Hall of Fame

How many important people can most of us remember? Like who won the MPV in 1998 for football, or baseball? Or who are the ten richest people in the world? Or who won Miss America in 2021? Stats lovers might, but I don’t. But ask me who made a difference in my life and I can remember those.

The first is the woman who mentored me in the early years of my Christian life. And of course my parents whose sense of humor and loving instruction never leave me. Or the aunt who let me sleepover and put me in the highest, softest bed in her home. Or the teachers at Bible school who reinforced my theology and challenged me to think and act more like Jesus. And my hubby who is an amazing example in many ways.

As author Phil Callaway says, “Standing ovations end. Applause dies down. Awards collect dust. Things we thought so important today are forgotten next week. ‘Failure,’ perhaps, could be defined as succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.”

Every sport has a hall of fame. Musicians too, and others skilled in their line of work are in museums and art galleries, but who would be in my hall of fame? It has to be those whose lives accepted me and led me deeper into the goodness of God. 

Turning that around to what God wants from me, it is easy to see that His hall of fame is filled with people who listened to Him and in faith did what He said. Read Hebrews 11 for a good number of MVPs in the kingdom of God.

As Callaway says, success has to do with the direction we point others who follow us. From God’s hall of fame, I most often think of Moses, not so much by what he did but because of what he didn’t do:

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. (Hebrews 11:24–28)

This man refused entitlement and personal glory. He accepted being ‘one of the people’ and all that went with that, rather than wanting what he could have had as a result of the opportunities that sin would give him. He chose boldness rather than fear and obedience, rather than letting the opinion of others govern his actions.

I also think of Joshua who led the people and obeyed God’s almost laughable command. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” (Hebrews 11:30) These two OT men, plus Isaiah and Jeremiah, have shaped my life even though they are not alive on earth today.

Yesterday we had lunch with two people whose words were a blessing. We haven’t seen them for a long time so how did they know the words they said? It can only be explained that they were listening to the Holy Spirit and He put His encouragement on their hearts.

So have some authors. Stephen Charnock has changed my life and is still doing it, more than 100 years after he died. John Piper and other contemporary Christian leaders also affect me. So do those ‘iron sharpens iron’ people in our church, sometimes with words, sometimes with actions. Our pastors are amazing and it is easy to tell them so. These actions are not about headlines or statistics, but about simply living in the power of the Holy Spirit and doing what He gives each of us to do.

PRAY: Jesus, from all this I am even more certain that to bless others, I need to listen to You, be filled with Your Spirit, and in His leading, just say and do what You put on my heart. It might not make sense to me, but You are able to use it to enhance the hall of fame in the lives of others, just as You have used others the same way to edify and encourage me. Walk by faith in the simple life of: “He has told me what is good; and what does the Lord require of me but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with my God?” (Micah 6:8)

Wisdom from a child

 
My young 11-year old friend (emphasis on the old), says that God brings trials into our lives to teach us something. I marvel at the wisdom God gives this girl. I often find her statements coming to mind during life’s fearful events.

For instance, for the past couple of days, my hubby has not felt well. He has a chronic case of CLL, but current symptoms were not related to that. His temperature was up above normal and he complained about his digestive system. For a man who never complains, and because of our ages, this made me think about losing my spouse. It also had me thinking about the purpose of this trial. I knew that it could turn my heart to my own needs and have me selfishly anxious for what would happen to me if he slipped away.

God brought my buddy’s wisdom to mind and prompted me to trust Him and His will. Period. No matter what the future held. No matter what happened to this usually very healthy man. That was what He was teaching me — total trust. At that, the Lord’s peace came. Also, the fever went down, and hubby is feeling better.

Today’s reading is again about finding satisfaction in the Lord. Of course all of us who trust Him enjoy times of prosperity, health, and other blessings, but it is as John Piper writes: “None of us has arrived at perfect satisfaction in God.”

I can be concerned when trials come, but I also “grieve often over the murmuring of my heart at the loss of worldly comforts.” It is in tasting the Lord’s goodness during trials that brings a greater satisfaction. It is in being able to trust Him no matter what. It is being able to say, “Thy will be done” and mean it, even if His will involves loss, pain, and discomfort.

Job comes to mind. After the enemy was allowed to take from him all he had, including his children. . . .  

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. (Job 1:20–22)

This response is rare. In today’s world, even the most devout will cry out “WHY” when such things happen even to others, never mind themselves. However, many Christians know that “It is Well with my Soul” was written by a man who lost everything after the great fire in Chicago in 1871 then lost his daughters when the ship they were on sank. How could he even think all was well? Only by totally trusting the Lord.

