![]() Are you interested in Jesus Christ? How do you know if you really are? Anyone can say that, but does your life demonstrate that? In Philippians 2:4, Paul exhorts the believer to "look not only to his own things [Gk. ta heauton], but also to the things of others." The word "to look" means "to pay careful attention to, to take special notice of." It carries the idea of awareness, that the blinders are off and I'm focused on what's going on with the people around me. In the next several verses, Paul gives us the reason or model for such others-awareness: this mindset was the very mindset of Jesus Christ (vv. 5-8). He was aware of people, and that's why He came to earth (cf. Luke 19:10). Unfortunately, Paul demonstrates that few believers reciprocate this same saving awareness, for "all seek their own things [Gk. ta heauton], not those of Jesus Christ" (v. 21). So, we aren't aware of the people around us, because we aren't very aware of Jesus Christ. 1. So, are you interested in Jesus? Then, focus on people – stop being self-aware, and be aware of people. Against this self-absorbed mold stands Timothy. Paul's testimony of this young man was that "I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for the things about you [Gk. ta peri humon]" (v. 20). The word "to be concerned" means "to be anxious for." We often translate it as "to worry," and it is the same word used in Matthew 6:25 and Philippians 4:6. It carries the idea of genuinely caring for people. Timothy was burdened for people in this way, because he was more than verbally committed to Jesus – he was actively seeking the things of Jesus Christ (v. 21). He recognized that true interest in Jesus Christ will be translated into true interest in people. 2. So, are you interested in Jesus? Then, care for people – stop being self-anxious, and be anxious for people. But, we must take our interest in Jesus Christ one step further. Jesus' interests went beyond merely being aware and concerned for people. His heart for people bled into His service for people, even to the extent that "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (v. 8) that He might take care of their greatest need. 3. So, are you interested in Jesus? Then, serve people – stop being self-active, and be active for people. Jesus wants more than our affirmation that we're interested in Him. He wants us to prove that by being interested in what He's interested in. If you're not interested much in people – you're generally not aware of them, anxious for their welfare, and active in meeting their needs – then you need to meditate much on Christ's interest for you, even when you were un-interesting. "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (I John 4:10-11). So, you say you're interested in Jesus Christ. You call Him "Master" and "Lord," do you? That's terrific! But, it's not enough. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15). Are you interested in Jesus Christ? Then be interested in people. ![]() It’s no surprise – mobile devices are here to stay. So, this kind of practical entry may be one of the most helpful for us. As the dangers of the internet grew, so did Christians’ awareness of internet safety programs like Safe Eyes and Covenant Eyes. These programs have become more and more helpful and necessary for believers to remain pure and innocent (Romans 16:19) in this web-based world. Now, with the explosion of mobile devices, it’s time for believers to become equally knowledgable and skillful concerning how to protect themselves on these devices. Since I’m a Mac guy, the following information only pertains directly to Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. However, many of the same restriction settings are available on other mobile devices. Before jumping into the practical instructions, let me quickly say that as you battle internet temptations and traps, you will need to “preach the gospel to yourself every day.” On the one hand, without a continuing grasp of the love and grace of God in Christ Jesus, even your best “fences” will be powerless against the onslaught of sin and your flesh (cf. Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:16; Titus 2:11-12). On the other hand, such a regularly-sought-after grasp on grace should be complemented by an earnest pursuit of holiness (Hebrews 12:14). In this way, our salvation will be complete (cf. Philippians 2:12-13). So, the instructions that follow are part of that pursuit of holiness, and are by no means a replacement for preaching the gospel to yourself. Only a fervent and active relationship with Jesus Christ will give you the delight to continue your duty. ![]() Some quick nuggets from chapter 2 of The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer. The chapter is entitled, “The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing."
