Find Strength in the Lord

I love the Psalms because they are raw and real and timeless. David and the other psalmists often wrote of pain and fear, of disappointment, loneliness, and grief. But they also wrote of faith. They turned their thoughts back to what they knew about the Lord God. Like David who returned home from a battle to find that his home and the homes of his men had been destroyed and their wives and children had been taken captive. Those mighty warriors wept and grieved “until they had no strength left to weep” (2 Sam 30:4). David did the only thing he knew to do: “David found strength in the Lord his God” (v. 6).
How do we do that? Psalm 73 is a good answer. This was written by Asaph, a Levite and “worship leader” for Israel. He was dealing with some very strong emotions – anger, envy, and frustration are evident in his words. That sounds familiar. He even confessed, “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You” (vv. 21-22). Yep, been there too. Then comes the hinge on which his heart turns:
“Yet, I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You” (vv 23-25). Yet. Despite the circumstances, he reminds himself of the Lord’s faithfulness and tenderness towards him. This is an act of his will, just as it is for you and me. You may get tired of hearing me say this, but your thoughts are your choice. You can choose to dwell on misery or anger or hurt or you can choose to focus on the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God. I know this one personally.
Here’s the part I want you to see; when he turns his mind to God, his heart soon follows. Listen: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (v. 26). And that is how we find strength in the Lord our God. “We take captive every thought . . .” (2 Cor 10:5) and we fill our minds with truth (Phil 4:8). Not just once, but every time those negative thoughts and emotions pop up.
It’s a life-long lesson that I’m still trying to master. But if it worked for David and Asaph, it will work for you and me. Beloved, find strength in the Lord – it will change everything.

Church History: Suffering Saint Paul

“The Apostle Paul. 1600 – 1699” Unknown

Will you bear with me for one more day of Paul in the study of church history? No one else since the death of Jesus has influenced the church more than he. And he suffered tremendously for his efforts. He endured attack after attack – on his ministry, his message, and his physical body. His most vehement enemies were his former friends, the Jewish elite. They refuted his testimony of the power of the gospel and the identity of Jesus as God. They hated him because he had turned to the Way and was its most vocal proponent. For his faith and his submission to the call of Christ, he was judged in the streets and in the synagogue.
He was shackled, imprisoned, whipped, beaten, stoned, and more than once left for dead. But he would not give in nor give up. Each time the Jews thought they had him, he came back from the brink, more impassioned than ever to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Despite all he endured, his life’s motto was: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). Paul kept getting up because God was not finished with him and he regarded himself as a “drink offering” unto the Lord (2:17).
As we journey through the history of the Christian church, we will encounter many more martyrs. We will give them the attention and respect they are due for their sacrifice. They are so important to the growth of the Christian church that it is said that “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.1” Martyrdom did not end with the early Christians. It has continued in every generation and happens today. Many have lost their heart to Jesus Christ and their head to persecution.
Ancient tradition holds that Paul was beheaded by sword on June 29, 67 A.D. under the rule of the blood-thirsty Nero. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Rom 8:35). No – for the sword only brought him face-to-face with that love.
Persecution is coming for the church – hard and deadly persecution. Will you die for your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps the better question is, Beloved, will you live for Him until that day?

1. This quote is loosely attributed to both Tertullian and Augustine of Hippo

Do You Believe God?