Piper writes, “I have tasted that the Lord is good. By God’s grace I now know the fountain of everlasting joy, and so I love to spend my days luring people into joy…” because he wants them to be able to say with him:

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

And the psalmist adds the reason, for he (David) has also tasted and seen God’s goodness. . . . 

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. (Psalm 27:4–6)

PRAY: Jesus, You have shown me that even a child can understand the reason for trials — and how we need to seek You and welcome Your will to be done, in total trust that Your love is behind everything that happens to us, no matter what. I am a slow learner yet also very thankful that You said that one day the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord” and “a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)

Choosing to follow Christ

2 Chronicles 11:1–13:22, Titus 2:9–2:15, Psalm 96:1–13

Most children form early ideas of God by observing their parents, particularly their father. I’m encouraged by today’s reading in the OT because it gives an exception to that.

First the bad news; Solomon’s son Rehoboam did not start out as well as his father did. Solomon pleased God, at least in the beginning. But by the end of his reign, he had disobeyed in several ways and even turning to the idols worshiped by his many wives.

After Solomon died, his son took the throne and: “King Rehoboam grew strong in Jerusalem and reigned. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city that the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to put his name there. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 12:13–14)

He could have been influenced by Solomon’s decline in spirituality, and if so, this illustrates the importance of perseverance. He failed to set a good example for his son. Besides that, every child is born with a sinful bent. Eventually each one must choose whether to keep on that track or seek God. Rehoboam could have chosen the example of his father’s early life. Instead, he let Solomon’s disobedience be his example.

Rehoboam’s son was named Abijah. Abijah did not follow his father or his grandfather Solomon. Instead, he choose his great-grandfather as his example. Here is what he said: “Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim that is in the hill country of Ephraim and said, ‘Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel! Ought you not to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingship over Israel forever to David and his sons by a covenant of salt?. . . . And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made you for gods. Have you not driven out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests for yourselves like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes for ordination with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of what are no gods. But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him . . .’” (2 Chronicles 13:4—5, 8–10)

Abijah warned Jeroboam of his error and his pride. He wanted this man to realize he was foolish and disobeying God. Abijah had a heart for God and this was an effort to do what the Lord later commanded in the NT. The reading for today says, “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10–11) Jeroboam was a rebel. Rehoboam told him so in no uncertain terms.

As I read Titus, it seems to me that warning trouble-makers does not happen very often. It seems easier to pacify them and attempt peace-making or compromise. Perhaps this is because the person creating division is quick to self-defense, even retaliation. I wonder what would happen in a squabbling congregation if the leaders scolded those who were stirring the pot, and then ignored them as this passage says. Maybe they would straighten out and confess their sin? Maybe they would begin to praise the Lord instead of pushing their own agenda?

These thoughts bring sorrow and a sense of deep desire to my heart. How wonderful if God’s people could focus on God instead of internal issues or trying to have our own way.

The psalmist did it well as he wrote: Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 96:7–10)

Abijah is an example of making the best choice and at the end of his story, it appears that his son Asa decided to follow his dad by following the Lord also!

Pity-parties

This morning I’m having a pity-party. My current course is not difficult, but putting my seat in the chair is becoming increasingly difficult. I’ve not a lot of time to spend with other people. My hubby is in great demand at work, which is taking most of his energy. I’ve no sense of “what next” or even if there is a “next” after I graduate in May. There are still four courses to go and that seems mountainous. I’m having dreams I’d rather not have, and am struggle with temptation to just do something other than take care of daily responsibilities. This is not burn-out; it feels more like rebellion.

Then I read about Paul. He told Timothy to be faithful at his task for the time would come when no one would listen to him. He said of himself that he was being “poured out as a drink offering” (that does not sound like fun) and that “the time of my departure has come.” He had “fought the good fight . . . finished the race . . .  kept the faith” and looked forward to “the crown of righteousness” the Lord would award to him and to all who “loved his appearing.”

At this late stage of his life, he kept going, more concerned about the lives of others than his own. He had been imprisoned, harmed by others, and abandoned. He said, “At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:1–18)

From this short account, I see things about Paul that kept him from having pity parties. He was a trooper who kept to the task, no matter what, because he . . .

