Quiet Time: Be the Man

Be the Man

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, and be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 

My son, Matt, loves the reality comedy show, Duck Dynasty. Recently the leader of the program, Phil Robertson, got himself suspended from the sitcom for being frank in an interview with GQ magazine. (Why in the world GQ wanted to interview this guy is beyond me) Apparently, in line with his conservative Christian views, and notorious palpable candor, he said, among other things, that he believed the bible taught the LGBT lifestyle was wrong and that he found it to be illogical. When did Americans, gay or otherwise, start wearing their heart on their sleeve?

Matthew, furious at the way A & E network handled the situation made a derogatory comment regarding homosexuals. Well, that got my attention. I immediately addressed the off color remark while supporting Matt's biblically based convictions by reminding him of (Ephesians 4:29) Believers are to fight for the right while maintaining an attitude of love for people. (For example, a combat soldier reflected how he fought and killed the enemy, without a sense of hatred or personal malice toward them at all. In this soldier’s eyes the enemy brought about their own demise by choosing to fight)

I don’t understand when Americans became intimidated by free speech. It seems rather silly in a country that prides itself on being brash and out spoken. However, Christ followers need to understand that their world view will always be challenged; even hated.

Perhaps it’s time to do a better job at training ourselves to respond appropriately when the enemy is attacking our position. If we don’t, the only examples we'll have are the talking heads on television and radio who spout blatant heated commentary with no thought to the unshakeable unchanging word of God.

Look, the bottom line is that Christians should expect hostility from the world; but, we should also become adept at handling these attacks like good soldiers from a position of strength, reason, and love (Psalm 37:7-9).

Christ followers don’t wear their heart on their sleeves; it is kept safe behind the breast-plate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14)    

Quiet Times: Think On These Things

Think On These Things

Packing for the journey #2

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. – Philippians 4:8

The red digital numbers projected on my bedroom ceiling are just beginning to come into focus and I see that it’s way too early to be awake on a holiday morning. A scripture verse that the Spirit prompted me to memorize a few years past is dancing through my mind to the little tune I gave it. (Sometimes I set scripture to song to help me recall certain passages)

This sort of thing happens to me fairly regularly. I count it a blessing and suppose it is what the Word means when it says that the Holy Spirit will teach and help me to remember the things God has said to me (John 14:26).

Well, since I’m still packing for the life journey with Jesus and deciding what “Dos” I should have along with the “Don’ts” mentioned a couple of blogs back, I figure Philippians 4:8 would be a good one for refining a “Head for Heaven” (see First Things First).

Here’s the plan:

Before watching, listening to, or otherwise taking in or attempting at accomplish anything, I will ask myself the following questions:

1.       (TRUE) Does this square with what the bible says is true? (Psalm 25:10)

2.       (HONORABLE) Does this bring honor to me or the person/thing I’m engaging?(2 Cor. 8:21)

3.       (RIGHT)  Does this turn me from evil to do good? (Psalm 19:8)

4.       (PURE) Does this contaminate or purify me or the person/thing? (Titus 1:15)

5.       (LOVELY) Does this bring beauty? (Psalm 84:1-3)

6.       (GOOD REPUTE) Does this smack of immorality? (Proverbs 3:3-5)

7.       (EXCELLENCE) Does this encourage excellence (virtue and quality)? (2 Peter 1:5)

8.       (PRAISE WORTHY)  Can I praise God for this?(Psalm 117:1-2)

I almost fear thinking where this is headed, because, frankly, some of the stuff I like for entertainment, not that it’s all that bad in the eyes of most people, I’m not so sure would square with the list. And, some of the things that I spend time doing, are now looking like a real waste of time and effort.

“And that’s a good thing”, as my friend Clyde would say.

So, I’m gonna keep packing, because I know I’ll need this for the journey.

Quiet Time: Wise In The Word

Wise In the Word
Reason Reboot

Read: 1 Corinthians 14

Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. – 1 Corinthians 14:20


Neither ignorant nor intimate of evil need I be. Wise in the Word, now that’s for me!

Christians are often derided for being simple minded in the things of this world. Sometimes I wonder about this, because I know so many of us who are pretty good at being bad! Frankly, I think we should be simple in worldliness. What are we missing, really? However, I think its shameful when a Christ follower is simple minded in the things of the Word.

We simply must spend time allowing the Word to wash our minds (Ephesians 5:26). Don’t we get plenty of a humanist world view daily to require at least a small amount of time with Jesus so that He can reset our thinking?

It may not be a bad idea to have a quiet time with the Lord in the morning, then another at lunch time, and one more sometime in the evening.

Come on Brother Doug, that’s just too much - too over the top? May-be. I just know that when I miss my time with Him, I miss a lot and life just isn't the same.

Song Series: All Because of Jesus

All Because of Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uui-jUS8a4A


Read: Romans 6:8-14

Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:11

“While the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God.” Dr. David Platt, Radical. The first time I read the book “Radical” I thought to myself, “This guy’s a mega church pastor?” I guess I questioned Platt’s position based on what I’ve seen over the years. It seems to me, that most of us American believers are content to live life in what I call the Goldilocks continuum. You know what I mean not too bad and not too good, just right. Kind of lukewarm, hmmmm.

