God - Go Before Me

 "The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes," ~ Deuteronomy 1:30

I’d been studying in Leviticus and Numbers and about the old law and the sacrifices required to cover sin. Leviticus and Numbers can be monotonous reading but one cannot come away from such reading without a sense of the exquisite order in those books, often repeated for emphasis … true evidence that the Creator is a God of deliberate order and structure and provision to the finest detail. He is in the farthest reaches of the past, He is here now and in the farthest reaches of the future. He anticipates all things. He goes before all things.

I had been immersed in my study all day recently and that evening my wife and I sat to rest after dinner in our backyard. It’s early spring and the birds are back and up to their mating antics. It’s a cacophony of chirping and ruffling of feathers and pairs whirling about. We’ve lived in our home for 30 years and we recognize the returning Sparrows, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Robins and Mocking Birds (my favorite). They make nests in the same bushes – and leave droppings on our cars in the same places. Heaven knows how many generations of the same family of birds we have seen hatch, grow and return here each year.

We have Red Tailed Hawks now too. Something ominously new. This has added a dimension of drama to our little backyard nature show. Once in a while all the birds, quite suddenly, will take frantic flight and disappear. A scrambling mass evacuation. Moments later the spectre of a soaring hawk will appear; wings spread and rigid, banking and weaving a pattern like a fighter plane just above the canopy of trees - a shark patrolling its reef.

As my wife and I sat in our lawn chairs two Morning Doves flew just above our heads and perched on our stockade fence not ten feet away. They startled us. Then they moved closer and perched atop our back door awning. They seemed completely at ease and tame so close to us. The little couple faced each other, necking and preening. I sensed that their proximity to us gave them a sort of protection from the threats orbiting above. Or maybe they were just curious. Or maybe the were a sign. They had come to rest so naturally and so close.

Doves are a sign of peace and considered by many to be a good omen. Doves, a relative of the pigeon, were also a suitable blood offering to cover the sins of a poor man under the old covenant. A bird, plentiful and easily caught, they were prescribed as an acceptable offering if a ram or other such animal were not procurable due to one's limited means. Imagine seeing these creatures as something to be caught and split in half and burnt – to cover one’s sins. How many would have to be caught over-and-over again and slain to make restitution for my repeated sins?

As I looked at these two beautiful, sweet, gentle, innocent doves and thought about my willful, rebellious sin I could not help but consider my callous disregard for the pollution of my sins on me and the creation all around me. Perhaps the need for the slaughter of innocence every time one sinned might heighten mankind’s conviction and turn him from it. But apparently that didn’t work – the history in the Bible documents that.

So, as with the creation, as with the entire Israelite generation that wandered to their deaths in the wilderness led by a pillar of fire by night and of cloud by day and the new generation who knew nothing of Egypt’s bondage and who strayed nonetheless – He led. As with the victories and the prophesies all promised and fulfilled despite our lack of faith; God went before us, once again, once and for all, as the last blood sacrifice – sparing the animals and the birds and most importantly us. Sparing us so we might have fellowship with Him and acknowledge His glory. The worse we behaved the more graciously He endured His beloved creation and He always led. He always leads. He must lead.

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

Seeing those doves not as food and not as an offering is seeing those doves as God created them and intended us to see them – innocent, dependent, beautiful, wonderfully made, loved.

God – go before us. Go before me.

"I will go before you
and make the crooked places straight;
I will break in pieces the gates of bronze
and cut the bars of iron."

Isaiah 45:2

Blessings,

Bill       

What A Gossip Won't Tell You

Listen. I've got to tell you something that's really been bothering me. Now this is just between you and me. Please don't utter a word of it to anyone else. It's just that I'm really concerned. I'm not a gossip or anything and what I'm going to tell you - well, the person I'm going to tell you about - is someone I truly love and respect. They are a brother in the faith after all and I don't want you to get me wrong - BUT ...

God is faithful to lead us to the Truth about things. His Word is a treasure trove of wisdom. The other day He brought me to Proverbs 20:19. You know how sometimes a familiar verse explodes with deeper meaning? Well, that's what happened. The verse is about refraining from dealing with "Gossips" – but the lesson I was to learn in meditation on that verse was about a whole lot more.

