I suppose – to one degree or another – most everyone is – at one time or another - ”running from something” or “running toward something”. For me, I have seen too many - children running away - from pain in their little lives – and adults and parents, too – running – this way and that – sometimes chasing and sometimes retreating – sometimes escaping and sometimes pursuing – sometimes lashing out and other times withdrawing for refuge. But all of them – too many of them – running.
Having run away from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah – Sarah having turned her heart back toward the evil, reduced to a mound of salt – Lot and his girls found themselves, very much afraid and feeling rather desperate - retreating, escaping, withdrawing for refuge, in a mountainous cave, – perhaps feeling like they had barely escaped with their lives – I suppose – unaware, to one degree or another, that they were comfortably within the protection of the Father God.
Death and destruction of everything and everyone they had known - was just there – behind them – in the ruins of the valley below - and now alone, up in the mountains – desperation and fear about what was to become of their future – - – hopeless and afraid - it seemed, I expect – they felt as if, there was no place left to run.
So, that night they got him drunk with wine, and the older daughter went in and had intercourse with her father. He was unaware of her lying down or getting up again. v.33
It seems that fear and desperation, of one sort or another - pushed Lot’s daughters, not knowing where else to run, to get their father drunk and trick him into getting them pregnant. ”… that we may preserve our family line through our father,” they said.
I have a bit of difficulty with the “reasoning” of Lot’s girls – I suppose you might, too. As well, I have some difficulty with Lot himself – that he might allow himself to be in such a position with his daughters. What’s more troubling to my understanding of this story - is that, frankly, if it weren’t for the apostle Peter - I might never have known – that this “pathetic fella”, Lot – was a “true believer”!!! Hello!?!? 
- – - I know, but Peter describes, that God rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men – and that he was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard. 2 Peter 2 I find myself thankful for Peter and his gospel – because I might not have quite understood Lot – and his running – and his bad choices …. quite the same as I do, knowing – that – - - Lot with all his faults – was considered by God – a “righteous man”!?!?!
The story went that Lot - chose, “life in the city” – while Abraham chose – life as a sojourner. Lot also chose to take the best lands for himself and left what might remain, to Abraham in the countryside. I suppose, even then – Lot was “running” from something – perhaps from a weak opinion of himself, or worse. He seized opportunities that seem to have been motivated by a desire to create a destiny - made of his own hands, rather than God’s - a destiny to create for himself – something more than who he actually was. What we know is that he and his family ultimately, found themselves living among sin – so great - that God became aware of the crys of those souls suffering from its consequences – while at the same time caloused by prolonged exposure - – - all of them, I suppose – too many of them – running about, while unable to determine “where they were running to.” I can easily imagine – cities of people, running about – this way and that – chasing this and that, retreating, escaping, pursuing, lashing out, withdrawing for refuge – and I imagine – Abraham, the sojourner – from some high hill – in the countryside – looking down on the cities pain – and weeping, as it were – for his family. I imagine, too – Lot and his girls – - – having ultimately “run away” from it all – - – a “way out” provided by the Lord, urged by Abraham, and still – - – not knowing – - – just how or why or even – where, they were running to.
I suppose – to one degree or another – most everyone is, at one time or another – “running from something” or “running toward something”. For me, I have seen too many sad results of abuse – of all kinds – often the result of folks “running” from something – unsure of where they might ought to be running – while running all the same - and often smack in - to alcohol or drugs or illicit behaviors, of one sort or another – running, knowing that they must run – but not knowing where to run, at all. Once, kind parents – becoming harsh with their children - – or harsh with their spouses - many having run in to, too much “wine” - of one sort or another – like Lot and his girls found themselves running, too – not knowing where to run, but running all the same. Exceptional teens and adults - failing in life – because of dependence on one drug or another – broken pieces of hearts and thirsty souls – running about – not knowing where they are running to. Folks addicted to pain medicines and other mood-altering prescriptions. The list of things we run to – for escape – is endless. Running away – it seems – running in general - is all too common, among us.
