Whose Approval? Friday, Dec 11 2009

I am excited about the opportunity I hope the Lord will present to me in 2010! If He so allows I plan to preach a series of messages from the book of II Corinthians to our church family on Sunday evenings. In preparation for this task I have been reading and rereading this book so that its contents can become a part of my thinking and to familiarize myself with the themes that Paul addresses.

In this morning’s reading I found myself greatly convicted by some verses from the 10th chapter. Paul says in verses 17-18:

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

I am reminded often of how putrid and wicked my “flesh” (old nature) really is. It is selfish, self-seeking, prideful, arrogant and unfortunately the list goes on. Your flesh is no better. Even the great Apostle Paul, possibly the greatest Christian who ever lived had to admit that in his flesh was “no good thing” (Romans 7:18). The works that our flesh produce are “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) in the presence of our holy God.

One thing that doesn’t come naturally to our flesh is glorifying God. One aspect of glorifying God is to give a correct representation of who God is and what God is like. To think that God gives us this task is daunting! Over and over God tells you and I who live in bodies of flesh and still battle the old nature to glorify Him! It seems utterly impossible–and it is without the Person and enablement of the precious Holy Spirit that invades our body at the moment of the New Birth. Now through His power we have the ability to no longer walk in the flesh, but rather walk in the Spirit.

With that background in mind think again of Paul’s verses mentioned earlier. “…he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” Here the idea of “glorying” is the idea of boasting…the idea of making something or someone look good. Of course the old nature is concerned and consumed with making self look good. Many atheletes accomplish feats of awe and follow that feat with “boasting”. Others make good financial decisions and investments and “boast” of their financial genius. Parents watch their children and “boast” of their accomplishments. It seems that boasting is sewn into the very fabric of our lives. However, Paul does not deny us the opportunity to boast…He just commands us, under the direction of the Holy Spirit to direct our boasting where it belongs–”in the Lord!” Without God-given abilities, talents, health, life and wisdom where would we be? We must constantly be reminded that “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) Since every good gift comes from Him, no one else, including ourselves, can get the credit for any accomplishments! If there is anything we have done it is simply to trust Him/cooperate with Him to do in us and through us what we can not do apart from Him! Give Him the glory!

Now notice verse 19: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. We can praise ourselves, boast of and in ourselves and seek to glorify ourselves in the eyes of men. It is unfortunate that many people do a “good job” at such an awful thing. But remember this–no amount of self-praise, self-boasting and self-gloating has God fooled! God knows what we really are without His grace and mercy. God knows what we would do apart from the new birth and the Holy Spirit’s influence. God knows our selfish motives behind the acts of kindness that we do for recognition.

You see v. 19 teaches us that one may be recognized and approved by themselves and even recognized and approved by the masses. However, the real question is “are they commended (approved) by God?” That is the only approval that matters! Self-approval doesn’t matter because your “self” is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things! The “crowd’s approval” doesn’t matter because they are made of the same flesh as you are! The only thing that matters is God’s approval!

It goes without saying that everything we do is in vain if we do not know Christ as our Savior! Without faith in Him we cannot, no matter how hard we try, please God (Hebrews 11:6). This goes back to the flesh’s problem. The flesh wants to “earn” approval and “earn” salvation. It says, “I must be ok with God, because I don’t do this or I don’t do that…At least I’m not like him or at least I don’t live like her.” No, for one to have God’s forgiveness experienced in their life they must realize they can never earn God’s approval and that they deserve God’s judgment! They cry out to God in true repentance and ask Him to be merciful to “them a sinner” because they realize apart from His mercy all they deserve is judgment!

However, as Christians we should also desire God’s approval in our everyday lives. This of course, has nothing to do with salvation or earning God’s blessings. This has everything to do with loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength! When you love someone that passionately you will automatically seek to please them, not yourself.

So as you enter into this weekend is God saying about you, “I commend you. I approve of your attitude, I approve of your thankful heart, I approve of your humility, I approve of your passion for Me, I approve of your evangelistic efforts and your love for souls…” Or, does God see complaining and griping? Does He see bitterness? Is pride on the menu of your soul? Does He see passion for Him and for souls or would the passion you have for this weeks’ Christmas sales and ballgames make your passion for Him seem miniscule?

Don’t live for pats on the back from self or from others…live for the commendation of God! James reminds us how this can happen in James 4:8-10-Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, AND HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP.

LIVE FOR HIS APPROVAL…DOES ANYTHING ELSE REALLY MATTER?

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GPS Saturday, Nov 28 2009

Tomorrow morning, Sunday November 29, through God’s grace I am planning to preach a message entitled, “GPS.”

Many of us have benefited from “Tom Tom” or “Garmin” in the last few years. These amazing pieces of equipment can show us where we are, show our desired location and hopefully show us the most timely way to get there. This information comes from satellites in the sky. The concept of GPS–Global Positioning System, and its’ birth came from the Department of Defense. These ideas were toyed around with in the 1960′s and now you and I benefit from it today. There are GPS devices for our cars, bicycles, boats and even hand-held models for hikers and hunters. Most of the time, and I use the word “most” loosely, our GPS devices are right on target and get us where we want to go seamlessly. However, at the most inconvenient times, they will tell us to turn down a road that no longer exists or tell us to go in the wrong direction.

However, I am thankful Christians have a more reliable GPS. Our GPS is not a “Global Positioning System,” but rather it is “God’s Positioning System.” God told Abraham to leave his country, his family and his people and step out in faith. God didn’t tell him how he would get to where he was going, He just told Abraham to go! Abraham may have been the first husband that could honestly say, “Honey, I’m not lost, I just don’t know where I am at the moment!”

