Sowing and Reaping: Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving, Part 4
Sowing and Reaping: Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving, Part 4
Dear friends, I’ve been reflecting lately on the blessings of my life. This is the fourth post of 5 on my reflections of wealth and prosperity under the scrutiny of I Timothy 6:17-19 and 2 Corinthians 9. Click here to read Part 3.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7
“Now I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The topic of giving for us Christians carries with it a measure of guilt. We just can’t help it. I struggle with it from time to time as you probably do as well. Am I giving enough and am I giving to the right people, the right ministries or causes? Do I need to give to my church fully first before other ministries or needs? Am I giving too much to one cause and not enough to another? Is this person really in ‘need’ and will they use the funds for what they say they will use it? Am I spending too much on my own pleasures and comfort?
Maybe I give a significant amount (relatively speaking) but am I really sacrificing? Am I using money for myself that God actually wants me to give? Does God consider me a faithful steward or a poor steward? Where do I rank?
The more questions one asks, the more guilt one may feel. Even though this chapter on giving does not focus on guilt, sometimes we just can’t help ourselves. So, now that I’ve introduced the topic of guilt, let’s try to focus, best we can, on what this passage really says about giving and NOT on our guilt.
Proportionate
The foremost principle is if you sow sparingly, you’ll reap sparingly; if bountifully, then you’ll reap bountifully. No judgement, just simply agricultural principles of planting seeds. Our harvest will be proportionate to the seeds we plant. We will sow and reap in like measure.
Interesting that there is no directive or command as to what is right or wrong. Just a simple principle of proportionate sowing and reaping. (Sometimes God’s Word is most powerful when we just take it at its face value).
But how do I know how much to give??? Well, in a sense, verse 7 gives us straightforward and simple guidelines. The answer is not an exact amount or percentage. Instead, Paul provides principles and guidelines.
1. First, give what you have PURPOSED in your HEART. Purposed means according to a thoughtful plan; with prayer, meditation and reflection. The principle of ‘give from the heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion’ goes to the source of the decision. Give what you want to give, not what you feel others want you to give.
2. Second, do not give grudgingly or under compulsion. Grudgingly means to give with regret. Under compulsion means giving because of an external force such as legalism, a set percentage or a guilty plea from someone. Plan and give what you peacefully and joyfully, without regret, want to give. If it’s a little, then so be it. You don’t have to feel guilty. You may not receive the level of blessings that you could but that doesn’t mean you have to pour guilt over yourself. Really!!! This may be counter to what you are used to but I’m just trying to be faithful to interpret this passage (within its context) before me in a simple and straightforward matter. It’s not about guilt in this passage. It’s all about sowing and reaping accordingly. It’s up to you. If you regret giving; who you give to or what amount, then don’t do it. Take a deep breath….and realize, it’s OK.
3. The corresponding emotion accompanying our giving should be JOY. Guilt and fear should not be the guiding emotion. Joy should be our response to giving. Seek God from your heart and pray about the amount(s) and the recipient(s) that would bring you joy and give accordingly. If you are lacking joy in your heart in giving then giving out of guilt isn’t going to solve anything. You have a heart issue that needs to be dealt with before God. The issue goes well beyond the issue of giving. Pray, seek His Word and be honest with God. As your heart is spiritually renewed by God, your giving will automatically be affected. Let us give with joy.
Our Journey
Giving for me and Leigh has been a journey. Fortunately, we have always wanted to give but didn’t always know how to do it in a Spirit-led manner. Leigh especially has a giving heart. But dealing with where to give and the amount to give has been a growth experience for us over the years. We talk about it often. We have certain churches, ministries and causes that we both want to give to (and have purposed to give to). Also, there are certain recipients that I’m more passionate about and certain ones that she is more passionate about. But we pray and talk about it and we each ‘give and take’ in submission to each other. But we never give when one of us is opposed to the other. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often. We are not perfect by any means but we do our best to follow the principles from this passage. We have pre-set ministries and churches we give to and we also watch for needs that arise daily and give if we are able.
