, we have a Heavenly Father who cares for us.  If we seek Him and His righteousness first, He has promised to take care of us.  We can see His care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and know that we are much more valuable to him!  Also, we have the power of prayer.  We are told to "worry about nothing but to pray about everything" (Philippians 4:6 my paraphrase).  Prayer changes things!  Then we need to remember that our Lord has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us.  God gives wisdom and guidance to show us the way through life's uncertainties.  The follower of Christ has a hope that goes beyond all circumstance or world conditions.  Our hope is certain; it will be well for the child of God in the end.  Sometimes I just need to be reminded!

 

September 16, 2008

Living in Victory

How wonderful it is to enjoy the Presence of God.  These special times often come when we let the cares of this life drift away and have those moments of revelation of the goodness of God.  Our lives are filled with peace, assurance, and confidence that transends all else.  Stress and anxieties melt away.  All is well!  I wonder why we can't live more in this wonderful state?  What robs us of this joy God intends for us to enjoy?

In my life I believe it is the cares and stresses of life that often distract me.  So many things tug at my attention, then a hoard of anxieties hit me, fears drain my energy, and I feel so helpless!  The challenges which face me seem like nebulous giants impossible to defeat and even harder to define. Somehow, I can't believe that God intends for us to live like this. 

The Kingdom of God has been described as "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."  God never changes, and His love for us never changes.  In His Presence we can always find the peace and security we crave.  What's the secret?  I don't have all the answers, but I'm finding that the more I can trust God and let my fear disolve, the more joy and peace I experience.  I keep reminding myself that God is God!  He leads, gives us the ability to do His will, provides for us, and always showers us with His unconditional love.  "Lord, help me to cast all my cares on you.  I know you love me.  I also know that you have plans for me, and only you can make it happen.  Thank you for assurance that all will be well.  I'm trusting you for all that I need for this day.  Thank you for allowing me to know your peace.  Amen'  

 

August 26, 2008

Mountain Moving Faith

As Jesus traveled and taught in the many villages across Galilee, Judea, and the surrounding districts of Palestine, there were certain truth that He taught over and over again.  As a new crowd would gather in a new location of ministry, I can picture Jesus taking the people from where they were and leading them into the light of understanding the revelation of God and His Kingdom.  Such must have been the case of His teaching on miracle working faith.  Undoubtly He repeated this over and over again!

In Matthew, Mark, and Luke we have similar teachings on this miracle working faith, but each in a different setting with a somewhat different emphasis.  In Matthew 17:20, He stresses that just a little faith, like a gain of mustard seed, can move mountains.  You don't need a whole lot, just use what you've got!  In Mark 11:22, the emphasis is on "Praying and Believing."  Then in Luke it is again the mustard seed faith will pluck up the mulberry tree and plant it in the sea.  Jesus used whatever illustration at hand to communicate the power of faith and prayer!  Can you imagine the thrill of being "on tour" with Jesus and hearing these truths over and over again?

Quickly, lets look at the three passages.  The mustard seed faith recorded by Matthew is connected with prayer and fasting in the setting of the boys deliverance from demonic affliction.  This kind of faith can move the mountain of bondage that is crushing and destroying a persons life.  Jesus let us know that the faith that sets people free comes only by prayer and fasting!  Mark, who traveled with Peter, must be remember Peter preaching this and connecting it with the cursed fig tree.  This faith removes barroness and unfruitfulness and  bring new life.  Again, Jesus stresses believing God will answer our prayers!  He said to believe what we say!  In Luke it's the mulberry tree which can be cast into the sea.  Here the connection is with servanthood.  So, mountains hindering a person from freedom in Christ are removed by simple faith and prayer, barroness is smitten and prayers are answered if we pray and believe what we pray!  And when all is said and done, our faith and prayers are never to be selfish as we seek to be servants and do all with a whole-hearted desire to glorify God!  Nothing is impossible to the one who believes!

 

November 12, 2007

Little things are important!

