Category Archives: God’s Grace & Love

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March 22, 2018

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Bible Stories, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, God's Word: The Bible, Knowing Him, Trusting God

GOD’S GOVERNMENT

Mt. RushmoreThe Lord does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths. [Psalm 135:6 (NLT)]

You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near. [Isaiah 54:14 (NLT)]

Every nation has some system of government and I wonder what system is used in God’s Kingdom. Since He doesn’t govern by committee or with a privileged ruling class, it isn’t an oligarchy or an aristocracy. He is a King, has a Kingdom, and can exercise absolute power, yet His is not a monarchy. His power didn’t come from conquest or birthright, no one gave Him the crown, and no royal scion will follow Him; His reign always has been and forever will be. With all those Old Testament rules, perhaps His is a dictatorship, albeit a benevolent one, in which God exercises absolute power for the good of the population as a whole. That sort of rule, however, would be a one-size-fits-all government. A God who has numbered the hairs on our heads and written our names on his hand knows that one size can never fit all of his unique children.

God’s Kingdom isn’t like our nation, a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” with its three branches of government and the checks and balances that come with it. In God’s government, all three branches are rolled into one; He makes the rules, implements them, and decides how they are to be interpreted. There’s no need for checks and balances; God can’t step over the boundaries because He has none. His reign is not dependent upon re-election or approval rating, the majority does not rule, His word is law, and the only being God needs to please is Himself. He didn’t consult with Adam and Eve about the forbidden fruit rule nor with Sodom and Gomorrah about their destruction. The Ten Commandments were not created in committee, voted on by the Israelites, ratified by Moses or tested by an Israelite court. God doesn’t need our advice, consent, or support to make the sun rise or set. Clearly, He runs neither democracy nor republic.

With any sort of earthly government, the ruler’s power is limited to his life span and his nation’s border. God’s power, however, is unlimited. He is the eternal Sovereign God over the entire universe. His is a never-ending government of love, forgiveness, righteousness, peace and justice. Unlike other forms of government, His is truthful, dependable, and free of any corruption or bureaucracy. I don’t think there is a word that describes God’s reign except, perhaps, “perfect.” After all, God is God and we are not.

For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us. [Isaiah 33:22 (NL)]

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. [Matthew 6:9 NLT)]

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March 15, 2018

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Bible Stories, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, God's Promises, God's Word: The Bible, Salvation: A New You, Wisdom & Guidance

THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.” [Matthew 13:34-35 (NLT)]

irisYesterday I wrote about Albert Einstein. The physicist was famous for his ability to replace complex scientific ideas with real-life scenarios called gedankenexperiments (thought experiments). For example, imagine that you have an identical twin. Immediately following birth, he is launched into space and travels through the universe nearly at the speed of light. When he returns, he’d be in his teens while you’d be planning your retirement. Time moved slower for your twin because the closer to the speed of light something travels the slower time moves for it. Never having studied physics (and not caring to start now), I think his scenario demonstrates the theory of relativity!

Gedankenexperiments is just a fancy German word for what Jesus did when he told parables; He took complex theological concepts and simplified them into everyday scenarios. When the Pharisees couldn’t understand why the ostracized, outcast and sinful were welcomed by Jesus as His followers, He could have given them a long-winded theological explanation. Instead, Jesus told them three parables. The first was about a shepherd who left his ninety-nine sheep safely in the sheepfold to search for one sheep that strayed. When the shepherd found it, he joyfully returned home with it and celebrated its rescue with friends. Jesus then told of a woman who lost one of her ten coins, searched carefully until she found it, and rejoiced when she did. Just in case the Pharisees didn’t get the point, He then told the parable of the lost son in which the rebellious son repents and returns home to his forgiving and loving father who also throws a party at the recovery of what had been lost. The second part of that parable, in which the elder brother begrudges the celebration welcoming his prodigal brother, was directed at the Pharisees. Did they see their resentment of the sinners at Jesus’s feet in the attitude of the self-righteous and unforgiving brother?

Like Einstein, Jesus used fictitious stories to illustrate a point or teach a lesson. That God doesn’t want to lose one of us, that He loves each of us so much that He seeks us, and that heaven rejoices at the repentance of one sinner were not new concepts to the Pharisees. Jesus presented these simple scenarios so they would understand that sinners are as valuable to God as lost sheep, money, and children are to shepherds, housewives, and fathers. Like Einstein’s thought experiments, however, His parables often weren’t understood. Their understanding, however, had nothing to do with either IQ or righteousness. Both Gedankenexperiments and Jesus’s parables were told in a way that only those who cared would ever understand them. The people who understood the parables, like those who understood Einstein, were the ones who cared enough to ask what they meant (which explains why the Pharisees never did get the point and I still don’t understand relativity!)