In the Walk of Faith – when we often find ourselves running – away from something – perhaps from dangers we dared to get too close to – - – I suppose - knowing when to run – is very important! – while – knowing where to run to – is rather important, too!!!!
… Perhaps, having found ourselves – “on the run” – stumbling across a place to rest – after catching our breath – when we look around us, we might find that – now in a strange place – we begin to feel overwhelmed and desperate, all over again. Too often - it is desperation that causes us to make decisions that we later, regret. It seems that, Knowing where to run to, becomes rather important, now!
Consider that Peter, about Lot, said that … if the Lord “condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from their trials”
In your daily walk – you may find yourself running - - – In The Running – RUN – TO THE LORD!
February 03 2010 | Fathering Moments - The Daily Walk and Living in the Word | No Comments »
The Book of I Timothy – passages specific to God’s Plan for Man’s – SALVATION
I Timothy 1
v.12 – I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. v.13 – Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecuter and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. v.14 – The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
v.15 – Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. v.16 – But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. v.17 – Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I Timothy 2
v.1 – I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - v.2 – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. v.3 – This is good, and pleases God our Savior, v.4 – who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. v.5 – For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, v.6 – who gave himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony in its proper time.
I Timothy 3
v.1 – Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. v.2 – Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, v.3 – not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, notquarrelsome, not a lover of money. v.4 – He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. v.5 – (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) v.6 – He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil. v.7 – He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
I Timothy 4
v.9 – This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance v.10 – (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
I Timothy 6
v.3 – If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, v.4 – he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions v.5 – and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
v.6 – But godliness with contentment is great gain. v.7 – For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. v.8 – But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. v.9 – People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. v.10 – For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
v.11 – But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. v.12 – Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. v.13 – In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you – v.14 – to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, v.15 – which God will bring about in his own time – God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. v.16 – who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen
v.17 – Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. v.18 – Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. v.19 – In this way they will lay up treasure as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
v.20 – Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, v.21 – which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
January 08 2010 | New Testament - Salvation | No Comments »
I suppose, in the Walk of Faith – there are times we might find ourselves RUNNING! …. and in the running – it seems that we usually find ourselves - either ”running toward” something - or “running away” from something. It seems, too - that when we are honest - we find that in our Daily Walk - more often than we might like to admit it - we don’t find ourselves running “toward our God” – unless - we first, find ourselves, “running away from something”. 
Read Genesis 19:1-14.
Lot went out and warned the fiances of his daughters, “Evacuate this place; God is about to destroy this city!” But his daughters’ would-be husband’s treated it as a joke. v.14
I suppose, there is a real danger - that we might not consider often enough - how we can become spiritually and/or emotionally insensitive or unresponsive - from prolonged exposure, to what is going on all around us - such that we don’t even notice the monstrous evil, that presses in on us, from all sides – until it is too late. :(
Read Genesis 19:15-28
But he lingered; so the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and left him outside the city. v.16
Lot was hesitant. It is telling – isn’t it? – that the angels of the Lord had to physically pull Lot and his wife and his children along, as it were, by the hand – to get them to run away from the evil that surrounded them. I suppose, that it was the “insensitivity” of their hearts - from prolonged exposure – that was the reason for their resistance – that kept them from running away, to the safety of the mountains - rather, they insisted on remaining close by, in the city of Zoar.
Consider how often we are guilty of trying to keep “0ne foot in the world” - and ”one foot in the country side, of faith” – - – hesitant - to separate ourselves - too completely, from everything that ties us to “this world, this flesh, the devil.”
Read Genesis 19:29-38
So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had settled. v.29
It is interesting to consider, that “God remembered Abraham” - and his walk of faith, when he had “run”, as it were, to stand in front of the Lord’s path – to intercede for those who might be spared from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorah – while Lot and his family were hesitant, to run away from the evil – much less toward God.
Sodom and Gomorrah – Nuremberg Chronicle – 1493
I suppose, in the Walk of Faith – there are times we might find ourselves RUNNING! …. and in the running – it seems that we usually find ourselves - either ”running toward” something - or “running away” from something. It seems, too - that when we are honest - we find that in our Daily Walk - more often than we might like to admit it - we don’t find ourselves running “toward our God” – unless - we first, find ourselves, “running away from something”.
