Bless the Lord, O my soul

This week I have been reminded in dramatic fashion of God's faithfulness. I went to the doctor regarding a knee injury (ACL) that dates back 35 years, anticipating a surgery to restore the ligament. The doctor showed me an X-ray comparing my two knees and he expressed surprise that I have been able to function as I have all these years as my right knee is "bone on bone." God's message to me: "I have extended my healing touch to that knee all these years. I know all about your body ... and surgery is not what I have in mind for you at this time."
I give thanks again this morning for the answer to my many prayers concerning this injury over the years; I give thanks for the recent, ongoing intercessory prayers of family, of brothers and sisters in Christ; I look forward to His continued faithfulness, and I expect his greater reward!
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me,
Bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Grace abounds all the more

I had the opportunity recently to visit with my uncle, a retired pastor. When I asked him what book he most enjoyed preaching from, he responded: "Book? I didn't teach from a book..." Immediately, I knew he had misunderstood my question. He thought I was asking about a "how to preach" or "here's what to preach" kind of book, as opposed to THE BOOK. I clarified: "I mean what book of the Bible. Do you have a favorite book of the Bible?"
"Oh," he responded, his face reflecting relief. Then our conversation turned for a few minutes before he came back to my question with a gem of the New Testament:
"Romans 5:20," he said. Ah, yes. Here Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write:
"The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The footnotes in my Bible say: "...the law was added, not to bring about redemption but to point up the need for it. The law made sin even more sinful by revealing what sin is, in stark contrast to God's holiness."
Cynical unbelievers must be reminded by Christians that we do not claim to be sinless (even though we sometimes slip into a posture of piety), but we ARE forgiven. We are all selfish prodigals, but the Father comes running with outstretched arms when we turn to Him. He "prepares a banquet table before us, in the presence of our enemies; He anoints our head with oil (Psalm 23)."
Thank you, Lord, for your saving grace; your undeserved gift to all who choose to accept it!

Job: righteous man, and prophet!

I was struck this week during our study of the Book of Job to see the line: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth (Job 19:25)."
I grew up with hymnals that included Baptist Pastor Samuel Medley's song about the Redeemer (written in 1775), but I did not associate this statement of faith with Job, just possibly the oldest book in the Bible.
With this statement, Job "the blameless and upright" (Job 1:1) became a prophet. In the wake of the loss of family, possessions and health, Job is assaulted by "friends" who insist his situation is proof that he is being punished for sins he will not admit. Job is not passive about his situation. He has very real questions for God, but as emphasized by our pastor, this righteous man talks WITH God about what is on his heart (e.g. Job 16:12), as opposed to his religious friends who talk (and talk, and talk) ABOUT God. It is in the midst of his physical anguish and an unrelenting attack from his friends that Job makes his amazing statement.
"Now," wrote J. Vernon McGee in his Bible commentary, "Job will express his great faith. His friends have been attempting to break him down, which is actually the Devil's subtle attempt. However, Job has not hit rock bottom yet. These friends have not broken him down completely. He has a living, real faith in God, and here he utters one of the great statements in the Bible. It is not only that the statement is great, but it is great because the man who said it is a sick man who is ready to expire."
Job 19:25-27: "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes - I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"
McGee continues regarding this statement: "He (Job) was speaking of the death that would get him away from his troubles. I think that is obvious. He knew he would be raised again. He knew that in his flesh he would see God. He believed in the resurrection of the dead. Friends, these bodies of ours are going to return to the dust. The bodies of the dead in Christ will be put to sleep, but the spirit will go to be with Christ immediately. How wonderful this is!"
Wonderful, yes! I recall reading recently that God did not roll away the stone so Jesus could walk out of the tomb. He rolled it away so we could see that the tomb was empty! He lives, and He will return, according to God's perfect plan.

Spirit inspired words

I was drawn this morning to a small, hardbound book I discovered several years ago when a church was "downsizing" its collection. It is titled "Favorite Hymns," and was published in 1917. In a manner that American radio personality Paul Harvey would later make famous, author William Lee Hunton was inspired to tell "the rest of the story" behind the writing of some of the most beloved Christian hymns.
Among the stories in his collection was that of Augustus M. Toplady, composer of "Rock of Ages." This song, we are told, was written in early morning hours following a heated theological debate between Toplady and another hymn writer, Charles Wesley. Hunton wrote:
"When they separated Toplady was wrought up to a high state of spiritual excitement. Not being able to sleep, he sat and thought. In a moment of exultation the words of the hymn began to run through his mind. He took a piece of paper and began to write."
As a Christian, I believe that the Bible was written by men, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Throughout history, God has used people (both believers and unbelievers) as "instruments" to glorify Himself. I believe the following words, "written by" Toplady, represent yet another example of timeless words delivered by God through a blessed scribe:

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee!

