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March 30

Thursday, March 30th, 2023

What does God require of us? That is the question I posed to my  “66” class last night. (I am teaching a class on the 66 books of the Bible).

I can hear it now. “Pastor Bill is going to click off a list of Do’s and Don’t’s related to his interpretation of Scripture and tell me that “God says you can do this-or-that, but you can’t do this-or-that.” Most often when some makes this kind of list (particularly a pastor or religious teacher) the list of what you cannot do far outnumbers the list of what you can do.  And sadly, the list includes things which are outward. “You don’t wear this or that.” “You don’t cut your hair.” “You don’t wear pants.” (It always seems to be tougher on women-know what I mean?)

Even “religious” things are involved. Regular church attendance. Tithing (cheerfully of course). Read the Bible on a daily basis. Clean language. Sing (old hymns only) with gusto. Read the KJV only. Now…I’m not saying those are bad things in, and of themselves (although I might balk at the hymns and KJV only idea 🙂 ), but even those are duties.

You see…all of those, as well as others, can be done by anyone, even if that person’s heart is not right with God. They are all centered on the outward and reveal nothing of the heart.

Micah, the Old Testament prophet, has a different take on what is required. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with God?” (ESV)  Three things: 1) do justice; 2) love mercy; 3) walk humbly with God.

The qualifier is that last one. It takes the other two and tells us why we should do them and how. To walk humbly with God infiltrates all we do. Every act of justice, every act of mercy, flows from a heart walking with God. The so-called “justice movement” we witnessed in the summer of 2020, and even now, was not justice. It was anarchy.  It was not rooted at all in Biblical truth or in walking humbly with God.

If you want to see an example of justice in action, stop right now and read James (a book in the Bible) 2:1-9,14-20.

Three things are required: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Talk about a game-changer! Hmmm not a stitch of clothing or hair mentioned. 🙂

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March 29

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023

There is one word that might be the most oft-used word in the English language. It only has three letters but it might as well have 15. It just might be the most troubling, most forlorn, most desperate word used. The word?

WHY?

A tornado strikes a sleepy town in Anywhere, USA and its destruction involves property and life. The question? Why?

A shooter enters an elementary school and kills innocent children and adults. The question? Why?

A person seems to have life by the tail-career, fortune, fame-but decides to end it all. The question? Why?

A child (or adult) gets cancer, a glioblastoma for example, where they say there is no cure. The question? Why?

Sometimes the answer-although it still hurts-is easy to find. An overdose from a junkie. (The more daunting question is “Why did he/she make that choice?”). The death of 6 million at the hands of an evil madman. We understand somewhat how sin enters the picture or how we reap what we sow. But yes, we still ask, “Why?” That is a normal question.

Within the past few months I have been involved in ministering during a horrific event, and to top it off three people have found out they have a glioblastoma- two of them children. The resulting question? Why?  That is especially haunting when it involves children.

Truthfully, only a Sovereign God knows that answer. We can use cliches like “You can’t see the forest for the trees” or “When you get beyond and look back you will see” but while they may be true (to a certain extent), we are best served by leaving the “why?” question up to a sovereign God.

I’m sure the genocide of Hebrew boys was not understood. It led Moses’ mother to put him in a basket in the Nile; Pharaoh’s daughter finding him; Miriam intervening to have his mother care for him, and we can look back and see it set off a chain of events that revolutionized history. In this case, history gives us a pretty good answer to the “Why?” question.

God’s plan is always at work. We may not understand it. We may not see it. Our best approach is “Not my will but Yours be done” and let Him worry about the “Why?” question.

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March 16

Thursday, March 16th, 2023

“God is a cosmic killjoy and His Book is the consummate rule book.”  So say some people.

The argument goes something like this:

  • God is like a father towering over his children;
  • He delights in spanking and meting out judgment;
  • Therefore, He is a killjoy bent on taking the fun out of life.

Another argument goes like this:

  • I want to have fun;
  • The Bible says some things are wrong;
  • Therefore, the Bible is a rule book designed to stop or inhibit my fun.

