“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”(Heb. 12:28-29).
We’re not as solid as we seem.
Over the past several years, storms and tsunamis of many kinds have shown that our structures of security are easily shaken. Roofs have been ripped away. Homes and households have fallen apart. The stock market has turned and tumbled. The Twin Towers toppled. And our own souls have quaked and quivered in disappointment and pain.
Unlike Elvis, it’s not love that has us all shook up; it’s life—but it is a life controlled by a sovereign God with a sacred purpose. As He started forming the nation of Israel, God’s voice “shook the earth”(Heb. 12:26a), and He has promised that at the end of time, “Once more will I shake not only the earth but also the heavens”(Heb. 12:26b). God didn’t create earth to last—only eternity, and in this in between He uses tumults and tremors to refine His own and reach those not yet His.
As our domiciles or our dreams lie in ruin, perhaps part of His point is to remind us that troubles are temporary, but He is timeless. As kings and kingdoms falter and fall around us, we can be sure that the One who holds our faith—and our fate—will never fail. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe”(Heb. 12:28-29).
Mouth-gaping gratitude for such a gift should give way to abandoned worship as we honor God for who He is and what He has done. Be astounded that One so mighty cares for one so minute—and such a mess! Be amazed that as you weeble and wobble, His strength supports you, His grace sustains you, and His love never leaves you alone. You are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken!! Don’t just mumble some token line about the good Lord being a big help, but fall to your knees in absolute awe that “the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures forever”(Ps. 100:5).
It doesn’t take much to make us quake, but nothing gets God all shook up.
Stand on the Solid Rock.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Mountain Masterpiece
“You have not come to a mountain…that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm. But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God.” Hebrews 12:18,2
I love art. I’m lousy at it (that’s not humility—that’s honesty), but I love it. Displayed in my home are various paintings and prints I’ve collected throughout the years. The works on my walls were not chosen because they are masterpieces or because they match the scheme of the room but because of their meaning. Each picture is special—some because of the artist, some because of the subject. When I see the images, I smile as I think about some one, some place, or some time. Each frame captures a moment I want to remember and never forget.
The writer of Hebrews must have been an art lover too, for in the midst of exhortations and instructions about how we should live a Godly life, he pauses to paint a picture of why we should live a Godly life. For effect, he employs contrast—contrast both stark and soothing. Two mountains. One in the past. One in the present. Two moods. One judgment. One joy. Two motions. Backing away in fear. Running forward in faith. And the one constant on both canvasses—a just God who laid down His law and then laid down His life.
Darkness, smoke, and storm shrouded the scene at Mt. Sinai. From a hovering cloud, God’s holy voice boomed a divine warning: “Don’t cross the line or you won’t live!” “We can’t bear the sound,” the people begged Moses, who himself trembled in fear at the terrifying sight(Heb. 12:21). A litany of commandments then followed—requirements of a righteous God who could not allow His sinful children to come close. Though His demands for sacrifice dripped with grace, that mountain was off-limits and inaccessible.
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel”(Heb. 12:22-24).
One hill held the threat of death. The other holds the promise of life. And a cross on top of Calvary built a bridge between the two.
Be captivated by the picture, and come on up the mountain.
I love art. I’m lousy at it (that’s not humility—that’s honesty), but I love it. Displayed in my home are various paintings and prints I’ve collected throughout the years. The works on my walls were not chosen because they are masterpieces or because they match the scheme of the room but because of their meaning. Each picture is special—some because of the artist, some because of the subject. When I see the images, I smile as I think about some one, some place, or some time. Each frame captures a moment I want to remember and never forget.
The writer of Hebrews must have been an art lover too, for in the midst of exhortations and instructions about how we should live a Godly life, he pauses to paint a picture of why we should live a Godly life. For effect, he employs contrast—contrast both stark and soothing. Two mountains. One in the past. One in the present. Two moods. One judgment. One joy. Two motions. Backing away in fear. Running forward in faith. And the one constant on both canvasses—a just God who laid down His law and then laid down His life.
Darkness, smoke, and storm shrouded the scene at Mt. Sinai. From a hovering cloud, God’s holy voice boomed a divine warning: “Don’t cross the line or you won’t live!” “We can’t bear the sound,” the people begged Moses, who himself trembled in fear at the terrifying sight(Heb. 12:21). A litany of commandments then followed—requirements of a righteous God who could not allow His sinful children to come close. Though His demands for sacrifice dripped with grace, that mountain was off-limits and inaccessible.