An old nursery rhyme goes something like this:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
for want of a shoe the horse was lost,
for want of a horse the knight was lost,
for want of a knight the battle was lost.
So it was a kingdom was lost - all for want of a nail.

Some of the biggest of events hinge on very small and seemingly insignificant details.  Often a person will have all the right stuff, be tremendously skilled and well liked, yet still never achieve greatness.  I wonder how often it may be because of a little "something" that defeats all the good that a person does.  We usually focus on big things, like knowledge acquisition, skill development, and "how to" techniques, but are these the real problem?  What if just removing a little hindrance, say one bad habit, would release all that potential and greatness that is already there?  Just think, a small block of wood can keep a freight train immobile no matter what the power of the engine!

I might be a bit lazy, but it does seem like it might be easier to eliminate one or two little hindrances than to have to learn a whole new set of skills and knowledge. Just think, it may be that what brought me to this level of success is what's hindering me from going on to even great things.  Something to think about!  We must be willing to release the past, and to grow and change!

 

October 31, 2007

Our habitation

Fish live in the water; birds fly in the air. Alligators live in swamps, Antelope live on the plains. Each creature lives in its own habitation. If at all possible, each will do its best to find the habitation that fits it best. We humans are very adaptable, but we thrive best in a healthy environment. Since we are both material beings and spiritual beings, we live in two realms. What kind of spiritual habitation do we best thrive in? Certainly not one of doom and gloom!

If a person lives in a habitation filled with criticism, anger, failure, guilt, fear and dread, it's hard to fight off the depression. In fact, it's hard to be motivated to do anything! Life becomes more about surviving than thriving. In fact, that's the life we want to run away from and escape! Those who bring such gloom into our lifes become the one we try to avoid! Who wants this kind of agony? There's a better way!

When the very atmosphere is saturated with grace, we grow and blossom like beautiful flowers! Life is a joy! Everybody starts looking good! Take a look at the three cardinal graces: faith, hope, and love. Love sees the good in a person. Love values and cherishes. It is very forgiving! Love is expressed through praise, compliments, gifts, hugs, and thousands of little things. When we feel loved, hope is born! We have an optimistic attitude toward life. No matter what the circumstance, hope never gives up! Hope see the silver lining in the cloud, the treasure are the end of the rainbow. It sees the donut, not the hole; it sees the glass as half full, never half empty. Hope is the natural seedbed for faith. Faith is that "Can Do" way of living. It sees no defeat, only possibilities. It makes a person believe in God, and through God, in himself! Faith steps out and turns dreams into realities!

We are created to live in this kind of habitation. Our purpose is not just live in this kind of atmosphere, but to create it by our attitudes, words and actions! When love, joy, and peace abound, people are drawn to this habitation like bees to the flowers. "Lord, help my life to be a habitation for You Presence, a place where you enjoy living. Let it be filled with Your wonderful Grace! And make me a gracious person! Thanks you, Amen."

 

October 30, 2007

In His Presence

Can a person living today really experience the Presence of God? If we can experience God's Presence, what is it like? Does it make a difference in our lives? These are some good questions to consider.

The other day while I was taking my evening walk, it seemed like I entered another dimension, a different atmosphere. I found myself surrounded by a Presence that was sweet beyond what words can express. I can only describe it as peace, wonderful peace. There was no guilt, only acceptance. There was no fear, only assurance. Words fail to describe the joy of that brief moment of communion with my Heavenly Father.

For a while I was just remained quite in this heavenly bliss, then, after a little while of just enjoying the moment, I sang, gave thanks, and had a time of rejoicing in His goodness. The experience didn't last very long, but the effects are of that moment are still with me. Deep inside there is a peace that all will be well in the end. If this is just a taste of heaven, what must heaven be like? It must be wonderful beyond all imagination! Just a moment in His Presence makes all the difference! We are not alone!

 

September 13, 2007

Today is a Gift!

Today didn’t have to be, but God gave it. Each day of life is a gift. Since it is a gift, it must be given because God loves me. He didn’t have to give me this day, but He did.

