He Is Still There

“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.  But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.” (2Ch 15:3-4 AV)

These words were from the prophet to King Asa of Judah.  Of Israel, the prophet refers to the ten tribes.  Not the entire nation as a whole.  His point to the king was God’s grace extends even to those who have long since forgotten Him.  He will shed His mercy on those who have turned their back on Him for generations as long as they repent and turn back.  This is the hope of all who call upon the name of Jesus.  There is no place where God will not come to rescue His wandering children.  Even the prodigal was not without hope.  Israel had left God for generations.  If I am not mistaken, these words were penned three generations after the split.  For over one hundred years, the north had abandoned worship in Jerusalem and had worshiped golden calves set up in Bethel and Dan.  They had removed all the Levitical priests from their territory and set up priests of the lowest of the people.  They had, for a long time, turned their backs on God.  Yet God, because of their repentance, met with them again.  What an encouragement for those who have fallen away.  God has never changed and is still there to welcome you back.

Many times I have had to sit down with parents whose children have left the church and left the faith.  They are no longer practicing Christians.   They live as though they have never received Christ and their baptism was meaningless.  They went to Sunday school, attended Christian school, and never seemed to give their parents any problems.  Yet once they leave the home, they lose all interest in the faith in which they were raised.  These distraught parents beat themselves up and place the entire blame for their children’s apathy on poor parenting.  Perhaps some things contributed to their children leaving the church.  Perhaps not.  There is one thing for sure.  These children have wills of their own and even the most successful parent can lose a child.  There are no guarantees where free will is involved.  The tormented parents often give up hope.  But there is no reason to.  More times than not, if the child is genuinely saved, he or she will return.  It may take almost an entire lifetime, but they will.  And the beautiful thing about it is when God and the church welcome them back with open arms.

When I read these verses above, I could not help but remember the times I was not perfectly walking with God.  There were times in my life when I was not as close to God as I should have been.  There were times when my flesh ruled the day.  Everyday.  There were times when I went through the motions and the Spirit was not the active influence in my life.  These times could last a long time.  Yet, one constant remained.  When I repented and sought the LORD with my whole heart, He was there.  When I forsook my sin and returned with a humble heart, He was always ready to forgive and reconcile.  We serve a great and loving God who will always welcome back His erring child.  No sin could separate us from the love of God.  God has never moved.  We have.  All we need to do is confess and forsake.  He will bring us back.

P.S. don't forget our contest.  Win a $20 gift card for signing up the most new followers to this blog.  Have them leave a comment mentioning your name and the winner will be announced at the end of the month.

Preparing for The Appointment

“And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.” (2Ch 12:14 AV)

Rehoboam was the first king of Judah once the split between the North and South occurred.  His reign was a reign of mixed results.  There were accolades and there was criticism.  Is in the verse above.  When he started out, the Bible is very flattering concerning his life and reign.  However, toward the end of his life, the above characteristic was true.  As I read this verse, however, I thought of a more practical application than leading a nation.  When we sit down to read our Bibles, do we spend a bit of time preparing our hearts before we dive right in?  How much prayer do we offer before the pages of the word of God are opened?  How much soul searching comes before our spiritual meal and opposed to during it?  I know.  The word of God is that instrument wherein we examine our hearts.  The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts as we read and search the scriptures.  We search the word of God because we need to change.  Sure.  But what kind of preparation do we exercise before the examination begins?

As anyone who has gone to the doctor knows, one doesn’t simply show up and have an exam.  There is much work that precedes it.  The first is all the paperwork that goes into a simple visit.  There are forms to fill out.  There is history to share.  There are references and referrals that are noted.  All this has to go into the database.  The office worker gives us the same checklist to fill out every time we go.  We have medical questions that are asked.  Then there is all the preliminary lab work that goes into the final appointment.  There are blood and urine tests.  There might be a swab or two.  There might be a scan here and there.  These results are also logged and shared with the physician’s office.  On the day of the visit, personal hygiene is a concern.  We know the doctor will poke and prod in places no one else would ever consider.  He will see parts of us that even our parents have never seen.  Therefore, we are showered, powdered, and dressed well.   We arrive and we have to check in at the receptionist’s desk.  We are asked COVID questions, and contact information, and payment is made.  We clean our hands with the antiseptic and finally sit down.  When our name is called we are ushered to the scale.  We sit in the exam room while the practitioner asks us more questions and our blood pressure is checked.  We wait some more.  Finally, the doctor arrives and our exam can begin.  There is a lot of prep work that goes into our meeting with the doctor.

