Still thinking about Christmas and gifts these few days, and came across one of the most tragic rejections of a gift: Numbers 13, when 10 of the 12 spies came back from the land that God had wanted to give them and said, "No go!"

GRASSHOPPERS, ANY?

They saw the land flowing with milk and honey

But chose to focus on the ‘too strong”, “too many.”

They heard the Voice who led by day and by night
But listened only to the song:“We’re grasshoppers in our own sight.”

Instead of crying to Him who called from heaven,

They complained, and cringed under defeated giants.
Giants that plunder dreams with no power,
And rain on vision with silent passing showers.

Giants that steal our passion for faded glory,

And hold us prisoners to yesterday’s stories.
That make us forget we, too, have dreams; and keep us living
For other man's imaginations - that we can’t fulfill or believe in.

If God has given you a vision, a dream -  

That you can see clearly even when you’re not asleep;
Starve your fears, seek hope, silence the doubters -
Remember: without dreams we live as shadows, with no faith we miss the mountains.

With the Christmas rush for year-end feasting and gift-buying, here's a thought on "things" from Eccl 5.

THINKING ABOUT THINGS 

Do not love “things.” 
“Things” won’t satisfy us. 
They only make us want more (Eccl 5:10).

Do not think, “If I have more things, my problems will be solved.”
“Things” don’t give world peace (Eccl 5:11).
“Things”, in fact, rob us of rest (Eccl 5:12).

Do not place security in “things.” 
Things don’t belong to us; 
They rot, get stolen, they must be left behind - every bit of it - when we die (Eccl 5:15).

Success in life is not in the gathering of enough “things.” 
It will never be enough.
Success is in gathering enough wisdom to be satisfied with the much or little we have (Eccl 5:18).

Reward in life is not measured by how many “things” we possess.
We will never possess "things"; they possess us.
Reward is in possessing the time, freedom and health to rejoice in the fruit of our labor with the many or few we love (Eccl 5:19-6:1).

Luke 18:35-19:10 has the back-to-back story of two characters: the blind beggar and Zaccheus the tax-collector.

Here’s a reflection as I thought about year-end wishes, an evangelism talk that's coming up next week:

Zaccheus, poor Zaccheus, he was too short;

But Jesus was coming, he refused to be stopped;
“I’ll look like a clown, I know, if I climb up that tree,
“So go ahead, laugh at me! Today the Master I must see.”

The blind man, the poor blind man, he was, um, too blind;

And people around him weren’t even kind;
“Shh, get lost, you’re only a beggar!”
Did that stop him? Ha! No, he cried even louder.

Jesus was busy, but not too busy to stop

And say to Zaccheus, “Come down, you and I got to talk.”
Yes, it was really noisy, but He heard the blind man’s cry,
“From now on you’re free, come, regain your sight.”

You see, it’s never ever about whether we’re too short, too blind,

Too late, too far gone, too shy, too lagging behind;
What it's about is do we know when God is passing through,
And are we ready with an answer when He asks,
“What do you want me to do for you?” (Lk 18:41)   

 

This is a season of great needs: need to meet deadlines, entertain, take a break, Christmas programs . . . and not forgetting Haiyan that rudely interrupted our ordered lives.  Here's a response from Luke 10:25-42's two back-to-back stories: the “Who is my neighbor” and the “busy Martha":

WHAT AM I MISSING TODAY?

Lk 10: 28 And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."

There was a man lying in pain on the road
But the priest and the Levite didn’t even stop to look;
“We have ministry to do, messages to share –
“Mission board meetings, and a church camp to prepare.”
They missed the chance to live the eternal life.

There was a Savior calling, “Come sit at my feet.”
But Martha had many things to tick off on her list;
“Got to impress everyone with my talents and gifts,”
“Can’t afford to stop, no time to sit.”
She missed the chance to listen to the Eternal Life.

