The more knowledge, the more grief

I was thinking about things from work, and about the stories my wife and son tell about the kids at school and in an after-school, childcare program.

Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 1:18, “For much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.”

I was more content in my ignorance, about many things.

Solomon was not talking about scientific knowledge, in particular, which is generally rewarding - a blessing from God to know and understand something, to gain an insight into how creation works, and thus get a glimpse of His divine, revealed glory. (Though the abuse of scientific knowledge brings much grief, e.g., weaponry.)

But knowledge, in general, without a frame of reference, without absolutes, brings despair, depression, corruption, hopelessness, ...

And people, caught in the mire ... cause grief, reject knowledge and truth (causing grief and confusion to the thinker/philosopher and the scientist alike).
People hurt each other, use each other, offend each other, ... (and sometimes genuinely love each other.)

Our information culture reveals this in overwhelming measure: We know more about what is going on in the world around us: Wars, rumors of wars, murders, abuses, violence, corruption, vice, ...

Children are not protected from these images in the news, the media, TV, and movies. Many parents abandon their children in their own home: No controls, no limits, the TV and violent video games are the babysitters, the pacifiers. “Reality” game shows pit people against each other in perverted contests, where truth is relative, and reality is obscured, at best, and generally distorted, where popularity rules, where suspicion and paranoia become the theme, and sexuality and (implied, discussed, or open) intercourse are celebrated as the norm (e.g., Sex in the City, Desperate Housewives, etc.)

And society wonders why kindergarten and elementary kids are bipolar. They have no frame of reference, no context in which to process all the destructive images they have seen on TV (and maybe in their own homes). We wonder why first and second grade girls dress to accentuate their sexuality (which they should not have), but they peruse the style magazines their moms read, and watch the aforementioned shows, ...

There are more cases of clinical depression and other personality disorders (e.g., bipolar, etc. ) than ever before. It is true we find what we seek. When doctors and parents are more aware, there will be more diagnosed cases. But I suspect there is a real increase, as well, especially after listening to “teacher talk”, and to my son's childcare stories.

Help us, Jesus.

Help me, Father, to be light and salt in a dark and depraved, bland society.

May, 2009

Perverted prayers

(Scripture references follow text.)

In addition to powerless prayers, there follows another perversion once we recognize God has power: Asking for our benefit, liking asking God for a favor.

Zedekiah was Judah’s  puppet king when Nebuchadnezzar attacked. Zedekiah called Jeremiah and asked for prayer: “Perhaps the Lord will perform wonders for us ...”

Such an arrogant assumption by a corrupt king demonstrates his complete lack of knowledge of the Lord, and complete concern for himself, not God. God honors those who seek and obey Him, who return to Him. God helps/rescues the oppressed when they cry out to Him.

But He never does this, He never acts, for us. God is not a puppet who performs as directed by his master when someone pulls his strings. He is the Lord God, the exalted Ruler, who reigns in truth.

There is no brokenness, no repentance in Zedekiah’s inquiry, only an admission of inconvenience - we are under attack. There is no recognition that the attack is the result of past and present sins, corrupted, godless kings who encourage the priests and people to forsake the Lord, and who ignore the needs of the people, who oppress the people.

The Lord acts for the sake of His own Name, and His own glory to protect His reputation. Contrast Zedekiah’s inquiry with those of David, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Jehoshaphat, and the prophet's words to Asa . All expressed dependence upon God, humility. Many expressed remorse and repentance of sins of people (and selves). Some expressed shock over blasphemies spoken by enemies. They requested God to work for the sake of His own great Name, not for themselves.

And God answered them with compassion, deliverance, and victory.

Forgive us, Lord, when we look only to our own interests, and fail to recognize Your glory and purpose.

May, 2009

Jeremiah 21

Many examples of leaders oppressing people: Psalm 82, 24:11, Ezekiel 34, et al.

God works for His glory, themes in Isaiah 40-66, and Ezekiel

Humble prayers: 

David - 1 Samuel 17:44-47

Hezekiah - Isaiah 37:4-6

Josiah - 2 Kings 22:13-20

Jehoshaphat - 2 Chronicles 20:5-12; 

Asa -2 Chronicles 15

God, idols and powerless prayers

(To facilitate reading, Scripture references are provided following the text.)

Reading through Jeremiah, I  wrote a few pages of thoughts on God vs. idols. God is real, true, powerful, awesome and majestic (and the list goes on), while idols are man-made, powerless, false, fake (and the list goes on). God made the earth by His power, wisdom, and understanding, while idols can do no harm nor any good. Israel had continually forsaken the Spring of Living Water, and built their own broken cisterns that could not hold water (idols).

Lord, forgive us that so many of our prayers are petty, self-serving, demanding, vengeful, shallow, prideful, yet powerless, much like the Pharisees’ prayer (Luke 18:9-14). Such prayers accomplish nothing, like placing a band-aid on a severed artery or limb. They do not stop the bleeding of our sinful nature and attempts to assuage our corrupted conscience by telling ourselves we are better than we are.

Yet these powerless prayers with no expectations are worse than the idolaters’ prayers - they expected their gods to answer though they had no record of such a thing ever happening. Their gods could do no harm nor any good, since they were made by human hands. Men make idols in their image as a part of the corruption of the original deception: You will be like God (Genesis 3:4). But the corruption is far worse: God will be like you, which eventually becomes, “You are [a ] god”. We deify ourselves and our race, and often our nations. We seek power, life, immortality, and fame ... socially, politically, religiously, ... But praying to an idol we crafted in our image is simply self-talk. The idol has no power to do harm nor good.

