Dross Removed!

"Remove the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel." (Proverbs 25:4)  A good 2014 resolution: presenting to the Lord a cleansed vessel, ready for the Master's use.

The good news: the dross has been painfully removed at the cross at enormous cost to the Smith, his own Son.  We are now His workmanship!

Prepared for Adversities

"The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."

Jesus said that the one who hears his words and does them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. Hearing without obedience however, is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. Adversity will prove the foundation.

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7: 24-27)

Heart Matters

"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are the things that defile a person." (Matthew 15:11-20)

Heart matters become health matters. Defilement is less about hand washing, as mentioned in the passage, as it is about the great damage inflicted from within a person. If what was said about our condition is true, we are in desperate need of heart surgery, something or Someone to stop the bleeding.

At the cross God successfully dealt with the cancer of sin by the shedding of the blood of his own Son. His work of complete inward cleansing produces a very different flow of thought and behavior, enabling us to "pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22)

Keeping an Eye on Health

When we think of health matters, we usually think of food, exercise, diet, stress management, proper rest, maybe even fasting, but we probably never consider our eyes as a key component to our health. Jesus taught:

"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" (Matthew 6:22, 23)

Treasures

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

Looking to the Source

When troubles, pressures and conflicts intrude like an overwhelming flood, what then? As the out-of-control fast becomes the new norm, we ask like the Psalmist "from where comes my help?" Psalm 121 is brief but full of reassurance and encouragement:

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."

Should be a No-Brainer

You stop to read the sign posted at a fork in the road. It reads NOTICE CONCERNING WALKING, STANDING, AND CAMPING AHEAD. For one path there are safety restrictions in order that danger is avoided. For the other there are no restrictions, only the warning that the journey is dangerous and ends in certain death. Decision just made easy, you say, a no-brainer! Thanks for the warning.

Psalm 1 has only 6 short verses, but gives us all we need. In the small box at the bottom of the sign are printed guides for the journey. You are welcome to take one:

¹ Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

² but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

⁴ Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

⁶ For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

As Fleeting as a Cloud

"Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away." The prophet Hosea in chapter 6 declares that our faithfulness is at best short-lived, here for a moment, and gone the next. Our steadfast devotion isn't. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we quickly forget yesterday's blessings in the face of today's pressures.

The bad news is that we prove ourselves to be set on wandering and disobedience. As a result we hope to earn divine favor with external offerings rather than willing obedience. "I desire steadfast love (or mercy) and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

The good news is that pleasing God is possible! "God delights in truth in the inward being, and He teaches wisdom in the secret heart." (Psalm 51:6) He enables us to know Him and to be capable of loving Him "with all of our heart, soul and mind." (Matthew 22:37) "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

We can have an ideal weather forecast. That very pleasant morning cloud and early dew can linger, and is intended to protect us and remain with us even in spite of turbulent conditions!

Taking Heart

So much said in so few words! "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." This said to a paralytic carried to Jesus by his friends. They were hoping for the best scenario, but the result was far greater than expected. The response of the Master was predictably unpredictable: not, take heart, my son; you are healed, but "take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven."

Imagine the emotions over the removal of just his physical ailment. How much more heartening the removal of his spiritual ailment! The physical is temporary, but the spiritual is permanent. That paralytic man received both cures that day. "Rise, pick up your bed and go home. Your sins are forgiven, for the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." (Matthew 9:1-8)

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Protecting Our Valuables

Guarding treasures against loss or theft is perhaps our most important responsibility. Losing outward possessions hurts, but losing inward treasures is tragic.

Who we are is more important than what we have or don't have. Proverbs instructs us: "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." The heart is our compass. It directs our thoughts, our words and our steps. Change the heart, change our direction. No small order, as left on its own, the heart proves itself deceitful. That is why David pleads in Psalm 25: "Guard my soul, and deliver me. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust."

The created desperately needs the Creator to transform, restore and protect the soul. God's most amazing work is that which is done inwardly in the heart. Again in Psalm 25, "Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being."

Worshiping Anyway

How can a spiritual focus survive in the midst of the events of these stressful days? We tend to consider worshiping God if and when chaotic events cease, or at least when they become small enough to be temporarily brushed aside. Unfortunately the huge unplanned intrusions to our agenda are becoming the norm. One wonders if God has lost control, and if He is still sovereign during what looks like the worst of times. Can genuine worship take place in times of trouble?

The Psalmist David was no stranger to discouragements and struggles. It was out of those very difficulties that God showed his strength and sufficiency. David's faith matured under the intense pressure. Worship in times of plenty is shallow in light of the worship that God generates in the anguished heart. Worship is praising God's sovereignty in the affairs of men regardless of the conditions. Pointing upwards in the end zone after the touchdown is easy. Private prayer after a devastating loss is a whole other matter.

Our problems pale in light of the persecution and political pressures of history. What was it about those Bible heroes that enabled them to thrive in their love for God amidst the most adverse circumstances? How about the apostles singing in the prison cell? What did Abraham see other than the difficult assignment before him when he was called to offer his son Isaac? How could Daniel be so confident in continuing his daily worship in spite of great political pressure? Years of unfair treatment didn't stop Jacob from consistency and a growing faith in the Lord. The list of heroes of the faith is long, much longer than our problems.

