Tag Archives: God’s will

Eastertide

Our Faith Declaration

The power of our words

Every Sunday our church recites in unison our affirmation of faith.  It consists of a series of declarations as to who God is and the mission of our church as part of His kingdom. Many congregations share in this tradition by reading The Apostle’s or Nicene Creed.

The intent of this practice is to express collective agreement and commitment to the basic tenets of Christian faith.  As I recited our church’s affirmation, I was not fully aware of its significance for me personally.

However, as I studied the Apostles’ writings during this Eastertide season, I have discovered its application for me in my spiritual formation. It is this meaning and reality I’d like to share today.

The importance of our declaration

After the Damascus Road (Acts 9:15), Jesus shared with the Apostle Paul the importance of knowing the source of one’s meaning.  This would serve to guide him through many trials and difficulties as he prepared for his day at the court of Rome.

The philosophers of Rome fancied themselves as great thinkers and orators, spending their day debating over the latest doctrines, beliefs, and suppositions. They were unimpressed with Paul’s credentials, describing him as a “babbler” (Acts 17:18).

Despite their intellect, they didn’t know the name of THE UNKNOWN GOD on whose altar they inscribed this title.  However, Paul personally knew THE UNKNOWN GOD. It was HIS GOD , who “made the world and all things therein” (Acts 17:23, 24).

The reality of God

Paul introduced the scoffers to the reality of God as the Sovereign Creator of the universe. God created everything they were familiar with, both living and inanimate. Paul knew that Creator God was “the source of life and not and idol god made of “gold, or silver, or stone” (Acts 17:29).

The men of Athens foolishly erected altars to dead gods, but the God of Heaven and Earth resurrected the Living Savior. Paul closes his oration to the Athenians by calling them to repentance (Acts 17:30) in realization that they would ultimately face a time of righteous judgment by “that man” whom God has ordained (Jesus). This final reality was authenticated by Jesus Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:31).

What is our reality?

How does Paul’s teaching to Athenians speak to believers today? Believer’s reality and meaning must be grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Colossians 3:3).

This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted. Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, our sins were forgiven, and we are now reconciled back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).

When we affirm our faith, we acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Galatians 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We no longer follow the world’s view of reality.  Our view is patterned after Jesus and is now being reshaped by His Blood. Our meaning and reality are realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).

My personal declaration of faith can be found in my church’s affirmation. “We believe in God, Who is the absolute source of life from whom all creation derives its meaning and reality.”   That meaning and reality includes me.  This is my faith declaration!

Lenten Season

Obedience: Our Journey to the Cross

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Obedience and the Journey to the Cross

Obedience and the Journey

Obedience is defined as discerning what God wants and choosing to seek that outcome.  Our response of obedience flows from a heart that hears God’s voice and feels God’s love.  It is a matter of choosing and turning to Him versus the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

The hallmark of obedience is modeled by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ especially as He journeyed to the Cross.  Jesus demonstrated for us “perfected” obedience by His humility, His faithfulness, and His submission to God’s will.

Obedience is both the outcome of our faith walk and the means by which spiritual maturity is accomplished.  We “perfect” (bring to fruition) our obedience through the Holy Spirit and practicing spiritual disciplines that conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).  We daily accept the “obedience challenge” by exercising our freedom in Christ rather than being disobedient slaves to sin.

The most difficult part of our obedience journey is our willingness to “let go.”  Letting go requires releasing those things that cause us to be independent of God and operate outside His will. Letting go demands that we pray often, wait expectantly, and trust unequivocally.

When we “let go and let God”, the results are always more than we can accomplish in our own power (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Much of the difficulty in “letting go,” lie in our inability to “let go of our ego.”

What’s with the ego?

Ego, in this case, is not an exaggerated sense of self-importance but the use of “fleshly” knowledge and “human” effort to accomplish God’s purpose. This is often the case when we endeavor to live righteous and holy lives in our own power.  Some of us attempt to do this by “works”:  we visit the sick, feed the hungry, and do all the things we think will please the Lord.

Some of us become “masters of spiritual disciplines”:  we read our Bible every day, fast and pray, and tithe.  Regardless of our approach, we “miss the mark” using fleshly methods to create spiritual outcomes.  In Philippians 3:4-5, the Apostle Paul, confesses his attempt to live holy by operating out of his flesh.