We seek the LORD before we take the time to prepare to seek the LORD.  We do not approach His presence with humility.  Rather, we approach waiting for Him to humble us.  We do not search our motives.  We do not question our condition.  We come to the LORD as a child comes to the dinner table without first washing his hands.  We run right in with the filth of the world clinging to our souls and then sit down, expecting God to speak with us.  Rehoboam failed because he obeyed the LORD, yet without preparing his heart to do so.  He had a form of godliness but denied the power thereof.  Rehoboam did not take the time to slow down and commune with God before he communed with God.  He did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD.

P.S. twenty-five days to win a $20 gift card.  Sign up your friends as followers of this blog and you could win.  Just have them leave a comment and refer you.  Winner will be announced at the end of the month.

God Appreciates Intentions

“But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:” (2Ch 6:8 AV)

 What a refreshing and encouraging thing to know God recognizes and appreciates our good intentions.  David was a man after God’s own heart.  David loved the LORD more than most.  He may have had his issues, but when he fell, he was sensitive enough to the voice of God to repent and recommit to obedience and faith.  David’s motive was always the glory of God.  This was his nature from his youth.  When he faced Goliath, it was for the glory of God.  When he ran from Saul to preserve the kingdom, it was for the glory of God.  When he refused to take the life of Saul, it was for the glory of God.  Everything he did was for the glory of God and not for himself.  So, when it came to the temple versus the current Tabernacle, David wanted to build something more suitable for the glory of God and what God did for the nation than a temporary tent-like structure.  David’s heart, ambition, and desire were all in the right place.  It simply wasn’t his calling in life.  God called David to be a warrior.  Not a builder.  That would be his son.  What God didn’t do was correct David for having a desire outside of his calling.  In fact, God acknowledged this and appreciated this.  What an encouragement.

We have seen this is our children.  Although not quite the same, it applies.  It is their regular desire to do something which they are incapable of doing.  Maybe it is making breakfast for their parents to enjoy in bed.  They get up early and plan their strategy.   If all it consisted of was a bowl of cereal and orange juice, it might be a success.  However, they have the idea of making a full hot breakfast.  So they get out the bacon or sausage.  They fry it up in a pan.  Then comes the eggs.  They always turn out scrambled even though they were aiming for sunnyside up.  Bread goes in the toaster.  There are Eggo waffles that follow.  Maple syrup is poured over the whole thing.  They brew coffee but have no idea how many scoops of grounds go into the maker.  When they are all done, onto tv trays it is all placed.  When you look at it, you don’t see the burnt toast and eggs.  You don’t see the underdone sausage.  You don’t see the coffee with floating grounds in it.  When you go out into the kitchen, you don’t see a room where a bomb went off.  You don’t see all the extra work they caused you.  What you see is the heart behind the effort.  You see the genuine expression of love they shared even though they were not qualified to do as such.

This was not a perfect example, but it does get the thought across.  We may have it in our hearts to do something for the LORD, but it is not our calling.  We may want to serve in a certain way, but that is not of the LORD.  We may want to sacrifice or leave something behind for the glory of God, but it is not God’s will for us.  Over the years, I have had several men desire to serve in an office not meant for them.  What we did not do was correct or chasten them for the desire to do something for God that was not meant for them.  Rather, the desire is admirable.  Even if we cannot go on the mission field, God is pleased that we are willing to do so.  Even if we cannot surrender to preach, the desire to do so is admirable.  Even if it doesn’t work out that we can work full-time on a church staff, the fact that we wanted to is something God appreciates.  God does not belittle our desire to do what we cannot do.  He celebrates it.  The disappointment of not being able to do what is on our hearts is punitive enough.  God desires to show you how much He is pleased that you want to please Him and does not take it lightly.