None of that is true. It IS true that God is like a father. He is one. Jesus called Him that. But standing over us with a divine “ruler” to whack us? No.

And it IS true that the Bible says some things are wrong. It also says some things are right. But to be cracked open as a divine rule book of “Do this or don’t do that or else”? No.

God is a Father. His Word is Law. But see it as His standards-not to legislate or restrict us-but to free us. To give us some boundaries so we might truly enjoy life to the fullest. See them as protection, designed not to keep us in, but to keep our enemy out.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (ESV)  That is not restrictive, involving punishment for wrong doing. That is liberation! Those are boundaries for our mind and heart to know freedom. James calls it the “perfect law of liberty.” (1:25)

See God as a Liberator. See His Word as a protective fence. He loves you too much to stifle you, but He also loves you too much to want to see you suffer the consequences of your sin and bad choices.

 

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March 2

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

One of the phrases we often hear today is, “Don’t judge.” Someone commits a blatant sin…don’t judge. Someone’s lifestyle is contrary to the Biblical mandate…don’t judge. You don’t like the way I live…don’t judge. To make matters sketchier, the person saying that will go to the passage in Matthew 7 where Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you to will be judged. For in the way you judge others, you will be judged…”

That sure seem like a biblical warning doesn’t it? Several thoughts flow through my mind as I think about this:

First, it goes both ways. In our world today, those who want tolerance, i.e. not to be judged, often become the most intolerant, i.e. most judgmental. “Don’t judge me or my lifestyle or I’m going to cancel you.” Who is being judgmental then?

Second, and even more important, this passage was NOT saying to refuse to examine a person’s actions in order to hold them accountable.The context shows Jesus ripping on the Pharisees for their incessant self-righteous judgment while building themselves up to look better than everyone else.

We really do need to be careful when judging others. I have been guilty of doing so before I know the whole story.  There are two sides to every story. Looks can be deceiving. There is also one huge factor: only God is qualified to judge.

Pointing the finger of blame at someone else, especially with a self-righteous, condemning attitude is dangerous. Case in point: have you ever seen someone carrying a protest sign with “I am the problem” on it with an arrow pointing downward? Nope. Didn’t think so. Pointing the finger at others takes the heat off us…at least temporarily.

The Scripture is correct: “Don’t judge.” Discernment is essential. Self-righteousness is not.

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February 23

Thursday, February 23rd, 2023

“I’m proud of my humility.”

“I can’t wait until tomorrow. I get better looking every day.”

Those are more are ways we joke about humility. It is easier to joke than to be.

As I wrote yesterday, yesterday was designated Be Humble Day.  That is a sticky situation. Let me just pose a question: How is one supposed know they are humble? I mean…do you do something for someone then say, “I did this because I’m being humble”? Do you look in the mirror and say, “Man, you sure are humble today”?

Someone has said,

The moment you think you are humble you aren’t.

See my point? While we may call it Be Humble Day, how do we do that? Take a look at the others. You can eat a Sticky Bun (that sort of leaves me on the sideline). You could try to swallow a sword (puns galore but I’ll resist). You could observe Valentine’s Day or Independence Day or Thanksgiving Day or Memorial Day. And you will know you did. There are certain qualifiers for you to gauge your participation.

But Be Humble Day? Hmmmm.

Take one of the greatest acts of humility ever recorded: John 13. It is recorded that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, even though He knew who was going to betray Him and even though He knew they would all run away when the heat was on. When Jesus was done, did He say, “Okay guys. I’m humble and just showed you”? No. But He did use it as an opportunity to teach His followers the simple act of washing another’s feet is a prime example of humility.

His lesson here was not washing feet. His lesson here was “serve one another.”  Never think you are above someone else. Lay aside the pride and serve.

Oh…one more thing. His example of humility bore itself out a few hours later when He went to a cross.

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February 16

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

“Come to Jesus and everything will be okay.”

“Come to Jesus and you will have everything you need.”