….. Know When to Run!
January 02 2010 | Fathering Moments - The Daily Walk and Living in the Word | No Comments »
Walking …… Read. Gen. 17:18-27
On that very day – Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him… v.26
An imperfect faith – A faith that suffers – at times from sheer disbelief – Faith that stumbles and crumbles – Faith that is overwhelmed by fear and is burdened from weak knees, one day and an anxious spirit, the next. Yes, our faith is imperfect! – not unlike the faith of Abraham - who at times – doubted in his faith, too - - - but – - – when the Father commanded something – he did not procrastinate! He did it! And inspite of the imperfection of his faith – and possibly, even – partly due to his awareness of such imperfect faith – I suppose, in the end, it might be said that – obedience – was the key – to Abraham’s Faith?
Note: Be careful – before you agree with that – as a lesson to take away from this day in Abraham’s walk. …… The long pause within me – as I approach – writing these next few lines – tells me that – I may be “biting off more than I want to chew”. 
Never-the-less – unhesitating, in his obedience - Abraham – “on that very day” – seems to have “acted – himself” – into a more mature faith. Faith without works/obedience – is dead? I suppose – the question of our faith walk – becomes – What commands - from our Father - do we put off – until tomorrow – or even dismiss – as less – than a necessary part – of our faith walk???? :( – might I suggest sitting still with that question for a bit? ……..
Father – I know – that you know – that sometimes – I tend to – “wait - “cautiously”? – until I see how things are going to turn out”? - before I commit myself – “unconditionally.” Perhaps – that is why – in the waiting part of my walking – with you - - I sometimes grow impatient and attempt to seize some control over your plan – in my life – maybe Father, I act this way to avoid - - doing what You have said for me to do – and instead – I justify my selfish actions - (which too often turn out to be wrong) - in order to avoid being OBEDIENT – to You? I am such a – stubborn and often rebellious child of faith. Forgive me – Father. Father – help me to – commit myself – “unconditionally” - with unhesitating obedience – so that you may use me to be a part of the way – You would have things turn out. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 18:1-8
Oak of Mamre. estimated age: 5000 years old. hmmmmm……?!?
He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them – he ran from the tent entrance to meet them – and bowed down to the ground. v.2
I suppose – these “strangers” – traveling through the hot country side – in open-toe sandals – in the hot part of the day – saw the oak trees of Mamre – where Abraham was living – as an oasis of shade from the hot sun and refreshment for their labored bodies – a place to rest. Whew! We made it! I can imagine how they might have felt - when – for instance - when I have been making my way down from a hike in the Chisos Mountains – my water bottle long empty – the heat of the Texas sun, in the afternoon – bearing down – and the anxious arrival ‘neath the shade of the basin shelter. Seemingly – consistent with Abraham’s ordinary – everyday character - he offers his visitors a ”heavenly mental image” of pure and unconditional hospitality – by fetching first – water to wash their tired and dirty feet – and then offering rest in the shade of the oaks – and preparing a meal for them. In those ancient days – it was generally expected – that as a traveler – those you came across along your journey – were obliged to provide refreshment, as needed. Abraham - at first – does not understand, that - “the Lord” – is arriving at his home – for a visit – - and he is ”lively hospitible”. Abraham is not bothered – in the least – by the arrival of his guests – and in fact – it seems that his attitude was one of excitement and joy - in the opportunity to serve these strangers who are in obvious need of “refreshment”. Neighbors! Gotta love, ‘em. Abraham’s ordinary – everyday character - is a condition of his heart and his soul – in which God can use him - to do His Will.
It seems the question for my heart is its condition! Is my ordinary – everyday character – available and “lively” engaged – in a spirit of hospitality? If not – I suppose – God can’t use me for certain aspects of His Will.
Consider Hebrews 13:1-2 “Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why - some have extended hospitality – to angels – without ever knowing it!