Let the water and the blood,

From thy riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the perfect cure,

Save me, Lord, and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands

Can fulfill Thy law's demands:

Could my zeal no respite know,

Could my tears forever flow,

All for sin could not atone;

Thou must save, and Thou alone!

Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress;

Helpless, look to Thee for grace;

Foul, I to the Fountain fly;

Wash me, Saviour, or I die!

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When my eyelids close in death,

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee!

Author Hunton wrote of this hymn, "When we understand that Christ is our Rock; that the rock suggests strength, solidity, power, majesty, permanency, then we find the secret of the universal hold which this hymn has on the minds and hearts of Christian people."

How true that is.

Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge."

Isaiah 26:4: "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."

Letter from a godly father

My rental home was burglarized and burned in 1979, but among the few things miraculously saved from that disaster was a collection of old letters. Among them was a letter from my father, written during an extended working trip to Washington, D.C., and mailed to our family home in Everett, Washington. The letter, dated February 16, 1967, is one of my most cherished possessions, even more so now that Dad has gone on to be with the Lord. It read in part:
"It bothers me that I have a job where I go away so much, because even if I'm not the 'big buddy' type of Dad - just being there means something to you I hope. I hope you never forget that while you're growing up - when you start off on your own, and for all your life, Christ is the steady, always beside you friend that won't fail you, even if loved ones and others do.
"He's been good to us - to me - more than I deserve. Your mother means so much to me and all of you (kids) have been healthy and get along well in school and are good kids wherever you go. Please always stay close to Jesus in prayer and remember me as I do you."

Love, Dad

Don't be fooled. God is our Provider.

I skimmed this morning a list of the names of God, one of which is Jehovah-Jireh, "The Lord Will Provide." This name was used by Abraham at the time God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac. At just the right moment, God provided a ram instead (Genesis 22:14).
Over the years I have kept a number of journals. I recently found one that contains a single entry from June, 2007. It references revelations regarding my constant inclination to give myself the title of provider.
The journal entry reads: "God tells us to rest in Him. He tells us not to fear. We are to surrender all to Him, including our fears about providing. That does not change when we take a job; marry; become fathers; assume leadership roles in the body. We are still - always - to seek His will and to enter into His plan with our eyes fixed on Jesus, after whom we are to model our lives, and our hopes for the future (eternity!). Our work, intended by the enemy to be a source of stress and distraction from God, should be delivered over to Him so that it, like the rest of our earthly endeavors, can serve to glorify Him. Our 'job' is continued opportunity to worship 'I am'."

Jesus "astonished" by Centurion's faith

I recently received an email from a friend, linking me to a report by Pastor David Ortiz of Ariel, Israel. In part of a narrative regarding his ministry travels, Ortiz wrote: "There are many instances in the Bible where it says the people, the disciples, Joseph and Miriram, and even the governor Pontius Pilate, were astonished. But within scripture, there are only two times that Yeshua (Jesus Christ) was astonished."
Ortiz cites Christ's visit to his hometown as one of the two scriptures where the word "astonished" was used to describe the Lord's emotions. He was astonished by their cynicism and lack of faith.
The other story is that of the Roman centurion who tracks Jesus down in search of a healing.
"An Italian centurion who had 100 soldiers under his command understood that in the nature of the chain of command, Yeshua's authority was the highest," wrote Ortiz, "and that He only had to say the word and his servant would be healed. It says that Yeshua was astonished by his faith (Matthew 8:5-13).
During a recent Men's Fraternity study (The Quest for Authentic Manhood) we examined characteristics of a godly man, which include: 1) reject passivity 2) accept responsibility 3) lead courageously and 4) expect God's greater reward. Last night at a Bible study we were reminded of the incident of the storm on the sea, which Jesus calmed by simply ordering: "Peace! Be still." (Mark 4:35)
I pray that like the centurion, I will come to the Father's throne boldly, with a full understanding of His power; that I will not mumble half-hearted requests, but will pray with confidence for His greater reward, according to His will, and all to His glory.
For more information about Pastor David Ortiz and his ministry in Israel, see http://www.amiortiz.com/ (a website created in the wake of a bombing that left Ortiz' son Ami with disabilities ... but alive!).

