journey onWord with us

As a child, you were probably taught the great lesson of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (don’t you miss the youthful excitement of hearing stories like this one). For not serving the gods of Nebuchadnezzar, and worshipping the image of gold he had erected, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. Nebuchadnezzer got so mad, he ordered the furnace seven times hotter than usual. Imagine the life and death faith these men ran were tested with leading up to the epic moment of being thrown the furnace. Was the faith they modeled about the assurance of rescue, or about their undying trust in their God? As we answer that question, it will be obvious that there are parallels to journey experiences we face, only likely in cooler circumstances.

Daniel 3:17-18
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we
serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from
your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to
know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or
worship the image of gold you have set up.

Certain death would be their fate if “He does not.”  But “He did” miraculously protect them from the flames.  A great story to teach, but an even greater reality was the way that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego approached  the  moment of  truth with allegiance to our God. No matter what God would do, they would not bow down. Today or tomorrow on our journey, all of us will be confronted with an issue of faith. Like our friends from the Old Testament, we won’t know what the Father will choose to do. How will we navigate our epic moment(s)?  Obedient faith when we don’t know the outcome, is the choice we too can make … but will we?

Defining moments will test us to the core. And we can live with obedient hearts, even without knowing what the Father will choose. Whether you are a new believer or a long time servant, filling yourself with the Word will be great preparation for the moment. My experience has taught me that all the love, care and encouragement others can give will never take the place of letting God prepare us as we seek Him. Below are two verses I think the fiery furnace trio would have affirmed.  And I trust we all will, as well, as we remain steadfast in the Word preparing for our fiery moments.

Jeremiah 32:17
Ah, sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens
and the earth by your great power and outstretched
arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes
on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields
produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and
no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Strength;  he makes my feet
like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on to the heights.

Being certain that difficulties will come, should move us to the Truth. Be obedient!

Beginning a new week is like starting a new journey. You have a desired direction, but not complete confidence in how you will arrive at the “end of week” destination. Take last week for example. Did it look the same in the rear view mirror as you would have imagined on Monday? There were probably some twists and turns that were not envisioned. The problem with journey detours is that they tend to derail us emotionally and spiritually. Principles from can scripture give us the confidence we need to move beyond the daily rerouting.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

II Chronicles 16:9(a)
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

In principle, men and women of faith have security in these verses. But there is often a disconnect between our view of the verses, and their application in our lives. Every new week gives the opportunity for commitment to the Father’s purpose. In reading the words from Proverbs 16:3 “and your plans will succeed,” it has become apparent to me that the success the Father blesses me with, may be different from what I had desired. But based on the fact that I know His “eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him,” the daily detours aren’t as threatening.

We all fall down in our attempts to live this way, but getting up is part of the journey. An honest question would be, “how are you committing the events of your life to the Lord?”

More joy comes during our weekly journey when God becomes a priority, and doesn’t just get “fit in” when we have the time. The issue is not perfection, but a commitment to the daily process of growing with the Father.  And making that our highest priority. Look at the heart of two familiar friends from scripture, David and Jabez.

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning
I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

I Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would
bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be
with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be
free from pain.” And God granted his request.

David sought the Lord in the morning with an expectant heart.  And Jabez came to God with simple requests … and God granted his request. It is my conclusion that a heart like David’s, and praying like Jabez, just may be what you are looking for as you tackle the stress of each new week.

Today. It’s the day that will bring a new set of challenges. I am sure some of you feel like you have already had enough for one week. A week that is barely half over.  For me, the journey this week has been one adventure after another. My suitcase has still not arrived (nor my phone charger), the computers have been offline at work, and although I could continue, we’ll leave it at that. Your week probably is very similar. So how does our faith show itself strong when the days tend to sap energy from us? It is my firm conviction that the daily issues become great venues for showing that a relationship with Christ works. However, I must confess that the challenges sometimes take center stage and my faith gets pushed off stage.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Preparation for the day is key in letting our faith be pleasing to the Father. There is a direct correlation between how I seek the Lord, and how I handle the daily adventures. The psalmist shows us the desire we should all seek. When our mouths and hearts are pleasing to the Father, those around us will see a better picture of how faith works.

How is your preparation for each day? Is there a pattern of seeking, or do journey issues take center stage? Since daily challenges will never go away, a logical conclusion for each of us is to prepare our hearts to be pleasing to the Father, and then just let Him use us. Your world today needs to see biblical faith center stage.

