The Lord appeared to Solomon and said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." (2 Chronicles 1:7 NIV). The newly appointed king asked for wisdom to govern a nation.
Likewise Jesus says, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:14). However, the Lord continues, "If you love me, keep my commands." (verse 15).
We should never measure our requests by how easy or hard or foolish or wise it may sound but simply make it known to Him. As we obey Him out of love, He will instruct our hearts regarding the things we desire. He has the final say in answering our prayers.
From personal experience, it seemed there was so much to ask that I didn't know where to start. Other times the requests were so personal that I felt embarrassed even to ask. Why bother a big and busy God with that need? As I matured in grace to understand more of His heart, my prayers shifted to His kingdom's cause - salvation for friends or family - nations in need of the gospel or a local church community struggling.
Recently, I asked more of His Spirit in my life. He promised the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34). More of His Spirit to pray and read the Scriptures in a passionate devotion. More of His power to fear Him. And greater strength from His Spirit to love Him fully. I believe these are the prayers God yearns to answer because they are rooted in His promises.
I discovered the more I prayed globally far beyond my narrow sphere of desires and needs the more enriching was my communion with the Lord. It matters not that I may never know how effectual my prayer but that I obeyed His prompting to pray His heart's desire. After all prayer is a dialogue not a monologue - He can interrupt and ask me anything and everything.
Lastly, when we pray His promises to be known in the lives of others the need that seems so pressing and so often pivots our prayers is put into right perspective.
And sometimes we just stop asking Him because we are so satisfied to pray His heart's desire for others. His Presence is all that matters when He speaks to us so clearly and dearly.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Bitter or Better?
Jesus warned we will be offended (Luke 17:1). Believers of Jesus Christ are an opposed people. The world, the Devil and even our own flesh is offended by the gospel of Jesus Christ - it requires a lifestyle of sacrifice, surrender and submission to His sovereign will - every moment of everyday.
We don't do whatever we feel because we love and live for Him. So a believer who is sincere and walking honestly before God is offensive to the ungodly and worldly minded. Even in our weakness and failures, we demonstrate forgiveness and patience because the Holy Spirit empowers us to make right choices.
From personal experience, the offenses that I've experienced had little to do with an opposition to the gospel. Rather my offenses were minor scrapes and slights from loved ones, bad attitudes, cross and unfeeling words spoken and misunderstandings.
While some things are important and carried a weight of an emotional investment, it was a far cry from the offense Christ bore on the cross. He was innocent of all trumped up charges made against Him. It was love that held Him fast to the cross - suspended between heaven and earth - bearing the full weight of all our sins. Christ was the offended party and we were the cause of the offense through our sin and disobedience.
In light of all this I asked the Lord to remove such folly and sting of past offenses from my heart. Namely, I wanted to be right with Him in those hidden places in my heart where I may be offended by God. Questions not answered. Prayers delayed. Unexplained pain. Why things go from bad to worse in my family after so many have prayed?
When I understand He owes me nothing. That He's under no obligation to do anything for me or explain Himself rather out of His goodness and kindness, He has shown me great mercy. And from that place of mercy I can know freedom to grow better not bitter in my relationship with God. It's enough He loves me. It's enough to know I belong to Him and He will not abandon me. Then from that place I can release any personal and relational offenses much easier - though painful and at times it can be a struggle.
Beloved, we have supernatural grace from God to grow better in Him. Simply ask Him for greater grace, greater love and power to deliver you from any bitter root. His grace is always sufficient.
We don't do whatever we feel because we love and live for Him. So a believer who is sincere and walking honestly before God is offensive to the ungodly and worldly minded. Even in our weakness and failures, we demonstrate forgiveness and patience because the Holy Spirit empowers us to make right choices.
From personal experience, the offenses that I've experienced had little to do with an opposition to the gospel. Rather my offenses were minor scrapes and slights from loved ones, bad attitudes, cross and unfeeling words spoken and misunderstandings.
While some things are important and carried a weight of an emotional investment, it was a far cry from the offense Christ bore on the cross. He was innocent of all trumped up charges made against Him. It was love that held Him fast to the cross - suspended between heaven and earth - bearing the full weight of all our sins. Christ was the offended party and we were the cause of the offense through our sin and disobedience.
In light of all this I asked the Lord to remove such folly and sting of past offenses from my heart. Namely, I wanted to be right with Him in those hidden places in my heart where I may be offended by God. Questions not answered. Prayers delayed. Unexplained pain. Why things go from bad to worse in my family after so many have prayed?
When I understand He owes me nothing. That He's under no obligation to do anything for me or explain Himself rather out of His goodness and kindness, He has shown me great mercy. And from that place of mercy I can know freedom to grow better not bitter in my relationship with God. It's enough He loves me. It's enough to know I belong to Him and He will not abandon me. Then from that place I can release any personal and relational offenses much easier - though painful and at times it can be a struggle.
Beloved, we have supernatural grace from God to grow better in Him. Simply ask Him for greater grace, greater love and power to deliver you from any bitter root. His grace is always sufficient.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
A Gray Crown Of Wisdom
Proverbs 16:31 says "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." (NIV).
The keynote speaker at a men's conference today was a 74 year old man who controls a hundred year old family business. He spoke of how God helped him use his business to reach the lost. Through the years he learned to trust God and rely on His wisdom to guide his personal and business affairs. As a result, his company and personal life were not only enriched but he became well known in the business community as a caring and kind man.
Later our pastor (who himself is turning 63) reminded us of Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God's word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith (ISV).
For a generation driven by youthfulness and beauty the mandate to respect and follow the example of the aged believer is crucial for our own maturity in the faith. In the end, we ourselves will become gray haired and aged - but will our crown be marked by wisdom or by folly?