Can we stop and see the chances God has given us?
Or do we scurry through our schedule each day in a rush?
Always making it on time, but missing the appointed times
To give, love, breathe, pause, obey, live the eternal life.

IN A LONELY DESERT . . .

In a lonely desert – Moses was called,

Jacob woke up from his dream, Elijah grew strong.

In a lonely desert God sent manna to His people;
He also did, in another deserted place, the five-loaves-two-fish miracle.

In a lonely desert John the Baptist proclaimed,

“Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand! Turn from your sin and shame.”
                                            
In a lonely desert a eunuch couldn’t understand -
God sent Philip to explain the Word, he was born again.

In a lonely desert Saul the Pharisee was stopped;

And there he learned to see, to feel, and became the apostle Paul.

Are you in a lonely desert, in a dry forsaken place?

You can’t see the hills before you, have you lost your way?

Stop, don’t fear the silence, for our Savior does His art

In the lonely desert, He speaks, He saves, He strengthens our miserable heart.

So stay, sh-hhh, shut out the sounds that shatter you  

For very soon He'll come and with His still small voice break through.

Go Sister Go!
Reflections From Luke 10:38-42, Mark 14:3-9
This morning I thought about a woman who, against traditions and fears and disapproval of people around, spent all her money on perfume to anoint Jesus.

“SHE COULD HAVE SAID”

She could have said:

I’m a woman – 
What can I do?
Not even invited;
They’ll say I’m rude,
Will they stare and talk?
Or think that I’m showy?
Should I give the money to the poor
And make everyone happy?

But she said:

I’m a woman –
But more than that,
Jesus saved me,
He freed me of all debts.
If I miss my time and chance
To do what I can today -
Tomorrow I may not have the courage
To love God this way.

She could have been:

Another fan, another follower,
Just like you and me;
Another who warmed the pews
Same place, same time, each week.
Another, perhaps, who served
Out of surplus energy and time,
Met everyone's expectations,
And never went out of line.

But she was:

Mary, who long ago decided
To love the “only one thing” that’s necessary;
Mary, who didn’t allow the “many things”
To cause her to fuss and worry.
Mary, who when she broke the vial,
Shattered all those nice men’s hearts;
Mary, who didn’t care that she was a woman
When she chose the good part.

Reflection from Mark 1:32-38

Yesterday a young campus staff told me, “I turned off technology for one day - as you suggested in the talk on 'Margin'; but when I switched them on again, I was overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages in my inboxes!”
I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. But this morning as I prayed, the Lord gave me an answer from Mark 1:32-38.
Here Jesus faced the same problem as the young campus staff. It was recorded that He hid away to spend time with the Father. And what did He find when He came back?
The multitudes . . . . jamming his inboxes.

“Many things” came cramming at the door -  

But where on earth was Jesus?
O He sneaked out "while it was still dark"
To spend time alone with the Father.
“Many ’many things’ are here!” Peter cried.
“Quick! Give them some attention!”
But surprise, surprise, Jesus replied,
"Let's go - and do only the important.”

Life, I discover, has many “many things” that
We're not made to rescue all or handle -
But we can and must  – dare I even say it -
Switch off that phone, unplug that computer.
And be still and learn from the Only One who knows
What are the few that are necessary,
And not be ruffled, worried, guilt-ridden, directed
By the very many “many.”

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH (Mat 5:13)

I am the salt of the earth.

I bring flavor
And not seek favor
From men.
I use words that heal,
Shield, defend,
Mend.

I may sting,
Even shock,
But I won’t bend
The truth, I won’t trivialize
The Name of God,
The worth of man.

I am the salt of the earth.

I work on the bland,
I don’t blend
In.
I speak up against
Stumbling blocks, shame,
Sin.

I can’t sit on the fence,
I can’t play it
Safe
If I want to stand up
For the fatherless,
Broken,
Enslaved.

I am the salt of the earth.

I am different.
This is who I am, not what I do;
This is my voice, my call.
But when I become indifferent
To who they are, and what they do,
I miss. I’m not salt at all.

WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU? (Mark 10)

 

“What do you want me to do for you?”

“What do you want me to do for you?”

In Mark 10 Jesus posed this question twice,

Let’s listen to the answers - see who was wise.

First He asked the sons of Zebedee -

Then to the blind man who called, "“Have mercy on me!”
While James and John were His own star pupils,
Blind Bartimeus wasn't in anyone's inner circle. 

"That's easy," James and John said, “In the not-too-distant future

“Put us on your right and left, we have all the credentials;

“You won’t regret it, we can really help you,
“Besides, we're very gifted in telling others what to do.”

“As for me, Rabboni,” the blind beggar replied,

"All I want right now is to regain my sight.

“I don’t really care if I look important or cool;
“I can sit anywhere, but please, let me live life to the full.”

“What do you want me to do for you?”

“What do you want me to do for you?”
This morning as I read Mark 10,
Jesus asked me again and again.

To be honest, I almost prayed,

“More power, less red tapes, definitely more say;
“How can this poor woman serve you efficiently -
“With all these barriers unless - I've more authority?”

But thank God, He taught me to say, "I'm only a servant -

“Help me see through the clutter of self-importance,

"With both eyes open, then I can do your will
"And live each day to the full - and glorify you."

 

 

 

The Twelve had a great campaign of preaching. healing, and signs and wonders. Then immediately, they failed their next challenge: the feeding of the 5,000 [Mark 6:34-52].  Here's a reflection:

So when Jesus said, “What shall we do?

"Can you see the people are hungry?”

The disciples immediately responded
With their calculator, they were ready:

“Ahem, postpone the project, Lord,"
"Please  -  send them away.”
“Cut our losses, we humbly advise - "
"O, we're just helping you save face.”

Ah, it’s not about what we have, is it?

But obeying all God says.

Not “delegation” but “dependence”;
Not “let’s be practical” - but “let’s pray.”

To do well in ministry, use "the towel" -
Your "titles" are good only in your offices;
Forget show-and-tell, bend down, pray,
Surrender, serve, share your five loaves and two fishes.

The Question We Must Ask Everyday

Reflections from Paul’s conversion encounter with Jesus and testimony from Acts 22

Saul, born in Tarsus, knew all the answers,

Gamaliel’s A-Star* pupil had only one ambition –

“Stop Jesus’ disciples – get them out of my sight!”

Until God confronted him in bright shining light.

“Saul, Saul,” the Lord asked, “why do you persecute me?”

And his eyes were opened the day he couldn’t see.
He had only one question but it forever changed his life,
Got him into God’s plan: the good, perfect, and wise.

“What shall I do, Lord?” That’s what he asked.

"What shall I do, Lord?" Here's how you and I start;
Each day, every day, humbly ask the Master,
Then lay down our A-Star* plans, and wait for His answer.

MARGIN

MARGIN
“Margin, the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits . . . .” Richard A. Swenson

Today. Put back the margin in your life.

Walk. Slowly.
Life’s about the moments and relationships,
Not simply getting from A to B.

Do. Less.
But do it well, with all your might.
With great joy. Do it right.

Don’t. Check. Your. Messages.
Look at me when I'm talking to you.
See? I’m here. I'm not virtual. I’m Real.

Delay. On. One. Decision.
Here's a tip: Pause before you answer.
Pray before you "enter."

Holiness. Is. Wholeness.
Sleep seven hours. Stop at the florist. Take a walk
Have time for people. Be kind to yourself. Love God.

Today. Put back the margin in your life.

WHY DO YOU CALL ME GOOD?

Reflection on Mark 10:17-18: “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? . . . .’”

WHY DO YOU CALL ME GOOD?

Why do you call me “good” –
When you hide your dreams from me?
And zip up tiny little pockets in your heart -
Surely you don’t think I can’t see?

Why do you call me “good” –
And make for yourself those secret plans?
Why announce to the world, “I want God’s will” –
But crave the nods and praise of man?