None of us are sure just how the opportunities of today will be used by the Father. I can’t fix my yesterdays, but today is new and within my grasp. Someone will need what you have to offer because of your faith. Prepare with a heart that is seeking the Father, and the words will be pleasing.

James 4:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

The wisdom of the Father is available to those who seek Him. Today you can live out the scripture above, and then smile at the challenges God has used for His glory. Forget yesterday and live today.

Life can sometimes seem like one big waiting game.  Waiting in traffic, in the grocery line, or at a restaurant.  These are just of few of the “waiting” opportunities that fill our days.  Right now I am in waiting mode for my suitcase.  You see, while I may have returned home late this past Thursday night from an out-of-town trip, my suitcase did not.  And as of today (Sunday), my suitcase remains sequestered is some yet-to-be-known location.  Do you have any idea what it is like for a talkaholic to be without his cell phone charger?

But I am patiently waiting.  And I would venture to say that it’s likely you have your own waiting issue(s) that you are dealing with right now.  A suitcase is minor in the grand scheme of things, but waiting is a common swatch in the fabric of all our lives.  From the inconvenient (suitcase) to the critical, how should we view perpetual waiting?

It seems to me that God intended for waiting to be a beneficial part of our lives.  Taking a quick look at scripture you will find:

Abraham and Sarah waiting for the birth of Isaac!
Joseph honoring God, but waiting in a prison!
Caleb left waiting forty years outside the promise land through no fault of his own!
Moses spent a prolonged period waiting on the backside of the desert!
Jesus keeping Mary and Martha waiting after the death of Lazarus!

In looking at these instances, it becomes obvious that the Father intends to let his children be put on hold for His purposes.  It would be easy to create a clichéd answer as to why we go through prolonged seasons of waiting.  But being put on hold often hurts deeply and creates anxiety, so no clichés offered here.  From experience, I have concluded that I cannot adequately counsel another person with regards to a specific “waiting” in their life.  It is also my conclusion that without having a firm grip on God’s sovereignty and grace, most individuals will not wait well.  And does anyone really believe that without a consistent intake of His truth, they can find joy on the waiting journey?! To really know and trust the Father’s heart, discipline yourself in His Word.  And watch Him teach you what He has designed for you during the wait.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Isaiah 30:18
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Remember that as you wait patiently, (by letting the Father teach you daily in His Word) during tough times, a clearer perspective of His plans for you just might appear. And by the way, let the traffic jams and lost suitcases be opportunities to show Christ to a fallen world. Start today, because …

As I was crossing Alligator Alley last night, I was thinking about what a long stretch of dark, desolate, lonely terrain I was navigating.  It reminded me that we all have dark stretches in our lives. Can you  remember  a time when it seemed nothing would go right?  the heavens were closed to your prayers (surely God still knew  your name), and the time of difficultly seemed to be  endless?  We can all relate to those backside of the desert and wilderness experiences.  A question of primary importance is, how will we deal with these seasons of difficulty and testing going forward?

Even the casual reader of Scripture knows about Jesus being tempted in the desert.  Think about how this dark stretch of life transpired for Him.  First, it is an undeniable truth that the Spirit lead Him into the desert  to be tempted.  None of us can truly understand the depth of the Father’s desire to let His son go through such an extended period of difficultly.  During the forty days of fasting, Mark and Luke tell us that He was tempted by the devil.  He was with the wild animals and angels attended to Him (Mark 1:13).  It doesn’t get much more dark and stretch than that!  But in the Father’s design it was needed.  We can only imagine what the days were like: fasting, temptation, wild animals, angels and I would assume some intense and powerful time of intercession with His Father.  Our dark stretches cannot relate, but they are still tough.  By way of comparison, it is very instructive to see the method of defense Christ used at the crescendo of the battle.

If you are anything like me, you have wasted some great seasons of testing.  We tend to go through dark stretches with too much emotion and too little biblical insight.  I do know the Word.  But often in my journey, I avoid using it to my advantage, as the Father desires.  The pattern for Christ at the moment of truth was to use the Word.  I don’t think that was by coincidence.  He has given us a pattern that works. Satan tempted, and Jesus defended with Scripture (view Matthew  4:1-11).  I don’t see Him debating or avoiding the issue, just using the Word of God.  If you are a church attender, you may have heard sermons on the pattern Christ used.  But often the application was left at the church doors.  In your next dark stretch, or the one you are currently facing, are you willing to use Scripture as a defense against the assault of Satan?  Note a few great verses for defense …

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with
our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every
way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach
the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive
mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Knowing the verses and using them at the moment of truth doesn’t always happen. Christ models the way, and gives us the capacity through the Spirit to use the Word and win. Don’t worry about yesterdays failures, because …

You have your struggles, and I have mine. Life as we know it, will always have a new issue right around the corner. Because of these impending circumstances, our tendency is to exert a disproportionate amount of mental energy on our ourselves. Perhaps I should be more direct … we are selfish. Our encouragement on the journey, however, is that we can be men and women who acknowledge the difficultly of looking beyond our own needs, and consciously model the life of Christ … the greatest Giver.

