A word from God

I'm reading through the book of Jeremiah as part of my daily reading and have come to chapter 23. It's a profound chapter addressing the problems of their day AND ours. God says to Jeremiah,


Jer 23:23 "Am I not a God near at hand"--GOD's Decree-- "and not a God far off?
Jer 23:24 Can anyone hide out in a corner where I can't see him?" GOD's Decree. "Am I not present everywhere, whether seen or unseen?" GOD's Decree.
Jer 23:25 "I know what they're saying, all these prophets who preach lies using me as their text, saying 'I had this dream! I had this dream!'
Jer 23:26 How long do I have to put up with this? Do these prophets give two cents about me as they preach their lies and spew out their grandiose delusions?
Jer 23:27 They swap dreams with one another, feed on each other's delusive dreams, trying to distract my people from me just as their ancestors were distracted by the no-god Baal.
Jer 23:28 "You prophets who do nothing but dream-- go ahead and tell your silly dreams. But you prophets who have a message from me-- tell it truly and faithfully. What does straw have in common with wheat? Nothing else is like GOD's Decree.
Jer 23:29 Isn't my Message like fire?" GOD's Decree. "Isn't it like a sledgehammer busting a rock?
Jer 23:30 "I've had it with the 'prophets' who get all their sermons secondhand from each other.
Jer 23:31 Yes, I've had it with them. They make up stuff and then pretend it's a real sermon.
Jer 23:32 "Oh yes, I've had it with the prophets who preach the lies they dream up, spreading them all over the country, ruining the lives of my people with their cheap and reckless lies. "I never sent these prophets, never authorized a single one of them. They do nothing for this people--nothing!" GOD's Decree.
Jer 23:33 "And anyone, including prophets and priests, who asks, 'What's GOD got to say about all this, what's troubling him?' tell him, 'You, you're the trouble, and I'm getting rid of you.'" GOD's Decree.
Jer 23:34 "And if anyone, including prophets and priests, goes around saying glibly 'GOD's Message! GOD's Message!' I'll punish him and his family.
Jer 23:35 "Instead of claiming to know what GOD says, ask questions of one another, such as 'How do we understand GOD in this?'
Jer 23:36 But don't go around pretending to know it all, saying 'God told me this . . . God told me that. . . .' I don't want to hear it anymore. Only the person I authorize speaks for me. Otherwise, my Message gets twisted, the Message of the living GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies.
Jer 23:37 "You can ask the prophets, 'How did GOD answer you? What did he tell you?'
Jer 23:38 But don't pretend that you know all the answers yourselves and talk like you know it all. I'm telling you: Quit the 'God told me this . . . God told me that . . .' kind of talk.
Jer 23:39 "Are you paying attention? You'd better, because I'm about to take you in hand and throw you to the ground, you and this entire city that I gave to your ancestors. I've had it with the lot of you.
Jer 23:40 You're never going to live this down. You're going down in history as a disgrace."

• It's amazing- I hear that God is speaking to the church today as well! I hear it from Christians often, "The Lord told me...." and off they go on some wonderful new revelation, but when I ask them if they are spending time in God's word I must tell you that I am greatly disappointed. Most Christians I run into do not spend time in God's word AT ALL! I am really disappointed by that. If this is true in other parts of the church in America we are in trouble.
• No one is willing to invest their time in the living word of God, but indulge new revelations like a wonderful piece of candy. It's almost as if they do not really want to hear what God really says, but would rather get some "word from God" to direct them and short-cut the very book God gave the church to help us grow up.
• I am tired of it. I am tired of hearing "The Lord told me" (when I know, after I hear what he supposedly said, that he didn't speak to them at all!) I am tired of people not caring enough about God to take even 5 minutes to spend in his word. I'm tired of the very things God speaks about in this passage in Jeremiah 23.
• So, having heard it, and seen it for many years now let me give you my insiders view- If someone says, "the Lord told me" I will almost guarantee they didn't get it from the bible, nor are they spending any time in the bible. I will almost guarantee they wouldn't know the voice of God if he spoke out loud from heaven. I will almost guarantee that these "revelations" are pride based....(I hear from God and you don't!)
• Well, enough of that. I have wanted to say something about this for years, and never have, so now...there it is. For my charismatic brothers- get in the word and see what God really says. For my evangelical brothers- get in the word and see what God really says. Then, when you say, "Can I share with you what I found in the word that really spoke to me?" I'm there! I'm all ears....that's my kind of word from God!