Father God - how many are the times – that I have missed – having You – visit me - because I am disrespectful or unconcerned – for those around me – “strangers” perhaps – that I avoid contact with – or because I have grown unforgiving – of interruptions in my “daily routine”? Father – give me the pure and unconditional gift – of hospitality and develop within me - its manners – that I might “paint a heavenly image” – of such a spirit – for others to see – You – in my daily walk. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 18:9-15
So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” v.12
Abraham and Sarah were old by this time – very old – even by ancient standards. Sarah was long past the age for having babies and her disbelief - explodes into laughter – at the thought of what has - for her – long since become - an “absurd” promise - she gave up on the ability to conceive – long ago. - – - I’m taking a deep breath and with a critical eye on myself – - – I suppose – that “coming to terms” – with an “unfulfilled life” – has been a common experience in the lives of many – down through the ages. I can relate to the “temptation” – to cower in the face of circumstances – that are clearly – “out of my control” – when the promise of a “fulfilled and abundant life” – seem to have illuded me - and the only prospect seems to be to - ”settle” and “come to terms” – with my position. But God’s promises – in the lives of His children – are never abandoned! He does not desire for us to abandon them, either! Instead - our Father – asks us to remain – faithful – as He is faithful. He does not intend to permit us to “come to terms” with or settle for an “unfulfilled life.” It seems – even – that if we can manage to remain faithful – in our daily Walk - - – ultimately – when – in God’s own time - the promises that once seemed “impossible” - are fulfilled – we are shaken - out of the rut – of our unbelief – - – Now that’s something to laugh about! – laughter, not born of disbelief – rather – laughter, born of relief – in the arms of safety - in the fulfilled promises, of our Father. Laughter – born of Praise and Thanksgiving!
I wonder – would I have laughed? Maybe.
Father – help me to distinguish – between Your promises – and “tall-tales”. Your promises are not ”tall-tales” to be laughed at! Help me to see the “impossibility factors” – in your promises not as “jokes” - rather – to see them as trail maps - to steer me along the path – of my daily Walk in faith. Remind me – often – that your promises - can far exceed my perceived inability – to hope and believe. Give me a heart – big enough to absorb the abundance of your blessings and your promises – and give me patience to allow for your timing and persistence, in my daily Walk – to trust you to guide all of my steps. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 18:16-26
Then the Lord said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin!.” v.18
It is the intimacy of Abraham’s relationship with the Father – that strikes me the most - in that, he and the Lord are – In Relationship – to the degree – that firstly, God shares with Abraham - His personal interest and devoted attention – to the crys of those souls suffering in sin - in Sodom and Gomorrah – such that the crys are deafening to His ears - for their sin is so great - and He, God Himself, is going down there to see for Himself - if what they are doing, is as bad as it sounds. Now, if that doesn’t sound like a conversation of intimate relationship sharing – consider that the story goes that – the men then set out for Sodom – but Abraham, (get this) stood-in-God’s-path, blocking his way – as if to say – (much, as I might – in an emotional conversation – with someone, about a sensitive matter – who has said their piece and turned from our conversation to tackle the inevitable outcome of the conclusions that have been drawn) something like, “Hang on” - ”Are you serious? Are you planning on getting rid of the good people right along with the bad? What if there are fifty decent people left in the city – will you lump the good in with the bad and get rid of the lot?”
I mean – consider that - in the context of a daily Walk of faith – In Relationship with the Father – Abraham here – felt “close enough” in that relationship – to stand, as it were – in the way of God – and express the passion – the sincerity - and the truest nature of his heart – that of Servanthood! Brotherly Love! Concern for the souls of faithful men, women and children. This seems to be a “high point” – in Abraham’s spiritual life – the intimate relationship he has with Father God! and his determined faith – in the goodness and the mercy and the grace, of God.