Gifts are given to show love. We get a lot of pleasure making someone we love happy. When we are trying to pick out a gifts, we look for something that fits, something that’s just right for the person. It’s a bit disappointing to give someone a gift that's never used. If it just goes in a drawer and is forgotten, the joy is a bit flat. But when that special person’s eyes light up we feel the thrill!

God gives us such special gifts! And today is no exception. This day is a gift to be cherished and enjoyed. It is to be used to express our love and appreciation to the one who gave it. It comes fully loaded with family, friends, opportunities, blessings, and a few trials to make it interesting. Most of all, it comes with God’s love and blessings!

 

August 17, 2007

Chasing Away the Blues

The other day as I started my daily walk, my mind was filled with all the usual stresses and pressures of life. I was feeling somewhat stressed with a bit of anxiety and a good dose of the blues. So, as I often do when walking, I decided to pray. Following the pattern of the Lord's Prayer, I soon came to the petition, "Give us this day our daily bread." I interpret this petition to mean: "Lord, here's my shopping list, the things I need for today." As I began to present my requests before the Lord, my mind begin to fill with thoughts of how good God has been to me. He has answered so many prayers! As I went down the list I started thanking God for each answered prayer that I could remember (How quickly we forget once we get the answer!). I thanked Him for His tremendous goodness to me, for His grace, for all the wonderful people He has put in my life, and for His provisions and for His faithfulness that never fails! I can't help but be amazed at what He has done in my life! I soon noticed that my mood was changing. I felt hope again! It was like the sun came out from behind a cloud. Everything looked brighter!

It is so important it is to have an attitude of gratitude! It's hard to complain and be thankful at the same time! When we complain, we are focusing in some unhappiness. We feel weak and powerless. It's been said, "Don't brood over your troubles, they may hatch out." Whatever fills our thoughts soon fills our lives. We tend to be drawn in the direction of our gaze or even our fantasies. Let's think on good things! We may feel helpless and weak, but we are never powerless! We have the power of prayer, the power to act, even the power to choose our moods. Being thankful directs our thoughts to God's faithfulness; hope is born anew in our hearts! We can laugh and smile again. Heartfelt thankfulness chases away the blues! "Lord, thank you for loving me, and blessing me with so many undeserved blessings! Help me to always have a thankful heart!"

 

August 14, 2007

Life's Challenges

Little things can sometimes preach the greatest messages. To see a tree growing in a rock cliff is amazing. It may not be the biggest tree in the forest, or the most symmetrical, but it has a character that preaches a great sermon!

Somehow, a little seed has found a little pocket of soil and put down roots! It must be when God saw the determination of the little seedling, he was touched and caused the dew and rain to water that little pocket of potential just right. The seedling seizes every opportunity. It's roots search for cracks and crevices where it will find the nourishment it needs. It's new leaves reach for the life-giving sunlight. Somehow it grows. It's roots even begin to break up the rock and more soil accumulates. The tree grows strong!

How like our lives! We are not always planted in the most cultivated field or the best of soil. God has placed some of us in the cleft of the rock where life is hard. Can we be like the little seed? Take advantage of every opportunity and resource. Let our roots seek the life-giving water of the Holy Spirit and our leaves reach out to the energy of God's life, then watch the rocks crumble!

"Lord, let me be fruitful in whatever soil you place me. Instead of complaining, help me to be thankful and reach out to the resources you have provided. I know that you are the one who makes rivers in the desert. Help me to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. Amen"

 

 

    I've been back at work for a few weeks now.  The transition back was a bit hard, but I think I'm beginning to get back in the swing of things again.  Looking back over the three months period, I'd say it was very beneficial.  The first six weeks are so was mainly letting go of things, which wasn't easy.  After June's hip replacement surgery on December 26, most of my time was devoted to taking care of her.  If I had not been able to have this time off I guess she would have had to go to a nursing home for the convalescence.  Our vacation the last part of February was great!  This is when  I really began to feel renewed.  My observations and meditations during this time have changed how I view work quite a lot.  If we are going to be mentally and spiritually healthy, we can't be consumed with "things."  Life is much more that all the urgent demands that continually bombard us. 