Christ taught in parables. Thereby the things of God were made more plain and easy to those willing to be taught, and at the same time more difficult and obscure to those who were willingly ignorant. [Matthew Henry]

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” [Mark 4:23-25 (NLT)]

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March 12, 2018

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God's Grace & Love, God's Promises, Knowing Him, Nature, Peace of God, Trusting God, Worry

HE KNOWS OUR NAMES

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT)]

house sparrowRomper Room, a children’s program that first aired in 1953, was like a televised pre-school/kindergarten class. At the end of every show, the hostess would pick up her magic mirror and recite the words, “Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play?” Looking through an open frame shaped like a hand mirror, she’d then call out various children’s names: “I see Johnny had a special day today, Olivia had a special day yesterday, and I see Bonnie, Tammy and Gregory had special days, as well, and Brandon, you know I see you…” For forty years, small children patiently sat in front of their TVs hoping to hear their names called. While that illustrates the naiveté of youngsters back then, it also demonstrates how much we all want to be noticed and recognized.

When the man at the park asked me what kind of bird it was, I identified it as an LBB and explained that meant “little brown bird.” Chances are it was one of the twenty kinds of sparrows around here. Then again, it could have been some sort of wren or finch. Had it been a little larger, it would have qualified as the equally vague BBB (bigger brown bird). As much as I enjoy spotting the peepers in the trees and even taking their pictures when they remain still long enough, I don’t care enough about them to know their names or the songs they sing.

Fortunately, God knows not just our names but all there is to know about us: our hopes, needs, fears, and concerns. There are no LBBs (little boring biddies), LOLs (loud old ladies), BFMs (big fat men), TWAs (teens with attitude), TTs (troublesome tots), CCs (chronic complainers), or PWPs (people with problems) in His kingdom. To God, we all have distinctive names, faces, personalities and voices. Unlike me, He doesn’t need a field guide with our pictures or a CD with our songs to know who we are. Unlike the Romper Room hostess, He doesn’t pretend to have a magic mirror that allows Him to see us or know how we feel. The author of our days, He knows what today was like for us and what tomorrow will bring to us. God not only sees each and every one of us but He sees into us—into our very hearts and souls—and, somehow, He still manages to love and value us as only a father can.

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. [Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT)]

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March 2, 2018

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Challenges & Difficulty, Fear & Doubt, God's Grace & Love, God's Promises, Miracles, Obedience

SUMMONED

prairie coneflower - blanket flower - black-eyed susanListen, O heavens, and I will speak! Hear, O earth, the words that I say! Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God! [Deuteronomy 32:1-3 (NLT)]

My granddaughter recently received a summons to jury duty. Although she attended law camp last summer and just might do better than some jurors, at fourteen, she’s not qualified to serve. Trying to get her out of jury duty, however, appears to be easier said than done. Because the grand’s birth date is “invalid,” the on-line juror qualification questionnaire cannot be completed. Her mother’s call to the clerk resulted in being told that the youngster must come to the court house to prove her age by presenting them with her driver’s license. When it was politely pointed out that at fourteen she has no license, the clerk irately asked why she got the summons. “I don’t know; you’re the ones who sent it to her!” was all her mother could reply. Let’s hope jury duty is an excused absence from junior high because it appears that the district court does not want to take “No!” for an answer.

When God summons us, He doesn’t take “No” for an answer either. Moses was sure it was a mistake when God called to him from that burning bush. He protested by listing all of his inadequacies and God countered with His assurances and provision. In his final objection, Moses claimed to be an inarticulate tongue-tied speaker so God gave him Aaron to act as his spokesman.

Aaron, however, died before the Israelites reached Canaan and, in the book of Deuteronomy, we finally hear Moses speak. In his first speech (lasting four chapters), Moses gives an historical review of what brought the people to be standing on the plains of Moab across the Jordan River from Jericho. An articulate powerful account, it’s as inspiring as one of Billy Graham’s sermons. The next thirty chapters are equally moving as Moses summarizes the Israelites’ covenant obligations and blessings.

To the county clerk, my grand was merely a name and address but, as the one who made us, God knows everything about us. He knows our weaknesses and capabilities and, unlike government bureaucracy, His summons is never in error. God knew what He was doing when he called Moses and He knows what He’s doing when He summons us. Where we see liabilities, inability, inadequacy and failure He sees assets, possibility, ability, and promise.

I can’t help but think of A.A. Milne’s Christopher Robin and the words he spoke to his bear, Winnie-the-Pooh: ”There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” Indeed, we are braver, stronger and smarter than we think and more capable than we can imagine. Moreover, like Christopher Robin, God is always with us. It is His faithfulness to us that empowers us to do His work.

When God puts a calling in our hearts, He won’t leave us stranded. He equipped and enabled Moses with wisdom and oratory skills and He’ll equip us. Moses’s final speech in Deuteronomy (ending with both a song and a blessing) rivals any motivational message given by Tony Robbins, Dave Ramsey, or Bear Grylls. When you doubt your abilities, remember that those eloquent words in Deuteronomy were spoken by a man who, because of his stammer and ineptitude at oration, considered himself unqualified. God knew better!