We have all been "overtaken" by a gossip episode. It's a temptation. Once entangled we can't wait to get out of its web. It’s a human weakness and satan uses gossip very skillfully to ruin people, relationships and organizations. We’ve all been drawn into or have witnessed a gossip episode that was divisive, wrong and God-less. We know that whatever we tell another “in confidence” will be retold “in confidence” because we have all done it ourselves. Every Christian knows that there is nothing new under the sun and that we all share the same sin nature and sin struggles. It’s universal. If you were born you will experience what everyone else experiences – you will be drawn into a gossip or be wounded by one. You will tell another what you “really” think of another person whom you have flattered to their face. What does the Bible say? 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man."

Maybe you or I were lucky when we fell into the temptation of a “gossip” and the smear ran its course without us being revealed as complicit in its perpetuation. God saw it. Maybe you were exposed and the damage to your reputation ruined a relationship or invalidated your testimony for a long season. Maybe you are still not speaking with that person or those persons and the wounds are still raw. Perhaps those wounds will never heal (which is the subject of another contemplation ...).

We all get caught up in gossip when we do not quench it at its birth. Neutral silence is not neutral at all – it is tacit approval. In Proverbs 6:12-19 (NKJV) God lists six and then seven things that He hates; “A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren.” What the Bible is describing here, in my opinion, is the “instigator” of gossip, the agent of satan of whom we need to be watchful. And we need to watchful of the impulse for it in ourselves.

Something in our flesh derives a measure of self esteem from being able to tell someone else something they don’t know that excites them about another human being - A TALE. You see, we would all do well to follow the wisdom of 2 Corinthians 10:12 which states, “for we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”  We derive false self-esteem from such comparisons and relativist behavior and thinking.

Without complete trust and harmony with God we are all desperately insecure. With that insecurity as a subtle lever our adversary pries open our mind and suggests that security can be had by betraying a confidence or by undermining another. We bring this betrayal like a precious gem to others who gladly accept it as a sort of gift. And so sin infiltrates our mind through an insecure heart egged-on by an agent of satan who serves as instigator. A weak relationship with God causes us to grasp at acceptance from the crowd of people around us and in that arena we will be tempted to offer up on the altar of social acceptance whatever tidbits that a gossip can use to weave discord.

Leading up to the revelation in Proverbs 20:19 are three verses I would like to present;

Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

You don’t generally see or hear a lot about the topic of gossip unless there is a problem with it. I’ve witnessed gossiping storms that have swept in and resulted in church splits and the complete demise of churches. A house divided against itself will not stand and often goes up in flames sparked by gossip or urged into an inferno by an arsonist's accelerant of gossip. I’ve witnessed people driven to literally accusing their brethren of being possessed by satan and demons in their spiral of gossip and denial of gossip as they run to cover their complicity in the spreading of gossip gone wild. It is cowardly, deceitful and makes greater cowards out of those who succumb to it. It is satan’s most exquisite tool to alienate us one from another. Oh how gossip leads to the isolation and persecution of innocents. There is no forgiveness or love to be found in gossip; only insinuation, fabrications, exaggerations and hurt.  

And so we come to Proverbs 20:19. (I have been using text references from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible here because I found a greater depth to the wisdom conveyed by Proverbs 20:19 in this version that is somehow not illuminated in the other translations I studied. So, to be consistent, I have stayed with the NKJV throughout.)

Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV) states; “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.”

Did I read that right - especially the second part? So there it is. Phrasing it in my own words; A gossiper will betray a confidence and broadcast what is heard without a care for any damage it may do. SO – don’t hang around with or confide in such a person who uses flattery to disarm you in order to draw information from you that he will use to sow discord.  Fair enough?

Key here is the use of the word “flattery” which comes from the Hebrew root “Pathah” meaning; to delude, allure, deceive, entice, flatter, persuade or ally in a sinister way.

The warning is clear; certainly steer clear of gossipers but therefore and most importantly steer clear of flatterers because they are the instigators of gossip. If someone starts telling you how great you are – RED FLAGS – GOSSIP INSTIGATOR ALERT! Most of us are not of this two-fold personality but we allow ourselves to get caught up in the schemes of those who are and we become complicit in their treachery.

