Working The System - Romans 9:30-33

Without question, many of us understand the idea of obeying the law. In fact, we can argue that all of us have some innate, instinctive concept of morality, of right and wrong, from a very young age.

Case in point; my sons, Hayden & Ephraim, figured out how to lie at around age 2. They didn't need any instruction in it, nor could they have understood seeing an example of it, but they did it nonetheless. Why? Well, each of them demonstrated the ability to lie when they had done wrong and didn't want to admit it or get into trouble (sound familiar?). They already knew the law!

It's quite a bit like Paul's description of Israel here. They failed to get the point of God's law; to drive them to faith in Him! Throughout history we have all failed miserably to live up to the perfect standard of the Law; the question becomes, how do we respond to that reality? Many turn away, insistent that God is sadistic and cruel. Others become deluded, pursuing a variety of 'ways to God', assuming that since perfection is unattainable, there must be another way.

But the amazing and joyous reality is this; the Law was given to demonstrate our desperate need for grace, which is only offered by one person, Jesus Christ. The difference between obeying the Law while being justified by faith and trying to earn justification by our works is not subtle; it merely becomes muddied and blurred when we start looking to our own 'wisdom' for answers.

Perhaps it's best put this way:
'Justified...
Just as if I'd
Never sinned at all'
--Black Eyed Sceva, from 'Way Before The Flood'

Confidence Man - Psalm 27

So, here I am, 5 months later with a new post! Good thing I don't get paid for blogging, or my pockets would be empty!

David expresses such great confidence in the Lord in this passage; he had enemies all around, trying to take him down, ruin his credibility, destroy his integrity, question his authority and even murder him. But David's complete faith in God was untouched at this time, and he exclaims it with no uncertainty:

"The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" Verse 2
We live in a world, culture and society full of doubt and cause for doubt. Political upheaval, economic fluctuation, social unrest, racial tension, ethnic conflict, sexual immorality, educational indoctrination, moral ambiguity and religious relativism surround us, like so many bloodthirsty barbarians encamped around a hill that we live on. They are ready at a moment's notice to charge the hill, slay us all and burn our village to the ground. Yet we have reason for great confidence!

Our 'village', our 'stronghold' is the Lord Himself! The horde cannot even penetrate its walls, least of all cause us harm. At best, they can yell and scream, hurl spears and arrows our way, and attempt to intimidate us, but in the end, the fight is already lost for them!

How easily we forget this truth! Do I live daily in this kind of confidence? Do I go about my life with the complete assurance that God will prevail and nothing else matters? God, give me more faith today!

Petty Distractions - Numbers 11-13

The nation of Israel had wandered for some time in the desert, and had witnessed some amazing things, constantly being provided for by God. Yet even after all of this, they struggled with petty jealousy, spite, slander and doubt. Joshua, future leader of the nation, cannot stand to see two of the tribal leaders bestowed with a gift of prophesy, and asks Moses to silence them. Aaron and Miriam, Moses' own siblings, speak ill of him behind his back.

Such petty sin and unkind attitudes cripple us all, and when we could enjoy the beauty of Christ and the unity that He desires in His kingdom, the ugliness in our hearts can rip that all away in moments. Our ability to go forth and conquer in His name is stunted and we experience fear and doubt about His directives. To be restored, we must be cleansed, purified, as Miriam was for 7 days outside the camp.

Just after these petty disagreements are recorded, Joshua, Caleb and 10 other men are sent to scout the land of Canaan; the 10 return with a bad report. The land is amazing, but the inhabitants are fearsome and there is no way, in these men's eyes, to overcome them. But in chapter 13, verse 30, Caleb states, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." There was no pettiness in his heart. Caleb had not been tainted by the foolishness of the nation, and saw the reality at hand; a people who are united in following God cannot be stopped.

F.U.D.

In the tech industry, FUD stands for "Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt". I had my own experience with these emotions this past week, to a degree that I have rarely ever felt them before.

My job with Desert Springs Church calls upon me to serve in a few different capacities, based on my God-given talents, personality and resources, and recently I have been overwhelmed with a certain major project we are trying to complete. This past few days, I thought I would have a nervous breakdown as a result of the tremendous pressure to finish the job well, combined with an inordinate amount of obstacles, challenges and miscommunications. I found myself Friday night nearly panicked over it all, but still managed to get to sleep, hoping Saturday would be better.

Saturday wasn't better. At first, anyway. Tasks we had set out to complete were delayed, people we were relying on couldn't make it, work we thought we could do a certain way simply didn't function how we thought it would! Midway through the day I was exhausted and frustrated.

Then the light came streaming through the clouds, and rescue was sent to me. God provided people and solutions all over the place, and we made serious headway on the project. At the end of the day, I found myself reflecting on my own responses to the situation, and I was convicted by my own Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. I had failed, because in all of this struggle, I did not look to God, but rather only at the problems around me. I was Peter, sinking into the waves, because I hadn't fixed my eyes on Jesus.

Praise God that He is patient with us! I can look at this time now and learn from it, which is because of His grace; I encourage you, ask yourself how you are giving in to FUD this week!

Every Opportunity - Acts 8:4-8

The early church had seen its first martyr, Stephen, and then witnessed the beginning of massive persecution, including the murderous threat of Saul. Yet as men and women alike were being dragged from their own homes for no real crime but preaching the gospel, the followers of Christ were only more emboldened!

We find Phillip, who had been selected as one of the Seven earlier in Acts, proclaiming the good news in Samaria, and performing miracles. It's interesting to note that Philip was "merely" a deacon before this, one who saw to the mundane needs of widows and orphans, not a preacher or evangelist. With the constant threat of persecution, however, God calls Philip out to a new role, and even sends him into what most Jews would consider enemy territory!

I find that I often respond to life's persecutions by becoming defensive, shutting up, cowering or even running away; a stark contrast to the zeal and faith of these early believers! Reading about Philip and others who strove to preach the gospel at every opportunity fills me with a strong desire to be more bold and trust God more as I share my faith with those around me. Don't get me wrong; I'm no gifted evangelist or preacher myself, but I know that doesn't mean I won't be called upon to step into that role at times, and when I am, I pray that my response will be that of Philip.

How do you react to persecution or ridicule? Do you look for every opportunity to share the truth of Christ's love and sacrifice with those you are in contact with? What areas of your life need to be surrendered to Him?