I can tell you from experience, God’s promises are real. We have been blessed according to our measure of giving. It is true and God is faithful. Truthfully, we have been blessed beyond our measure of giving.
It seems every year as I prepare my tax return, I say to myself, ‘we should’ve given more.’ The following year, we give more; the blessings increase. Then as I do my taxes again the following year, I say to myself, ‘we should’ve given more.’ When will I learn?
God, may you deal with our hearts so that we give from a place of joy rather than under a cloud of guilt and compulsion. Your promises in this area of giving are amazing. Absolutely amazing. You promise to bless us more as we give more. It’s simple but so very powerful. You promise that we will reap what we sow. Lord, help us to balance our giving to be according to our ability yet with a measure of sacrifice. Grow our hearts to give with joy and then give more and then give more and give more. And may it be according to Your will and Your guidance. Amen!
Relax and Enjoy: Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving, Part 3
Relax and Enjoy: Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving, Part 3
Dear friends, I’ve been reflecting lately on the blessings of my life. This is the third post of 5 on my reflections of wealth and prosperity under the scrutiny of I Timothy 6:17-19 and 2 Corinthians 9. Click here to read Part 2.
We have been looking at the attainment of wealth and earthly prosperity through the lens of I Timothy 6. For those who set out and determined to be successful monetarily, I believe they go through three stages of wealth accumulation:
- The Striving Stage – characterized by diligence and sacrifice.
- The Acceleration Stage – characterized by growing confidence with the possibility of arrogance.
- The Momentum Stage – characterized by access to ease and luxury with the possibility of misplacing hope upon riches.
Today our focus is on living life in the momentum stage. I know, I know — few people seem to achieve the momentum stage. However, I would remind you that wealth is relative. I’m always reminded of this reality when I visit Malawi, Africa.
Me? Rich?
If you live in Orange County, California or Greenwich, Connecticut or even, The Woodlands, Texas, you may feel poor. But if you visit certain third-world countries and witness poverty first-hand, you will see that your regular paycheck puts you in this wealthy momentum stage. It’s all relative. If you just show up for work, stay out of trouble and do good work, it means you have developed a systematic cash flow machine.
Therefore, the principles of this stage apply to virtually ALL OF US!
For the true strivers of great wealth, the attainment of this stage is the ultimate success in life and business. It simply means that a cash-flow system and/or business is set for your benefit and the results are (almost) automatic. It’s the ultimate ‘flywheel’ effect I mentioned previously: massive effort initially with little movement, eventually reaches a tipping point that results in momentum. The initial grit and energy exerted in the early stages shows little effect. But eventually, it all pays off with a certain level of income momentum.
To Enjoy It or Not Enjoy It?
The natural tendency of our lives in this stage is to enjoy a certain level of ease and spend our money on what makes us happy. We tell ourselves to enjoy; we’ve earned it. This isn’t all bad. Depriving ourselves of the fruits of our labors is not really all that noble. Paul clearly stated that God is the source of this wealth and He gives it for our enjoyment. Fix their hope…on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy, I Timothy 6:17b.
Let that sink in for a moment: God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
Responsibilities
But our enjoyment and blessings come with certain responsibilities. The greater the wealth, the greater the responsibility. Our attitude and mindset about wealth is what is really important. When our passions and hopes are aligned with God’s Word, and set fully upon Him, then life is wonderful. Wonderful indeed.
Paul tells Timothy to give the rich of this world a reminder of their responsibility as stewards of the earthly wealth God has given them. Read carefully!
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. I Timothy 6:18, 19
Do Good! Be Generous!
When I reflect upon the imperative to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, I’m reminded that those in the momentum phase usually arrived because they mastered the concept of delegation. Giving generously is easier for me than doing the good works myself. Admittedly, I am spoiled. Because of my position, I am able to delegate often in my life. (Believe me, this is common in the momentum stage when wealth is more plentiful than time). I’m reminded here that I need to ‘do good’ and be rich in good works.