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel”(Heb. 12:22-24).
One hill held the threat of death. The other holds the promise of life. And a cross on top of Calvary built a bridge between the two.
Be captivated by the picture, and come on up the mountain.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
See To It
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15
“See to it!” Instructions from my grandmother were often followed by these three short but certain words. No dawdling permitted. No delay allowed. Hasten to the task and don’t halt until it is done. Back in the day, I didn’t realize she was repeating a command from Scripture, but here in Hebrews we find the same directive. “See to it.” See to what? Which issues beg such a strong imperative from God? Bitterness and grace. “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many”(Heb. 12:15).
Many seeds want to sprout in our hearts. The circumstances and situations of life toss all kinds of attitudes and emotions into the soil of our souls. The ones we allow to take root are the ones which will run (and often ruin) our lives. If we allow bitterness to burrow in, we end up in a big mess because bitterness “grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
To keep this from happening, we must first see to our soil. Envy, insecurity, and anger create a fertile environment for rapid growth. When don’t get what we want or what we think we’re due, when others we feel are less deserving end up with something we should have—or something they shouldn’t have, or when we’ve been hurt, disappointed, and betrayed, we must make sure the seed doesn’t start to sprout. In the off-limits list of Ephesians we’re told to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice”(Eph. 4:31). Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness “just as in Christ God forgave you” are offered in the follow-up verse as exterminators to such evils. Bitterness cannot grow in the soil of grace.
But if in our frustration we miss God’s grace and mire ourselves in self-pity or self-righteousness, the bitterness that began below the surface will quickly spring up for all to see—for a bitter root produces bitter fruit. Our words will taste of negativity and criticism. Our attitudes will be sour with irritation and disdain. We will keep a long record of wrongs, be quick to point out the faults of others, and will hesitate to celebrate the successes of those around us. Our bitterness will “cause trouble and defile many” as its roots twist and tangle our hearts in a chokehold of resentment and cynicism.
Don’t let the root of bitterness get grounded and grow. Squash the seed before it sprouts, and pluck the plant while it is small. God’s grace is too great to miss, and being bitter only makes a mess.
Do what my grandmother said—“See to it!”
“See to it!” Instructions from my grandmother were often followed by these three short but certain words. No dawdling permitted. No delay allowed. Hasten to the task and don’t halt until it is done. Back in the day, I didn’t realize she was repeating a command from Scripture, but here in Hebrews we find the same directive. “See to it.” See to what? Which issues beg such a strong imperative from God? Bitterness and grace. “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many”(Heb. 12:15).
Many seeds want to sprout in our hearts. The circumstances and situations of life toss all kinds of attitudes and emotions into the soil of our souls. The ones we allow to take root are the ones which will run (and often ruin) our lives. If we allow bitterness to burrow in, we end up in a big mess because bitterness “grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
To keep this from happening, we must first see to our soil. Envy, insecurity, and anger create a fertile environment for rapid growth. When don’t get what we want or what we think we’re due, when others we feel are less deserving end up with something we should have—or something they shouldn’t have, or when we’ve been hurt, disappointed, and betrayed, we must make sure the seed doesn’t start to sprout. In the off-limits list of Ephesians we’re told to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice”(Eph. 4:31). Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness “just as in Christ God forgave you” are offered in the follow-up verse as exterminators to such evils. Bitterness cannot grow in the soil of grace.
But if in our frustration we miss God’s grace and mire ourselves in self-pity or self-righteousness, the bitterness that began below the surface will quickly spring up for all to see—for a bitter root produces bitter fruit. Our words will taste of negativity and criticism. Our attitudes will be sour with irritation and disdain. We will keep a long record of wrongs, be quick to point out the faults of others, and will hesitate to celebrate the successes of those around us. Our bitterness will “cause trouble and defile many” as its roots twist and tangle our hearts in a chokehold of resentment and cynicism.
Don’t let the root of bitterness get grounded and grow. Squash the seed before it sprouts, and pluck the plant while it is small. God’s grace is too great to miss, and being bitter only makes a mess.
Do what my grandmother said—“See to it!”
Monday, August 15, 2011
SightSeeing
“Make every effort…to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Some sights should not be missed.
If you’re close to the Grand Canyon, drop by and drop your jaw. As you travel in Switzerland, gaze up at the Alps. When in Niagara, gape down at the falls. Should you find yourself in Rome, don’t skip the Sistine Chapel. (Hint: try not to show up during the Feast of St. Peter or the doors will be locked!) And as you go through the normal everydays of life, look for the Lord.