Father - You know me better than I know myself. You know my weaknesses and my strengths. Teach me Your ways and hear my passionate heart. Forgive my selfish spirit. There are those around me who deserve your mercy and your forgiveness and your grace. Help me to identify them and to be an encouragement in their lives – that through me – You can use me – to bring them closer to you – in relationship. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 18:27-33
Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” v.32
In Relationship with God – in a consistent and determined – daily walk with the Father. In the common and ordinary moments of life – living in the Word – we come before Him – on bended knee – as Abraham did – - aware of our position, as mere mortals - made from a handful of dirt - daring to open our mouths again and again before our Father – as His children – - - ”Father, don’t be irritated with me, but what if only thirty are found?” – “I know that I am trying your patience, Father, but how about for twenty?” – “Father, please don’t be angry with me, this is the last time – What if you only come up with ten?” – - – Prayers – Conversations with our Father – Intercession – standing between the righteous judgement of Good – and evil. Putting ourselves in a position between God’s righteous judgement and our sin – we are allowing Jesus to live within us – fulfilling His purpose – through us – to draw those around us - into the presence of the Father.
I suppose – God may have shared the intimate details of His concern, for the crys of those who were among the wicked in the cities of Sodom – with Abraham – full well knowing – that Abraham’s “true colors” would shine through - in the passion of his heart - humbled by what God had overlooked in his own life, as failures – in order to fulfill His promise to provide through such an imperfect faith-walk – a means for all men everywhere – for all time – to come back into Relationship with God, ultimately through the life of Christ. And in fact – Abraham’s passion for the promise God had made through him – did shine through! In brilliant colors! of intercession!
It seems that – God’s Righteous Judgement is really not – the closing of ones eyes, to those who deserve harsh judgement - taking a deep breath – and demolishing a contaminated society - - – Rather, it is a measured discernment in dealing with what is wrong – which requires from us, as it did in walk of Abraham - compassionate intercession and God’s merciful, attentiveness – to show us that there is nothing random or vengeful, in the carrying out of divine judgement. As well – and perhaps – more importantly – God, our Father – walking with us, His children – daily in a walk of faith – can use the passion of our hearts – Christ living within us – to draw all men to Him!
Father – it never ceases to amaze me – how your Word – throughout all time – has provided us with so much information about you – your heart – your passion and love for your children – and Father, your desire for an intimate walk with us.
December 16 2009 | Fathering Moments - The Daily Walk and Living in the Word | No Comments »
The Book of II Thessalonians – passages specific to God’s Plan for Man’s – SALVATION
II Thessalonians 1
v.5 – All this is evidence that God’s judgement is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. v.6 – God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you v.7 – and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. v.8 – He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. v.9 – They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power v.10 – on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
II Thessalonians 2
v.9 – The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders. v.10 – and in every sort of evil that decieves those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. v.11 – For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie v.12 – and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
v.13 – But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. v.14 – He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. v.15 – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
December 08 2009 | New Testament - Salvation | No Comments »
The Book of Colossians – passages specific to God’s Plan for Man’s – SALVATION
Colossians 1
v.21 – Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. v.22 – But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – v.23 – if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Colossians 2
v.9 – For in Christ all the fullness of the Diety lives in bodily form, v.10 – and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. v.11 – In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ. v.12 – having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
v.13 – When you were dead in your sins in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, v.14 – having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. v.15 – And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
November 08 2009 | New Testament - Salvation | No Comments »
….this walk of faith….it’s hard! Harder some days than others – even – the stronger my faith becomes – it seems – the opposition – brings “bigger” weapons to the battle….
Walking …… Read. Gen. 16:1-2
…and Sarai said to Abram, “You see that the Lord has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave-girl, it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. v.2
It seems, the voices – that speak to us, advice – - while they may be born of good intentions - should be carefully examined, even feared – - perhaps as much, as those voices that speak – to us, advice – born of evil intention. Abram’s walk of faith, being so very much like our own – was undermined – by the voice of Sarai’s good intentions! Trouble was – the voice of Sarai, no matter how sincere and genuine - was not the voice of God! Curious enough - Abram’s faith – had been developing, in his daily walk – - -I mean, so recently – Abram, was in conversation with the Father – asking tough questions of the human heart – and receiving Fatherly redirection and guidance and renewed promise. I suppose - it seems a bit “back and forth” – on Abram’s part to now be listening to the voice of Sarai – and taking control of the management of God’s plan and promise. Hello?!?