Instead of becoming the obstacle to communion with God, unwanted circumstances can become the gateway. Rather than inhibiting fellowship with Him, they prompt it. They give us reason to seek Someone greater than ourselves and our problems. Paul said that he welcomed infirmities, because when he was weak, the power of Christ rested upon him. God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. We know that He plans only that which is for our best. Our greatest achievements may come as we seek Him in the midst of all that overwhelms us.

Stop Identity Theft

Loss of one's identity is tragic enough, but it is even worse when it is willfully surrendered. When we fail to appreciate who we are, like Esau, we casually exchange that which is of great value for a few slurps of bean soup. Forsaking the mansion, we choose the pig pen. Instead of living like an heir to the throne, we prefer life as a pauper. Call it amnesia, spiritual Alzheimer's, or even intentional forgetfulness - same difference. Our identity crisis causes us to forfeit treasure for a measly temporary counterfeit. What are we thinking, and why does this happen?

Paul warns about misunderstanding our God-given identity. "What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price." That which was "dead in trespasses and sins has been made alive." The heart of stone has been replaced with the implanted nature of Christ. Heavenly treasure has been deposited into earthen vessels. We were "chosen in Him from the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." Why then would we ever consider returning to roam in the grave yard?

Peter also tells us why we seem to forget our identity. "He that lacks these things - faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity (each a gift from God) - is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." So our blindness is caused by our neglect of the One who has chosen to redeem and conform us to Himself. His work has not changed, but we have turned the blind eye to all that He is doing on our behalf.

Forgetting who we are is the all-to-effective distraction of an enemy who is intent on robbing us of our identity and perspective. The thief only enters, however, when there is no guard on duty. Fortunately Christ is the Protector and Shepherd of our souls who is able to keep that which is committed unto Him against that day. The good work which He has begun in us, He has also promised to finish, and will present us faultless before His throne. We couldn't be in better hands.

The Bible Works on Monday!

A remark I heard this week seemed to stick. It was something to the effect that the new nature given from above is designed to work in real-life people situations. Sounds really simple and seems to demand a "duh!" More than academic study and more than emotional highs, Christianity deals with all the pressures and events we encounter daily. More than mere teaching, it is the person of Jesus Christ himself, alive and actively at work in us.

We can grasp the truths of Scripture but still fail to see that the very life situations we face the next day are ordained to demonstrate how wonderfully they operate. The problem is, the very situations that can reveal His work are usually missed as we fail to see the events for what they are - opportunities to see Christ's work.

We agree on paper that He is at work, but tend to miss the connection when encountering every item on the day's agenda, especially when there are frustrations, disappointments, pressures, and people. If it weren't for all of those, the Christian life would be ideal. But it is ideal, because He uses all of the above for good to reveal his purposes in them. His Word works.

Ain't Misbehavin'

Back in school you had to be good when the teacher was watching, and even when he wasn't. There was a two way mirror in our science class, right up in the front of the room. As soon as the test started, our teacher would disappear to watch for cheaters from behind his "hidden" window. We were being observed even when we couldn't see him. Cheating was just not possible in science class.

What was sad was not that cheating was difficult, but that we were revealing who we were. Some wouldn't even think of cheating, while others wouldn't hesitate. It is not a matter of wondering if we are being watched. We don't cheat because that is not who we are, unless of course that is who we are. Honesty works even when there appears to be no accountability.

Our behavior reflects our identity, or it should. Consistency of integrity was very much on the agenda in that science class. I think I remember more about what that two way mirror taught me than right answers on the science test.

Dad Was There

The question I heard asked on an interview this week was "What is the greatest memory you have of your formative years?" I don't know who it was that was replying, but his answer got my attention. "All I can tell you is that every time I looked up Dad was there." More important than dozens of peers is the approval and presence of Dad who is vital in developing confidence and character.

Never mind that Dad had major responsibilities of his own happening daily. Of more long-lasting value is that which is produced by the availability, interest shown and time spent with a son or daughter. How tragic it is, for whatever reason, when parents are just too busy to be there.

How well this is demonstrated in this profound little scene with my daughter and grand-daughter entitled "Are you havin' a hard time with me?"

Seeing the Imperfect as Perfect

"What ails ya?" a distant relative used to ask us years ago? We were surprised that our frustrations could so easily be observed. Unwelcome events can have their way with us, and unfortunately it usually shows. Items on our daily agenda seem to fall into two columns: those we think profitable, and those we consider a waste of time. The reality is that all of it happens, and remains unchangeable. The only variable is our perspective. We can attempt to resist unwanted pressures and situations, or we can learn to take another view.

Why are there "pricklies", my grandboys ask? They also have it in their genes to struggle mightily with sweet potatos and zucchini. Their grandparents then instinctively rush to the challenge of persuasion. Today it's unsweet potatos. Tomorrow it will be much more unpalatable situations, people and responsibilites. Maturity requires an appreciation for all of the events of our day as intended and useful for our improvement.