Now I know I will hear from some saying, "but doesn't God speak today?" Yes he does...and that's a visit for another post. But for today....get in his word and let him speak to you!

Things that don't make sense

What a world! We live in a time when people do and say things that don't make sense, then again maybe we have always been that way and I'm just now noticing. Anyway, this will be a new additon to this blog with funny signs, videos and "things that don't make sense." Some of the best material for this is in the news! As I find them you will see them. As you know by now I love humor, and think life should be enjoyed....there are a lot of bad days, so make the best of the good ones! Didn't Paul say the same thing? Something like, "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." I agree with him, and will try to make sure you get to smile once in a while.

Have a great day.

A fun blog site for those strange ones among us

As a college student I got hooked on the christian version of Mad Magazine- The Wittenburg Door. They are back in print again, it's not as good as it used to be, but still a lot of fun. They have now started a blog. SO......for those of you who like strange Christian humor...enjoy.

http://www.wittenburgblog.com/

A great day

I had the opportunity to attend a conference at Dallas Theological Seminary on Monday. The keynote speaker was Andy Stanley. I got there early and got a front row seat. I must tell you that Andy is a very gifted communicator. I really enjoyed his two sessions. Now I know that he has probably given these lectures dozens of times, but he did a great job of communicating some very important principles for pastors.

His focus in the first session was on systems. I won't go into that, but the second session was from one of his books on doing only what you do best. It's been a lingering thought in my mind since I read his book, and his talk brought it back to focus.

What is it that you do better than anyone else? What do you most enjoy? Is there a way you can focus on doing that and letting others do what they do best? These are some of the questions. I know it may be a "ministry" question, but I think it applies to all areas of life. What are you made to do, and are you doing it?

Just a few questions I will be thinking about this week.

Monday's cartoon

Behold, the Lamb!

It's Sunday morning. In about an hour I get to teach on one of the most amazing passages in the entire bible!

John 1: 29- "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

John the Baptist made this proclamation as Jesus walked by one day. It was one of the most amazing proclamations of all times. Jesus, a lamb? In one specific way he was- he came for one purpose...to take away the sin of the world. He didn't come just to cover it, he came to take it away and he did. But did you notice he said sin not sins? Why? John was telling us that Jesus' work took care of the entire sin problem of mankind. And he didn't do it for just a few; he did it for the world, the KOSMOS in Greek, everyone! What an amazing statement! At the beginning of John we see by John's testimony how Jesus' life will end, as a sacrifice for sin.

How wonderful! How amazing! All we have to do is believe in him and trust him for what he has done. It's a free gift, available for "whosoever will come". If you haven't trusted him yet I invite you to trust him as your savior, your lamb sacrificed. There is no other payment for sin that God will accept.

How can we ever say thank you enough for what he has done? In fact he tells us in Rev. 5. Take a few moments in quiet to read this chapter, its amazing!

Rev 5:1 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals.
Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?"
Rev 5:3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it.
Rev 5:4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;
Rev 5:5 and one of the elders *said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."
Rev 5:6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
Rev 5:7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
Rev 5:8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Rev 5:9 And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
Rev 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
Rev 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands,
Rev 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."
Rev 5:13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."
Rev 5:14 And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Life!

One year ago today a young man in our community died from an overdose of drugs. I had the honor of doing his funeral. In the course of those days, after he was found, the grief of the family began to pour out. It was a very difficult time.

Over the years I have done many funerals like this, and they are all hard...the loss of a loved one, the sadness of bad choices, the questions "why?", the hurt.....there is so much that goes on in our hearts with a loss like this.

