Does God Have My Attention?

We read one of the most exciting Bible stories in 1 Kings 18 where Elijah had a “showdown” with Baal’s 450 prophets on Mt. Carmel. Both sides placed a bull on an altar, with an ungifted wood pile underneath it.  They then would pray to their God (or god) to ignite the altar.

The prophets of Baal went first.  All day, they prayed, cried aloud, cut themselves, and danced trying to induce a god who didn’t exist to prove his existence.  I love the description of their efforts found in 1 Kings 18:29: “…no one answered; no one paid attention.”  Embarrassing utter defeat.

When it was his turn, Elijah did the unthinkable.  He poured so much water on the bull and on the wood, that the water runoff filled a trench he had dug around the altar.  Then, he prayed a simple prayer asking God to reveal Himself.  No crying.  No cutting.  No dancing.  God answered demonstratively.  Not only did God ignite the drenched wood, but the fire also consumed the bull, the wood, the stones that made up the altar, the dust around the altar, and licked up all the water in the trench.

Here is the contrast that challenged me this morning. Baal’s prophets had to go to great lengths to attempt to catch his attention.  The story includes a nugget of humor as we read Elijah’s “smack talk” as Baal’s prophets tried futilely to induce a nonexistent god to start a fire.

Elijah already had God’s attention and more importantly, God had his attention.  The sad irony, however, is that this God who pays constant attention to us, has to go to great lengths to get us to pay attention to him.

Heavenly Father, help me today to pay as much attention to YOU as You do to me.  

The Holy Spirit…More or Less?

My last blog dealt with how we can tell if we are living “spiritual” lives.  The Bible often refers living spiritually minded to being “filled” with the Spirit.

 “…do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,
but be filled with the Spirit…” – Ephesians 5:18

Unfortunately, we tend to think of Spirit filling like we think of filling a gas tank or a glass of water.  Sometimes I hear people say something to the effect of “I need more of the Spirit.”  In reality if we are believers in Christ, the Spirit lives in us.  The Bible refers to this as “indwelling.”  We get all there is of Him, not just part of him.

The key to understanding what it means to be filled with the Spirit is found in the comparison provided in the first part of the verse.  A person who is inebriated is under the control or influence of alcohol or some other intoxicating substance.  Such a person does not behave as they normally would, but their behavior is altered by the substance influencing them.

So it is with Spirit-filling – we are not filled up to a certain level, but instead we are filled through with the influence of the Spirit.  Just as a glove does nothing on its own, but does what the hand filling it does, so also the Spirit-filled believer does not act in his own understanding and resources but through the influence of the Holy Spirit. The question is not how much of the SPIRIT do I have, but how much of ME does the Spirit have.

So, how can I experience life under the influence of the Holy Spirit?  First, I must be clean.  Sin grieves the Spirit and limits his availability to work through me.  When I sin, He convicts me of that sin and leads me to confess it so I can be forgiven.  If I reject His prompting to repent, my hardening heard grows resistance to His influence.

Second, I must be surrendered.  God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish HIS purpose in our lives, not to make up proud of ourselves or to give us a sense of superiority over others.  I experience the fullest influence of the Spirit when I am completely sold out to God’s plan and recognize my utter dependence on Him to achieve it.

Finally, I must be grounded.  Electrical current will not work properly unless it is “grounded.”  So also, we cannot experience the fullest influence of the Spirit unless we are consistently and constantly grounded in God’s Word.  The discipline of regular Bible intake provides the instructions we need to align our lives with what the Spirit is up to around us.

Questions for reflection:

1. How often do I experience the power of God working through me, power beyond my known abilities and efforts?

2. Have I refused to admit and turn away from sin God has revealed in my life?

3. Am I fully surrendered to God’s way of ordering my life?  If not, why?

4.  Am I spending time daily in God’s Word?

Objective Spirituality

The word “spiritual” gets thrown around a lot these days.  Some want to seem more spiritual than everyone else, and all of us are offended if someone should suggest that maybe we aren’t as spiritual as we think we are.

Is being spiritual just a matter of saying the right words so that we seem to know what we are talking about when we speak of God, Christian life, and church?  Does the spiritual person verbalize more eloquent public prayers than others?  Am I more spiritual than others because I “do” more than they do?

The Bible answers a resound “NO” to all the above.  A spiritual person is led by the Spirit of God. The Bible presents for us a rather obvious description of the person living under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The truly spiritual person demonstrates consistently the fruit (notice the word is singular, not plural) of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

These nine qualities are shown in contrast to the “works of the flesh” described in Galatians 5:19-21.  So the determining factor of spirituality is the motivation for how we think and act.  The spiritual person does not do what gratifies himself (the flesh) but what pleases the Holy Spirit.  I cannot claim to be spiritual and behave in a fleshly way.

