Iniquity abounds. Spoiling and violence are inescapable. Protagonists rear their heads in strife and contention. They surround the righteous and as a result…lots of wrong decisions. Plans go awry. Fed up with the endless procession of injustice Habakkuk cries out to the Lord. He asks for a time line. How long shall I cry…how long before you publish[1] the defense strategy? He follows with another, equally jarring, question. “Why are You showing me this violence and perversion? Habakkuk pleads with God on the groundswell of revelation. You are causing me to see this.
When the Lord responded Habakkuk’s moleskin notebook contained twenty characteristics of the Chaldeans.
ruthless
impetuous
seize dwellings of others
feared, dreaded
law to themselves
promote their own honor
horses swifter than leopards
fiercer than wolves at dusk
cavalry gallops headlong
horsemen come from afar
fly like vultures to devour
bent on violence
hordes advance like a desert wind
gather prisoners like sand
deride kings
scoff at rulers
laugh at fortified cities
build and capture earthen ramps
sweep past like the wind
guilty men whose own strength is their god
Impressive note taking waned in the wake of this breaking newsflash. “I work a work….I am raising them up.” Just when did the jolting declaration solidify in his understanding? “Behold among the heathen…I will work a work…I am raising up the Chaldeans.”
Habakkuk, meaning to embrace, is moved into action by the staccato pace of God’s word. Truth has spoken. With laser beam intensity Habakkuk makes his declaration. “I will stand...”
He shakes off apathy and indifference. He moves from prayer to proclamation. He seems to have discovered the proper place to take action. “…upon my watch.” He does not ask for a promotion nor is there any indication he requires others to join his cause. He simply states his intent. He offers to establish himself at the edge of the conflict[2]. He looks out with focused intent. From this new vantage point Habakkuk expects God to reveal His promise in the midst of the conflict. He expects salvation. Peter must have read his book.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Pet 1:4 (KJV)
Did Habakkuk know … did he have previous experience with God’s rebuke? How could he be so certain the Word of the Lord would pierce him with conviction? Why was his heart set to receive correction? Why did he take the steps recorded in verse 1? Is there a key to the progression?
We are introduced to Habakkuk as he cries out in desperation. We watch him take copious notes. We listen as he boldly declares, “We will not die.” Then we see him set his own stage. He is ready to stand in the battle. Will he be sent with a word of correction as Nathan was to David? Or as Elijah to Ahab? Will he go to the leaders with a word of correction like Haggai? Will he be seized by the hair of his head and sent to prophecy to mountains, bones and the wind like Ezekiel? The drum roll begins as he waits in anticipation.
Write the vision.
The thundering voice of God whispers the conviction. Quit crying. Start writing. Quit focusing on the circumstances. Write the defense strategy I give you. Stand with a pen in your hand and write. Pass on the urgency. Communicate the necessity. Make people run…to the tower, just like you did. Help them see.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Prov 18:10 (KJV)
The words filled the air silencing every human thought and reasoning. Was this the work which would bring forth the treasure? Write the book of prophecy, the divine communiqué from heaven? Write the oracles of God. Write the defense strategy. And just who is the targeted audience? Anyone who reads. This is a book for the masses.
God commissioned a ghostwriter then transitioned him from a cry of desperation to a pen of consecration. God spoke with clarity. He made it plain. Others may stand in pulpits. Some may be sequestered in prayer. Some may stand before kings but Habakkuk, you are called to write the defense strategy of heaven, a book which will cause the masses to cast off apathy and respond at an accelerated pace. God didn’t say it but it was clear. The defense strategy is not published yet….because you have not written it yet.
[1] 8085 שָׁמַע, שֶׁמַע [shama` /shaw·mah/] v n m. “publish”
[2] 4692 מָצֹור, מָצֹור [matsowr, matsuwr /maw·tsore/] n m. From 6696; 1 siege-enclosure, siege, entrenchment, siege works. 1a siege. 1b enclosure, siege-works, rampart.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Why won’t you publish the defense strategy?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Sell what you have. Lk 18:21-23
The words pierced me like a carefully targeted arrow hitting its mark. Yet, I was neither rich, nor young. Neither was I a ruler. Or was I?
There were some things he’d gotten right, this young man which stood questioning Jesus. Yet, there was more required of him. He ruled. But he lacked the ability to exercise dominion in the arena of marketing.
As a young writer, aspiring to see my articles in print, the revelation flooded my understanding jolting my little world of I-don’t like-to-do-marketing. The words bathed me with new understanding. “Sell what you have.”
It only takes a moment for the higher thoughts of the Lord to penetrate and shatter the hidden secrets of the heart. I, like the rich, young ruler, was holding on to my writing as he did his possessions. With a change of thinking, I pondered the words. “Sell what you have.”