As you start this week, your issues are before you.  But the world you live in has others with hurts, burdens, money struggles and a litany of other problems.  My challenge to you: will you take the counsel of the Father and selflessly reach out?  You don’t have to be compulsive in looking to meet needs, just be willing and look around.  What does the Word say?

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

I have been helped often by the healing touch of a friend’s counsel.  Without a doubt there are those today in your world who need a kind word.  Be a conduit of God’s grace.  Stepping beyond normal boundaries may be in the Lord’s design for you.  Some of you wonder how you can reach out, with so much already on your own plate.  But if as Mark 10:45 states: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”, how then can we ignore the opportunities to care that are placed before us.

If you are anything like me, when the spiritual energy is low, I want to look the other way.  But when I am down, “please, someone give me a word”. The truth is that we all need kind, healing words.  And as Christ followers, we also need to give them.  Isaiah 50:4 has an insightful take for anyone caring to reach out.

Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.  He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

I am impressed that those seeking to be fully devoted followers can have an instructed tongue (because of what you let the Father teach you).  That tongue will often know a word that will sustain the weary.  The design of God for believers is a life of giving, not just when we feel like it.  So use the grace you have received to be an avenue of healing for the weary. If you were in a season of difficulty, what would you need?  Someone in your life may need the same today.

Convincing another person of anything can be an effort in futility. Issues of incredible importance to me, often barely hit the radar screen of those in my world. How could that be when my positions are so well thought out? Reality says that I do understand diversity,  and appreciate that many come from different life perspectives. But wouldn’t the world be a better place if people saw things my (your) way. My biggest struggle is with issues of faith(which is where life really matters). Because I know that God’s Word changes lives, and that applying His truth is the key to a joyful journey, I get discouraged that there is so little passion for a fully devoted life.

In taking a hard look at a quote by Benjamin Franklin, I began to more clearly see the weakness in my thinking.

“People are best convinced by reasons they themselves discover.”
– Benjamin Franklin

I cannot transfer my relationship with Christ to another, nor can you. It is possible for others to see a brand of Christianity in my life that works, or be used to influence them on their journey. But to think that others will be convinced because they hear words like “prayer works”, “you can tithe and trust God with your money” or “give thanks in everything” is to over-inflate their importance.

Benjamin Franklin told us that most are convinced by reasons they personally discover. I have rarely had anyone debate the issue that the Bible is true, or that God is in control and will bless you if you serve Him. But life has taught me that I am not the great convincer.   So today I want to gently ask you to, “by faith” give the Bible a chance on your own. I am persuaded that you will discover that the real Convincer, the Holy Spirit, can radically bless and direct your life.

If you are a fully devoted follower: keep believing and growing!
If you are in Christ, but hurting: by faith, go to the Word and just trust it!
If you are in Christ, but drifting: commit by faith and try the Word with a new zeal!
If you are searching for answers: send us a note, and we will share His Word!

Psalm 19:7-11
The law the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; by keeping them there is great reward.

The above words are true, but don’t take it from me. The Father has a design for your life, and He can do the convincing He wants to do in your life. By faith give His Word a chance.  And don’t hesitate … start today!

So little of our lives is known to us in advance.  We live moment by moment, day by day, maybe paycheck to paycheck.  And you’ve probably felt at times like you just wished you knew what was coming down the road a bit.  Maybe you are searching for a life’s calling.  Maybe you’re vacillating over a major life decision that is contingent on something else that is completely out of your control.  Maybe you are just the type of person that needs to know.

The book of Acts, and more specifically chapters 20 and 21, give us an amazing account of a sold-out servant of God who knew exactly what was coming in his life.  Within these chapters, Paul begins to face his certain fate.  His life, post-conversion, has been on a collision course with Jerusalem.  And the certainty of persecution, suffering and ultimately death.  Paul knows what’s coming, and makes a bold and clear declaration in Acts 21:13 …

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping
and breaking my heart?  For I am ready not only
to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for
the name of the Lord Jesus.” (ESV)

The Message reads …

But Paul wouldn’t budge: “Why all this hysteria?  Why do you
insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me?
You’re looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not
what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the
Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can’t you see that?”

