No Change

Malachi 3: 6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.

It is a comforting thing to know in times like the ones we live in that God does not change. What He was He will be. He is. That is His character.

I was looking this morning at a newspaper and it was telling me all the things that changed yesterday because of financial uncertainty. It suggested changes in institutions that have been rock solid all of my life. Things like GM and Ford that are in big trouble because of money markets changing. I read one place that FDIC could be in trouble if things don't get better.

I don't need to rehearse all the things that are changing for the readers of this blog. You are seeing for yourself. We are all be challenged by what we see changing. We are all considering what changes should we make in our own lives to deal with the cataclysmic changes we see. We should be.

Yesterday I had a friend say to me because of changes that are evident in the church, that possibly after a short while maybe the way we do church will change forever. The church has changed in the past because of shifts in society. The church changed in China when Mao came in. The church changed when Martin Luther declared "the just shall live by faith". The church changed big time when the printing press came into existence, never to go back to a clergy controlled hierarchy. One hundred years ago the church in the world saw a massive change come with the modern day outpouring of the Spirit of God and the resurgence of Pentecostalism.

I am hearing from church leaders everywhere that the economic times we are facing may and probably will have a big impact on the way the church operates. I don't know. I don't know that anyone really knows. One thing I think is for sure. All of the changes that we see in our world and in society right now will produce fast, significant and life altering changes.

In these changing times, in these uncertain times, there is one thing in the church that will not change and for this we can be extremely glad even if we don't really understand it all and that is this; Malachi 3: 6 "I the LORD do not change."

Thoughts

It is Monday and I am surrounded by my thoughts. Some really good, some really challenging and some just thoughts.

I am thinking there is a way to help people and motivate them to the good works that God has called them to. I am praying God help me to help others accomplish their purpose in this life.

My thoughts on seeing people find Christ are beginning to overwhelm me to the point of panic. Not a bad panic, a positive push that will not let me go.

There are so many good people in my life. I so want to be a blessing to them.

Here's a thought that runs through my mind consistently. Oh God reveal to me the secrets of receiving the "abundance unto every good work" that Paul talks about.

My thoughts on worship are that I have a great God. He is always there, when I sense Him and when I do not. I am determined to be a worshipper.

I wonder if the Rays will win the American League Division Championship. I said I am surrounded by my thoughts, that's just one of them.

I think today would be a great day for God to answer some of my specific prayers. God answers prayer. He never fails. He never loses a prayer sent to Him.

The other day someone sent me a note to encourage me. That means so much!

SOAP

SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 127
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

OBSERVATION:

The Psalmist is making it clear that God is in control of His purposes. He says God gives the direction, the resources and the brings the reward or success. He suggest that an over amount of leaning on human wisdom and planning are in vain. There is a clear statement that the work of God is a cooperative effort between the Lord of the Harvest and the workers, but that the heavy side of the work God retains for Himself.

APPLICATION:

I hear the writer saying to me that I should not count on human direction or provision as a source for doing what God has called me to. He clearly says that I am the laborer, but all the abilities come from the Lord. I recall another scripture Zechariah 4:6 " Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” I believe the scripture is warning me that I can place way too much emphasis on my gifts and talents and not remember that Jesus said "I will build my church".

PRAYER:

Father thank you for reminding me that I am but dust. I have not power but the power you give me. Help me to remember that you are the Lord of the Harvest and I am but a laborer. Oh God forgive me for being tempted to tell you when the harvest should take place and under what circumstances.
Lord of the Harvest I call on you today to send laborers into the field. I humbly ask you to help us with your work. Lord I humble myself and ask you to help me remember I am your servant.
I ask you to give me all the provision that I need so that I may accomplish every good work that you intended from before time.
You are my God and I love you and exalt your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Even

You know it is so hard to stay "even". I don't really think I want to stay "even" and that may be the problem. My personality is made such that I am always wanting to move forward. Let's go to the next level. Let's find a frontier. I just am made that way. Here's the problem. Life is not.

There are times that we must just plod. Just get up and put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. We must keep an eye to the future, can't let those new frontiers be forgotten, but just staying "even" is sometimes the greatest forward move you can make. Those of us who are type "A" personalities are just going to struggle with that whole idea. I think those of us who are not type "A" also have trouble with it at times as well.