There is only one God, who created and sustains everything that is by His powerful word, Who wrought salvation and redemption for us because we could not save or redeem ourselves, Who loves us and desires our lives, Who promises life, both now and in eternity, who worked marvelous deeds on behalf of His people. So, why do we pray as if God is powerless? Forgive us, Lord, for our lack of faith.

May 2009

Psalms 115:2-8; 135:15-18; Isaiah 40, 44:6-23; Jeremiah  2:13; 10:5; John 4:14; 7:37-38; Acts 17:29

Why I choose faith in God

I participated in a Japan seminar in 2001. I  struggled greatly trying to grasp religion in Japan.  The lack of a “why” clouds the issues in my mind.  One of the leaders shared he has a religious practice/tradition without any real personal spiritual implications.  I have observed similar things among friends and acquaintances.  Large crowds come to church on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, though they may not know why.

But my experience with religion and spirituality diverges from what others have described, and I would like to briefly share it with you.

My faith in Jesus Christ is vibrant and real, and was not inherited from my parents’ practices. They went to churches across the street from one another, and did not agree on doctrinal issues.  My childhood was spent in a divided home.  Though my parents never divorced, I related strongly to those whose parents were.

In college, when I rebelled against the legalism of one church’s doctrine with loose morality, God got my attention, not in an emotionally charged revival service, but in a theater during a John Travolta movie.  I understood my rebellion and immorality separated me from God, and it broke my heart.  At that moment, I experienced His forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ.  That day, I devoted myself to this God who loved me so much that He would go to such extremes to reveal Himself, His character, and His ways to me.

My faith is not about following a set of rules, laws, creeds, or traditions.  It is about a love relationship with God through Jesus Christ that is personal and real.  And because I love Him, I try to live to honor God and serve others.  Humility is not my forte, but the Spirit of God at work in my life empowers me to be humble, thinking of others first.

God answered me as I cried out over my firstborn in a neo-natal intensive care unit after he had been twice resuscitated. God told me that Jesse was healed.  Two years later, in church, God gave my wife the name of our second child, more than two years before he was born. His name was a promise, Josiah, Jehovah heals.

My daughter, Janae Elisabeth, is a precious gift in answer to my wife’s unintended prayers about being outnumbered by the opposite gender and associated body parts.

Years later, God gave me the name of our fourth (and hopefully final) child after six months of my praying in protest of a dream God gave me that I had four kids.  I thought three was enough, but God wanted us to have a Joel (Jehovah is God) to bring us joy.  This word came almost three years before Joel was born.

This only scratches the surface of all I could tell you about how God has nurtured me, spoken to me, comforted me, and literally put songs in my mouth.  But now is not the time.

Thanks for indulging me.

February 2001

Mistaken identity

Mistaken identity
March 6, 2011

In Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” Aragorn was Strider, a Ranger. Or was he?
Aragorn was the rightful heir to the throne.

The ugly duckling of the children’s story did not know he was a swan.

In the movie, “Princess Diaries,” Mia thought she was a normal teenager, bu she was actually the heir to a throne.

Jesus was thought to be an illegitimate sone of a peasant. Now people think he was a good, moral teacher. The truth that Jesus is God Incarnate (in the flesh) is too much for many too swallow.

We think we are sinners (correctly), but too seldom move beyond that into our inheritance and true identity: Chosen people, royal priesthood, God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, saints set apart, a dwelling in which God lives, fellow citizens with God’s people, heirs of the promise, ambassadors, ...

Because we are forgetful, we must continually be reminded of our true identity. Before conversion, the Deceiver tells us we’re okay, we’re not that bad, we’ve done nothing to deserve judgment and so don’t need a Savior, we need no atonement or justification.

Once converted, however, the Deceiver changes tactics and becomes the Accuser. The Accuser keeps our sins and faults always before us, questioning our identify, just as he did with Christ in the garden, “If you are the Son of God.” For us, “If you were really a child of God, you would not think, do, say, ... that ...
Condemnation and guilt are his allies, but conviction brings godly sorrow that leads to repentance and freedom from guilt and condemnation.

Draw us into Your presence, Lord.

1 Peter 2:9-12, Ephesians 2:19-22, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 7:10
2 Corinthians 4:4, Proverbs 5:6
Job 4:17-19
Matthew 4:3, 6

Chasing joy

Chasing Joy
March 6, November 6, 2011 (Bible verses references listed below.)

Why chase joy? Because our Creator wants us to know joy, complete and perfect joy!

So many of the pursuits in our culture and society are a vain attempt to fill the void left by a lack of joy in our lives. We pursue popularity, success, family, acceptance, sex, possessions, ... We hope that if we finally accomplish these pursuits we will have happiness, joy. But we always come up short of our goal, our joy tank is empty.

We approach joy as if it is something we can muster or contrive. That is not the nature of true joy. Most Bible references to joy note that God is the source of joy.
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”(David)
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah)
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”(Jesus)
“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (Jesus)
“... so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (Jesus)

Joy’s foundation is in God’s nature, character, and provision, in what He has accomplished on our behalf, including forgiveness, redemption, and salvation.
Joy is to be an integral part of the walk with Christ, a fruit of being in step with the Spirit.
Joy is the natural response to recognizing and receiving God’s grace toward us.
Joy is the intentional response to adversity and persecution.
Joy should become a habit, just as love should be a habit that results in walking in obedience.
Joy is the by-product of such a love-walk in faith, an inexpressible and glorious joy.
Joy comes with obedience.