Giving generously is not an excuse to be absent from doing good works and physically serving. The wealthy are to serve the same as everyone else in the body of Christ — AND they are to give generously, just like everyone else.
The wealthy are to do good and give much! Do good! Give much! Not because God needs it. Because it is right; it is good; it is faithful stewardship; it is God’s will.
The Good Life, Indeed!
Do good! Give much! We do it because it honors Him. Period. But God is so kind that He also gives us many blessings when we do good and give much. The prescription for a happy life is to do good and give much. Read again what Paul said.
The result of doing good and giving much is that they are storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed, 6:19.
Father, where our treasure is, there will our heart be as well. It’s a matter of the heart. Plant within our hearts your love to give and to serve. May we never place our hope in any earthly thing or person; our hope is in You. Grant us grace that regardless of our state on earth; poor, wealthy or somewhere in between — may you give us hearts that are passionate to do much good and give generously! Amen!
The Allure of Delilah: Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving, Part 2
The Allure of Delilah: Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving, Part 2
Dear friends, I’ve been reflecting lately on the blessings of my life. This is the second post of 5 on my reflections of wealth and prosperity under the scrutiny of I Timothy 6:17-19 and 2 Corinthians 9. Click here to read Part 1.
It’s alright to be rich. It really is. Just be very careful; very, very, very careful.
Wealth is a relative term and perspective. I’ve been to the country of Malawi four times. Malawi has some of the sweetest people I have ever met but is one of the poorest countries in Africa. With that perspective, everyone reading this is rich.
I Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
Paul acknowledges there are rich among them in the church. He doesn’t condemn them for being rich in this present world. However, he does warn them about conceit, mis-placed passions and the source of their hope. He warns them about placing their trust in the riches of this world and forgetting the true source of wealth; God.
Samson
When I think about misplaced passions, I’m reminded of Samson. Samson was greatly blessed of God. The Spirit of blessings were upon him. But he allowed arrogance, conceit and self-confidence to deceive him.
Then Samson went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines. So he came back and told his father and mother, ‘I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.’
Then his father and his mother said to him, ‘Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she looks good to me.’ Judges 14:1-4.
Yikes! This is not going to end well.
Last time I shared my thoughts on the stages of wealth accumulation. Wealth accumulation is systematic; there’s a predictable pattern that is duplicatable. Almost anyone (in America) that is willing to pay the price, can do it. The stages are:
- The Striving Stage – characterized by diligence and sacrifice.
- The Acceleration Stage – characterized by growing confidence with the possibility of arrogance.
- The Momentum Stage – characterized by access to ease and luxury with the possibility of misplacing hope upon riches.
Samson wasn’t known for great wealth but he was greatly blessed by God. In general, the abundant blessings of God can trick one into arrogance and overconfidence. In this lesson, we are discussing the temptation of arrogance from the blessings of wealth in the present world. We can learn from the (bad) example of Samson.
Both Sides
Samson married the beautiful yet evil and scheming Delilah. Her goal was to bring him down. He married her but he resisted giving her his whole heart. During this early stage of his marriage, he was straddling both sides of the fence: following God’s laws on one side and flirting with the world of Delilah on the other side. This is a dangerous place to reside.
Things turned ugly for Samson when he put his guard down and gave his heart to Delilah.
Delilah begged him and begged him to reveal his secret and bare his heart. He finally caved in and gave himself away to her, disclosing the secrets of his heart. Delilah immediately went to the men of Philistine. Read the words that Delilah spoke:
When Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, ‘Come up once more, for he has told me all that is in his heart.’ Judges 16:18.
Issues of the Heart
Paul warned us: don’t fix your hope on the uncertainty of riches rather than God. It’s about where you set your hope. It’s an issue of the heart.