![]() Earlier today a friend of mine from Wisconsin, Aaron Anderson, was tragically killed in a car accident. His Christ-centered life and God-honoring testimony is commemorated by his pastor here. Some of you may have known him. He was only a few years younger than me, and had been a student at Maranatha for a time. He had currently been living in Wisconsin and faithfully serving Jesus at Lakewood Baptist Church. My heart breaks for his family and friends who are wrestling with God over this, and my heart leaps to consider the heavenly experiences Aaron is now enjoying. I was reminded today that life is short and our ability to impact for Christ is extensive. I was also reminded of a simple consideration from Psalm 116 that I had written in 2008 when a teacher in my Christian school in New Hampshire passed away from cancer. For your encouragement, those thoughts are shared below. Psalm 116:1-9 – I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The pains of death surrounded me, and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord: 'O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!' Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
These words were penned by one who had experienced the “Valley of the Shadow of Death.” Here the Psalmist refers to a time in his life when he had stared death in the face. He speaks of the “pains of death,” the “pangs of Sheol,” “trouble,” “sorrow,” of a time when he “was brought low,” of “tears” and “falling.” And as the tentacles of lifelessness slowly began to wrap themselves around him, he had cried out unto the Lord to “deliver his soul” and grant him life. And the Lord answered that prayer. As in the case of Hezekiah, who, as he was lying upon his bed of illness gazing into the face of eternity, had asked God for more time and was rewarded with an extra 15 years of service, so the Psalmist was restored to health and wholeness. Length of days was granted to him where death has seemed immanent. This situation is well known to us. Oftentimes, as a loved one is dying, the consistent prayer of a Christian is heard: “Lord, grant him healing; please allow him to live.” Perhaps we have even ourselves tread through that dark valley and have cried to God for deliverance, and God, in His lovingkindness and faithfulness, often answers by granting recovery and salvation from physical death. And, as we watch that loved one restored, we respond like the Psalmist: “I love you Lord; you are gracious, righteous, and merciful”—and well should we respond! But what happens if God chooses to answer our request in a manner different from what we would like. What if He chooses to withhold life in place of death and take the loved one home? At that point, is God still gracious and merciful? Does He care? The Psalmist seems to have anticipated that question in this Psalm, and He gives us the answer in verse 15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Precious—honorable, excellent, special—because the Father is able to further to a heavenly degree the work of grace begun in that life. Precious—honorable, excellent, special—because the Son now sees the person for whom He died made perfect. So, while we mourn and perhaps question God’s goodness, for God, it is only special when His children come home to Him. When I was in elementary school, I had two older sisters who were in college. As the Christmas and summer breaks drew near, I would be heard asking my parents over and over again, “When are they getting home?” And when the day finally came, it was filled with such excitement—it was a special day. We, too, are “pilgrims on a journey” going home. There is no one who anticipates that heavenly family reunion more than our Heavenly Father and Savior. And, so, from an earthly perspective, we pray for life and health, and it is often granted, and we conclude that life—God giving life—is good. But often from the perspective of our loving, gracious, merciful, tender, and anticipating Father, death is good. Yes, it is precious in His sight when His children come home to Him. In light of those truths, our response should be similar to that of the Psalmist in verses 17-19 – "I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!" And so, let us “sorrow not even as others which have no hope” (I Thessalonians 4:13), but rather let us rejoice in the pleasure our Heavenly Father is enjoying as He communes in reunion with one of His children. Let us remind ourselves that while loved ones who have passed “cannot return to us, we will go to them” and join in the precious family reunion above. Thus, our hearts likewise break forth in thanksgiving to God and praise Him that “precious in [His sight] is the death of His saints.” ![]() READ: Matthew 1 I love Matthew 1:21–”[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” What a wonderful reminder that while Jesus will fulfill Luke 1:68-75 for Israel and ultimately for all His people (i.e., save them from their enemies), Jesus primarily came to redeem us from our worst enemy–sin. O glorious reality! While the Messiah was indeed very holy and powerful God of very holy and powerful God (notice the lofty descriptions of Jesus in Luke 1:32-35), He was named Salvation (or “Yahweh Saves”–the meaning of the name, Jesus) to declare to all that He had first come in gracious humility to bring them back to Himself. The next thirty years would be His “saving” work of perfect righteousness in life and vicarious propitiation in death, so that redemption from sin and reconciliation to God could be ours. Believer, in both worship and evangelism, be not silent, but “let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2)! For more Christmas Meditations, click here. ![]() READ: Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18 In Luke 1:1-4, Luke demonstrates painstaking care in describing “the things that have been accomplished among us.” He uses statements like “undertaken,” “eyewitnesses,” “followed all things closely for some time,” “orderly account,” and “have certainty” to communicate the carefulness with which he and others have passed along what they witnessed from Christ. Yet, John’s