Anxiety, doubt, vain imaginations, and impure thoughts are only a few of the enemies of joy.
Chasing joy requires taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ - and we need His help to do it. Our power is insufficient to gain complete control of our own thoughts.
(See also “Rejoice?”)

Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 4:7; 16:11; 30:5-6; 51:12; 126:3
Isaiah 12:3; 58:14
Habakuk 3:17-18
Zephaniah 3:17
Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5
Luke 1:46-48; 2:10; 10:20-21
John 15:11; 16:20-24; 17:13
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Galatians 5:22-23
Philippians 3:1; 4:4-9
I Thessalonians 5:16-18, God’s will? Be joyful, pray, give thanks!
I Peter 1:3-9
Hebrews 12:2, Jesus’ choice

But we see Jesus ...

But we see Jesus ...
June 5, 1998

Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector (Finisher) of our faith ... Hebrews 12:2

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18

We live by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

The world is filled with images, temporal things that will pass away.  But very appealing things to our eyes.  Other images bring sorrow, pain, frustration, anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, and other negative emotions.  All these images vie for our attention, occupy our time, our thoughts.  Will we be taken in by the whims and fancy of our eyes as we decide about our choices to look, watch, gaze, etc.?

Our experiences are much the same; some bring joy, some pain, some anxiety - the whole gamut of emotions.  Often we allow our experiences to dominate our thoughts, our motives, our attitudes, our time, our lives.  We have no ability to change our past, but we do have the choice about how we view it.

This morning I was trying to pray, read the Bible, meditate, and my mind continued wandering back to a TV show my wife was watching last night.  I sat down and watched with her for a while.  For me it was a poor choice.  Even as I sit here this afternoon, some of those images try to come back to haunt me.  I sought God to cleanse and renew my mind, but I needed a new focus.  God brought some of the above Scriptures to my mind.

“I cannot keep a bird from flying over my head, but I can keep it from nesting in my hair.”
Attributed to Martin Luther

My mind is undisciplined, but with the help of the Lord, it can become disciplined, a fit vessel for our Lord.  Our thought life is our choice.  I am seeking in my life to see Jesus.  To fix my gaze on Him is my goal; not on my circumstances, not on the whims of my eyes, not on my past or my future, not on my pain or my joys ... just Jesus Christ.  I want to set my heart and mind on things above, to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, ...

Will you join me?

Lord Jesus, forgive my undisciplined mind and heart.  Cleanse me.  Renew me.  Renew my mind in your image.  Let me see only you.  When I look at my circumstances, other people, my past, my recurring sin, or any other thing, let me see them through your eyes, from your perspective.  Then let me bring them to you, relinquish them, and allow you to accomplish the work and growth you desire in my life.  Thanks for your faithfulness.

Being or Doing?

God used the reading for August 3 in "My Utmost for His Highest" and some teachings from "Experiencing God" to prompt the following thoughts.
August 4, 1998

We live in a "do" society.  Workers are rewarded for what they do, how well they do their jobs, how many publications they have, etc.  In this society, the way to "be" somebody is to "do" something noteworthy or exceptional, something beyond what all the others are doing.

God chooses us and calls us to "be": to be saved, redeemed, and holy, to be His children, but most of all, just to "be" with Him.  The things we "do" as Christians are the fruit of our communing with God: bearing fruit, loving others, obedience, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control, ...

As we live in this "do" society we sometimes confuse who we are (identity) with what we do (activity).  We think in terms of activity; "to do" lists, projects, responsibilities, jobs, etc.  We seldom think about our identity apart from such activities.  Even when we ask young people what they want to be when they grow up, their response is usually something they want to do: a career, profession, or other sort of activity.

This is my dilemma.  How do I separate doing from being.  I want to be with God, to commune with Him, to love, worship, and enjoy Him forever. In my profession I am compelled to do in order to keep job, get promotions, etc.  Often, we bring this "do" mentality into the church with us.  The body of Christ is about being, not doing.  Jesus has already done all that needed to be done.  We need only to be in Him. All else pales in comparison.  He will do all that needs to be done through us if we are (abiding) in Him.  God does not need anything from us.  When we sense God's calling, it is to be with Him.  Once we are with Him, He may commission us to "be" ambassadors with specific activities, but the calling is to be.  When we begin doing apart from
God, our independence threatens our relationship, distance limits our being with Him.

A few selected verses:
    Ephesians 1:4-5 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to "be" holy and blameless in His sight.  In love He predestined us to "be" adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ ...
    Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might "be" for the praise of His glory...
    I Peter 1:15 But just as He who called yo is holy, so "be" holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I AM Holy."
    Matthew 5:48 "Be" perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Obviously, we are called to be more than we can be in our own power, strength, ability, or merit.  The only way we can "be all that you can be" is through intimate fellowship with the One who made us, the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Transcendent, Immutable God.

Let us learn to be content in His presence, to be thankful, to be joyful, to be content, and all the other fruit that comes from abiding in the True Vine.