 Even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 

Interestingly the pronoun “I”, in the passage above, in Greek means “ego.”  Paul’s failure was not due to lack of works or poor self-discipline; nor was it the result of a poor attitude or “stinking thinking.”   Paul attempted to do the work and will of God in his own strength.  What was the best solution for Paul’s dilemma?   He declared his faith and dependence on Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-9). Paul “let go his ego” and chose to obediently follow God.

Meditation during Holy Week

As we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, let us consider our journey through the lens of obedience.  To help us, we will set aside time with the Lord to meditate on Philippians 3:8 (NRSV).

I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. 

When we meditate, we invite the Holy Spirit to join us.  There can be no meditation without His presence.   We are not daydreaming but focusing our thoughts on God’s Word.  Below are three (3) simple methods of meditation you can try.[1]

Meditation method #1:   Emphasize different words in the text.

Meditation method #2:   Rewrite the text in your own words.

Meditation method #3:   Formulate a principle from the text.  What does it teach?

Don’t rush this exercise.  Spend time re-reading and focusing on each word.  Give attention to the verse, each phrase, and words included in this scripture.  Remember, all Scripture is the inspired word from God (2 Timothy 3:16).  Take time to hear not only what God is saying to Paul but also, what God is saying to you.

Journal what you learn from your meditation—about God, the Gospel, your ego, and yourself.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show how you can practice obedience as you daily journey to the Cross.

[1] Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitley.

Knowing God

What is God revealing?

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Revealing Hidden Things

As stated last week, secret things belong to God.  Revealed things, however, belong to us and to our children so that we may follow God’s law.  They are truths which God has communicated through the Bible and His Holy Spirit. These also include those things revealed through the whole counsel of God.

This truth, found in Deuteronomy 29:29, falls in the fourth address to the children of Israel by Moses.  It is a summary of the covenant demands and an appeal for covenant obedience (Deut. 29:2-29).

For the Israelites, the secret things of the LORD probably referred to future details that God had not revealed to Moses.  Yet what He had revealed (e.g., future judgment for disobedience, future blessing for obedience, His requirement for holiness, etc.) was enough to encourage the Israelites to follow all the words of the Law.[1]  

Is God’s revealed truth enough to encourage 21st century believers to trust and obey Him?  To answer this question, let’s consider four (4) tenets of faith currently revealed by God in His Word and through His Spirit.

These are not meant to be exhaustive, but have proven to anchor one’s faith during tumultuous times (Heb. 6:19).  As we look at our current world situation, it is easy to become weary.  Hopefully, these revealed truths will encourage us not to “lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:16-17).

What has God revealed?

Our Knowledge of Him (2 Pet. 1:3-5).  Jesus came not only to acquire our salvation but to also manifest (reveal) the Father’s name (nature) to His children (John 17:6; 26).  Armed with that knowledge, we believers have access to divine power and precious promises.  God has also provided us with spiritual wisdom and insight through His Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-10).

Our Identity (Eph. 1:3-4). Identity is defined as the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognized or known.   God chose us to be adopted as sons, heirs and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).  Our identity also connects us with other believers in God’s universal Church.  Because of our identity we have access to everything we need to accomplish God’s purpose for our life and His kingdom. (Eph. 2:10)

 Our Salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  We are new creatures in Christ.  Because of Christ’s substitutional death on the Cross, we have been set free from the penalty and power of sin in our life.  This freedom will be fully experienced once in heaven where we will be delivered from the presence of sin (Rev. 21:4).

Our Hope (Rom. 4:18-21).  Hope is simply defined as the expectation of future good.   “Biblical hope is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance. More specifically, hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future. This contrasts to the world’s definition of hope as a feeling that what is wanted will happen.”[2]

What keeps us from trusting what God has revealed?

One reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we fail to recognize it.   In the 2020 Barna study, “Signs of Decline & Hope Among Key Metrics of Faith”, it is noted that there are fewer “faith engagements” occurring among both believers and non-believers.  These include Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance.  These activities are critical to gaining an understanding of what God has revealed in the past and what God is revealing in the present.

The U.S. population is undergoing major religious, social, demographic and digital change. The rise of digital life, including social media, the economic crisis, changing attitudes about social issues and the emergence of younger generations on the scene are some of the factors that are likely to form undercurrents recalibrating Americans’ connection to faith and to Christianity.

