Mine and Then Some

I have to confess that I am terminally male.  I say this because this post is going to have a male bias and I want any readers of the female persuasion to understand that this post applies to women as well.  Please keep this disclaimer in mind as you proceed.

I have noticed more and more that people seem less able to take care of their own... well, stuff.  I'm not sure the right word to encompass all I am thinking of here.  What I mean to say is that people seem less capable of dealing with their own families, lives, business and stuff.  You have heard the complaints about how hard life is, how the bills are overwhelming, how stressful work is, and how difficult relationships and marriage can be.  Fundamentally I can't disagree with these statements... life is tough.  However, at what point do we just man up and deal with it?  Life is tough.  Sometimes life is really tough and we lose loved ones, struggle with cancer, get laid off etc.  Certainly these catastrophes can be overwhelming.  But, I am noticing more of an inability to deal with every day life events.

What's my point?  Well, I have been thinking more and more lately about those men who choose to take care of their own, and then a few more.  This means that they take care of their business, families, relationships, etc. and then give to others.  These are the men that lead in our churches, coach teams, serve on boards, and help neighbors on the weekend.

So, here is my commitment.  I want to take care of mine, and then some.  Consider skimming through your Bible and see if you can find a similar concept in scripture.  If so, post it here for all to see.  Thanks.

This Little Light of Mine

I love to hear my kids sing. Moreover, I am moved when I hear them sing praises. Every morning this week we have belted out old school Newsboys on the way to school. To hear my youngest sing He Reigns as loud as she can is nothing short of glorious. Today, I thought of a simpler song. In the midst dealing with someone's emotional melt down I recited This Little Light of Mine. No hand motions, no chorus of singers- just simple lyrics for me to meditate on while helping someone else through their own, personal hell.

Now that I have some time and peace to process I am reminded that lights are only used in the darkness. Don't see too many people shining flashlights at noon on sunny days do you? Light is most valuable in the midst of darkness. Some lives have been left to the darkness.

My daughter asked me what I do now. She understood the role of minister, but the therapist thing eludes her comprehension. I told her that I worked with people who had been abused. She asked me what abuse was. I stopped in that moment to thank God that my daughter had no concept of abuse. Too many kids know far too well what abuse is.

Christians spend too much time in the suburbs. Orderly lives in sheltered places. Light that remains in well-lit places. When we are told to let our light shine we should assume that we are called to illuminate the darkness. So, this little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine.

The Life of a Dreamer- Application

I think it is time to wrap up this series on Joseph.  However, I cannot end this series without the most vital component which is application.  Many, many people regard the Bible as a dusting, boring old book with little relevance.  People who say this have missed the application part.  It might be that Sunday school teachers or ministers taught and preached and presented memory verses and missed the big question, "WHY?" 

My life has taken several turns lately.  Some by choice and some not.  One turn is coming to the end of my degree and starting my practicum and internship requirements.  I had searched for over a year for a practicum site.  It seemed that every good possibility fell through for some reason.  It was distressing.  BUT, I can tell you that without the story of Joseph, and the reminder that God is sovereign over the big picture, I would have been much more discouraged. 

Another turn was leaving a career in ministry work.  Changes in career are tough and there were many tough choices to make.  I relied on the wisdom of scripture and the reminder to always take the high road in life. 

Finally, Amanda and I have begun to attend a new church. Getting to know a lot of new people is a challenge.  However, the transition to being known and respected by a congregation to not being known means that people do not know what we bring to the table.  It can be frustrating starting again from scratch.  I consider the many times Joseph was knocked back to square one.  How he responded when he went from slave to prisoner.  He stayed faithful, diligently did his work, and took every opportunity God gave him.  Glory to God because he has given me opportunities.  He provided me with an internship at the last minute.  He blessed Amanda with opportunities to increase income and meet our needs.  He will bless us as we seek to minister in a new church.  Glory to God for he was at work in Joseph's life, He is at work in my life, and He is at work in yours. 

The Life of a Dreamer- Taking the High Road

I have heard it referred to as taking the high road or being the bigger person.  Basically it means acting more ethically than others would in a similar situation.  When someone cuts you off on the highway do you tailgate them or do you take the high road and just let them merge?

Joseph had a tremendous opportunity for revenge upon his brothers.   After they plotted his murder and then sold him into slavery they end up bowing before him in great need.  While it is not stated in the text, I do believe Joseph is tempted to exact some revenge.  Considering the power and influence Joseph has he could have easily gotten even.  He certainly takes the high road in this instance.  Eventually Joseph reveals his true identity and a touching family reunion ensues.  Joseph brings his family to Egypt, provides them with a nice place to live, and saves the nation of Israel from famine. 