There are usually – plenty of “voices” to listen to – especially voices that are “willing” to give us advice – of one sort or another.
My prayer is that You will provide for me – Father – ”clarity” - in distinguishing the voices around me that are genuinely trying to help me along the way of faith. Remind me of your voice - Father – when voices speak – and though – my heart may be captivated by their advisory – help me to discriminate – the sound of Your voice - among the good intentions – - and separate – Your will – from bad advice. In childlike faith – Father accept me into your presence – to ask again and again and again – for your Fatherly redirection – guidance and renewed promise – in your grace and mercy. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 16:3-6
Yes, “the plan” – well, it worked – but the results – were rather unpleasant. Of course – as children – that is pretty much the normal way things go - we get what we wanted – and then - we find out – that we don’t really like - what we wanted – after all! Hello!?! – - – I am so – shaking my guilty-head - from side to side – with a childish and ashamed look on my face.
Father, I realize – that so often, the pattern of my behavior is - that, one minute I am selflessly determined to get your will done in those around me – and the next minute I am upset and troubled, because I don’t like the way I am being treated – nor the consequences, of my selfish choices. I am too often narrow-minded and emotionally small. Forgive me. Teach me a deeper faith – and walk forever with me. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 16:1-16
“The angel of the lord found her…” v.7
Mistakes! Sin! Selfish choices! – - – Our lives are fraught with them! – - – I suppose….one of the most difficult mistakes we make …. to overcome – is the kind of mistake that causes other people – especially those we love – to hurt – or to be affected, by our mistake. Truth is – most all sin – has consequences that affect others – one way or another. Hagar – running away from the consequences of Abram’s sin and Sarai’s jealous anger – was met by the angel of the Lord – near a spring in the desert. – - - How to make things “right” – when things have gone “so wrong”? – - – How - indeed – to stop the momentum of the consequences – flowing from the mistakes and sin – of selfish choices? Abram and Sarai’s – lack of faith in the promise of God - is going to wreak havoc, far down through the centuries – and there is only one way to handle our sin!
Consider – that as bad as things seem – and as consequential as these sins were down through the ages ….. the answer – then - in the form of the “angel of the Lord” – who Hagar named as - ”the God who sees me” - Beer Lahai Roi – and the answer now – in the form of Jesus Christ – Emmanuel – God With Us – Is the same! God is greater than all our sin!
In my journey – in my walk of faith - I am begining to realize – God – my Father - that in running from the consequences of other peoples sin – there is no escape – on my own! And – Father – I realize, too - that there is no escape for other’s – from the consequences of my sin – on their own! Mistakes! Sin! Selfish choices! – Our lives are all – fraught with them! But Father, my God – as your children in this life – we are all bound up, together - in the same covenant relationship with You. The covenant you made and fulfilled in the life of our Father Abraham – and the covenant and promise of Salvation – for all of your children - fulfilled in the life and death and ressurection of your son Jesus Christ! Your mercy leads us. You are the God who sees us – and you, are greater than all our sin! Forgive us and save us – through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 17:1-14
No longer shall your name be Abram – but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations.
Abram was 86 years old when Hagar bore him his son, Ishmael. 13 years later – at 99 – the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am almighty God; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” - – - Face down on the ground – the promise of Lord, that He had been working, in the life of Abraham and his daily walk of faith – - – the promise that would provide for all God’s children, Eternal Salvation - - - Explodes! – sharpens! -and was revived! Abram’s name was changed from “father exhalted” – to “father of a multitude”, father Abraham. Down through the years of waiting – fearing – battling – stumbling – and walking – God’s promise was not impaired nor diminished!