Another reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we choose not to believe.  One’s disbelief may be tied to the feeling that religion and the Bible are no longer relevant to 21st century living.  Such beliefs are not new.  The Apostle Paul warned the young minister Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3-5).   People are choosing other forms of spirituality that “better accommodate” their chosen life style and worldview.

Finally, we may not trust what God is revealing because we choose not to obey God.  Have you ever noticed that when a person is auguring over a specific teaching from the Bible, it is often connected to a personal obedience challenge they are facing in their life?  Obedience is more than just following the letter of the law.  It is discerning what God would want and then seeking that outcome.

So where do we go from here?

As we discover things revealed (and the list is infinite), we gain access to the very mind of God (Rom. 11:33-36).  Things revealed may be answers to those persistent questions concerning God’s purpose for our life.  Our receptivity to things revealed may be our entry to God’s power, presence, and provision.

Our life and the current challenges of 21st century living may seem impossible, but with God’s grace and favor, nothing is impossible.    We need only trust in Him and in the things He has revealed.

[1]  The Bible Knowledge Commentary , Old Testament

[2]  Holman Bible Dictionary

Victorious Living

On the Road to God’s New Thing

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The Road to New Things

A road by any other name

A road is literally defined as a wide way leading from one place to another. We often think of roads as access to new opportunities of commerce or development, such as the road to success.

A road can also describe a series of events or a course of action that will lead to a particular outcome. In the book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck uses “road” figuratively to describe the sometimes hard and often painful process of change. Peck uses the “road less traveled” as a illustration of the journey this requires.

Jeremiah’s  road

In Jeremiah 31, the prophet speaks to the people of God in Babylon to prepare them for a “road”—both literally and figuratively—that would return them to their own land after their 70-year exile.

Jeremiah’s message is clear. They are not to be afraid or lose heart. They are to be focused with a firm resolution to rebuild the nation of Israel.

In Jeremiah 31:22,  Israel is called to refrain from falling back into their old rebellious habits as God creates “a new road”  to their salvation—a “new thing” that had never been done before (or since).

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.  

Failure on the road

Israel is warned against potential backsliding which is interpreted as “faithless”. In the past both Israel and Judah had consistently failed to “holdfast” to God and depend solely on Him for their every need. (Job 27:6) The results was always disastrous as proven by the conquest of both nations.

Where are we placing our faith? Is it in people—elected officials, family members, or friends?  Are we dependent on things—bank accounts, social status, or professional affiliations? Do we believe only in ourselves—our intellect, looks, or personality? When Jesus returns, will He find  us faithfully following Him on the new road? (Luke 18:8)

With God on the road to new things

Israel is encouraged to trust God, Who would create a “new thing”—interpreted as strange and surprising—in the earth. God would create a woman who would “compass” or protect man.

Many interpreters understand this “new thing” to be the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  A woman, the Virgin Mary, enclosed in her womb the Might One. This was to be their incentive.

They would know that with their return from exile came the promise of not only their physical restoration but also the spiritual blessing of the Mighty God (Is. 9:6). God would not cast off His people but bless them. This was to be their assurance.

What is the road for us today?

How do we  to live in the knowledge of this “new thing”?  Knowing the blessings of being in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).

• We live attentively in God’s presence. God is creating new opportunities for us.  However, we must listen for His voice and watch where He is working. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• We live expectantly in God’s provision. God has provided all that we need to live godly lives and to accomplish His purpose in our lives. (2 Peter 1:3-8)

• We live faithfully in God’s purpose. As the elect of God we live by faith. We do not backslide or “draw back unto perdition” but trust that He who began this “good work in us” is able to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)

Our journey to understanding “new things” has hopefully provided incentive and inspiration to walk in the divine purpose God has created for our lives. When we as believers trust God and understand God’s reason for “new things”, we can move forward joyfully in faith and confidence.

Victorious Living

God’s Reason for New Things

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God's Reason for New Things

Why change?

Last week we invited you to new things in 2025.  Maybe your life is going great and you have no need to change.  Great!  But for the rest of us, we realize that as the world changes, we too, must make sure that the way we are operating is within the will of God and His purpose for our lives.

Why resist?

It is human nature to resist doing new things even if new things offer more than the status quo.  The Book of Numbers takes us to where we observe the impact of a nation’s resistance to “new things” with respect to God and His divine purpose for their life.