What would the world be like if we all chose to be the bigger person?  What if there was more grace and less vengeance?  Jesus often said that the kingdom of heaven was at hand (or near).  This is true.  Whenever an individual chooses to “take the high road” the kingdom of heaven breaks into the world.  Commit yourself to making the more ethical or moral decisions regardless of choices of those around you.

The Life of a Dreamer- Fight or Flight

Genesis 39 is the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.  This is the original desperate housewife story.  Potiphar buys Joseph as a slave and places him in charge over the entire household.  Potiphar’s wife takes notice of the young, handsome man in her house and she attempts to seduce Joseph.  At every turn Joseph refuses her advances.  One day Potiphar’s wife sets her trap.  She sends everyone out of the house so that she and Joseph are home alone.  She grabs Joseph and brazenly demands that he take her to bed.  Joseph flees leaving his cloak in her hand.  When Potiphar returns his wife lies about the events of the day resulting in Joseph being sent to prison.

There is a moral to this story that we can benefit from.  We should flee temptations and fight sins.  Too often we do the opposite.  It is foolish to try and fight temptations.  An alcoholic should not sit in a bar and resist the urge, instead he/she should flee from the bar as quickly as possible.  When faced with temptation it is time to retreat.  Sins are different.  We should stand and fight sins tooth and nail.  It is not wise to hide from our sins or to try and run away from our sins.  Fleeing will not make the sin go away.  When there is sin in our lives we need to gather allies, pray hard, meditate on scripture, and fight until the sin is defeated.  So, the moral of today’s lesson is to flee temptations and fight sins.

The Life of a Dreamer- Playing the Hand You’re Dealt

In the story of Joseph there is this interesting phenomenon that repeats itself throughout the story.  Whatever is put within Joseph’s hands is blessed.  It’s like he has some divine Midas touch.  Potiphar notices and promotes Joseph to a leadership position, the jailer notices and promotes Joseph to leadership, and Pharaoh takes notice and makes Joseph number two man over all Egypt.  Everything that is placed in Joseph’s hands is blessed.  Now, it would be too easy to say that Joseph was dealt a good hand, but this is not so.

Joseph was sold as a slave and thrown into prison.  Most of us would say Joseph was dealt a lousy hand.  However, Joseph was able to transform his situation into a winning hand.  There is no secret to his success as the scripture spells out plainly how this was accomplished.  In Genesis 39 verse 2 it says that, “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.”  When enslaved (dealt a lousy hand) Joseph remained true to God and the Lord was with him.  Genesis 39:21 says, “But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him… and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”  My personal favorite is Genesis 41:16 in which Pharaoh asks Joseph to interpret his dreams.  Joseph answers, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”   Joseph gives the credit for his success to the proper recipient- God.

We are all dealt seemingly lousy hands sometimes.  Being true to God and giving Him glory for our success is the trick for turning a lousy hand into a winning hand.  Despite some lousy circumstances everything placed in Joseph’s hands was successful in the end.  Joseph did not quit, whine, or rebel.  He trusted in God, did the best he could in any circumstance, and came out victorious.  When life throws you off course take a breath, trust God, do your best, and be ready to give God the glory when success comes.

The Life of a Dreamer- In Awe of the Big Picture

Last week I spent my mornings walking the beach and gazing out across the Atlantic.  I love the ocean and am mystified by its size and power.  Ever have that feeling of awe and wonder when in the presence of something much larger than yourself?  This is exactly the feeling I get when I come to Genesis 37.  Here is why this chapter amazes me… God reveals the big picture. 

Let me set the scene.  Joseph has provoked his brothers’ jealousy to the point that they are plotting to kill him.  A plan is hatched and murder seems eminent when Reuben (the eldest) intervenes.  Instead, they sell Joseph as a slave and he is whisked away to Egypt. 

This tragic turn of events starts a chain reaction which results in the formation of the nation of Israel.  Moreover, Joseph’s presence in Egypt will result in the salvation of Egypt and surrounding nations.  God will transform this sinful act of brotherly jealousy into a history changing event.  This story provides insight into a God who is sovereign over time and circumstance.  Not only does God transform evil into good, He also brings about the prophetic dream that started the mess to begin with.  Everything comes full circle when Joseph's brothers bow before him as predicted. 

We can understand this even more deeply with a series of, “what if” questions.  What if Joseph’s brothers had killed him?  Their whole family would have starved to death in the coming famine.  What if Joseph had not been thrown in prison?  He would never have brought his family to Egypt forming the nation of Israel.  On and on it goes.