I have a dream (with a nod to Dr. M.L. King)

Monday, January 20, 1997
Although this is not the time, I still have a dream.  I guess that is an appropriate thing to say on this day when this country takes time out to remember another man who had a dream, Martin Luther King, Jr. I doubt my dream would be as revolutionary to the country, but it might be just as revolutionary to the church.  I have a dream where a church does not have thousands and millions of dollars tied up in buildings, utilities, & maintenance that go unused 90% of the week while people can't make bills and payments and others are homeless. A church that does not have "full-time" staff members with large salaries while people need food, clothing, care, ...  A dream in which a church does not spend 90+% of its budget on the homefront when a whole world is dying without knowledge of Christ, and fewer missionaries are working on smaller budgets because people "at home" are giving less.   I dream of a church that is not run by pastors, elders, deacons, committees and such, but in which Christ is really the Head and the body and bride submits to Him in everything. I dream of a church in which people speak as the Spirit gives them utterance, in order, and for the edification of the body and glorification of the Lord.  I dream of a church that is not bound by the tradition of what we have always and only known the church to be. I dream of a church where people sell things to provide for those who lack, a church where people genuinely fellowship with one another; a church in which all suffer with one who suffers or rejoice with the one who rejoices.  I have a dream of a church that is not highly structured, but highly faithful and dependent.  I have a dream of a church that is not bound by denominations, walls, politics, ethnicity, color, gender, social class, income level, or any other thing, but Christ is all and is in all.
I suspect this "church" would have elders to lead, deacons and deaconesses to serve, and all other gifted folks ministering in faith as the Spirit leads them: serving, giving, prophesying, showing mercy, teaching, encouraging, exhorting, healing, helping, praying, administering, being faithful,  . . .  There would possibly be a "full-time" administrator/coordinator who might also double as a teacher, worship leader, secretary, or some other role as his giftings allowed.  The elders would be primarily responsible for sharing the Word, building up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.  The servants would find ways to meet the needs of the body. Evangelists and others would be involved in bringing people into the body.  Without the encumbrance of buildings, more funds would be available for missions and "benevolance," at home and abroad.  The world could see the church providing for the needs of its people, rather than for the needs of its building and staff.  The church would no longer be "owned" by the things it owns.
I believe this vision is from God, but since all times are now for God, it is difficult for me to sort out the times and circumstances under which this church will become a reality in the sense that we can experience.  When the revival that God has promised comes, there will be more people who come to Christ than our buildings can accommodate.  We need to follow Him, for He alone is faithful.  He is who He said He is, and He is able to do what He said He would do.
He will complete the work He has begun.  Let us be faithful.
I, too, have a dream, in which people of all colors, races, ethnicities, and denominations gather side-by-side, hand-in-hand in worship and service before the Lord.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Clay

Rejoice?

2-12-97
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thess. 5:18
Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

A question arose the other day during a Bible study on Php 4, "How does one rejoice in the midst of difficult life circumstances?"  Someone responded with a story she heard about a man who had lost his wife and children in a car accident.  He said, "I don't praise God that I lost my family.  I praise God for who He is."  A wonderful discussion followed.  How do we praise God when the hard things come.

Paul continued, "Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:5-9

He included the secret for rejoicing, for contentment, for how to think, pray, and act in all circumstances.  In "Experiencing God," Henry Blackaby says that looking through our circumstances distorts our view of God. Rather, we should draw near to God and gain His perspective on our circumstances.  Paul includes three beautiful promises that give us our focus in the hard times.  1) The Lord is near.  2) The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  3) The God of peace will be with you.  Two of these promises tell us that God is with us, Emmanuel, Christ Jesus. This reminds us that we come to God, looking to Him, regardless of circumstances. We need to take comfort in the nearness and protection of God.  Then we need to take all our circumstances and anxieties to God with earnest, deep prayer.  And we need to thank God.  Not necessarily for the circumstances - that may be too difficult. But we can thank God for all He has done through history, for the ways He has revealed Himself, His purposes, and His ways to us; for Christ, our Sacrifice, our Life; for all He has done for each of us, all His provisions, all His help, His protection, His peace, His comfort, ...  We have much to thank God for if we will look to Him rather than the distractions at hand.  God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with His peace - the peace He left with the disciples (John 14:27). Then we need to think about God, for only in Him and His Word do we find things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.  "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Progressive revelation, July 21, 2009

Progressive revelation, July 21, 2009
Thanks to Tim Bryant for being a sounding board and instigator for my thoughts.
For ease of reading, most of the referenced verses are listed at the end.

We are incapable of being righteous or even desiring God, but morality provided an insight into God’s character, which could be pursued apart from God or could be the behavioral by-product, the fruit of seeking God. Before Christ, such a pursuit apart from God looked not unlike the rich, young ruler - I’ve obeyed all these since my youth (but something’s missing, I’m still empty), or like the Pharisee Saul – circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel (God’s chosen people), of the tribe of Benjamin (Israel’s first royal tribe, and Saul’s namesake), a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the Law, a Pharisee (most correct in literally adhering to the Law, revering it and following it), zealously persecuting the church, ...
But Jesus changes everything, especially the focus - no longer religious activity, but a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ, by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, no longer putting confidence in the flesh.

Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:19-20
The first six verses represent what Paul expresses in Romans 1 (and the writer of Hebrews): God has revealed his invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature since creation, in creation. Thus the heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim His handiwork. Their voice and words go out into all the world – God’s manifest witness.

Mark 8:22-26
John Calvin the progressive healing of the blind man to God’s progressive revelation. God’s witness in creation allows us to begin to see God’s nature and character, but our sight is incomplete and dim. Our perspective of God is like the man’s perspective, “I see people, but they look like trees walking around.” Creation does not give us the whole story, just enough to make create in us a desire for more of the story, to find the book and get to know the author. Then Jesus completely healed the man and he could see - the revelation was completed.