Paul shatters this lifestyle in Romans chapter 6. He says that as Christ followers, we no longer have to listen to sin tell us what to do and that we can discover the joy of listening to God tell us what to do. Before Christ, we used to live our lives oblivious to God’s grace and walk according to our own will and way. However, now that the Holy Spirit lives within our hearts we have a growing desire to please God. We look back on our former way of living as fruitless, meaningless, and containing memories of nothing for which we are proud.

I want to live in newness of the life Christ offers. I want to follow the goal of the gospel. I want to make much of God, because it is “All Because of Jesus” I’m alive. (2 Corinthians 5:15)



And it’s all because of Jesus I’m alive

And it’s all because the blood of Jesus Christ

That covers me and raised this dead man’s life

And it’s all because of Jesus I’m alive

Quiet Time: Stuff Happens - Be Ready

Stuff Happens – Be Ready
Read: Philippians 11:26-28

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. – Philippians 1:27

The guys I work with got to talking about a former coworker who used to carry a bible in his back pocket. He loved to talk about religion and especially enjoyed debating the wrong theology associated with various denominations. The problem was, he was openly unfaithful to his wife. To make matters worse, he’d brag about it. One guy finally confronted him in the middle of an impromptu sermon and asked, “Joe, tell me something, do you place the bible on top of the night-stand next to the bed or hide it inside the drawer before you mess around on your wife?” You see, Joe’s conduct made his testimony worthless.

I do believe God wants us to be bold witnesses for Him and what He’s doing in our lives. We shouldn’t fear what people may think about us; there are worse things in life than the label of “Jesus Freak” (Philippians 1:28). But, it is horrible, absolutely abhorrent, when we conduct ourselves in a manner that makes it look as if the good news of Jesus is nothing more than religious banter.

Stuff will happen to us. Stuff happens to everyone. And, you know what; sometimes good things can cause us to act awful just as easily as bad things. But, those of us who’ve experienced the love of Jesus in our hearts, and have tasted the goodness of God actually have a reason for acting and reacting differently. We love Him! And, because we love Him we want to please Him; plain and simple – now that’s a testimony worth sharing.

Quiet Time: Power Over People: Joseph In Charge

Power Over People: Joseph in Charge

The captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time. – Genesis 40:4

Quick Look:

• Joseph ran the prison for the captain because God “gave him favor” with the guard and he was good at it (Genesis 39:21-23).
• Joseph was placed in a position of authority over the king’s chief baker and cupbearer.
• Joseph used his favor and authority to serve.

Ponder Points:

• Joseph didn’t seek to be elevated; God lifted him up (1 Chronicles 29:12).
• Joseph didn’t dwell on the past or worry about the future but rested in the Lord (Psalm 37:6-8).
• Joseph walked right in a really wrong world (sold as a slave, slandered by a mistress, and forgotten in a rotten prison)

Question:

• How can I use my opportunities to serve rather than be served?

Quiet Time: A New Point of View

A New Point of View

Read: Luke 6:27-36


"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. – Luke 6: 35-36

I like punching people who punch me. It’s true, I do.

As a matter of fact, as a teen I found out that if I punched back straight and hard I usually stopped getting punched. Not very Christian, but effective.

I grew up in a pretty tough part of town where meekness was considered weakness. More often than not weaknesses were exploited to the “bad boys” personal advantage. I guess that’s why every time I read Jesus’ words in Luke I have unpleasant flashbacks.

In my neighborhood, turning the other cheek often meant that you got punched twice. Letting someone take your coat without a fight simply marked you as a push over and you’d probably lose your shirt too; whether you wanted to give it, or not. Doing good to a boy who hated you was considered just plain stupid. So, how does this play out in the real world? How do I take this word and walk in it?

Frankly, I’m probably the last guy who should be talking about this stuff. I still get angry with people who get angry with me, I still have to work through grudges that I hold against my enemies, and I still can’t seem to see bad people without wishing terrible things would happen to them. But, I do know that God is giving me a new way of looking at things that tends to make me do what I never thought I could.

But, before I get into how God is dealing with my need for speed in retaliation, I wonder how you deal with this passage of scripture? What’s your angle? Where are you at in your walk with Christ?

In other words, what’s your point of view?

Quiet Time: Dream It - Do It

Dream it – Do it

It will be as when a hungry man dreams— And behold, he is eating; But when he awakens, his hunger is not satisfied, Or as when a thirsty man dreams— And behold, he is drinking, But when he awakens, behold, he is faint And his thirst is not quenched. Thus the multitude of all the nations will be who wage war against Mount Zion. – Isaiah 29:8

My wife and I recently visited Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Frankly, I usually try and avoid theme parks but Disney offered a deal to Florida residents that was hard refuse. I think one would be hard pressed after about an hour of walking around the picturesque avenues and shops not to see a prevalent quote displayed throughout the park by the founder, Walt Disney, “If you can dream it you can do it.”