I too often, allow challenges to my faith, in my daily walk – to diminsh the expectations, within me, of your promises. My impaired expectations – fail to allow for You to unfold them, in your own good time – with all the splendor they are due - in the covenant relationship - between you and your children. Help me, Father – to remain more consistently – in a position of trusting belief and determined faith, in the Glory of your Promises – to listen closely for you to speak – and to trust in what you say. Do not allow me, Father - to reduce your promises - in order to fit them into my diminished expectations – instead – help me to respond daily, in faith - and to be acutely aware of the developing fulfilment of your promises. Amen
Walking …… Read. Gen. 17:15-17
Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” v.17
Face down on the ground, again – Abraham falls – while this time, in a fit of laughter!? Abraham’s laughter, is not born of a merry or jolly spirit! - rising up from the belly. Rather, his laughter was born of complete amazement and of disbelief! Lack of faith! - rising out of the chest region, closer to the heart, where human emotion and rational belief come together, face to face and – colide! And in his disbelief, Abraham cries out in laughter – in the face of a faithful Father – and proceeds, once again - to assume control from God and try to persuade Him - to use what is a “sure thing”, in Ishmael. I understand. I even relate to Abraham being impatient, with the dangers and the unpredictability of faith. Perhaps, it is the hardest part of our daily walk in faith – to give IT ALL to the LORD! It is our nature, to strive to take some responsibility – for the way things turn out! But God will not be distracted from His Will to work His Promises, in our lives. * To steal a line from Queen Victoria, the Lord say’s – something like – “I am not amused”. He will not be – “pleasantly occupied” or distracted - by our disbelief! In our belief – we must be willing to go all the way! We must be willing to stand aside and trust the LORD – to do His Will!
Father, sometimes there are things that are hard for me to believe! And when the emotions of my heart colide with rational belief – - - Father, too many times – I fail to remain – faithful in my trust in You – to do Your Will, not mine. I say that I believe God, but too often I don’t act like it. I am such a child of faith. I desperately need You, to walk hand in hand with me daily, as my Father – teaching me your ways and your will! Help me to learn to become aware, of the “great mysteries” of your promises and your will in my life. Make me a sponge, Father – so that I can ”soak up” the wisdom of your ways and absorb them into my innermost being – such that - I may live them out in my daily walk – spontaneously. By your grace and your mercy and your love – Father, bless me this way. Amen
November 01 2009 | Fathering Moments - The Daily Walk and Living in the Word | No Comments »
These are the days of Abram…..by faith…..
Walking ….. Read. Gen. 14:1-12
…these kings made war…v.1,2
The personal story of Abram and his daily walk of faith – is challenging to me – as I see the humanity and the imperfection – that Abram struggled with – yet – God walked with him – daily and worked within him – and all around him – to perfect His divine plans – which ultimately found their blessing – falling on me! – In Jesus. Abram’s walk – this day – found him surrounded, as it were - with the sounds and smells of war – raging all around and threatening the life of Lot and his family. I suppose a lesson here might be that Faith - is not often – fully developed - in quiet - peaceful – out-of-the-way places - in the wilderness - rather - our Faith must sometimes weather the trials of - destructive people and events - emotional, and even physical violence – relational power struggles – and even wars – of one sort or another – to find its true meaning.
Father God - I long for faith – to live by – daily – give me the courage to come face to face with the forces – that bring fire to the battle – and develop within me a sincere and tested faith. Help me, Father – not to avoid the tests of faith – but to lean into them – putting more and more of my trust in you. Help me to also be obedient to your command and to follow your leadership in the battles that rise up before me. Amen
Walking ….. Read. Gen. 14:13-24
“I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me – Aner, Eschol, and Mamre. Let them take their shares.” v.24
Abram refused to follow the typical tactics of a victorious king - positioning himself - in the spoils of battle – Rather – he gives! He uses this interuption in his daily walk and the victory of the Lord – to strengthen his faith and glorify his God.
When I am prosperous or victorious – I am tempted to position myself – above others and above my true worth. Father, give me the faith of Abram – such that whether in victory or in defeat - I will give You the Glory and the praise - with the same zeal of spirit – in times of blessing and in times of suffering! Amen
Walking ….. Read. Gen. 15:1-6
He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” v.5
Like me – Abram - stumbled – in his daily walk - and still our Father – is consistent in His Promises. The calendar of our days – turns through the pages of time. And for Abram – a considerable amount of time had passed – but there was still – no child – to confirm the promise. I can understand - the pestering question – that kept crawling up the back of Abram’s throat. How long is it possible to live by faith – without some confirmation - in everyday life? How child-like is that? It might seem to be a “troublesome” question – to be asking God – But – Abram’s Father – God - addresses Abram’s question – by shifting his attention from “his feet” - to “His heavens”.