So gossipers are not always just gossipers and blabbermouths. Deceitful people can come disguised as flatterers. Gossiping and flattery are not, apparently, mutually exclusive traits according to God – they go together. Don’t trust flatterers. Flatterers may be gossipers. These are sowers of division and dissent. Don’t associate with them. Who do you know who has flattered you in a disarming way and has used your pride to draw information from you? Who tells you how great you are AND THEN asks you what you think about somebody else or some situation or your position on some issue? Who tells you how great you are and then adds how under-appreciated you are and then makes a statement about what they think about someone or something to whom you in your self-gloating silence send a message of tacit agreement? Cut them off.

I wish I could say that I have a perfect record with regard to gossip but I do not. And the same goes with the power of flattery on my ego. My pride is susceptible to the prying lever of flattery.

Genuine commendation, appreciation and affirmation is not flattery. Such input can be positive, reassuring and encouraging when it is offered forth WITHOUT STRINGS ATTACHED. Because when strings are attached - those strings will bind you.

A gossiper won't tell you any of this ... !

Blessings,

Bill

Matters of the Heart

It’s now February. And no, this isn't a Valentine's Day message.

Most of the year lays ahead of us. Momentum is building. But on what foundation is that momentum being built? Are God-honoring motives at the core? As you contemplate and cast your vision outward, are you testing your heart and your motives? Have you asked God to examine your heart? A small group of Christian Business leaders with whom I meet and with whom I serve as a facilitator for "Truth @ Work" recently focused on the core reality of King David – he had a heart after God - and God knew it - and God delighted in David. Here's what else we discussed:

God delights in you – His creation – fearfully and wonderfully made in His image! He wants us to wallow and wonder in that and proclaim His glory. That's the core of the intimate relationship God wants with each of us through His Son Jesus Christ.

God measures us by the movements of our hearts. How does your heart respond to His love and the promptings of His Holy Spirit? How does it respond to sinful impulse? If we can fully embrace the notion that God truly delights in us, such a self-identity will lead to an intimacy with God that produces steadiness in prosperity and adversity.

Pastor Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City said this about how our sin nature will influence the way we handle success if we have not guarded our heart against it; “When honor increases it causes the heart to be glad and stumble into pride. When honor decreases it causes the heart to be sad and it stumbles into bitterness and complaining.” How does your heart respond?

“Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth. A stranger and not your own lips.” ~ Proverbs 27:2

If our heart is not right, in prosperity we will draw away from God and only in adversity will we seek Him. So as Psalm 37:4 states; “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

A recent blog post by Os Hillman puts a good perspective on this;

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1a

Imagine spending years building an expensive home with the finest materials and craftsmanship. It is a work of art, and the project is almost complete. As the day arrives to move in, a building inspector arrives and hands you a notice that condemns your beautiful home because it doesn't meet code. Many Christian workplace believers who invest years in their businesses will one day stand before the Lord and realize they were building the house, not the Lord. God is very picky about motives behind the actions. Before we act, we must ask why? Why are we doing what we are doing? Has God called us to this task? Or is the real motive purely financial? Or control. Or prestige. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

David learned this principle by the end of his life. Throughout his life he had learned that God always tested him to find out what was in his heart, and what his motive was in his actions. David instructed his son to "...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts" (1 Chron. 28:9a).

"Reprinted by permission from the author. Os Hillman is an international speaker and author of 15 books on workplace calling. To learn more, visit http://www.MarketplaceLeaders.org"

As we seek success in our endeavors we must indeed guard our hearts from the ill effects of success when we achieve it. And achieve we should – with a heart after God.      

And what is success? Is it not luxuriating in the unconditional intimate love and delight of God in us? Picture David, the King of Israel, dancing and singing naked before the Ark.  Scandalous!

Blessings,

Bill

Redeeming The Time

“The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” ~ Psalm 90:10-12 (NKJV)

2015 looms large. Do I make plans for the New Year? Do I sit down and envision the future and make a list of things to do and ambitions to accomplish? Certainly there are desires in my head that I want to see come to fruition. What did I plan for 2014? Did any of that turn out? And of what is left undone - do I move those things out into next year or do I give up on them altogether and push the reset button and start afresh?

