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During the past few months I have been corresponding with many friends and family who are struggling in their daily walk of life. Some are battling health issues, others are trying to make their next mortgage payment and some feel an overall sense of disillusionment toward the government. My first thought whenever I speak to someone who is discouraged is to direct them to Psalm 91, which contains some of the most beautiful words in the Bible. Let’s look at them for just a moment:
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling, For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”
At first glance you will notice that this Psalm is filled with wonderful words of comfort. They speak of God as the Protector of those who trust in Him. When we are in closest intimacy and communion with God we may be said to dwell in the secret place of the most High. Those who commune with God are safe with Him. No evil can reach them, for the outstretched wings of His power and love cover them from all harm.
The Psalm goes on to imply that whatever happens in this life, nothing of eternal consequence shall hurt the believer because he is safe in Christ. When trouble or affliction surface, it does not come to hurt the believer but is there for his good, even though it may be grievous to bear in the present moment. Those who rightly know God, will set their love upon Him and the Lord Himself promises to manage all the believer's worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth until it is time for him to leave and be with Jesus.
What a wonderful thought to know the Lord is in control of our lives at all times and that at the moment of our death we are safe and secure in Him who died for us and purchased for us a place in heaven. (John 14:2-3)
If you feel sad or depressed or have lost all hope, come to Psalm 91 and rest in the Prince of Peace.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Taking a Look at Purity in Light of Tiger Woods
Earlier today Tiger Woods made a 13 minute long public statement that included a public apology, an admission to having numerous affairs and his plan for becoming a better person by focusing more on the Buddhist faith he was raised with and continuing to meet with his therapists and rehabilitation counselors.
When the news first hit about Tiger Woods a few months ago, most people snickered and laughed to themselves as Tiger Woods proved what we all figured to be true about successful professional athletes - they have their share of women, lots of women, when they want and how often they want. But when you look closer at the revelations of Tiger Woods life, you see a person that was insatiable in his quest to fulfill his sexual appetites. In his statement, he said that given his success, he felt entitled to indulge every temptation that came his way with no inhibition. As he begins the long road of recovery, I wanted to take a look at what the Bible says about sexual purity and how one can have victory in this area of life as I think most people who are enslaved to sexual sin often feel helpless and a victim of their own desires.
The Bible says that sexual sin of any form begins first in the mind. Let’s look at Philippians 4: 8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” It is clear from this passage that sin, and for the purposes of our discussion sexual sin, is first conceived in the mind. The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul is strongly advising the Philippians to set their minds on the right things. This is of the utmost importance because it is a law of life that if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it and will eventually act on it.
Furthermore, Paul not only exhorts the Philippians to focus their mind on things that are good but is also urging them to cast out vain or impure thoughts at the same time. This is best achieved by recalling Scriptures. Don’t just read the Word, mediate on the Word. Reading is the exposure to Scripture, but meditation is the absorption of Scripture. It's this absorption that leads to the transformation of our lives. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)
Once the mind is secure in the Word of God, the next step is to protect what we put into our minds. As John MacArthur once stated, don’t make your mind a trash dump. The Internet, TV, radio, movies and magazines are filled with sexual images and rhetoric that will pollute a pure mind. Be careful of exposure to things that will fill the mind with filth.
Lastly, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul warns Timothy to “flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22). According to John MacArthur the word “flee” in this passage is the Greek word “pheugo” from which we get the word fugitive. Paul is saying that he is a fugitive from all that defiles, all that corrupts and all that stains and blights. They are youthful lusts because they begin in youth, not because they end there. They are those lusts that are activated as someone becomes an adult and are so powerful that they remain. Paul simply says to run away from these temptations as fast as you can as the human will is weak, especially in this area.
Of course there is so much more that could be said on this subject but I am afraid it would take several more posts. That being said, as I watched Tiger deliver his speech, I wondered if any of his most gratifying escapades compared with the devastating thought of losing his wife and children. There is a great saying that bears much truth on this subject, “Sin will take you further than you want to go. It will keep you longer than you want to stay and it will cost you more than you want to pay.”
I hope and pray that if anyone is struggling in this area that this blog would help you to achieve victory through the power of the Word of God.
When the news first hit about Tiger Woods a few months ago, most people snickered and laughed to themselves as Tiger Woods proved what we all figured to be true about successful professional athletes - they have their share of women, lots of women, when they want and how often they want. But when you look closer at the revelations of Tiger Woods life, you see a person that was insatiable in his quest to fulfill his sexual appetites. In his statement, he said that given his success, he felt entitled to indulge every temptation that came his way with no inhibition. As he begins the long road of recovery, I wanted to take a look at what the Bible says about sexual purity and how one can have victory in this area of life as I think most people who are enslaved to sexual sin often feel helpless and a victim of their own desires.
