Daily Provision vs. Supernatural Deliverance

I was reading John 2 about the Wedding in Cana this morning and also I read Psalm 107 which refers to God's delivering power and his power to provide in the daily grind of life. I had some thoughts I want to share.

Supernatural provision. I see God's ongoing provision as a cooperative effort for the most part between me and Him. It is a partnership. In the wilderness God provided manna on a daily basis. The people had to follow the cloud, go out and retrieve the manna, do something with it and gather enough on the last day of the week to cover the sabbath. In other words God is always going to operate in a supernatural manner because that is what He is. He is not natural. He is not a man nor does He behave like a man. He behaves like what He is. Our job is going to always be to follow Him and cooperate with what God is doing to receive His provision.

God's deliverance. God showing up in a far greater more demonstrative behavior with a lot less cooperation on our part. Israel was being followed by Pharoah was up a against a wall. They had no way of escape. God only required that Moses stand still and see God's provision. He opens the waterway to become dry ground, the people walk across and when Pharoah follows He destroys Israels enemy and they see Pharoah no more.

I always need God's supernatural provision. I always need Him working in my daily life, giving me the daily manna. His wisdom, His direction, His favor so that I am ministered to and ministered through. However, there are times that I need God to open a way where there is no way because I am at the end of my abilities and manna is not going to destroy the enemy that is after me. In that case I need deliverance.

Sometimes I am being pursued by the enemy even when I have cooperated with God completely. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy and I have put myself in a place where I cannot stand any longer. In either of those scenarios, I need His deliverance.

Psalm 107

17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

18 They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.

19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.

20 He sent forth his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.

21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.

He is faithful. Even when I am not, He is faithful.

Hope

This morning as my custom is I got up opened my bible and started my daily conversation with the biblical counselors that God has assigned to us. I have in the last year through the help of Wayne Cordeiro seen the writers of the word of God as counselors the Lord has assigned to each of us for our daily strength, comfort and direction. I will write more about that later, but back to today.

I started reading in Isaiah 60
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."

and later I read in Isaiah 61
" 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, ^[a]

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations."

and today I read these words from John 1

48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

50Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

What comfort. What encouraging words. What HOPE! Why? Because these are not just words on paper. These are not just God speaking to Holy men of old. These are not just prophecies that relate to the end times. These are not just the words of Jesus to a man who was about to become his disciple in biblical times.

These were the words of the Holy Spirit to one man today. This man. Steve Lambert had a conversation with people God sent to encourage him today. They were directed to me to come and bring me a powerful dose of HOPE.

God loves me. He will go to great ends to express that love to me if I cooperate with him. One of the ways I engage Him is by listening every day to what He has to say to me.

I cannot put into words the incredible, overwhelming sense I have when I engage God's word as a word to "me". It is not just the bible. It's not just "the good book". It is life. It is HOPE.

What's That in Your Hands? (2)

When I put the title of yesterday's post up I remembered Moses story from the Bible. God had called him to deliver Israel at the burning bush. Moses was reluctant, telling God he was not the right man and asking the question, how will I persuade Pharoah and the people to follow me? God ask him the question "what is that in your hand?"

The clear statement being that God begins with us where we are. God uses us as we are. We are responsible to him for what we have in our hands. I would like to point out that the staff that Moses had in his hand, God did not put there. Moses had picked up that staff when he ran from the place God had called him earlier in his life.

I apologize for not taking the time to develop this entire story, but this needs to be short you know. Let's just look at the simple idea that God can use us with whatever we have in our hands, even if what we have is not what He really intended.

Moses became one of the world's greatest leaders even though he was reluctant to do so and even though he was misplaced and did not have the visible resources one would appear to need for such a huge task.

God's greatest need from us is that we are available. Now it is not simplistic, but it is that simple. We are called to be His servants. That means we do His bidding using His resources.

Moses started with a stick in his hand, but God gave him plagues to help convince Pharoah. God gave him the parting of the Red Sea to deliver him and destroy his enemy. He was provided water from a rock, manna everyday, a cloud by day and a fire by night. He won battles supernaturally, saw God heal the people from diseases and while he was on the mountain he literally saw the back side of God. Oh yeah, God gave him the Ten Commandments upon which most of the laws of most of the world are based.

