I taught you to walk...

Hebrews 21:1  -"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Acts 20:24 - "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace."

Colossians 1:10 - "Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

The above verses were selected from numerous references in Scripture which indicate our Christian lives are described with illustrative references to walking, or running a race. The Hebrew writer encourages us to get rid of anything that slows us down, and run the race with determination.  Then Paul, in the verse from Acts says his life is worthless and the really worthwhile life is one that runs the race given by the Lord.  Again Paul writing to the Colossians encourages us to walk worthy of the Lord while pleasing him and bearing fruit and increasing in knowledge.

Three verses where the language is used, but each of the three containing important lessons we should learn and practice.  There is one more such verse which I had overlooked, and it gives us tremendous insight into the "walk" of our lives in Christ. Look to the poetic verses from Hosea 11:3-4:

It was I who taught Ephraim(Israel) to walk,
    taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
    it was I who healed them.

I led them with cords of human kindness,
    with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck
    and bent down to feed them.

Remember, the prophet Hosea was called  to teach the children of Israel how much God loved them.  Just as a loving parent will instruct, help, and guide a child in learning to walk, God says he is the one who taught Israel to walk. He took them by the arms even when they didn't realize it was God who was helping them.  Now notice that next verse. God "led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love," and God "lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." 

For the children of Israel it was God, Abba Father, who showed them love, even though they sinned and sought after other gods. The relentless love of the God of heaven became their helper, their leader, their healer, and in fact the provider for their every need. He helps us, too, in our walk, and running the race, and when we stumble, he is there with his ties of love to lift us up. 

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"Didn't get what I asked for..."

This was scribbled over 150 years ago by an anonymous soldier of the Confederate army:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve -- I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for help that I might do greater things -- I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy -- I was given poverty, that I might be wise. 

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life -- I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for -- but everything I had hoped for.

Despite myself, my prayers were answered.  I am, among all men, most richly blessed!

How would you analyze the prayers of this man, and the answers to each of those prayers?  Let's look at the first one.   Instead of God answering the prayer for strength to achieve, he answered with weakness so the humility of obedience could be learned.   Why would God do something like that? 

I think of myself praying such a prayer, but the longer I think about that prayer being answered, I would probably be taking all the credit for any achievements made.  Yes, I would rush to say the prayer, but human nature would have me believing I had accomplished great things by my own strength. 

The same is true with all the other things this man prayed for.  If God were to give him that for which he was asking, the outcome would have been entirely different.  He would have not learned humility, nor wisdom, nor the priorities of life, nor real happiness. 

Paul reminds us in Romans 8:26-27,  "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

Back to our soldier praying, there is little criticism that could be made in the things for which he prayed, but could this be the activity of the Holy Spirit, interceding so the prayers could be in accordance with the will of God?

God loves conversation with his people.  But aren't we glad when we ask him for something, the answer he gives is always something that is better for us, and always in line with his will.

I am surrounded by some of the "prayingest" people on earth.  We know and love the opportunity to talk to God about everything.  Above all things we ask for, all situations we pray about, all our problems and even our successes, I continually pray for us to seek only those things which are in accordance with God's will. 

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Memorial Day

A Weekend of Prayer

During this weekend, give yourself to prayers we all should pray.   I've started a list of specific things for which we can pray, knowing our collective prayers will be heard by our Father in heaven.   You are also encouraged to add to the list with prayers about things specific to your life.  All of us praying all weekend is going to bring us closer to each other, and closer to God as we develop the habit of taking everything to Him.  Here is the starting list:

1.  A prayer of thanksgiving, thanking God for his love, his provision, and his gift of salvation.

2.  A prayer for wisdom and understanding God's Word, and God's will for us.

3.  A prayer for our family, mentioning each family member by name.

4.  A prayer for our church home, it's leaders, it's ministry staff, and especially our church's work in our communities.

5.  A prayer for the lost, those who do not know Jesus and need to experience his salvation.

6.  A prayer for our church family.  Again, mention as many as you can by name.  Take them all to the throne of God as your pray.

7.  A prayer for our nation.  Once again, mention your governmental leaders and those who rule our nation. 

8.  A prayer for those who protect and serve us.  Our first responders have unique and dangerous jobs, but we would be at a tremendous loss without their dedication.

9.  A prayer for our service men and women who serve us at home and abroad.

10.  A prayer for yourself.  Make your prayer a personal time with God, no holding back, tell him what is on your heart.  Remember, a part of prayers like this is listening.

Your list additions start right here.  Add any prayer topics you wish.  I know those who are sick or those who have lost loved ones, your neighbors, your schools, your job, etc.  All will appreciate knowing you have prayed for them. 

God bless your dedication to prayer. 

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Putting off the Old, Being Made New

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.   Ephesians 4:22-32

Paul has written earlier in his letter, concerning the eternal inheritance  of the Christian, the strength and power belonging to those in Christ, and salvation as the gift of God's grace. He begins in chapter 4 with the subjects of unity and maturity in the body of Christ and actually outlines how we are all members of the one body.  The body only grows when each part is functioning properly.