If I focus on present circumstances alone I lose sight of what has led up to now. How does the saying go; “the past is prologue …”? Is a one year segment the way that God views the continuum of my life? On reflection that notion doesn’t seem reasonable. Why would the God of eternity care about a one year segment in the context of His plan for my life? What is a year or any segment of time to Him? Why is it important to me?

Haven’t I learned to be more of a man of the moment leaning on God’s wisdom to guide my steps – to simply DO THE NEXT THING? Doesn’t Proverbs 3:5-6 make this clear; “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.” ?

Am I making a mistake setting goals that rely on what I can do versus what He can do or should there be a union in our effort? Do I relegate to Him only the things that I believe I cannot achieve myself and launch them in His general direction via prayer? Am I minimizing or, worse, marginalizing God with my puny list of resolutions? I need balance.

What I do certainly matters to God. My work matters to God. There are things I must DO. The Hebrew word for work in the Bible (“avodah”) is used interchangeably to mean both work and worship. It’s where we get the modern word “vocation”. Spiritual harmony suggests that there be a mingling of what I do and what God has in mind. Both must occupy the same time. I know that my life in Christ is an invitation to become a friend and co-worker with God and so my ambitions really need to reflect that mind-set … that heart-set. My work is worship ~ My plans are a devotional.

And what of the setbacks I have experienced and the struggles that have risen up to discourage me? Not long ago I was experiencing just such a discouraging episode and as I began to give in to self-pity a gentle whisper reminded me that He suffered much more than this and He suffered it for me and that His response was to love those who scorned Him. The words of Philippians 3:10 exploded in my heart; “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being transformed by His death.” Similar sentiment is conveyed in 1 Peter 4:12-13. This is relevant as we struggle with the pursuit of visions and set goals and endeavor toward anything worthy. There will be struggles, pain, loss and discouragement. Authentic testimonies will be forged that will draw men toward the TRUTH.

Things don’t always go as we plan them. General Eisenhower said, “Plans are worthless but planning is everything.” Whether Von Clausewitz , Von Moltke, Napoleon or Caesar said it, experienced military strategists will agree that “no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy.” And we indeed have an adversary.

So, as plans and aspirations begin to sprout with the New Year approaching I believe that there are certain foundational bases that may need attention. First things first; whose plan are we talking about? Bearing our cross is submission to “His” plan.

Jesus puts it this way in Luke 14:26-33 (NKJV); “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”  He’s talking about the plans of men … my plans ... your plans.

The two greatest variables in any plan are material resources and time. Accepting for a moment that we have access to God’s unlimited material resources, we, living in time, must contend with that most precious of resources (time) and the Bible provides guidance on that.

Ephesians 5:14-16 (NKJV); “Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Colossians 4:1-5 (NKJV); “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

The definitions of redeeming/redemption are many;

§        exchange for something of more value,

§        to make (something that is bad, unpleasant, etc.) better or more acceptable,

§        to exchange for money or to buy back, repurchase,

§        to free from what distresses or harms: as to free from captivity by payment of ransom,

§        to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental,

§        to change for the better: reform, repair, restore,

§        to make good.

The days are indeed evil, now more than at any other time in history because they seek to spirit away our time and distract our attention. Thanks to electronic devices and an amplitude of information, innuendo and gossip the onslaught is merciless. Truth is a needle in a haystack of relativist chaff.

So as we consider the future we would be wise to consider the greater plan of which we are a part – to which we have submitted - if we are Christian. We should consider our portion in it and look to direct our paths with all expectation of the good outcome that He has in mind and be willingly surrendered to it.

Joshua 3:5 is most encouraging; “Consecrate yours, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Consecrate; to set aside for a sacred purpose, devoted to a higher calling or standard, designated for noble purpose, set apart for what is goodness and virtue.

With all of this as a runway for your mind;  what are some outlandish outcomes that might manifest in and from your life if God alone was the reason for them coming to fruition. These are things you could never muster up for accomplishment. Allow yourself to open up and breathe in what He has in mind for 2015 and beyond. Tell Him that you are ready to join Him as He invites you into that.