What you have…not what they want.
Sell it! Don’t give it away.
Sell what you have.
You’ve got it, something others need to survive, overcome, endure…succeed.
What have you already written? What have you written that has value? What are you storing up in barns, even building new barns to hold, instead of getting it out into the arena of valued product?
Writer’s, rich with ideas, must accept the challenge Jesus presented to the young ruler. It requires a change of focus from possessor to promoter. From marks to market. From my possession to my responsibility to get the message out.
What could the rich young ruler have done? What can we, rich young writers do?
Accept the challenge and obey the command.
Hear the affirmation in the command. Ponder this for a moment. Jesus told the man, “Sell what you have.” He obviously knew what the man had. According to the young ruler’s response to the Lord, he kept five of the ten commandments. Jesus did not discount the accomplishment. He could just as well have said, “Don’t keep the secret to your success, the ability to keep these commandments, stored away in your own barn. Make this available for public consumption. Feed those who are struggling with that which you have mastered.”
Jesus’ words of command were also words of encouragement. It was an affirmation of the young man’s wealth. I know what you have. Sell it. Get people to make an exchange. At the same time He was also saying, “There are people out there who are willing to pay for what you are storing.”
Think about this for a moment. This is Jesus speaking. He knows who you are and what you have to offer. He knows the needs of the people and he’s standing before you with one simple command. “Sell what you have.”
Package what you have for public consumption. Someone needs it. Someone will buy it….and you will experience new life. Isn’t that the essence of what Jesus said to the man?
Let’s take this a step further. Let’s brainstorm together. What unmerited thinking shackled the rich young ruler? Could it be summed up by saying, “I don’t know how? I don't have the time. I've never done that before.” After all those are some of the excuse we’ve been using isn’t it? I don’t know how to find out who needs this information. I don’t know how to query an editor. I don’t know how to edit the article. I don’t know how….? Fill in the blank yourself. I’m sure you, like myself, have said it enough times to know the refrain by heart.
Here’s a thought to ponder. This ruler was being challenged by the Lord to expand his knowledge base. Yet, he was content to just “possess”. Many in the body of Christ stand at the same threshold. We possess knowledge of the Christian life. We have overcome in several, if not many, arenas. We have some trophies and we sometimes recall the moments of triumph. But have we recorded those victories, the lessons learned and the encouragement for others?
I want to leave you with this thought today. Are you a rich young ruler? Are you secure in your level of accomplishment? Take this challenge today. What truths have you mastered? What area of your life has been transformed. What "food for thought" do you have that others will be nourished by? Write them. Record them and pass them on. They’re valuable and someone will make an exchange (buy) in order to reach the level of success you are basking in today.
There were some things he’d gotten right, this young man which stood questioning Jesus. Yet, there was more required of him. He ruled. But he lacked the ability to exercise dominion in the arena of marketing.
As a young writer, aspiring to see my articles in print, the revelation flooded my understanding jolting my little world of I-don’t like-to-do-marketing. The words bathed me with new understanding. “Sell what you have.”
It only takes a moment for the higher thoughts of the Lord to penetrate and shatter the hidden secrets of the heart. I, like the rich, young ruler, was holding on to my writing as he did his possessions. With a change of thinking, I pondered the words. “Sell what you have.”
What you have…not what they want.
Sell it! Don’t give it away.
Sell what you have.
You’ve got it, something others need to survive, overcome, endure…succeed.
What have you already written? What have you written that has value? What are you storing up in barns, even building new barns to hold, instead of getting it out into the arena of valued product?
Writer’s, rich with ideas, must accept the challenge Jesus presented to the young ruler. It requires a change of focus from possessor to promoter. From marks to market. From my possession to my responsibility to get the message out.
What could the rich young ruler have done? What can we, rich young writers do?
Accept the challenge and obey the command.
Hear the affirmation in the command. Ponder this for a moment. Jesus told the man, “Sell what you have.” He obviously knew what the man had. According to the young ruler’s response to the Lord, he kept five of the ten commandments. Jesus did not discount the accomplishment. He could just as well have said, “Don’t keep the secret to your success, the ability to keep these commandments, stored away in your own barn. Make this available for public consumption. Feed those who are struggling with that which you have mastered.”
Jesus’ words of command were also words of encouragement. It was an affirmation of the young man’s wealth. I know what you have. Sell it. Get people to make an exchange. At the same time He was also saying, “There are people out there who are willing to pay for what you are storing.”
Think about this for a moment. This is Jesus speaking. He knows who you are and what you have to offer. He knows the needs of the people and he’s standing before you with one simple command. “Sell what you have.”