All of this is called life, and it's not simply a straight road off into the horizon. There are many twists and bends in our roads that we don't see coming. We all want a straight, smooth road with no bumps or surprises...just an easy course to eternity, but life doesn't work that way. The road we are on isn't always smooth, straight, easy or predictable. It's bumpy, with twists we didn't expect, it's rarely smooth and straight only happens in pictures....it's life!

I love the script of the movie "Parenthood" with Steve Martin when his wife talks about life, and how we look at it, whether we are a "roller coaster person" or a "merry-go-round person". Some people hate the roller coaster, and others love it. I have always been like Steve Martin's character- I like the merry-go-round...it's more predictable, no surprises. But I am honestly glad this life we are living isn't just a boring road into the distance, or a merry-go-round going in circles. I'm glad there are surprises, I am thrilled to have times of laughter and sorrow, I can't wait to see what's around the next turn in the road.....because I get to use those times to trust God more. My bumps, twists, turns, sorrows, surprises and disappointments are all faith opportunities...what will I do with them? How will I respond to the bump? What will I do with the next disappointment? How will I handle my next loss? How will I respond to the next praise I receive? How will I handle the blessings I get? Will good days make me comfortable? Will bad days make me bitter?

All of it is an adventure...an opportunity to grow in faith. I think I got some of that from my mom, she is the ultimate "life-adventurer", she lives for the opportunity to see what God will do next, and can't wait to rejoice in it. How's your life going- an adventure or an ordeal? Let me encourage you to join me as a "life-adventurer."

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your roads straight.

Psa 43:5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Blessed!

Pro 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

I must tell you that God loves me because he gave me such a wonderful wife! My sweet wife, Joye, and I celebrate 33 years of marriage today!

We are most blessed, and I'm thrilled to have such a wonderful partner to go through life with.

I have indeed found favor from the Lord!

Valentine's Day!

I had to run by the store tonight on my way home and stumbled into the funniest site! In the store were roses and cards on display for Valentine's day and hovering around them were dozens of men, glazed looks in their eyes staring at cards, flowers and candy. They looked lost and confused. It almost made me laugh until I realized I had joined them. And like the other devoted men in line I paid way too much for my dozen roses and went home to my wonderful wife. Happy Valentine's Day!

Deep thoughts, part 3

Ok, now for some deep thoughts from a shallow mind. Realize that profound is just a word to me, and I live in the world of application (so what do I do with that?) So my thoughts will not stir you to great heights, but I do hope they will encourage you.

I am amazed at how God works. He sure does things differently than I would do them! I'm the kind of person that just does it, gets it done...I like the comedian who says, "get 'er done!" I think that's funny. (I know, I'm strange.) But God works in such a different way. He has a grand plan for man and the universe, but to do it he uses the fallen men and women he came to save. He saves us, gives us gifts, then gives us a mission. We use his word, his gifts, his spirit, his resources, and his leading to reach those around us. He provides everything, and all I provide is me. Available...that's the key. Everything else is from him. What a strange way of doing things! But it works, and out of it all he gets all the glory. I'm amazed at the way God works- His gifts, his spirit, his word, his power, his leading, his glory.....and all I bring is me. I think I get it....it's all about him, by him, through him and for him. It's an amazing kingdom....this kingdom God has invited us to participate in.

Monday's cartoon

You know you're getting old when...

Ok, I'm sitting with my coffee this morning and thinking....

I'm getting old!

I realized it more clearly last night as we did worship with music that was much too loud for me. To my surprise and delight a number of people told me they loved it!

So, today here are some thoughts on the subtle aging dynamics that sneak up on all of us....it goes like this- "You know you're getting old when...."

Here are a few of mine to get started:

You know you're getting old when you suddenly realize you are completely out of step with culture and didn't even know it had happened.

You know you're getting old when the youth pastor has to remind you to change your illustrations because young people won't get them.

You know you're getting old when you get up in the morning and forget what you ate last night.

You know you're getting old when you wake up at 3 am, and consider that a great nights sleep (compared to most!)

You know you're getting old when you don't have to comb your hair anymore...why bother, there isn't enough to worry about.

You know you're getting old when you forget things, and when you finally realize it you don't care! (That's a great day!)