Gospel suggests a special blessing for those “who have not seen and yet have believed” (20:29). While we may at times quietly wish to have been alive during Jesus’ time so that we could have benefited more fully from physical interaction with Him (or wished this for unsaved loved ones), John 1:9-13 demonstrates that spiritual blessing does not necessarily come through physical interaction with Christ, but rather through whole-hearted belief in Christ. While there were several eye-witnesses that expressed faith in Christ (as Luke demonstrates), the general rule was that “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him” (John 1:11). So, physical interaction with Christ never guaranteed spiritual blessing. Faith was the key! Eternal, spiritual blessing comes to those who “believe in His name…who [are] born…of God” (1:12). So, while physical interaction, one the one hand, didn’t guarantee spiritual blessing, neither does physical removal, on the other hand, render us disadvantaged. A relationship with Christ is still by grace (v. 13) through faith (v. 14). And, because Christ is the unending Word (v. 1) and manifestation of God (v. 14, 18) who ministers life (v. 4), grace, and truth (v. 14, 17), we can know Him fully and personally, albeit not yet physically. So, dig into the Word, and with eyes of faith see the risen Savior and cry “My Lord and my God!” For more Christmas Meditations, click here. We considered this theme from Haggai in our Sunday morning Bible Study this past week. If you missed it, I've pasted the notes below. INTRODUCTION
What are your life priorities? We could figure that out by asking… • What do you think about most? • What do you talk about most? • What do you sacrifice for most? Is God one of your life-priorities? Are you a priority to Him? YES! • He thinks about us all the time (Psalm 139:17-18—“How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total! If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” NET). • He talks about us throughout Scripture (both negatively, focusing on our sin, and positively, focusing on solution/relationship). • He sacrificed His life for us (John 15:13). Is God a priority to you? • Do you think about Him often? • Do you talk about Him frequently? • Do you sacrifice for Him? Throughout her history as God’s chosen people, Israel regularly struggled with the issue of spiritual priorities, manifesting itself regularly in blatant idolatry. It was this sin, primarily, that God repeatedly warned against and would eventually punish with captivity. When they were released from captivity 70 years later, Israel had learned her lesson and was once again a fiercely monotheistic people to this day. Nonetheless, they would continue to struggle with the issue of spiritual priorities. V. 1 – Audience: God addresses the leadership of those who had returned to Israel after the captivity. • Zerubbabel = political leader who led the first remnant in their return to Palestine in 538 B.C., 18 years earlier. • Joshua = spiritual leader who was the high priest V. 2-4, 9 – Message (Indictment): The people had determined that it was not time yet to rebuild God’s house. They had constructed lavish homes for themselves (e.g., paneled = probably walls overlaid with cedar), but were indifferent to the status of God’s house, which was still desolate. They “ran” to the attention of their own homes, while completely ignoring God’s (v. 9). God not only didn’t have first place; He didn’t have any place! God was not pleased (“This people,” NOT “My people”—v. 2). External idolatry had been replaced with idols of the heart! INTERROGATIVE: What Does God Do When We Misplace Him in our List of Priorities? (VV. 5-15) 1. He Chastens Us (vv. 5-7, 9-11). – Grace Rebuke (vv. 5, 7) God explains that their decision was wrong. They should “consider [set your heart on/think carefully about] your ways” (v. 5, 7; 2:15, 18). They were challenged to stop and think about what they were doing, to stop and listen to themselves. It would be obvious that such rationale was completely off! Punishment (vv. 6, 9-11) V. 6 – Thus, even though they had been working hard, they didn’t get very much. (Illustration: 2 steps forward, 3 back). Vv. 10-11 – God had even called for a drought on all that Israel came into contact with so that those things would not produce properly. V. 9 – Any profit they did make didn’t seem to last very long, for God was “blowing away” what they got. Application: God is purposeful in His chastening. He “resists” the proud, so that in their humiliation, they may be put into a situation in which they may know His exaltation. Those “2 steps forward, 3 steps back” times in life may be from the hand of God, who’s seeking to get your heart. Those profitless seasons of life may not be due to a bad economy, but may be the chastening work of God, whose knocking at your heart, commanding His rightful place on the throne of your heart. Resistance in life may not be persecution or trial; it may be your heavenly Lover, removing your other lovers, so that you are returned to your senses and returned to your God (cf. Hosea 2). 2. He Gives Second Chances (v. 8). – Grace Command: God tells them clearly what they should do…they should go to the mountains to get wood and rebuild the temple. Promise: This would cause God to be pleased and glorified, which was of course their purpose. Principle: The burden of success was not laid upon them; only the responsibility of obedience. Application: Because the consequences of our failures and sins have been judged in Christ, God has no judgment left for us. Rather, as the “God of all grace,” God extends fresh opportunities of obedience and promises to delight in that obedience. We don’t have to wonder whether or not He will be pleased; we just need to obey out of a heart that treasures God as highest priority. Daily are these opportunities given, for “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3). Let us not abuse, but use His grace, for His gory! 3. He Enables Us To Obey (vv. 12-15). – Grace Our Need to Obey -- They practiced repentant obedience (v. 12) which invited and enabled