Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 20-21
NT: John 5
W&W: Psalm 68.15-27
Today’s Reflection:
What time is it? Is it time to act or time to wait?
Have you been following the story of Captain Richard Phillips, captain of Maersk Shipping Lines’ vessel Alabama? He was taken captive by Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa and held hostage for five days. My daughter Emily said yesterday that it still seems surreal to her that we would be talking about pirates in 2009. I’m sure the thought of pirates isn’t surreal to Captain Phillips!
As I understand the story, Phillips actually offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the safety of his crew. When the pirates agreed to his offer, he then boarded the lifeboat with them and ordered the crew (who were reportedly very reluctant to do so) to leave him. When it was time to act, he acted valiantly, didn’t he? That made yesterday’s rescue of Captain Phillips all the more exciting and meaningful!
Snipers aboard the Bainbridge, a USN vessel, knew when it was time to act. After waiting for several days, absorbing criticism from those not on the scene, they acted when it was time to act. Seeing Phillips in imminent danger, they fired upon the pirates and rescued him. This incident reveals how important it is to know when to act and when to wait.
In chapter 8 of his book, When God Takes Too Long, Joseph Bentz counsels us: “Wait when it’s time to wait and act when it’s time to act.”
Citing the story of Israel in the area of the Red Sea, Bentz reminds us that “there will be nay-sayers who accuse you of being confounded in the land.” As Pharaoh and his ilk denigrated the Israelites in this way, so people may accuse you of being lazy, or of having a lack of faith, lack of talent, or lack of drive. Even well-intentioned friends may urge you to take matters into your own hands. I have personally experienced this in recent months.
But remember the words of Moses: “The Lord shall do battle for you… You shall keep still.” Keeping still sounds like the easiest command, but in reality it is the hardest. We would much prefer to be doing something… We wonder, “What if he doesn’t pull through for me? Will I kick myself for not forcing my own outcome?” As I have waited for God to move in my situation, I have had to answer that question many times.
But, as Bentz assures the reader of When God Takes Too Long, I am confident that God comes through in ways that my own efforts would never come close to matching! So I try to wait when it’s time to wait, and then I will be able to act with certainty when it is time to act!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
How have you done on the verses from Isaiah 53? If you have applied yourself to memorizing these individual verses and sections of verses, you are now ready to work on putting all of Isaiah 53 together – a whole chapter! I challenge you to try it this week!
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Past Performance IS Indicative of Future Results!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 18-19
NT: John 4
W&W: Psalm 68.1-14
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s economic climate, I am reminded of the investment disclaimer: “Past performance is not indicative of future results.” But with God, things are different.
As you read the Bible, you notice that God’s people were called to remember the heroic deeds that God enabled them to accomplish. But, not just the heroic deeds, they were also to remember the frailties, sins, complaints, failures of leaders, and tragedies. As they did, they saw that through every circumstance – good and bad – God kept working. His story kept moving forward. For them, the past performance of God was indicative of future results!
Continuing with his book When God Takes Too Long Joseph Bentz advises us (chapter 7): “Remind yourself of what the Lord did for you in the past” in order to be encouraged as we wait.
We can develop a sense of expectancy and hope as we wait by looking back at our lives and pulling out each blessing (not just the big things) and thanking God for it. And, don’t stop with the blessings. Think about the worst times you have endured. What has God gotten you through?
Thank God: with him, past performance is indicative of future results! That’s one investment you can bank on!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
OT: Job 18-19
NT: John 4
W&W: Psalm 68.1-14
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s economic climate, I am reminded of the investment disclaimer: “Past performance is not indicative of future results.” But with God, things are different.
As you read the Bible, you notice that God’s people were called to remember the heroic deeds that God enabled them to accomplish. But, not just the heroic deeds, they were also to remember the frailties, sins, complaints, failures of leaders, and tragedies. As they did, they saw that through every circumstance – good and bad – God kept working. His story kept moving forward. For them, the past performance of God was indicative of future results!
Continuing with his book When God Takes Too Long Joseph Bentz advises us (chapter 7): “Remind yourself of what the Lord did for you in the past” in order to be encouraged as we wait.
We can develop a sense of expectancy and hope as we wait by looking back at our lives and pulling out each blessing (not just the big things) and thanking God for it. And, don’t stop with the blessings. Think about the worst times you have endured. What has God gotten you through?
Thank God: with him, past performance is indicative of future results! That’s one investment you can bank on!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
God-Filled Waiting
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 16-17
NT: John 3
W&W: Psalm 67
Today’s Reflection:
Have you ever felt that you are wasting a lot of time waiting on the realization of your God-sized goals? Joseph Bentz, author of When God Takes Too Long, deals with this in a chapter entitled, “Have faith that in his good time God will sweep away the obstacles.”