Finally, we see that there is a destructive force at work.  Satan is trying to bring about ruination through jealousy and hate.  Even when Satan is successful, God is able to bring about the ultimate good.  Being sold into slavery, attempted seduction, and imprisonment all result in Joseph becoming the number two guy in all of Egypt.  Nothing can thwart God or infringe on His sovereignty.   

The Life of a Dreamer- Pomp in Bad Circumstances

(Genesis 37)

Seventeen year old boys are not known for their restraint.  Modified mufflers and revving engines announce the arrival of some teenage boy into our usually quiet neighborhood.  So, Joseph was not unlike modern teens when he strutted around in his ornamental coat.  The robe that was a special gift from his father; a richly decorated robe that declared his position as the favored son.  Nor is it surprising to see Joseph deliver a bad report about his brothers in an attempt to win even more favor with his father.  Seventeen year old boys will often compete with their brothers especially trying to one-up older siblings.  Anger and jealousy are the natural response from the brothers in question, but in a family with a history of dysfunction such pomp is only going to lead to bad circumstances.

One night God reveals the future to Joseph in a dream.  The dream reveals that Joseph’s family will bow down before him.  Being true to form Joseph brags about the dream to his brothers bringing their anger to a climax.  In their rage they begin to plot Joseph’s murder. 

It is interesting to note that the dream was true and the events would come to pass.  In a few short chapters we will find Joseph’s family bowing to him.  However, truth is not always met with receptivity.  We can speak truth in the lives of people and be met with anger and hate.  Jesus spoke truth and was murdered for it.  We need to be careful about how and when we speak truth.    Ephesians 4:15 tells us that we need to speak the truth in love.  Too often we speak truth to show superiority, to boast of our knowledge, or to prove someone else wrong.  These abuses of power will overshadow the truth and result in anger or jealousy.  There is no room for pomp in the life of a Christian.  Follow the example of the apostle Paul who said he could only boast in Christ Jesus.  Likewise, learn from Joseph.  God revealed truth to Joseph and he used that knowledge to rule over his brothers.  We, who have truth, need to be wise in how we speak that truth to the world.  We need to speak the truth in love.

The Life of a Dreamer- A Son of Dysfunction

We begin our study of Joseph with a survey of his family.  His father, Jacob, was a schemer of the highest degree.  In the course of his trickery and in the midst of his deceiving ways (Genesis 29) Jacob falls in love.  Rachel the boss's daughter and she is beautiful.  She catches his eye and steals his heart so that Jacob is willing to work seven years for her hand in marriage.  In one of the most entertaining and ironic twists in the Bible Jacob is tricked into marrying Rachel's older (uglier) sister Leah.  Unhindered Jacob works another seven years and marries Rachel.

By Genesis chapter 30 the dysfunction of this family hits full tilt.  God, being a just God, cannot bear the mistreatment of Leah in this story.  Therefore, Rachel is left barren while Leah gives birth to sons.  However, God is merciful and answers Rachel's prayers resulting in the birth of Joseph.  A favored son born to a favored wife. 

Knowing this background is valuable in understanding the rest of Joseph's story.  The angst and jealousy that will spill forth against Joseph began brewing in his family even before he was born.  The same is true of us.  Who we are, and what we experience in childhood is the result of our parent's and even grandparent's decisions.  A divorce, alcoholism, church attendance (or lack thereof) and many other decisions have generational impact.  The decision to play favorites in a family is especially devastating.  However, God works all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).  This reassuring sentiment will be a theme throughout the story of Joseph and will be repeated often in this study.  Whatever dysfunction you were born into... God can redeem it.  Whatever mess generations before you made can be transformed by the God of all creation.

The Life of a Dreamer- A Study of Joseph

I really enjoyed the study of David that our group did in the spring and I am looking forward to diving into another in depth study.  Choosing a topic was difficult until Joseph came up in my morning devotionals with my kids.  I had forgotten how much I enjoy the story of Joseph.  The depth of this tale is especially appealing.  Within this story one can see how God is sovereign, how God works for the good of those who love him, how messed up family dynamics can be, how hard work and determination pay off, and the amazing power of forgiveness. 

My goal is to post once a week (hopefully Wednesday or Thursday) and to generate some discussion.  If you have not opened your Bible in a while, then please join in.  My prayer is that God will bring great blessing to many through this study.  God blessed Joseph in everything he did... He can do the same for you!

Where My Face Begins

There was a lot of reaction to my last post about Fifty Shades of Grey especially regarding what is or is not our business.  Are the actions of my neighbors any of my business?  Do I have any right to say what another person should or should not do?  Well, it all comes down to where my face begins.