Why do you call me “good” –
But need so much control?
Why toss in bed, dreaming of the bigger and better,
Losing friends, lovers, your own soul? 

Why do you call me “good”
When I can't be your “one thing” and “best”;
If you want me to be that "good” in your life,
Take off that mask, let's talk, surrender, . . . rest.

COUNTING & NUMBERS

REFLECTION ON I Chron 21, when David displeased God by counting his people.


What is wrong with David numbering His people? Wasn’t he just organizing, keeping his accounts? But it displeased God. First there’s the motive: in counting his strength, he was saying, “Look at me. I did it.” And there’s the pride. You see, David’s success did not come from his strength, it came from his submission to God. David’s secret to winning was not in fighting well, but fully trusting in God. His worth was not in his power, possession or people; but in the provision and protection of God.

I wonder, I wonder, what we are counting today?
Grades? Height? Votes? Facebook friends? Take home pay?
Is our worth measured by the district number of our home?
Or the size of our car, TV, hi-fi, garden, stocks we own?

But in counting we compare and compete – O what a curse!
Keeps us moving - homes, jobs, continents – even worse;
We pass the curse on and say: “Son, you need more tuition!”
Drain our kids’ childhood dry – with what we call enrichment.

We count calories and forget how to enjoy a meal,
Analyse food content to death – and every conversation kill;
Rush around to stop time when we learn to count wrinkles,
Lay still to count sheep, and forever lost that sparkle.

Lose friends and lovers, keeping account of their shortcomings –
While counting what we don’t and can’t have, we miss Jesus’ teaching –
“Seek first God’s kingdom,” He says, “let tomorrow be.”
“I number the hair on your head, don’t forget, you can lean on Me.”

Today count – only your blessings – look who’s in your life?
Stop and smell the flowers, they won’t stay, be wise.
One more thing, number your days, remember how you began,
He’s already taken care of you this far, He’ll do it again, and again.

DOING RIGHT OR RIGHTEOUSNESS

The ark represents the presence of God. But by I Samuel 4, it became a "secret" to success. So the Philistines stole it. But it gave them nothing but trouble so they returned it, and it remained in the home of Abinadad, a Levite, for 20 years. In I Chron 13, David decided to take it back to Jerusalem and here's the story:

When David was crowned, he said,
“I can’t bear the sight -
“Of the Ark being away for 20 years,
"We must set things right!”

“Bring it home, it belongs here!”
He told his captains and leaders,
The thing looked so right
In the eyes of the people (v 4).

The king spared no expenses,
Even designed a new cart,
Never mind that God had said,
“Only Levites carry the Ark.” (I Chron 15:13)

So it failed, someone died,
And three sober months later,
David did it again, but in God’s old-fashioned way,
And gained His complete approval.

Do you aim to do God’s will
But say, “Let’s be practical, get a cart”?
The cart of worldly wise and convenience,
Of trends, compromise, short-cuts?

God doesn't accept our “rights” without righteousness –
This you must know;
Without His blessings, our great and noble
Are but fuss, frustration, at best a big show.

ON MISSING OUT, A REFLECTION ON TIME

I fear missing out . . . on living
So I cram all my days in -
With meetings, goals, one more plan, dream, objective,
And in fearing, I miss.

I fear missing out . . . on too many things -
My youth, happiness, promises to keep,
There’s a world to see, castles to build,
And in fearing, I miss.

I miss living today,
In escaping the demons of my past;
And in fearing the future,
I forget to breathe and laugh.

I miss the rhythm and beats of life
When I fear the tyranny of time,
In the dread of being late, I sorely miss
The joy of listening to its chimes.

whatever your might be and might have

Monday March 29, 2013

REFLECTIONS ON THE GENEALOGY FROM ADAM TO DAVID IN I CHRONICLES 1-4
Might only be a name
In the span of human history –
But all just the same
Each left a legacy.
Might have entered the race,
Not equal in opportunity,
But all just the same,
Each became a memory.

