Samson and the ladies

Samson had a problem. He liked the ladies. In fact, we see him struggle with this throughout his life. In Judges chapter 14 we read about Samson's first marriage which didn't last but a week. Samson's relationship with this young Philistine woman was characterized by selfishness. Verse three reads: "But Samson said to his father, go get her for me. She's the right one for me." Later we read: "then he (Samson) went down and talked with the woman and he liked her."

"She's the right one for me." Did you catch it? You see, Samson was asking the wrong question. To him it was all about him. Will she please me? Will she fulfill all my needs? Do I like her? Is she the right one for me?

Instead of boisterously stating "she's the one for me" Samson should have been humbly pondering: "Am I the right one for her." Samson didn't have a proper understanding of marriage, hence why his marriages always ended in chaos.

Marriage is not about finding the right one, but being the right one.

Before saying "I do" will you ask the right question?

Reflections...

The mood inside the car was as dark as it was outside.The tone was silent, the atmosphere stoic. She stared aimlessly out the passenger window looking positively disinterested. He was focused on his driving; one hand firmly on the wheel, the other in his lap. The conversation had long since ended; it was apparent they were tired of one anther's company.

As the green Suburban sped into the night, I couldn't help but wonder about the couple inside. Apparently on their way home after a Valentines night together, they both looked disinterested in the entire evening. Possibly, they were no longer finding meaning and fulfillment in their marriage.

While one could speculate on the possible reasons for their lack of interest in each other, one truth is clear. Whether we are married or single we will never find our meaning simply in marriage. We must find our meaning and purpose in Christ alone. None other can satisfy. The world tries a myriad of ways to find meaning in life (including, but not limited to marriage,) but we as Christians know our meaning in life must start on the foundation of relationship with our Lord.

Slow Fade

I heard this song(Slow Fade by Casting Crowns) on the radio as I drove home tonight. Listen to the words. Is the message of the song correct? Is it a "slow fade?"

2 Peter

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (Chapter 1:3-11)

I have been reading through 2 Peter each day in my devotions over the past couple of weeks. This section in chapter one has stood out to me. We are called to "make every effort" to add these wonderful character traits to our everyday lives culminating in an increase of our faith and love.

Be like an old oak tree...

Have you ever planted a tree? I have…lots of em.’ When a tree comes from the nursery it is “balled and burlaped.” The roots are wrapped to protect them until the tree gets planted. Imagine what would happen if the burlap never came off of the rootball. Would the tree grow strong and healthy? Nope. In fact, it would die. The roots would get so confined that the tree would actually kill itself. Just because it is a tree doesn’t automatically mean it can grow. It needs water, sunlight, and space to thrive in.

Now you may be wondering why I’m giving you a tree planting lesson. I don’t expect many of you plant trees on a regular basis but the question I have for you is: are you in a place where you can grow?

You might be okay right now at the nursery wrapped in your protective burlap but what will happen in two years if you haven’t planted yourself somewhere? What will happen in five years if you are still wrapped in the burlap and you haven’t grown in stature, wisdom or other things of the Lord? What will happen if you manage to plant yourself but don’t get any sunlight, water or space?

Be like an old oak tree; never stop growing.

Here are three practical suggestions:

1. Put yourself in places where you can grow. Sitting at home watching sitcoms doesn’t cut it.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of areas in your life you need to grow in. Ask for humility while working on these areas.
3. Talk to a close friend and ask them what your weakest character trait is. Work on it.

Philippians 1:9-10

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."

Paul's love for the church in Philippi is seen throughout this book and specifically in this verse. Telling them how he was praying for them was certainly an encouragement. It is like saying to a co-worker with a rocky marriage that you are praying for him and his wife. Your co-worker would be encouraged. Will you take a moment to pray for someone today and tell them that you are praying for them? In the same way Paul's love for the Philippians is evident throughout this book, our love for others must be evident in our lives.

Paul continues in verse 10 telling us why he is praying that their love may abound more and more: "so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." If our love abounds in knowledge and depth of insight them we will be better able to discern what is right and wrong, as well as being blameless and pure.