All of this started with the question, "what do you have in your hand?" The question is not so much that, as it is, what will you let God do with what you possess?

What do you have in your hands? It doesn't even matter how it got there.

What's That in Your Hands?

I had an uncle when I was growing up who was so much fun. He was constantly playing games with me and teasing me about things. We all went to church together and I remember standing on the front porch of the church on summer Sunday nights. We would be the greeters (we didn't know that's what we were then) and Uncle Floyd would create games to play with me. One of my favorite games was a game where he would make me guess what he had in his hand and then he would give it to me. I was too young to realize that he was going to give it to me whether I guessed it right or not. He would let me put my small hands in his big hands and feel the object to help me guess it. It was gum or candy or money. It could be a piece of trash and then later he would give me the gum or mints. Those are wonderful memories. He passed away too young and I miss his playful fun attitude so much.

This morning when I woke up the first thought that I had was," God thank you for this new week you have given me". I thought, I don't know what you have in your hand for me today or this week, but I know what ever it is, it will be good. How do I know that? Because God is good. He doesn't just do good things, He is good. His thoughts toward me are good. His actions toward me are good. He is just good.

I have a plan for my day and for my week. I know what I expect to be doing, but there is no way for me to know the variables or the surprises. I cannot know how people will respond to my plans and my actions. They may embrace them or reject them or ignore them, I don't know. But I do know whatever God has in His hand for me this week will be good. It is something he pre-selected just for me. It is something to work His plan in my life.

Jeremiah said it best in Jeremiah 29:11..."I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I miss Floyd so bad. He was so much fun.
I will never miss God, for He is always with me no matter what.
He has something in His hand for me today. I can't wait to find out what it is.

Simple

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

You know my life really changed significantly the first time I read this Psalm with open eyes. "It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." Boy what a perspective to go through life with. It certainly explains a few things.

He is the creator. That takes a load off of me. I am not responsible for all of creation. In fact I am just a sheep in one little field, in one little country, in one little space in time. He made me and therefore designed in me all of the needs that I have. He is not surprised that I have them. He has already made provision for all of those needs.

So what is my job?
Enter in to His gates with thanksgiving. Be thankful, bless His name. Oh and by the way, "The Lord is God" well that's a relief. He is good, another plus. His faithfulness has been the same in all generations. Such a deal!

Lord, help me to just calm down this morning and realize there is nothing that has surprised you. Nothing has caught you off guard. You are the same God this morning that you have always been since the beginning. Help me to go through this day rejoicing in you and feeding as a sheep in your pasture. In my heart right now, I am shouting for joy, and giving you praise in your presence in which I live in continually.
Amen.

Life

Yesterday I hugged my friend and sobbed with him in the loss of his precious wife Kristy. Yesterday I hugged another friend's new grandchild Jacob. It almost seems appropriate to close the post right there. Life is so strange.

Milton Dykes has been my friend since childhood. We went to church together. We went to college and sang in the choir together. We did an internship in Columbus Georgia in 1971 together. We are friends. Kristy's brother Terry married a girl from my dad's church that I grew up with. I was in their wedding. They are my friends. This is not the way we plan life, to bury vibrant wonderful people at fifty-six.

I watched that family pull themselves together yesterday at Kristy's service. I went to be a support to them and I came away blessed and strengthened because they ministered to me. They demonstrated the grace and peace of God in way not often seen in this world. You see my friends are Christians and they know that Kristy finished her race and received a crown of righteousness from Jesus her king. She leaves a legacy and a message to all of us we would do well to remember. Life is precious and life is fragile, live today like it is the only day you have left to live.

I held Randy Helm's little grandson, Jacob. He is just adorable. His parent's Josh and Lindsey are so proud as they should be. Life is just beginning for him and for them as a young family. I remember that scenario so well. My daughter is 32 (I think). It seems as though I held her the same size as Jacob just a few weeks ago. Josh, Lindsey hold that baby tight. Life moves on.

Well these are the thoughts of man whom today, really doesn't know what to think.