That just sounds good doesn’t it? I mean, isn’t that exactly what we want to hear? After all, from the time we were old enough to comprehend ambition’s siren call we’ve been told, “You can do anything you put your mind to” and “There’s nothing you can’t do if you’ll just apply yourself.” And, of course there’s the spiritual version, “Name it, claim it, believe it; insert christianeze verb here ____, and you can have it!” But what if I name it and claim it, then apply myself, and finally put my whole heart and mind into something only to discover that I get exactly what I want, and in the getting I lose my grip on the cloak of Christ (Matthew 9:19-21)? Worse yet, what if I begin to treat my walk with antipathy rather than avidity in Christ?

I remember hearing another quote that really got my attention; “Satan will give you whatever it takes to keep you from following Jesus.” This does appear to a valid view in light of Christ and Satan’s conversation during the wilderness temptation (Luke 4:5-8). So how do I strive to be my best without becoming overly connected to, or ambitions for, the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17)?
How do I guard against covetousness without becoming complacent? Here’s my personal and I’m sure over simplified prescription:

1. Seek Christ first and foremost (2 Corinthians 5:15)
2. Reject selfish ambition (Philippians 2:2-4)
3. Be my best for Jesus (Colossians 3:23-24)

(Proverbs 22:29) seems to speak to the benefits of being our best in whatever God gives us to do without losing our spiritual integrity.

Dream it – do it…all for Jesus.

Song Series: Bed Head (Living For Jesus)

No Bed Head for Me

Read: 1 Samuel 21:10-15

"Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this one to act the madman in my presence? Shall this one come into my house?" – 1 Samuel 21:15

God can make the most of a bad situation even if we’re the one who creates it.

All of us at one time or another have woken up from a fitful night's rest with the dreaded "bed head". Hairs pointing in every direction with strands popping up precariously making us look like an over-done  Alfalfa from the old Little Rascals. What used to be a morning malady is now an acceptable fashion statement. But, you know, I just don't think it works for me. Kind of like the "day old beard" look that was in a couple of years ago. When I let my whiskers grow or my hairs go unkempt it makes me look like a vagrant; not quite the look I was going for.

David was a mighty man of God; a hero we can all look up to, but there was time that he looked anything but heroic. 1 Samuel records David’s close call in his enemy’s city. He walked into Goliath’s hometown with Goliath’s sword on his hip hoping that no one would notice him. To the contrary, not only did people recognize him as the warrior Hebrew girls sang about (1 Samuel 18:6-7), but they also seemed to understand Dave’s destiny better than he did (1 Samuel 21:11-12). So, the people took him captive (Psalm 56:1) and brought him before king Achish. David saw the trouble he was in and feigned madness; scratching the floor like an animal with spit running down his chin. Achish took one look and let him go. David was neither mighty nor kingly at that moment, but he was free and very humbled, which is a great place to be in renewing a walk with the Lord. (For further study check out Psalm 34 & 56)

I suppose that changing our appearance to look more presentable isn’t necessarily a bad thing; however, trusting in looks to garner acceptance is a very slippery slope. Truthfully, this type of behavior is fear based and there’s a fine line between seeking God’s approval verses man’s (John 12:42-44). Therefore, if we find ourselves in a tough spot let’s be encouraged to be who we are, mighty men and women of God and leave the theatrics to thespians.

LIVING FOR JESUS

By Thomas Obediah Chisholm

Living for Jesus a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Quiet Time: Stupid Surveys and Other Mental Maladies

Stupid Surveys and Other Mental Maladies
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly - Proverbs 12:23.

We’ve all seen the truism that reads, “There are no stupid questions” but I’m pretty sure that I heard one. The question was part of a survey that asked, “When is it considered cheating?” It was raised in response to the whole Anthony Weiner fiasco. OK, I understand, the guy did wrong and he’s going to suffer for it. But, that’s not what got my gander up. It was the question; the really stupid question, “When is it considered cheating?” Just in case any of us think this question is legitimate; let me offer a method that’ll stop the Stupid Train before it leaves the station.

Here’s what I suggest: The next time we feel like carrying on a conversation with the opposite sex that we sense may be leading us into dangerous territory; we should, with a very straight face, look deeply into our spouse’s eyes and ask, “So, Babe, how would you respond to this person?” I think that’ll settle it. Unfortunately, if someone really is asking themselves "When is cheating on my spouse really cheating?" I believe they’re half way home to doing it; cheating that is.

Look, we do stupid stuff all the time. It happens; it’s called sin. Sin, for the most part, eventually gets found out and we suffer for it (Numbers 32:23) (see also: Genesis 4:7; 14:16; Isaiah 59:12). But, asking a question that’s based on the predisposition of playing with sin is just plain goofy. The person asking that question is asking for trouble, because he shows where his heart is (or where his toes are, which is right on the line that shouldn’t be crossed).

My pastor recently shared in a sermon, that the best way to deal with temptation is to RUN from it (1 Corinthians 6:18). So, don’t even give it a chance.

Like the other old truism states, “If you doubt; don’t.” This is good advice. By following it, we will, at the very least, keep ourselves safe from asking or answering stupid surveys.