Let me explain.  Many years ago a friend and mentor of mine said that, "a person's right to swing their fist ends where your face begins."  It took me a long time to fully understand this.  Basically, a person has the right to walk around swinging their fist all they want... until that fist meets my nose.  When the exercise of rights means harm then those rights need to restrained.  The trick is to define harm.  We understand physical harm.  If a neighbor was abusing their spouse or children we would not hesitate to interfere (I hope).  Maybe we even comprehend emotional harm and abuse.  Do we even consider spiritual or moral harm? 

When any media promotes the control of one person by another it is damaging to our moral fabric.  Dare I say, even more so when it promotes a man dominating a woman.  How hard have we worked to achieve equality (if indeed we are there yet)?  As far as emotional abuse, few people understand the psychological damage that it takes to create a person who confuses abuse for pleasure.  Moreover, the darkness that resides around a person who abuses others for enjoyment.  Certainly promoting emotional harm.  The physical abuse is obvious when the main character has a torture room. 

Does this book harm us?  Is the author swinging her fist where my nose begins?  At best she is socially irresponsible... at worst she is damaging our society on multiple levels. 

OK- enough on this topic.  My fear is I am promoting this book more than condemning it.  SO, stay tuned for a series on Joseph starting next week.

Making Deviance Mainstream: The Dangers of Fifty Shades of Grey

What is deviance?  What is abnormal versus normal?  What do we consider pathological?  These are questions that challenge me as someone entering the mental health field.  One tool that is used in the mental health field is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR)which defines and categorizes various disorders  (APA, 2000).  This is the book that guides clinicians in making diagnoses.  One section of this manual includes sexual and gender identity disorders.  These disorders include sadism and masochism which are elements of E.L James (2011) Fifty Shades of Grey books.

Now, I want you to fully understand my issue here.  These books have reached New York Times Best Seller status.  This trilogy has been on Amazon's top seller list for over 100 days.  These books are bringing deviance into the mainstream.  This is how abnormality gets normalized. 

I am a believer in free speech to the degree that such freedoms cause no harm.  Is there harm in normalizing deviant behavior?  Let's consider what sadism is.  Sadism is arousal caused by inflicting control and sometimes pain on another human being.  Sadism is something society used to associate with serial offenders.  How about masochism?  This is arousal achieved by being controlled, hurt, or humiliated.  These people often have histories of abuse and misuse and have deep psychological hurts.  As a society we want to glorify this?  Really?  This is our new normal?

Allow me to continue.  Do we want our neighbors to believe that this is acceptable sexual behavior?  Do we want our children's boyfriends and girlfriends to find this acceptable and normal?  What was once a deviant subculture is now a best seller.  Our society is changing the face of normal- how are we going to respond?

American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed. text revision. Arlington, VA: APA.

James, E.L. (2011). Fifty Shades of Grey. Vintage Publishers.

A Big Fat Liar

If lies were greeting cards then Satan would be like a Hallmark store. He has a lie for every occasion imaginable. Had a recent success in life? Satan will tell you the credit is all yours with no glory belonging to God. In a relationship? The devil wants you to believe that happiness your personal happiness is central in that relationship. Got friends? Satan wants you to believe that you need to put on a front to keep those friends. He has lies to hurt your self-esteem, lies that induce guilt, lies to separate you from God, lies to induce pride, etc. etc. etc. A lie for every occasion.

The Bible concurs with verses about Satan being a liar and the father of lies. In fact, the scriptures say that when Satan lies, "He speaks his native tongue." The lies are powerful and able to fool people into some really bad situations. Consider the person who believes that divorce will make all their partner problems go away. Somehow Satan fails to inform them that they will still need to parent together, work out money issues, and deal with the rest of life's problems (minus a partner). Just one example of the lies and the resulting destruction.

Jesus came that we might know the truth and so that truth could set us free from all the lies. The biggest lie of all that we need to be set free from is that God does not love us. Satan wants us to believe that we are not loveable, redeemable, able to be made holy. This lie sent Adam and Eve hiding in the garden. This lie robs us of hope and steals our joy. Know the truth, and let it set you free.

Sampling the Abundant Life

Last week my wife and I were out of town with no kiddos along.  I had a class and she had an opportunity to relax.  Most evenings we went out and enjoyed dinner.  One night we indulged in a bistro that was a little more high end.  The appetizer was an artichoke and cheese dip, entree was chicken marsala and chocolate and espresso cake for dessert.  I am a foodie and I can really get into a great meal.  Mexican, southern soul food, Chinese, German, and of course Itallian all strike my fancy. 

