CATHEDRAL OR CHAPEL

 

Saturday, October 30, 2021

 

CATHEDRAL OR CHAPEL

Eph 3:20-21

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

          I have been meditating on the effect church architecture has on worshippers and vice versa. Immediately upon asking why the ancients spent lavishly on ornate cathedrals, my heart is smitten with the thought that God is worthy of such elaborate structures and just as quickly my mind retreats to a simple building with hand hewn benches. Which would you prefer? Which does God demand?

 

          I am an older soul. I have been forgiven of more sins than some have had time to commit! My relationship with God is of long standing. I do not fear that He will abandon me for He has had many opportunities to do so. I still guard myself lest I abandon Him.

 

          In the great cathedrals, our eyes are directed upward. In the woodland chapels, our heads are bowed low. Both are needed and both are appropriate. I personally bristle at the glass and chrome warehouses of praise but that may simply be a personal choice. The often-married woman at the well was told that those who worship must worship “in spirit and in truth.”

 

          Moses desired to “see” God. Jacob slept at the foot of heaven’s ladder unaware of how near God was. Elijah discovered that God was not represented by earthquakes and fire (1 Kings 19:12) but rather a still small voice.

 

Jer 29:13

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

 

Dear Lord, in my heart there is an unsatisfied hunger for you. Satisfy that longing in your children today. AMEN

JUST SPEAK UP!

 

Friday, October 29, 2021

 

JUST SPEAK UP!

 

Ezek 3:18

18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

 

Acts 4:18-20

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

 

          At a restaurant one night, I felt strongly that I should share my faith with our young, single, and perky waitress. Despite her friendliness and aura of happiness, I sensed a deep longing in this young lady. All I had with me was a business card with a few Bible verses written on the back. I offered it to her, and she asked if she could keep it.

 

          Because she seemed interested, I pressed ahead and simply asked her if she were saved, if she were a believer. She shook her head no and there was a look of sadness in her young face. She explained that she had been raised in a mainline denomination but had not been to church in years. I wondered what pain might be discovered if we had the time to talk. My wife had a larger and more exhaustive piece of gospel literature and so I offered that to her. She put it in her apron pocket and promised to read it.

 

          Why do we find it so hard to simply share our faith? Are we afraid to be thought of as a “Bible thumper” or worse? Are we really so afraid to be rebuffed? I expect many people would not reject a simple offer of gospel literature even if they plan to toss it away later. It’s all in the manner in which it is offered.

 

              At age twelve, Robert Louis Stevenson was looking out into the dark from his upstairs window watching a man light the streetlamps. Stevenson's governess came into the room and asked what he was doing. He replied, "I am watching a man cut holes in the darkness." I see this as a marvelous picture of what our task should be as sharers of God's light--people who are busy cutting holes in the spiritual darkness of our world.

   --James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) pp. 178-179.

 

Dear Lord, give us the courage to share our faith simply and in a friendly manner. Give power to our words and our invitations. AMEN

WHY THE HEART SINGS

 

Thursday, October 28, 2021

 

WHY THE HEART SINGS

Ps 149:1

149 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

 

          Have you ever wondered why humans sing? We do – almost constantly. The word “sing” is found in the King James Version of the Bible 119 times and the word “song” is found 79 times. Yes, we sing! But why do we sing?

 

          We sing by design! God has given each of us the capacity to sing. I know a few people who would challenge that statement, but most people can and do sing if only in the shower. There is something about the human spirit that is predisposed to singing. It is expressive of the inner contents of the heart. If that is so perhaps there is no “good” or “bad” music – only good and bad hearts.

 

          Birds sing, coyotes howl and other creatures vocalize in some way. Creation was designed to sing. Jesus warned that, if believers were silenced, the very rocks would cry out in praise. (Luke 19:40)

 

          We sing for the joy of singing! Our emotions require expression and joy most often expresses itself in song.

 

We sing to teach! Music, gospel music, has a theological aspect to it. Words have meanings and we must carefully choose those words when others are listening.