“Come to Jesus and you won’t have any problems.”

There is a teaching in today’s “Christian” world that is false. Some swear by it; some swear at it. Some say it is misleading; some say it will lead you to new heights. I think a correct word for it would be Heresy.

That teaching? God wants you healthy and wealthy and if you just “speak it with positive confession” good will come (aka “name it/claim it”). One of the side trails this heresy takes is in saying, “Everything will be okay; you will have everything you need; and you won’t suffer.”

I heard recently that Kenneth Copeland, one of the biggest purveyors of this garbage, once told his daughter-when she came home from school saying she was sick-“No you aren’t. We don’t talk like that in this house. Speak health.” He tried to pull that off with his cardiologist. He now wears a pacemaker. Another one’s wife just died of cancer.  Another one’s baby was not raised from the dead and after 9 days they finally decided to bury her.

In Mark 4 there is a story of Jesus and His disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. A storm comes up, and it is so strong these sea-hardened fishermen are scared to death. So they wake up Jesus who is asleep in the boat and He calms the storm.

So many thoughts float through my mind as I think of that story.

  • Why were they so afraid? A: This had to be one doozy of a storm!
  • “Did Jesus know the storm would come? A: Yes. This whole scenario was part of His plan of teaching them more. He had taught about the parable of the sower; what it means to be a light; the importance of planting seed. This is going to be one big lesson!

Perhaps the most important lesson of all-and it applies to us as well- is what we see in Mark 4:35-“Let’s go across to the other side.” (ESV) Key words: other.side. There was no ifs, ands, or buts about it.  There was no “If we get through the storm which is about to come we will get to the other side” or “Guys, no problem. Smooth sailing ahead because I’m in the boat.”

Again, I say it: other. side. That was the promise.  What was not promised was smooth sailing, even with Jesus in the boat. But therein lies the lesson: we will get to the other side-trouble or no trouble-because Jesus is in the boat with us.

Let me close with this: Expect trouble. But also know that Jesus is in the boat with you and will bring you through the storm. You can anchor your life on that.

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February 1

Wednesday, February 1st, 2023

I read a short blurb recently about how some years ago, 300 whales were found marooned on a beach.  Scientists speculated that the whales had been chasing sardines and became trapped in shallow water when the tide went out. By chasing little sardines, these gigantic creature were ultimately lead to their doom.

The application to us is easy to make. How many people do you and I know who are now or will get “beached” due to chasing little things? What makes it even worse is that it happens before we realize it.

I’m reminded of several Scriptures-both from the mouth of Jesus.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Mt. 6:24)  {As an exercise, substitute another word for money-sports, fame, pleasure, people acceptance, etc and see how it fits}

The other is found in the same chapter of Matthew: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Verse 33)

I’m sure you can add more Scripture. Like the book of Ecclesiastes. Like Matthew 22:37-38.

I will grant you that it is a daily battle. I know it is for me. To stay focused on that which is important-on WHO is important-on WHAT is important-is a titanic struggle of great magnitude.

But it is one we must fight. To choose to chase sardines is a losing game. It only leads to “beached” lives. A dead end.

To choose to pursue God and His kingdom may not yield much fruit here on earth, but the reward is out of this world!

What will you choose to chase?

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January 30

Monday, January 30th, 2023

Several thoughts are swirling through my mind this Monday morning.

Primary is that today is the love my life’s birthday. As you may know, we took a quick trip to Ohio last week as an early birthday present.  Jo was able to see both Janna and Braden. Today I’m taking a good part of the day to spend it with her, which will include taking her out to eat to Olive Garden. We have a gift card and seldom eat there, but it is her desire to eat what she shouldn’t on her birthday. 🙂

But this “Shadow” blog is not about my family (although I do brag on them).