Package what you have for public consumption. Someone needs it. Someone will buy it….and you will experience new life. Isn’t that the essence of what Jesus said to the man?
Let’s take this a step further. Let’s brainstorm together. What unmerited thinking shackled the rich young ruler? Could it be summed up by saying, “I don’t know how? I don't have the time. I've never done that before.” After all those are some of the excuse we’ve been using isn’t it? I don’t know how to find out who needs this information. I don’t know how to query an editor. I don’t know how to edit the article. I don’t know how….? Fill in the blank yourself. I’m sure you, like myself, have said it enough times to know the refrain by heart.
Here’s a thought to ponder. This ruler was being challenged by the Lord to expand his knowledge base. Yet, he was content to just “possess”. Many in the body of Christ stand at the same threshold. We possess knowledge of the Christian life. We have overcome in several, if not many, arenas. We have some trophies and we sometimes recall the moments of triumph. But have we recorded those victories, the lessons learned and the encouragement for others?
I want to leave you with this thought today. Are you a rich young ruler? Are you secure in your level of accomplishment? Take this challenge today. What truths have you mastered? What area of your life has been transformed. What "food for thought" do you have that others will be nourished by? Write them. Record them and pass them on. They’re valuable and someone will make an exchange (buy) in order to reach the level of success you are basking in today.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Complaint or complaining?
“I’m afraid to pour out my complaint to God.”
Her words, spoken quietly, came in response to a discussion on suffering. Others nodded in agreement. David’s words, though admired, seemed somehow distant to us.
“I poured out my complaint.” Ps 142:2
How do you pour out your complaint with out showing disrespect or lack of faith? How can we overcome the timidity? Does God care?
“He already knows what you are thinking, so tell him your complaint.” It was a formidable, even reasonable, reply from the group leader but apprehension still lingered on many hearts.
Could God actually invite us to complain? Why then were those who murmured and complained in the wilderness sentenced to die before they ever saw the Promised Land? Is this the cause of our reluctance? Those questions gave rise to another in my own heart. “Is there a difference between a complaint and complaining?” I set my heart to find out.
The next day I found a startling discovery.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, and He will hear my voice. Ps 55:17 NRSV
Later in the same chapter, David gives a word of instruction and a declarative promise.
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Ps 55:22 NRSV
The thoughts and questions tumbled about like competing athletes. What is the distinction? What makes one complainer fall dead and the other stand declaring the faithfulness of God? Has David shown us the key and the motive for presenting a complaint?
He will hear my voice!
David taps out the distinction like a SOS distress call in Morse code. Three dots, three dashes, three dots came to mean Save Our Souls but what response would have come if a portion of code had been omitted? David’s cry for help had three elements as well. Complaint, followed by moaning and sealed with faith, “He will hear MY voice.”
Is that a faith infused confession or not? Then it hit me! The murmuring and complaining which left dead bodies in the wake came from hearts which did not believe God would act. David presented his complaint in full acknowledgement of God’s righteousness and His faithfulness to His covenant children.
My heart was singing a new song. He will hear my voice! Therefore, I shall make my complaint known to Him. Faith was rising and understanding was coming. It was then the Holy Spirit brought another passage to mind.
If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame. NSRV Pr 1 8:13
Could David have known this character trait of God? Do we? Is the answer withheld because God has not heard us present a complaint believing He will answer? Those who murmur and complain do not ask for help. They simply accept the circumstances as proof of what they believe in their heart, no one cares. It is unbelief. Look at this convicting passage.
“The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them. Job 36:13 NSRV
Now that makes me take a step back. Does it speak to you like it speaks to me? Have we learned…should we learn…to pour out our complaints? David’s complaints got results. Do ours? Are we as confident in God as David proved to be? “He will hear my voice…He will sustain you…He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Is Our Heavenly Father waiting to hear our complaints, offered in full assurance, before He gives His answer?
Heavenly Father, I approach your throne today in full assurance. I’m convicted by David’s unwavering faith in the Good Shepherd. I confess, in times past, I’ve been too hesitant to cry out. Did I think you too busy or too indifferent? Did I suppose I was unworthy of your attention or too steeped in my own failures to warrant your intervention? Father, forgive me for this lack of knowledge. Forgive me for holding back the cry for help, for whatever the reason may have been.
Even as Solomon heard both complaints from the two harlots before rendering judgment I believe you are waiting for me to pour out my complaint, that you may hear and render Your Answer.
I trust you to judge righteously. I trust you to hear this complaint and speak forth a word that heals the disease and delivers from destruction.
I cast the burden of the situation upon you by pouring out my complaint, fully convinced you will hear. You will speak. You will bring clarity. You will execute righteous judgment. I am fully persuaded you will scatter all evil with your eyes and render your decision in equity and without partiality.