Romans 12: An overview-part three

We continue reading in verse 17b “be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” If it is possible live in harmony with those around you. Don’t let little squabbles come up between brethren. Honoring others needs ahead of your own is the main idea being communicated here.

And Paul continues by saying: “don’t take revenge, my friends but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: it is mine to avenge: I will repay says the Lord.” It is almost as if Paul is saying, look you will have disagreements with others, both Christians and non-Christians, such is the nature of life; but try to live at peace with them. If that fails then don’t take revenge, let God take care of that. Paul then uses an exact quote from Deuteronomy 32:35: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” We see the interpretation of this passage in the NT to re-enforce what we have examined in verses 14, and 17. Chiefly, not repaying evil for evil. The context of Deuteronomy 32 is the lament of Moses shortly before he dies. He uses verse 35 in the context of the Lord judging his people (v36).

So in summary of this short quote it is being used in similar contexts in both the Old and New Testaments. Both passages refer to leaving room for God’s judgment. The main difference is to whom the judgment is being directed towards. In the Deuteronomy passage God’s judgment is being promised towards the Israelites, while in the Romans passage it is more of a general promise.

Moo states: “It is not our job to execute justice on evil people; that is God’s prerogative, and he will visit his wrath on such people when he deems it right to do so.”

Romans 12: An overview-part two

Verses four through eight which speak about the use of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are compared to the many parts in the human body. In the same way there are many parts of a human body each serving its purpose, there are many spiritual gifts within the body of Christ each serving in a unique way. Verses four and five illustrate this: “just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We who are believers belong to this body; the body of Christ. Paul goes on to state that whatever our gift(s) might be, one ought to use them for the edification of the church whether it be teaching, encouraging or showing mercy.

Continuing on in verses 9-21 we read an array of specific instructions on loving those around us; not only our brethren but our enemies as well. Paul speaks of Christian relationships along with our treatment of non-Christians.

We read in verse 10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Or in other words love others with such a passion that you put their needs ahead of your own. Not only those we want to love, but as verse 14 states: “bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” This language is similar to that used in Matthew 5:10 where Jesus taught: “blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Combining these two verses we learn that part of being blessed is being persecuted and in response we need to bless those who are persecuting us.

Imagine this. Being insulted at work for believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, being scorned and ridiculed for believing in this “fairy tale.” We are commanded to turn around and bless those who are insulting us. Perhaps buying them lunch or saying a kind word in return. Loving our enemies is not easy, yet in verse 17 we read: “do not repay anyone evil for evil.” It appears as if the issue of dealing with conflict within the church in Rome and conflict with those outside of the church was a topic of concern to Paul.

Romans 12: An overview-part one

Romans chapter 12 begins with a shift to a new topic. Previously, in chapters 9-11, Paul has been explaining the future of Israel. The twelfth chapter transitions: “therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” This sets the context for the chapter, which is, offering your lives as living sacrifices. “In view of God’s mercy” refers to the mercies previously written in chapters 1-11.

Verses two and three follow with instructions about how we renew our mind. Once we have renewed our mind we will be able to test and approve what the will of God is; but verse three says to not to let this transformation make us proud or conceited. Understanding verse two is crucial to this entire chapter that Paul writes. The key word here is transformation, as this vein is carried throughout the text. Paul tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds; followed by the rest of chapter 12 which gives us specific ways and specific instances to practice this transforming.

As one reads this entire passage it is important to think with this lens of transformation on your mind. In verse 18 of chapter 12 Paul says: “If it is possible as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone.” This is not our natural inclination. Our natural tendency is to disagree with others because of our pride; however we are called to be transformed in all things. I believe all that is written throughout the remainder of this wonderful letter to the church in Rome, can be tied back to the theme of renewing your thinking, which leads to a transformation of your actions. Douglas Moo concurs in his commentary of Romans: “We are, then, to view vv. 9-21 as a further elaboration of that “good” which the person who is being transformed by the renewing of the mind approves of (v.2)”

Your mission...should you choose to accept it

The following is an excerpt from Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald speaking on how our Lord used his time here on earth.