Ok, there are a few...let me invite you to add you own to the list. I had more, but I forgot them...is that a sign of getting old too?

Building a life that will last

Years ago, while we lived in Tulsa, Ok., I had the priviledge of watching the building of a 50 story building. They dug a deep hole in the earth. I would watch each week as I went by the site to see their progress. It seemed that it took forever before they got to ground level. They literally worked for about a year below the ground. I have the sense that building 50 stories of the building was quicker than the work to dig the foundation. By the way, I have been on the 50th story of that building having lunch on a very stormy day. The winds were blowing 50-70 miles per hour as we sat near the windows enjoying our lunch. I looked up and saw the lights in the room swaying as the wind blew the building, but I really didn't feel any movement. The foundation made it possible for the building to weather a storm, and not be damaged.

How's your foundation? We live in a culture that's more interested in visible growth than in foundation building. I think Jesus would have frowned on how the church looks today. Most people I meet have great "buildings", but no foundation...any little storm nearly tips them over in their faith.

What does foundation work look like? It's sure isn't pretty. It's not easy. It takes time. It's messy. I had a friend who bought a large home built in the early 1920's. It didn't have a crack anywhere in the house! He told me they took a year to build the foundation. Not a year to construct, but when they had finished the foundation they let it sit for the rest of that year....no construction, no work to be seen. But when they started building they had a foundation that could weather the storm. What does foundation work look like? It's getting to know God, getting to know who he is, spending time wth him through his word and prayer. It's not getting to know "stuff"...that will come later. It's getting to know HIM...that's foundation building. Seeking his face...knowing he father.

Cracks only show up in houses that don't have good foundations, like our poor little house, full of cracks. We can fix the cracks, but they will return, because we have to fix the foundation first.

The cracks are just signs that something is wrong somewhere else....foundation problems.

In our lives the "cracks" are simply signs of foundation problems. They are signs of our need for a more intimate relationship with God.

Here are two passages that give direction to those of us who need foundation work-

Psa 27:8 When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek."
Psa 27:9 Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!
Psa 27:10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up.
Psa 27:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a level path Because of my foes.
Psa 27:12 Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.
Psa 27:13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Psa 27:14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

Mat 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mat 7:25 "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Mat 7:26 "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Mat 7:27 "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."

Foundation work is a muddy business, and shows little results for a long time, but you will have great joy with the results, and you will know the Father! The "cracks" of life wouldn't dare come near a life like that!

Crazy Indian Music Video

Now for something completely different!

Don't ask why, just enjoy.

Running for the prize

1Co 9:24 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. 1Co 9:25 All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. 1Co 9:26 I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! 1Co 9:27 I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (THE MESSAGE)


I have lived long enough to watch the lives of many men and women, and am very aware of the challenges of living a life for the glory of God. I've seen a lot of men I looked up to fail in their quest for the finish line, or worse yet, simply quit the race before the end. I don't want to fail in my quest for the victory. I want to run across the finish line with my hands held high and a smile on my face. I want to finish well. But I know that to get that done I have to live intentionally. This kind of life doesn't just happen, you have to "train" for it.


There's something else you need to know that I have found out....it's hard work! It takes discipline. You won't simply finish the race without an idea of where the finish line is. A race is intentional- it involves training, preparation, pain, patience and knowing the course, and one more thing...at times it's lonely. We each run the race individually. Although the Christian life is done in community, the race is a solo event. So it's vital that we have our time with the family of God to give us strength for the solo portions of the race. Community is like coming to a rest stop- water, bananas, fruit, a smile, a pat on the back, and off we go again....alone. But in those moments of community we were bolstered to continue the race. We got the help we needed to continue to the end.


There is the race- your walk with God. You must run that by yourself, but realize you are on the course with millions of others heading for the finish line as well. Help those who are tired, encourage those who want to give up. Smile at those who are discouraged. Community means we, in our own races to the finish, are running with others on the road as well. It's a strange life- a solo race done in community. We must do part of it by ourselves, but we can't do it well without others in community with us.


Run in such a way that you will get the prize, and help others reach their prize as well.

What a race!