Might come last like David,
Might come first like Esau.
Like Ruth, might find love in a hostile land,
Or like Tamar, not find love at all.
Might have been Moses, whose place was the palace,
Might have been Elijah, groomed in the wild,
Like Jeconiah, the king, born again in prison,
Or Daniel, the prophet, who won in exile.

For they dared to dream, they all woke up,
They chose, they fought, they loved, they listened,
Saw their time and chance when time and chance came,
Said, “Yes,” said, “No,” made the right decisions.
So these don’t decide your legacy or memory –
Might be ups, downs, shame or smarts;
All just the same, you write the conclusion
With faith, courage, following after God’s heart.

THE STORY OF TWO KINGS

THE STORY OF TWO KINGS OF JUDAH: third king Asa and the third last king Jehoiachin
(2 Chron 15 & 16, 2 Kings 24:8-16; 25:27-30)

Fearful young Asa, cried out to God for success,
So God saved him from Ethiopia, God gave him rest (2 Chron 14:6).
But on his 36th year of reign, when the king grew proud and big,
He turned from God to strategies, and died lonely and sick.

Fearful young Jehoiachin followed his old man’s wicked ways,
So God let Nebuchadnessar imprison him, for 36 years he counted his days.
One evening, Nebu threw his own son in jail - the two men became friends;
And when Nebu died, the Prince went to the throne, and made Jehoiachin a free man.

I love the stories of these two kings – and here's what I see -
God's ways are amazing, especially to those who are meek.
Don't forget Him when you're strong; when you’re in prison, be calm -
He’s never far, He’s just above you, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

WHAT SACRIFICE ARE YOU MAKING?

A reflection on Ahaz the 12th king of Judah (2 Kings 16, 2 Chron 28).

For Ahaz, king no. 12, “winning” was his goal in life;
His one big solid strategy: “Sacrifice!”“Sacrifice!”“Sacrifice!”
His faith, his values, his call, even his own sons (2 Kgs 16:3);
"Just get me to the top!" he cried. "Let me be number one!"

“I want God’s blessings!” he claimed. But he sought Assyria for strength,
Sure, he worshipped at the temple, but his fear was man.
Even when friends turned against him, he refused to submit,
So God humbled and disciplined Ahaz, and he made his exit.

What’s your daily offering at the altar of the high places –
Your sons? Your daughters? Your vows? Your childhood promises?
To get that "job satisfaction", what are you letting go?
What sacrifices are you making just to reach your goal?

What do you hold on to tightly? What’s your hand?
What gets you out of bed so early? Love for God, really? Or fear of man?
Why do you say, “I have no choice, to succeed this is the rule?”
When humility is the only sacrifice God asks of you?

So here’s a little test, be honest in your answers:
When was the last time you said, “Later” “Later” “Later” and “Later”?
Later, I will slow down but now is my chance;
Later, I will eat with them; later I shall dance.

Later, we’ll go on that holiday; later, I’ll stop and read;
Later, I’ll take a walk; later, I’ll plant that seed.
Later, I’ll build my house; later, I’ll make amends.
Later, I’ll switch off that phone; but now, I’ve messages to send.

But those we put aside for “later” are also on a journey –
They have dreams they must catch, they cannot tarry;
They grow up, they grow old, they’ll stop asking, “Why?”
And when your “later” finally comes, time and chance have passed you by.

Love God first, follow His rules, let Him build your castle –
He holds every key in His Hand, fear Him – your Lord and Master.
Don’t offer sacrifices that you are sure to regret,
Remember: your humility is the only sacrifice God will bless.

Talk To The Clay - reflections from the visit to the pottery

O clay O clay you’re not at all pretty,
But in the master’s eyes you’re a thing of great beauty.
Once you were nothing, actually, a lump.
But now in his hands, your life has begun.

O clay, O clay, let me give you a few tips -
On how to survive and find your perfect fit.
First, don’t be shocked when you’re thrown on the wheel -
Your world will spin, but don’t panic, keep still.

