The Power of Words
Today I am taking a break from my usual devotions. This brief post was written by me as a LinkedIn post. This is how I use biblical themes within a professional environment.
The Power of a Leader’s Words
Tucked away in the ancient Jewish literature of the Old Testament is a key character named Boaz found in the story of Ruth. Boaz is described as a land owner and “a man of great wealth.” The story takes place during the labor-intensive time of the barley harvest. Boaz was fully staffed with a large crew of barley reapers. Read more
Be Reminded
Be Reminded
Job Lesson 4
There are times when, in the middle of suffering and dire situations in my life, I will spend considerable time in prayer on my knees. However, sometimes, my specific prayers, which are prayers for good (in my eyes), are not answered. I have seen the exact opposite of what I’m praying happen. This is very frustrating. Once again, I fall into the ‘WHY? WHY? WHY?’ ditch.
Has this ever happened to you? How are we supposed to process this? Others may try to console us with “God’s ways are not our ways,” or “The Lord has greater plans,” or “Keep trusting God for a miracle.” These are true and certainly well meaning. But when you are really in a pit of despair, they often fall short of making us feel any better.
For me, the words of others are all fine and good, but I have found the daily reinforcement of God’s Word in my heart and soul, gives me the strength and grace to maintain my faith in God. There’s no shortcut to spending time in His Word and infusing the truth of God’s grace and mercy into the depth of your heart. This infusion strengthens our souls and affirms the noble and good purposes of God in our lives.
So, you had a bad day? Read more
The Sources of Suffering
Yesterday I had the joy of preaching at the Star of Hope Gospel Mission to about 200 men. My daughter Brooke was with me and took this picture.
The Sources of Suffering
Job
Lesson 3
This isn’t one of my most inspiring posts, but it is an important expansion of my previous post on the sources of Christian suffering. When suffering and trials strike, the range of emotions can run high. To have a biblical framework of the sources of suffering helps to answer the initial ‘why, why, why’ question. Then you can move through the pain, seeking God’s grace and peace to cope and perhaps even grow and thrive.
Why do you sometimes suffer? What is the source of my pain? Read more
Enough Already!!!
Job
Enough Already!!!
Lesson 2
Suffering. WHY! WHY! WHY! C.S. Lewis once called it ‘the problem of pain.’ It is a perplexing dilemma. Why do Christians suffer?
When you are in the midst of suffering, rational thinking and spiritual reflection can be difficult. That is why it is healthy to consider the topic of suffering now, while you are in a mode to learn and understand. Then, when suffering hits, you will have some mental and emotional tools to draw upon. Tools that the Master has given us during times of pain.
Why do Christian suffer? We know the general answer; sin. But let’s be more specific. Let’s ask in a personal and particular manner. You see, in the Bible, not all suffering is the same and for the same purpose. Therefore, when you encounter suffering, difficulties and trials, and after you have screamed 'enough already,' prayerfully ask a few questions: Read more
God the Prosecutor
Meat? I don't live in California anymore. Welcome to Texas!
God the Prosecutor
JOB 38
Lesson 1
I prefer to think of God as an advocate, not a prosecutor. In Job 38, Job’s words and actions brought out the prosecutor-side of God. God FINALLY speaks to Job after all of his suffering, trials and ultimately, his complaining about the unfairness of God. What Job is doing, in a sense, is calling God to court so that He can justify his actions. NOTE: Do not try this at home.
Poking the Tiger
Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loin like a man, and I will ask you and you instruct Me!
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Verses 2-7
This is sarcasm in its highest form. The God of the universe is using extreme sarcasm to humiliate one of his most beloved and faithful servants on earth. Why? It’s completely non-intuitive that God would do such a thing. To us mere mortals, it’s incomprehensible. After all, I prefer to picture a gentle, loving, heavenly father Who scoops me up into His arms with a warm embrace and gently whispers in my ear, ‘I love You.’
Instead, God is instructing and teaching a student who is in the rarest of rare classes of spiritual elite. This is God’s highest level of Navy Seal and special forces training. God doesn’t just do what he did with Job to anyone, (thank God). He has certain lessons that are only given to the extreme rare ones that can endure them and become stronger. Job is such a one.