Work a blessing, NOT a curse

Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
One of the great lies perpetrated by Satan is the charge that our work is a curse, a punishment handed down by God when Adam and Eve committed the first sin in Eden. Last night in a study by Robert Lewis (Men's Fraternity: Winning at Work & Home), we were reminded that we spend most of our adult life at work. We were also reminded of the truth in the Word regarding Eden, the fall, and our work:
Genesis 3:17-17: "To Adam He said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life'."
A careful reading of this passage points out that God cursed the ground, not work itself. Our work would be more difficult as a result of our sin, but in fact, God's plan always included the "work" element:
Genesis 2:15: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
Lewis pointed out that God is a worker ("In the beginning, God created..."), and we are blessed with the "title" of co-workers.
The printing press, Reformation and the subsequent introduction of Bibles into the homes of believers ("Mine the riches of the Word in your own home") served to dramatically change the course of history, clearly defining work as God's blessing -- an opportunity to glorify God and spread the Good News. Today, however, many Americans including Christians have "bought into the lie" once again, trudging to work with the attitude that the job is a "necessary evil."
We have heard the expression: "Working for the man." When we read the Word and consider passages such as Colossians 3:23, it becomes obvious that it is the Lord's will that we see our work for the gift it is meant to be. God is "the man," no matter what our vocation. Our "employee's manual" is the Bible. Our "supervisor" is the Father Himself, true to His promise of relationship no matter where we go; yes, even into the marketplace.
I heard from a friend recently the observation that "the church" fails when those in the body fail to take their worship, praise and teaching "out of the church building" and into their daily lives. How true. I was reminded again last night that I/we ARE the church; that we are called to shine His light, to live this life as His bondservants at all times, no matter where we are.
What if all Christians "worked" with the same sense of gratitude we have for the gift of grace through the shed blood of Jesus? What if all of us brought our passion for Christ to the job, seeing it as simply another opportunity to invest our talents to His glory?
I pray that I might see my work anew through His eyes; that I will work each day with the goal of hearing my Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)

Divine appointment

I am a photographer, and one of my creative outlets is a website where I post new images almost daily. It was for this purpose that I drove yesterday to the site of a park area under construction at a residential neighborhood on the Fidalgo Island shoreline. Or so I thought. I did take a photo (that's Mike in photo above), but I soon discovered God had a plan other than my simple desire to take a photograph. I had learned on a previous visit that stone worker Mike is a fellow believer. As was the case the first time we met, Mike welcomed me in the midst of his work. On this day, however, the Lord led us into conversation that included talk of the physical challenges of building stone stairways, paths and walls alone, with only rare assistance from others. Many of the rocks Mike works with weigh hundreds of pounds. Most weigh less, but there are hundreds of them to be lifted and finessed into place. In short, there is great opportunity for injury. As our morning visit drew to a close, the prompting was clear. I asked Mike if I could pray with him, and without hesitation he said, "Yes." The prayer that followed was brief, thanking God for protecting Mike's body in the many years he has devoted to his trade, and asking that He would continue to keep him safe from injury as he applies his considerable God-given skills to completion of this latest project. Mike said, "Thank you," and gave me a hug. Gifts for each of us, from the Father. Another "divine appointment." May I continue to learn, Lord, to hear your voice and respond to your desires.

Faith, football in the spotlight

Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, quarterback for the champion New Orleans Saints, let His light shine yesterday. I couldn't help but be impressed by the athletic skills Brees displayed enroute to his team's come-from-behind victory, but I was more impressed when his post-game interview included the testimony: "God is great." In the wild time of celebration that followed, this young man somehow found his way to his wife Brittany and their 1-year-old son, more evidence that he has his priorities straight. According to the Internet site "Face 2 Face," Brees accepted Christ in his home church in 1996, on his 16th birthday. Among his football mentors was San Diego Chargers quarterback coach Cam Cameron, who accepted the Lord as a teen at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp. Cameron played a critical role in Brees' life at a time when "his spirituality and church attendance had been put on a back burner."
After an injury in 2005, the Chargers let Brees go. "At the time, I felt like (the injury) was the worst thing that could ever happen to me," Brees is quoted as saying. But he relied on Romans 8:28, which says, "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose."
Although he had other offers, Brees and his wife chose to sign with the New Orleans Saints in 2005 (AFTER Hurricane Katrina had devastated the city). A team that won only three games in 2004 is now 2010 Super Bowl champion. And if what we saw and heard on Super Bowl Sunday is any indication, Brees will continue to serve the Lord, using his fame and opportunity to explain why he has come to believe "God is great." According to Face 2 Face: "His message in word and deed is that God is in control. He has become a role model, not only to fans and the community, but also to his teammates. His message is loud and clear: NFL men aren't gods, but some are God's men." See http://www.face-2-face.org/drew-brees.htm.

