Protection and Restoration

In the book of Psalms in the Bible, David made some interesting comments about who God is and what God does for him.  He said, “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain” (Psalm 3:3-4).

Foes of David told him that God would abandon him.  That was devastating news.  However, in the face of the worst that could be thrown at him, David found comfort in the character of God.  In these verses David reminds himself, and us of several things:

1)    Protection. “You, Lord, are a shield around me.” God is in the business of providing security.  In spite of danger God is always present like a shield or a fort to make sure there is safety, security, and defense in all situations.

2)    Source.  “You, Lord, are … my glory.” This is a prompt to help remember that God is the source of any honor that may be given to people.  Any reputation that may have been personally attained is not the result of human effort. It is God who provides out of His storehouse of abundance.

3)    Restoration.  “The One who lifts my head high.”  This is an expression of God’s mighty power to show his strength, rebuild a broken life, and renew a sense of peace.  In a state of defeat, depression, and fear, God relieves stress and reinstates to former happy and honorable conditions.

4)    Response.  “I call out to the Lord, and he answers me.”  This is a notice that God is always available to listen to his children, reply to their requests, and provide help and encouragement.  One does not have to worry that God does not hear or respond.  He does - in abundant measure.

We may find ourselves down physically, mentally, socially, or emotionally.  However, God is the One to whom David and you and I need to direct our attention.  He is the divine source that protects us, restores us, and communicates with us.  I’m so glad that God is in the protection and restoration business. Have you taken time to draw upon God’s promises, as David did?  Maybe today is the time to begin or develop your relationship with God. Read again the verses noted in the first paragraph and remind yourself of God's protection and restoration.

Awesome God

A chorus by the name listed in the title of this blog includes the words: “Our God is an awesome God / He reigns from Heaven above / With wisdom, power and love / Our God is an awesome God.” “Awesome” is an interesting word this chorus uses to describe God. In other words it means that God is amazing, remarkable, splendid, and tremendous. Not only is God described as awesome, but the song tells some additional things about God. (1) God reigns; (2) God is wise; (3) God is powerful; (4) God is love.

All these thoughts are a reminder of just how wonderful and magnificent God is and why we should praise, worship and serve Him. Even with the above words, it is hard to describe God. We can more easily point to God’s wisdom and power by looking at the beauty in the world around us. In addition, many people also attest to the work God has done in their lives – transforming and renewing them. Here are some additional things we learn about God from this song.

1)    God graciously extends His love to each one of us.  Probably no other Bible verse amplifies this idea and better describes God than, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). 

2) God wisely exhibits His knowledge which is beyond comprehension. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

3) God mightily reveals His power in many wonderful ways. “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:4-5).

My desire is that God would be known in a personal way by everyone. The Bible reminds us, “Yet to all who received Him to those who believed in His name He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). So, by personal faith in Christ – by receiving Him as Savior and Lord – we become part of His eternal family and are assured of a home in heaven with Him. What an awesome God we have who loves us so dearly that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. He is also wonderful to provide a way for us to become part of His forever family. Indeed, our God is an awesome God!

Learning at Camp

In Minnesota, every weekend during the summer hundreds of people head “up North.”  This grand exodus suggests the desire of people to get away from the routine of everyday life and enjoy some down time.  Some head to a summer cabin and others simply spend the weekend relaxing at the lake.  Included in this exodus are children and youth who head to camp – some who find their way to Bible Camp.  Over the years, Christian camping has been a tradition for many people.  This “get away” time is fun filled, challenging, and a great learning experience.  Though camping experiences individuals learn:

1)    To take responsibility.  Since Mom and Dad are not around to give direction, campers need to make many decisions on their own – like brushing teeth, changing clothes, and putting things away.  In addition, each camper is assigned a cabin and usually dining room responsibilities.

2)   To become independent.  For some, this may be the first time away from home with the opportunity to exercise their freedom of choice.

3)   To cooperate.  With scores of other people around, campers need to work together to experience unity and accomplish goals.

4)  To submit to authority.  Camp rules and regulations must be followed along with the direction that comes from camp directors, counselors, and other camp staff.

5)  To trust the Lord.  For some, the camping experience can be a lonely time.  It is in these settings that campers begin to learn the importance of leaning on the Lord for support and encouragement.

6)  To understand more about God.  Campers learn about:

a)  God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

b)    God’s Way.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

c)     God’s Worthiness.  Jesus is worthy in whom faith should be placed. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3).

d)    God’s Guidance.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; it all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or other children head to Bible camp this summer, let’s use this time to pray for them.  Ask God to make this a life-changing experience for them.  Pray that they would come to trust in Jesus and come to know Him as their personal Savior and Lord.  As you pray this for your offspring, why not pray for yourself as well?