Psalm 19:7-11
Then David transitions to the Law – the Pentateuch, a more full revelation of God’s activity. More than just commands, God brought order to chaos, created man in His own image, redeemed and covered Adam’s sin and rebellion, and promised the Seed of the woman would come who would crush the serpent’s head. God revealed His grace to Noah during judgment in the flood, called out Abram and Sarai and changed their names, promising the Blessing that would come through Abraham’s line. God built a people for Himself, developed Jacob’s character and changed his name to Israel, the name for God’s own people. In Joseph’s life, God demonstrated His ability to work out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God heard His people’s requests, and rescued them from Egypt through Moses, and revealed more of Himself to His people and Moses than to anyone who came before, yet promised a Prophet who would be even more, greater than Moses.

The Law was given to protect a sinful people when they encountered a holy and righteous God. David recognized the righteous requirements of the Law, by their very nature,  were too much for man to accomplish. The Law, from its inception, intended to bring conviction and point us to our sinfulness (not righteousness) and need for grace, love, and mercy. Thus, the Law in Psalm 19 is the totality of God’s progressive revelation of His nature and character to His people, a more tangible expression of the witness of creation, and more full revelation than existed apart from the Law.
So, David begins by acknowledging God’s witness and revelation of Himself through creation, and then makes the natural extension to God’s more full revelation of Himself through recorded history in calling and growing a people for Himself and giving them the Testimony, the Covenant we call the Law. It is this full revelation of the Pentateuch that is perfect, trustworthy, radiant, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, and desirable, reviving the soul, bringing wisdom, joy, and enlightenment as it endures.
David shows the conviction brought by the Law to the heart that seeks God, as well as the human inability to know their own heart). David needs personal, Divine intervention. He declares his need for a Redeemer, one to cover his sins.

Yet the promises in the Pentateuch were not yet fulfilled in David’s time, they remained incomplete, still awaiting their fulfillment in Christ, who fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in the Word made flesh, the exact representation of His being, in Whom all the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form, the Firstborn of all creation, and Firstborn from among the dead, the Truth that frees us from bondage, ...

The revelation of God’s purpose and plan from the beginning was completed in Christ.

Genesis 3; 12:3; 15 (specifically referenced)
Leviticus19:18
Deuteronomy 6:4 ff; 18
Psalm 2, 14, 15:2-5; 19; 21:2; 53, 73:16-17; 139:23-24; 141:3
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Philippians 1:17-18; 2:5-11; 3:2-11
Colossians 1:15-22; 2:20-23; 3:3-5
Matthew 5:17; 19:16 ff (esp. v.21); 22:34 ff; 23:5
Mark 8:22-26
John 1:1-18; 8:31-38; 14:6; 15:18-25; 16:1-11
Romans 1:19-20; 3:9-20; 7:7-20; 10:4
Galatians 3:13-29, esp. 23
Hebrews 1:1-4; 3; 7:19; 8:13; 9:12, et al.

Waves and sand castles

A beach exists because the waves continually wash over it, building it and eroding it. The beach is never finished; it is always in progress, and always in flux. For a great majority of the time, the weather is fair and the waves are gentle as the tides come in and go out, and the waves ebb and flow. The waves are soothing and restful, slowly building the beach by depositing new sediments or gently eroding it, reshaping and forming the beach. Changes are gradual; some new sand and gravel and shells in one area, now a bit higher, while another area erodes and is a bit lower. Such changes are noticed only by the most observant, those familiar with the beach, who know it well. But with time, waves change the beach.

Other times powerful waves driven by storms, hurricanes or tsunamis violently molest the beach. Changes are sudden, dramatic, and sometimes, devastating. Entire portions of the beach may be washed away, while others are enlarged. Such changes are observed readily.

I enjoy beaches, especially making sand castles. I can work on one for hours, building the fortress, digging the moat, adding towers and outer walls. But no matter how ornate the castle is, the waves will reclaim it, always. No sand castle can ever stand against the power of even gentle waves as the tide comes. The castle dissolves and washes away, bit by bit.

The Word and work of God is much like this in our lives. September 17, 1983 was a tsunami event in my life, as the Holy Spirit used the Word and circumstances to convict me of my sin and unrighteous life. The circumstance was bizarre, a friend told me a movie paralleled my life. So I went by myself to a Saturday afternoon matinee. In a nearly empty theater, it was a miracle not unlike Balaam's donkey speaking that God used "Staying Alive" to reveal my heart to me. As in Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God was like a double-edged sword, quick and powerful, cutting to the point of my hypocrisy. I was brought to my knees, weeping between the seats in the theater, broken and painfully aware of my previous attempts to live a double life; loving God while loving the world and my sin at the same time. I was broken spiritually by the power of the waves of conviction. As Paul notes (2 Cor 7:10), I had two options, two possible responses. I could be overwhelmed with worldly sorrow and guilt leading to death, or I could become sorrowful as God intended. Godly sorrow brings repentance and salvation and leaves no regret, no guilt. By God’s grace, I came to repentance. I was transformed painfully, quickly, dramatically and drastically. When I left that place, I was a different person, as anyone who took the time to observe could testify. (Many did not notice - they already had me in a box, and were not expecting, nor looking for, me to change.)