Forgive me for those times when I complained in unbelief. Today, I am fully persuaded you will intervene. Let your kingdom verdict be manifest here on earth.
Her words, spoken quietly, came in response to a discussion on suffering. Others nodded in agreement. David’s words, though admired, seemed somehow distant to us.
“I poured out my complaint.” Ps 142:2
How do you pour out your complaint with out showing disrespect or lack of faith? How can we overcome the timidity? Does God care?
“He already knows what you are thinking, so tell him your complaint.” It was a formidable, even reasonable, reply from the group leader but apprehension still lingered on many hearts.
Could God actually invite us to complain? Why then were those who murmured and complained in the wilderness sentenced to die before they ever saw the Promised Land? Is this the cause of our reluctance? Those questions gave rise to another in my own heart. “Is there a difference between a complaint and complaining?” I set my heart to find out.
The next day I found a startling discovery.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, and He will hear my voice. Ps 55:17 NRSV
Later in the same chapter, David gives a word of instruction and a declarative promise.
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Ps 55:22 NRSV
The thoughts and questions tumbled about like competing athletes. What is the distinction? What makes one complainer fall dead and the other stand declaring the faithfulness of God? Has David shown us the key and the motive for presenting a complaint?
He will hear my voice!
David taps out the distinction like a SOS distress call in Morse code. Three dots, three dashes, three dots came to mean Save Our Souls but what response would have come if a portion of code had been omitted? David’s cry for help had three elements as well. Complaint, followed by moaning and sealed with faith, “He will hear MY voice.”
Is that a faith infused confession or not? Then it hit me! The murmuring and complaining which left dead bodies in the wake came from hearts which did not believe God would act. David presented his complaint in full acknowledgement of God’s righteousness and His faithfulness to His covenant children.
My heart was singing a new song. He will hear my voice! Therefore, I shall make my complaint known to Him. Faith was rising and understanding was coming. It was then the Holy Spirit brought another passage to mind.
If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame. NSRV Pr 1 8:13
Could David have known this character trait of God? Do we? Is the answer withheld because God has not heard us present a complaint believing He will answer? Those who murmur and complain do not ask for help. They simply accept the circumstances as proof of what they believe in their heart, no one cares. It is unbelief. Look at this convicting passage.
“The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them. Job 36:13 NSRV
Now that makes me take a step back. Does it speak to you like it speaks to me? Have we learned…should we learn…to pour out our complaints? David’s complaints got results. Do ours? Are we as confident in God as David proved to be? “He will hear my voice…He will sustain you…He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Is Our Heavenly Father waiting to hear our complaints, offered in full assurance, before He gives His answer?
Heavenly Father, I approach your throne today in full assurance. I’m convicted by David’s unwavering faith in the Good Shepherd. I confess, in times past, I’ve been too hesitant to cry out. Did I think you too busy or too indifferent? Did I suppose I was unworthy of your attention or too steeped in my own failures to warrant your intervention? Father, forgive me for this lack of knowledge. Forgive me for holding back the cry for help, for whatever the reason may have been.
Even as Solomon heard both complaints from the two harlots before rendering judgment I believe you are waiting for me to pour out my complaint, that you may hear and render Your Answer.
I trust you to judge righteously. I trust you to hear this complaint and speak forth a word that heals the disease and delivers from destruction.
I cast the burden of the situation upon you by pouring out my complaint, fully convinced you will hear. You will speak. You will bring clarity. You will execute righteous judgment. I am fully persuaded you will scatter all evil with your eyes and render your decision in equity and without partiality.
Forgive me for those times when I complained in unbelief. Today, I am fully persuaded you will intervene. Let your kingdom verdict be manifest here on earth.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Why are things this way?
There is a paradox in this walk of faith that causes some to stop and ask, “Why?”
Why are things this way? Why did you do that? The questions come like arrest warrants, bringing us into a face to face encounter with an authority which can not be resisted. So it was on the day Jesus delivered a hallmark message neatly wrapped with ribbon., “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” Mk 4:13
Sitting in a boat just off the shore Jesus declared a parable for all to hear. Yet, not all would hear. His words, his platform, and his instructions drew a line of demarcation. It is worthy of careful observation to hear what he said to create the juxtaposition. “A sower went out to sow.” Purpose is clearly articulated. Someone is gone forth with one single intent, to place seed in the ground which will produce a harvest.
“To you it has been granted.”
Answering the question, “Why?” Jesus led his disciples into the light. Hearing is a gift for those who follow the Lord. It has been granted to you. It’s a pointed remark to a select audience. It was not spoken to, nor over heard by, those who stood on the shore. It was spoken to those who asked for understanding, those who followed Him as He distanced himself from the shore and launched his floating platform into swaying waters.