Lately, whenever I “thumb through” my Bible the pages tend to fall open at the same spot – Psalm 106, just as they did this morning. As I read, two verses stand out – like a divine highlighter has marked them. I asked the Lord what He is saying and the Spirit said simply, “Believe.” And God’s message becomes crystal clear.
This Psalm is a “Salvation History” a retelling of Israel’s story – but from God’s perspective. The first verse reads:
“They believed His promises and sang His praises” (v. 12).
This is immediately after their rescue from Egypt through the dry bed of the Red Sea. Pharoah and his entire army were wiped out and they were safe at last. Their faith was on the mountaintop. For a moment.
Across the page the other verse sits in silent judgment:
“They did not believe His promise [and] they grumbled” (v. 24).
Do you see the juxtaposition? Do you see what the Spirit was saying? Everything hinges on believing God. Not just believing in God, as my grammar check says, but believing God. When we believe God, our hearts are filled with praise. When we believe God is who He says He is our spiritual eyes are open and we can see Him in His beauty and glory. And we cannot help but praise Him.
But when we do not believe God, our hearts are filled with bitterness and our spiritual eyes are darkened. We can only see our misery and all we want to do is grumble. Jesus said “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34). If your mouth is full of grumbling, your heart is full of . . . well, I think you can figure that out yourself.
Believe me when I say I’m not pointing fingers or calling anyone out. God sent this word to me first because I’ve seen the condition of my heart lately, and it is not pretty. My belief tank is getting low. So how do I believe God again?
I “take captive every thought and bring [my mind] into submission to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5)
I “renew my mind” by thinking about what is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy” (Rom 12:2; Phil 4:8).
I “set my mind on what the Spirit desires” which is “life and peace” (Rom 8:5,6).
And I stop grumbling and start praising.
Beloved, do you believe God? Do your words show it? What will you do about it?

Before and After

Some time ago I ran across some old photos of myself. I laid them out in the progression of ages from about 3 to my high school years, watching myself grow taller, with a variety of hairstyles and some very strange fashion sense. I saw something else. Somewhere between 10 and 18, the girl in those photos took on a dark demeanor and I remembered my past – things that had been done to me, and things I did to myself. Glancing up into the mirror on my dresser, I thought about how much I physically looked like the girl in the pictures, but I no longer recognized those dark eyes. I heard a whisper in my heart, “That is because that’s not who you are anymore. Then you were a victim and a rebel. Now you are Mine.”
In Ephesians 5:8, Paul wrote, “You were once darkness . . .” Then he gives the contrast: “. . . but now you are light in the Lord.” He was using words to paint a before and after portrait.
One of Satan’s favorite ploys is to assault us with our past, to tell us that we will always be who we were and there is no point in trying to resist those old familiar sins. “You know deep down, you still want it. You haven’t changed. You are bound to your past. You are bound to your sin.” But if you belong to Jesus Christ, you are free from your past. You are a child of light, purified from all your sins (1 John 1: 7). Where you were once held captive to sin, you are now bound up in God’s love. You have the power to say no to sin.
In Philippians 3:13, Paul gave the secret to walking in our new identity: “One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…” We can forget what is behind us because “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Ps 103:12)”
Beloved, I want so much for you to understand that because Jesus Christ has completely removed all your transgressions; you are a new creation in Christ, no longer bound to a painful, sinful past or those dark desires. You have light in your eyes, and God’s love shines on your face. Because you are not who you once were. Now you are His.

Make Your Words Count

Pay attention to your words.

They have more power and influence than you know – for those around you and for yourself. Scripture even says our words influence God. Whoa! In Numbers 13, the Israelites send out spies to check out the land of Canaan – the Promised Land. They returned with a glowing report of bounty and a terrifying tale of giants. Only two of the twelve trusted God to give them the land. The people rebelled and complained, claiming God sent them out into the desert to die. God heard every word and He said, “As surely as I live, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: In this desert, your bodies will fall . . .” (Num 14:28-29). Their children would inherit the Promised Land after forty years of wandering, but their unbelieving parents would never see it.

Psychologists have long taught the power of self-talk – from the Little Engine that Could – “I think I can, I think I can . . .” to athletes who rely on “I can do all things through Christ” (Phil 4:13). The 23rd Psalm is David expressing his hope and confidence in the provision, protection, guidance, comfort, goodness, and mercy of God. And if you haven’t figured it out, worship is more for our good than the Lord’s. He doesn’t need reminders of who He is, but you and I do.

Your words also carry a lot of weight in the lives of others. Once again David shows us how to change the climate around us. In Psalm 40 he said, “I proclaim [Your] righteousness in the great assembly” (v. 9). “I speak of your faithfulness and salvation . . . Your love and Your truth (v. 10)”. David was careful to always speak about God. He kept the Name of the Lord on the tip of His tongue and His praises on His lips. That’s very different from the conversations we hear all around us. Even the conversations we hear at church.

You and I have the power to influence our hearts and minds and that of those around you. David said the Lord had “put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (v. 3). What if everyone around you heard you always speak about the goodness of God? Imagine how that would change your home, your workplace, school, and yes, church. Imagine the change inside you. Your words matter, Beloved, make them count for good.

