Pslam 85:11-13

Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good;
And our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway. -Psalm 85:11-13

This passage really struck me the other day. The truths expressed in it are stunning. One that jumped out in particular is where it says “our land will yield its increase.” It reminds me of a verse in
1 Corinthians 3:7-8, that says something to this effect: one person plants, another one waters, but it is God who gives the increase. God takes the responsibility for the increase and growth of what is planted.
We have a tiny seed. We place it into humble dirt. We add some water, one of the most basic elements of the earth. And out of this God brings extraordinary growth and multiplication. This is a total miracle of God every time it happens. The fact that anything could come from a seed, some dirt, and some water is truly amazing. How can so much come from so little?

God claims responsibility for the increase. There is little more we can do after planting our seed into good soil and adding water. God’s increase is guaranteed to be more and better than we are willing to believe. I believe it is His pleasure to give it to us, and not as hard as we make it out to be. No twisting of His arm is required. What is God’s limit? And what are we settling for? I don’t believe it is an issue of the availability of His goodness, but our hearts being opened to access what God has made available.

Reaping what we sow is often used in a negative context, mostly to say all the bad things we do are going to come back and get us. God sees this slightly differently. It is His delight to give to His children. Some right now are hearing that religious voice in their head warning that this can be taken too far, that this can be taken to excess, and to tone it down a bit, reminding us of all our religious obligations we need to observe to truly make God like us again. But I think that for the most part, instead of taking the goodness of God too far, we tend to believe Him for less, and sell ourselves short. We still find it easier to fear Him for punishment, instead of seeing His delight in giving good to His children. We find it hard to break free from the message that God is basically angry all the time, and barely tolerates us, finding whatever “good things” we do to be a laughable attempt to fulfill His righteous demands.

Jesus Christ had provided so much more than this to those who want to live their lives in Him. I am going into a deeper discovery of what this really means. The life of Christ in us enables us to live beyond our own efforts. We no longer have to struggle to obtain “blessed” status, or wonder why others appear to be more blessed than we are. We can enjoy the exclusive work of Christ. He was with God in the beginning of creation when He first laid down the principle that He would grant multiplication to our planting and watering. We have a part to play, but it is proportionately a lot smaller than we have been led to believe. And even then I think it is because God wants us to share in His joy and work in partnership with Him. Not because we have to “do something.”

I am no longer interested in trying to make God happy with me, but am instead living in, and enjoying His incredible kindness. This defeats the message: “Do more. Try harder. God isn’t quite pleased with you yet.” A whole religious institution and business has been built upon that message.

I am choosing to live in Christ. He will bring His increase.

I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
For He will speak peace to His people and to His saints. -Psalm 85:8

Review of “The American Patriot’s Almanac”

We’ve all heard the line that those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. But I think there are some cases in which knowing our history can be the means by which it actually can be repeated. Hearing the stories that have been covered over by dirt and dust can inspire a new generation to attain new levels. “The American Patriot’s Almanac”, by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb, accomplishes the latter. It is set up as a daily reading of major events in American history that occurred on their respective dates, covering the whole year. This book contains a wealth of stories from our nations past that will help to counteract the negativity often absorbed from the barrage of media exposure we face. It is a continual reminder that our country is filled with truly exceptional people. The book contains much more than I had originally expected, which was a pleasant surprise. It is a good looking volume, and well constructed. I am looking forward to sharing its stories with my son as he grows. I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book as a part of their Blogger Book Review program, via Booksneeze.com.

Review of “The Revolutionary Paul Revere”

Paul Revere was much more than just a horse rider warning of the British coming, as seen in this biography of his life, written by Joel Miller.  The Revolutionary Paul Revere documents his life from its beginnings, through his apprenticeship as a silversmith, onto what formed his life as an adult. His part in the American Revolution was much more than I have ever imagined. He was the most exceptional common man who embodied the spirit of independence.

This book reads as easy as a novel, which is not always the case with historical writing. Joel Miller kept my interest from beginning to end, never hitting a slow spot. Paul Revere is an inspiring example for today to those who can identify with a  man who didn’t let his common place in life keep him from making a huge impact. He could have just been a good silversmith.

My favorite quote from the book would have to be, “There is no greater destroyer of wealth than misguided government.” I am very grateful to the Blogger Book Review program by Thomas Nelson Publishers for supplying me with a complimentary copy of this book.