But if the LORD make a new thing and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.  Num. 16:30 (KJV) 

What should have been an eleven-day journey resulted in a forty year “funeral procession” (Num. 14:28-29; 32-35).  Regardless of Israel’s opposition, God would show them a reason for His new thing.

Resistant and rebellious until the end!

From the time of their departure, Israel complained and was rebellious against not only the leadership of Moses and Aaron but also against God Himself.  Israel had seen the many miracles of God yet  in their hearts, regardless of what God did for them, “Israel had Egypt in their hearts. ” [1]

Where is your heart?  When God attempts to move you to your divine purpose, do you complain and murmur?  Is your affection set on the things of this world when God’s plan offers much more? (Col. 3:2-4)

New things may come with a price.

Read Numbers 15:1-20:13

Motivated by jealousy and envy, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram attempted to seize the priesthood from Aaron and his sons. In so doing, they also challenged the sovereignty and authority of God.

In the wilderness, God would teach Israel a painful lesson about the reason for “new things”—about sacrifice, authority, and responsibility.

That “new thing” would come with a price—it would cost Korah, Dathan, and Abiram their life, their families’ lives plus the lives of 14,700 people within Israel’s camp.

One of the reasons for God’s severity in punishing Israel was to prepare the way for His new thing—a people who would accept the “new beginning” He had readied for them in the Promised Land.  It would be there that Israel would experience new victories, a new priest (Eleazar), a new leader (Joshua), and a new generation.

How does God use “new things” in our life?
    • God might need to reset or reboot our current efforts. Stalled plans, ungodly influences or fleshly lusts can often take us off the path God sovereignly chooses for us.  God’s intervention will guarantee success. (Phil. 1:6)
    • God may desire to take us out of our comfort zone. He may even allow “trials and tribulations” into our life to move us forward.  In trusting and waiting on the Lord, we find courage to persevere as we pursue God’s plan for our life.  (1 Pet. 1:6-7)
    • God could choose to introduce us to an opportunity that may not have been on our radar screen. It is in those moments we can depend wholly on God to bring prospects into our life that will result in our good and His glory.   (Matt. 7:11)
God always has a reason for introducing new things into our life.

They may not be easy but they are always worth it.  We may not understand “why” but we can trust “Who” (God).

In the past when faced with new things, I was like Israel, guilty of complaining and murmuring.  Out of fear and frustration, I would cry, “Lord, why me?” I now choose God’s path for my life and when faced with “new things” I sigh in faith and confidence, “Lord, it’s YOU and me!”

[1]   Wiersbe Bible Commentary

Advent/Christmas

New Year. New Beginnings?

 

New Year. New Beginnings?

The New Year

The new year has arrived with festive gatherings and events.  Some of us have, as is our habit, made “traditional” New Year’s resolutions (which will be quickly abandoned in 30 days or less).

It is my prayer as we prepare for 2025 with new beginnings, that we also evaluate our spiritual growth and progress.  Are we growing closer to God or are we subtly drifting away?

In 2024, where did we spend our time and our resources?  Did we invest in things eternal (Matthew 6: 19-20) or put our hope in things that reflect the values of this world: power, influence, and material wealth?

As we move into this new year, let us remember that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Let’s let go of those “old things”.  Let’s rediscover and embrace our identity in Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Christ’s work of redemption presents us with the opportunity to experience a new beginning with God. No longer separated by sin, we can now be reconciled with God and enjoy peace with our fellowman (Romans 5:1). To experience this new beginning, we must first possess a clear understanding of our new identity in Christ (1 John 5:4).

Identity is the condition of being a specific person or thing. Our personal identity is the result of the people, places, and things we connect or associate with. This is also true of our spiritual identity. What is feeding our identity in the 21st century?

While personal identity looks at outward influences, spiritual identity, however, looks at two things: (1) the Person of Jesus Christ and (2) the Place of the Cross.

“Old things have passed away.”

Jesus Christ took on our physical identity (in his fleshly body) so that we can become partakers of his spiritual identity (Hebrew 12:14-15). This divine incarnation resulted in the perfect sacrifice required to satisfy the penalty for sin.  In exchange, we have eternal life and are now children of God (Romans 8:16).