 

          We sing to praise! The contemplation of God bursts forth from the dusty den of academic study to the brilliant glory of the choir. From the timpani sounds of a wooden spoon on a trash can lid to the mournful sounds of the viola, we offer praise. Have you ever tried to keep your toes from tapping when praising God?

 

Ps 42:8

8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the wonderful gift of music. Let my heart rejoice all the day long. AMEN

A LONG-REMEMBERED GIFT!

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

 

A LONG-REMEMBERED GIFT!

Mark 14:8

8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

 

          Fifty plus years ago, just before leaving home to begin Bible college studies, an elderly lady baked me a pie. I don’t even remember what kind of pie it was. Perhaps it was double crust apple, but that detail has escaped me. What has not flown away is the memory of that simple kindness. The lady was probably living on retirement income so she couldn’t give me money. She didn’t offer sage advice although she most likely could have. She simply did what she could. She baked me a pie.

 

          The fact that I remember the kindness and not this woman’s name is testimony to the power of small investments made in others. It may seem insignificant to us, but it may literally linger a lifetime in the grateful mind of the recipient.

 

          Thanksgiving is just days away and we will gather with family and try to remember why we are thankful. It shouldn’t be as hard as it usually is. Perhaps it would be easier if we recalled the small kindnesses given simply. These enrich our lives and bore deeply into our thinking. They make a home there and change us for the better. For this we should be thankful.

 

          Stop thinking of what you can’t afford to do. Stop mourning your lack of time and energy. Just do what you can do and ask God to bless it. Your gift may last a lifetime.

 

Dear Lord, today someone will need a small act of kindness. Let me do what I can to be a blessing to others. AMEN

I’VE ANCHORED MY SOUL!

 

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

 

I’VE ANCHORED MY SOUL!

 

Heb 6:18-19

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

 

Ps 107:29-30

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

 

Henry Gilmour came to the United States from Ireland as a teenager and perhaps this is why his hymn seems best sung by a male tenor. He practiced dentistry for several years and then spent the last 25 years of his life as a gospel musician. He was a gifted soloist and was greatly respected as a choir director. “The Haven of Rest” first appeared in Sunlight Songs, published in 1890.

 

For some reason this old song often invades my sleep and my soul sings it throughout the night as I wake from time to time. It is a great comfort to know that “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” (Psalm 107:29)

 

My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea,

So burdened with sin, and distressed,

Till I heard a sweet voice saying, "Make me your choice!"

And I entered the Haven of Rest.

 

Chorus:

I've anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest,

I'll sail the wide seas no more;

The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep,

In Jesus I'm safe ever more.

 

          Is your frail craft being beaten by the waves of circumstance? Whether you have foolishly set sail in winter against the advice of the seasoned sailor or whether some summer squall has caught you by surprise, know that the Master of the Sea is ready to take the wheel and speak to the wind! Set sail for His fair haven and anchor your weary soul.

 

Dear Lord, even salted and seasoned sailors may be overtaken by a sudden storm. Let us flee to your haven and anchor our souls. AMEN

A DOUBLE PORTION!

 

Monday, October 25, 2021

 

A DOUBLE PORTION!

 

2 Kings 2:9

9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

 

          The Law required that the father bestow a double portion of all that he had be given to the firstborn [Deuteronomy 21:17]. Elisha considered himself to be the firstborn, spiritually speaking, of Elijah. He wanted a double portion of his spiritual power and influence.

 

          Fifty “students” followed Elijah. [verses 3 & 5] Warren Wiersbe said: “The fifty men were spectators that saw only part of what happened, but Elisha was a participant in the miracle and the heir to Elijah's ministry.”

 

          Who are you watching SO closely that you would want a double portion of their spirit? Whose Christian walk are you wanting to copy? It is important to choose wisely.

 

          Who is watching YOU? Who is asking for a double portion of YOUR spirit? It is important to be genuine. Paul was careful to advise his followers to only copy his best traits.