The sower, in this instance, did not concern himself with those who walked their own way or in their own understanding. He went to great length, however, to bring understanding to those who desired it. At the close of the parable we find the signature of faith. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mt 13:9 (KJ)
A qualifying command jostles some out of complacency. Not everyone has ears to hear. Jesus knew it. He addressed it. He tailored his messages to accommodate it. Let those who have hearing ears…hear. An imperative command tempered with a sad acceptance of reality. Not everyone chooses to hear the voice of the good shepherd.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Ti 2:19
The foundation of faith is this. The Lord knows who has ears to hear. He knows to whom it has been granted. He is keenly aware of the distinction between those who gather on the shoreline and those who get in the boat with Him.
How then can you position yourself to hear from the Lord?
1) Answer the call
2) Follow Him
3) Listen to his teaching
4) Ask for understanding
The disciples, in this passage, give us clues in hearing Him. First, and foremost, they were called by Him and answered that call. Ask yourself, Have you fully surrendered to the call? Are you following Him daily? Are you listening for His voice? Are you asking for understanding? Have you made a decision to hear Him?
A wise man will hear and will increase in learning. Pr 1:6 KJ
The disciples inclined their ears to hear Jesus. Their hearts wanted to understand. They leaned not to their own understanding but rather sought to understand as he understood.
“To them it has not been given” Matt 13:9
Jesus spoke of the ability to hear. To his followers he declared “to you it has been granted”. Of the bystanders he spoke, “to them it has not been given”. On this point alone we should pause and reflect. “Do these ears hear?”
Why are things this way? Why did you do that? The questions come like arrest warrants, bringing us into a face to face encounter with an authority which can not be resisted. So it was on the day Jesus delivered a hallmark message neatly wrapped with ribbon., “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” Mk 4:13
Sitting in a boat just off the shore Jesus declared a parable for all to hear. Yet, not all would hear. His words, his platform, and his instructions drew a line of demarcation. It is worthy of careful observation to hear what he said to create the juxtaposition. “A sower went out to sow.” Purpose is clearly articulated. Someone is gone forth with one single intent, to place seed in the ground which will produce a harvest.
“To you it has been granted.”
Answering the question, “Why?” Jesus led his disciples into the light. Hearing is a gift for those who follow the Lord. It has been granted to you. It’s a pointed remark to a select audience. It was not spoken to, nor over heard by, those who stood on the shore. It was spoken to those who asked for understanding, those who followed Him as He distanced himself from the shore and launched his floating platform into swaying waters.
The sower, in this instance, did not concern himself with those who walked their own way or in their own understanding. He went to great length, however, to bring understanding to those who desired it. At the close of the parable we find the signature of faith. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mt 13:9 (KJ)
A qualifying command jostles some out of complacency. Not everyone has ears to hear. Jesus knew it. He addressed it. He tailored his messages to accommodate it. Let those who have hearing ears…hear. An imperative command tempered with a sad acceptance of reality. Not everyone chooses to hear the voice of the good shepherd.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Ti 2:19
The foundation of faith is this. The Lord knows who has ears to hear. He knows to whom it has been granted. He is keenly aware of the distinction between those who gather on the shoreline and those who get in the boat with Him.
How then can you position yourself to hear from the Lord?
1) Answer the call
2) Follow Him
3) Listen to his teaching
4) Ask for understanding
The disciples, in this passage, give us clues in hearing Him. First, and foremost, they were called by Him and answered that call. Ask yourself, Have you fully surrendered to the call? Are you following Him daily? Are you listening for His voice? Are you asking for understanding? Have you made a decision to hear Him?
A wise man will hear and will increase in learning. Pr 1:6 KJ
The disciples inclined their ears to hear Jesus. Their hearts wanted to understand. They leaned not to their own understanding but rather sought to understand as he understood.
“To them it has not been given” Matt 13:9
Jesus spoke of the ability to hear. To his followers he declared “to you it has been granted”. Of the bystanders he spoke, “to them it has not been given”. On this point alone we should pause and reflect. “Do these ears hear?”
Thursday, January 31, 2008
What shall your wages be?
Because thou art my brother,
Shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought?
Tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Ge 29:15
Have you determined what your wages should be? Laban’s startling question to Jacob is worthy of close scrutiny. Do you comprehend the necessity of knowing your own value. Jacob was ready to give an answer. Are you?
Let’s take a closer look and identify some components of this request that will help identify the value of your work. Laban preferences his request with a nugget of vital information. Because you are my brother. In actuality Laban was an uncle on his mother’s side.[1] As one bound to family loyalty Laban considered the labourer worthy of his hire. Therefore, he posed the question to Jacob. “Tell me, what shall thy wages be?”
