The cross roads

There are natural “cross roads” in life; points at which we must make decisions. The Lord says to look for the ancient, godly way at these points. Find the old and good way and walk in it. (Jer 6:16) I think we have to look further back than 1950s Evangelical America. We have to look farther back than “that old time religion.” We have to look farther back than the Puritans. We have to look to Jesus (the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2)). No one ever interpreted and applied the ancient ways better than the Master. Focus on Jesus and you will find rest for your soul.

Wooing wayward hearts

We are “prone to wander.” God is constantly calling his children back to himself (Jer 3:22). The standing offer is, “return and be healed.” In returning we need to do three things: 1) Plow up our fallow ground. 2) Stop sowing among thorns. 3) Surrender our pride and power. (Jer 4:3-4) That is, we need to break up our hardened hearts, changing longstanding attitudes of rebellion and resentment. We need to stop wasting our lives in futile endeavors. Determine where God is at work and join him in doing what really matters. Finally, (probably should be “firstly”) we need to acknowledge our own sin and inadequacy for the task. We are totally dependent on God for holiness and productivity in the kingdom. Without Him we can do nothing (Joh 15:5).

Breaking a hard heart

Manasseh was a broken man. Early in his life he rebelled against the Lord and led the people to sin. He put idols in the holy place and consulted sorcerers and psychics (2Ch 33:4-6). He abused his power to the point of murdering innocent people (2Ki 21:16). When God disciplined him severely by sending him to Babylon, he repented. He humbled himself and submitted to the Lord. Upon seeing his broken and contrite heart the Lord restored his kingdom. (2Ch 33:12-13) No matter how far down the road you’ve gone, God can restore a broken heart. Our own pride determines the fate of our souls. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (Psa 51:17).

Misplaced trust

For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! (Isa 64:4). God will intervene on behalf of those who acknowledge their total dependence on him. Those who trust in themselves or in human institutions will be left to their own devices until they learn the fear of the Lord (Isa 64:7). Lord, help me to lean on you and no other. Let me not trust in anyone or anything but you. The flower fades and the grass withers, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

Measuring motives

The goal of education is service. True religion is helping the helpless (Isa 58:2-3, 6-7). Israel had lost sight of this. We too have lost our way. We are not achieving God’s intent with the gifts he gave. Instead we gather information in order to gain a personal advantage. We practice religion to reassure ourselves of our own righteousness. The measure of maturity is not knowledge; it is love. (1Co 13:1-3). Pure and undefiled religion is self control and benevolence (James 1:26-27). Check your motives, not your façade. Everything may seem right on the outside, but God looks at the heart.

The seventy percent solution

God’s ways are beyond us. We are often confused and ignorant about what God is doing in our lives and in the world around us. That should not surprise us. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so are his ways higher than ours (Isa 55:9). What this requires of us is trust. We must be willing to walk with less than 100 percent clarity. God lives in a high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble (Isa 57:15). When you can’t trace his hand, trust his heart.

Not of the world

The Lord beckons you to be free from “Babylon.” (Isa 48:20) Babylon is a symbol of the world and its anti-Christ systems. It seduces us into captivity. It offers success, power, wealth, pleasure and comfort but it produces bondage. God calls his people out of Babylon (Isa 52:11). We are to live in the grace of his forgiveness, in gratitude for his mercy, and in the joy of his salvation (Isa 50:10, 51:5). Has the world captured you? You can be free. Trust in God and forsake Babylon (Joh 15:19).

The purpose of prophecy

The purpose of prophecy is to prove that the God of the prophecy is God indeed (Isa 45:18-19, 21-22, 48:5). The implication is that you know the prophecy and you know the history. When the two are in synch you are convinced that the God of the Scripture is God. Another route to conviction is to know the prophecy and watch as the future unfolds. How well do you know the Scripture? Would you recognize fulfillment of prophecy if you saw it? God has made bold promises in order to convince you that he is Lord of heaven and earth, of history and the future. Is he Lord of you? (Isa 46:8-13)

Sacred suffering

The Lord sees your troubles (Isa 40:27). If you trust in him he will renew your strength (Isa 40:31). Do not be afraid or discouraged. Trust in the Lord and he will help, strengthen and uphold you (Isa 41:10). The pain of life can become unbearable. Even the ordinary, work-a-day life can become overwhelming. You can’t compare suffering. We may look at history or at other’s misery to try to minimize our own, but each one suffers alone. No matter how minimal the suffering may seem in the context of world, it is real to the individual. God understands your suffering. It is sacred to him. Trust him and endure. He will redeem your heartache and you will sing his praises.