Life-Long Impact

I have been impressed with how godly elderly individuals in the Bible listened to God, obediently responded, accepted difficult challenges, and had a godly impact on others.  For example, the Bible says, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you’ … So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.  Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran” (Genesis 12:1, 4).

Notice these things about Abram:

1)    Leaving.  “Leave your country … so Abram left.”  In those days people traveling across country were in grave danger because they became prime objects for invaders.  Without extended family support, evil aggressors would lie in wait to cause them harm, steal their possessions, or commit murder.

2)    Going.  “Go to the land I will show you.”  To “go” was the command God gave which needed Abram’s willingness and obedience.  He was to leave his country, put himself in a vulnerable situation, completely trust in God to keep all of his family safe along the way, and travel to an unknown land.

3)    Aging.  “Abram was seventy-five years old.”  You would think that a strong young man, rather than an older gentleman, would have been preferred to take on such an important and strategic task. However, the issue for God was spiritual strength. Willingness to trust God, to be obedient, and to show maturity were the factors that were more important to God than age.

Abram’s willingness to obey resulted in God’s special blessings as noted in Genesis 12.  God would bless him with: (1) A Nation.  Abram would be given many descendants; (2) A Land.  Abram and his descendants would have a country to possess; (3) Abram Blessed.  God would abundantly provide favor and protection for Abram; and (4) Nations Blessed.  God would extend his favor and blessing to
others.

The message for you and me might well be that God would like to use us – whatever our age, even in our retirement years.  Think what would happen if we could communicate this same message to senior adults in our churches, senior living facilities, and our communities.  We could be a mighty army accomplishing great things for God.  Let’s remember that God’s work is always carried out by obedient people, no matter what their age or stage of life.  All of us should prepare to make a life-long impact for God.

Our Response to the Military

The calendar has several days during the year that refer to the military.  However, three of those days are notable ones: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day.  These are days of remembrance when honor should be given to specific military members or families.

      Armed Forces Day is celebrated the 3^rd Sunday of May.  Those to be honored are still serving in the military.

      Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May.  Those who gave their lives in service to our country should be honored and families thanked.

·       Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11.  This day is to honor those who have served, but who no longer wear a military uniform.

The Bible identifies three action steps to take.

1)    Pray.  The Bible says, “First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need” (I Timothy 2:1a).  “All people” means that we pray for everyone – including military men, women and their families.  Pray that God would provide good health and strength to those who are currently serving and those who have previously served.  Also pray for the families who have lost loved ones.

2)    Give Thanks.  The Bible tells us that we should “give thanks” (I Timothy 2:1b).  Prayers for the military ought to include giving thanks to God for them.  If we see a military person (or know one) we should take time to let them know we appreciate their service.  We should also remember that the freedoms we enjoy have come through both sacrifice and service.

3)    Honor.  Scripture says that we are to, “Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor” (Romans 13:7).  Honor and respect is due to all those who hold positions of authority or who have made significant contributions to our society.  Our appreciation for service rendered should be expressed with much gratefulness.

Do you know someone who has served or is currently serving in the military?  Say “thank you” to them.  Tell them that you appreciate what they have done. Either audibly or silently pray for them giving thanks to God for the freedom you enjoy because of what they have done.

Showers of Blessing

We know that moisture is important for people as well as for vegetation.  Plants, flowers, vegetables and people all need moisture because without water plants, trees, and you and I would die.  God graciously supplies the moisture to the earth to keep his creation healthy and growing.  Among other things the Bible tells us that God blesses his people with showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26).  In the Old Testament of the Bible we read, “I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them” (Ezekiel 34:26-27).  From these verses we learn several things:

1)    Showers are sent in the season in which they are to exist. – “Showers in season.”

2)    Showers provide moisture that is needed for fruit and crops to grow and yield. – “Trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops.” 

3)    Showers offer security and a feeling of confidence for people because they are in a land that richly takes care of them. – “The people will be secure in their land.”

4)    Showers help people understand that the Lord is God and He constantly cares for his own. – “They will know that I am the Lord.”

5)    Showers are called “showers of blessing” because of the many benefits they provide for people – physical, spiritual, and emotional. – “Showers of blessing.”

In 1883 Major Daniel Webster Whittle wrote the words to the hymn, “There Shall be Showers of Blessing.”  He was wounded in the war, his arm was amputated, and while recovering he began reading the New Testament which his mother had given him.  Another young soldier was dying and a nurse attending both men asked Whittle if he would go pray for the dying young man.  She had seen him reading the Bible and assumed he was a Christian.  Since Whittle was not a Christian, he refused to go; however, after a little persuasion he finally decided to do as she asked.  He went to the young man’s side, knelt down, asked Jesus to forgive him of his own sins, and then earnestly prayed for the young man. When he finished praying, the young soldier was dead.  Whittle said, “A look of peace came across the young man’s troubled face and I believe God also used him to bring me to the Savior by trusting in Christ’s precious blood and forgiving my sins.”