Haven’t seen much of Him lately? Perhaps you’re not looking hard enough, or perhaps you’re not living holy enough. Sounds tough, but it’s solid theology. “Make every effort to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”(Heb. 12:14).
The unsullied character of God is so different from our sinful nature that we would die if in His presence on our own, but since God wanted us near, Christ has become “our righteousness, holiness, and redemption”(1 Cor. 1:30). “He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”(Col. 1:22). In love and grace, God has made us holy so we can see His face—forever. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” In love and grace, our Father also wants us to live holy so we can see Him—now. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Unless we let God’s holiness show up in our actions and attitudes, our purposes and priorities, we will struggle to sense and understand how God is working and what He is doing. We will journey through our day and miss Jesus.
God is alive and active in your commitments, the caller on your cell phone, and the conversation around your supper table. Opportunities and responsibilities are inner-doors into God’s workings, and crossing paths with acquaintances are divine appointments. Seeing God in every venture and at every venue transforms your day from dull to delightful. You start to sense your small part in His big story, and you are thrilled by His grace.
Such sight is brought about by holiness—by keeping the lens of your life clean and clear. To do so requires exertion, concentration, and constant confession. “Make every effort to be holy.” Start by staring at Jesus. Begin with the Gospels and go on from there to devour all of God’s Word. Pray like crazy—talking with God throughout your day about all of your day. And when choosing the what’s and how’s of your words and works, consider how you can best imitate and communicate Christ. When you focus on Jesus as your priority and authority, you’ll find that you find Him everywhere.
You see more of God by looking like Him than by looking for Him.
He’s a sight that should never be missed.
Some sights should not be missed.
If you’re close to the Grand Canyon, drop by and drop your jaw. As you travel in Switzerland, gaze up at the Alps. When in Niagara, gape down at the falls. Should you find yourself in Rome, don’t skip the Sistine Chapel. (Hint: try not to show up during the Feast of St. Peter or the doors will be locked!) And as you go through the normal everydays of life, look for the Lord.
Haven’t seen much of Him lately? Perhaps you’re not looking hard enough, or perhaps you’re not living holy enough. Sounds tough, but it’s solid theology. “Make every effort to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”(Heb. 12:14).
The unsullied character of God is so different from our sinful nature that we would die if in His presence on our own, but since God wanted us near, Christ has become “our righteousness, holiness, and redemption”(1 Cor. 1:30). “He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”(Col. 1:22). In love and grace, God has made us holy so we can see His face—forever. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” In love and grace, our Father also wants us to live holy so we can see Him—now. “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Unless we let God’s holiness show up in our actions and attitudes, our purposes and priorities, we will struggle to sense and understand how God is working and what He is doing. We will journey through our day and miss Jesus.
God is alive and active in your commitments, the caller on your cell phone, and the conversation around your supper table. Opportunities and responsibilities are inner-doors into God’s workings, and crossing paths with acquaintances are divine appointments. Seeing God in every venture and at every venue transforms your day from dull to delightful. You start to sense your small part in His big story, and you are thrilled by His grace.
Such sight is brought about by holiness—by keeping the lens of your life clean and clear. To do so requires exertion, concentration, and constant confession. “Make every effort to be holy.” Start by staring at Jesus. Begin with the Gospels and go on from there to devour all of God’s Word. Pray like crazy—talking with God throughout your day about all of your day. And when choosing the what’s and how’s of your words and works, consider how you can best imitate and communicate Christ. When you focus on Jesus as your priority and authority, you’ll find that you find Him everywhere.
You see more of God by looking like Him than by looking for Him.
He’s a sight that should never be missed.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Path of Peace
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men.” Hebrews 12:14
No matter how hard you try, it’s hard to get along with everybody, but don’t let difficulty deter your endeavor. Instead, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men”(Heb. 12:14).
This command is an oft-repeated admonition in the New Testament with at least eight passages reminding us of our responsibility. Why the fuss? Because peace is the agenda of Jesus. He came to be our peace(Eph. 2:14) and to bring us peace(Jn. 14:27). How can the world see the peace of God if we aren’t at peace with others? Our desire to show God’s glory should press us to live in peace with all people.