If you are going through a difficult time and in one way or another who isn't, it is tough to just keep plodding along. Even though you know what the goal is and your eye may be on the prize and you have all kinds of energy, sometimes it is just keep yourself "even".

God knew I would have trouble with this. He knew because He made me the way I am. He knew I would be an aggressive leader. He knew I would always want to "Charge". So he had one of His friends and mine write me a little note. His name was David and here is what he said:

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

The Greatest

How these things happen and what they eventually mean is way to much for my little brain, but here is what happened. I woke up this morning and the first thought in my mind was from 1 Corinthinans 13:13 ...Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.(The Message)

Trust Steadily in God: Steve's translation "hang in there with God". Keep believing what you know to be true. The knowledge or understanding of the truth will set you free.

Hope unswervingly: Steve's translation "What God has promised has no chance of failure". When the word says "God is not a man that He could lie" it means it is not in His nature or character to be anything but totally integrous.

Love extravagantly: Steve's translation "well this is a work in progress". I am not sure one ever knows all that this means because life changes, opportunities come, challenges arise, resources change. If the standard is "God so loved that He gave His son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" then I am struggling some with where I go with that.

Then here is the kicker. According to this chapter a lot of things are going to come and go but these three are going to remain. And the best of these three is love. Another translation says the "greatest of these is love". Just when I am feeling good about having some idea that I feel great about on faith and hope I find out there brother love is greater.

I have to think about these things. I don't know why I woke up with that passage in my mind, but I am pretty sure the enemy did not put it there. The challenge for me today and probably for an undetermined number of days is to investigate these thoughts and discover what the Counselor wants to reveal and do in my life and maybe someone else's.

God is so good.
I have faith in Him,
I have hope in Him,
I want to know what it means to love Him.

Numbers

This morning I was reading Ezekiel 40-41 and Revelations 21. As I was reading it dawned on me how important numbers are to God. Ezekiel is sharing the vision he got from God about the temple and it is nothing more than a blueprint of it's size. When I read Revelations 21 it is a picture of the new Jerusalem and it is a blueprint again. When God gave Moses and later David plans for the tabernacle and the temple the numbers for everything were important. He said to build it exactly the way I tell you. When He gave Moses the ingredients and recipe for the holy annointing oil, the numbers were to be exact.

I am not ready this morning to write about all of the significance of those numbers and that is for one reason; I don't know. However it would take a fool not to realize that numbers are somehow important to God.

Well I am a pretty simple guy. Numbers are important to me as well. "One" is probably the most important to me. Here is a sample of the importance of "One" in my life.

I have one wife. She is the light and the lightening of my life. I love her so much. So, so much.

I have one family. They bring me great joy just to think about them. When I think of my children Crystal and Steve (son-in-law) and their children Hannah, Colby and Chase (happy, happy, happy, happy face), Steven and Michelle (I am hopeful), Taylor and Oliver (dog) it brings an immediate smile to my face. (even Oliver)

I have one set of parents. Oh God, what a heritage and blessing these people are in my life.

I have one God. He is God my Father, Jesus my Savior and The Holy Spirit my guide and source of power. He is my all in all. Joy unspeakable joy. (tears, tears and more tears of joy)

I have one life. Luke 12:48 (The Message) "...Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!"

Friends

Last night I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by friends for a couple of hours. As I observed them in the particular setting we were in I was reminded of Jesus calling the disciples. He said he had called them to "be with Him". I love that picture. A lot of things happened after Jesus called those men, but in the end for the period of His ministry, they were with Him.

I love having my friends with me. Sometimes friends laugh together, sometimes they cry. Sometimes they work together. But in the end, no matter what the event or the activity, it is just good to have friends with you.

It is so good to know that friends do not have to be of the same generation, the same social background, they can find one another regardless of circumstances. It is beautiful to see the young friend be the strength sometimes and carry the older. It is good to see the leader be lead by the followers because of the bond of friendship.

Jesus said to His followers "I call you friends". If Jesus was into friends there is a message to the rest of us. We need them. We should seek them out. We should do what ever is necessary to develop them.

There is so much a friend can do for you, but most of all I think what they do best is "be with you".