That evening, Samson laid his head on the lap of Delilah and fell asleep. Laying his head on Delilah’s lap is a physical representation of his trust: his heart was surrendered to her. He placed himself in a vulnerable position, thus placing his trust and hope in her.
Metaphorically speaking, while he was in the position of vulnerability and trust, Delilah ripped his heart out and gave it to his enemies. Wealth will do the same thing, if given the chance. My friends, when it comes to the pursuit of wealth or any other worldly attainment, do not place your head in the lap of Delilah!
Longing For It!
Money is not the root of all sorts of evil. The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs, I Timothy 6:10.
The love of money has the allure of Delilah. It looks good to the eye but it will rip your heart out and give it to the enemy.
Father, every good and perfect gift comes from You. You are the source of all blessings and You are kind enough to give us much. In our receiving, let us keep our hearts and passions set upon You and You alone. Amen.
Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving
Wealth, Prosperity, and Giving
I Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
What does wealth and success do to a man’s soul?
Success and wealth can be a sinister influence when it comes to the soul of one not grounded with biblical values and ethical absolutes. Once success and wealth arrive, the soul tends to slow down the yearning to learn and grow. Values and absolutes become minimized in the mind of those who have reached a certain level of wealth and success. Why? Because, well, they don’t need to focus on values and absolutes. They’ve attained a certain level of momentum, and wealth just comes toward them. Almost without trying.
It’s the flywheel principle. The initial steps of the journey, of one seeking success and wealth, is like pushing a heavy, metal flywheel up a hill. It’s extremely difficult, and progress is virtually invisible. After many years, the ground levels out. Progress becomes evident. The effort is still very necessary but becomes a little easier. Further on, the hill crests, and the downhill journey begins. The momentum and progress shifts from difficult to easy, and results become almost effortless.
This is why Paul warned: Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches.
The Stages of Wealth
Self-made men and women go through stages on their way to affluence. I classify them as,
- The Striving Stage
- The Acceleration Stage
- The Momentum Stage
Diligence to learn, grow and establish a strong moral foundation are assigned to the striving stage. In this early stage, the soul knows that in order to journey from obscurity to prominence, one must apply themselves, heart and soul, in extraordinary ways.
First, they intuitively know that maintaining a certain level of integrity is necessary to gain trust. Trust attracts wealth as others tend to give, work with, help, buy from — those they trust. As a means to the end, aspiring self-made men/women apply ethics in order to achieve their means; to be rich.
Integrity to aggressive achievers is a means to gain. In I Timothy 6.3-5, Paul warns those who seek personal advantage and financial gain by acting like they are morally good. He says, watch out for those who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
The humble follower of Christ, in contrast, is described in the next verse, I Timothy 6:6,7. But godliness with contentment is great gain; for we brought nothing into this world and we cannot take anything out of the world.
The watchwords of the striving heart – those pursuing success and wealth – are diligence, commitment, earnestness, rigor and intent-ness. But the key question is, what is at the heart of their diligence? They are indeed striving for advancement…but toward what end?
If the solid foundation of biblical values and ethical absolutes is not set during this early striving stage, then the heart of diligence that drives the energy toward success is set upon the shifting sand of shallow ends.
Don’t Dive into a Shallow Pool
The shallowest of ends is the pursuit of success and wealth as the end itself. Listen carefully, success and wealth are not a noble end. When success and wealth are pursued for the sole purpose of being rich and well-known and well regarded, then the familiar saying is never so true: this isn’t going to END well.
Those who have attained success and wealth, know what I’m saying is true. Those who are in the early pursuit of success, may find my statements easy to ignore. But you can be sure, I know what I’m talking about. Success and wealth trigger the flesh to relax and enjoy. Beware. Be very aware of your soul as you pursue success.
Good Gain. Bad Gain.
Do you seek gain? (Paul uses the word ‘gain’ to describe attaining advancement, resources and wealth). Be sure to seek gain in the right place. Paul teaches the right perspective when he says, but godliness with contentment is a means of gain, 6.6.