Bentz issues a warning that a long wait might lead us to lower our expectations of God. When we have to wait, we interpret “not yet” to mean “never.” We don’t actually renounce our Christian commitment and turn away from God. Instead, we simply don’t expect much from him. We call ourselves his, but we refuse to dream big anymore or put ourselves on the line for him.
Remember, however, that the fact that God takes a long time to accomplish his purposes does not mean he lacks the power or will to move forward. Also keep in mind that the destination is not the only thing that matters. What happens during the “waiting” part of our story is really part of God’s purpose, not just empty time leading up to it. Waiting should be filled with God! It’s like what Lana and I experience when we travel together. There is a destination out there – arriving at Avery’s house for example – but we have learned to enjoy the drive, too! Traveling together is just as meaningful to us as arriving at our goal!
Bentz counsels us: “Whenever we’re in an “almost, not yet” period, we should ask ourselves what God may be accomplishing in our lives. In the future, we will find ourselves looking back with appreciation, even longing, for those days of almost, not yet. Many of us make the mistake of ignoring the opportunities before us on this day because we’ve placed all our attention on waiting for what’s coming next.”
Next time you’re waiting, wait with God!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
OT: Job 16-17
NT: John 3
W&W: Psalm 67
Today’s Reflection:
Have you ever felt that you are wasting a lot of time waiting on the realization of your God-sized goals? Joseph Bentz, author of When God Takes Too Long, deals with this in a chapter entitled, “Have faith that in his good time God will sweep away the obstacles.”
Bentz issues a warning that a long wait might lead us to lower our expectations of God. When we have to wait, we interpret “not yet” to mean “never.” We don’t actually renounce our Christian commitment and turn away from God. Instead, we simply don’t expect much from him. We call ourselves his, but we refuse to dream big anymore or put ourselves on the line for him.
Remember, however, that the fact that God takes a long time to accomplish his purposes does not mean he lacks the power or will to move forward. Also keep in mind that the destination is not the only thing that matters. What happens during the “waiting” part of our story is really part of God’s purpose, not just empty time leading up to it. Waiting should be filled with God! It’s like what Lana and I experience when we travel together. There is a destination out there – arriving at Avery’s house for example – but we have learned to enjoy the drive, too! Traveling together is just as meaningful to us as arriving at our goal!
Bentz counsels us: “Whenever we’re in an “almost, not yet” period, we should ask ourselves what God may be accomplishing in our lives. In the future, we will find ourselves looking back with appreciation, even longing, for those days of almost, not yet. Many of us make the mistake of ignoring the opportunities before us on this day because we’ve placed all our attention on waiting for what’s coming next.”
Next time you’re waiting, wait with God!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Trust and Obey
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 14-15
NT: John 2
W&W: Psalm 66
Today’s Reflection:
In his book When God Takes Too Long, Joseph Bentz devotes a chapter (# 5) to: “Wait and obey – even as things seem to get worse.” Bentz cites the promise of God to his people in the ministry of Jeremiah as an example.
Many of us are familiar with and find comfort in Jeremiah 29.11-14: “11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.’”
Bentz reminds us, however, that Jeremiah 29.11 is preceded by Jeremiah 29.10: “10 This is what the LORD says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.’” The promise came 70 years before the fulfillment. 70 years! Meanwhile, the nation disintegrated and the people were carried into exile.
Bentz provides illustrations to help us appreciate the importance of keeping the ultimate goal in sight while going through or entering into periods of waiting. The worsening situations that often go with waiting would otherwise prevent us from being willing to trust and obey: “What if in our homes we decided we had zero tolerance for the discomfort that goes along with remodeling or repairs. If the carpet wore through, we wouldn’t replace it. If the furnace died, we would go cold. If pipes burst, we would go without water. Our insistence on short-term stability would cause us long term misery. The same is true in other areas of our life. Why would we allow a surgeon to slice into our bodies in ways that will make us endure days or weeks of recovery? We put up with the pain and inconvenience for the sake of our long-term health. Why do athletes give up hours of their lives each day to difficult and painful training? They do it for the long-term rewards of increased physical accomplishment” (p. 57).
As you go through your periods of waiting and as things seem to worsen, remember the words of the old hymn: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” (John Sammis).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
OT: Job 14-15
NT: John 2
W&W: Psalm 66
Today’s Reflection:
In his book When God Takes Too Long, Joseph Bentz devotes a chapter (# 5) to: “Wait and obey – even as things seem to get worse.” Bentz cites the promise of God to his people in the ministry of Jeremiah as an example.
Many of us are familiar with and find comfort in Jeremiah 29.11-14: “11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.’”