Obviously, this isn’t easy. The word “effort” implies exertion and struggle. The word “every” suggests that success might not come on our first (or second) try. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men.” Sadly, some people will never be willing to restore a relationship and will always be contentious and caustic, but, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”(Rom. 12:18). You can’t control the actions and reactions of others, but you choose your own attitude and your own responses. Don’t let the ones slinging dirt bring you down. Take the high road and offer a hand to help them up.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—the result of God’s Spirit getting His way—go a long way in helping us get along. Pray for the ones who cause you problems and the ones who cause you pain. Ask God for wisdom and look to His Word for guidance. Certain situations require Christ-like confrontation, but most concerns which ruffle our feathers should be quickly smoothed by the grace of forgiveness.
Consider that perhaps the one who rubs you wrong isn’t always wrong, but, instead, maybe God is using him (or her) to sand off sharp edges in your own personality and character.
And remember that nothing disturbs the peace quite like good gossip, so think carefully about what you say and why you say it. Offenses should be dealt with at the source, not discussed with someone else. “Making every effort to live in peace” often means saying little when you want to say a lot. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise”(Pro. 10:19).
Living in peace is the best and blessed way to live. Love generously. Forgive quickly. Speak wisely. Getting along with others isn’t effortless, but it’s worth the effort.
No matter how hard you try, it’s hard to get along with everybody, but don’t let difficulty deter your endeavor. Instead, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men”(Heb. 12:14).
This command is an oft-repeated admonition in the New Testament with at least eight passages reminding us of our responsibility. Why the fuss? Because peace is the agenda of Jesus. He came to be our peace(Eph. 2:14) and to bring us peace(Jn. 14:27). How can the world see the peace of God if we aren’t at peace with others? Our desire to show God’s glory should press us to live in peace with all people.
Obviously, this isn’t easy. The word “effort” implies exertion and struggle. The word “every” suggests that success might not come on our first (or second) try. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men.” Sadly, some people will never be willing to restore a relationship and will always be contentious and caustic, but, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”(Rom. 12:18). You can’t control the actions and reactions of others, but you choose your own attitude and your own responses. Don’t let the ones slinging dirt bring you down. Take the high road and offer a hand to help them up.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—the result of God’s Spirit getting His way—go a long way in helping us get along. Pray for the ones who cause you problems and the ones who cause you pain. Ask God for wisdom and look to His Word for guidance. Certain situations require Christ-like confrontation, but most concerns which ruffle our feathers should be quickly smoothed by the grace of forgiveness.
Consider that perhaps the one who rubs you wrong isn’t always wrong, but, instead, maybe God is using him (or her) to sand off sharp edges in your own personality and character.
And remember that nothing disturbs the peace quite like good gossip, so think carefully about what you say and why you say it. Offenses should be dealt with at the source, not discussed with someone else. “Making every effort to live in peace” often means saying little when you want to say a lot. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise”(Pro. 10:19).
Living in peace is the best and blessed way to live. Love generously. Forgive quickly. Speak wisely. Getting along with others isn’t effortless, but it’s worth the effort.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Workouts That Work
“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Hebrews 12:12
I wince as I write—yesterday’s yard work a painful reminder that seldom-used muscles quickly get sore. (A shovel, hedger, and set of shears equip one nicely for a total-body workout!) Regular exercise involving such specific motions would have been wise preparation for the extra exertion.
Constant use trains not only ligaments and limbs, but also souls and spirits, for current and upcoming challenges. If they haven’t already arrived, hard times are on the way. The pain can produce purity and peace (Heb. 12:11), but we must endure the rough to enjoy the results. We need stamina and strength to see us through. God will help us and hold us in the storm, but He also tells us to work-out in the sunshine. “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” We need to be able to do more than breathe. We need to build up and buff up in preparation for the tasks, triumphs, and troubles of each day.
Unlike wiry marathoners of modern times who completely ignore their upper bodies, our arms must be strong so we can pick up the fallen(Gal. 6:1), support the struggling(Rom. 15:1), and carry the burdens of the overwhelmed(Gal. 6:2). Our knees must be sturdy to support the weight of responsibility and opportunity we have as followers of Christ. Our path will not always be flat and smooth, so we must be steady and strong as we charge up hills and avoid obstacles.
Our power comes from a God who has been in the fitness business for quite a while. Way back, God spoke through Job to “strengthen feeble hands, support those who stumbled, and strengthen faltering knees”(Job 4:3-4). Centuries later, Isaiah commanded God’s people to “strengthen the feeble hands, and steady the knees that give way”(Is. 35:3). And here in Hebrews, we’re reminded to “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Arms and knees seem to be perpetual problem areas that should be exercised often.