In the shadow of the Cross, we leave our old nature and become crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We die to sin and its hold upon our life (Romans 6:11). It is in His resurrection, that we received new life for our new beginning.

 “Behold, all things have become new.”

Let’s flip the switch in 2025 and consider what God has invested in us.  Our responsibility is to daily live out the new identity Christ has provided. Once we fully grasp that, we are positioned to receive “all the fullness of God” (John 1:16).

Our hope and assurance rests fully on the completed work of Jesus Christ.  HE IS our New Beginning (Colossians 1:18).

Spiritual Maturity

Is There a Peacemaker in the House?

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Is there a Peacemaker in the House?

“Blessed are the peacemakers…”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NRS).  Is peacemaking even possible in the 21st century?  The world is becoming more polarized every day and over every issue that surfaces in our life.  We are divided on everything from politics to the color of the school library.  Why is this so?

Is this the new model we are to use as we strive to live in a world marked by extraordinary diversity and constant change?

Is it a new anomaly caused by a world traumatized by the crises and the catastrophes of this new century: pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and human tragedies.

Has something occurred in our spirit that now causes us to be more accepting of evil, combative, and defensive?

Is our commitment to peacemaking dead? Is there room in our world for peacemakers?

Do we need peacemaking?

What is the opposite of peacemaking?  The antonyms for peacemaking include the following:    inflammatory, offensive, provocative, aggravating, provoking, engaging, frustrating, abrasive.  Do many of these words describe the interactions we’re having these days?  We might sum them up with one word: STRIFE.  Strife can exist between strangers, friends, church members, or yes, even family.

The Apostle James shares the results of strife left unchecked (James 3:16, KJV).  “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” The Revised Standard Version paints an even clearer picture of the results of strife. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”  Look around, what do we see?

Wherever there is disorder and evil work, we can be assured that Satan is in the mix.  He is the proverbial puppeteer behind the actions of those he uses for his destructive actions.  However, strife can be minimized and ultimately resolved by a peacemaker.

What does a peacemaker look like?

Peacemakers are intentional in creating opportunities that mirror God’s heart of peace in the world. They look for opportunities to both prevent potential conflicts and encourage peaceful relationships, even if it means personal sacrifice and self-deference (1 Cor. 9:22).

Those who are peacemakers are first and foremost people who understand and embrace God’s provision of peace.  They understand that peace is not the result of external factors or human effort but is the internal “heart work” of the Holy Spirit, who is daily conforming believers to the image of Christ, the Ultimate Peacemaker (Rom. 8:29).

Peacemakers strive to promote the kingdom of God.  As Christ demonstrated God’s peace in His ministry, we become peacemakers in this present age (Phil. 4:7). Peacemaking finds genesis in the heart of God.

Children of God are Peacemakers.

The peace that Jesus speaks to in this Beatitude is not a “natural” habit or disposition of man. This peace is imparted to us during the process of salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  Practicing peacemaking is not easy in the natural or our flesh.  Yet it is more than possible in the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

What adjective do people use to describe us?  Are we portrayed as bridge builders or wrecking balls?   Do we mirror God’s heart through our love and personal sacrifice?  Are we ready to be God’s peacemakers?

Our Faith Walk

Although and Yet: A Prayer of Faith

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Although and Yet: A prayer of Faith

Wickedness leads to judgment

The Prophet Habakkuk lived and prophesized in the reign of king Manasseh, when wickedness abound.  Destruction by the Chaldeans was imminent.  God would use them as an instrument of His judgment.

If God were to assess the moral condition of our nation, would we be prepared to receive His punishment? The “sins of Judah” resulted in its fall.  Disobedience is a slippery slide that leads to a continuum of sins (James 1:13-15).  Where are we as a nation on that slide?

What’s in a name?

Before being taken into captivity, Judah would experience the loss of all its material wealth and property.  All the blessings of God (Deut. 28:1-14) would be eliminated because of the wickedness and rebellion of Judah (Deut. 28:15-68).

How was Habakkuk to respond to God’s pending punishment on the nation of Judah? Habakkuk is an unusual name which means “to embrace or cling”. In the final chapter of this book, his name becomes apparent as Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

Although and yet.  These two conjunctions reflect how devoted Habakkuk was to his God and the trust he would need to navigate through the dark days that lie ahead.