“Jesus clearly understood his mission. He had an overarching task to perform and He measured His use of time against that sense of mission. This is quite apparent during his final walk toward Jerusalem, where He would be crucified. As Jesus approached Jericho, Luke wrote (chapter 18), His ears picked up the shrill voice of a blind man and He stopped much to the consternation of both His friends and critics. They were irritated that Jesus did not appreciate that Jerusalem was still six or seven hours away and that they would like to get there to achieve their purpose, the celebration of Passover.

And indeed they had a point-the purpose of Christ was merely to reach Jerusalem in time for a religious celebration. But as we soon learn, that was not Jesus’ prime mission. Touching broken people like the blind man was a more significant matter, important enough for Jesus to invest His time.

Not long after the first encounter, Jesus stopped once again this time under the branch of a tree to call down Zacchaeus, a well-known tax collector. It was the Lords idea that the two get together for a conversation at Zacchaeus’s house. Once again the crowd surrounding Jesus was incensed first because the trip to Jerusalem was again interrupted and second because of Zacchaeus’s reputation.

From where they were standing, it appeared that Jesus was misusing His time. From where Jesus was standing, however, the time was well spent, for it fit the criteria of His mission.”

What is your mission? Are you spending your time and energies to fulfill that mission? Everything we do ought to fit the criteria of our mission. I would encourage you to take a few minutes and let your mind mull on your mission.

"Make every effort"

Recently, I was celebrating a friend’s 21^st birthday at Old Chicago’s with a large group of people. Some were drinking a beer with their pizza. For some reason, our server was not really checking ID’s of those drinking. No big deal. Or so I thought until a conversation with the 20-year old sitting next to me. He was fighting an inward battle about whether or not to order a drink. Upon conversing with him for several minutes I find out that he has had a problem with alcohol in the past, yet is trying to live a Godly life and not drink (which for him has led to getting drunk.) Additionally, he had come to realize that even if he thought he could handle a drink he shouldn’t because he is underage.

Yet sitting there that night he was being tempted to order a beer because others at the table had a beer with their pizza and it looked good. Very good. Talk about a battle within. As the minutes passed he rationalized more and more about why he should have a beer. He asked my opinion. I turned and asked him what his conscience was telling him…this lead into a great conversation.

The question I have is not whether or not he should have ordered a drink that night. It is clear from the scriptures that we shouldn’t get drunk (Eph 5:18, Rom 13:13, 1 Cor 6:10, Gal 5:21.) It’s also clear from the scriptures that we ought to obey our authority (Rom 13:1-7) which in this case is the government, as they have established 21 as the legal drinking age.

Rather the question that should be asked is: what is the responsibility of those sitting at the table who had ordered beers? Were they causing a brother to stumble? Should they have asked if anyone had a problem with them ordering alcohol before they did? I believe that would have been the proper course of action. The Bible speaks of this in Romans 14:19-21 where Paul writes: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” By ordering beers those around this young man didn’t cause him any peace or mutual edification. In fact, I witnessed him not at peace much of the night. I’m not judging those who ordered drinks that night and I wonder if they knew what was going on a few chairs down from them.

In the end, by the grace of God, he didn’t order a drink that night and I believe God was pleased. He and I spoke two weeks later and within the first couple of minutes mentioned how glad he was he didn’t have a drink that night. Now in future, he said, it will be much easier for him to say no because he knows what it is like to win a battle.

I had never before seen this type of scenario played out right in front of me. I won’t soon forget this valuable life lesson…

Acts 15: a brief overview

Acts 15 discusses the council at Jerusalem with Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James along with other apostles. There were those who were teaching the brothers “unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses you cannot be saved (v1.)” Upon hearing this Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go to Jerusalem to explore this question with the elders and apostles. Once they came to Jerusalem they were welcomed by the elders, apostles, and the church (v4.) Before the debate begins in verse five it is interesting to note the unity within the church. In verse five and six we read that that the question was put forth and the elders and apostles met to consider this question. In the church today do we allow for this type of healthy debate and dialogue?