The song he wrote expresses his thoughts about spiritual showers and the lyrics are:

“There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love;

“There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

“Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need;

“Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.”

These words are a good reminder that God showers us with many blessings and brings people into our lives to help us.  What God wants from us is to turn to him in trust and obedience.

The Bible and Time

God is a God of Time.  Acts 17:24 states, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” Since God was the creator of everything, He is the creator of time.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Time can be specific – as indicated in the Ecclesiastes passage above – or it can be a season of the year or a specific period.  Time can also be identified as a critical point when action needs to be taken.  I Chronicles 12:32 refers to a point in time by saying, “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”

Time can be measured in many ways:  It can be marked by: (1) Seasons – summer, fall, winter, or spring; (2) By the Calendar System – years, months, weeks, and days; or (3) By Units – hours, minutes, and seconds.  Time can also be a specific period in which something happens.  For example, God does things in his time such as sending his Son, Jesus, to this earth.  The Bible says, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4).

Here are a few other things the Bible tells us about time.

1)    Time is valuable.  Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

2)    Time is brief and it can be lost.  Job 14:5 – “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.”

3)    Time is a marker.  Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

4)    Time should be used wisely.  Ephesians 5:16-17 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

What are you doing with the time God has given you?  The time He has provided is valuable, it is brief, and it needs to be used with great wisdom.  Are you using your time to make a difference for your family, for others, and especially for God?

Your Image

The word “image” comes from a Latin word that means “to copy or imitate.”  That is exactly what a mirror does. In addition, “image” has been expanded to mean a vivid representation or description.  It has also come to mean a characteristic about how an individual is perceived by other people.  Our personal image is what sets us apart from other people.  It is important that the image we portray is a good image because it helps others feel that we are trustworthy, desirable as a friend or an employee, and more complete as a worker or a leader.

A Christian is a person whose personal image is extremely important – not just to make him or her look good, but to provide a positive message about the Lord whom they represent, worship, and serve.

H. B. London of Focus on the Family wrote this about image:

“What people imagine in their minds about your ministry and the environment in which you minister does make a difference.  The way your office looks when people come to visit, makes a difference.  How you look, makes a difference.  How you treat people, makes a difference.  How your family is perceived, makes a difference.  The sermons you deliver, make a difference.  How the non-Christian world sees you as you walk through the village, makes a difference.  What you think of yourself, makes a difference.”

I would add to the above that your personal image includes who you are, what you say, and how you act.  Matthew refers to image when he says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Our image should:

1)    Be bright as a light that illuminates – “Let your light shine”

2)    Be Constantly shown to others – “before men”

3)    Reflect the good things we do – “see your good deeds”

4)    Point people to God – “praise your Father in heaven”

Our personal image is something we need to take seriously.  What image do you portray before people?  Are your words and your actions making a difference for the cause of Christ?  Maybe we ought to examine ourselves and make sure that the image we portray does not turn people away from Christ but directs them to our wonderful Lord.

Life After Christmas

Have you noticed that as soon as Christmas is over something disappears?  Christmas carols are no longer heard on radio or TV.  Everyone has stopped singing Christmas songs.  Holiday Decorations have been packed away for another year.  Hearing about the Savior’s birth is not expressed by anyone, including religious leaders.  “Merry Christmas” greetings are missing when someone addresses you.  And Christmas cards, letters, and emails are not found in mailboxes or on computers.

What happens when these things are gone?  People are unenthusiastic and they feel letdown.  They have lost their sense of expectation, and it seems as if their vibrancy has decreased.  But this is not the way it should be after Christmas.  Why?  Because Jesus should still be at the center of our thoughts and conversations.  His birth has taken place in what we call the first Advent, but there will be a second advent.  Jesus is coming again (John 14:1-3).

What we need is a transformation – a change in our thinking so our mind is aligned with God.  The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).  We need a complete change in our mindset.  Christ died on the cross taking our place and paying the penalty for our sins.  He came not just to be born in a manger but to offer abundant life to us, to forgive us, and to provide eternal life through faith in Him.

What we need after Christmas is to focus on Jesus, and not just the things that are missing.  In our response to the good news of Christmas let’s allow Jesus to come into our life and make us a new and different person in all that we think or do.  The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17, TLB).  The Bible also points to other things which were lost including a lamb, a coin and a son (Luke 15:3-32).  However, the text tells us that each of these things were found and as a result there was much rejoicing.  When you receive Jesus as your Savior, you will experience great joy because He will provide just what you need.  The Bible says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  When we find Christ we discover what was really missing in our lives.  Inviting Him to come into your life will make your joy complete.  Jesus is with us.  He is not missing. Let’s be glad and rejoice.