He Still Speaks

This morning I was reading in Daniel 2. The story is that of Daniel being challenged with execution if he cannot tell the king what he dreamed and what the dream means, without knowing anything about the dream. That is a challenge. It is a challenge because men cannot see the future nor can they know what they have not been privileged to see. It is called impossible. Men are not equipped to do the impossible. What we can do on our own is pretty amazing. God has given us the ability and imagination to do incredible things. The twentieth century is testimony to that. The creative advancements of mankind in that century make all the other centuries appear to have been sleeping.

However, impossible is still impossible for men. That's why it is so cool that in Daniel chapter two Daniel and his friends go to God with the impossible and He tells them what men do not know. He does the impossible. He speaks to them and gives them secrets and direction that no one else has or has access to. Proving to them and to us that the scripture "with men it is impossible but with God all things are possible" is true.

Here is the really good news. That word from God is still true. That picture of Daniel in a place where he does not know what to say is still a place God can speak and give direction in. He still speaks. As it happens, (you will be so shocked) I know a song like that.

Amidst the hustling clamoring world sometimes it's hard to hear

The voice of God speaking to my soul

But in my quiet time alone when I approach His holy throne

His tender words fall gently on my ear

There are so many who still doubt that God can speak today

They laugh and mock when we say we've heard from God.

Yet, that still small voice of God is heard

Above the doubters of this world

His timeless words ring out with hope today.

He still speaks. I know his voice

Sweeter sound never heard by mortal ears.

And to think that God by his own choice

Would speak to me it makes me rejoice.

He still speaks. I know his voice

Do Ask, Do Tell

The military had a policy that avoided confrontation as it relates to homosexuality that I do not have any intention of commenting on this morning. I am just struck by the terminology of the policy. Don't ask, don't tell.

When it comes to what God has done in our hearts and in general anything that we are learning, our policy should be the exact opposite. Do ask, do tell. This morning I woke up and prayed as my first conscious act, "God I need to hear from you today..." there obviously was more to the prayer than that, but that was a lot of the substance of my prayer.

I followed my routine and I prayed that the routine itself would not just be routine. Now I read a predetermined set of scriptures. I follow a bible reading plan for my personal devotions. This is what part of that reading said:

Lamentations 4:

17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.

18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

Wow. You talk about God hearing and answering prayer and knowing our needs before we answer. I was just encouraged. Then I thought that I would check my facebook friends to just to see what was happening with them and the first thing I see is a note by one of the young ladies in our church. Let me share that with you:

Grace for the Moment...by Max Lucado

September 9th

"About Midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God as the other prisoners listened." Acts 16:25

Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation.
It wasn't logic that caused Moses to raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea.

It wasn't medical research that convinced Naaman to listen to Elisha and and dip seven times in the Jordan River to heal his leprosy.

And it wasn't a confident committee that prayed in a small room in Jerusalem for Peter's release from prison. It was a fearful, desperate, band of backed-into-a-corner believers! It was a church with no options! A congregation of have-nots pleading for help!

And never were they stronger.
At the beginning of every act of faith, there is often a seed of fear.


I want that fearful, desperate, backed-into-a-corner faith to rise up in me and our church!! This devotion that I read today just really settled in my heart...for me, for my friends and family, for my church...so, I thought I would share...

I am going through a time of searching and looking for direction in my life and I have hit a wall. This morning out of desperation I said in my prayer "God somehow I need to hear from you today" and I have these things happen within minutes of that prayer.

God is awesome!

Who Am I

The other day I was in a class and the instructor said "Core Values are those things someone would die for". In other words they are not the things I wish I was nor are they the things that people often think I am. These are the values that drive my decisions and shape my thinking. Now whether or not you believe the statement, thinking about that idea is intriguing.

Everything I am and everything I do is eventually impacted by these values. I guess it would be really good to always be aware of what those values are. There are some things I wish were values but the truth is they really are not. There are things that people who know me assume are values in my life, but maybe they don't know me all that well.

That same instructor suggested to the students in that setting they make a list of 100 life goals. Things that they wanted to do and accomplish before their life came to an end. I believe if one were really honest about what those things were, he might glean from those goals what his real core values are. You are thinking I am going to talk about my core values aren't you? Well, no.
I am just trying to stir you up to allow you to discover yours.

However one of the goals is to go to...and another of them is to be the leader of...He he he he!

I Don't Want To Hold Back

This morning as I read the Word my prescribed portions dealt with God' judgment on Israel as written by Ezekiel and mankind in Revelations. I could not really grasp maybe all that the Lord wanted to say to me through those scriptures because my heart was so longing for His presence.

