Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly. 2Chronicles 25:2
What a legacy! To be known throughout the generations as a person who half-heartedly served the Lord... Now there's something to aspire to!
The thing is, when the kings of Israel and Judah are discussed, Amaziah is not a name that usually comes up. I'd venture a guess that many Christians don't even know who Amaziah was. And his impact on the world - though good - was limited. As I consider his story, it seems to me that Amaziah could be the "poster child" for modern American Christianity. I mean, here's this guy. He comes from a good family - his dad was Joash, the famed king of Judah who took office at the ripe old age of seven and served the Lord wholeheartedly throughout most of his lifetime. (Joash had some issues later in life, which led to his demise.) Amaziah comes on the scene, and he's out to follow God. He executes the guys that assassinated his father. He listens initially to the prophets God sends to him. He sees victory as a result of following the Lord. But then he falls into idolatry, and the people he was charged with leading are the ones who end up getting hurt.
The Bible says, "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight..." Compared to many of the kings who had come before him, Amaziah was a pretty good guy. Compared to many who would come after him, Amaziah did really well. Amaziah's problem is a common one today - it's the problem of comparison. When we use the world around us as a standard, it's not hard to measure up. Compared to 99% of the people in the world, I may be doing really well, but the thing is - God is not impressed with that. He is not measuring me against the rest of the world. He's not grading on the curve. Doing better than most is NOT good enough, because God measures us against the TRUTH. His standard is righteousness, and even if I'm at the top of the class, I do not measure up.
"...But not wholeheartedly." This is the thing that cuts me to the core, and calls me to repentance. I'm out here and I'm trying to do what is pleasing in God's sight... I'm trying to serve Him, and I'm singing songs for Him, and I'm talking to people in the church about Him... I'm living kind of a crazy lifestyle for him, packing up my house every few days and moving down the road... But am I really serving Him WHOLEHEARTEDLY? Too often, I'm afraid the answer is "no." It's easier to hit the "snooze" in the morning and sleep a few minutes than to get up and spend time with the Lord in prayer. It's easier to pick up a novel and read some good fiction than to pick up my Bible and read. It's easier to put on a video to watch than to spend time studying God's Word...
And here's the clincher: I've been [semi-]diligently working through an online course in evangelism this year. I've been very serious about completing my lessons, and have been often brought to tears by the reality of the need in the world around me, my heart broken by our failure as the people of God to genuinely live out our faith and make a difference in the world. But in reading through the final course requirements I have just discovered that beyond the written lessons, there is a life application requirement to officially completing the course. They actually expect me to put what I've been learning into action! I'm supposed to actually go out and TALK to people - one-on-one! And the very idea leaves me "shaking in my boots". You see, the reality is, all through the year as I've studied, there has been a sort of half-heartedness to my studies. I've been so busy thinking that what I was learning was important, I've failed to place proper importance on applying the information.
So I was just thinking... I guess this is where the journey really begins - putting it into practice - wholeheartedly doing what is pleasing in the Lord's sight. I don't want to be like Amaziah, remembered for my mediocrity about the things of God... Do you?
...Just a thought...
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Much More Than This
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
Just over a week ago, we found ourselves in a once-familiar situation: vehicle problems that threatened to leave us either stranded, "out of business", or ridiculously indebted. Early in our ministry, this was our almost-daily condition. Breakdowns were common, finances were always lacking, and we were keenly aware that our lifestyle was at best precarious... In recent years, however, the Lord has blessed us with more reliable transportation, while the enemy has chosen to attack on different fronts.
So, when our alternator went out last week, and a little checking around brought us to the reality that just a replacement part was going to cost several times more than what we had in the bank, we were asking that familiar question, "What now?"
We managed to limp the bus into El Paso, Texas, which we were jokingly informed is "the nicest city in Mexico". It is a city to which Jeremiah 29:11 had never been before. We found ourselves literally "in the desert". Interesting, since that's what Jeff has been preaching on lately...!
We did not know a single person in El Paso. Jeff had spoken on the phone once with a pastor who had agreed to let us park the bus in his church parking lot overnight while we were in town for an evening conference. "Overnight" has turned into "over a week" at this point, and we are incredibly grateful to this pastor and his church for allowing us to be here!
So first we began to commiserate - silly waste of time. And then we began to pray. Immediately, the Lord began to work! God's provision is amazing, and I will detail that at some point, but there is kind of an obscure biblical story that was pointed out to me in the beginning of this process that I want to share with you.
Amaziah, son of Joash, has become the king of Judah. The Bible says, "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly." (2 Chronicles 25:2) This is significant in and of itself, but that is a thought for another day.