Godliness + Contentment = Gain.
Next time we’ll see that a humble servant of God can be rich. Being rich is not condemned. It’s an issue of the heart. A house of wealth must be built on the solid foundation of godliness with contentment. Any other end goal will not END WELL.
Father, You are the God of everything. You possess all things and all things belong to You. You give and You take away according to Your purposes. Remind us that all that we have and all that we strive for is always Your and Yours completely. If You grant us gain, may we be faithful stewards of it all; to enjoy as a blessing from and to give as a blessing to others. But all cases, may You give us contentment in YOU! Amen.
For You
For You
Luke 2:11
For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…
This is one of the most wonderous verses in the Bible. Let’s take it slow and soak in it. Fix your eyes for a few moments on each word in this brief announcement above. Every word is the Word of God and every word is important.
Recall, the angel is speaking to a small band of lowly shepherds watching over their flocks.
For today…born for you
There’s a timeless truth of this announcement that took place in time and space; on a particular day, at a particular time, to a group of actual people upon this earth. It happened on the actual day that the shepherds heard the announcement. Today! For you! The ESV version says, for unto you is born….
I did it all for you!
Let me get this straight; God humbled Himself by being born in a human body, living in the confines of a fleshly shell, suffered and died an unspeakable and horrific death — for a few unbathed, unshaven, calloused hand, bad-breathed, crusty shepherds living in the fields?
For you means Jesus was born for their purpose, for their benefit, to transform their lives? To give them peace, joy, mercy and grace? To live and abide within their hearts?
Do you mean to tell me that today, God came to earth in absolute humility after being silent for over 400 years to become intimate friends (John 15:15) with these shepherds; simple men of simple mean? God sent His angel from heaven to make this announcement to them? Really? Really? Really?
Does He realize?
- Do you think the angel making the announcement to these shepherds realizes that one of the shepherds spent his full paycheck on cheap wine and goat meat last Friday night, got drunk, got in a fight, and his wife kicked him out of the bed? Jesus came for him????
- Does the angel realize that the other shepherd cursed at God last night? He has a new-born baby who is sick to the point of near-death, but he had to go back to the fields so he could make the money to pay for the doctor?
- Does the angel realize that the other shepherd has stooped to stealing because he has a son who is being bullied and beat up at the synagogue by the older boys because he’s poor and has ragged clothes?
- Does the angel realize they have issues! Does the angel realize they don’t have anything of any means to give back to their Savior? Does the angel realize they don’t have any influence to spread the word about the birth of the Messiah? Jesus was born for these guys?
Okay, Okay, so I’m speculating some. I’m adding color way beyond the text. Forgive me. But the point remains the same. The angel spoke to the shepherds and he said, JESUS WAS BORN FOR YOU! I may be speculating, but I guarantee that since the shepherds are real people, they were dealing with stuff. They had issues; they had troubles; they struggled with sin!
Jesus came in spite of…no… Jesus came because of their issues; their issues caused by their sin and caused by the sin in the world that surrounds them.
That was then; this is now!
Now that we have some context and color around the text, what does the text mean to you? What does the announcement of the angel mean to you? I believe it’s timeless and actually, pretty simple. But let me put it in bold print to make sure there’s no ambiguity.
But first, consider the announcement as directed toward you? You can’t say it isn’t directed toward you because you have issues? You can’t say it doesn’t apply to you because you feel deserted? Because you feel undeserved? Because you have totally blown it? Because you are stuck in sin? You can’t say — ‘this doesn’t apply to me, I have too many issues.
No, you can’t claim this message is not for you because you don’t deserve it. But that’s the whole point. YOU DON’T DESERVE IT! Just like the shepherds didn’t deserve it. Jesus came because you don’t deserve it. Let go and accept it. Here it is:
TODAY, BORN FOR YOU IS THE SAVIOR, WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD!