For Heaven's Sake

Yesterday and old friend of mine and I were talking and we were enjoying our southern heritage together. We were really digging deep for nuggets from our upbringing and it was great fun. We come from a heritage that makes the word "help" (ha-elp) two syllables and other fun stuff. Afterwards a phrase came to mind that I don't know about it's origin, "for Heaven's sake". I know my Aunt Gladys says it and she makes "sake" into two long syllables (saa-eke).When she says my name it sounds like Steee-veey and it takes a few seconds to get it out.(I love her so much) I am not sure where the origin of this statement is, but there is a phrase in the bible that it reminds me of and one I have been thinking about.

Throughout the Old Testament I have noticed the phrase "name's sake". Do this for your "name's sake". Let this take place "for the sake of your great name". The idea being that the writer's were praying for God to intervene for the "sake of His name". I wonder how much of my praying, how many of my desires are for "His name's sake" and how much is for "my name's sake".

This morning I was praying as I returned from the airport around 6 a.m. I found myself crying out to God and praying that He would answer my prayers for "His name's sake". I was praying that God would make Himself known so that this world would see His name lifted up. Oh to be sure, I wanted Him to do it for "my sake" as well, but I sensed a real energy as my mind and heart were turned away from my own deep needs and I was moved to pray that God would glorify His own name.

We live in a world that often mocks the God that I serve. That doesn't really bother me because I know who He is. I know what He is about. I know what He has done. I know what He will do. But my prayer today is "Father reveal yourself to the world around me so that they may see you and know you as I do." Make yourself known for "the sake of your great name".
If I know my heart, I really long for Him to do just that.

I don't know, maybe that's where "for heaven's sake" came from. Someone wanting to see God move to glorify His name. I hope so, and way down deep inside, if it is, I hope (ho-oope) it is southern (suh-thern) .

My home's in Alabama
No matter where I lay my head.
My home's in Alabama
Southern born and southern bred.

Thank you Jesus (Gee-zus)!

Ain't God Good

There is a southern gospel song that says "ain't God good to give us so many blessings, undeserving that's what we are". OK pay attention, I am going to let a little secret out. I love southern gospel music. Now Chris Tomlin, he blesses me. Hillsongs has changed my worship forever. Matt Redman and so many others have made such an impact on me in worship, their gift of worship has been an overwhelming blessing to me.

But, Ernie Haas and Signature Sound, The Imperials, Gold City, The Isaccs, The Crabb Family, The Hoppers, these groups and their music are my absolute favorites. Now, that is not what this post is about.

Ain't God good to give us so many blessings. Well in a word, not really. Oh yes God has done so many good things for me, I can never give him thanks for all of it. But faith demands that I believe that God is good because His word teaches me that He is. I must believe the word of God is true regardless of my personal experience. My life has ebbs and flows because that's the way life is, but God's goodness has no ebbs and flows. God is good all the time. Scripture says "the word of God is established in Heaven forever."

There is such a freedom in our faith when we begin to believe because of what He said and not because of what He did.

Well this morning brings news that would challenge that if your faith were not grounded. My good friend Milton Dykes has been left alone here because his precious wife, Kristy has gone to be with Jesus.(christianlovestories.bogspot.com) Kristy and Milton have been life long friends and we love them so much. It is hard to say goodbye and harder to accept why we have to. But yesterday God chose to bring her into His presence. Better for her but not for us.

God bless you Milton. You have been a great blessing to so many in your incredible care for your sweetheart. And of course she was the first recipient of your love.

Now back to my post. God is good. All the time.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

What Choice Will You Make?

I have said before, life is about choices. One of the main choices is this, "whose report will you believe?" That is actually the question asked in Isaiah 53:1
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?"
I don't know when you may have read that passage lately, but the question sets up one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus as our Savior and Deliverer."

This morning I woke up after a reasonably good night's sleep. As far as I can see, the circumstances of my life have not been changed much if any, but that is just based on what I can see. The scripture tells me that even though I cannot see it God is working in my behalf. I read II Kings 18 & 19 today and saw that although Hezekiah was surrounded by enemies that were bigger, faster and stronger than he, God changed the natural order to supernatural and delivered him and turned his entire reign as king around.