Timothy lived by the command found in Exodus 20:12. Apostle Paul observed this by saying, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).
As I near my 48th birthday I've become aware of the widening gap from my generation (at the end of 1960s) to this present time. I'm surprised how many children are communicating through cell phones and other devices but when speaking to their parents or other authority figures - their words verge on the borders of being rude and dismissive. There's been something lost to how we conduct a civil conversation instead of texting with choppy words pasted with emoticons!
Those who honor their parents have a promise that it will go well with them (Ephesians 6:2). Today's investment in respect and honor means when we are old and feeble - gray haired - God promises that in our own hour of weakness He will take care of us. Even if our parents were cruel and abusive God gives us the grace to forgive them in our hearts (yes, even if they had died) - by releasing the offense to God we honor His word and He in turn honors His promise.
The keynote speaker at a men's conference today was a 74 year old man who controls a hundred year old family business. He spoke of how God helped him use his business to reach the lost. Through the years he learned to trust God and rely on His wisdom to guide his personal and business affairs. As a result, his company and personal life were not only enriched but he became well known in the business community as a caring and kind man.
Later our pastor (who himself is turning 63) reminded us of Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God's word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith (ISV).
For a generation driven by youthfulness and beauty the mandate to respect and follow the example of the aged believer is crucial for our own maturity in the faith. In the end, we ourselves will become gray haired and aged - but will our crown be marked by wisdom or by folly?
Timothy lived by the command found in Exodus 20:12. Apostle Paul observed this by saying, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).
As I near my 48th birthday I've become aware of the widening gap from my generation (at the end of 1960s) to this present time. I'm surprised how many children are communicating through cell phones and other devices but when speaking to their parents or other authority figures - their words verge on the borders of being rude and dismissive. There's been something lost to how we conduct a civil conversation instead of texting with choppy words pasted with emoticons!
Those who honor their parents have a promise that it will go well with them (Ephesians 6:2). Today's investment in respect and honor means when we are old and feeble - gray haired - God promises that in our own hour of weakness He will take care of us. Even if our parents were cruel and abusive God gives us the grace to forgive them in our hearts (yes, even if they had died) - by releasing the offense to God we honor His word and He in turn honors His promise.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
On Bullshead Road
Last weekend my wife and I drove over an hour to attend a country fair. The Saturday morning looked promising. The weather was cool and the skies clear and bright. Just as we were making a turn on a country road, our car suddenly died.
The afternoon was terrible. Our car was towed twice after an auto body shop said they couldn't do the repairs which they believed was the distributor. It took nearly four hours to return home by taxi, train and bus. Two days later we got a call from the 2nd auto shop who informed us it will need to go to another shop up the street. Today one week later we took a two hour bus trip and taxi to the third auto shop to pick up our car. And to pay a hefty bill.
Through the tedious and expensive process I couldn't shake the name of the road where our car had died. Bullshead Road. It was as if the Lord was directly speaking to a stubborn and bullheaded place in my heart. A place where the borders of my trust in Him often fail and I go into survival mode. A place where I grind my teeth and complain that God somehow left us on a country road to figure how we were to make it home.
The truth of the matter was throughout the whole journey God placed people in our path to re-assure and comfort us - though they did not know the hand of God was moving them to respond kindly and respectfully. I must confess that trusting God in the ordinary and the mundane isn't always easy but I'm learning to be thankful for what is known and unknown about the providence of God.
The Lord said about His people, "For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn cow. Can the LORD now shepherd them like a lamb in an open meadow?" (Hosea 4:16, Holman Christian Standard Bible).
All God wanted from me was willingness to release the burden and hold tightly to His hand to lead us home. But I couldn't let go of my smart phone as I anxiously searched the web and dialed frantically for help!
Beloved, we can dig our heels into the ground and remain on Bullshead Road or we can allow God to carry us (much like a tow truck) to a place where He repair our hearts. It requires a simple yes on our part. Yes, God lead me. Yes, God I will trust you - though I can't stand this circumstance. Yes, God I will remember you are for me and not against me.
I don't know about you...but I don't want to ever visit Bullshead Road, again. Spiritually or otherwise.
The afternoon was terrible. Our car was towed twice after an auto body shop said they couldn't do the repairs which they believed was the distributor. It took nearly four hours to return home by taxi, train and bus. Two days later we got a call from the 2nd auto shop who informed us it will need to go to another shop up the street. Today one week later we took a two hour bus trip and taxi to the third auto shop to pick up our car. And to pay a hefty bill.
Through the tedious and expensive process I couldn't shake the name of the road where our car had died. Bullshead Road. It was as if the Lord was directly speaking to a stubborn and bullheaded place in my heart. A place where the borders of my trust in Him often fail and I go into survival mode. A place where I grind my teeth and complain that God somehow left us on a country road to figure how we were to make it home.
The truth of the matter was throughout the whole journey God placed people in our path to re-assure and comfort us - though they did not know the hand of God was moving them to respond kindly and respectfully. I must confess that trusting God in the ordinary and the mundane isn't always easy but I'm learning to be thankful for what is known and unknown about the providence of God.
The Lord said about His people, "For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn cow. Can the LORD now shepherd them like a lamb in an open meadow?" (Hosea 4:16, Holman Christian Standard Bible).
All God wanted from me was willingness to release the burden and hold tightly to His hand to lead us home. But I couldn't let go of my smart phone as I anxiously searched the web and dialed frantically for help!
Beloved, we can dig our heels into the ground and remain on Bullshead Road or we can allow God to carry us (much like a tow truck) to a place where He repair our hearts. It requires a simple yes on our part. Yes, God lead me. Yes, God I will trust you - though I can't stand this circumstance. Yes, God I will remember you are for me and not against me.
I don't know about you...but I don't want to ever visit Bullshead Road, again. Spiritually or otherwise.
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