David’s Throne and Enduring Promises

There is a phrase that keeps popping up as I read Kings and Chronicles. It usually goes to the effect of the example I’ll give from 2 Chronicles 21:7- “Yet the Lord would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and his sons forever.” The author repeatedly sites a promise that God had given to David, found in 2 Samuel 7:16- “Your throne shall be established forever.” This word given to David was spoken by God hundreds of years prior to when it was referred to in Chronicles.

No matter how wicked a particular successor in Judah was, God always kept His promise to David, to never remove his kingly line. David’s descendants would always inhabit the throne. No matter how ugly things would get throughout the history of Judah, God would never relent from His word. He would never look for a legal loophole to get around it. He would not turn from it based on unexpected circumstances or conditions. He would not use His supreme power and say, “I can do whatever I want. Who cares what I said back then? Most people don’t even remember it anyway.” David had been long gone. What was the point of keeping a promise to him? There were many times when God could have justified not keeping that promise.

This is a sign to us of His enduring commitment to His word.

In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Son of David. I have often wondered about the significance of this title. I believe that part of it is the continuance of God’s promise to never leave the throne of David empty. Jesus is the eternal fulfillment as the King of kings, descended from the line of David.

Just as was the case with David, our own personal promises from the Lord are not simply for our own benefit. They are meant to bless generations that come after us. They are meant to be an eternal testimony to God’s glory and faithfulness. They are meant to bring blessing back to Jesus. They are meant to be a sign to point others to the Lord. God has a vested interest in seeing your promise come to pass. It is not just a carrot dangling in front of your nose to keep you going forward. We really cannot grasp how important our promises are.

God’s words are eternal. He IS faithfulness!

Review of the “Chronological Guide to the Bible”

Receiving a complimentary copy of the “Chronological Guide to the Bible” from Thomas Nelson publishers was a real blessing. This incredible resource can be used with whichever translation of the Bible that you choose. It breaks the Bible down and reorganizes it into 9 epochs of time. Reading guides are included so that you can read your own Bible in chronological order. The entire book comes in full color presentation with charts, time lines, and feature articles. The quality of content and construction will certainly handle a lot of use.

The historical context in which the Psalms were written, prophesies delivered, and other Old Testament events are all clearly arranged. The ministry of Jesus, as well as how the letters of the apostles fit into the narrative of the book of Acts, can be seen in their timely order. Everything is easy to access. It is as if the contributors anticipated questions you would have, and had the answers prepared, waiting for you to discover them.

Review of “The White Horse King”, by Benjamin Merkle

I’ve just completed reading The White Horse King, by Benjamin Merkle, which is an historical account of  the life of King Alfred. I at first hesitated to accept a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson publishers, fearing it would be too thick and boring. Neither of these two fears were ever confirmed. It was truly a fascinating read from start to finish, based on a person and period in history with which I had little to no familiarity with. Merkle made the subject matter approachable. He would not speak over your head, neither would he talk down to you in his writing style. I felt as though I had been given access to the very place where Alfred lived.

Alfred was an exceptional character in history. His life of struggle against the Vikings, his innovations, and his re-establishment of Christian worship and learning give him such a place of relevance in our modern world that can be hidden behind the dates in which he existed. The stand that he made against the tyranny and oppression of the Viking raids make him an example of leadership and bravery that could speak to anyone today. Alfred was the real thing. He was not perfect. But he acquired the heart of God, and the heart for his country.

Review of “In Search for God and Guinness”

I have recently finished reading In Search for God and Guinness, by Stephen Mansfield. I have to say that this book took me totally by surprise. At first glance I thought it would just be an entertaining read about beer, and more specifically, the history of the Guinness brand name. From the very beginning of the book, describing the ancient history of beer making, through the content listing the  impact of the Guinness family upon the world, it was a complete learning experience.

I am almost ashamed to say that I had next to no prior knowledge of anything that Mansfield had written in this book. The Guinness name to me was nothing more than a label on a bottle of dark beer. To find out that the company of Guinness was interested in the social quality of providing an alternative to the filthy drinking water of the day, and the over-consumption of hard liquor was a real eye opener. They also were pioneers in the superior treatment of their employees, which stands in stark contrast to the corporate culture of today. In the area of their amazing Christian heritage, I was completely unaware.