Now, I will start to get to my point before you think this is a post all about food.  There is an abundance of flavors to be enjoyed in life.  Spicy, creamy, tart, salty, tangy, robust, flavors to name just a few.  Combine some of these flavors and the variety becomes even more immense.  Life is no different.  Consider emotions.  Ever been scared out of your mind?  How about laughing until you have tears?  Have you gotten your heart broken?  What was your most embarassing moment? 

While some of life's experiences are not my favorite (the loss of a friend in college) others are delicious beyond compare (the birth of my children).  I want to experience the full abundance of life.  God wants the same thing for me.  In John 10:10 Jesus tells his followers that He has come that they might have life and experience life more abundantly.  When we are in relationship with God we are able to sample the abundance of life more fully and richly.  Who else but the creator, the author and perfector of our lives, could lead us into the fullness of life?  Done properly the Christian life is varied and never boring.  Words that describe my experience would include humbling, loving, busy, spontaneous, majesty, inspired, deep, mysterious, overflowing, joyful, mournful, frustrating, liberating, amazing, glorious, etc. etc. etc.  I have witnessed birth and death, marriage and conflict, sin and forgiveness, redemption.  I have fed the homeless, played with orphans, built churches, taught children, fixed marriages, and held the hands of those leaving this world.  God has blessed me with an abundant life so far... and the ride continues.  Thanks. 

The Paralyzing Fear of Failure

On a recent trip to the beach I was blessed with the opportunity to chat with my uncle who is also  one of my favorite people.  He is well traveled, experienced, good-natured and wise.  The conversation was engaging and we chatted until 1:30AM.  During this conversation we discussed some of the trends we are noticing in people thirty and younger.  This favored uncle has a few employees who have a paralyzing fear of failure.  By this I mean they continually check for reassurance when making decisions and they will not take risks.  A desireable employee is independent, able to make decisions, and can manage risk (not avoid it). 

This fear of failure makes alot of sense to me.  For many who are under thirty (Millenials especially) failure is an unkown.  We have a generation who was not allowed to experience failure.  Here is an example.  There is a little league baseball organization near us that always gives the batter first base.  Three strikes?  You still get first base.  Got a hit and were thrown out?  You still get to stay on first base.  Hit a pop-up and the out fielder caught the ball?  You guessed it... you still get first base.  Everyone has similar stories about participation trophies, blue ribbons for everyone, and no failing grades. 

When someone grows up immune to loss or failure a few things happen.  First, there is blurred sense of self.  Winning at everything means I am great at everything.  I could have trophies for swimming, baseball, bowling, and track.  Blue ribbons for science, crafts, and cooking.  Certificates of achievement for just about everything.  In the end I have no idea what I am (or am not) good at.  Second, I have a sense of entitlement.  If I always got first then I should also get a great job (whether or not I am qualified), great grades (even if I didn't study), great pay (even if I don't work), and a comfortable lifestyle (even if I didn't earn it).  Third, I never fully appreciate accomplishment.  If I grow up without a risk of failure one can't fully appreciate success.  People are being robbed of the joy of a job well done.  Moreover, the successes of others cannot be fully  appreciated or respected.  Finally, I do not know how to lose gracefully.  A loss results in temper tantrums, depression, confusion, law suits, etc.  Learning how to lose means gaining the strength to regroup and try again.  Losing is a great teacher and can create tremendous maturity.

It has been a few weeks since this conversation.  I have applied there lessons to my life and to the lives of my children.  Personally, I have reviewed my losses in life and fully embraced the lessons that resulted.  Moreover, I have told my children that they will fail in life.  My children know that I love them even if they are not good at art.  My girls know that it is OK to not be the fastest, strongest, or most talented.  They do not need trophies, blue ribbons, or certificates to have self-esteem.  My girls fully appreciate when they are successful because they know that their success was earned.       

A Study of David- What is Repentance?

Adultery is certainly a serious offense.  In an attempt to conceal Bathsheba's pregnancy David brings her husband home from battle and encourages him to go home to his wife.  Uriah proves to be more honorable than David refusing the comforts of home and wife while fellow soldiers are out fighting. With cover-up plans failed David resorts to murder.  Uriah is killed and David, the man after God's own heart, has sunk to the lowest point in his life by the time we come to 2 Samuel chapter 11.  Chapter 12 finds Nathan the prophet confronting David and convicting him through parable.  There are two choices at hand- repent or continue down the same path.