the work of God in their midst. God’s Provision of Enablement (a.) He reminds them of covenant realities: • God’s presence and promise: “I am with you” (v. 13; 2:4-5). • God’s program: “I will fill this house with glory...and in this place I will give peace” (vv. 2:6-9). While some would look at this rebuilt temple and quietly mourn that it didn’t compare with the former glory of God’s house (vv. 2:1-3), God reminds them of His culminative, future work for Israel in the Millennium. (b.) He internally motivates them to obey Him: ”The Lord stirred up the spirit” (v. 12). God got within them to energize and enable them to prioritize Him in active obedience as they rebuilt His house. Application: God wants your loyalty and love: simply your heart throughout your day; some specific ministry He’s burdening you for; some relationship that He wasn’t secondary; some decision that He wants primacy in; some command He wants submission to. Will you invite His enabling grace and covenant faithfulness thought a heart of repentant obedience? CONCLUSION You are a priority to God. Is He a priority to you? Hosea teaches us that because God is patient with our misplaced priorities, we must put Him first. → This is contrary to typical thinking. Put God first in everything. If you don’t through self-centered, heart-idolatry… • He will rebuke. • He will punish. If you do, through repentant obedience… • He will instruct. • He will surround you with His faithful presence. • He will enable you to obey Him. • He will bless when you do. Give God the obedience and reverence that He deserves; “in all things [may] He have the preeminence.” I've found myself getting nostalgic lately. It started yesterday when a good friend came by my office to say goodbye. While I just moved into the area and was excited to be near to him, I recently learned that he had taken a ministry job elsewhere and would be leaving. During my high school years, he and I were at the same church, and we have a lot of great memories together. When he left my office yesterday, I found myself missing those "good 'ole days" and was reminded of all the other people that made those years special who are now scattered seemingly everywhere and far from me.
The reminiscence continued last night as my high school class discussed on Facebook the planning of our 10 year reunion and joked about our many stories together. Great people and great times! Those times are past now, and those people are no longer close by. It happened again this morning. As I read through my friends' walls on Facebook and as I began to peruse the Tweets of those I follow, I was reminded that dozens and dozens of close friends of mine are no longer in the dorm room next door or in my next class or just the town over. I love making new friends, but the nature of life is that one is often saying "goodbye" or "'til next time" to old ones. How thankful I am, then, for the reality of an eternal home in heaven! In that place, there are everlasting greetings, and never a parting call. In that place, all my friends will be gathered to enjoy eternal fellowship. In that place, earthly memories will fade into eternal realities. In that place, nostalgia will be replaced with full realization! So, perhaps God gives the spirit of nostalgia as a reminder to us that "this world is not our home" and that God is one Friend and Father who "never leaves us." If you're looking for another devotional tool to enrich or refresh your walk with God, let me recommend The Valley of Vision. This is a collection of short Puritan prayers, which contain earnest emotion, rich doctrine, and personal hunger for God's fellowship. The prayers are structured in such a way to aid meditation and reflection, and the prayers are organized around key themes.
While I've known of the benefit of this little book for a long time, my problem has often been knowing where to start with it or how to use it. Thankfully, Joe Thorn solved that problem for me over at his blog. Joe has prepared a schedule that enables you to read through this book in 13 weeks, by meditating on three prayers a day (at 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00) Monday-Friday. You can read his own comments about this devotional aid and download the schedule here. You can purchase the book from Amazon, either as leather-bound or soft-cover. As a sample of the rich benefit this little resource offers, I've quoted the first prayer below. The Valley of Vision Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, Where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; Let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley. A pastor in Ohio started a ministry of song-writing about 4 years ago. His hymns are tremendous and can be freely used from his website, www.churchworksmedia.com. One of my favorite hymns is one he wrote earlier this year, entitled, Draw Near Through Christ. I've copied the text below. I'm always been especially stirred by the theme of the cherubs throughout each stanza. In Eden’s bliss we walked with God
Unhindered by the curse. Yet we rebelled and were expelled-- Estranged; alone; perverse. Two mighty cherubs barred the path To Eden’s holy place; No more could men, now stained by sin, Behold our Maker’s face. Beneath the Law we sought the Lord Through sacrifice and priest. One time each year one man, in fear, Sought God with blood of beast. Still mighty cherubs blocked the way So sinners could not pass-- In curtain sewn, on golden throne, They stopped the rebel fast. Then Christ appeared to clear the way To God for sinful man; Fulfilled the Law without a flaw-- Our Temple, Priest, and Lamb. Astounded cherubs stepped aside; Each hid his flaming sword. With nail and thorn the Veil was torn; Draw near through Christ the Lord! In Jesus’ name we boldly come Before the throne of grace. With empty hand, in Christ we stand To seek Almighty’s face Till saints and cherubs join in awe Around the Savior’s throne. With one great voice we will rejoice: “All praise to Christ alone!” Copyright 2010 ChurchWorksMedia.com. All rights reserved. |
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