Acts: Why is everyone so angry?

I believe that this is the most irritated, aggravated, easily offended generation ever. But they are not the first by any means. Read Acts 19:23-41 and let’s go back about two thousand years to the ancient city of Ephesus.

Paul and company were there proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. People were being saved – and giving up the idols they once worshipped. That was a problem. Idol sales were big business. Craftsmen made a very good living creating and hawking figurines of Artemis, the goddess of the temple in Ephesus. But with Paul in town, business plummeted.

A silversmith named Demetrius declared that the missionaries had discredited Artemis and “robbed her of her divine majesty” (v. 27). In truth, they had robbed the silversmith of a lucrative income. Craftsmen who made a living from idolatry took to the streets. “They were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (v. 28). The anger and vitriol spilled over and “soon the whole city was in an uproar” (v. 29). Some of Paul’s companions were seized and accosted. After several hours a wise city clerk warned the crowd that they were in danger of being charged with rioting without provocation. With the town quieted Paul set out for Macedonia.

There is one verse that stands out sharply to me. “The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there” (v. 32). If ever there was a statement that described the present culture and generation, this is it. Almost daily, someone with an agenda is whipping crowds into a frenzy with propaganda and innuendo. They march and wave flags, block thoroughfares, and destroy artwork. They demonstrate at government buildings and churches and conservative gatherings. But most don’t even know why they are protesting. Organizers count on anger to fuel anger – that’s what makes the news.

What can God’s people do in the face of such fury and deceit? Early this year the Spirit began speaking personally to me about gentleness. I had no idea at the time why it would be so important. I do now. Philippians 4:4 says, ” Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” The Lord, who is gentle and humble (Matt 11:29), is near – therefore we too can be humble and gentle with others. Even those who stand against us. Especially those who stand against us.

This angry world needs to know the gentle, humble character of Christ. Beloved, will you carry His sweet presence into the fray?

At the Name of Jesus

The great philosopher John Lennon once remarked in the mid-sixties, that the Beatles were “more popular than Jesus.” Christians took great offense at his statement and the Beatles’ albums were burned and smashed to pieces. It was an inflammatory statement, but the truth is, Lennon was probably correct. In the sixty years since, he has been proved right with any celebrity, sports star, or politician you want to name. Even in the church, Jesus is not the most popular figure in the world, at least not the Jesus of the Bible. There are variations of Jesus – the political Jesus, the benevolent Jesus, the social justice Jesus (he seems to be the one most folks like), the anything-goes Jesus, and on and on. Just pick your Savior.

But are those the “real Jesus?”  The Jesus of the Bible is at the same time humble and holy. He is gentle and fierce. He is gracious and confrontational. He is tolerant and intolerant. He accepted women with bad reputations and chastened the religious leaders who were lauded for their (self)righteousness. He is unpredictable and yet He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). He was wildly popular – until He wasn’t. The same crowd that greeted Him as Messiah on His way into Jerusalem, shouted for His crucifixion. Throughout human history far more have rejected Him than accepted Him. He may be worshiped in small bands but He is scorned in the public square. But one day . . .

The Bible says that Jesus will come again, splitting the sky and riding the clouds like a wave. And every eye will see Him. Every person will know exactly who He is because God has exalted Him to the highest place and given Him the name that is above every name. One day, that name will ring out -across the universe, and then “every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11). Every knee. Every tongue.

Yes, you will bow and you will confess. Will it be an act of delight that you have practiced often, or will it be one of shock and horror, when you realize Whom you rejected? The choice is yours – now, Beloved. Are you ready?

The Secret to a Contented Life

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). This is the go-to verse for weightlifters, runners, and football players. In our minds, we picture strong muscles straining with all they’ve got until the victory is won. Tim Tebow often wore the reference as a reminder that true strength comes from the Lord. And that is a great thing to know. But is that what Paul was really saying?

At the time he wrote Philippians, Paul was in prison for the gospel. But he wasn’t looking to God for strength to break his chains; he was looking to the Lord for strength to endure them. The context of Philippians 4:13 is not of rippling muscles, but contentment. Paul said that he “learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” And his circumstances were devastating.