What happens is that Amaziah decides to go to war, and because he is not satisfied with the number of his troops, he decides to go over to Israel and hire some more soldiers. God sends a messenger to Amaziah to tell him to send the hired troops home, or else Amaziah will be defeated in battle. Amaziah asks the very practical question, "But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?" (2 Chronicles 25:9a)
Amaziah is getting ready for battle. He is the king - the leader of many people. Amaziah is concerned about the money, but God is concerned about his heart. God is wanting to teach Amaziah to trust Him instead of trusting in numbers. But Amaziah has already paid out all this money, and he's afraid that it's irresponsible of him to waste those funds.
The lesson God had for Amaziah that day, He's been teaching me this week:
"The LORD is able to give you much more than this!" (2 Chronicles 25:9b)
We underestimate the God of the Universe, don't we? We know that He made everything, that He owns everything, that He is in control of everything... We say that we believe these things, and yet, how often do we, like Amaziah, second-guess the God we claim to trust? "But, God, what about...?"
God says, "Trust Me. I am able to give you much more than this!"
What is it you are holding onto today? What's your "back-up plan" if God doesn't come through the way you're expecting? Could it be that our "Plan B" is nothing but a show of faithlessness?
Maybe it's time to let go of our plans, and trust the One who said, "I know the plans I have for you..."
Just a thought...
Just over a week ago, we found ourselves in a once-familiar situation: vehicle problems that threatened to leave us either stranded, "out of business", or ridiculously indebted. Early in our ministry, this was our almost-daily condition. Breakdowns were common, finances were always lacking, and we were keenly aware that our lifestyle was at best precarious... In recent years, however, the Lord has blessed us with more reliable transportation, while the enemy has chosen to attack on different fronts.
So, when our alternator went out last week, and a little checking around brought us to the reality that just a replacement part was going to cost several times more than what we had in the bank, we were asking that familiar question, "What now?"
We managed to limp the bus into El Paso, Texas, which we were jokingly informed is "the nicest city in Mexico". It is a city to which Jeremiah 29:11 had never been before. We found ourselves literally "in the desert". Interesting, since that's what Jeff has been preaching on lately...!
We did not know a single person in El Paso. Jeff had spoken on the phone once with a pastor who had agreed to let us park the bus in his church parking lot overnight while we were in town for an evening conference. "Overnight" has turned into "over a week" at this point, and we are incredibly grateful to this pastor and his church for allowing us to be here!
So first we began to commiserate - silly waste of time. And then we began to pray. Immediately, the Lord began to work! God's provision is amazing, and I will detail that at some point, but there is kind of an obscure biblical story that was pointed out to me in the beginning of this process that I want to share with you.
Amaziah, son of Joash, has become the king of Judah. The Bible says, "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly." (2 Chronicles 25:2) This is significant in and of itself, but that is a thought for another day.
What happens is that Amaziah decides to go to war, and because he is not satisfied with the number of his troops, he decides to go over to Israel and hire some more soldiers. God sends a messenger to Amaziah to tell him to send the hired troops home, or else Amaziah will be defeated in battle. Amaziah asks the very practical question, "But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?" (2 Chronicles 25:9a)
Amaziah is getting ready for battle. He is the king - the leader of many people. Amaziah is concerned about the money, but God is concerned about his heart. God is wanting to teach Amaziah to trust Him instead of trusting in numbers. But Amaziah has already paid out all this money, and he's afraid that it's irresponsible of him to waste those funds.
The lesson God had for Amaziah that day, He's been teaching me this week:
"The LORD is able to give you much more than this!" (2 Chronicles 25:9b)
We underestimate the God of the Universe, don't we? We know that He made everything, that He owns everything, that He is in control of everything... We say that we believe these things, and yet, how often do we, like Amaziah, second-guess the God we claim to trust? "But, God, what about...?"
God says, "Trust Me. I am able to give you much more than this!"
What is it you are holding onto today? What's your "back-up plan" if God doesn't come through the way you're expecting? Could it be that our "Plan B" is nothing but a show of faithlessness?
Maybe it's time to let go of our plans, and trust the One who said, "I know the plans I have for you..."
Just a thought...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
When the Brook Dries Up
So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
1 Kings 17:5-7
The man of God is being obedient. The Lord gave him instructions and Elijah did exactly as he was told. And as a result, Elijah saw the Lord's provision. Everything Elijah needed was taken care of. For a while.