The trick is to stay soft when you’re squeezed and pressed,
And when he pours water on you, be grateful, don’t get stressed.
Nah, you won’t drown, he knows what he’s doing –
No need to scream and shout and, for goodness' sake, stop moving!

Stop saying, “Why O why does it take so long?”
“I want to be in control”, “I need to be strong!”
Let the one who sees from high above
Mold, shape, pedal, bend, do his work of love.

For now, O clay, life may not feel at all fun
But the master's gentle hands won’t leave you till you're done.
So shut up, sit pretty, submit to his ways -
He is the potter, you are the clay.

BE CONTENT

I Timothy 6:6-10


But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

When I’m discontent . . .

I rush from one stop to another
And forget to enjoy the sights.
And miss all the wonderful and good
While checking out Mr. and Miss Right.

When I’m discontent . . .

I feel “I must have more to be happy” -
More pay, more say, more my way.
But chasing after the wind is tiring,
And keeps us from living each day.

When I’m content . . .

In spite of my needs, wants, and lack,
Size, shape, portion and lot -
I’m saying, “My heavenly Father sees . . .”
“Knows what { who} I can and cannot.”

When I’m content . . .

I reflect God’s abundant grace,
All mine, strong and sufficient.
And have time to breathe and play,
And enjoy every conversation.

Be content, says Jesus.

There will be enough, I promise you,
No, it’s enough, let tomorrow be.
Only a few things are important,
They’re right before you, they’re free.

“Why do you labor for what is not bread?”
And live long, bone-exhausted days?
Stop. Take a break. Eat with the ones who love you,
Say no. Switch it off. Be content in me. Obey.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE BEATITUDES

The world says, “Hooray for the A-listers, the ones who get the nods.”
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who know they are nobodies, and can do nothing apart from God.”

The world says, “Don’t worry, be happy, let’s party, life is short.”
"Blessed are those who grief for their sins, and fast for eternal cause.”

The world says, “Go. Fight. Take short cuts. You go nowhere if you are weak.”
"The gentle shall inherit the earth, control your temper, be meek.”

The world says, “Blessed is he who says, ‘I am strong, I have no need.’”
“Satisfaction comes to those who ask to be filled, who pray, knock and seek.”

The world says, “Remember those who hurt you. Complain. Keep score. Make them pay.”
“You are smart if you show mercy, turn the other cheek, do it God’s way.”

The world says, “It’s all about what people see, so look good, be cool, be sharp.”
“It’s all about what God sees in you, and Who you see in your heart.”

The world says, “Look away. Mind your own business. Live a life that’s trouble free.”
“Speak up for the fatherless, stand up for the lost; the sons of God are those who bring peace.”

The world says, “Be a Christian, but play it safe, make everybody happy, win the vote.”
“There’s no such thing as a popular believer. Walk in the light. Speak truth. Take the narrow road.”

GIVE OF A WILLING HEART

When it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
God could have made all the bronze, silver and gold;
But He said, “Bring to me only what you got . . .
“Offer at my altar what you own.”

When it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
God could have forced, ordered, and charged,
“Do what I tell you!” “Obey my command!”
Instead He said, “Give of a willing heart.”

So when it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
The people responded – those whose hearts were stirred;
Seven times, it was said, in Exodus 35, 36,
“They came, they brought, they spun, they served.”

The heart of the matter of the building of the tabernacle,
Is, in my humble opinion, a matter of the heart.
Teach, lead, speak, give – just do it,
But don’t go through the motion, don’t just play the part.

For when God calls us to build the tabernacle,
He doesn’t care if we can do little or much;
Things, time, talent, treasure, He made it all –
He only wants from us a willing heart.

EXODUS IS A STORY ABOUT GETTING OUT:

Moses, born to die, was saved “out of the water” (Ex 2:10).
He fought the Egyptians, and got kicked out of the palace (2:15).
God met him and said, “I AM holy, take out your sandals” (3:5).
“Get my people out of Egypt, I will get you out of trouble.”