The Bible says that sexual sin of any form begins first in the mind. Let’s look at Philippians 4: 8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” It is clear from this passage that sin, and for the purposes of our discussion sexual sin, is first conceived in the mind. The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul is strongly advising the Philippians to set their minds on the right things. This is of the utmost importance because it is a law of life that if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it and will eventually act on it.
Furthermore, Paul not only exhorts the Philippians to focus their mind on things that are good but is also urging them to cast out vain or impure thoughts at the same time. This is best achieved by recalling Scriptures. Don’t just read the Word, mediate on the Word. Reading is the exposure to Scripture, but meditation is the absorption of Scripture. It's this absorption that leads to the transformation of our lives. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)
Once the mind is secure in the Word of God, the next step is to protect what we put into our minds. As John MacArthur once stated, don’t make your mind a trash dump. The Internet, TV, radio, movies and magazines are filled with sexual images and rhetoric that will pollute a pure mind. Be careful of exposure to things that will fill the mind with filth.
Lastly, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul warns Timothy to “flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22). According to John MacArthur the word “flee” in this passage is the Greek word “pheugo” from which we get the word fugitive. Paul is saying that he is a fugitive from all that defiles, all that corrupts and all that stains and blights. They are youthful lusts because they begin in youth, not because they end there. They are those lusts that are activated as someone becomes an adult and are so powerful that they remain. Paul simply says to run away from these temptations as fast as you can as the human will is weak, especially in this area.
Of course there is so much more that could be said on this subject but I am afraid it would take several more posts. That being said, as I watched Tiger deliver his speech, I wondered if any of his most gratifying escapades compared with the devastating thought of losing his wife and children. There is a great saying that bears much truth on this subject, “Sin will take you further than you want to go. It will keep you longer than you want to stay and it will cost you more than you want to pay.”
I hope and pray that if anyone is struggling in this area that this blog would help you to achieve victory through the power of the Word of God.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Beautiful Love Story
While I was reading the news on boston.com yesterday, I found a list of the 20 most romantic movies of all time. My first thought was how difficult it would be to just pick 20. After reading the list, I got to thinking about what makes a truly great love story and why we fall for these stories every time.
As usual, my thought pattern led me to the Bible and specifically to the Book of Ruth. At the start of this month, the Pastor of my church decided that he was going to preach through this little gem of a book that is widely considered to be the Bible’s most-loved love story. The book itself is only four chapters long and is set during the time of the Judges. In stark contrast to Judges, the book of Ruth shows us a community that did what was right in God’s eyes during a time when most people were following their own sinful desires.
A peculiar charm attaches to the story making it especially attractive to the most casual reader. It is a love story of other days in which sorrow and joy, failure and devotedness, life and death, are intermingled, all leading to the much anticipated wedding day and the birth of an heir who ultimately ends up within the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The very setting of the story is restful to the spirit as we are carried away into pastoral scenes to find ourselves in company with harvesters and gleaners. Throughout the story we see God’s providential hand brining Ruth (the main character of the story) and Boaz (a field owner) together and blessing Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi in the process.
I have often wondered why Hollywood has never tried to capture this unbelievably moving story on the big screen. If they can take something as dark and sinister as vampires and create an epic love story that has teenagers flocking by the thousands, I have to believe they could create a modernized version of the Book of Ruth and have similar success.
Please comment and let me know your favorite Bible love story. You know mine. :-)
As usual, my thought pattern led me to the Bible and specifically to the Book of Ruth. At the start of this month, the Pastor of my church decided that he was going to preach through this little gem of a book that is widely considered to be the Bible’s most-loved love story. The book itself is only four chapters long and is set during the time of the Judges. In stark contrast to Judges, the book of Ruth shows us a community that did what was right in God’s eyes during a time when most people were following their own sinful desires.
A peculiar charm attaches to the story making it especially attractive to the most casual reader. It is a love story of other days in which sorrow and joy, failure and devotedness, life and death, are intermingled, all leading to the much anticipated wedding day and the birth of an heir who ultimately ends up within the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The very setting of the story is restful to the spirit as we are carried away into pastoral scenes to find ourselves in company with harvesters and gleaners. Throughout the story we see God’s providential hand brining Ruth (the main character of the story) and Boaz (a field owner) together and blessing Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi in the process.