I thought Oh God I never want to be in the place of your judgment. Not because of the physical torment but I long for your presence. David said "I long for you, my heart cries out for you." I am there. My heart cries out for the presence of the almighty. There are so many things that cloud my mind. There are so many distractions that want my attention. In the middle of it all, I want Jesus.

This morning I am a little jealous of my creative friends who write songs and poetry. If that was my talent I would write a song that describes the longing of my heart for Him. I want to be in His presence. I know that He loves me and is with me. No matter, I want to feel Him. I want to sense His nearness.

I love His acts, I love His blessings and provisions, but today, this morning I just want Him. Thanks to all the songwriters who have helped me today to express my soul.

"Oh, I need Him, like I never needed someone before"

"I need thee, Oh I need thee, every hour I need thee. O bless me now my savior, I come to thee."

"Oh to be in your presence sitting at your feet"

"I need your more, like flowers need the rain"

"Longing longing for Jesus, I have a longing in my heart for him. Just to be near Him to feel His presence, I have a longing in my heart for Him."

"Shut in with God in a secret place, there in His presence beholding His face, gaining new power to run in the race. Oh how I love to be shut in with God."

How are you today?

How many times do we walk up to someone that we really do care about and ask them, How are you today? Well, many times. We do not mean to be insensitive and it is not that we really don't want to know how they are doing, we probably don't just "really" mean it at that moment. I see a lot of people in a days time and I don't know "how they are doing". They probably don't tell me and some of them would not tell me.

So what do I take away from this? When I see my friend I can safely assume that he or she is struggling with something. When Sara Palin was introduced as McCain's VP choice she was all smiles, he was all smiles, her family was all smiles. Who would have known that they were struggling with a daughter that was dealing with the realities of bad choices? Who would have known that family had to struggle with whether she should expose them to the kind of scrutiny that comes with this decision especially in a difficult family time? The answer is almost no one.

You meet people everyday that are struggling with the issues of life. You probably do not have the power to solve many of most of those issues. What you do have is the ability to grab their hand warmly hold on just a little longer than some would and look like you really care when you say, "Hello, how are you today?"

Who knows what power that will give that person to go just a little bit further?

Labor Day

This morning I woke up to a message from missionary friends in Nepal. They are young people that I watched grow up. I thought it would be inspiring and informative to share their story with you today. You can keep up with them on facebook through a group called Envision Nepal.

Here's their story:

Hello, friends! Jason left yesterday for a 11-day trip to one of the most remote places in Nepal. He flew to Pokhara (Mid-West) yesterday and today he, Ryan (another American missionary in Nepal), and 8 Nepali pastors will begin their trek through the Mustang (pronounced Moo-stahng) District. They will be praying for the different villages they pass through and will be looking for opportunities to share the Gospel.

Jason and I have had a heart for this area for months and are very excited about the potential of the 8 pastors that are traveling with him. Our prayer is that they will be touched by the Lord with a vision for this unreached area and will be willing to start "work" in this primarily Buddhist region. Please pray with us for these pastors and their heart for the unreached of their country.

Other prayer requests:

1. Thousands of Nepalis are suffering and have lost everything due to the flooding that has been reported in North India. The dam that protects Southern Nepal from these flood waters was destroyed as well as a primary hydro-electric power plant for the entire nation. Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we endeavor to reach out to the spiritual and physical needs of these people.

2. We have a historic opportunity for the very evangelistic children's video series that we have been producing in Nepali to be aired on National television. Please pray with us as we complete the project and prepare for this opportunity, reproduction and distribution, as well as the funds for airtime.

Your prayers are an essential part of our ministry to the people in Nepal and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

For Him in Nepal,
Kristi Loper

My response:

Hi Kristi

I read your notes with great interest and with a heart for you and Jason and what you are doing there in Nepal. My heart is moved this morning as I am praying for Jason and those that are with him. You guys have had God's heart capture yours and it is such a beautiful thing to see.

I am convinced that when that happens only eternity knows all that takes place. I can only believe that the two of you will be able to view what is happening because of your partnership but be encouraged that even when you don't see ("now we see in part") there will come a day when you will see ALL that God was doing.

God bless and be encouraged today, Ruth and I are praying for you and are so thrilled to see such incredible people involved in such incredible ministry

Steve & Ruth


God bless and have a great day