What enters your heart? What might you dare to declare? What dare you claim in His name? This is the basis for a great plan. Look back and see what He has done that you didn’t orchestrate of yourself. In those things you will find the foundations of a vision to pray upon. Miracles yet to be. State the God-sized outcome as a fact - as though it already is accomplished and you are describing its reality in detail. Open up, invite Him in, breathe in the vision, allow it to be big and ridiculously impossible for you or any man to do.

Redeem the time!

Blessings,

Bill

"Paying it forward"

A few weeks ago one our vehicles experienced the sort of mechanical failure that can really throw your routine out of whack. We had been out of town for a week and flew in late on Saturday evening. The following day the alternator of one of our two cars “fried” as we drove to church. I knew something was wrong because the battery light kept flickering on and off. On the way home we tried to stop at SEARS to have the car checked but they were closed. Now the battery light was on steady – and I suspected we were driving on battery power alone. We thought that maybe we could get the electrical system checked at a local auto parts store that was on our way home.

An eighth of a mile from that store we lost all power but were miraculously able to “coast” into the parking lot. The battery was dead. A turn of the key didn’t even produce a clicking sound. The store attendant tested the electrical system and insisted that the battery alone was the problem. I wasn’t so sure but I didn’t want to argue and we needed to get home so we purchased a new battery and with the strength of its charge we were able to drive the car home. The battery light, however, began to flicker on and off again. Once home I tested the battery with a meter in our driveway and concluded that the alternator was the real problem. So we dropped the car off in the lot of our local mechanic’s shop so it would be there on Monday morning when he arrived at his shop. That Sunday evening we began sorting out how we were going to manage with one vehicle on a hectic “first day” back to work and our normal workweek routine.

My wife was scheduled to do an early workout on Monday so that would have to be cancelled. She called her physical trainer to let her know. To my wife’s surprise, the trainer, without any hesitation, offered to lend us her car. It was an extraordinary gesture of spontaneous generosity. After a pause my wife accepted the offer and this woman’s next remark was, “where would you like me to bring the car?”. We insisted that we would pick up the car and this woman loaned us her pristine, sporty, late model Cadillac for as long as we needed it! I don’t know about you but I don’t believe that I would have done that. Maybe an offer to give her a ride somewhere - but not that.

That evening with the Cadillac sitting our driveway we marveled at the trust, the generosity and the ease with which this woman had loaned us the car that was her pride and joy.

The next day our mechanic dropped what he was doing and repaired our car by that evening (a testimony to the value of loyal relationships and of local family run small businesses). We returned the Cadillac to the woman who had loaned it to us and my wife mentioned that she wanted to do something as a “thank you”. The woman was adamant; “Absolutely not!” she said. Then she explained that she had had car troubles not long ago and another woman had loaned her her car on the stipulation that she “pay it forward”. Now her “pay it forward” obligation was fulfilled. She went on to say that it was amazing how quickly the opportunity to “pay it forward” had presented itself. That explained her instant readiness to recognize and respond to our need. Now we could “pay it forward”.

We know this woman to be of the giving sort. The “pay it forward” spirit resonated with this woman’s own kind heart as it has with many other people. “Paying it forward” has given many the permission to be spontaneously altruistic to acquaintances and even strangers to whom they would not otherwise extend an extraordinary favor. So now my wife and I have a “pay it forward” debit on our new “pay it forward” account. I wonder how long it will be until an opportunity presents itself to balance our book? I also wonder how quick we will be to recognize the opportunity and jump at the chance to “pay it forward” to “whomever” circumstance places in our path? I hope we respond in as fine a fashion as this woman did toward us.

I got to thinking; certainly there was an element of obligation in this woman’s gesture to us but there was a greater element of joy in the whole thing. There was a recent national news story about a drive-thru coffee shop that had an unbroken chain of well over 100 “pay it forward” customers. The remarks of the participants in that chain were diverse; Some had been more than happy to go along, most thought it was a wonderful experience, others had felt bound by obligation and somewhat powerless to break the chain. The  person who ended the chain had simply refused to keep it going. Part of me had braced at the selfishness of the spoilsport and another part of me had applauded his (yes it was a guy) spirit of nonconformity. Would I have gone along with it? Probably - but I’d be hoping the guy behind me was only ordering a small black coffee. 