It isn't just the courses we must take that prepare us for our future, but our responses to them. Joseph in the Egyptian prison qualified himself for future leadership. It wasn't where he was, but how he accepted it that became his ticket out. Daniel's faith and character sustained him in overwhelming circumstances and carried him to a trusted leadership position. David was a shepherd outcast before he was the king. Contentment regardless of externals is the key. And that is a God-given ability.

The most aggravating classrooms may be providing the exact experience we will need tomorrow. That is not for us to say. Life is what it is. Our role is to accept and to learn from them. Today's classrooms should produce tomorrow's leaders. Character is as important as cirriculum. Contentment comes when we see the daily challenges before us as valuable and perfectly designed for our best.

You can't change the Army!

Looking ahead as '08 begins, I was reminded of the advice about choosing our battles wisely. Don't waste your energy fighting where you can't win, but focus on where you can affect the most change. That begins with an evaluation of ourselves. Unfortunately, we usually stress over situations completely out of our control. Why is that? Perhaps it is more convenient to blame anything and anybody except ourselves. A friend remarked, "you can't change the Army, but you can change yourself." This was an observation about the frustrations of not being able to change bureaucracies. Our all-too-finite supply of adrenaline should therefore be spent where positive results can be expected, on ourselves.

Looking back, it is easy to see where I spent way too much anxiety over mountains that weren't going to move, people that weren't going to behave the way I expected, and conditions that were never going to be perfect. To continue to expect another result without altering my input would be insanity. If I would spend as much energy improving self, as on being critical and frustrated over situations beyond my control, I would do well.

Could it be that nothing will change until I first learn how to confront the obstacles set before me? The key is not in changing them, but in first changing me. The Army is not my problem. The problem and its solution is me.

Goal Tending

Chasing a career goal is rarely like we thought it would be. Instead of a clear path to achievement, we encounter unforeseen obstacles. (Imagine that!) Without some good far sightedness, our vision and courage can give way to doubt and disillusionment. As a result, we begin running in slow motion or wind up not running at all.

What we fail to see is that the very obstacles in our path are actually the courses needed for success. They must be confronted and overcome. The path to achievement usually goes through the cities of difficult people, unpleasant circumstances, and overwhelming odds. Just look at the road to the White House! Pressures determine and refine the quality of the product.

We need regular goal tending. That means setting a watch around that which is most important, making sure that activities are aiding our pursuit and not hampering. Our commitment to remain focused on our purpose is being tested.

Not only are the exercising of career disciplines important, but so too are the mental skills. And the mental part is perhaps the most important and most difficult. It is drive and persistence that fuel the everyday journey. We find out what we are made of by the way we view and tackle the obstacles to success. If we are surprised and offended by every unwelcome intruder, then we easily loose focus and become less effective. Perspective is everything. When we see challenges as tools being used to build and improve our character and competence, then there is a whole new purpose for them.

What makes it matter

It could be a difficult performance, a special meal with guests, a highly anticipated holiday gathering, a sermon, a lesson taught, or even a final exam. So many events charge at us with growing speed only to shoot by in a blur, leaving us dejected and wondering if all the energy spent was worth it. Ninety-nine percent of the ordeal was in the preparing. Then in an instant it is over.

After the notes have been played and heard, the meal prepared and eaten, the company enjoyed, the sermon preached, the lesson finished, and the exam passed, we wonder what of lasting value was accomplished? What made it matter? Each of these are temporal. If our emphasis is on these, we are left only with a heavy sense of emptiness at the end.

What gives value to a performance is how it affects the listeners, the amount of growth that took place in the preparation, and the communication that flows from composer to performer to audience. Something more than notes should happen. The student is molded by who the teacher is as a person, as much as what he imparts. People and their lives matter more.

The food prepared likewise is about the people. There is labor to please and satisfy with a good meal. Having company is worth the effort when the goal is learning about them. Conversation is not all about us, but a deepening of friendships. The sermon will leave its mark on the hearers, but much more so when the one sharing it delights in his congregation. The value of the exam is the discipline in studying, and that which is learned and able to be applied.

Maybe our post-event let-down can be lessened if we begin by preparing to focus primarily on the people and that which lasts beyond the event. Things will quickly pass, but the people and things learned will last.

Two Houses

Probably the most unwelcome interruption in life is a funeral, hopefully not our own. This unscheduled event is not without benefits however. In fact, it always provides a much needed jolt in perspective. The world is quickly passing away along with all the things that so easily consume us. No wonder our lives are compared to withering grass and short lived vapors.

A funeral forces us to focus just for a moment on the eternal, before returning to fast-paced often temporal pursuits. The house of mourning has a way of readjusting our attitudes and priorities. Sobriety and reflection suddenly replace our eat-drink-and-be-merry mindset. We tend to walk away wiser.

Ecclesiastes contrasts two houses. Note the more profitable one. "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning: but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."

The advice of Solomon is to consider our behavior in light of life's brevity. "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Moses also reflected in Psalm 90, "Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."