 

1 Cor 11:1

11 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

Dear Lord, let me leave a godly legacy to those watching and copying my life. AMEN

IF WE ONLY KNEW!

 

Sunday, October 24, 2021

 

IF WE ONLY KNEW!

 

1 Cor 2:14-16

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

          If we only knew what God knows about our life and path, we would be less anxious about the future. We are sheep and all we have been given is a profile of the Shepherd. He is both good and kind. He has our best interest at heart. In fact, we know that the Good Shepherd “gives his life for the sheep.” Yet we want to know what He knows, and we want to see what He sees.

 

          Paul’s question is asked again to the Roman church (Romans 8:27 and 11:34). Here we learn that the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the will of God because we do not know what to pray for as we ought. God understands that we do not understand!

 

          If we only knew what God knows we would not resist the plans He has for us. When Peter learned that Jesus was to be crucified, he loudly said: “not so Lord!” Peter could not imagine how the crucifixion might be beneficial. He was sure it was a tragic mistake! Because he did not know – he resisted the very thing that would purchase his redemption.

 

          If we only knew what God knows we would welcome the lion’s den and the fiery furnace because we would see the Lord shut the lions’ mouth and join us in the flames. But we do NOT know and that is what trust is all about. Trust does not need to know all the details of how God will resolve a difficult situation. Trust only needs to know the good nature of God. So we walk resolutely forward not because we see the way clearly but because we can still see the hem of his garment as He leads.

 

Dear Lord, we still desire to know what you know. We are hardwired as stubborn people! But let it be enough to maintain sight of you as you lead us. AMEN

FINISH IT!

 

Saturday, October 23, 2021

 

FINISH IT!

 

Phil 4:7

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

John 14:12

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

 

          Paul, writing to the Philippians, urges them to finish the process of discipleship. They had been taught sound principles from the Bible and had seen them practiced by their teacher. Now it was time to do what they knew to do. The little word “do” is the Greek word prasso and means: “to practice repeatedly; to accomplish; to finish.”  Are you practicing repeatedly and habitually all the “Christianity” that you have been taught? The Apostles were given one final command before Jesus returned to His Father. We know it as The Great Commission.

 

Matt 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

James Ryle relates a story of Leonardo Da Vinci and one of his students. The Master had prepared a canvas, mixed the palette, sketched in the picture of what he was going to paint, and began applying his brush to the work — laying in colors and tones, shadings and hues that brought the sketch to life with every stroke.

 

Then, without any warning, Da Vinci turned to his student and handed him the palette and brush, saying, "You finish it." The student was taken back. "Your greatness," he said in true humility, "I cannot even presume to finish your work." And Da Vinci replied, "Will not what I have done inspire you to do your very best?"

 

Dear Lord, let me be inspired by your work and your sacrifice so that I may finish my assignment here. AMEN

PART OF IRON AND PART OF CLAY!

 

Friday, October 22, 2021

 

PART OF IRON AND PART OF CLAY!

 

Dan 2:31-34

31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.

32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

 

Dan 2:42-43

42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

 

           We need not be confused by Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He saw a huge image which represented all the kingdoms of the earth. We are living in the time of the feet and toes. We are losing our national distinction and we are losing many of our fundamental laws. We do not cleave to one another because there is no common bond. Our nation is deeply divided, and each side thinks the other side a bit crazy and perhaps both sides are right. The elements needed for strife only needs a catalyst.

 

           God is in control of history! Even the most wicked ruler is restrained by the hand of the One who gave him authority. We also have observed that human governments decline over time. The gold becomes silver and then bronze and finally iron and clay.

 

           The good news for Christians is that this present period of geo-political rule will soon be replaced because the God of Heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. His kingdom will break in pieces the weak structure of clay and iron and consume them. Jesus is coming soon!

 

Rev 21:2-4

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 

King Jesus, look down upon us who live between the toes of the image. Give us grace to do right and patience to wait upon your coming kingdom. Even so come quickly! AMEN