Bentz reminds us, however, that Jeremiah 29.11 is preceded by Jeremiah 29.10: “10 This is what the LORD says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.’” The promise came 70 years before the fulfillment. 70 years! Meanwhile, the nation disintegrated and the people were carried into exile.
Bentz provides illustrations to help us appreciate the importance of keeping the ultimate goal in sight while going through or entering into periods of waiting. The worsening situations that often go with waiting would otherwise prevent us from being willing to trust and obey: “What if in our homes we decided we had zero tolerance for the discomfort that goes along with remodeling or repairs. If the carpet wore through, we wouldn’t replace it. If the furnace died, we would go cold. If pipes burst, we would go without water. Our insistence on short-term stability would cause us long term misery. The same is true in other areas of our life. Why would we allow a surgeon to slice into our bodies in ways that will make us endure days or weeks of recovery? We put up with the pain and inconvenience for the sake of our long-term health. Why do athletes give up hours of their lives each day to difficult and painful training? They do it for the long-term rewards of increased physical accomplishment” (p. 57).
As you go through your periods of waiting and as things seem to worsen, remember the words of the old hymn: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” (John Sammis).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Trust God
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 12-13
NT: John 1
W&W: Psalm 65
Today’s Reflection:
Joseph Bentz’s book When God Takes Too Long is the continued focus of our articles. Today we are looking at one statement from chapter 4: “Trust God – even though you’re likely to feel his way is not the best way.” Bentz says, “One of the reasons God’s ways seem strange to us is that we’re used to counting on what we see as our own strengths and attributes to get us through life… God says, ‘stop looking at whether or not you can do this, and instead think about whether I can do it.’”
How often has this been true in your life? I know that I myself consistently try to figure God out based on what makes sense to me. I look at a situation and say to myself, “This is how I would work this out so it makes sense that God would do the same thing.” Let me give you an illustration.
Several weeks ago, I asked people to join me in praying that God would work it out so we would not have to put our “stuff” in storage when we sold our house. I reasoned that it would be easier for us to do it this way, so it would only make sense that God would want to do this for us. When it didn’t happen the way I wanted, the Lord helped me figure out one reason he answered in once the way he did: He wanted to display his great love to us through the kindness of so many who stepped up to help us! What I failed to realize, however, is that God wills something much better for us – in the moving and housing details – than what I can understand based on our situation. So, I am excited now precisely because we have put our stuff in storage! I can’t wait to see that “something much better” which he is working out!
I can’t wait to share with you how God works this all out! Meanwhile, don’t worry when God takes too long in your situation, either!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
OT: Job 12-13
NT: John 1
W&W: Psalm 65
Today’s Reflection:
Joseph Bentz’s book When God Takes Too Long is the continued focus of our articles. Today we are looking at one statement from chapter 4: “Trust God – even though you’re likely to feel his way is not the best way.” Bentz says, “One of the reasons God’s ways seem strange to us is that we’re used to counting on what we see as our own strengths and attributes to get us through life… God says, ‘stop looking at whether or not you can do this, and instead think about whether I can do it.’”
How often has this been true in your life? I know that I myself consistently try to figure God out based on what makes sense to me. I look at a situation and say to myself, “This is how I would work this out so it makes sense that God would do the same thing.” Let me give you an illustration.
Several weeks ago, I asked people to join me in praying that God would work it out so we would not have to put our “stuff” in storage when we sold our house. I reasoned that it would be easier for us to do it this way, so it would only make sense that God would want to do this for us. When it didn’t happen the way I wanted, the Lord helped me figure out one reason he answered in once the way he did: He wanted to display his great love to us through the kindness of so many who stepped up to help us! What I failed to realize, however, is that God wills something much better for us – in the moving and housing details – than what I can understand based on our situation. So, I am excited now precisely because we have put our stuff in storage! I can’t wait to see that “something much better” which he is working out!
I can’t wait to share with you how God works this all out! Meanwhile, don’t worry when God takes too long in your situation, either!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Accepting Your New Identity after the Wait
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 7-11
NT: Luke 22-24
W&W: Psalm 62-64
(Extra chapters to make up skipped days from last week)
Today’s Reflection:
I’m back on line this morning! Sorry for missing a few days. The internet hasn't made it to my mother-in-law's home yet! I hope you stayed up with your Scripture readings. If not, I’ve listed last Thursday and Friday’s chapters for you.
Today, we continue examining some insights from Joseph Bentz’s book When God Takes Too Long. The third chapter is entitled: “Remember your identity in God during the long days of waiting.”