"But after a while the brook dried up..." Elijah hasn't strayed from doing what God told him to do. He is still living in obedience to the Lord. He is trusting fully in God's provision. And the brook dries up.
The Bible doesn't tell us how Elijah responded at this time. It couldn't have been this big surprise for the prophet. I mean, he's been hanging out by this brook during a time of drought, and I'm sure that over time the formerly gushing brook gradually slowed to a trickle before drying up completely. So Elijah had to see this coming. My guess is that he's sitting there and he's watching and he's thinking, "The water's not moving as fast as it used to... Guess the Lord is getting ready to do something..." And as the water slowed a bit more, "You know, Lord, anytime now would be nice..." And the water's just trickling, "Hey, God, I'm still out here, You know... You got another plan for me?" And then there's nothing! "God?! Hello!?!?! You still there, God? I'm still HERE! Like YOU said! What now?" And it's like the Lord sort of leaves him hanging...
We don't know the time frame between verse 7 and verse 8, but what we know is that eventually - sometime AFTER the brook dried up - Then the Lord said to Elijah, "Go...." (1 Kings 17:8a).
God was not surprised that the brook had dried up. He had seen it coming. He could have prevented it from drying up, but He didn't. He was getting ready to do something new in Elijah's life. God was preparing a new place of ministry for Elijah, and He was preparing Elijah for a new place of ministry. God had not forgotten Elijah or Elijah's need.
Is the brook drying up where you are today? Has it already dried up? I want you (and me!) to be encouraged today - God is not going to stop providing for you. It may look that way at the moment, but the nature of God does not change. He is good and He is loving, and He always has your best interest at heart.
So while you are waiting by the drying brook, be encouraged - it just may be that God is preparing to do something new in your life. Wait for His provision, and I suspect you will find - as Elijah did - that God will supply (in HIS time and in HIS way) all that you need.
Just a thought...
1 Kings 17:5-7
The man of God is being obedient. The Lord gave him instructions and Elijah did exactly as he was told. And as a result, Elijah saw the Lord's provision. Everything Elijah needed was taken care of. For a while.
"But after a while the brook dried up..." Elijah hasn't strayed from doing what God told him to do. He is still living in obedience to the Lord. He is trusting fully in God's provision. And the brook dries up.
The Bible doesn't tell us how Elijah responded at this time. It couldn't have been this big surprise for the prophet. I mean, he's been hanging out by this brook during a time of drought, and I'm sure that over time the formerly gushing brook gradually slowed to a trickle before drying up completely. So Elijah had to see this coming. My guess is that he's sitting there and he's watching and he's thinking, "The water's not moving as fast as it used to... Guess the Lord is getting ready to do something..." And as the water slowed a bit more, "You know, Lord, anytime now would be nice..." And the water's just trickling, "Hey, God, I'm still out here, You know... You got another plan for me?" And then there's nothing! "God?! Hello!?!?! You still there, God? I'm still HERE! Like YOU said! What now?" And it's like the Lord sort of leaves him hanging...
We don't know the time frame between verse 7 and verse 8, but what we know is that eventually - sometime AFTER the brook dried up - Then the Lord said to Elijah, "Go...." (1 Kings 17:8a).
God was not surprised that the brook had dried up. He had seen it coming. He could have prevented it from drying up, but He didn't. He was getting ready to do something new in Elijah's life. God was preparing a new place of ministry for Elijah, and He was preparing Elijah for a new place of ministry. God had not forgotten Elijah or Elijah's need.
Is the brook drying up where you are today? Has it already dried up? I want you (and me!) to be encouraged today - God is not going to stop providing for you. It may look that way at the moment, but the nature of God does not change. He is good and He is loving, and He always has your best interest at heart.
So while you are waiting by the drying brook, be encouraged - it just may be that God is preparing to do something new in your life. Wait for His provision, and I suspect you will find - as Elijah did - that God will supply (in HIS time and in HIS way) all that you need.
Just a thought...
Monday, November 2, 2009
GPS Theology
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
Proverbs 20:24
We've been navigating with GPS for several years now. We have a USB device that plugs into the computer, so we get this nice big readout on the laptop. I have to admit, GPS was an adjustment for me. I'm really more of a map-girl. I want to see the whole country in print right there in front of me. When I can put the journey into perspective from the USA view, then I can turn to the state, pick out the right roads, and see it all right there. I was really good with that navigation method. So when Jeff started talking about GPS, I really was not in favor of it. It seemed a silly waste of technology to me. But we got it anyway and started using it. Those first few trips with GPS got a little "hairy" to put it nicely. The computer didn't bother to ask if we were travelling in a compact car or in a bus, so we found ourselves in some interesting predicaments...