Lord – I am too often looking in the wrong direction. And when I am looking too close to my own feet – it is easy for me to become distracted by the lack of resources I find to deal with the challenges of life’s big questions. Father - Help me to look beyond my own understanding - I will look up – to the plans and promises you have in mind for me. When promises - Lord – Blessings – seem to be falling all around me – but not on me – Help me to look to your Heaven’s and be content and faithful and humble and patient in the waiting and in the walking. Amen
Walking ….. Read. Gen. 15:7-11
….”how can I know”……. v.8
Questions of faith - in fact – sometimes make us feel like we are being – unfaithful. Abram believed - although he also - asked questions. Our Father – is our father when we believe - and He is also our father when we ask questions. God hears our questions.
Father – in my faith – give me the sense of relationship that comforts me to bring before you my curious questions – the hard questions – that sometimes I allow to come between you and me. Father, teach me how to bring the questions of my heart to you for consideration. Help me – in relationship with you – to bring my doubting questions – as well as my faithful obedience - in to your presence. Father – teach me to ASK – SEEK – and KNOCK. Amen
Walking ….. Read. Gen. 15:12-21
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates….” v.18
It seems that - sincere – genuine – commitment - in a daily walk of faith – does not - necessarily – mean that ”things” will get done – in a hurry. Maturity in faith – more often than not – requires that - we wait a lot. Abram’s walk with God - into the “unknown” – led him into - a land of wickedness – and darkness – and the Lord taught him – that promises are often fulfilled through the centuries – and not without - a considerable amount of suffering. The finer details of Abram’s vision are not totally clear- but one thing does seem to be clear - Abram and the Father - God, were connected – in Relationship – in a daily – walking relationship – on a deeper level than seeing – they were in covenant relationship – bound together – Father and Son – human faith & faithful God.
I am so very often self-centered in my faith, dear God. Too often I find myself “hung-up” on what I will get out of it and when. My faith is – indeed child-like – for I am such a child – in this relationship. Bring me into a deeper level of seeing – the larger picture and help me to be more in relationship with your plans and promises – and help me to walk more closely with you – each day – in human faith – in a faithful God. Help me not to become impatient with my circumstances and instead – walk – with you – in trusting faith. Amen
October 15 2009 | Fathering Moments - The Daily Walk and Living in the Word | No Comments »
The Book of Philippians – passages specific to God’s Plan for Man’s – SALVATION
Phillipians 2
v.12 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. v.13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
October 08 2009 | New Testament - Salvation | No Comments »
The Book of Ephesians – passages specific to God’s Plan for Man’s – SALVATION
Ephesians 1
v.3 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. v.4 – For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, v.5 – he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – v.6 – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. v.7 – In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace v.8 – that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. v.9 – And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, v.10 – to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fullfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
v.11 – In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, v.12 – in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. v.13 – And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, v.14 – who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
v.15 – For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, v.16 – I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. v.17 – I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. v.18 – I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, v.19 – and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, v.20 – which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, v.21 – far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. v.22 – And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, v.23 – which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 2
v.1 – As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, v.2 – in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. v.3 – All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. v.4 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, v.5 – made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. v.6 – And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, v.7 – in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. v.8 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – adn this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – v.9 – not by works, so that no one can boast. v.10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
One in Christ
v.11 – Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth are called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men) – v.12 – remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and for foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. v.13 – But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
v.14 – For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, v.15 – by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, v.16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. v.17 – He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. v.18 – For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
v.19 – Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, v.20 – built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. v.21 – In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. v.22 – And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 5
v.3 – But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. v.4 – Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. v.5 – For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person – such a man is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. v.6 – Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. v.7 – Therefore do not be partners with them.
September 04 2009 | New Testament - Salvation | No Comments »
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