Perhaps you’ve heard of savants or savant syndrome. This is characterized as a condition in which someone with mental disabilities demonstrates certain abilities far in excess of average. Job was a spiritual savant. I don’t know that he had spiritual disabilities, per se, but he was far above average in his dedication to God.
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil, 1.1.
Let’s Chat
Job was so unique and outstanding in his character and actions, that he was the subject of roundtable chats between God and Satan. In one of their conversations, God offered up Job as an example to Satan. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil. 1.8
The Devil takes the bait. Satan then accuses Job before God and challenges God with the notion that Job is an empty suit; he is a prominent person among men and angels, but Satan accuses him of lacking in substance, fortitude, and depth. Is Job a spiritual empty suit? He looks spiritual, smells spiritual and acts spiritual. But is he really??? I mean, really?
Is Job truly spiritual when we cut him open and pierce him as far as the division of his soul and spirit? Penetrating as deep as his joints and marrow? Even down to the depths of the very thoughts and intentions of his heart? The place where we hide the deepest thoughts and secrets of our hearts, down below the conscious into our sub-conscious intentions?
Satan wants a piece of Job. Why? The failure of Job would be a major trophy for the Devil. Perhaps it would help with his recruiting efforts. He’d love to say ‘I told you so’ to God. So, God accepts the challenge and Job enters into a period of unprecedented pain and suffering. Job endures like few would endure, but eventually, he questions God. With a touch of arrogance and dash of pride, Job calls God to court. Eventually, Job gets what he asks for.
Yikes, this is going to be ACKWARD.
Father, We observed a glimpse of You today that we rarely see. You were irritated and You were sarcastic. Lord, on this side of heaven, we sometimes don’t get why You do what You do; and why there is so much pain. Sometimes our pain is the consequences of our sin and sometimes it is for our discipline and sometimes for our growth. In all cases, by faith we believe that You are always perfect in all Your ways. In that truth, we submit to You always as our refuge in time of need. Amen!
Power and Love
I'm missin' my grandsons today. Nate and Ryker, we're coming to see you soon!
Power and Love
Psalms 144
What is more dreadful than evil power? A powerful person or entity that is driven by evil intent is a fearful scenario. I recently watched the 10-part mini-series, Band of Brothers; the story of the 101st Airborne in World War II. I was reminded of the power of Hitler and evil intent and what an ominous period in history it was.
Conversely, what is more comforting and blissful than being protected by lovingkindness that is intertwined with unlimited power? In much greater measure than any evil, God’s strength reigns supreme and his power is girded with lovingkindness.
Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle;
(He is) my lovingkindness and my fortress, My stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge. Verse 1,2 Read more
The End and The Beginning
The End and The Beginning
Genesis 50
Final Lesson # 39
Folks, this is the last chapter of Genesis and the last lesson of Jacob, Joseph and Judah. In one sense, I have a little “Joseph fatigue” after nearly 40 lessons and 35,000 words written about Genesis 37-50. On the other hand, I have found new and encouraging insights every time I dig into a new section.
There is a lot here in chapter 50 but I’m going to focus on the section that I believe has the most devotional impact on me and you.
The Sting of Death
The patriarch Jacob, requests his body be buried in the land of Canaan, the land promised by God, and then he breathes his last breath. Then Joseph fell on his father’s face, and wept over him and kissed him, vs 1. Read more
No Boasting Allowed
No Boasting Allowed
Genesis 49
Joseph, lesson 38
This chapter contains the final words of Jacob before he breathes his last breath. Under the inspiration of God, he prophecies the future of each son. Examining each son’s prophecy is well beyond the scope of my devotional writing. So, let’s focus on the most important son, Judah.
Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion, who dares rouse him up.
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh (Messiah) comes. And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Read more
There’s More
There’s More
Genesis 48
Joseph, lesson 37
Jacob said to Joseph, Now, your two sons who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. 48.5
He (Jacob) blessed Joseph, and said, ‘The God before whom my father's Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, (Ephraim and Manasseh); And may my name live on in them, and the names of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac; and may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. 48.15,16
By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. Hebrews 11.21
I’m starting to sense that if I don’t move on from the story of Joseph and Jacob soon, I’m going to start losing followers, lol. Last post I started with ‘I got nothing in Genesis 48.’ Now I’m giving my readers ANOTHER post from Genesis 48. I have persevered through this chapter several times and each time, I see more good stuff. Read more