This event has been the exception to the typical way God works in my life. I have had a few other major storms that led to rapid conviction and major changes, but most of the time, God uses His Word like gentle waves. Paul notes (2 Tim 3:16-17) that all Scripture is God-breathed, and useful for teaching and instruction, reproof and rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness. As I read the Bible, and pray, and meditate on the words, God is often gentle with me, gradually changing and building and shaping me. Though these processes are much slower, I am changed, nonetheless.

Such changes come only from exposure to the Word of God, and especially with meditation. As we allow the Word of God to wash gently and continually over us, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:1-2). The waves of our meditations constantly erode our sand castles, the work of our hands we worship, our version of broken cisterns (Jer 2:13). May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Ps 19:14).      (April 30 and May 4, 2011, Clay Robinson)

Going through the motions

Going through the motions - a phrase that has bad connotations in society and culture today, associating it with lack of motivation or purpose. One thesaurus defines it thus, "to do something in a mechanical manner indicative of a lack of interest or involvement."

I contend that we miss the point. Going through the motions is a necessary part of life. We all have responsibilities that sometimes become dull and boring: work, exercise, finances, volunteerism, sometimes even our closest relationships do not excite us.

I enjoy riding a bicycle, on- or off-road, it really does not matter. But there are days when I do not "feel" like riding. Some of you may walk or run or lift weights to exercise. Some days the exercise lifts us to new heights, but all of us have down times. What do we do in those times? Quit? Self-discipline would have us "go through the motions" and do our workout regimen anyway. Sometimes an accountability partner can help us over these humps.

Who among us honestly "feels:" like going to work every day. Even though I usually really enjoy my job, there are days when I would rather take a bike ride than face a day in the office. There is something about how we are wired that we will sometimes struggle with motivation to do things we know are good and right and beneficial.

Relationships? There are certainly days when we are frustrated with a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend or a coworker, and want nothing to do with them. If we succumb to those feelings, our marriages dissolve, we become alienated from family members and friends, and work becomes unbearable.

I have been married for 27 years. Some times have been wonderful and amazing, and my heart and soul thrilled to be with my wife, in love. Other times our finances and young children or older children's activities or just maintaining the house and laundry and dishes and cooking and lawn drained us. We had no energy or excitement in being together. We did not feel "in love." My emotions often deceive me (when I recognize I have them). They might tell me that I am no longer "in love," but the truth is that I love my wife, regardless of my feelings and emotions at the moment. Love perseveres. Love will go through the motions to maintain and preserve and cultivate a relationship. The rewards follow the self-discipline.

Going through the motions holds with spiritual disciplines, as well, at least it does with mine. There are days when I do not "feel" like reading the Bible or journaling or praying or singing praise or rejoicing. But there are benefits to persevering in these spiritual disciplines. I have been reading the Bible daily for about thirty years. I am not struck with some new insight every time I open the book. But if I give in to my feelings and leave the book closed, there is no opportunity for insight or conviction.

Beginning when I was in high school, I would have inspirations and record my thoughts on whatever random piece of paper I could find. I still have some of those (writings and random thoughts). In college after learning about taking sermon notes to get more out of a sermon (and to stay awake), I often recorded thoughts on church bulletins, with or without sermon notes. In 1987, shortly before the death of my grandfather and birth of my eldest son, I started a journal. I did well for a few months, making almost daily entries. There are memories about the complications and trials of his birth that would be lost without that journal. But after a few months, life caved in on me, and I gave into it. Journal entries became sporadic until February 8, 1988. Then they stopped for almost two years. There was no discipline, no attempt to "go through the motions." I just got overwhelmed by life; I was a father of a handicapped child, I was trying to finish my Master's degree, provide for my family by selling fine cutlery for a summer, starting on my PhD, ...

But on January 17, 1990, another entry appears in my journal, confessing my faithlessness, repenting, and telling God I want Him to be foremost, before all the other stuff in my life. Now there are more than 21 years of daily journal entries. Some of them are really boring and short, but I went through the motions. I sat down, read the Bible, and recorded events and thoughts about the day or life or work, or the passage I read, or the movie I watched or book I read, or the news event in the world, or what my child said or we did together and how that impacted me. There are a multitude of  entries that are prayers confessing my confusion over how to communicate with, and properly love, my wife. There are  months of entries addressing the grief and pain of my dad's death before we had a chance to reconcile. But there are still days where the entry is a date, Bible book/chapter references with nothing beside them, and one or two sentences about the previous day. On those days, I go through the motions so I do not lose the spiritual discipline, and fall out of the habit of keeping a daily journal.

There are days and weeks when the prospect of reviewing the Bible passages I have memorized does not thrill my heart. If I give in and do not review the passages (as I did when working on my PhD), I lose them. They pass from my memory, and I have limited God's ability to bring a passage to mind during meditation.

Jesus tells us our heart (and emotions) will follow our treasure (Mt 6:21). Motivation and reward follows our priorities, not the other way around.

So, on the days when my motivation and interest are minimal or nonexistent, I go through the motions to maintain my treasures: the momentum of more than 21 years of journaling, thirty years of daily Bible readings, 27 years of marriage to a woman I love more deeply than life itself, ...

Grace is necessary in this walk. I must allow myself some grace for the times I stumble and have little interest. It took a long time to become consistent, and I needed to extend myself the same grace God would rather than self-flagellate over my failure and inconsistency.

May you find comfort in my failures, encouragement in my successes, and strength in God to forge your own discipline that will lead you into greater depths of love for God, your family, and others.