·      Realized God’s timing for his work was important

·      Was willing to give of himself right to the end of his life

·      Had no desire to lose the battle so kept moving forward

·      Kept his eyes on the finish line

·      Trusted Jesus every step of the way

·      Thought about his eternal rewards

·      Looked forward to seeing Jesus

·      Did not resent those who had abandoned him

·      Recognized that the Lord was always with him

·      Drew on the Lord’s strength, not his own

·      Considered that sharing the Gospel with others was more important than anything else

·      Knew that his real enemy was Satan (who is like a roaring lion), not people

·      Knew that the Lord would rescue him from all evil

·      Was confident about his eternal destiny

·      Was determined to glorify the Lord and not himself

My challenges are paltry compared to Paul’s, but I worship and serve the same God. The Lord’s timing, trustworthiness, and promises are the same for me as they are for anyone else He has brought into His family and given a task. He is with me. My enemy is not flesh and blood, or even my own attitude. It is that evil and stealthy lion who is trying to devour me.

But the same Savior who stood by Paul also stands by me. He will rescue me from my inward thinking and my reluctance to keep on. This task is for His glory, not for my comfort, so I need to put my eyes on Him and stop feeling sorry for myself.

Good shepherds lead by example

The Lord is my shepherd . . .  (Psalm 23:1)

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10–11)

The Bible has many references to shepherds and sheep. While there were cities, most of the people lived in an agricultural community. They knew the ways of shepherds and sheep so this was a familiar analogy when God talked to them about their leadership and the needs of the people. I know that Jesus laid down His life for His sheep, but what else describes a good shepherd? Is a poor shepherd as easy to identify as a thief who steals and destroys?

Most of the time, the people who were leaders in Israel were not very good shepherds. God used the prophets to judge them with harsh words like these . . .

Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered; they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them . . . As I live, declares the Lord God, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord . . .  Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them. (Ezekiel 34:1–10)

Have I ever done something for others and boasted about it? Or used people in some way to build my ego or make myself look good? Have I ever used others to satisfy my own needs? Sadly, yes.

Instead of caring for the people, these leaders were using them for their own profit. I can relate to this. Even though I’m not in a position of leadership at the moment, I can abuse relationships and be a people-pleaser so that I profit from others rather than others receiving a blessing because of me.

Shepherding is taking care of people, but it is also setting a good example, even when there is no title and position attached. When people do that, they are often called natural leaders because of their good example. For me, the example I set is important. For this, I have the example of Jesus to follow. He is not only the good Shepherd who cares for His sheep, but He goes ahead of me and shows me how to behave. Yes, I am to take care of others, even suffer for them, but that is not all that is on the to-do list for being a good example . . .

For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:20–25)

Jesus endured suffering even though He never sinned or deserved mistreatment. This is leadership. He was never deceitful, but always honest, faithful, trustworthy, and a person of integrity. He did not manipulate people for His own gain. Jesus did not talk back when insulted or abused. He did not make threats either, not aloud nor under His breath. This also is leadership.

The keys to His ability to set this kind of example are 1) He trusted His heavenly Father completely and 2) He was and still is totally committed to the sheep who need His care, even when it cost Him His life. This is leadership . . . and I fall short. 

God provides

The advantage of looking at a verse or passage of Scripture for several days in succession is that God takes me deeper into it. In this story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith, God gives another insight  that I need.

So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” (Genesis 22:14)

After God provided a lamb as substitute for Isaac, Abraham christened the mountaintop by a name that proclaimed God’s deliverance. However, often after God answers prayer or takes care of my needs, I tell others more about the stress of the need, or what I did in obedience during the situation. In Abraham’s case, God told us about those things, but Abraham wasn’t’ concerned that they were remembered. He wanted generations to come to know what God had done.

In Christian circles, we sometimes talk about the many times we must march around the same mountain as a euphemism for reviewing the same lesson over and over before we finally get it. I wonder if we were quicker to speak of what God is doing rather than complaining about our slowness to learn, that we would eliminate some of that repetition?

In looking back at the severe situations of life, what do I remember the most? What did I write in my journal? What was the focus in my prayers? I’ve a bad habit, perhaps even a sinful habit, of giving far more attention to the negatives of life than praising God for the deliverances He has given me regarding those negatives. My rear-view mirror tends to reflect the memories of trials rather than the joy of the victories.

Abraham could say, “The Lord Will Provide” because “The Lord did provide.” He promises to take care of us and He does. Why is it so much easier to sit and whine than it is to jump and shout? God has never forsaken me. I’ve had times of feeling abandoned, but it was not His doing, but my own. Right now, I am struggling with temptations and the pressures of study amid many other responsibilities, but somehow He brings me through. Why then is it easier to speak of (complain about) the struggles than to say God is with me, helping me?

I have a friend who does it right. He happily talks about the goodness of God and makes light of whatever might be a need or problem. He knows God will provide and basks in that provision. I need to tear a page out of his book, imitating his example and also that of the patriarch, Abraham, by renaming my memories and affirming to my own heart that the Lord will provide — just as He has always done.