On further reflection I am convicted by the woman who loaned us her car for her cheerful gesture and what it has provoked in my thoughts. I am a Christian and I have to admit that the cheerful giver referred to in 2 Corinthians 9:7 lends a lot to this discussion; “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion (obligation), for God loves a cheerful giver.”(NIV). For the most part I would consider myself a deliberate and cheerful giver. Once in a while I lapse into a second-guessing/double-minded sort of giver. But I do indeed most prefer to be a “no strings attached”, unconditional, cheerful giving person and I derive the greatest infectious sort of joy through that spirit of giving.

As a Christian I am a little conflicted by the whole “pay it forward” way of thinking. Like karma, chain letters, guilt ploys, pyramid marketing schemes and religious obligation I don’t like anything that smacks of the religious or of obligation. “Paying it forward” can be that. But rather than dismiss the whole notion as obligatory I have to admit that my faith indeed has embedded within it a “pay it forward” essence. But there is one chief difference with what I have to “pay forward”; I could never possibly pay “it” forward enough.

What I’m referring to, of course, is what Jesus did for me. He paid the price for my life forward to eternity. It is up to me to accept the gift of it – period - end of story – no pay back but this; If I truly am His, my appreciation for what He has done should make me want to proclaim Him and His glory to the world from the rooftops! And His gift was not and is not random; it was and is personal and impossible for me to ever ruin or replicate. Thanks be to God for His indescribable (indestructible) gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)! 

He (Jesus) has instructed me and all who are Christians, all who are indeed HIS, to “Love one another as I have loved you.” So, in a sense, I am a debtor to “pay it forward” to all men and women who do not know Christ and His saving grace with the good news of that mercy and grace – what He did for me!

But it doesn’t end there. There are the words of Jesus in the Book of Matthew 25:40; “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” That infers an above and beyond “pay it forward” toward humanity and that I should see JESUS in every needful human condition and situation I encounter – just as he saw me in my needful state. That should keep me busy.

So, as a Christian I have the ultimate “pay it forward” on my account - and it is an honor to have it. It’s a commission really – a great commission. But here’s a difference. No matter what I ever do Jesus loves me and will love me. And He did something else. When I accepted His gift He filled me with His Spirit Who gives me a capacity to endure and to love and to be wise and to have compassion as He does. He gave me a new heart. The book of Ezekiel puts it this way;

Ezekiel 11:19 “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

So there is no obligation, only an ingrained “new-person” capacity to unconditionally love and give as He loves and gives AND an inclination to spontaneously share the joy that is in me with a single mind. So, it is with this mind that I “pay it forward” daily with single-minded joy and with limitless resource – God’s resource. Relaying on God’s abundance I am never diminished in my giving and He renews me daily. I am challenged by this because my flesh rises up in self-centeredness casting fears that in such giving abandon I may empty myself unto my ruin. I know such fear is false.

With a new heart I am now inclined to be a cheerful, spontaneous giver. As Proverbs 4:18 puts it, I am a work in progress, yielding myself to His will and letting His love shine out through me; “The path of the righteous in like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

The fried alternator that led to the actions of this woman who loaned us her car that illuminated these principles to my mind and heart is yet another proof that, as James 1:2-8 exhorts; “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” Romans 5:3-5 supports it this way; “ … we also glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (NKJV).

“Paying it forward” - with blessings,

Bill

P.S. I must admit, that Cadillac was one fine automobile.

Threads in the Master's Tapestry

An event I was planning as part of the marketplace ministry work with which I am involved looked like it had fallen through. The venue of first choice had withdrawn its support. The event was for a good purpose and would promote the ministry in which I serve. The circumstances for the event falling through as planned made no sense at all to me. After prayer and consultation with trusted brethren it became apparent that it was likely in “God’s greater plan” that the event not go as I had anticipated. With that spirit in control, an alternative arrangement (which had been right under my nose all along) quickly presented itself in the form of a modest Church plant located in the heart of Providence, RI. At first glance, the new venue did not align AT ALL with my original personal vision concept for the event. But in prayer my mind was opened to the blessed opportunity there was to promote this dearly needed urban ministry through my ministry event. I am experiencing greater joy now knowing that this new venue will be brought before the eyes of the broad Christian business community than had the event been solely for the purpose I had originally intended. I am seeing beyond my own ministry focus.