It appears from the context as a whole, and specifically verses 6, 12, and 22, that the unity of the church was never a question. There was an issue raised, the church discussed it, and there was resolution; in this case by a letter sent to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The question being debated in this passage climaxes in verse 11 which states: No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved just they [Gentiles] are. This comes after Peter has said that God knows the heart, and He has purified them by giving the Holy Spirit and cleansing their hearts. After Peter finishes speaking Paul and Barnabas tell of the miraculous signs and wonders God has done among the Gentiles through them and the whole assembly listened very intently (v 12.) James now stands up and addresses the assembly referencing the Old Testament. The specific context of the Old Testament quote is James using the Amos passage as support for what Peter said in verses 6-11. This is seen in verse 15 which reads: “The words of the prophets are in agreement with this” [this referring back to what Peter has said; see also verse 14.] After he quotes the Amos passage James suggests a solution to this issue of required circumcision by the Gentiles. He proposes that “we [the assembly] should write to them;” which is exactly what is done in verses 23 and following.

A Slice of Infinity

RZIM:A Slice of Infinity daily snippet:"The writer of Hebrews described the kingdom as an ongoing gift we must receive: “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us therefore give thanks” (Hebrew 14:28)." For the entire Slice of Infinity click here

Today we ought to give thanks to our Lord and savior as we reflect upon his death and resurrection. Giving thanks because His kingdom can't be shaken, causing me to bow in thanksgiving to Him. What a great hope we have in this truth! May God grant us the strength to continue, hope to persevere, and the faith to be a shining light in this world.

Sow today, reap tomorrow

Sow a thought, Reap an action
Sow an action, Reap a habit
Sow a habit, Reap a character
Sow a character, Reap a destiny

Word of the day

rodomontade \rod-uh-muhn-TADE; roh-duh-; -TAHD\, noun:
Vain boasting; empty bluster; pretentious, bragging speech; rant.

James reminds us in chapter 3:4-6:
"Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

valley vessels

“All the water in the world can’t sink a ship--unless it gets inside of it.”

Think about it.

We are the ship. Everything surrounding us is the water. The good, bad, and ugly. The fear, anger, bitterness. The hurt, disappointment, frustration. The joy, happiness, amazement. The illation, fascination, beauty.

Are we afraid of the things around us? The psalmist writes: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.” When we walk through the valley we are surrounded with dangers, but we fear no evil because those dangers aren't in us. God is with us. He guides us in paths of righteousness. He leads us. This should make us praise the Lord almighty with all of our being. Are you in awe of Him today?

Praise the Lord. For He is good. Praise the Lord.

Seminary Notes: Preterism

Something grabbed my attention last week. Preterism. I had never heard of preterism before last week. A preterist believes that the second coming of Christ has already happened; it took place in 70AD at the destruction of Jerusalem. A preterist would say all the verses speaking of the coming of Christ have already been fulfilled. For more information on what a preterist believes click here.

Apparently Preterism is rapidly growing throughout church. It seems clear however that this view is completely unfounded from scripture. While I don't know exactly how the second coming of Christ will play out, I do know that there are some serious ramifications in believing the second coming of Christ has already occurred. This would mean that we have no future hope; this is all there is and ever will be.

If I were discussing Preterism with a Preterist the first question I would ask comes from 1 Cor 11:26 dealing with the Lords Super. It says: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup you proclaim the Lords death until He comes." By partaking of communion you are proclaiming the Lords death until He return again. If He has already returned then why do you (Preterists) take the Lords Super?

It is astounding to me the views of Preterists as portrayed on the above mentioned webpage. If one truly studies the Word of God how can he or she come to the conclusion that Christs second coming has already taken place? It almost seems to question the inerrancy of the Scriptures

What question(s) would you ask and what Scriptures would you take a Preterist to?

Apologize like a kid

All of us have probably heard a little kid say “I didn’t mean to hurt them” or “I didn’t know it would hurt their feelings.” But whether that kid intended to hurt someone or not we make them apologize. Why?

Is it possible that kids see a double standard in our lives when we, as adults, don’t offer the same forgiveness to those closest to us? Why are we not willingly to apologize to a spouse, sibling, or close friend when they are hurting because of something, that somehow, we caused even when it was the farthest thing from our mind? At this point it isn’t a matter of right vs. wrong; it is an issue of them feeling hurt or misunderstood. Even though it wasn’t our intent and perhaps we are “right” about the situation, we still need to apologize for the action that led to the hurt. Paul speaks of this in Philippians 2:3b where he states: "but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” This “considering others” applies to word, thought and action. We need to consider how others perceive actions or words and understand what they are feeling. I believe this demonstrates a small slice of humility.