One of the things that distinguishes David from Saul is the act of repenting.  Saul never seemed to learn from his mistakes.  Moreover, Saul sought solutions through his own means, mediums, almost anywhere but God.  David confesses his sin to God and then pleads for forgiveness in Psalm 51.  In this Psalm David begs God not to remove the Holy Spirit from him (remember He had removed His Spirit from Saul and gave It to David).  Also, David realizes that his relationship with God must be restored before anything else moves forward.  David's sin is against God the definer of right and wrong. 

So, what is repentance?  In this example it is admitting sin, pleading with God, and restoring your relationship with God.  It is a course change.  David's life subtly changed course until we found the shepherd boy lost in the king's palace.  A small change of direction (over time) results in being way off course.  David is drastically brining his life back on track.  Repentance is not a subtle or quiet action.  It is a loud outcry.  Read Psalm 51 and consider the drastic language that David uses.  Consider the emotions of fear, desperation, and longing involved in this Psalm.  Yes, David has reached his lowest point in the adultery and murder resulting in this Psalm.  Yet, there is hope.  In Psalm 51 verse 17 David says, O God, you will not despise."  God will be pleased with David's offering of a "broken spirit" and a "contrite heart."  God delights in such things because it means the person who is far off course is getting back on track.  I end this series by asking you to read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.  I will make it even easier for you... just click here .  This story is a reminder that, to be a person after God's own heart, you just need a desire to be home again from wherever you are. 

A Study of David- The Anatomy of Sin

By the time we get to 2 Samuel chapter 11 we see that David has conquered most of his enemies (foreign and domestic) and is comfortably reigning from his palace.  He is so comfortable in fact that he sends other leaders off to war while he remains in Jerusalem.  David is not leading (shepherding) as he once did.  Kingship is becoming very comfortable for David.  This brings us to the familiar story of David and Bathsheba.  From the rooftop one night David catches a glimpse of a woman bathing.  He looks long enough to notice that she is beautiful.  He dwells on this to the point of sending servants to gather more information about her.  Despite learning that she is married David sends for her and then commits adultery with her.  So, the pattern is as follows:

1. Sin nature is aroused by something in the environment
2.  Thought processes feed or indulge the sin nature
3. David engages sin nature
4. Sin is committed
5. Cover-up

We will discuss the cover-up more next week along with a discussion of confession.  For now it is important to consider how temptation and sin work in out own lives.  James 1:14-15 that temptation begins with out own evil desires.  This is followed by a process of being enticed by something that "tweaks" or engages our sin nature.  Next comes a phase of enticement in which our freewill is challenged.  At this point we can direct our freewill away from the source of temptation, or we can direct our freewill toward the temptation indulging the sinful nature.  Joseph is a good example of someone who fled temptation when confronted with Potiphar's wife.  We should flee temptations and fight sins.  Instead, David fights (well, not much of a fight) temptation and flees (hides from) his sin.  James then tells us that enticement leads to sin which brings about death.

At each stage of the process we have counter steps that we can take.  First, flee temptations.  If we do not flee and the enticement process begins then we need to direct our freewill away from sin.  2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to, "...take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ."  Romans 8:5 tells us to indulge or feed the Spirit as opposed to indulging the sinful nature (see also John 14:26).  However, if we do engage in sin then we are to confess (James 5:16) and repent.

At any point in the process we can stop the momentum toward sin and direct ourselves toward God.  David chooses not to do so.  We are David.  There are times when we do likewise.  How this ultimately plays out in our lives is the subject of next week's lesson. 

A Study of David- Laid Bare Before God

We are running out of time in our study of David.  This series will wrap up at the end of May and we will be taking the summer off.  Today we skip ahead in our story to 2 Samuel chapter 6.  David has been running from Saul and fighting the Philistines.  Saul continues to defy God and rack up the consequences.  Both Saul and Johnathan are killed in battle and David works his way to the throne.  One of the first acts as king is to return the ark (which had been captured) to Jerusalem.  At the height of this military and religious triumph we find David entering his capital city dancing and frolicking jubilantly before the ark.  This outpouring of worship is so fervent that David strips down to his skivvies. 

Before we asked the question, "who are you when no one is looking?"  Now I ask, "who are you when everyone is looking?"  David is belittled by his wife who cannot believe that a king would act in such an undistinguished manner.  David defends his behavior because he was worshipping God.  David is not ashamed of his outward expression of worship.  Do we hold back in our worship?  Perhaps our own pride keeps us from fully experiencing joy filled worship.  Maybe our fear of other people's opinions keeps us from expressing ourselves in worship.  Whatever the case, we should follow the example of David and worship unashamedly.  Neither David's pride, nor the opinion of others could prevent David from praising God. 