Father, today you have given us a gift of eternal value that we don’t deserve. You have given us Your Son to be our Savior, our Messiah and our Lord. We once were lost and now, today, You found us and called us and we receive Your Son as our Savior! With unending gratitude, we embrace by faith the Friend of sinners, the Keeper of our souls, the Savior of our lives! Amen!
The Fields Are Alive…
The Fields Are Alive
Luke 2:8-20
In the same region (near Bethlehem) there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
The angel Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, (1:19) is back to earth on another mission. He seems to have no desire to appear before crowds to wow them and scare them with the message of God’s return; he doesn’t care about appearing before the religious elite and highly influential scribes and Pharisees. His recent visits instead have been with an obscure priest and a teenage girl in Nazareth.
There’s a Pattern Here
Now, he is going out to the fields, away from the population of the towns and villages, to the sheep and shepherds. We see a pattern from Gabriel: when he leaves the presence of God in heaven to visit the earth, he hangs out with lowly people of humble means. This is a pattern that the new-born child will follow in the future: He left the presence of the Father in heaven to visit the earth where he hangs out with lowly people of humble means.
My Pattern Has Changed
Many years ago, in my 20’s, I saw myself as aspiring to be the pastor of a mega-church. I had big plans for myself. My approach was opposite of Gabriel’s. I wanted big audiences. God had other plans; most importantly, to humble me through various twists and turns in my life. God is pretty good at whatever He sets out to do, and I can attest, He’s pretty good at humbling a snot-faced, spiritually proud, young pastor.
That was then. Now, many years later, one of the great joys of my life is to speak at the noon devotions at the men’s unit of the Star of Hope. The Star of Hope is a Christ-centered community supporting Houston’s homeless men, women, and children. I marvel at how I feel when I speak to these men of lowly means. It’s exhilarating and truly an honor. Why did it take so long in my life to realize how special a ministry to the homeless really is? Why didn’t I follow the pattern of Gabriel and Jesus earlier in my life?
Out in the Fields
Shepherding had once been a noble occupation in the early times of Israel, during the time of the Patriarchs. Jacob’s sons were shepherds. But when Jacob and his tribe relocated to Egypt, they were isolated because Egyptians had a low regard for shepherds, Genesis 46:34. From that time forward, the status of a shepherd devolved through the centuries. At the time of Jesus’ birth, shepherds hung on the lower rung of social status.
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased, Luke 2:13, 14.
In 1991, AC/DC, The Black Crowes and Metalica held a concert that supposedly reached nearly 1.6 million listeners.
In complete contrast, Gabriel and his band of angels show up in an isolated field and set up on the stage for a concert of the ages. After a light-check and sound-check, the angelic band performs the greatest concert of all-time. Instead of a massive audience of hundreds of thousands and instead of a royal concert performed for the king and queen; the angels unleashed a performance of the ages to — herds of sheep and a few shepherds.
The Fields Were Alive with Music
The Great Shepherd of our souls sent His angel to announce His coming to some sheep and a few shepherds. Isn’t it ironic?
This reminds me that the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. The apostle Paul continued by saying to the new Christians in Corinth, Brothers, consider the time of your calling; not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. (We resemble this statement). But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence. I Corinthians 1:25-29, Berean Study Bible.
Father, we thank You that Your ways are always perfect and all-wise. We are grateful you chose us even though we are not noble or rich. We have no room to boast because we had nothing and came from nothing; nevertheless, YOU GAVE US EVERYTHING! We praise You and honor You this day with grateful hearts and humble spirits. Amen!
Road Trip
Road Trip
Luke 2:1-14
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7
This is one of those passages whereby when I read and reflect on it but I’m not really sure what to write about it. What can I say about the birth of Jesus that hasn’t already been said?