Spiritual Exercise:

On a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle vertically.  One the left hand side list the “works of the flesh” found in Galatians 5:19-21, then on the right hand side the nine qualities called the “fruit of the Spirit.”  Each day for a week, keep score of which qualities are most evident in your attitudes, thoughts, and actions.  Tally it all up and ask yourself if you are more motivated by the flesh or by the Sprit.

Check back for more on the Spirit-filled life throughout the week.

This Week’s Quotes – October 18

Each Friday I share a random sampling of quotes I read, shared, or retweeted during the week. Then feel free to comment on ones which “flipped your switch.”

——————————————

“Right and wrong” is decided by the Bible – not how you grew up, what your friends think, or how you feel led on a particular day.” – Jim Cymbala

“Nothing has more consistently kindled my consistently cold heart than praying thru Scripture.” –Don Whitney

“A cook is offended by the picky eater. God must be offended by those who pick & choose from His Word.” – Wayne Hilsden

“Satan has no difficulty in making sin look innocent.” –John Blanchard

“Long ago I ceased to count heads. Truth is usually in the minority in this evil world.” — Charles Surgeon

“I found out early in life that I never have to explain anything I haven’t said.” –  Sam Raburn

 

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Hope for the Downcast

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I am feeling a heavy burden these days for several family members, friends, and church folks who are going through difficult times in their lives.  Some are battling disease, some face financial issues, some emotional distress, still others are dealing with family matters that hurt to the core of their souls. I wish I could snap my fingers and make all of their problems go away.  I deal with things in my own life, but I hurt even more when people I care for are hurting.

Many of you reading this are going through challenging times in your life as well.  So, today, I want to just share some Bible verses that I hope will encourage you.  If you are where you can do it, read them out loud.  Let the devil hear the reason for hope in you.  Meditate on theses verses; claim the truth for your life.  Refuse to be governed by how you FEEL about your circumstances, and choose instead to yield to what you KNOW about our Sovereign God and HIS truth for your life.

Know that I am praying for those of you whose hurts I know.

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

Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 9:9-10 – The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 34:17-19 –  When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

1 Peter 5:10 – And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,
who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

What Are You Passing on to Your Kids?

genetic posterRecently, my daughter completed a science project for school that demonstrated how she inherited several physical attributes from me and her mom.  We scanned old pictures and took new pictures, pasting them to a poster board to show how she inherited several traits from each of us her parents.  It was both funny and informative at the same time.

Today, when she brought home the project, I reflected on the non-physical attributes she may get from me – not the natural inherited traits, but the observed and learned behaviors she sees demonstrated in my life.  I pray that she sees and learns things from me that help her develop into a godly young lady.  I hope my life is an accurate reflection of Christ.  What does she learn from me?

    • Does she see the supremacy of Christ?
    • Does she see the effective, fervent prayer a righteous man that avails much?
    • Does she learn the importance of reading and obeying the Bible?
    • Does she hear me pray for her, knowing the I love her so much I commit her to the Lord daily?
    • Does she experience unconditional love and acceptance?
    • What does she learn from the way I handle stress?  Worry or faith?
    • What does she learn about dealing with difficult circumstances and people?  Does she see steadfastness and patience?

Little eyes are watching, little ears are listening.  What are they learning from us that will come to fruit later in their lives?  Let’s sow good seeds into the fertile ground of our kids’ hearts so that we can grow a generation of kids that leads our culture back to Christ.  They MUST see it in us before it becomes a reality in them.

Parents, we need to realize that more than likely our children will become exponentially what we are . . .  good and bad. Be the adult you want your child to grow up to become and they will…AND MORE.

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

How to Receive God’s Promise of a Future and Hope

One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11.  What a great promise!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

I am still amazed that the Creator of this universe, the one who holds it all together, the one who is responsible for every molecule in this universe has a specific, intentional plan for MY life.  WOW!  Most people I know find great comfort and encouragement in that truth.

 We forget, however, that while God has the plan for us, we still must follow the plan.  God has mapped out the journey to glory, but we have the responsibility for follow the plan. 

God does not superimpose his way on us, he does not force us down the path.  To reach the destination we must engage the journey God has placed before us.  We realize the promise of “welfare,” “future,” and “hope,” when we undertake the journey God prescribes in verses 12-13 of Jeremiah 29.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

 Notice the caveat – SEEK.  Seek God, not blessings, not ease, not victory, not success, but seek a person…GOD.  And God gives us the directions for seeking Him – call, come, pray.