From start to finish, this book was engaging in its style. I found myself encouraged by the spirit of excellence that carried from Arthur, the founder, on through the successive generations. Mansfield did  a superior job in conveying the heart and history of Guinness.

Review of “Fearless” by Max Lucado

I have not really read much by Max Lucado. Honestly I had a perception that his work was too lightweight and fluffy; too mainstream and generic to apply to my life. Within the first ten pages of his latest book, Fearless, there were so many lines that rung with truth, my mind was quickly changed. His writing is deep without being heavy. Easy to read, but packed with cutting truth. His book confronts our common fears categorically. Many of us have come to live life taking these fears for granted, constructing our lives around them. Lucado does not minimize the cause of fears, or condemn those who are experiencing fear in its different forms. He instead illuminates us to the prospect of our ability to live a life free of fear altogether. I think that is what I walked away with from this book, that I don’t have to fear anything. A life lived with a God that is as big as ours can cancel out any of the empty intimidation thrown at us by the enemy of our souls. Freedom from fear can open up the adventure that the Lord has for us. A fear free life does not have to be a risk free life.

When God asks you to do something that seems useless.

I was reading the other day in Luke 17:11-16, and something seemed strange about this passage.

Jesus is walking along and comes across 10 lepers. From a safe distance they cry out to Him to have mercy on them (heal them). Jesus simply responds by telling them to go show themselves to the priests.

Now the priests are the ones who probably did the initial exam and declared them to be lepers. This then forced them out of society, becoming literal outcasts. I can’t imagine the public embarrassment. To be told to go back to the priests to basically be examined again was being told to go back to the place where this all began. That was a painful  place with painful memories. Why go back them? What else could the priests tell them? Weren’t the lepers appealing to Jesus?

What were they supposed to say when they got there? “Um, yes, we were just checking to see if we are still lepers.” Why be sent back to this place of grief and trauma? Was Jesus really sending them back to where the devastating news came to them, that they would be forced away from all their friends and family simply because they had contracted a disease? I can’t imagine how life altering that would be, in that day to be declared a leper.

There was something in what Jesus told them to do that seemed utterly useless. Not only that, it would risk more pain and exposure to a life that was sentenced to the shadows. Why didn’t Jesus simply heal them like He did everyone else?

The 10 lepers decided to go. Perhaps it was just because they really had nothing left to lose. Pride was no longer an issue. What was the worst that could happen? The passage says “They went…”, and as they went they were healed! Simple obedience. They decided that there was no point to being hindered by painful memories.

There are many times when Jesus will ask us to do something simple that may seem to have no point at all. We may ask Him something, already expecting what His response will be, and then He’ll take us by surprise with an unexpected request of His own! The 10 lepers received the answer to their prayers when they said, “What the heck, lets do what Jesus said, even if it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.”

God had a custom built healing package for them. He would get too bored if He healed the same way every time. He is unpredictable in His creativity. What will He come up with next? How will He respond to your request? Will He tell you to drop your nets on the other side of the boat, after you have been fishing unsuccessfully all night (see John 21)?

Sometimes we are used to doing things that are truly useless and know all too well how dumb we feel afterward. This can also cause a hesitation with in us when we feel God telling us to do something like that on purpose. But obedience even in these areas can break open a miracle. Simple obedience is the product of simple trust.

Jesus’ request for the lepers to go be examined again was simple, yet challenging based upon their personal history. We can also over complicate  what He asked us to do for similar reasons.  Ultimately His intention is not to harm us, but to heal us, and that is the point to when He asks us to do something that would seem useless.

God’s Daughters

Every now and then I get a small glimpse into how much God really loves His daughters.

This is certainly not what I expected my first blog post to be about, but the Lord has left me with another fresh impression of His fiery love that is for all of the daughters in His family. It honestly fills me with a holy fear of God when I think about it.

God’s love is always impartial, but there is just something unique about how He feels, and how He treats His daughters. There is an immensity in it that leaves me in awe. My fear of God comes in when I think about what the repercussions are when they are mistreated, marginalized, or just patronized. I don’t want to stand before God guilty of any of this, and shudder when I think that I have been. We are talking about the biggest and best Dad there ever was, or will be.

This fear of the Lord needs to gauge and temper the way I treat His daughter’s, most of all my wife.

The brevity of this post is only due to my lack of ability to describe just what I see when God shows me this. But it is a message for all of us on this side of the gender line, as well as a word of encouragement for all of His daughter’s.