God positioned Abraham to be the father of a great people through which the Messiah (Jesus) would be born. I’m amazed at how God has positioned the right people, at the right time and in the right place throughout history. Yes, God is sovreign…but He also gives man a free will. He gave Abram conditions/choices. He had to leave home and his family behind to see God’s plan fulfilled through His life. God also gives YOU choices. Choices that will enable YOU to experience God’s best or miss out on His plan for YOUR life.

GPS is not just about Bible “characters.” These were real men and women just like YOU! GPS is for YOU! God has direction for YOUR life. God has a plan for YOUR life, for YOUR future, for YOUR benefit. However, He gives YOU a choice. He offers YOU life or death, blessing or cursing…choose life!  Choose His will and His way.

There will be many voices calling out to YOU, telling YOU to turn here or turn there…take this exit or take this exit. There is the WPS (World’s Positioning System), FPS (Flesh’s Positioning System) & the DPS (Devil’s Positioning System). Each of these are seeking to lead you down the wrong path and away from God’s best. Make sure YOU are listening to the GPS!

How can YOU be sure? John 10:27 is where Jesus reminds us: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: Be sure first of all that YOU are God’s child. If you are YOU will know God’s voice. YOU will recognize God’s Word and His leadership because the two go hand in hand. Secondly, stay close to God. The farther YOU are from Him the more difficult it is to hear. Third, determine not to take any shortcuts. The WPS, FPS or the DPS will promise YOU that YOU can arrive at the same destination that the GPS offers but arrive much quicker. Did that work too well for Abram and Sarai? No it ended in disaster! Remember, Sarai told Abram to have a child with her hand-maid, Hagar. “Go ahead Abram, you’ll end up with the same result, you’ll just get there a lot sooner.” Can you imagine how many times Abraham and Sarai wished they could take back that mistake? Now we’re still dealing with the results of that mistake in the Middle East. No dear friend whatever route GPS tells YOU to take, take it and do not deviate from it to the left hand or to the right! He will always lead YOU through His Word and the Holy Spirit down the right road to the right destination in the right amount of time!

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The Love Tank Friday, Nov 20 2009

As I was speaking to a friend today he brought up a phrase that I had not heard in a long time. He mentioned the words “love tank.” This is a concept referred to by Christian author Gary Chapman. The concept goes something like this:

• God has designed each of us with a “love tank” that is to be replenished by our mates.
• Each of us need different “fuel” for our tanks. In other words what I need for my “love tank” to feel full and what my wife needs for her “love tank” to feel full may be on two separate ends of the spectrum.
• Therefore we need to “study” each other (a concept you may remember from the movie “Fireproof”) to understand what our mate needs to feel loved, appreciated and wanted.

I think Dr. Chapman is right on target. Some of us need the “fuel” of the tender touch of our spouse to fill our love tank, while others simply desire meaningful conversation. Others desire passionate moments alone with our mate while others are thrilled when one takes the initiative to clean up the dinner table and wash dishes. The problem in marriages comes often when we focus on “our tank” rather than focusing our mate’s “tank.” Remember I Corinthians 13 teaches that true love “seeketh not her own.” Biblical love does not focus on “receiving” but rather focuses on “giving.”

When you and I let go of our passion to have our love tank filled and focus on filling the love tank of our spouse we find freedom from disappointment. Your spouse, no matter how wonderful and amazing they may be, will never perfectly and consistently keep your love tank full! They are not God! They are simply a tool God can use to “complete” you. However, God also wants to use you as the tool to meet their needs and bless them. That is to be your focus. That is to be your passion in your marriage. Let God take care of filling your love tank if they fail. You pillow your head every evening knowing that you have done everything possible through the power of the Holy Spirit to fill your spouses love tank. Let them know they will never find anyone more in love with them, more interested in their well-being, more concerned with their comfort, more excited about their company on the face of the earth than you! As you take care of the mate God has given you, God will take care of you! If they fail you, they fail you! But God never fails. God will meet your needs and enable you to find joy in Him even if your spouse fails to fill your “tank.” God can provide His fuel and joy in your life in spite of their failures. You made a commitment to them…for better or for worse. When the love tank is flowing over and when it’s running on fumes. Keep your commitment to your mate and keep your commitment to God!

Please read more about the “love bank” at the following website: http://marriage.about.com/cs/communicationkeys/a/lovelanguage.htm

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Starting with Good News Wednesday, Nov 18 2009

Today I anticipated the news from my mom. A few days ago the doctor was very concerned she had a “spot” on her lungs that he had not seen previously. Of course my first thought turned to the “C” word–cancer. Both of my grandmothers had cancer and now I was afraid that it had struck one of my best friends–my mom.

After her doctor’s visit she called back to say that the second scan showed no problems and no “spot!” Praise the Lord! How wonderful to hear good news!

However, what if the news had been different? What if it was cancer? Would that have meant God had failed?

No, God never fails! Unless the rapture happens first and life takes its normal course there will come a day when we will get the news that she does have cancer, or she has had a heart attack or stroke. Something, at some point will bring her physical life to an end. Though I pray God will give us many, many more healthy years together, none of us have the promise of tomorrow. Whether I say goodbye to her in 1 year or in 10 years, if life takes its normal course I will have to say goodbye.

Bad news–yes, for me, for a while. For her, not at all! Her soul will be set free from her decaying, fleshly body and be ushered into the presence of the One who saved her soul. She will be free from her knee pain, hip pain, continual headaches and stomach issues. Set free from problems caused by others. No, what may be bad news for those who will desperately miss her, will be glorious news for her!

What will be bad news for me, because of the void left by her absence, will soon turn into good news as well. She will be there waiting for me on the other side, along with my Savior who redeemed us both. So today, regardless of the news I may have received, it would ultimately be good news. That’s why the Gospel is such good news–because for the Christians “we are winners either way!”

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