How will you respond when the question is asked of you? Do you have a healthy perspective of your own skills and talents? Have you taken the time to study how you will answer this critical question? Have you assessed your value in light of man’s opinion or God’s.
Proverbs 15:28 lets us in on a key. “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer:”
What shall your wages be? Could the answer be linked to the quality of life you now live? Why not spend some time meditating on the request. Ponder this thought as well. Jacob heard this question after running for his life.[2] Esau made a decision to kill Jacob. Learn this lesson from his experience. To stay in the company of those who hate[3] you is certain death. You must flee for refuge. God will visit you and reveal his plans for your life just like he did Jacob’s.[4] Only then will you be equipped to answer the question.
Laban stuns us again. “Should you work for nothing?
Should I?
Should you…
work for nothing?
While you muse over the thought consider this. It is Laban who is challenging Jacob with this line of questioning. Through it we see a glimpse of his mind set. The qeustion was obviously posed to him at some point. You can hear the firmly engrained conviction. We don’t work for nothing …. nor do we expect you to. With that in mind ask yourself this question. Are you working for anything?
Tell me, what shall your wages be?
[1] Gen 28:1
[2] Gen 27:41
[3] to hate, oppose oneself to, bear a grudge, retain animosity against, cherish animosity against.
[4] Gen 28:13
Shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought?
Tell me, what shall thy wages be?
Ge 29:15
Have you determined what your wages should be? Laban’s startling question to Jacob is worthy of close scrutiny. Do you comprehend the necessity of knowing your own value. Jacob was ready to give an answer. Are you?
Let’s take a closer look and identify some components of this request that will help identify the value of your work. Laban preferences his request with a nugget of vital information. Because you are my brother. In actuality Laban was an uncle on his mother’s side.[1] As one bound to family loyalty Laban considered the labourer worthy of his hire. Therefore, he posed the question to Jacob. “Tell me, what shall thy wages be?”
How will you respond when the question is asked of you? Do you have a healthy perspective of your own skills and talents? Have you taken the time to study how you will answer this critical question? Have you assessed your value in light of man’s opinion or God’s.
Proverbs 15:28 lets us in on a key. “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer:”
What shall your wages be? Could the answer be linked to the quality of life you now live? Why not spend some time meditating on the request. Ponder this thought as well. Jacob heard this question after running for his life.[2] Esau made a decision to kill Jacob. Learn this lesson from his experience. To stay in the company of those who hate[3] you is certain death. You must flee for refuge. God will visit you and reveal his plans for your life just like he did Jacob’s.[4] Only then will you be equipped to answer the question.
Laban stuns us again. “Should you work for nothing?
Should I?
Should you…
work for nothing?
While you muse over the thought consider this. It is Laban who is challenging Jacob with this line of questioning. Through it we see a glimpse of his mind set. The qeustion was obviously posed to him at some point. You can hear the firmly engrained conviction. We don’t work for nothing …. nor do we expect you to. With that in mind ask yourself this question. Are you working for anything?
Tell me, what shall your wages be?
[1] Gen 28:1
[2] Gen 27:41
[3] to hate, oppose oneself to, bear a grudge, retain animosity against, cherish animosity against.
[4] Gen 28:13
Saturday, January 5, 2008
"In the beginning God created."
This is the beginning of a brand new year. As I reflect on it I'm asking in anticipation, "What are you planning to create in 2008?" What formless and empty space will you transform by your word? What darkness will be restrained by your light? Where will the Holy Spirit hover in this new year?
As I stand in readiness to embark on these next 365 days that will unfold systematically before our eyes I ask, "What will you do to create time?"
Day 1: Lord God will you see any light---any good---in the words I speak? Will my words seperate the darkness and establish new seasons? Will I make time, as you did, with the words I speak and the words I write?
Day 2:Will I speak again? After the first victory, when light is restrained, will I speak again? Will I stand and declare a distintively different word? Will there ever be an expanse between the waters to seperate? or will I cower, unwilling to utter the words that seperate the Holy from the vile? Will I change my speech and see the effects that follow?
Thank you, Lord, for showing me your lack of rote phrases. Will my words create a gathering effect? Will they command a following? Will dry ground appear? or will the potential to bring forth seed from the earth be forever submerged, waterlogged and unfit for fruitfulness.
Will I see the good?Will my words produce seed-bearing fruit? Will fruitfulness be a result of the words I chose to speak?As I take a short glimpse into the days ahead I must ask, "Will the creative, life-giving, fruit-producing authority be in the words I release into the atomsphere? Will I see the light? it's effects? its fruit?
As I stand in readiness to embark on these next 365 days that will unfold systematically before our eyes I ask, "What will you do to create time?"