C'est la vie sans espirit

The Lord withdrew from Hezekiah to see what was in his heart (2Ch 32:31). Hezekiah proved himself foolish and unloving. He showed the Babylonian spies all of the secrets of the kingdom. After his death Babylon would come and loot all the treasures. When Hezekiah heard this, he was only pleased that it would not occur in his lifetime (2Ki 20:19). Before we point fingers at Judah’s king, we must ask, “what would be in my heart if the Lord withdrew from me?” There is none good, no not one (Rom 3:12). I’m sure God knew what was in Hezekiah’s heart. He did this to demonstrate to us that we are totally dependent on him for any goodness, righteousness, or wisdom. Apart from him we can do nothing (Joh 15:5).

Solace in sovereignty

Sennacharib, at the pinnacle of his power, thought that he had escaped the sovereignty of God. He had conquered many nations and now he defied the God of Israel and threatened Jerusalem. God spoke through Isaiah, “Have you not heard? I planned all of this long ago and now I am bringing it about.” (Isa 37:26). At the height of his power, Sennacharib was abruptly turned about when the Angel of the Lord killed 185,000 of his soldiers in one night (Isa 37:36). The king of Assyria returned home in fear and shame only to be murdered by his own sons (2Ch 32:20). No matter how successful you are, even when you’re at the top of your game, you are not in control. When you fail miserably and you’re at the bottom of the world, you are not out of God’s hand. “Why are you in despair O my soul? Why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psa 43:5)

When trouble finds you

Sometimes we must endure the consequences of our sin. Sometimes the Lord disciplines us. Sometimes trouble finds us even though we have done everything in our power to avoid it. In these cases we must place our total confidence in the Lord and wait for him to save us (Mic 7:7). Even when we suffer as a result of our own sin, He will not stay angry forever. He delights in showing unfailing love (Mic 7:18). His anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a life time. Weeping may last the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning (Psa 30:5).

Restoration

The Lord will restore the earth to the glory for which he intended it (Isa 35:1-2). In its current fallen state, the earth groans for restoration (Rom 8:22). It creaks and teeters under the weight of our sin. We have pushed it to the limits and almost used it up, but God will restore it completely. This news should strengthen and encourage you (Isa 35:3-4). No matter how bad things seem, God is in control and he will execute his plan. No matter how you have failed, God is able to redeem you along with the whole creation. He will restore you to the holy purpose for which he created you.

This is the way, walk ye in it (Isa 30:21)

Sometimes in the struggle of life it pays to stop struggling. In repentance and rest you will be saved. In quietness and trust is your strength (Isa 30:15). Like an animal caught in a trap, struggling merely tightens the snare. Sometimes we must “cease striving and know that he is God.” (Psa 46:10) What does this rest look like? Perhaps it is to stop all of our planning and scheming and simply wait on the Lord to change our circumstances or to change our hearts. Perhaps it is to focus on the daily task of living and leave the future in the hands of the Lord. Stop obsessing about a problem and live one day at a time (Mat 6:34).

An unpopular message

The Lord is coming to judge the earth. (Isa 24, 25, 26) You cannot avoid this Scriptural fact. It is unpleasant to think about. It is uncomfortable to talk about it. You will be labeled a “kook.” It’s not “seeker sensitive” and the message does not meet any “felt needs.” If you want to be true to the Bible, you must preach and teach this often repeated theme. There is good news here though. The wicked will be punished (Isa 24:21). A righteous remnant will remain and rejoice (Isa 24:13-16). The meek shall inherit the earth (Psa 37:11). The Lord will rule from Mount Zion (Isa 24:23).

The watchman

The watchman waits patiently through the endless night, but morning will come and the Word of the Lord will be fulfilled (Isa 21:8-9). Peter said that in the last days mockers will come saying, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (2Pet 3:3) It has been a long time since the Lord left, promising his return. The night grows darker. The night is always darkest before the dawn. Watchmen, take no rest for yourselves and give Him no rest until he establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in all the earth (Isa 62:6-7).