Today I can choose to believe the report of God' love and mercy. I can choose to believe God's report of healing and deliverance. I can choose to believe God's report of supernatural provision.

Or I can choose to believe what I can see with my natural eyes.

I choose to believe the report of the Lord. His report says:

"by His stripes we are healed"

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

"I know the plans I have for you, plans for a future and a hope"

His report says

II Kings 19:
34 I will defend this city and save it,
for my sake and for the sake of David my servant."

35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.

37 One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer cut him down with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat.

Whose report will you believe?

I Can Fly

Well if the "Dark Knight" caused me to think of yesterdays post on hell. Guess what? In Tampa today is "Red Bull's Flutag". Flutag is a bunch of people who create all kinds of pseudo flying machines and jump off a thrity foot high launch over the river in downtown Tampa. I don't guess they fly as much as they fall, but whatever. I also thought of the words to a very old song "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines". I know another song about flying:

Some glad morning when this life is oer'
I'll fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away.

As sobering as the "the dark night" is, exhilarating is the only word for they hope of my life, one of the foundations of my faith, Heaven. Hell is real and Heaven is just as real. Just as yesterday I won't spend a lot of time on the biblical defense. I don't need to, it is there. I just want to say count me in the number that know and believe that Jesus is coming soon.

He is, and I am looking for Him. It is the epitome of everything that I believe. When we die we go to be with Jesus and if we are alive when He returns we go in the rapture. I believe the rapture is imminent. 2000 years ago the writers of the New Testament believed that it was. They had every reason to, Jesus told His followers He would come and get them. They thought today. Count me in that number too. I believe He will come and back and it could be before I go out to dinner with friends today.

AND ANOTHER THING, no more pain, no more death, no more war. Jesus is going to bring us into a new world prepared for those who love Him where we will enjoy unfettered relationship with Him and His family for eternity.

That word eternity is just as long when I talk about Heaven as it is when I talk about hell. Heaven will be wonderful. I grew up singing songs about Heaven and right now they are filling my mind. I am so excited.

Well, I don't know if I will go to the Flutag or not. I would like to, it sounds like fun. I do know that I am going to Heaven and it could be today. My sincere hope is that you are going with me.

I Thessalonians 4:13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Going To The Movies

Today is the opening of the "The Dark Knight". I have seen all the marketing, sensed the excitement of Batman fans and now the time has come. Well I am probably somewhat neutral on the movie. To begin with I didn't think I would like the comic book movies but as they have come and gone they have been entertaining.

I also see the title a little differently. Nothing at all to do with the movie because obviously I haven't even seen it, but there is coming a dark "Night". And it is not make believe and it is not going to be a two hour movie.

People who know me are aware that if you gave a theme to my preaching over the years it would have to be "hope". I am a believer in God's love and His desire to reach us with His good news. I believe that God has stopped at nothing to let me know that He loves me. However, contrary to some popular belief, there will still be a judgment. God is a loving God, He is merciful and He wants to have relationship with His creation.

I am not going to go into all of the theological discussion in this short blog, but there is a hell. People who do not accept God's invitation to become His children will go there along with the devil and all his angels. It will not be a two hour movie. It will not be the latest blockbuster from Hollywood. No sadly it will be reality and it will last for eternity.

There is no reason for anyone to go there. God through His son Jesus has made provision for everyone to be in Heaven with Him for eternity. It is a choice. It will be sorrow and pain and grief and torment like no one has ever experienced before for those who are there. It is not designed for men. It is designed for the devil and his demons for their revolt against God and the deception they have made on mankind.

I have heard people as you have and maybe even said myself, "I am going through hell". Well, I was not and neither has anyone else. Hell will be the most awful thing ever.

I don't know whether or not I will see "The Dark Knight". I do not intend for me or anyone I know and love to see "The Dark Night".

John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

This morning I read a post on Facebook by my friend Cody Starr Barnes. Cody is a young man with an inquisitive mind and a pretty good one. I wanted to share with my readers what he said, so here it is:

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

We are always trying to figure out God like he is a rat in a maze - what’s he going to next......well, I think this or that. I think reverence is required when talking about God. I can’t see any farther than my hand in front of my face, and I can hardly perceive that.