I guess what I've taken away from this time is that I just need to leave a lot of things in God's hands and not worry about them so much!  It's His Church, not mine.  I'm just an under-shepherd doing whatever He wants done.  He is building His Church; I'm just a helper.  I have determined that the priority must be God first, June second, and all the other stuff comes somewhere after this. 

This time off has been a very good time for both June and I.  It seems like we are closer than ever before.  Watching her blossom as we spent time together has been worth it all!  Thanks to all of your for your prayers and support during this season of our lives.  God bless you wonderfully!

 

February 20, 2008

    It's amazing how quickly three months fly by!  June is recovering well and in very good spirits.  We've been enjoying a vacation in Texas visiting family.  I think I'm beginning to feel rested.  It seems that now would be a good time to begin a sabbatical; I think I could enjoy it a lot more rested.  LOL.   We had a great trip to Big Bend with my brother Lloyd.  Today we are going to Fort Worth to spend a couple of nights with June's sister Dorothy, then we well go to Glen's for the weekend.  Next week it's back home and getting ready for work again.   The calendar looks like I'll hit the ground running and be quite busy for a while.  It's been a good time off.  I'm very thankful I could be off to take care of June during the recovery period after her surgeries.

February 3, 2008

    It's hard to believe, but two months of this three month sabbatical have already sped by!  I can feel renewal taking place.  It's been a busy time.  Getting started took a while.  First I had to catch up on some things at the office; there went week one.  Then it was the Assemblies of God Executives Conference, week two gone.  Next, it was doctor appointments and getting ready for June's surgery with Christmas thrown into the mix.  Okay, by now month one is mostly used up.  Finally we came to December 26 and June surgery.  It went a lot better than I expected.  She was in the hospital four nights.  January was time for me to be a nurse!  I think I'm pretty good at it!  I've fed her well and kept the house, laundry, shopping, and chores pretty well caught up.  We watched a lot of football during this time.  That was nice; I haven't been able to do this in years!  Tomorrow we go back to Duke for her cataract surgery Tuesday.  Then it will be back again the next week for follow-up visits to the eye doctor and the hip surgeon.  We're planning to take a vacation after this and make a trip to Texas to see family.  Oh, something else, I broke down and got glasses and grew a beard.  I think maybe this time off is making a new man out of me!

   

December 23,2007

    Being on sabbatical is quite a new experience for me!  So far it's been a busy time, although not feeling the full load of responsibility is nice.  Maybe I've been a bit slow turning loose of things.  I promised John Jordan I'd try to back off on emailing our staff about the things that need to be done.  LOL  I'm sure they are way ahead of me, but you know how it is when these things pop into your head.  I'm beginning to back off; this may just be a part of the process.

    The month started with trying to finish up some financial work at the office.  Some things just have to be done regardless!  Then it was on to Nashville for the annual Assemblies of God Executive Conference.  It seemed to me that this conference was the best yet, and all have been good!  The sessions explored the change process and how to lead it.  Just after arriving home it was time for June's appointment with her eye doctor.  Well, it's confirmed, cataract surgery is needed.  I think we already knew this since it's getting to where she can hardly see.  Then the next week was back to Duke University in Durham for the appointment with the orthopedic surgeon in preparation for the hip replacement Wednesday.  Hopefully after this I can start to think about some of my projects.  I think I'm beginning to get a bit more rested mentally.  I'm also getting back to my exercise routine.  I really didn't realize how burnt-out I was.  It's taking a while to begin to bounce back.  I'm beginning to see the benefit of a sabbatical.  Renewal is so important. The daily grind and pressures of responsibility take an unseen toll on us, especially those in top leadership.  I'm very thankful for the insight of our district board for mandating this time of rest, renewal, and creativity.