A Fear-Trust relationship

Our relationship with the Lord is a mixture of fear and trust in his love (Psa 147:11). There must be a healthy fear. For those who love him, God is a disciplinarian (Heb 12:4-11). For those who reject him, he will by no means leave the guilty unpunished (Nah 1:3). But the Lord delights in those who will trust his love (demonstrated on the cross, Rom 5:8) and approach him boldly. Those who acknowledge their own sin, but still seek the deep things of God enjoy the paradox of the fear-trust relationship. We are not to presume that we are worthy, but to trust that his blood was sufficient for us.

The simple life

Enjoying the rewards of your life’s work, the warm fellowship of your spouse, the pride in children and joy in grandchildren all start with the fear of the Lord (Psa 128:1-4). If you rebel against the Lord and go your own way you will not enjoy these blessings. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows that will he also reap (Gal 6:7). Be sure your sins will find you out (Num 32:23). Don’t be trapped by the lie of the devil luring you to fame, fortune, power or privilege. Enjoy the simple blessings of a simple life lived with respect for the Lord. What more could a man ask for?

Fine tuning

The psalmist looked to God for mercy as a servant watches her master for the slightest signal (Psa 123:2). Elsewhere the Scripture indicates that God will counsel us “with His eye upon us.” (Psa 32:8) That reminds of the “instructive” looks I often got from my Dad. Matching someone’s gaze requires concentration and focus. Walking with the Lord requires that we pay attention. When we lose focus we go astray. We must tune our hearts to his (Psa 125:4) and sing our life song in harmony with the Lord. Can you see him? Can you hear him? Are you in tune?

Get rich! Guaranteed.

God’s Word is a better pursuit than wealth. (Psa 119:14,72,111,162,) It is readily available. We don’t have to “luck” into it. It does require time and discipline to invest in the Scriptures, but the dividends are guaranteed! There is no risk that you are wasting your time and energy pursuing the law of life. It is guaranteed by God himself not to return void (Isa 55:11). The Scripture plus obedience equals wisdom, every time. Wisdom is far more valuable then material things (Pro 3:14, 8:19, 16:16). Spend your life studying and applying God’s Word. You will not be disappointed.

Innocence lost must be replaced by faith

The Lord desires a “childlike” faith from His children (Psa 116:6). Unfortunately, we do not remain childlike for long. We are soon overwhelmed with the realities of this world and it becomes harder and harder to trust that “Daddy” will take care of us. Childlike faith does not require that we remain children in our thinking (1Co 14:20). We must learn to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Mat 10:16). It is easy to become hardened and jaded by the evil in the world. The Lord calls us to be aware of it, but not involved in it. Lord, restore my childlike faith.

The best form of advertising

Those who have been delivered by the Lord have an obligation to tell their story (Psa 107:2). Some were rescued from natural disaster, some from catastrophes of their own making. Some were freed from prison, others healed of diseases. You might have been rescued from poverty or redeemed from tyranny. But how soon we forget. We get wrapped up in our own lives and we fail to give God the credit he is due. Remember your story. Rehearse it often and tell it well. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

O Jerusalem!

God is faithful. The Lord is eternally trustworthy, but there is a major difficulty in this truth. What about his promise to Abraham? Why does Israel struggle to possess the land of their inheritance? For God to maintain his honor, Israel must own the land forever (Psa 105:8-10). It has become popular among Christians to think that God is finished with Israel and is now committed to the church. However, if God does not fulfill his covenant with Abraham, then he can’t be trusted by the church. The truth is that Israel is still the apple of God’s eye (Rom 11). In her blessing we are blessed. We are not saved in lieu of her but in her salvation is our salvation (Joh 4:22). Keep your eyes on Israel!