Perhaps we are stepping off of an elevator and bump into a complete stranger. Most would politely apologize and move on even though we didn’t have any intent of bumping into them. If we would apologize to a complete stranger then shouldn’t we offer the same repentant spirit to loved ones around us--even if we didn’t intend to hurt them? I believe we can and we must.

p.s. I include "me" in the "we"...God knows I'm no good at this :-)

"Its all about relationships"

Every now and then I peruse crosswalk.com; sometimes reading articles, using Bible study tools, or reading commentaries. Tonight, I ran across this article: (by Chip Ingram)

Hollywood Says:

• Find the right person
• Fall in love
• Fix your hopes and dreams on this person for your future fulfillment
• If failure occurs, repeat steps 1, 2, 3.

The premise of this formula is clear: if you fail, you must not have found the right person. Much like a bottle cap sweepstakes game, if you don't win... sorry! Try again.

How well does it work? You and I both know the answer to that. The divorced population is the fastest growing marital category in the US, and the fallout is huge. The impact of fractured relationships on children, the anguish, the hurt, the emotional wounds, not to mention the economic impact on both parties, is painfully obvious. Now let's move to another perspective, and take a look at the model created by the One who thought up relationships in the first place.

God Says
"Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Eph. 5:1-2

First, there's a command.

Be imitators of God. What does this look like? For a more detailed picture, let's start a few verses back, at chapter 4:31-32. Here we have instructions for putting on a new life in Christ as we relate to others. Get rid of attitudes that tear down and hurt, Paul says. Treat each other as God treated you when He extended His endless supply of grace and forgiveness to you, even at great cost to himself.

Is the focus here on finding the right person? Is it about molding someone else into the person you want them to be? No.

The Key to a Right Relationship is Not Finding the Right Person, But Becoming the Right Person
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, in their book, Relationships, outline what they call "The Compulsion for Completion."

"If you attempt to build intimacy with another person before you've done the hard work of becoming a whole and healthy person, every relationship will be an attempt to complete the wholeness that you lack and end in disaster." (Relationships, p. 20)

In other words, if our identity is not secure in Christ, if we are still looking to others to make us feel secure, complete or "okay," our relationships will never be healthy and strong. This is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to understand. Contrary to the pop philosophy of Jerry McGuire, the most romantic thing you can say to someone is not "you complete me." If you must be completed by another person, you will find that whatever they have to give you will never be enough. Only God, through His Son and through the Holy Spirit, can provide what each of us need to be complete. When we are whole and secure in Him, then we can approach a relationship in a healthy way.

Next comes the command for how we are to relate to one another.

Walk in love. Notice Paul doesn't say, "fall in love." He's talking about an intentional, sacrificial love that wills and acts what is best for its object.

God's way is very hard, but it's very effective. He tells us to:

• Become the right person (mimic God)
• Walk in love
• Fix your hope on God and seek to please Him through this relationship
• If failure occurs, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3.

Failure will occur. When it does, the question must be: "Am I being who I should be? Am I walking in love?" It's not time to give up; it's time to go back to square one.

Here is a crucial point. The goal of relationships is not fulfillment and self-actualization. It's not about discovering yourself, filling your need, meeting your desire. The goal of relationships is to please God. Right relationship with Him is food for our soul, and wherever else we will search, we will ultimately find that nothing else satisfies. The beautiful byproduct, when we are pleasing him in our horizontal relationships, will be deeper intimacy than you ever imagined.

You don't have to be a statistic. You don't have to be afraid to make a commitment. There is a supernatural way to do relationships that will leave a legacy of faith. The price tag is too high, the risk too great, to do it Hollywood's way.

Copyright 2002 by Chip Ingram. All rights reserved.

Martin Luther once said...

"The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays — not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship." -Martin Luther

Are you striving to be good at whatever you are doing? I want to be great at everything I set my hands to do; whether it is running a business, worshiping God, serving others, blogging, or cleaning toilets. Work with all your heart.

Work hard. Play hard. Live for Him