If I want to obtain a greater understanding of God I might want to try understanding his creation, especially the one that is myself. I need to quit trying to serve a God I can wrap my mind around, that’s what an idol is for.

So I think my prayer would be to realize more the inadequacies in my abilities to comprehend God, and for help in showing an extreme reverence when ever I open my mouth about anything of him. I want to understand better the creation that is me.

I was especially drawn to this statement, "I need to quit trying to serve a God I can wrap my mind around, that’s what an idol is for". Wow! I love that. Scripture says "he is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or even think". Not to get too existential here but if he can "do" how much "more" is he. I believe that God is all powerful, all knowing, but I believe God is so much more than just what He can do. Oh to be able to develop a concept of "who" He is and not just "what" he does.


I appreciate what Cody "said" but I love Cody for "who he is". Maybe I will have a better life if I start serving the God "who is" instead of the God "who does".


You can't see me but I am crying I am so moved. Thank you Cody for giving me such a gift today.

Random

Yesterday I was thinking about how blessed I am to have such great people working around me. I love everyone of them and am so proud of their commitment to God, our church and me. So here's to all of my staff at First Assembly. You are the greatest!!

When I read the alarming stories in the newspaper this morning about some banks being in trouble, I wandered how people will respond to that kind of news. I am not frightened, but I was startled.

I hope the Rays get back to their winning ways after the all-star break. (random, random, random)

I love getting connected with friends from my past and staying connected with friends around me through facebook. (Gretchen you are so funny, writing on your arm)

What is up with all this rain and highs in the mid 80's in July in central Florida? I can't wait to hear someone's answer to that.

I know from reading my statistics and talking to people that coffeewithsteve get's read everyday. It's curious to me that so few people comment. HELLO!

One of my favorite scriptures was in my bible reading today Isaiah 26:3-4

3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Ruth got after me for picking on "Monday" (coffeewithsteve.com two days ago). She said, that is a day that the Lord has made so it is good. She is right again. I said to her that I trust the one who made it, but she wasn't extremely impressed. What a wonderful wife! I love her.

I love my children. I love my grandchildren. I even love my son-in-law.

Please don't stop reading this blog because of today's post.

Dunkin Donuts is my favorite coffee by the way.

SOAP

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 12

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

OBSERVATIONS

There are way too many observations in this little passage:
1. The testimonies of those before us are our guide and inspiration
2. Their stories should move us to righteous action
3. Our race course has been marked out for us already. Run that race.
4. Look at Jesus. He is the standard bearer. He is the benchmark.
5. Realize that we will be overcomers just as He was.


APPLICATION

It is a pattern of God to remind us of our past and His past. I must always remember God's faithfulness. When I remember His faithfulness then I can take on the task that belongs to me. (you know in reality, I'm just glad my course is not the same as many of others I know have been called to run) God has a plan for my life. He has directed my steps and He knows what is best for me. I have not been called to save the world. Jesus did that. My job is to make Him known in my sphere of influence, my world. I MUST KEEP HEART. The plan has always been that I will be more than a conqueror.


PRAYER

Oh God forgive me of my whining. Help me to see your faithfulness in my life and in the life of all of those who have gone before me. I declare again that your integrity is beyond questioning. I thank you that you chose the course I run. Thank you that in doing so, you have already provided everything that I will ever need. I thank you and I pray that you will always help me to remember your love for me is more than my wildest imagination.
Lord I commit myself again today to run the course you have set before me. I confess in faith today, that I will be more than a conqueror.

Monday Monday

The Mommas and Poppas said back in the 60's "Monday, Monday, can't trust that day". What's up with Monday? Why does Monday want to be such a problem? Who knows?

I just read Hebrews 11 "the faith chapter" and I was reminded of all the people who lived in faith and quite honestly it's not all that encouraging. Sawn in half, did not receive while they were here, goat skins (sounds itchy), and the list goes on. The ones who had the wonderful things happen, had them happen because of unbelievable obstacles in their way. And yet when I finish reading it I am encouraged. I am encouraged because they all had the hand of God upon their lives as they went through their difficulties.