Habakkuk’s declaration

In the final chapter of the book, Habakkuk concludes with a prayer confessing his continuing trust in the rightness of God’s dealing with Judah (Hab. 3:17-18).

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

May I digress and spend a moment on the grammar Habakkuk used in this prayer.  Though is a conjunction meaning “in spite of the fact that”.   When used at the beginning a phrase, clause, or sentence, it offers a contrast to the main sentence.   Yet is also conjunction that means, in this context, “nevertheless.”  What are you saying, Habakkuk?  Put it in 21st century language we can understand!

In spite of rising costs and inflation,

And drought burned crops and dying cattle in the fields,

In spite of fires, floods, and ravaging storms,

And our shrinking GNP and personal investment accounts,

In spite of doing more with less

And receiving little in return

Nevertheless, I will rejoice in my Lord!

I will be joyful and trust in God.

He is my salvation!

That is the kind of faith we need today. Our world continues to shift from the familiar to the unrecognizable.  These lead to uncertainty and fear.  How will we respond?  Take a moment and write your own declaration of faith.  What is your “in spite of” and your “nevertheless”?

Habakkuk’s faith

Habakkuk concludes his prayer by living up to his name.  He praises God’s wisdom even though he doesn’t fully understand God’s way.  Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

That faith and trust is captured in his closing statement (Hab. 3:19, NLT):

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

In the King James version of this verse, two different words are used for “make”.

  • “He will make my feet like hinds’ feet” or “to transform into”.
  • “He will make me to walk upon my high places” or “tread, bend, or march”.

The deer in this verse was not the domesticated goat we see on farms today but was a wild mountain goat that was equipped the move through the rugged terrain of the mountains.  Narrow openings and ledges, crooks, and jagged rocks.  This is where the deer lived, yet they moved confidently knowing they were created for that world.

Application for us.  Our sovereign God has created us for such a time as this.  He is transforming us and bending us so that we will be able to not only survive but thrive.  But our ability to walk upon “our high places” is dependent on our faith and trust in God—even if we don’t understand His ways.  We must live by faith (Hab. 2:4).  If we do, then we too will be able to walk on our high places (Hab. 3:19).

Our Faith Walk

What in the World?

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What in the world?

What in the world?

What in the world?  As I look around our nation and our world, this  is my “standard response”  to what I see.  Everyday there is new chaos, new debauchery, and/or new calamity to add to my already traumatized brain.

Many of you have asked me where is God in all this confusion?  And why doesn’t God intervene?  Such was the case with the prophet Habakkuk as he looked upon the nation of Judah.

The consequence of sin

The prophetic book of Habakkuk shares the dialogue between a “gracious God” and an “anxious prophet”.  As is true with both the major and minor prophets, we are given great insight as to how a holy God deals with an unholy and rebellious nation.

Although the nation of Judah was God’s “covenant people” (Deut. 7:7), God was now prepared to meter punishment on them like they had never experienced. The prophet Habakkuk has been chosen for “such a time as this”—a time when time has runout!

Judah was guilty of extraordinary sins.  Habakkuk inquired of God how long He would allow the wickedness of Judah to go unpunished.  They would not go unpunished.  God would use the nation of Babylon as His “chastening rod”.

We often think that our wrong behavior is not being seen by others.  While that may be true for a moment, the fact is, God sees!  What is done in the dark, will always come to light (Luke 8:17).  Many of our ousted elected officials and fallen religious leaders can attest to that truth.  However, there are always consequences for sin and it’s usually not good.

The cost of sin

God lists for Habakkuk the sins of Judah in five (5) “woes”.  God “had” indeed taken notice of Judah’s crimes (Hab. 2:5-20).  They included:

      • greed and aggression (vv. 5-8)
      • exploitation and extortion (vv. 9-11)
      • violence (vv. 12-14)
      • immorality (vv. 15-17)
      • idolatry (vv. 18-20)

We live in a world like Judah.  Look at the woes!  We sin both individually and collectively, as a nation.  God’s standard for righteous living has not changed (Micah 6:8; Mal. 3:6). Does God see what we’re doing?  Of course, He does (Ps. 33:13-14; Ps. 139:8-12).  The question is, are we willing to deal with the consequences of our sins?  Are we willing to accept the cost?

The cost is being realized as we see the immediate impact sin has on our children, our families, and our communities.