I need to be reminded that every life in Christ is a ministry and that my life and my ministry is but one thread being woven by my Creator into His master tapestry.

How often I have prayed to know God’s will for my life, to know what He wants and what I am supposed to do. From time to time I have paused to look around to see where He is at work and apply myself there – to join in with His work already underway with the talents and gifts He has so skillfully, carefully and unique built into the weaving of me -  to yield my thread and lend it to His tapestry. But how often have I focused on my thread alone, as if it alone was God’s singular purpose - exclusive and disconnected from everything else.

Along the narrow way we can often become narrow-minded and myopic about our thread, failing to see that it must often yield to the interweaving of other threads that are meant to work with our own. Sometimes our thread is interrupted so another may pass above or below or alongside to build up, tamp down or straighten out our own in conformity to His plan for the greater Body of which it is a part.

A thread not interwoven with others is easily snagged and has no integrity as a fabric unto itself. It is only strong when mingled with the others. The Bible speaks of a thread of many cords not being easily broken and this holds true for our thread in the tapestry of God’s plan.

Focusing alone on our thread is a self-centered activity that will lead to loneliness, depression, self-pity, separation from the fabric and isolation – a frayed end. Our adversary effectively plucks our thread from the loom of God’s purpose when we are fooled into believing that the path of our thread is important unto itself and proceeds by our will and vision alone. We believe the lie and take our thread from the Weaver’s hand. What a masterfully subtle deceit!

We wind up on our knees wondering why it isn’t working out when focused so on our one thread. We ask silly questions like, “What is Your will God?” when what we really mean is “Why is Your will not aligning with mine?” We neglect to see all the other threads intertwined about us binding and strengthening us wonderfully in the fabric of His great plan. In our self-absorbed state we, like Job 7:6 wallow in the futility of our single thread; “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.”  Rather, we should be mindful of the encouragement in 1Peter 2:5; “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Living stones, living threads, a wall, a house, a body, the fabric of a saving work.

This portion from a recent daily reading grabbed me; “A complete life is the life of a child. When I am fully conscious of my awareness of Christ, there is something wrong. It is the sick person who really knows what health is. A child of God is not aware of the will of God because he is the will of God. When we have deviated even slightly from the will of God, we begin to ask, “Lord, what is your will?” A child of God never prays to be made aware of the fact that God answers prayer, because he is so restfully certain that God always answers prayer.” (My Utmost For His Highest, August 20th ~ Oswald Chambers ©1935, Barbour Publishing.)

That my thread would be guided easily by His hand and that my joy would come from seeing my thread intertwining with the thread of others for His purpose. This is at the root of Christian love and what it is to love one another as Jesus loves us.

Some day I will be allowed to stand back away from the tapestry and behold it for its fullness and glory (1 Corinthians 13:12 (NKJV) promises that “…for now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”).

Blessings,

Bill 

Declaration of Dependence

July 4th 2014.  My mind is struggling to deliver something about a recent Supreme Court decision favoring a closely held company’s right NOT to fund the personal reproductive decisions of it’s employees if that decision runs contrary to its religious beliefs. The episode is so close to our national holiday expressing freedom and cuts across so many lines of belief and thought and politics that a blog post cannot possibly cover all of it.

It’s about the touchstone issues of our time; pro choice and pro life, it’s about big government and less government, it’s about entitlement and individual responsibility, it’s about the rights of the one and the rights of many and on and on. My blog can become a rant and a point of offense. I run the risk of being called a hypocrite by critics and cynics. My ego does not want that. So, do I keep my head down - my pen motionless? Of course not.