We will not enjoy the hopeful and blessed future God has designed for us without passionately seeking to be with him in prayer and following him in obedience.  There are not shortcuts, and it may be difficult at times. Otherwise, he would not have called it SEEKING.  

Consistently and intentionally bury your heart in God’s Word and bend your knees in prayer to him.  Get to know who God is and what he wants to do in your life.  Seek to know and obey the God who has designed a fabulous life for you.

Handling Criticism Productively

ImageHow do you handle criticism?  I know you’ve received it…at least if you have ever tried to do anything of eternal value.  An old quote of disputed origin reminds us,

“If you do not want to be criticized, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”

Our most common reactions are either to defend ourselves or to criticize the criticizer.  Neither response accomplishes much.  Instead, we can follow a great Biblical example for handling criticism humbly and productively found in 2 Samuel 16:5-14.

When David was on the run from his rebellious son, Absalom, a man by the name of Shimei, a relative of former king Saul, met David along the way and hurled stones – both literal stones as well as verbal stones – at David.

One of David’s men offered to get rid of Shimei … permanently, but David took a unique perspective on this criticism.  One the one hand, David recognized that God possibly sent this man to curse him, and if so, David needed to heed the message and learn.  The other possibility was that Shimei criticized him wrongly, and that being the case, God would reward him for enduring the undue criticism.

When criticized, prayerfully consider the words of your critics.  Often there is a nugget of truth that you can learn in their verbal barrage.  While a critic may seek to weaken you, they actually serve to make you stronger by sending you to your Father to learn valuable lessons.

Even if there is no lesson to learn from the criticism – and that is rarely the case – God will take note of the injustice we endure, and HE will eventually make it right.  Be patient in tribulation.  Prayerfully consider any criticism you may receive.  Cling to what is good, jettison what remains.  You win either way.

This Week’s Quotes – October 11

Each Friday I share a random sampling of quotes I read, shared, or retweeted during the week. Then feel free to comment on ones which “flipped your switch.”

“Beware of any Christian leader who does not walk with a limp.” Os Hillman

“The best way to prove that a stick is crooked is to set a straight one beside it.” AW Tozer

“We can’t sit back and say the world is evil. What are we doing in response?” – Jim Cymbala

“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” – Martin Luther

“God is not who you think He is.  God is who He says He is.” – Rick Warren

“The greatest proof that the Bible is inspired is that it has stood so much bad preaching.” –A.T. Robertson

“Why do we get more fired up over Duck Dynsaty than reaching people with the Gospel?” – Pastor Jeff Crook, Blackshear Place Baptist Church, Oakwood, GA

Baby Dedication – Superstition or Commitment?

In Baptist churches, we have a ceremony we call Baby Dedication.  When a child is still young, the parents and child stand before the church and promise to raise their children in a godly home.  The child receives a certificate and Bible and the parents have a tremendous photo op with family gathered around.

The Biblical precedent for this seems to come from the experience of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.  She prayed earnestly for God to give her a son, and she promised if He did, she would give the child back to God.  God came through on His end, and Hannah faithfully kept her promise and gave her son Samuel over to the service of God’s leader, Eli.  Samuel grew up trusting God and became a faithful leader of God’s people as well.

I remember the day that Andrea and I dedicated Bekah to the Lord at Pointe South Community Church.  We recognized her as a gift to us from God – and we still do – and we promised God in front of witnesses that we would with His help raise her to trust God and follow His Son Jesus.  From time to time, when I worry about her and how ministry life affects her, God has to remind me that He has her and that she will be fine.

I am left to wonder, however, as I observe other believing families, what the meaning of their child’s baby dedication meant to them.  They stood before a church and committed their child and their role as parents to the Lord, but now they lead their children to pursue other interests at the expense of their relationship with the Lord.

They dedicated their child to the Lord as an infant, but now they take their child out of church to pursue athletics, school activities, family time at the lake or beach, and a myriad of other seemingly harmless pursuits.  Harmless, except for the fact that this practice demonstrates to the child that while God maybe of some importance, these other activities are more important than Him.

God did not challenge me to raise Bekah to be a scholar, star athlete, or even a skilled musician.  He did not charge me with the task of making sure she assimilates into culture, but rather the contrary (a blog for another day, I am sure).  He did charge me with the awesome responsibility to raise her in such a way that she becomes a fully engaged follower of Jesus, no matter the cost.

Parents, let’s be careful that the message of our mouths is reinforced by the message of our actions and priorities.  Let Baby Dedication be a daily recommitment.

 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4