Discontent seems to be the culture’s favorite pastime. Despite how blessed we are, we always have something to grumble about.  It is also one of satan’s favorite weapons and he uses it to weaken our faith and diminish our witness. It is a bitter poison that eats away at us – starting in the deepest part of our soul and, if left unchecked, destroys our peace, erodes our Joy, and leaves us with stone-cold hearts (and faces that match). I know because struggled with a discontented heart for many years.

Here’s what I discovered, and I believe it is what Paul learned as well – you and I will never find true contentment in anything less than God. There is nothing this world can offer that can do it. No house is big enough. No bank account is rich enough. No relationship is strong enough. No job is fulfilling enough. I’ve tried to find contentment in all of them. Nothing satisfies but Him. The Lord makes my days sweet and my nights peaceful. He fills my heart (and my arms) with Joy. He gives me hope and strength. He gives me a reason to live and gives my life meaning. He surrounds me with His grace. He quiets me with His love. He is my Rock, my Light, my Fortress, my Provider, my Protector, my Counselor, and my Anchor. He is all I need and all I want.

Can you say that, Beloved? You can if God is your source of contentment. Trust me on this, you will never be satisfied with anything less.

At the Name of Jesus

I remember when my sweet granddaughter was a few months old and said “Nana!” for the first time. I nearly fell off my chair. “She said my name! She said Nana!” I urged her to say it again, but she was already on another topic. To be honest, she didn’t say “Nana” with any sense of recognition – she was just baby-babbling, making sounds with no connection to anything or anyone. She wasn’t looking at me when she said it, she wasn’t calling to me – she was just making sweet sounds like all babies do. She didn’t know that Nana is the name of her grandmother who loves her dearly. But now, four years later, she does. She knows exactly who Nana is and she says my name with recognition and intention. Because we have a relationship, the name “Nana” means something to her.

I have heard the name “Jesus” used in many ways, sometimes as an exclamation of surprise, frustration, or disgust. I have heard it used as a curse. I often hear it in its shortened form, “Jeez.” But none of these utterances mean what they mean to the saint who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. For those who have trusted in that beautiful name, “Jesus” holds the highest significance and honor because we know of whom we are speaking and what He has done for us. We know that “Jesus” is our Savior, Redeemer, Friend, King, and Lord. The name of Jesus is sacred to those who belong to Him – but to those who don’t, it means little to nothing.

One day that will change. One day “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). For some that name will be a sweet savor on their lips, for others it will be a bitter taste on their tongue. For those who love the name – who love the bearer of that name – it will be an expression of awe and delight. For those who had no love for Jesus in this life it will be an exclamation of awe mixed with terror. One way or the other, every person will acknowledge the name of Jesus. Beloved, what does the name of Jesus mean to you?

There’s My King!

Confession: In the evenings, when my brain is as tired as my body, I enjoy playing card games on my iPad. I’m partial to Spider Solitaire where you line up sets of cards in order from king to ace. I was playing a couple of nights ago and had a set all together – except for the king. I started shifting cards around looking for the hidden monarch. He continued to elude me until I got to the very last row. I turned the card over and there he was. I whispered under my breath, “There’s my king!” And immediately it hit me – one day that will be the cry of my lips and my heart. One day I will see my King in all His beauty and glory. Oh, what a day that will be!

It may come after I have crossed over from death to life. When Jesus hung on the cross one of the thieves that was crucified beside him recognized Him for who He is. He said, “‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). The moment my breath leaves my body, I will open my eyes in heaven and I will see the Lord – and I will shout “There’s my King!”

My eyes may see Him before death comes because the Bible ends with Jesus’ promise, “Yes, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:20).  Paul described the glorious scene: “The Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God . . . [and] we who are still alive will be caught up . . . to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thess 4:16,17). No wonder Paul called these words of encouragement (v. 18). One day soon we may hear a heavenly commotion and look up to declare, “There’s my King!”

Whether in this life or the next, I look for the day that my eyes see what my heart longs for – Jesus – my Savior and Lord – my King. Beloved, I pray that Jesus is your Savior, Lord, and King. If He is not, I pray you will come to Him by faith today, because you do not know what tomorrow holds, or if tomorrow will come at all. How I pray that when that day comes, you’ll join me in shouting, “There’s my King!”