When Paul's writings in chapter 4 reach the verses we have printed above, he is talking about each individual's life, contrasting  the before and after Jesus has brought about eternal changes. Notice we are to put off the old self, and be made new in the attitude of our minds' and to put on the new self. Especially notice Paul's description of the new creature in Christ, "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Let that sink in a bit and make some application to yourself. Is there any wonder that Paul used similar words when writing the Roman Christians? "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come."

The rest of Ephesians 4, (verses 25-32) give us the short version of those things associated with being like God in true righteousness and holiness. These verses are revealing the inward and outward evidences of lives that have actually "put on Christ."  Read them again and see the areas where you may excel, and the areas where you need to grow.  The ultimate goal is to become like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

While we still recognize sin and neglect in our lives, God's grace and love keep us pressing forward, striving to become more and more like Jesus. The journey is an exciting one, designed  by God to keep us in relationship with him, and sharing the good news with others. 

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Sodom's Daughters

It continues to amaze me at the way the Word of God, written ages ago, is relevant to my generation.  After all the years that have passed, every lesson God taught the earlier generations, are lessons we need, too.

Today's scripture text is a prime example.  The words come from the mouth of Ezekiel, and they come in one short verse.  "Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.”   Ezekiel 16:49

Those who were inspired by God to pen the scriptures, had a way of getting a message across to us, seemingly without regard to "stepping on toes."  The truth of their message was delivered  in a straight forward way and the importance of the message can be understood when we know these are the words from God who spoke through the prophets.

Look at their problem.  Ezekiel said it was the same problem of the people of Sodom.  Look again at the things Ezekiel used to describe them:

1.  Arrogance -- Don't we need to know today there is no place for arrogance when we stand before God?  If the sins of our lives have been forgiven because of the blood of Jesus, through the love and grace of God, where is there any room for arrogance?  We are delivered, not because we were strong enough, rich enough, smart enough, or important enough to make it happen.  It happened because God loves us even though we are sinners.

2.  Overfed -- While we are a people who love to eat, and sometimes to excess, look beyond just the eating part and understand this could also include any and all of our over indulgences.  Note also how the progressive nature of our list is growing.  Arrogance was the beginning point, then it grew into indulgences, and it keeps on growing.

3.  Lack of Concern -- Apparently Ezekiel was surrounded by a majority of people who simply did not care about others.  They were an unconcerned people.   Often, our words profess that we care, but our lack of concern shows through our facade when we do little or nothing help those who suffer, those who struggle, or those who have nowhere to turn.  

4.  They did not help the poor and needy --  We as a church are to be concerned with the needs of others. True, our message is the truth of the gospel, and we believe it, practice it, cling to it, and try to make it the core of our existence.  But what we say we believe and live by, loses its believability when we do not accompany it with whatever help we can provide.  Didn't Jesus spend most of his earthly ministry in the company of the poor and needy?  Additionally, it is good for the church to recognize the needs of others and assist when they can, but this message is much more personally applied.  Ask yourself, "What am I doing to help those who do not have enough food?  Those who are homeless?  Those who are sick?"  Think of someone you can help in some way, today.  Not only will you be a blessing to others, but you will be blessed, too.

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Instructions on Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

“This, then, is how you should pray:  “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, ¹⁰ your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.  ¹² Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  ¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'

Jesus had just finished giving more instruction on prayer. He warned about being hypocritical in personal prayers. There were apparently those who liked to pray publicly and loudly in order to draw attention to themselves. "See how spiritual I am because I pray so loud and so often?"

Jesus instead suggested that our personal prayers should be in private. Some translations say "in your closet with the door closed." The inference here is there are some things we need to talk about with God which are between us and God. Those who regularly spend time in private prayer with God will tell you these are the intimate times when closer relationship with God can be developed. Jesus even says there are rewards associated with praying in this way. 

He further instructed us not to babble on and on just to make it sound like we have more to talk to God about, making us more spiritual than others. Jesus made a point to say that people who pray like this are repeating their words over and over again, thinking that will bring answers to their prayers. 

Immediately following these instructions, Jesus spoke the words printed above, by saying, "This is how you should pray:" In teaching ourselves or others about prayer, notice several things can be learned from these instructions from our Lord. 

1. We are talking to our Heavenly Father, holding him high in reverence.

2. The kingdom of God is recognized as coming with its power.

3. We should pray for God's will to be done.

4. We seek and should be thankful for our daily food.

5. We learn forgiveness as well as our responsibility to forgive.

6. We seek God's help in avoiding temptation and deliverance from Satan. 

For some, these may be the basics while for others they are a meaningful content for prayer, from the lips of Jesus himself. Sure, we should continue to pray for the sick, the homeless, the poor, etc. But Jesus begins in a descriptive way, showing us the importance of talking to God, as well as praying for important things.  As you pray, consider the Lord's instruction here in Matthew 6. Then practice what you pray. 

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