Let’s Take a Tangent
Sometimes when I approach a scripture passage on my daily journey with God, I say to myself, ‘this is a good passage; or this is interesting; or this is important – but I don’t necessarily have a flood of words that come to mind to write down.’ When this happens to me, like this morning, I just start writing, (like I’m doing now). My hope is that a fresh insight will come into my brain as I began to write. I pray and ask for God’s wisdom to shine on me.
Lord, when I search Your Word, give me wisdom and insight. And may I do it with pure motives and out of love for You.
With this in mind, let’s reflect for a moment on David’s words in Psalms 143:
I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails; do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the pit, (David is quite dramatic),
(Here’s the important part for me this morning), Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning: For I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for I lift up my soul. Psalms 143.6-8
Time to Refocus
OK, I’ve been avoiding the text long enough. Back to Luke 2.
“Honey…sweetheart…sweet Mary, we have to get up and get going. I didn’t sleep at all last night. He has been very active these last couple of days. I feel like I’m going to burst.” Mary’s eyes grow moist as Joseph replies with pain in his eyes; “Perhaps you should stay. How can the Romans punish us under these circumstances? The journey is nearly 70 miles. We can’t be expected to put the baby’s life at risk – and yours as well.”
“Sweet Joseph, we have already decided. I must go to Bethlehem. We have discussed the words of the prophet Micah, remember? I am determined to go.”
But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you (Bethlehem) One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel…Therefore, He will give them up until the time when she who is in labor has born a child…And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. Micah 5:2-4.
Mary continues as resolve overcomes her pain; “The Romans believe this census is for their purposes; to deepen their grip on our people. But we know it is from God. The angel was very clear to me; my son is the Son of the Most High! The prophet declared that the chosen One will be the ruler in Israel and He will be born in Bethlehem. We must go.”
Joseph could see Mary’s eyes turn from fearful pain to resolve. Then she says, “We must go…but by the way, were you able to borrow that donkey so I don’t have to walk?”
When Charlie Brown screams out in frustration, ‘Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about,” Linus steps up and recites Luke 2.
Father, we are humbled by the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. His visit to earth was to serve, in humility and meekness. This most powerful One chose to suppress His power (except in a few chosen circumstances) and royalty in order to serve. May we serve as well, loosening ourselves of the grip of pride and aspirations of comfort above all else, may we serve. Amen!
Here Comes the Sun!
Here Comes the Sun!
At the birth of John the Baptist, the father Zacharias bursts into prophetic praise:
And you child, (speaking of John) will be called the prophet of The Most High; to give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise (Jesus) from on high will visit us; To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:76-79.
The Bible begins and ends with light.
The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep…Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good… Genesis 1:2-4a.
I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, and the bright and morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:16, 17.
Genesis 1 introduces light. God provides a physical preview in stunning brilliance of THE LIGHT to come; the light that will bring illumination to the human soul. Revelation ends with a calling to come to The LIGHT. There is a calling upon our lives to come to the bright and morning star; the most brilliant light in the sky.
The morning is upon us and the light of day is here; the Sunshine has overcome the night.
There are times when I am overwhelmed with the darkness of this world. Such as:
- The curse of false religions that lead millions of millions into the darkness of eternity
- The wretched evil of child pornography and exploitation; human slaves and trafficking; the slaughter of the innocent from warlords and dictators.
- The nearly 1 million US abortions performed per year.
- The filth of Hollywood and the corruption in DC.
Darkness dominates where there is no light. But darkness is temporary. We should certainly care about the darkness in our world, but not be overwhelmed. Isaiah proclaims that darkness should not disarm you with despair. Darkness is not long here.
The Light is here for us now to shine in our hearts. And also, in the future. He is coming soon to illuminate the entire world.
First, let’s marvel that the Light in our hearts is here; He is among us; ask Him to shine in your own heart:
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Malachi 4.2
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2
Regarding the coming illumination for the entire world, consider carefully the words of Isaiah:
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60.1-13.