See here' s the deal. The people in this world that can't trust Monday are the people who have faith in God and the people who do not. Because trouble and heartache comes to everybody and you never know when or who is next. "Monday happens!" Can I get a witness?

The difference for me is "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Monday I do not trust you, but I trust the one who made you.

Suffer the little children

My mind has been turned toward children lately. I came across an old friend who was posting about making an atmosphere that allowed children to step into the presence of God. Our VBS starts in a week. Tomorrow I will dedicate two little cousins. I got an email from a young adult who shared a very encouraging word about Ruth and my impact upon her life as a child over fifteen years ago.

You know, they do grow up. I can't believe my children aren't kids anymore. Where did the time go? Well where ever it went the time for making an impact on children is very limited and from where I sit a lot shorter than it seems while they are growing up.

Tomorrow four parents will hand me their baby to hold and remind them of their responsibilities as overseers. Their families will smile, I will smile, the whole church will smile and then later we will have lunch and celebrate family.

My challenge to these parents, our church and myself is "suffer the little children" to come to Him. Be proactive in creating settings where these children and all the children we have influence over are given an opportunity to sit at His feet and learn of Him.

This young adult that wrote me, thanked me for some specific things that I did that introduced her to Jesus and His presence. She said today she is reaping the benefits of those times and deeds. Indeed we all are.

God give us the wisdom and courage and provide for us the resources to be proactive in raising children in the "admonition and nurture of the Lord".

The next time you see one, hug a children's pastor or a church children's worker. Say something encouraging to a Godly educator that gives unselfishly to impact children. Offer encouragement to parent's who are doing their best to raise children in a manner pleasing to God.

And as for you and me "Suffer the little children".

SOAP

Scripture

Hebrew 8:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

Jeremiah 31:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

Observation

This scripture is prophesied and then repeated to establish that the prophecy is come to pass. We are living in that time where God's covenant is established between Him and a man. He takes the principles of His word and the attributes of His character and establishes them in our heart.
For that to happen, there must be relationship between God and me. This is why it is important for me to be in the Word so that I know what His heart is. God wants to speak to me everyday like every other close relationship that I have. He wants me to know Him. He wants me to have enough information to choose to go after Him and love Him.

Application

I must put myself in an atmosphere where the God of the Old Testament or covenant becomes my partner in the new covenant. How can I fully love Him if I do not know Him. How can I be a participant is His kingdom if I do not let Him write His statutes on my heart.

Prayer

Oh God my heart cries out for you. My spirit yearns to be one with you. It is my joy when your wisdom directs my life. It is my comfort when I know that my steps are ordered by you. It is my peace when I realize my life is in your hands. Help me oh God to stay close to you.

I want your presence to be as close as my own breath. I want my thoughts to be so intertwined with yours I cannot separate them.

Save me and I will be saved.
Heal me and I will be healed.
Touch me and I will be whole.

My life is in your hands.

God's View

I Samuel 16:7 ...The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

This passage of scripture came to my mind this morning while I was doing my daily bible reading. Something I read caused me to think about this verse. It is really a verse that can bring comfort or judgment.

It brings judgment if your heart is dark. No matter what your skill set or your learning or training, at the end of the day, God is looking at your heart, at your motives. Leadership is a gift and a skill that can be learned. It is incredibly important and plays a massive part in success in every area of life. But this scripture says no matter what men are seeing, in the long haul God is observing motive and I believe that He is going to reward ultimately based on what is in a man's heart.

It brings hope if your heart is bright. I could just write the previous paragraph and be done. It is true for both statements. However let me say a word of encouragement to those who may be discouraged by what they see today. I am going to be honest. All of our work for God is a cooperative effort between us and the Holy Spirit. We do what we can with the resources God has made a available to us and then we trust Him to be God and do what only He can. Sometimes we can become discouraged when we observe others apparent and genuine success, that seems to be based on a unique skill set and an abundant blessing from God himself.
When you become discouraged because of circumstances remember God's word to Joshua in chapter 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Take a look at your heart today and remember it is people who are looking at the outward appearances and God is looking at the heart.