Beauty vs. Discretion

Rode the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes one evening last after work. It starts just north of Plummer, ID, and runs roughly to the east to Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Beauty won over discretion. I should have turned around 3 miles sooner, but I saw the water through the trees. Then when I got to the lake, I saw the bridge ... So I had to cross the bridge, right? Then I turned around for the 9 mile uphill return, after sunset. Riding on a mountain trail through the forest after sunset is not wise ... But it was worth it, & dark when I got back to the truck.

I have often observed such a pattern in my life that something alluring affects my better judgment. I suspect I am not alone.


How often does beauty allure us and impair our judgment? 
Men and women are allured by different things, but we are all enticed by something. One of my sons responded that he likes to go after shining, pretty things. 


Maybe it's adventure, skirts (chasing after women), toys (new cars, better tools, bigger house, better stuff), identity (in jobs or possessions or relationships), marriage (a wife or husband will fix what is wrong with me, then I can fix them), security (in marriage or job or a new home), comfort (easy chairs, vacations, retirement, more and nicer stuff, ...), fresh starts (the grass is always greener ...), and on and on.


Though nothing is inherently wrong with many of these things, they become idols when we choose to pursue them   rather than God. In the midst of such a pursuit, our discernment is clouded and our judgment is impaired. 


We need people we trust who will speak into our lives to help call us back from the brink (of stupidity and self-destruction). Though we may know what is right and good, the allure is stronger. We need someone to be strong for us when we are weak. Though Jesus is ultimately the Strong One, the Father places us in families, and in community with believers and churches that we may reflect His strength in our relationships with one another. Our Christian life is not meant to be walked in isolation.

Why "I am the Clay"?

Clay - what a name! It means, "of the earth."

My earliest memories of my uncles are of them playing guitars and singing, and telling me my name was "Mud." I thought they meant I was in trouble for something. It was years later I realized my uncles were punning on my name, Clay, which is also a type of soil with very small particles. Wet clay = mud.

Now I am a soil scientist, and I get a lot of snickers and/or comments about the connection of my name and my profession. When I see a glint about that in someone's eye, I preempt it now with something like, "Yes, my parents doomed me to become a soil scientist when the named me Clay." When I was teaching at the university, my students felt I had a special connection with the soil because of the way I could ribbon soils (Google, "Texture by Feel").

How did I become a soil scientist? It was God's providence in taking care of someone too ignorant to know what they were doing. I had just completed a Master's in Plant Science after a Bachelor's in General Agriculture. I pulled an all-nighter to finish the corrections on my thesis. The next morning, a professor came in and handed me a position announcement for a soils TA position at Iowa State University. As I had already received more than fifteen flush letters from job applications (during the last recession), the TA position seemed a worthwhile opportunity since it paid almost as much as a full-time technician position at the local research station. I also received an award that allowed me to go for the first two years of my doctoral program tuition free. I had been there almost a year before I realized I was at one of the premier institutions in the nation and world to learn about soil.

There was another amusing thing about my name to a child. While singing "Have Thine Own Way" in church I would react to the line, "Thou art the Potter, I am the clay" (snicker, "That's me! I am the Clay," more snickering).

It was after a life-changing event when I was 21 (Look for a future blog called, "Staying Alive") that the hymn began to take new meaning for me. The hymn writer alluded to Jeremiah 18 when the Lord sent the prophet to the potter's house to watch. When the pot being fashioned was marred, the potter smashed it down and started anew with the same piece of clay. The potter has the right to make whatever he wants from the clay.

So, I am the Clay. I am in the Potter's hands for Him to make of me, and do with me, whatever He will.

I have shared this many times in the past twenty years, but this may be the first time I have recorded it.
October 16, 2011

Silence and meditation: A lost discipline

We live in a noisy society, filled with voices.
And we listen to them: news, commentators, tlk show hosts, music, movies, television shows, politicians, public opnion, experts, teachers, bosses, coworkers, coaches, friends, family, et al.

We awake in the morning to radio or TV news updates, sports results, song lyrics, etc. We listen to music or news or commentators or talk shows while we take our kids to and from school or en route to and from work, when we exercise (if we have that discipline). 

We love to hear people espouse opinions, often far removed from reality or any factual basis. If their opinions agree with ours, we feel better about ourselves, imagining that somehow validates us. If they disagree, we lambast them, espousing our own unfounded opinions.

In the rare moments of silence we experience, we replay all the voices and messages we have heard. These messages, these voices, shape our philosophy, our opinions, our understanding, our beliefs. Too often we allow them to define us.

We have accepted the lie that there are no absolutes, so we are left with no standard we can use to assess these messages, other than our own opinions and experiences. We make little attempt to discipline our minds in what we choose to think.

Disciplines require intentional, focused effort. They do not just happen. Meditation requires silence; turning off all the other voices to focus on one thing. 

Many who practice meditation do so to get in touch with themselves, to listen to their own inner voice. That leads us nowhere, our hearts are deceptive, envious, and ultimately selfish, or at least concerned primarily with our own welfare. Thus, this sort of meditation is a form of self glorification or self worship.

The goal of another form of meditation is to achieve a state of nothingness to achieve serenity: no desires, no wants, no anger, no lust, nothing impure. We are deceived to think we can achieve and maintain such a place; our unspiritual minds puff us up with idle notions. Again, we elevate our own abilities in a form of self worship.