I love “you’re looking at this backward …”. Can’t you just hear Paul saying that?!  When I read that verse, I literally stopped.  And was overwhelmed with the reality of Paul’s sold-out dedication to the message of the gospel.  Especially in the face of his very real and certain fate.  He was walking a Jesus road.  A road that he shared with Stephen.  A trail blazed by his Lord, who also met His road with a full awareness of where it was leading to.  Christ did that for him (and for all of us), and Paul was doing it for Christ … and only Christ.  I feel in a place of amazing smallness and humility when I meditate on this.  Shaded by the immense shadow cast by a small man in service to the radiant Son.  I feel compelled, as I stand in this shadow, to put myself in a place of hypothetical substitution.  And ask, “Would I climb the foothills, knowing what I was getting into?”

In the midst of this question, there was another detail that struck me.  Namely, the topography of Paul’s road to Jerusalem.  To reach Jerusalem, Paul’s trip would involve a steep ascent.  How about the imagery of having to climb to his eventual fate?  Not a final shift into cruise control, but a downshift into four wheel drive to attain the height of ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Christ.

Standing at the foot of that hill, what would I do … What would you do, if we knew what we were getting into?

“Joy on the journey” are words that will resonate with all who will read this post. The Father’s design is for those who have accepted His gift of salvation and eternal life in Christ, to live with joy. But somehow our journey gets in the way. We all have unique stories about the struggles we face along our particular path. It may be our job, health issues, church problems, marital strife, or rebellious children, just to name of few. But our journeys tend to twist and turn, squeezing out the joy. Although we may not see many great examples of joy, it is absolutely available or the Father would not have said, “Be joyful always” (I Thessalonians).

As I contemplate on these words, it’s easy for me to become discouraged, because I certainly have not mastered the art of joy on the journey. The real issue before us, though, is not perfection, but the progress we are making. Too much of my journey has been about me trying to serve God with misplaced values. Noble as they were, praying to get things, studying the Word without getting to know God, and serving Him in my own strength didn’t produce what I believe is the depth of joy the Father desires. Your journey may be similar, and the good news is that God is the designer of joy, so let’s seek His blueprint.

Psalm 62:1
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And the earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, by God is the strength of my life.

Psalm 119:72
The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Is it possible to find rest in God alone? …Yes!  Is it possible to cherish His Word more than silver and gold? … Yes!  Is it possible to live with a deep conviction of His strength in all situations? … Yes!  The result:  JOY.

In my journey, I am learning to seek Him, before I seek what He can provide.  To study to know Him, and not just fulfill my religious duty.  And to quit trying so hard, because it is not about my energy, but His power.  Decide with me that you will discipline yourself to seek Him.  And then dedicate you life to knowing Him through the pages of His book, and watch how He begins to create joy on your journey.

Be simple enough to believe that if you consistently seek the Father, He will teach you how to navigate a joyful journey… “You have made us for yourself, Oh Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” – Augustine.  A new day awaits you, as you enjoy His joyful rest … Seek Him today.

And never forget that …

Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

When I think of something that would “pierce like a sword”, images of pain, blood and wounds flood my mind. I shudder to think that my words could have such a dreadful effect, but they can.  And of those who will read this post, I am certain many can remember a reckless word directed at them.  Even years ago … maybe back to childhood.

Truthfully, we have all landed on the “giving” side of the reckless word as well. Reckless words can come in the form of a curse word, gossip, harshness, or in a variety of other forms.  As believers in Jesus Christ, our challenge is to consistently speak healing words.  Observe the pattern …

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight? O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer.

Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Most of us interact daily with a variety of people.  Be it students, work associates, friends, or our family, the Father has a design for the way we respond to others.  Make no mistake, His goal is that we glorify Him.  And that definitely encompasses our words. The verses above clearly indicate that right words heal and cheer.  But so often our paradigm is how “I feel” and what “I want”, so we don’t reflect on the needs of others before speaking.  Healing words will come from the lips a man or woman who is other-centered.   Psalm 19:14 reflects the desire of David to have a mouth and heart that pleased the Lord.  If our heart is to please the Father, and we are willing to let his Word fill us, healing words will be at the core of our vocabulary.  We will seek out others to encourage, bless and honor.

It was stunning for me to find that the verb from which reckless was derived, is used in describing the hasty words that cost Moses his entrance into the land of Canaan.  Psalm 106:33 says, “for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses’ lips”.  Talk about consequences!  Wisdom has consequences also …

words that heal and change lives!