Day 1: Lord God will you see any light---any good---in the words I speak? Will my words seperate the darkness and establish new seasons? Will I make time, as you did, with the words I speak and the words I write?
Day 2:Will I speak again? After the first victory, when light is restrained, will I speak again? Will I stand and declare a distintively different word? Will there ever be an expanse between the waters to seperate? or will I cower, unwilling to utter the words that seperate the Holy from the vile? Will I change my speech and see the effects that follow?
Thank you, Lord, for showing me your lack of rote phrases. Will my words create a gathering effect? Will they command a following? Will dry ground appear? or will the potential to bring forth seed from the earth be forever submerged, waterlogged and unfit for fruitfulness.
Will I see the good?Will my words produce seed-bearing fruit? Will fruitfulness be a result of the words I chose to speak?As I take a short glimpse into the days ahead I must ask, "Will the creative, life-giving, fruit-producing authority be in the words I release into the atomsphere? Will I see the light? it's effects? its fruit?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Ministering To The Saints
"As touching the ministering to the saints" II Cor 9:1
Paul, when addressing the Corinthian church on the importance of ministering to the saints, used his pen. It was not a sermon but a letter, not spoken but written to bring understanding. You, like the Corinthians, may have glossed over the gentle rebuke he brought through the written word. "Achaia was ready a year ago."
What was he saying? Simple. You've been putting off what you decided to do last year.When I got that message this morning while studying this passage it caused me to reach for last year's daily planner. I was looking for one thing. What did I make a decision to do last year that I have not done? The discovery brought conviction. The Holy Spirit led me to the truth. I had made a decision to write but circumstances knocked me off balance and diverted me off course. He even goes on to say, "your zeal has provoked many."
Achaia made a decision. The repercussions impacted many others. That's good….but….you have not yet completed what you started. Do you think Paul identified the cause for our dilemma today? Are you saying "ouch" in chorus with me? Am I the only one whose focus he has targeted to adjust? What was Paul's solution to the problem? They've fallen short in completing what was started a year ago. It was a letter ….a written notice, reminder if you will, that he and others were positioning themselves as accountability partners for the endeavors the Corinthian church determined to complete.
Is that not a double edged sword? Is it not a bitter-sweet revelation. Is it not bitter tasting to be reminded you have not done what you said you would do? Yet, at the same time he applauds them. Doesn't his letter cause you to hear his own confidence in their integrity? Is that not sweet? Paul readily saw the enemy's device. They made a decision but for what ever reason it was de-railed. Paul wrote purposefully to get the decision train back on track. Isn't that what you've been waiting for as well? Someone to help you see where you've been derailed and help you get back on track? Paul admonished them. Stay the course. Finish the work. It's in you.
Based on Paul's actions I have to believe he knew the root of the problem. Many people see the problem but offer no relief in seeing it resolved. Paul was not one of those. He backed up his letter and support of those in Achaia with substance. "I have sent the brethren……that you may be ready." (vs3)Paul identified the problem, wrote it, then sent reinforcements. Isn't that exactly what you have been needing? Isn't that the real reason why it's not finished? There's been no coach, no mentor, no one to bounce things off of. Isn't the reason you gradually lost interest in the project was it was so lonely being on the cutting edge. Doing what others never thought about doing. Haven't you often cried in secret, "I just need to know someone on this planet believes I can finish this."
We watch others lead normal lives. But writers lead a life that is far from normal. It requires huge blocks of time carved out of normality. It requires focus, sharp focus and the ability to touch the hearts of many. How can you expect to touch the hearts of the masses when your own heart needs a touch? Paul seemed to have a handle on the dilemma. He first sent a written letter. Then he sent brethren, someone who could identify with the intent."I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren." Wouldn't you just love to receive a letter from someone who has identified the cause of procrastination and was willing, of his own accord, to help you over the bumps in the road? Isn't that what each of us as writers really need? Someone who can help us stay focused. Someone who will remind us…..people are waiting, in urgent need, of that which you started last year.
Paul realized the need of the recipient and the donor (in your case the reader and the writer). He volunteered a two-fold solution. He sent a personal letter then he sent personal trainers.My prayer for you as writers today. Heavenly Father we acknowledge our failures to complete that which we told you last year we would do. We make no excuses for the delay. Our hearts embrace the conviction. We look now to the hills from whence cometh our help. We have tried so tirelessly to finish this project in our own strength, with our own resources and determination. But the truth is we need encouragement.