True and meaningful meditation builds upon the foundation of absolutes, from an understanding that truth exists apart from our experience, a standard by which all things can be evaluated. This provides a focus for meditation that is outside us. Meditation should be upon these absolutes.

Thus the discipline of meditation has been twice lost: First in that we do not set aside times of silence to practice meditation. Second in that the focus of our meditations is us rather than absolutes .

The Christian faith is founded upon absolute truths found in the Bible, truths which are a reflection of the nature and character of God, perfectly revealed in the Incarnate Word, Jesus, who alone is the Truth, the Life, and the Way. 

Meditation on these truths is life-altering. Our opinions and life experiences pale when the light of truth reveals the darkness in our hearts and minds, our attitudes, our thoughts, our will. This recognition brings us to the point of confession and repentance, as we see our weaknesses, struggles, and other behaviors we  have excused and justified for what they are, sin.

If we then repent, we gain a new perspective and understanding on this life we live. It is no longer ours to live, but Christ’s to live through us. This removes the onus for us to live a good life, a moral life, a godly life. That burden is too much for us to bear, for we cannot live to God’s perfect standard. So when we weary of trying to carry such a burden alone, Christ invites us to come and receive rest. He will remove our heavy and wearisome yoke of sin, and replace it with one this is easy and light. Why is it easy and light? Because Christ Jesus has already borne the burden of the yoke, and broken it with all its power in his death on the cross.

So, start now. Set aside some time today to let the Word of God wash over you. Read it, turn it over in your mind. Let it penetrate your heart and your consciousness. Pray that God will open your eyes and your heart to see your own sin. Invite the Spirit to show you the offensive ways that are in you.

Psalms 19, 15 and 139 are a good beginning. Each contains powerful confessions and prayers.

Psalm 19:11-12, 14 

By Your words is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 51:1-4, 10-12

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. Create in my a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presences or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 139:1-3,13,23-24

O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

So what should meditation look like? Paul gives us direction.

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:1-3

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

October 13, 14, 2011

Disconnected

When was the last time you got up before the sun, just to watch it rise and marvel at the colors?

Or went to the west edge of town to have a clear view of the sunset?

Have you been awed at the color and size of the rising full moon as the light waves are bent as they enter the earth’s gravitational pull and atmosphere?

Or found a dark place away from the light pollution of the city to stare at the night sky?

To gaze at the stars, the moon, the planets?

To watch the skyscapes in the clouds?

To listen to the heavens as they declare the glory of God? (Psalm 8, 19)

Have you ever planted a garden and enjoyed the harvest?

The beauty and scents of the flowers?

Participated as a steward of the land as a partner with God?

Have you found beauty in deserts, prairies and forests?

In mountains and canyons, hills and plains?

When did you last watch with wonder as a flower opened?

Or marveled at the structural differences among lilies, mums, orchids and roses?

When did you last pause to watch a bee, hummingbird or hawk moth hover as their wings moved faster than your eye could perceive?

Or watch a hawk or an eagle glide on thermals, scarcely moving their wings at all?

All these are the work of one and the same God, awesome in power, wonderful in deed, mystifying in design, detail and intricacy.

When was the last time you sought a quiet place to sit still in the silence, resisting the urge to fill the void with sound and motion, that you might know that He is God? (Psalm 46:10)

We live in a beautiful place, though we seldom stop to recognize or appreciate it. 

We are much more aware of that which annoys, displeases and offends us.

When was the last time you ... 

Went to a neighbor’s house just to say, “Hi,” or “How are you?”

Said, “How are you,” and actually listened to the response?

Saw the pain or heard the desperation in a stranger’s voice, and offered to help?

Saw the hurt in the eyes of your wife or husband or child, and apologized and asked forgiveness?

Rejoiced and offered genuine congratulations when good came to your rival? (Romans 12:20)

Were quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry? (James 1:19)

Spoke only what was helpful for building others up according to their needs, rather than gossiping about them, or tearing them down? (Ephesians 4:29)

Put the needs of someone else above your own? (Philippians 2:3-4)

Loved someone with all your heart, not holding back (to keep from getting hurt)?

Were wronged, but chose not to get even, forgave the offender, and chose not to hold a grudge?

Erred greatly, accepted responsibility, and did not blame someone else?

Looked deep into your own heart and were honest with yourself?

Realized this world is really not about you?

We live in a disconnected society, a disconnected culture.

Disconnected from the land, and the production of the food we need to live;

Disconnected from the beauty and fragility of nature, over which we were meant to be stewards; 

Disconnected from our spouse, our children, our parents, ...

Disconnected from friends, neighbors, coworkers, ..., ourselves.

Many have recognized such disconnects exist, and in straight order, have proposed some way to reconnect, to mend what is broken. 

But this action reveals the greatest disconnect of them all, and the source of all the other disconnects we experience. 

We cannot fix ourselves. Why?

We are disconnected from God, the Creator of the world, the Author of life, the Lover of our souls, the Source of purpose, Who, because of His great love and mercy and amazing grace, bought us back from self-destruction, provided forgiveness in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offering peace and hope and meaning and joy.

There is no balance when we are disconnected from God. Only in being reconciled to God through the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is there hope to begin reconnecting with His creation, with people, with ourselves. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Lord, by Your Holy Spirit, draw us back to You, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the only Truth, the Life, and the Way.

Woe to us, for we are undone. (Isaiah 6:5)

Reconnect us, Lord, to You, that when restored, we may begin to reconnect with everything else in Your creation.

10-12-2011