I have often wondered why Hollywood has never tried to capture this unbelievably moving story on the big screen. If they can take something as dark and sinister as vampires and create an epic love story that has teenagers flocking by the thousands, I have to believe they could create a modernized version of the Book of Ruth and have similar success.
Please comment and let me know your favorite Bible love story. You know mine. :-)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Heaven Is Where Jesus Is
This week I was listening to Pastor David Jeremiah on WEZE radio as he began a series called “Discovering the Mysteries of Heaven.” He said he felt compelled to preach on this topic because even though heaven is referenced many times during sermons and within the Bible he felt many people still do not have a clear understanding of what heaven actually is and what Christians will be doing there throughout eternity. You can listen to the series by going to his Website and clicking on the Radio tab.
What I wanted to discuss here was a principle that Pastor Jeremiah shared yesterday during his second sermon on heaven. He had said that throughout all his study on the topic there was one Spiritual truth that was woven throughout all the Scriptures. As he shared this principle he began to cry as he said it was impossible for him to share it without emotion. What he went on to say really touched me and I hope it will bless you as well.
He said that heaven is where Jesus is. Heaven is where Jesus is. On the surface this appears to be a simple truth but when you really comtemplate it and realize that we will be with Jesus forever, it may be the most glorious truth in all of the Bible.
He went on to say that the Scriptures speak more of the person of Jesus in relation to heaven than the place itself. For example, in John 14:2-3 Jesus states, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” It is interesting to notice that Jesus never talks about the place of heaven in specifics in this passage other than the mansions but he does emphasize that He will come to get his followers at the time of their death and take them to be with Him.
This same thought is echoed again by Jesus in the gospel of Luke as he tells the thief on the cross who had just recognized Jesus as Savior, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
The Apostle Paul also speaks about being with Jesus after death in his second letter to the Corinthian church, “We walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5: 7-8) Paul again speaks about his life with Christ after death in his letter to the Christians at the church of Philippi, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:21-23) Paul rarely, if ever, talks about the physical aspects of heaven throughout his epistles. His focus is always on leaving this world and being with the Lord. For Him, the thought of just being with the Lord was heaven.
Over this past year, I have come to acutely understand this marvelous reality that heaven is where Jesus is. Previously in my Christian life, I used to focus on the place of heaven, imagining the many mansions, the streets of gold, the pearly gates. I also used to ponder living life without disease, sorrow or the fear of death. While all of these things are wonderful aspects of heaven, the quintessential truth that trumps them all is the thought of being with Jesus – simply being with the Savior in a glorified body, free of government, free of sin, and most of all free to worship the King of Kings, the Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace throughout all eternity. Wherever Jesus is, is good enough for me.
What I wanted to discuss here was a principle that Pastor Jeremiah shared yesterday during his second sermon on heaven. He had said that throughout all his study on the topic there was one Spiritual truth that was woven throughout all the Scriptures. As he shared this principle he began to cry as he said it was impossible for him to share it without emotion. What he went on to say really touched me and I hope it will bless you as well.
He said that heaven is where Jesus is. Heaven is where Jesus is. On the surface this appears to be a simple truth but when you really comtemplate it and realize that we will be with Jesus forever, it may be the most glorious truth in all of the Bible.
He went on to say that the Scriptures speak more of the person of Jesus in relation to heaven than the place itself. For example, in John 14:2-3 Jesus states, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” It is interesting to notice that Jesus never talks about the place of heaven in specifics in this passage other than the mansions but he does emphasize that He will come to get his followers at the time of their death and take them to be with Him.
This same thought is echoed again by Jesus in the gospel of Luke as he tells the thief on the cross who had just recognized Jesus as Savior, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
The Apostle Paul also speaks about being with Jesus after death in his second letter to the Corinthian church, “We walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5: 7-8) Paul again speaks about his life with Christ after death in his letter to the Christians at the church of Philippi, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:21-23) Paul rarely, if ever, talks about the physical aspects of heaven throughout his epistles. His focus is always on leaving this world and being with the Lord. For Him, the thought of just being with the Lord was heaven.
Over this past year, I have come to acutely understand this marvelous reality that heaven is where Jesus is. Previously in my Christian life, I used to focus on the place of heaven, imagining the many mansions, the streets of gold, the pearly gates. I also used to ponder living life without disease, sorrow or the fear of death. While all of these things are wonderful aspects of heaven, the quintessential truth that trumps them all is the thought of being with Jesus – simply being with the Savior in a glorified body, free of government, free of sin, and most of all free to worship the King of Kings, the Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace throughout all eternity. Wherever Jesus is, is good enough for me.
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