We who write to impact others need others to come along side us and hold up our hands. Send the brethren to us Lord that you know can help us adjust focus, get back on track and finish the work. As Paul commissioned laborers into this field specifically for bringing closure to a project that was overdue send us the help we need to meet the deadlines. Send those whose very presence reminds us, "I was sent to you ….to help you complete the work…fulfill your assignment and to see that those in dire need of your ministry receive it. In closing. Have you considered the cause in the delay could be …like those in Achaia….you lost sight of the urgency? Writer's who intend to speak into the lives of others can not afford to become complacent. There is an urgent need at hand. Complete the work and send it. Find someone who is struggling today and write to them. Know that your written words like Paul's will bring a speedy solution. Make a difference in someone's life today. Write a letter. Write an article. Write a note. Then send it and expect the miraculous.
Paul, when addressing the Corinthian church on the importance of ministering to the saints, used his pen. It was not a sermon but a letter, not spoken but written to bring understanding. You, like the Corinthians, may have glossed over the gentle rebuke he brought through the written word. "Achaia was ready a year ago."
What was he saying? Simple. You've been putting off what you decided to do last year.When I got that message this morning while studying this passage it caused me to reach for last year's daily planner. I was looking for one thing. What did I make a decision to do last year that I have not done? The discovery brought conviction. The Holy Spirit led me to the truth. I had made a decision to write but circumstances knocked me off balance and diverted me off course. He even goes on to say, "your zeal has provoked many."
Achaia made a decision. The repercussions impacted many others. That's good….but….you have not yet completed what you started. Do you think Paul identified the cause for our dilemma today? Are you saying "ouch" in chorus with me? Am I the only one whose focus he has targeted to adjust? What was Paul's solution to the problem? They've fallen short in completing what was started a year ago. It was a letter ….a written notice, reminder if you will, that he and others were positioning themselves as accountability partners for the endeavors the Corinthian church determined to complete.
Is that not a double edged sword? Is it not a bitter-sweet revelation. Is it not bitter tasting to be reminded you have not done what you said you would do? Yet, at the same time he applauds them. Doesn't his letter cause you to hear his own confidence in their integrity? Is that not sweet? Paul readily saw the enemy's device. They made a decision but for what ever reason it was de-railed. Paul wrote purposefully to get the decision train back on track. Isn't that what you've been waiting for as well? Someone to help you see where you've been derailed and help you get back on track? Paul admonished them. Stay the course. Finish the work. It's in you.
Based on Paul's actions I have to believe he knew the root of the problem. Many people see the problem but offer no relief in seeing it resolved. Paul was not one of those. He backed up his letter and support of those in Achaia with substance. "I have sent the brethren……that you may be ready." (vs3)Paul identified the problem, wrote it, then sent reinforcements. Isn't that exactly what you have been needing? Isn't that the real reason why it's not finished? There's been no coach, no mentor, no one to bounce things off of. Isn't the reason you gradually lost interest in the project was it was so lonely being on the cutting edge. Doing what others never thought about doing. Haven't you often cried in secret, "I just need to know someone on this planet believes I can finish this."
We watch others lead normal lives. But writers lead a life that is far from normal. It requires huge blocks of time carved out of normality. It requires focus, sharp focus and the ability to touch the hearts of many. How can you expect to touch the hearts of the masses when your own heart needs a touch? Paul seemed to have a handle on the dilemma. He first sent a written letter. Then he sent brethren, someone who could identify with the intent."I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren." Wouldn't you just love to receive a letter from someone who has identified the cause of procrastination and was willing, of his own accord, to help you over the bumps in the road? Isn't that what each of us as writers really need? Someone who can help us stay focused. Someone who will remind us…..people are waiting, in urgent need, of that which you started last year.
Paul realized the need of the recipient and the donor (in your case the reader and the writer). He volunteered a two-fold solution. He sent a personal letter then he sent personal trainers.My prayer for you as writers today. Heavenly Father we acknowledge our failures to complete that which we told you last year we would do. We make no excuses for the delay. Our hearts embrace the conviction. We look now to the hills from whence cometh our help. We have tried so tirelessly to finish this project in our own strength, with our own resources and determination. But the truth is we need encouragement.
We who write to impact others need others to come along side us and hold up our hands. Send the brethren to us Lord that you know can help us adjust focus, get back on track and finish the work. As Paul commissioned laborers into this field specifically for bringing closure to a project that was overdue send us the help we need to meet the deadlines. Send those whose very presence reminds us, "I was sent to you ….to help you complete the work…fulfill your assignment and to see that those in dire need of your ministry receive it. In closing. Have you considered the cause in the delay could be …like those in Achaia….you lost sight of the urgency? Writer's who intend to speak into the lives of others can not afford to become complacent. There is an urgent need at hand. Complete the work and send it. Find someone who is struggling today and write to them. Know that your written words like Paul's will bring a speedy solution. Make a difference in someone's life today. Write a letter. Write an article. Write a note. Then send it and expect the miraculous.
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