Another thought is a book I’m reading in possible prep for a sermon series later this year…possibly this summer. I might preach on the Model Prayer, aka The Lord’s Prayer. It is my belief that the real Lord’s Prayer is in John 17 but that is not a point worth making an issue about.  Be that as it may, one of the lines of Jesus’ teaching prayer has been a sticking point for me lately: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”

It is easy to allow my desires to become the expected desires of everyone else, including God. It is easy to get attached to “My kingdom come, my will be done.” The earth and all its happenings revolve around me and my desires.

You know what? That is a mighty small orbit! And as time moves on, the orbit closes in on us. I know it is cynical to say this, but everything becomes about us, and even when we pretend to care, our inward motive is “How can this benefit me?”

Something happens within us when we are no longer interested in looking out for #1 (me), but instead truly want to live our life saying, “YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done.”  When I/you can do that with all sincerity, life transforms. We find that orbit that was tightening, that orbit that was closing in, suddenly expands. We are no longer the focus.

And that’s a good thing.

Question: what was the last time you prayed, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” and meant it?

Do it. Today.

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January 23

Monday, January 23rd, 2023

During my sermon yesterday on Revelation 1:9-20, there was quite a section that gave a very descriptive picture of Jesus. Verses 12-20 gave a picture of what John saw that goes so far beyond any mamby-pamby, meek and mild Jesus. I couldn’t help but think about that this morning, especially as we go out to face a hostile world. How about opening your Bible to that passage and check it out with me?

First, verse 13 declares that John saw “one like a son of man.” John is referring to Jesus.  But what He describes is so far from the impression we often have of Jesus!

  1. “Clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.”  This is what the priests wore in the temple. Jesus is our Great High Priest.
  2. “The hairs of His head were white, like wool, like snow.” White/gray hair in the Bible is synonymous with wisdom. He is all-wise and makes no mistakes. He is the Ancient of Days.
  3. “His eyes were like flames of fire.” He does not look at me; He look into me. Nothing is hidden.
  4. “His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace.” This speaks of a solid foundation. “On Christ the solid rock I stand…”
  5. “His voice was like the roar of many waters.” When He speaks, He speaks volumes.  His voice is commanding, unavoidable, overwhelming, and cannot be ignored.
  6. “He held the seven stars in His right hand, a two-edged sword came from His mouth, and his face was like the sun shining full strength.” 7 starts=7 churches (church universal).  The sword pierces coming in and going out.  He is holy, holy, holy.

There is so much that could be said, but I’ll let you think it through and study it on your own. Just know that the description John uses is like he is saying, “He is indescribable and I’m doing the best I can.”

What is your impression of Jesus?

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January 18

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

Perfect storm. There was a movie by that name. Weather systems hit all at one time and the fishing vessel with George Clooney and others went down.

It is used to describe a situation where 2 or 3 or more events all come together at the same time. Like today’s Scripture and devotional reading.

Pastor Greg Laurie’s Everyday With Jesus spoke about listening. He brought out about the night Paul and Silas were in prison (Acts 16) and were singing in the night. It says the prisoners were listening. The Greek word for listening means “to listen very, very carefully.”

Add to that the devotion by the late David Powlison in Take Heart-Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith where he talked about listening. His devotion was about listening to people, instead of always talking.

Perfect storm. Different subjects. But still a perfect storm.

How many times have you listened but not really heard? There is no doubt we live in an age of talking heads. Opinions fly, but real listening is absent.

When it comes to the Bible, we love to chatter. But do we stop to listen? Have we asked God to speak to us through His Word when we sit down to read? As we read, are we also listening?

When people talk, do we listen? Or are we already thinking of what we are going to say next? G.U.I.L.T.Y. Are we incessant talkers or alert listeners? Pr.  10:19 says, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (wise).” (ESV)  Or how about Pr. 17:28-“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (ESV)  Insert Abe Lincoln’s quote here. “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”

Some people (to quote that great ’60s philosopher Tommy James) “talk and signify and say nothing.”  (Quote from song “Talking and Signifying” circa 1970).

Truth:

The Bible says repeatedly that we grow and change only by listening, not by talking. (Powlison-Jan.18)

Let’s listen more. Talk less.

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