One of the things that makes David a man after God's own heart is his willingness to lay his life bare before God (very literally in this story).  We can't hide anything from God, but it benefits us to choose to reveal ourselves to God.  Confessing our sins, expressing our emotions, sharing our thoughts with God is healthy for us. 

In conclusion, too many people blame their church for not creating the right worship experience.  They feel hindered by the lack of enthusiasm shown by their congregation.  There may even be an unspoken rule about clapping, lifting hands, or being expressive.  However, are we out to please God or men?  Shame on us if the opinions of people or the traditions of our denomination keep use from fully worshipping God.

A Study of David- Knowing God's Will

As the story of David progresses it is interesting to contrast Saul and David.  Saul becomes increasingly unstable as David becomes more and more established as a military hero.  Saul's jealousy and lack of self-control continue until he tries to kill David resulting in David going into exile.  This brings us to I Samuel 23 in which David saves the city of Keilah from the Philistines.  Saul hears that David is there and pursues him with the intent of trapping him inside the city.  In I Samuel 23:7 Saul says something very interesting.  He says, "God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars."  Saul actually believes that God is going to allow him to kill David!  This shows how out of touch Saul is with God's will.  Instead, God's favor is with David and David is able to escape the town and hide out in the wilderness.  Again, let's contrast the two.  Saul assumes he knows God's will while David consults God on every decision.

It is in the wilderness that the story gets more interesting.  In I Samuel chapter 24, David and his men are hiding in a cave when Saul comes in to relieve himself.  Passages like this remind us just how very real the Bible can be at times.  While Saul is doing his business David's men encourage him to kill Saul saying, "This is the day the Lord spoke of when He said, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.' " David has a chance to eliminate the man hunting him and replace him as king.  His followers believe that murdering Saul is God's will.  Again, these people are out of touch with the God who said, "Thou shall not kill." 

We make a mistake when we assume that just because it looks good, then it must be from God.  Let me put that differently.  Just because a job offers more money does not mean it is God's will to take it.  What if that job means more time away from home?  Is that God's will?  Sometimes we are shallow in our interpretation of God's will resulting in a "if it's good it's from God and if it is bad it is not from God" mentality.  The problem with this is that God can make good come from bad circumstances. 

David knew God intimately.  Moreover, he trusted God.  David decided to wait on God to bring about his kingship and not take matters into his own hands.  Instead, David cut off a corner of Saul's robe to prove his righteous choice.  This act of integrity results in Saul recognizing David's kingship in I Samuel 24:20.  Even Saul cannot deny that David is a man after God's own heart.

What can we conclude from this?  We need to consult God in our decisions and not assume His will.  Also, we need to evaluate our choices and make sure they are in line with the God of scripture.  Finally, we need to trust in God's timing in our lives and not force our own plans forward. 

A Study of David- No Mistake

Did God make any mistakes when He created you?  Sometimes I wonder if He goofed on my big teeth.  Maybe God didn't mean for me to have that mole or hairy ears.  There are mornings that you might be primping in the mirror and think similar thoughts. 

David, the boy who was anointed king, may have thought the same things sometimes.  In fact, David was stuck out in the fields even after being anointed by God's prophet Samuel.  Like Rodney Dangerfield he seemed to get no respect.  Underestimated and dismissed his whole life until that fateful day in the Valley of Elah.  David was confident that God would help him defeat Goliath but his brothers and Saul were not so sure.  In I Samuel 17:38 Saul tries to dress David in kingly armour and arm him with the king's sword.  Here is David's chance to look the part of the king.  David can be seen by everyone in the kingly armour bearing the king's sword.  Here is his chance to be like Saul.  But, David is smarter than that.  He knows that God made him a simple shepherd boy.  David knows that it is God who will defeat Goliath and swords and armour will only get in the way.  Dressed in his simple tunic and sandals David gathers five smooth stones and faces Goliath on his own terms- a shepherd boy with a sling and a staff.  The weapons he carries are crafted by God, not by man.  God is going to get all the glory for the victory and David will get all the resulting blessings.

David was comfortable in his own skin.  He was OK being the person God made him to be.  Moreover, David trusted that God would make him king in His own divine way and in His time.  Trust in God and go into the world as the person that God made you to be.  Trust in His divine plan for your life.  

A Study of David- The Shepherd King

After being anointed God's chosen king of Israel in front of his family and community David is placed back into the fields to tend sheep.  This gives us some insight into what it takes to be a person after God's own heart.  David shows amazing humility when he obeys his father and dutifully tends to the sheep.  One of our study members contrasted this with Joseph who bragged to his family about his dreams of greatness and flaunted his coat of colors. 

