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November 4, 2013

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See what kind of love the Father has given to us, 
that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
(1 John 3:1 ESV)

The kind of love the Father has given to us is a purifying love. The voices of our world are quick to declare that love means giving me the freedom to live as I want. The love of God is different; it is a genuine love that cleanses us of our sin legally based on the sacrifice of Christ and actually as the Holy Spirit builds within us the pure character of Christ. Daily temptation is so draining, especially when the struggle is with a besetting sin. Hope lies in the purifying love of God that will not abandon me in my struggle. My powerful Savior meets me to apply afresh the transforming work of the Lamb of God.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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October 28, 2013

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In early March, I added something to one of the bookshelves in my new office. It was a picture of the sanctuary of the Kirk of the Hills. Under the picture was a note indicating the years I had served as a pastor. I placed it on a shelf where I would glance at it often (I have done something similar with a picture of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Montgomery). The picture serves to remind me of all that God did in and through me in the 11 years I served at the Kirk.

In Exodus 28:6-12, God through Moses instructs the builders of the Tabernacle to make an ephod for the High Priest. It was to be a richly woven and elegant garment. The ephod would be attached on the shoulders by two engraved onyx stones set in gold filigree. The names of six tribes were engraved on one stone and the name of the other six tribes on the other stone. These stones were to serve as “stones of remembrance” when Aaron went before the Lord. When the High Priest performed his service, he would bear the names of the people before the LORD.

This ephod provided a physical picture of the ministry of Christ. Daily, He bears the names of His people before the Father. It is not that God forgets us, but we need to keep in mind that He always remembers us. Isaiah speaks to this as well in Isaiah 49:14-16. God’s people are prone to believe that God has forgotten and forsaken them. Yet, God declares, “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” In his mercy, God never forgets; Christ’s ministry makes it secure.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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October 21, 2013

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In February 2013, I was faced with the decision about what to do with my life insurance policies. How much is enough? Is the cost of the policy worth it? The watching eye of the agent made me feel pressure, and I was tempted to let fear rule my decision – fear of dying young, fear of “wasting money” by paying premiums for a policy I wouldn’t use. My wrestling ended up being a vain attempt to control something that I could not control (my lifespan). At the time, I was working on a sermon based on a text from Zephaniah 3. Part of the text said:

15b The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zeph. 3:15b-17, ESV)

The King of Israel, the LORD is with me. The LORD, who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love, is with me. Because of His presence, my hands must not grow weak, for He is mighty to save. Not only is He present, but God’s affection for me is that He rejoices over me. Therefore, I act with my eyes fixed on Him.

With this is mind, the insurance decision changed. It went from being a weak attempt to control my life (thus allaying my fears with a false sense of control) to an opportunity to love my wife and family. Instead of “wasting money,” I would be participating in the means by which God would provide for them if I were to die. Fixing your eyes on God, and being mindful of His love, works wonders for your perspective.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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October 14, 2013

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In February 2013, I read an internet article on NPR.org (“Gorilla Hiding in Plain Sight”) about a study by Harvard researchers, which was based on a 1999 study on selective attention (“The Invisible Gorilla Study”). They presented a group of radiologists a picture of a lung scan and superimposed a matchbook-sized picture of a gorilla on the scan. The radiologists were told to review the slides for cancerous nodules. 83% of the radiologists did not notice the picture of the gorilla. The effect by which a person fails to see something obvious in front of them because he/she is concentrating on something else is called “inattentional blindness.”

Often, we suffer from “inattentional blindness” with regard to our sin. The brokenness of the world becomes “white noise” around us. We are consumed with personal priorities and schedules such that sins, which may be quite obvious to others, is not seen in ourselves.

The Spirit ministers to us by removing the blinders and enabling us to see the impurity the remains within us. At the same time, He directs us to the sacrificial work of Christ by which we are cleansed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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October 7, 2013

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As a parent, one lesson we tried to instill in our children was to say, “please” and “thank you.” Children tend to want and grab, and then have an attitude of entitlement when they receive what they desire. Though no longer a child, I am still learning that lesson.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

In the stress and busyness of circumstances, I am usually pretty good at asking God for things. I’m not so good at giving Him thanks. I simply get wrapped up in the next thing to worry about. Over the last few weeks, God has given so much and answered so many prayers; yet, my heart is consumed with “the next thing.” Take a moment to pause and give thanks. Follow your “please” with a “thank you;” or be really radical and follow the flow of the verse and start with “thank you” before you say “please.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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October 1, 2013

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I hate waking an hour or so before the alarm is set to go off. 95% of my rest is complete, and my mind begins the schedule of the new day–especially if life is hectic. I find that I argue with myself. I devise a contingency for some problem or decision, and then I find a weakness and develop a plan around it. Or I anticipate opposition and devise a rebuttal to get my way. All the activity and anxiety guarantee that I won’t go back to sleep–even though my wife rests peacefully beside me.

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, sleep was nowhere to be found–except among his most trusted disciples. While Jesus was battling Satan with the weight of Adam’s Fall upon him and the horror of God’s wrath before him, Peter, James, and John slept. What an incredible loneliness! What a great comfort for the poor anxious soul who lies awake at 4:00 a.m. with worries and plans racing through his head. There is One present who truly understands and is a sure stronghold in the midst of life’s anxiety.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]