P.S.  Remember, we are looking for more followers.  The future of this blog depends on it.  Please consider encouraging your friends and family to follow this blog.  The individual who signs up the most in the month of April will earn a $20 gift card.  Have them leave a message to let us know who influenced them to become a follower.  New followers can also get in on the action.  Let's see how may we can minister to through this blog.

Humble Service

“But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” (2Ch 2:6 AV)

The humility of Solomon is admirable here.  David prepared to build the temple of the LORD but was forbidden to do so.  Because God called David to be a warrior, building a temple to the name of the LORD would have given the wrong impression.  The temple would have framed God as a God of war, dominance, and control.  Rather, the temple was to be erected by a king whose kingdom would be marked by prosperity and peace.  Mercy was the impression God wanted the world to see.  Not dominance.  This privilege fell on Solomon.  David had prepared every piece for constructing and operating the temple.  All Solomon had to do was assemble it.  All of the work was done but to organize the construction of the building.  David had bought the parcel upon which the temple would rest.  He had the smiths fit every piece.  David brought the ark.  It was all set.  All the temple needed was a man qualified to put it all together and dedicate it.  Solomon may have been tempted to be a bit disconnected from the significance of what he was doing.  This makes the humility showed above even more impressive.  Solomon felt honored to be part of something no matter the responsibility or input he had.  Just being part of the process was significant to him.

When I was a young man, our city celebrated 150 years of the existence of the Erie Barge Canal.  The city put on a five-night pageant relaying the history of the canal.  Our sesquicentennial celebration was a collaboration of many different organizations.  Our two city High Schools met and practiced music.  The bands performed under one director.  Our historical society organized the drama and narrative of the pageant.  Mostly, the impact our different cultural groups had on our history and the building of the Erie Barge Canal.  Attendance was huge.  People from all over western N.Y. came out to see this production.  There were thousands every night.  Some contributions were significant.  Others, in the whole scope of the play, seemed rather minor.  Such was the case with my participation.  The city had asked our boy scout and cub scout troops to be involved in the pageant.  Our troop number was four.  This means of the thousand, if not tens of thousands of Boy and Cub Scout troops, ours was the fourth oldest in the country.  Boy Scouts was founded in 1911 which means the history of our troops was almost as old as the city itself.  Simply amazing.  As the fourth oldest troops in the nation, we had the privilege to present colors at the beginning of the pageant.  My father selected different boys to do this honor.  Each night of the pageant, some of us walked out to the middle of the field as the national anthem was played.  We posted colors and then retreated backstage.  I had the privilege of doing so almost the entire week.  It was so small and insignificant, it would be easy to allow the importance of what I was doing to pass.  Not so.  To be part of something so big, no matter how small my part was, was tremendous.

We don’t have to be the originator or the front person of something big to be an important part of it.  Paul tells us the more comely parts often have the greater significance.  Solomon felt privileged and humbled that he got to be part of something bigger than himself.  His dad did most of the work.  That wasn’t important to him.  The fact he could organize construction workers and establish the temple and order of operation that his father had set up was just as much an honor as if he did all that David had done.  Solomon did not need to be top dog.  He did not need to be in front of the crowd.  He did not need all the accolades.  He did not need his name on the project.  That was all for David.  All he wanted to do was to be part of something God was doing.  Being humbled with anything God asks us to do is the goal here.  I wonder what happened to Solomon.  It wouldn’t be too far removed from this project that pride entered his heart and he used high places instead of the magnificent temple he helped to erect.  Humility is something to be guarded.  It should never be taken for granted.

P.S. Don't forget the contest!  Encourage your friends and family to be followers of this blog and you could win a $20 gift card!