The word “hypocrite” is the great silencer of many a man or woman who harbors a virtuous thought or ideal. It’s the great equalizer in a cynical age, the “chink in the armor”. We use it to tear down people who we perceive to have placed themselves above and talk down at us – especially when we don’t agree with them – or their opinions are inconvenient or convict us. All of our founding fathers were chastised, labeled hypocrites and pursued for ruin.

All who preach are hypocrites. All who extol virtue of any sort and on any side – are hypocrites. Show me the perfect man or women who lived or lives 100% true to their cloak and shroud. There is none – no, not one! JFK, M.L. King, George Washington, Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, The Pope, Martin Luther, your Pastor or Priest, my Pastor, place the name of your human hero here: _________. All had secrets, all compromised at least once - were hypocrites of one sort or another. Some more, some less. Even Mother Teresa, walking mighty close to her talk – has been accused of hypocrisy. Google® it.

I am a hypocrite. I like to think I’m getting better at walking my talk. But don’t listen to me because of me because, though I try to walk a narrow line, I will betray any value I state as being good and right to follow. Even a miniscule betrayal will tarnish my testimony in a cynical world. I denounce murder but I think murder. I denounce sloth but I indulge in slothfulness. Don’t listen to me because I am not the man you see on the outside. I am a poser, a pretender and a fraud. And so are you. Don’t kid yourself.

If we can all agree on our mutual destitution we can begin to look up to truth and virtuous things and share them without reproach. We might actually agree on something good and timeless. But as soon as any one of us puts on his or her mask – we lose that fellowship - - - there is a hypocrite in the room. The only true unifying bond we can have is our confession of imperfection. And that is the start.

So is there anything virtuous or praiseworthy even though none of us are its perfect example? Of course there is. Can we talk about it and extol it? Why not? Hear the message but don’t judge the message by its messenger. My actions do not invalidate my ideals. That’s why they are ideals. I am not ideal.

But there is one who is. His name is Jesus Christ. He is no hypocrite. He’s been put to the test and He passed as no other man has or ever will.

This week our country celebrates the 4th of July and our Declaration of Independence; independence from the tyranny of taxation without representation, capricious governance, tyranny that tramples the "unalienable" rights endowed to us by our Creator - - - a "Declaration" thereof made "with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence".

While we as a country collectively celebrate with singular agreement what we perceive to be our unique system of government founded on liberty and “freedom” we have, however, given birth to other forms of tyranny to which we increasingly bow and give allegiance. The trends are disturbing to some and welcomed by others. In the context of history, these trends are nothing new and the book of Ecclesiastes documents the vanity of it.

They say that when things are not going well that it’s time to get back to the fundamentals. When the exterior finish is too deteriorated to be repaired you take it down to the bare metal or wood and begin again. Our most fundamental of fundamentals is God. We say we are a nation under God. Our motto is “In God We Trust”. If so, then we are UNDER GOD. We need to uncover that and bring it into the light. If we ask for God’s blessing and say “God bless America” - for whom’s agenda are we asking that blessing? There are those among us who would take all mention of God from our buildings, our currency and any other place we have etched His mention - to remind us – of our fundamentals.

Are our prayers the mere rubbing of a genie of our own conjuring for our own desires? Is God a mere dispenser of favors? If we think so - how arrogant of us. Do we really believe that God, the Creator, exists to do our bidding? Is there nothing timeless, true or absolute? Is there no rock to stand on or is everything in continual helpless flux? Do we dare ask ourselves what God created us for? Do we dare speak up?

I declare independence from human tyranny, relativism, fear, the common herd mentality and "going along to get along". By my faith I declare my independence from the tyranny of sin and death. By this declaration I also declare my DEPENDENCE on Jesus Christ and my submission to His will and agenda because it is He who freed me from that tyranny and has seized the right to be my Lord. He is the only one worthy of following – He is the only one who is credible and without blemish.

If life has proven anything to me it is this; God responds to one standard – Faith in, Dependence on and Obedience to Him.

In Ephesians 6:12 it is written; "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

The flag of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (in which I live) boldly proclaims with it’s image of an Anchor and the word “Hope” plainly displayed: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. ~ Hebrews 6:19-20 NKJV”.

I cling and shackle myself to whatever chain that securely binds me to that Anchor!

Blessings,

Bill