Sorrow is common to man

The psalmist cites Moses, Aaron and Samuel as examples of those who walked with the Lord. (Psa 99:6) Consider these men. Moses had marital problems. His wife and children were in and out of his life (Ex 4:25, Ex 18:2-5). Aaron had major moral and ethical failures. He made an idol for the people (Ex 32:24). He rebelled against Moses and undermined his authority (Num 12:1-2). Aaron also lost two sons to the discipline of the Lord (Lev 10:1-2). Samuel’s sons did not follow in their father’s godly footsteps (1Sam 8:1-3). These great men of God were human, fallen, faulty, struggling sinners. They were not exempt from the sorrows of life. And yet we are surprised when a little trouble comes our way (1Pe 4:12). Consider Job (Job 1:21, 13:15). We should rid ourselves of the notion that if you follow Christ, all will be joy and blessing (Joh 16:33). Pain and sorrow are part of every life, godly or wicked, or somewhere in between. Jesus himself was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Isa 53:3) How is it that we think we should be exempt? Cling to the Lord. Trust Him, come what may.

Dealing with doubt

Doubt and struggle are a normal part of walking with the Lord. So much so that God anticipates and provides for these times of “slipping.” (Psa 94:17-19) When you doubt, all is not lost. Your relationship with God is secure because God is faithful (2Ti 2:12) He holds you in the palm of his hand (Joh 10:29). It is only your assurance that varies, not your security. Cry out to him and hold on. He will restore your faith, renew your hope and revive your joy.

For the aging laborer

There is life and prosperity in the law of the Lord (Psa 1:2-3). When you lose your way, stay in the Word. When you feel like quitting, meditate on the Scriptures. They are like water to a plant; the source of nutrition and health. When your strength begins to fail, declare God’s glory (Psa 71:8-9). When you’re feeling used up and useless, declare His power to the next generation (Psa 71:18). You may be tired, but a new generation is just waking up. They must hear of God’s kingdom, power and glory. When you begin to age, you are at the apex of life! You are in your most useful condition, your prime. You have a lifetime of experience meditating in the Word and teaching its principles. Quitting is not an option. Lay your life down (Joh 15:13).

The mysterious, miraculous cross

Jesus did not redeem us from the Devil. It is God who demands justice. It is the Lord who required payment. (Psa 49:7-8) Jesus paid the price that God had set because He is just. (1Jo 2:2) It was costly and difficult to make the transaction. The miracle of redemption happened at the cross (2Co 5:21). Justice and mercy met. Grace and truth were satisfied. Righteousness and peace kissed (Psa 85:10). The perfect man, full of grace and truth (Joh 1:14), poured out His holy life (1Pe 1:19). Praise the Lord for the mystery of the cross!

Trust in God for I will yet praise him

Discouragement is temporary. God pours out his love daily. (Psa 42:5, 8) Some of us have a tougher time reigning in our emotions than others. Something as simple as the weather can alter our moods. However, we cannot be driven by feelings. We must look to the facts. God is sovereign and he loves us. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psa 46:10) The clouds will pass. We will ascend from the valley. God is still in control and has a plan for us (Jer 29:11). Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2Ti 2:13).

Downward mobility

How much is enough? How much money and stuff do we really need? Not much. Paul said we should be content with food and clothing (1Ti 6:8). “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me” means I can live with less (Phil 4:12-13). Agur prayed, “Lord, give me neither poverty or riches. Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” It seems to me that we devote way too much time and energy to material things. We spend and are expended for stuff rather than people (2Co 12:15). It is vain for you to rise up early and retire late; to eat the bread of painful labor; For he gives to his beloved even in his sleep (Psa 127:2).

Praise is not always positive

Beware of seeking praise from men (Pro 27:21, Luk 6:26, John 5:44). Flattery leads you to trust men and their system rather than God (Pro 29:25). The institutions of man are less than reliable; it’s wise to have a backup plan (Pro 27:23-24). No matter how successful you are in the eyes of men, you must measure yourself against God’s standard. God does not see as man sees, rather he looks at the heart (1Sa 16:7). It is easy to surrender to the system for sustainment. God calls us to trust him for satisfaction (Mat 6:33, John 4:32).

Eleventh hour revival

King Hezekiah restored the temple and orchestrated a revival. He sent messengers into Israel which had already fallen to the Assyrians. Judah would fall to Babylon within 130 years. For the most part the messengers were mocked and rejected, but a few people came to Jerusalem to celebrate a late Passover. Those few were worth it! The one is as important as the 99 (Luk 15:4). Although the predominant mood toward Christianity is derision and mockery, there are still those who are sensitive and will respond to the call of Christ. We must keep seeking until the end. What should we do in the eleventh hour? Ministry! (Mat 25).