    • The hungry. Hunger is a very real issue for 12% or 41 million people in the United States.
    • The homeless. Why are people homeless? Because of “lack”!  Lack of affordable housing, income, employment opportunities, and healthcare.
    • The abused. Domestic violence.  Sexual abuse.  Human trafficking.

But what do these impacts have to do with sin?  Re-read the “five woes” and see how they fit in our 21st century culture.  If we are not guilty by “commission”, perhaps we are culpable by “omission”—by what we don’t do to make life better for others (Prov. 3:27).

The just shall live by faith

Although God’s judgment was hard for Habakkuk to accept, he recognized the only “proper response” in the midst of this dilemma.  He was “to live by faith, not by sight” (Hab. 2:4).

As we look at the world we live in, it is easy to be disillusioned and in despair.  Just like Habakkuk, we may question how long God will tolerate sinful and evil behavior from both individuals and nations.

Regardless of who sits in the White House or State House, we as believers in Christ are to do our part to speak truth and justice.  We are to engage in our world to represent Jesus as He ensures God’s will is accomplished (2 Cor. 5:15).  We are to live by faith.

Like Habakkuk, we have an ordained purpose to accomplish (Eph. 2:10).  We are to pursue our purpose trusting that God sees and is always in control.  He is constantly, through every historic event moving us to His divine plan of salvation for mankind.

Knowing that, our purpose should not focus on our personal agendas.  But instead let us join God in His plan.  Like Habakkuk and Esther and all those who have gone before us, we were created for such a time as this.  Let us not be in despair but let us “go forth” in the strength of the Lord (Ps. 71:16).

[1] Wikipedia

Spiritual Maturity

Everybody’s Talking

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“Things are bad!”

Everybody’s talking about how bad “things” have gotten.  What does that include? Increases in crime.  Rising incidents of government corruption.  Lack of respect for “anybody” and general disregard for authority.  The absence of “common” civility.  It’s even the price increases for everything, even when the quality or service seems to have declined.

Well guess what?  Behind every little “bad thing”, there is the probability it has its beginning in sin.  Yep!  Good old fashion sin.  Think about it:  crime, inflated prices?  What’s at its root?  Covetousness and greed (hoodlums or investor returns).  Political corruption?  What is the motivation?  Pride, dishonesty, vanity.  Lack of civility?  Selfishness, hate, injustice.  Many of the issues we face in society are because of sin.

Continuation of these sins (personal and national) can quickly erode the very fiber of what people value today and hope to leave for the generations that follow.  If we continue to justify our “bad behavior”, how will we stop this “sinful trajectory” and its effect on our world?  What do we do with sin?

Past Efforts

For too long, this question has been asked only by theologians and scholars as they “pontificate” over spiritual things.  But the people who should be asking this question are those who are currently stewards of God’s grace (1 Pet. 4:10) , desiring that God’s “kingdom will come”—to our nation, to our churches, and more importantly, to our homes.   Social reform and political posturing cannot affect these human dimensions.

Sin originates from thoughts and feelings that focus on activities that satisfy personal and selfish agendas (James 1:14-15).  These desires are then acted upon by the will (spirit and heart) which has the power to do what is good—or evil.

The Apostle Paul also warns us in Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified) about “spiritual influences” presently at work to maintain sin in our community and our world.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

So, what do we do with sin?

It is our responsibility to no longer be silent about sin in our lives and their effect on our world.  We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us to see the world through “spiritual eyes”, discerning what is right from what is wrong.

We must first recognize sin in our own life.  We begin by aligning our will with the will and counsel of God (Col. 3:1-3).   This requires that we read His Word, become fervent in prayer, and seek his guidance.  Secondarily, we must boldly speak out against sin in our society.  It includes our witness to God’s expectation that we love one another (1 John 4:7-8) and seek to be “reconciled” (in right relationship) to each other (Eph. 2:14-15).

Finally, we are to advocate for all things that glorify and honor God (Gal. 5:22-24).  Not only that which fits our political preference or ecumenical belief.  Sound simple?  It is, when we place God over our personal needs and agendas (Matt.6:33).

If you are in the midst of sin, first confess and repent quickly.  God is faithful to forgive and cleanse you (1 John 1: 19).  Then reckon yourself dead to sin (Rom. 6:11) and no longer let sin have dominion over you (Rom. 6:14).  That’s what we do with sin!  That’s what we need to have everyone talking about!