Be Not Dismayed

Augustus Adolphus

BE not dismayed, thou little flock,
Although the foe’s fierce battle-shock,
Loud on all sides, assail thee.
Though o’er thy fall they laugh secure,
Their triumph cannot long endure:
Let not thy courage fail thee.
Thy cause is God’s: go at his call,
And to his hand commit thy all.
Fear thou no ill impending.
His Gideon shall arise for thee,
God’s word and people manfully,
In God’s own time, defending.
Our hope is sure in Jesus’ might;
Against themselves the godless fight,
Themselves, not us, distressing.
Shame and contempt their lot shall be;
God is with us, with him are we;
To us belongs his blessing.

Well Here We Are

Most of the time that I post on this blog the name is completely appropriate. I am sitting having coffee, just like today. Most of the time my blog sounds a little like, well a lot like what I am. I am a preacher, pastor, minister, leader, father, husband. However the conversation sounds a lot like my preacher role. I guess I just default to my primary public communication tool.

However, if we really were just having coffee, the conversation would probably be more random.

Ruth slept a little late today, so the house was a little more quiet. I don't tell her but in times like that I miss the kids. She thinks I am really loving the empty nest thing and for the most part I am, but not this morning.

I got a new friend on my facebook today. I lived with his family in the summer of 1971 while I was doing a summer internship at Evangel Temple in Columbus Ga. His name is Rich(ie) Wood.

I think my diet should be working faster. I have lost 30 pounds. Soooo...I'm just saying...

I would love to have gone to the daytime Rays game yesterday, but since they lost I'm glad I didn't get to go.

My bible reading was encouraging and challenging this morning. God is so awesome. I can't believe He was able to write through men thousands of years ago over 1500 years and be as relevant to me as He was this morning. I guess that's why He is God. "It is He that has made us and not we ourselves."

I have lunch today with Mike Tedder. He's a nice guy.


Well anyway if you really did go to coffee with Steve, it would probably be a lot like this. I'm usually not very "preachy" (is that a word?) over coffee.

Have a great day, and give me a call if you need me. See ya.

Trusting Him

In my bible reading today I read Hebrews 4. It is a passage about trusting God, His word and His patterns. There is so much there, I backed up and read it several times. I just wanted to take it all in. I am sure that I did not. There is such power and strength in this passage til it is hard to hear all that the writer is saying in one reading. I am praying that more of this powerful message will be revealed to me throughout this day, but for the moment here is what I received:

" 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For 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. 16Let 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."

Since Jesus is our high priest, the one to whom we go, why wouldn't we have faith. He is the one who is completely faithful. I get the impression we are being told in this passage that Jesus already knows exactly what we are going through, so with confidence, even boldness as another translation puts it, let us expect today to receive mercy and grace.

Webster helps us here:

Mercy:

1 a: compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender
2 a: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
3: compassionate treatment of those in distress

Grace:
1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans
2 a: a special favor : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness

O love of God
How rich and pure
How measureless and strong
It shall forever more endure
The saints and angels song



Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.


Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.


Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!


Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Well I have had worship today!

Beautiful Morning

Someone said beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sounds like choice to me. I get to decide what is beautiful.

Well I choose for this day to be beautiful. "This is the day that the Lord hath made." That's enough right there, but I get to decide how I will respond to all that this day brings with it.

There was a song in the 60's (yeah!) by the Young Rascals "It's a Beautiful Morning". I love that song. It's about making a choice to see the good.

It's a beautiful mornin', Ahhh,
I think I'll go outside a while,
An jus' smile.
Just take in some clean fresh air, boy!
Ain't no sense in stayin' inside
If the weather's fine an' you got the time.
It's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day.
Either way,
It's a beautiful mornin', Ahhh,
Each bird keeps singin' his own song.
So long!
I've got to be on my way, now.
Ain't no fun just hangin' around,
I've got to cover ground, you couldn't keep me down.
It just ain't no good if the sun shines
When you're still inside,
Shouldn't hide, still inside, shouldn't hide,
Ahhhh..Oh! (shouldn't hide) Ah, ah, Oh.....