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. [Deuteronomy 31: 8 (NLT)]

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March 1, 2018

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, Love & Works, Prayer

FILL US WITH YOUR LOVE

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. [1 John 4:7-8 (NLT)]

scarlet- swamp hibiscus - Corkscrew SwampEvery Saturday, our newspaper runs a guest editorial written by one of the local pastors. In one of these commentaries, the author shared that a ministerial colleague begins every pastoral prayer with, “O kind and loving God, fill us with your love.” There’s a whole lot of prayer packed into those few beautiful words. God doesn’t just love; He actually is love. So, when we ask God to fill us with His love, we’re inviting Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit, as well.

So, what does God’s love look like? We only have to look to the Bible to see. When God lays love on people, He changes their lives. He corrects, feeds, leads, forgives, chastises, heals, comforts, and teaches. He frees them from slavery to both man and sin. He walks with, listens to and speaks with them. He blesses, spends time with them, and calls them into service. He loves unconditionally, impartially and generously. Most of all, He loves sacrificially! God’s love isn’t passive; it’s active. When we ask Him to fill us with His love, we best be prepared for some changes to be made both in our lives and in the lives of others!

I can’t help but think of a line from Hello Dolly! in which Dolly Levi says, “Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around, encouraging young things to grow.” She’s actually quoting Thornton Wilder who probably borrowed the quote from Francis Bacon. In any case, when manure is not put to good use, it starts to stink and the same goes for both money and love! If we ask God to fill us with His love, let’s remember that God’s love is way more than a warm fuzzy feeling. His love isn’t meant to stay in our hearts; it’s meant to be used the same way Jesus used God’s love. When we ask God to fill us with His love, He expects us to spread His love around; His love compels us to love one another.

I’m beginning to think some of the best prayers are the shortest ones: O kind and loving God, fill us with your love!

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” [John 13:34-35 (NLT)]

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February 26, 2018

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Bible Stories, God's Grace & Love, Love & Works, Obedience, Salvation: A New You, Temptation & Sin

OUT OF FEAR

turkey vulturesBut if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you… The Lord himself will send on you curses, confusion, and frustration in everything you do, until at last you are completely destroyed for doing evil and abandoning me. [Deuteronomy 28:15,20 (NLT)]

In writing about the mezuzah last week, I learned that 4,649 laws govern every aspect of its writing. Each of the 713 letters must be perfectly shaped, written on handmade specially processed parchment made from a kosher animal, inscribed in black ink formulated from a specific recipe, with a unique quill pen, by a qualified scribe. Why so many rules to fulfill a requirement that was only a few words in Scripture?

The fourth commandment about the Sabbath is the longest one but pretty straightforward: make it a day of rest rather than work. Although Scripture referred to conducting business, field labor, treading in a winepress, loading animals, traveling and kindling fire as forbidden work, it never provided an all-inclusive list of prohibited activities. To further clarify the commandment, work was classified into thirty-nine categories of forbidden activity. To obey perfectly, however, more interpretation was needed. Since reaping (clearly field labor) was forbidden, what if someone climbed a tree and accidentally broke a branch or rode an animal and detached a stick to hit it? Since an accidental sin was still a sin and, technically, breaking a branch was reaping, those activities were prohibited, as well.

I’ve often given the Bible’s Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes grief over their pettiness regarding the law. After studying Deuteronomy 28, however, I’m beginning to understand how the system of laws governing the conduct of the Jewish people became so complex. After listing the blessings for obedience, Moses laid out the many curses for the Israelites’ disobedience to God and those curses are far more extensive than the blessings. They include everything from wasting diseases, plagues, captivity, inflammation, boils, military defeat and scorching heat to becoming food for scavenging birds, madness, swarms of insects, starvation, and cannibalism. It’s not a pretty picture Moses paints as he warns the people to obey all the words of the law.  After reading those curses, it’s easy to see how fear of punishment led to legalism and why the minutiae of the law became more important than a relationship with the giver of the law. Fearful of punishment and striving for absolute obedience, the Jews wanted to cover every eventuality.

Although the law pointed out sin, what the people didn’t understand was that the law, no matter how intricately interpreted or followed, could not keep people from sin. We must never make the mistake of thinking we can reach a level of perfection good enough for God; the Israelites couldn’t and neither can we. In actuality, the law revealed that people are sinful and can never attain righteousness through obedience to it; no matter how carefully they try, they will always fall short. Righteousness is attained only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Several weeks ago, I received the following “wisdom” in my email: “Love God and do as you please.” A paraphrase of St. Augustine’s words, it is not carte blanche to sin. Rather, if we genuinely love God with all our being, we will want to do only what pleases Him. We don’t please him to avoid captivity or pestilence or to work our way into His good graces; we please Him out of love. We don’t do it on our strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. As for me, that seems a whole lot easier than having the Sabbath quandary of whether or not I can turn off the alarm clock, open an umbrella, or pick up the button that fell off my jacket.

Once and for all, I give you this one short command: love, and do what you will. If you hold your peace, hold your peace out of love. If you cry out, cry out in love. If you correct someone, correct them out of love. If you spare them, spare them out of love. Let the root of love be in you: nothing can spring from it but good. [St. Augustine]

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. [Romans 13:10 (NLT)]

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