Our very faith is God's gift

Ephesians 2:8
"For it is by grace we are saved, through faith, and this not from ourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man boast."
God's lesson for our body of believers this Sunday morning was a reminder that faith is trusting in God, no matter what the circumstances. We were reminded (Romans 4:5) that "...to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness."
Abraham had kept no law, rendered no service and performed no ritual that earned credit to his account before God. Rather, his belief in God, who had made promises to him, was credited to him as righteousness (footnotes: Romans 4, NIV Study Bible).
Myrrh, the sweet perfume, begins as a hard resin, our pastor taught. It is only when it is crushed that the fragrant perfume emerges.
Question of the hour: "When I am 'crushed' by tragedy, illness, heartache -- does that circumstance produce in me the sweet fragrance of faith?"
In the midst of his pain, Job distinguished himself from his friends by talking with God, as opposed to talking about Him. God desires that ongoing conversation, covets relationship with His beloved sons and daughters. May we constantly live in the light of that precious relationship! May we embrace the joy and promise of the gift of faith from our Sovereign Lord! May we be persistent in prayer, eager to give God the glory regardless of our fleshly inclination.
God is good!

Netanyahu says prophecy fulfilled

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Poland on January 27 to participate in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp. According to Joel Rosenberg, "The Prime Minister warned the world of new genocidal threats against the Jewish people and the importance of acting early enough to prevent such threats from coming to pass. In a stunning and remarkable moment, Netanyahu also declared to the people of Europe and the world that the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 have been fulfilled. The Holocaust, he said, represented the 'dry bones' and 'graves' of the Jewish people, and out of that horror the State of Israel was resurrected, just as the Lord said would happen through the Hebrew Prophet Ezekiel. Rarely has any world leader given a major address on an international stage declaring end times prophecies from the Bible have come true. But that is exactly what Netanyahu did." To read the Netanyahu speech in full, visit http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/PMSpeaks/speechauchwitz270110.htm

God eager for relationship

A Christian brother of mine felt strongly enough about this message to print it, laminate it and distribute it to friends recently:

Psalm 84:11:
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

From A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy
"The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy, and His unfailing attitude toward all moral beings is open, frank, and friendly. By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people. The whole outlook of mankind might be changed if we could all believe that we dwell under a friendly sky and that the God of heaven, though exalted in power and majesty, is eager to be friends with us."

God's faithfulness

A couple of weeks ago at a men's conference (Men on Fire, Mountlake Terrace) I heard an observation from Pastor Wayne Taylor: "God's past faithfulness demands my present trust." How true! Then last night at Bible study our pastor read 2 Timothy 2:13: "If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself." The Wednesday night teaching led to Psalm 73:28: "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." God does not promise a life without storms. Ultimately, however, He will always provide safe harbor. He is faithful!

He is not harsh

This morning I discovered a journal entry from the day after a March 2006 men's group session: "Pray to hear God's voice, to become familiar with the way He talks to me, so I KNOW it is Him. Then ask, 'What is your purpose for me here, Lord?' And respond. Pray the blood of Jesus. Rebuke Satan and denounce his lies ("You are not ..."). I AM a child of God, a member of the royal priesthood of believers. God gave me gifts. My responsibility is to 'invest' them, not to bury them out of fear that my master is harsh (Matthew 25:14-30). He is not harsh. His love and grace are limitless."

A heathen acknowledges Christ's authority

Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary: 8:5-13 This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we should bring them to Christ by faith and prayers. Observe his self-abasement. Humble souls are made more humble by Christ's gracious dealings with them. Observe his great faith. The more diffident we are of ourselves, the stronger will be our confidence in Christ. Herein the centurion owns him to have Divine power, and a full command of all the creatures and powers of nature, as a master over his servants. Such servants we all should be to God; we must go and come, according to the directions of his word and the disposals of his providence. But when the Son of man comes he finds little faith, therefore he finds little fruit. An outward profession may cause us to be called children of the kingdom; but if we rest in that, and have nothing else to show, we shall be cast out. The servant got a cure of his disease, and the master got the approval of his faith. What was said to him, is said to all, Believe, and ye shall receive; only believe. See the power of Christ, and the power of faith. The healing of our souls is at once the effect and evidence of our interest in the blood of Christ.