Drop to the floor and lift up your hands.
Strength is built best by prayer and praise.
I wince as I write—yesterday’s yard work a painful reminder that seldom-used muscles quickly get sore. (A shovel, hedger, and set of shears equip one nicely for a total-body workout!) Regular exercise involving such specific motions would have been wise preparation for the extra exertion.
Constant use trains not only ligaments and limbs, but also souls and spirits, for current and upcoming challenges. If they haven’t already arrived, hard times are on the way. The pain can produce purity and peace (Heb. 12:11), but we must endure the rough to enjoy the results. We need stamina and strength to see us through. God will help us and hold us in the storm, but He also tells us to work-out in the sunshine. “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” We need to be able to do more than breathe. We need to build up and buff up in preparation for the tasks, triumphs, and troubles of each day.
Unlike wiry marathoners of modern times who completely ignore their upper bodies, our arms must be strong so we can pick up the fallen(Gal. 6:1), support the struggling(Rom. 15:1), and carry the burdens of the overwhelmed(Gal. 6:2). Our knees must be sturdy to support the weight of responsibility and opportunity we have as followers of Christ. Our path will not always be flat and smooth, so we must be steady and strong as we charge up hills and avoid obstacles.
Our power comes from a God who has been in the fitness business for quite a while. Way back, God spoke through Job to “strengthen feeble hands, support those who stumbled, and strengthen faltering knees”(Job 4:3-4). Centuries later, Isaiah commanded God’s people to “strengthen the feeble hands, and steady the knees that give way”(Is. 35:3). And here in Hebrews, we’re reminded to “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Arms and knees seem to be perpetual problem areas that should be exercised often.
Drop to the floor and lift up your hands.
Strength is built best by prayer and praise.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Counting Days
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
For the past several weeks, I stepped back. As summer’s schedule brought different responsibilities and opportunities, I shifted time away from something I love—writing—and turned it toward someone (or rather, “someones”) I love—my girls.
The days have been good. In and around youth camp, Vacation Bible School, and family trips near and far, we’ve talked, laughed, played, and watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy more times than I dare confess. I’ve been reminded of how quickly babies grow into ladies, and I’ve realized again that the treasures I hold in my heart mean much more than those I hold in my hands.
As I now resume writing and we ready for the start of school, I earnestly lift up the prayer of Moses. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”(Ps. 90:12). “Numbering our days aright” moves far beyond slashes on my calendar to the activities on my agenda. When the day is done, have I done it well? Have I invested my time, energy, thoughts, and talents in ways which show-off Jesus and share His joy? Have I kept the urgent from getting in the way of the important? And have I remembered that God’s greatest desires are for me to love Him and to love others—not to look out for myself?
Assessing each day with eternity in mind aids greatly in “gaining a heart of wisdom.” Honest consideration of what we do, why we do, and how we do helps us learn from yesterday how to live today. These weeks of summer have refreshed my spirit and renewed my commitment to God’s call in my life. It’s time to make sure those closest get my best. It’s time to let abundance replace busyness. It’s time to live out what I write down.
Don’t just count the days.
Make the days count.
For the past several weeks, I stepped back. As summer’s schedule brought different responsibilities and opportunities, I shifted time away from something I love—writing—and turned it toward someone (or rather, “someones”) I love—my girls.
The days have been good. In and around youth camp, Vacation Bible School, and family trips near and far, we’ve talked, laughed, played, and watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy more times than I dare confess. I’ve been reminded of how quickly babies grow into ladies, and I’ve realized again that the treasures I hold in my heart mean much more than those I hold in my hands.
As I now resume writing and we ready for the start of school, I earnestly lift up the prayer of Moses. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”(Ps. 90:12). “Numbering our days aright” moves far beyond slashes on my calendar to the activities on my agenda. When the day is done, have I done it well? Have I invested my time, energy, thoughts, and talents in ways which show-off Jesus and share His joy? Have I kept the urgent from getting in the way of the important? And have I remembered that God’s greatest desires are for me to love Him and to love others—not to look out for myself?
Assessing each day with eternity in mind aids greatly in “gaining a heart of wisdom.” Honest consideration of what we do, why we do, and how we do helps us learn from yesterday how to live today. These weeks of summer have refreshed my spirit and renewed my commitment to God’s call in my life. It’s time to make sure those closest get my best. It’s time to let abundance replace busyness. It’s time to live out what I write down.
Don’t just count the days.
Make the days count.
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