God's Ministry of Examination

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” (1Ch 28:9 AV)

There are two ways we can look at the phrase above.  We can look at is punitive.  That is, we can see it as God’s way of examining what is wrong in the heart and mind so that He might correct it through chastening.  This is certainly valid.  The Bible repeatedly states God’s eyes walk to and fro throughout the whole world to try the hearts of men.  However, there is another way in which we can look at this.  We can see it as a ministry of the LORD on our hearts and minds.  We can see it as an opportunity to entertain constructive criticism that would benefit the way in which we love God.  We can see the examining ministry of the Holy Spirit in one of two ways.  The first may be necessary and initially unwelcome.  Afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.  But we can also consider this ministry as an extension of God’s love toward us in that we can be proactive, correcting and growing in ways we wouldn’t otherwise grow.   When I read this passage this morning, I didn’t take it as though God was standing there with a paddle, warning Solomon that the only relationship they share is as a parent lording over his child with only correction as the foundation.   Rather, I see this statement as a tender one.  A statement of encouragement.

When I think of this application, I think of a father and son working on a project in which he is an expert and the son is learning.  Perhaps they are building a car together.   They buy the chassis and begin to shop for parts.  They begin by reinforcing the chassis.  They rid the chassis of all rust and weld the joints to a stronger condition in which they found it.  Every step of the way, dad inspects the work.  He acknowledges the good work which his son did.  But he also points out areas that could use a bit more effort.  They move on to the mechanics.  First, they work on the undercarriage.  It would be easier than dropping in the engine and transmission first.  This way, they don’t have to work around it.  Again, each step of the way, dad makes a big deal out of those things that were done perfectly and goes over those that are not up to standard.  The brake lines are installed. Electronic carriages are put in place.  The cables are strung.  The pedals are connected to the undercarriage.  Often the interior is installed at this point.  Lastly, come the transmission and engine.  This often takes the greatest work of all components.  Especially if the engine or transmission is being built from the ground up.  Special tools are used.  Measurements are taken and checked several times.  Dad wants to make sure his boy does everything perfectly.  This examination is not for correction from deliberate error. Rather, it is meant to help his son learn facts and skills that will make him a better man.

God’s examining eyes can be both.  They can be punitive.  But they don’t always have to be.  Like a father looking over the shoulder of his son to help him learn, the ministry of examination is made available to us as well.  The psalmist says,  “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” (Ps 26:2 AV)  We want the LORD to examine us so that sin might be vanquished from our hearts.  Obviously.  But it was like my time in the Boy Scouts.  We learned to tie many different knots.  When we thought we had it right, we would ask my father, who was the Scout Master, to examine our work.  We wanted encouragement when we succeeded.  But we also wanted to know if we had done it right.  It takes a great deal of maturity to seek God’s examining eye.  One becomes vulnerable in the process.  Yet, this experience is an awesome one. When the LORD looks over our shoulders and offers to show us the right way, we need not take offense.  It is meant in love and should be received as such.  I for one am grateful for a Father who loves me enough not to allow me to stay what I am.  Praise be to God.

P.S.  Don't forget the contest we are running for the month of April.  Sign up you friends as a follower to this blog and you could win a $20 gift card.  Winner will be announced at the end of the month.

Pray For Your Leaders

“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” (1Ch 21:1 AV)

 

When the Devil hates a group of people, his target usually becomes their leader.  If he can topple the leader, the sheep will scatter.  Yet, time and again, this proves to be wrong.  Moses struck the rock several times rather than speaking to it.  God judged him for it, yet the people still followed.  Solomon went after strange wives and God split the kingdom in two.  Yet the people still followed.  Jacob passed away and the brothers thought that was the end of them.  Yet Joseph forgave them and they thrived in Egypt.  Most of all, Satan crucified Christ and the disciples scattered.  But only for a bit.  Soon thereafter, they enjoyed a fish fry on the beach with Jesus.  The point is, when the Devil hates a group of people, he attacks their leader.  It may have short-term consequences, but in the long run, it only makes God’s people stronger. Not weaker.

We know of several large works whose leader fell away.  Yet today, they are thriving.  To remain discrete, I will not mention them by name, but I know of several very large works whose leaders did some very bad things.  God judged the man and the work for these things.  Yet, God loves His people and reclamation, redemption, and reconciliation in the heart of His work towards the children of men.  These works not only overcame the foolish decisions of their leaders but thrived as a result.  They went from a semi-large work to a larger one.  This is not to excuse the actions of these men.  No doubt, they caused harm to the work of God and individual sheep as well.  They will have to account for this before God.  But the sheep are not hopelessly victimized by the poor example of their leaders.  As long as they continue with a heart for God, the LORD will send someone whom they can trust and they will be the better for it despite what happened.