Bentz makes the observation that throughout the Christian life, God often wants to move us from one identity to another… Abram becomes Abraham; Saul becomes Paul; a shepherd becomes a giant killer then a king; Jeremiah becomes a prophet; Joseph becomes a ruler. The question we need to consider is simply this: “No matter how long I have been stuck in one identity, what if God swooped in and gave me a new vision of myself? Would I be willing to take the risk of moving into it?”
A long wait contributes to becoming stuck in one identity. Waiting tends to gradually eat away at our identity. We assume that because we have been stuck in this role so long, this must be who we truly are. We latch on to this assumption so automatically that we block out even the possibility for new opportunities.
Today, God is saying to you, to me: “You’ve seen yourself in a certain way for a long time, but now I want to do something completely new in your life. Will you obey me? Will you stake everything on this new vision and trust me for the abilities, the resources, the outcome?”
I personally have had to answer this question in recent months. I’m doing my best to let God move me into a new identity. And, I would urge you to let God begin to move you into a new identity today!
An interesting note: in this week’s Scripture to Memorize, we find God moving Jesus from the identity of suffering servant to that of victorious savior.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
OT: Job 7-11
NT: Luke 22-24
W&W: Psalm 62-64
(Extra chapters to make up skipped days from last week)
Today’s Reflection:
I’m back on line this morning! Sorry for missing a few days. The internet hasn't made it to my mother-in-law's home yet! I hope you stayed up with your Scripture readings. If not, I’ve listed last Thursday and Friday’s chapters for you.
Today, we continue examining some insights from Joseph Bentz’s book When God Takes Too Long. The third chapter is entitled: “Remember your identity in God during the long days of waiting.”
Bentz makes the observation that throughout the Christian life, God often wants to move us from one identity to another… Abram becomes Abraham; Saul becomes Paul; a shepherd becomes a giant killer then a king; Jeremiah becomes a prophet; Joseph becomes a ruler. The question we need to consider is simply this: “No matter how long I have been stuck in one identity, what if God swooped in and gave me a new vision of myself? Would I be willing to take the risk of moving into it?”
A long wait contributes to becoming stuck in one identity. Waiting tends to gradually eat away at our identity. We assume that because we have been stuck in this role so long, this must be who we truly are. We latch on to this assumption so automatically that we block out even the possibility for new opportunities.
Today, God is saying to you, to me: “You’ve seen yourself in a certain way for a long time, but now I want to do something completely new in your life. Will you obey me? Will you stake everything on this new vision and trust me for the abilities, the resources, the outcome?”
I personally have had to answer this question in recent months. I’m doing my best to let God move me into a new identity. And, I would urge you to let God begin to move you into a new identity today!
An interesting note: in this week’s Scripture to Memorize, we find God moving Jesus from the identity of suffering servant to that of victorious savior.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.12: Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Are My Assumptions Good?
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Job 5-6
NT: Luke 21
W&W: Psalm 61
Today’s Reflection:
Often when people reach different conclusions from the same set of evidence it is because they have come to the questions with different assumptions. Our assumptions determine where we end up just as much as our decisions – possibly even more. One of the best questions we can ask when facing a decision or pushing through troubles is: “Are my assumptions good?”
The following question is from chapter 3 of When God Takes Too Long (Joseph Bentz): “Assume that God is at work – even when you don’t understand what he’s doing”:
Am I really the best judge of my readiness? Moses thought he was ready when he killed the Egyptian, Joseph when he dreamed his grandiose dreams.
All along, we have known that God is at work even though we haven’t understood why life was unfolding as it was. Friends, I have for a very long time thought I was ready to turn the page to the next chapter in my life. God, however, had deemed otherwise, and we have waited for him to open the doors. Now, the page is turning and the future is opening up.
I would say to you (and remind myself and Lana) assume God is at work, for he is!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.10-11: Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
OT: Job 5-6
NT: Luke 21
W&W: Psalm 61
Today’s Reflection:
Often when people reach different conclusions from the same set of evidence it is because they have come to the questions with different assumptions. Our assumptions determine where we end up just as much as our decisions – possibly even more. One of the best questions we can ask when facing a decision or pushing through troubles is: “Are my assumptions good?”
The following question is from chapter 3 of When God Takes Too Long (Joseph Bentz): “Assume that God is at work – even when you don’t understand what he’s doing”:
Am I really the best judge of my readiness? Moses thought he was ready when he killed the Egyptian, Joseph when he dreamed his grandiose dreams.
All along, we have known that God is at work even though we haven’t understood why life was unfolding as it was. Friends, I have for a very long time thought I was ready to turn the page to the next chapter in my life. God, however, had deemed otherwise, and we have waited for him to open the doors. Now, the page is turning and the future is opening up.
I would say to you (and remind myself and Lana) assume God is at work, for he is!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.10-11: Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
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