Back to Luke 1
In the context of these Old Testament prophecies, the birth of John the Baptist stirs the people’s interest. The new-born’s previously mute father, Zacharias, is now loudly and passionately speaking of what is to come. His son John, will prepare the way for the coming of the Most High; the Light of the world. Zacharias says:
the Sunrise (Jesus) from on high will visit us; To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:76-79.
Dear Father, I have been thinking much lately about how You dwell within us. You dwell 24/7 within our being. You never leave, never sleep, never relax. You are always living within us and all of Your radiant attributes are within us as well. Today we pray that Your light will shine in us and through us. Our hearts were once dark. You hovered over our void and dark hearts and You said, Let there be light, and there was Light. We are humbled; we are thankful; we are forever grateful. Amen!
In My Own Eyes, Part 2
In My Own Eyes, Part 2
I’m taking a break again from Luke for part 2 of In My Own Eyes. Click here to read In My Own Eyes, part 1.
Proverbs 3:5-7
There is no manner of life in the world more sweet or more delicious than continual conversation with God. They alone can understand it who practice it and savor it. I do not advise you, however, to practice it for this motive. The desire for spiritual consolation must not be our purpose in carrying on this practice. Instead, let us do it out of love for God and because it is His will.
Oh! If we only knew how much we need the grace and help of God, we would never lose sight of Him, not even for a moment. Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God.
I’m Mad
I have been going to bed mad lately. Mad at myself.
I have a renewed commitment lately to practice the presence of God. As I lay my head down on the pillow each evening, I turn my attention to my aspirations of dwelling within God (rather than living in my own mind). As I think back on my day, I’m immediately struck with how little I have consciously realized His presence throughout the day.
You shall not act like this (follow after idols and images) toward the Lord your God. But you shall seek the Lord at the place which the Lord your God will choose from your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. Deuteronomy 12.4,5
Yes, my renewed commitment is bearing some fruit and I am more aware of God’s presence daily. But at this point in my life, being a Christian for so many years, I feel I should be closer and more intimate with Him.
Some might say I’m too hard on myself. Well, I suppose it’s all relative. But in my heart, I know that:
- I’m not loving God as I should in the simple and practical way of talking to Him and listening; praising Him and thanking Him; adoring Him and expressing love.
- I’m not seeking His wisdom and guidance; I’m not asking for His advice and help; I’m not applying His teachings and precepts from His Word continually…as I should.
- I’m doing the best I can as a husband, as a father, as a friend: I’m doing my best as an employee, as a writer, as a boss; I’m doing mybest…I’m exerting a lot of energy doing MY best. Instead, my purpose should be to release myself to HIS best for me and through me and in me.
To do our best in life is the natural way in which we go about daily life. But doing our best is living within ourselves and living as it seems best to us at the moment. A better way is to whisper to God throughout the day and seek His guidance, His Wisdom and His power. This is quite different than doing ‘my best.’
Here’s a simple prescription for walking with God:
- Input God’s Word into your mind in the morning
- Think often of God throughout the day.
- Reflect and review your day in the evening (but don’t beat yourself up as badly as I do :).
- Start slow and build up.
It’s about You, not me!
Ok, I’m done beating myself up. I’ve confessed my shortcomings and spiritual weaknesses. Perhaps I have convicted you of your shortcomings in this area as well. Now, join me in thanksgiving and supplication:
Lord, You saved my soul but You have left me with this selfish and sinful flesh nature. I’m not saying it’s Your fault that I’m not as spiritual as I should be, but I am saying, ‘I need Your help. I can’t do it myself.’ Do a work within me that I can never do myself of my own efforts. May you kindly grant Your grace that I might increase in my love for You; my thoughts of You and my affections toward You.
- To seek the Lord in worship and submission.
- To seek His favor and guidance.
- To trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your paths straight.
- To not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3.5-7
Thank You, Father, for Your kind and gentle care for me. Whether I am conscious of You or not, You never forget me, never leave me, I am always on Your mind. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Amen.