However, there is another word of caution here.  David was at the end of his life.  His battles were won.  Because of pride, he wanted to know how much God had blessed him.  David was ripe for temptation from the Devil.  The people did not need to rest from their battles.  They needed to shift the field.  The temporal battles may have been won, but the spiritual ones continue.  We need to pray for our leaders because the Devil, even though he knows it is a losing strategy, will still target the leaders.  The people will survive.  There will be no lasting damage.  But there is short-term harm that can result.  So, pray for your leader.  Know that he is a target beyond what you can comprehend.  There are troubles, trials, and temptations that face him that the laymen can only begin to understand.  Prayer for your husbands, pastors, and civil leaders.  They have a bull’s eye on their backs and are constantly harassed by the enemy.  Pray for them.  Fast for them.  They need it more than you will ever know.

P.S.  Sign up your friends and family to follow my blog.  Have them leave a comment and reference you.  The one who signs up the most for the month of April wins a $20 gift card.

Regardless of What God Does

“Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.” (1Ch 19:13 AV)

 

Note the phrase following the colon.  The speaker here is leaving the results up to God.  The results are not the reason they need to have courage and fight valiantly.  The enemy is of no consequence.  It doesn’t matter to who the speaker is referring.  It might be those of Gath.  It might be the Ammonites.  It might be the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem.  The enemy does not matter.  What matters is the principle.  God promised to give them the land many generations prior.  Canaan belonged to Abraham and his descendants.  Those who inhabited the land at the time of this writing were squatters.  Worse, they were idol worshippers of the worst kind.  They did not belong in the holy land of Almighty God.  It was the principle of the thing.  Too many times we look at the cost of a thing and if victory is assured before we will stand.  This is not bravery.  This is not valiance.  This is a calculated risk.  If we are going to stand then let us do so on principle.  Not on guaranteed results.  Let God be God and we, His people.  This is the message of the speaker above.

These men were committed.  It didn’t matter what God was going to do or not.  It reminds me of the three children of Israel thrown into the furnace of fire.  It didn’t matter whether God was going to rescue them or not.  They were bound and determined to not bow down to an idol.  If God rescued them from the furnace, all the better.  But this was a battle worth fighting.  This also reminds me of Peter.  When he was arrested the authorities asked him if his arrest and imprisonment would discourage further preaching.  His answer was a resounding no.  In fact, he did not feel worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ.  Men like this are all in.  If God gives victory, all the better.  If not, they are still all in.

Our resolve defines who and what we are.  Our resolve defines our faith.  What are we willing to do for the honor of God regardless of what He does or does not do?  David is calling to arms all those who would fight for him.  He is calling to arms all those who are brave enough to fight without any guarantees.  David is sharpening the sword.  He is planning his move.  He prays for God’s blessings and deliverance.  He is expecting God to come through, but he does not need irrefutable proof that God will do so.  His battle is one that he will fight.  No matter what, this giant is coming down.  He has five stones and he needs only one.  He throws the stone and if it hits, it hits.  If not, he will think on his feet.  He asks the question, “Is there not a cause”?  The giant had defied the God of Israel. That was principle enough.  This had to be answered.  This is a man who acts on principle and character.  There is no middle ground.  No giving in.  If he is going down, he is going down swinging.  We may have to make up our minds rather soon where we are in the fight for godliness and the freedom to preach.  The time is coming rather soon when the world will shut our doors and throw us in jail.  It is coming really soon.  What will we do?  Will we pray for assurance from God that all will be well?  Or, will we charge in regardless of what God may or may not do?  Time to make up our minds.

P.S. don't forget our contest for the month of April.  Help celebrate my birthday by signing up your friends and family to my blog.  The individual who signs up the most will win a $20 gift card.  Just have them mention you be submitting a comment with your name.  Winner will be announced at the end of the month.