(Do, do, Waaa) (Do, do, Waaa)

There will be children with robins and flowers;
Sunshine caresses each new waking hour.
Seems to me that the people keep seeing
More and more each day, gotta say, lead the way,
It's okay, wednesday, thursday, it's okay,
(Ahhh) monday, wednesday, friday, weekday, Ah, Ah, Ohhh.

(Do, do, Waaa)

Ah, Ah, Oh, Oh, (Do, Do - Aaaa)
Wooooo oo oo oh, oh, oh, Ah wo, do, waa
Ohhhhhhh.....Oh, Oh, Oh, ..... (What ever happpened to these great lyrics)

I think the ahs and ohs and do wahs are my favorite part.

Extravagance From Nowhere

SOAP
July 4, 2008

S cripture
Hosea 1: 7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God."

O bservations
I am seeing that God chooses to love. What an amazing thing that God chose to love me. This is love “that while we were yet sinners God loved us.”
God expresses His love through deliverance. We have no hope of deliverance outside of His love and power.
God’s deliverance comes from sources that He chooses and his choice is to deliver us in ways that cannot be explained by man or duplicated by his creativity.

A pplication
My job is to remember that God loves me so much that He went to extraordinary and extravagant measures to rescue me. “ God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Why would I ever expect God to be anything but extraordinary, extravagant and amazing in His demonstration of His love toward me? Why would I ever expect anything less than for Him to deliver me.

P rayer
Oh God, today I begin this day with the confidence and trust that my life is your hands I have the confidence that you will come and deliver me. Lord your pattern in my life, in your word and in all the earth around me is that your deliverance will be extraordinary, extravagant and amazing. In this I rest, Amen.

Rebuilding Websites

I was reading an article from a person who helps people develop their websites into lead generators for business. He said that many companies are restructuring their websites so that they do a better job of generating potential customers. The next thing in the article went right over my head until just a few minutes ago. Here is what he said:

“What do you think the most important ingredient to a successful internet marketing strategy is? It's going to sound a bit silly and basic, what is this absolutely critical factor? Drumroll please: "YOUR TIME!”

Wow! What do you think is the most important thing in developing anything? Probably your time.

A relationship with your kids, your spouse, your friend

A relationship with God

Doing something that makes an impact on people

Doesn’t it all boil down to investing your time?

We tend to think it is creativity, talent, skills, leadership. All of those are important, but the question is “What do you think the most important ingredient”.

I need to think about that and prioritize my life around what is most important to me and how much of my time I am investing there.

The article went on to suggest that in order to develop a lead generating website, a considerable amount of time must be spent answering questions about the business. So as to communicate to the user the focus of the company.

Wow again. What is communicated to the people around me about the focus of my life when people in my sphere of influence observe where I spend my time?

Good questions, I need to provide good answers. Maybe it is time to take a look at what kind of leads my life is producing.

Where to Stand

Isaiah 9:7...If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.' "

I was doing my bible reading or as I like to call it talking to my friends and counselors and Isaiah said these words "if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all". If you do not have confidence in God then where will you place your confidence?

There are times when I feel lonely because I face challenges bigger than I am. Then I ask myself how big are the challenges that are smaller than me. Now there is a question. Most of things I am called upon to do in this life are really beyond my abilities and skill set. Why is that? Because another of my counselors reminds me that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers". Our challenges are not natural, they are supernatural. When I remember this I know that my confidence should only be in God.

Today I will remember that "the battle is not mine but the Lord's".

By the way, I don't want to wrestle against flesh and blood either!

Such A Deal

Jude ...20 dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.


As I read these words this morning I was reminded that the life of faith that we live is truly a cooperation between us and the Spirit. The cooperation puts us in the place of responsibility for certain activities and then promises His power and provision for things which we cannot do.

What a great deal You do what you can and I will do what you never would have been able to do in the first place.

Build yourself up in your faith, keep yourself in God' s love, be merciful to those who are weak. These are things that we can do. We can be in the word to strengthen our faith, we can remember His love for us and we can discipline ourselves to show mercy to others.

What does He do? ..."keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

Let me know if you get a better deal!