In his book Soul Print, Mark Batterson points out that David was exactly where he needed to be in order to be prepared to fight Goliath.  While his older brothers were training in hand-to-hand combat in the army, David was defending sheep from lions and bears and improving his skills with the sling shot.  If I had to fight Goliath, I would want to do it from as far away as possible.  God is using David's time in the pasture to prepare him for the challenges ahead.  Is God doing the same thing in your life?  Maybe you think you should be somewhere else in life right now?  Instead, consider what God might be trying to teach you right now. 

This brings us to another thought.  David defended the sheep from lions and bears risking his life.  He was defending sheep that were not his own.  Chances are these sheep would profit his older brothers more than him.  Also, no one would fault David for losing sheep to wild animals.  It happens.  But David was not in the business of making excuses.  He did what was right to the best of his ability even when no one was watching.  What kind of person are you when no one is watching?  Do you give more effort in doing your best, or do you spend time thinking up excuses of why you can't accomplish something?  Give your best efforts wherever God has you in life.  Be the best spouse you can be.  Be the best neighbor you can be.  Do your best in your job.  If you can be trusted with the small things, then God might have some giant things waiting for you!

A Study of David- Being Redeemed

You don't truly realize the purchasing power of coupons until you use them at the grocery store.  At the check-out counter the true value of those little pieces of paper is revealed.  Having the true value of something revealed or realized is the process of redemption.

David's family had some serious skeletons in the closet.  He came from the tribe of Judah.  Judah was known for fathering children with his daughter-in-law.  Well, in his defense he didn't know it was her because she was disguised as a prostitute.  For more on that story see Genesis chapter 37.  Speaking of prostitutes, Rahab was a harlot who hid some Israelite spies.  She is in David's family tree also.  Finally, we have Ruth who was a gentile that beguiled Boaz in a seduction scene (see Ruth chapter 3). 

However, consider that each of these people was redeemed.  Judah was embarassed by his daughter-in-law who was tricking him into doing the right thing (providing for her and giving her children).  Rahab true value was realized when she served God by hiding the spies and would later be accepted into the Israelite community.  Boaz married Ruth and gave her protection, wealth, and children.  Ruth's true value was realized by this man who married her and redeemed her. 

From this family comes David.  The youngest of many bigger, stronger brothers.  God is going to reveal his true value also.  The same is true in our lives.  God can look past the failures and shortcomings in our lives to see the true value within.  Moreover, if we let God work, he will reveal our true value and redeem us to our fullest.  It does not matter what skeletons lurk in our family closet (or in our own closet for that matter).  God does not look at the outward appearance but He looks inwardly at the value of our heart (I Samuel 16:7). 

As we study the life of David we will see more of this redeeming power of God.  We will learn how God helped David realize his full value, and how He can do this in our lives today.   

Becoming a Giant Killer

I am a real bastard.  I am not trying to be vulgar... by the technical definition it is true.  My parents were not married when I was born.  Later they would marry and divorce.  My grandparents on both sides had some serious skeletons in the closet.  I have hairy ears and high cholesterol.  Why am I telling you this?  These are the things I could use as excuses in life.  I could try and justify all my failures by summing up the negatives in my history.  But, then I am choosing to be defined by these things (to be these things).  However, I could choose to respond differently to these things.  They are stepping stones to help me rise above.  These are the challenges that make me an overcomer. 

On Friday the 13th of April we will take a look into the life of David.  What does it take to be a giant-killer?  Well, you might be surprised at his family history.  David had every reason to fail in life.  Instead, he excelled beyond his station.  At the hear of this story is the redeeming power of God who makes shepherds into kings and scrawny boys into giant killers. 

Being a Man After God's Own Heart: The Life of David

It is time to get back into the saddle again.  After a break from teaching and blogging I am eager to return to both.  There will be a weekly bible study at my house starting Friday, April 13th (should be an easy date to remember).  We will be studying the life of David from his boyhood exploits to his kingly ascension.  What does it take to be a man after God's own heart?  Integrity... even in the back of a dark cave where no one is watching.  Faith that produces uncommon courage.  Commitment to family and friends even into the second and third generations.  Enthusiastic worship and outpourings of praise resulting in some of the most moving Psalms ever written.  David lived big and did everything at 110% full throttle.  He sinned big too... adultery, murder, and deception to name a few. 

The bible study will be at my home at 9:00 Friday mornings.  We will start with a pancake breakfast on the 13th.  I will post the lessons on this blog week to week so anyone can follow along.  I am excited about this study and hope that you can be part of it (even if just online).