For example... GPS didn't tell us that a "parkway" is for passenger cars only, and may have some really low clearance bridges to go under... Straight up the mountain and down the other side may be the shortest route, but not necessarily the best in a bus... Cutting through a residential area may be quicker, but not everyone wants their trees trimmed by a large vehicle passing through... You get the idea!
So I had to learn to tell the GPS which roads to take in order to save wear and tear on the vehicle and my nerves. And while I find it nice that the GPS keeps track of how many more miles we have left to travel to any given destination (much easier than counting up miles from a map), I have found that you have to treat it like a small child - give it very specific instructions and then watch it closely to be sure it doesn't get off track!
So now my husband is wanting to switch over to one of those little pocket models that sits right up at the windshield and just gives you one turn at a time. In theory, it's a great idea - it would let me use the computer to get some work done while we're riding down the road. But I'm just not that crazy about the idea. I like being able to see the bigger picture. I check and recheck the GPS a couple of dozen times an hour to be sure we're staying on course. I just don't really trust it.
So I've always really wished that God would just give me a road atlas for life... one where I can check out the big picture, and then turn to the "state map" for a little clearer direction , and to the "city map" for details of how I'm going to get from Point A to Point B in life. I want to see the turns in advance so I can be ready for what lies ahead.
But God, in His infinite wisdom, has not given me a road atlas, but a turn-by-turn GPS for life. Fortunately, He DOES know what kind of "vehicle" I'm travelling in. In my heart I know He's totally trustworthy. He's not going to ever lead me down a wrong path, or take me under a bridge that's too low. If I will just sit back and trust His direction, I'll reach the right destination at the right time.
I've got to admit, it's hard for me sometimes. I really want to zoom out and get a better look at the big picture - check up on things and make sure I like the path I'm going down. But God says, "Trust Me. You don't have to understand everything on the way. I'll get you where you need to be - safe and sound."
...Just a thought...
Proverbs 20:24
We've been navigating with GPS for several years now. We have a USB device that plugs into the computer, so we get this nice big readout on the laptop. I have to admit, GPS was an adjustment for me. I'm really more of a map-girl. I want to see the whole country in print right there in front of me. When I can put the journey into perspective from the USA view, then I can turn to the state, pick out the right roads, and see it all right there. I was really good with that navigation method. So when Jeff started talking about GPS, I really was not in favor of it. It seemed a silly waste of technology to me. But we got it anyway and started using it. Those first few trips with GPS got a little "hairy" to put it nicely. The computer didn't bother to ask if we were travelling in a compact car or in a bus, so we found ourselves in some interesting predicaments...
For example... GPS didn't tell us that a "parkway" is for passenger cars only, and may have some really low clearance bridges to go under... Straight up the mountain and down the other side may be the shortest route, but not necessarily the best in a bus... Cutting through a residential area may be quicker, but not everyone wants their trees trimmed by a large vehicle passing through... You get the idea!
So I had to learn to tell the GPS which roads to take in order to save wear and tear on the vehicle and my nerves. And while I find it nice that the GPS keeps track of how many more miles we have left to travel to any given destination (much easier than counting up miles from a map), I have found that you have to treat it like a small child - give it very specific instructions and then watch it closely to be sure it doesn't get off track!
So now my husband is wanting to switch over to one of those little pocket models that sits right up at the windshield and just gives you one turn at a time. In theory, it's a great idea - it would let me use the computer to get some work done while we're riding down the road. But I'm just not that crazy about the idea. I like being able to see the bigger picture. I check and recheck the GPS a couple of dozen times an hour to be sure we're staying on course. I just don't really trust it.
So I've always really wished that God would just give me a road atlas for life... one where I can check out the big picture, and then turn to the "state map" for a little clearer direction , and to the "city map" for details of how I'm going to get from Point A to Point B in life. I want to see the turns in advance so I can be ready for what lies ahead.
But God, in His infinite wisdom, has not given me a road atlas, but a turn-by-turn GPS for life. Fortunately, He DOES know what kind of "vehicle" I'm travelling in. In my heart I know He's totally trustworthy. He's not going to ever lead me down a wrong path, or take me under a bridge that's too low. If I will just sit back and trust His direction, I'll reach the right destination at the right time.
I've got to admit, it's hard for me sometimes. I really want to zoom out and get a better look at the big picture - check up on things and make sure I like the path I'm going down. But God says, "Trust Me. You don't have to understand everything on the way. I'll get you where you need to be - safe and sound."
...Just a thought...
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