But Moses had more serious getting outs to face:
Fear, self-doubt, "I'm not ready", "No way";
Yet, as God had promised - nothing went to waste -
They got out of Egypt, through ten challenges, ten plagues.

The book of Exodus is about getting out –
Of bondage, fear, low self-esteem and doubt.
From death to life, from trapped to free
From reluctance to "Here am I", from “You're kidding!” to “I can see.”

What do you need to get out of today
To live God's plan for you, and claim His promise?
Your fluffy dreams? Your huge sand-castles?
Your defense? Your excuse? Your corner? Your office?

God’s power is often shown in the Sea, the wilderness,
Where "I AM Who I AM" is our only confidence;
Want to live your life? Then stop saying, “Not now.”
Obey. Have faith. Get ready for miracles. Get out.

BE NOT AFRAID WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH

Reflections on I Kings 15:8-22, 2 Chron 16:7-14
The life of King Asa never fails to puzzle me. How did the king who reformed become the one who rebelled, I wondered many times:

King Asa, young and fearful, “did what was right” –
Reforms, revivals, removal of idolatrous sites.
For 38 years, he ruled in peace;
His only war cry, “Lord, help me please!”

Then Baasha attacked on the 39th year,
And Asa befriended Aram out of fear;
“I’m not a child, stop saying God is displeased!”
“I’ll send you to jail!” he shouted at Hanani.

So God struck him with a disease, he became sick in his feet;
He saw every doctor but refused to submit
To the God of his youth, who fought all his battles;
He’d rather die than bow before the Healer.

Why, tell me, why did Asa end so wrong?
Did he have more to lose when he became strong?
Did he stop being a child because he grew old?
Did he forget to be fearful when he became bold?

Be not afraid when you don’t have much –
God delivers, God heals, He’s Someone you can trust.
Tremble and guard your heart, you know when the troubles start;
When you turn to your own knowledge and gifts – when you think you're too smart.

WANT MANNA?

Reflection on Exodus 16:11-21

The people asked for food and God gave them manna from heaven. “He who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack” (16:18).

God rained manna from heaven,

O what a glorious sight!
Satisfied everyone’s hunger to the full,
Filled each longing with delight.

But it would keep only a day at a time,
Grab too much, It’d stink and rot,
Take a little, only what was needed,
And just as God promised, they lacked not.

Want to taste manna from heaven?

See His blessing from on high?
Step in the water, walk boldly in faith,
Trust Him fully, one miracle at a time.

He won’t give us in excess

Lest we forget to lean on Him;
Neither will He give us less
For He knows our frame, He knows our need.

HEAD, HEART, HAND

Moses started with a HEART
But he had no HEAD and HAND.
To save his people, he killed an Egyptian,
And buried him in the sand (Ex 2:12).

He hid in the sand of Midian – for 40 years (2:15-23),
Until God ordered, "Come here!"

"I have a plan, my people are suffering!"

“Send someone else,“ he said, "my HEART is missing." (4:23) 
 

So God worked on his HEART.

He let him see
The hardheartedness of Pharaoh,
And the people's grief.

"Deliver them, please," cried Moses (5:21).
"Help, I can't bear it!"
Now his HEART was beating,
His HEART was free.

But Moses had no HAND.
“I can’t even talk,” he said (4:10).

But God wouldn't give up,
He worked on him again.

First He gave him a side-kick– Aaron,
Who challenged Pharaoh right down to plague #5 (5:1-8:17);
Then He let Moses grow -
One small step at a time.

By plague #2, he prayed for the calamity to stop (8:12),

And he would be an intercessor all his life;

By plague #6, he took over from Aaron (9:8)
And finished the job in grace and stride.

 

No HEAD – ask God to speak;

No HEART – He can make it beat again.

No HAND – be humble, submit, let Him train you,
But you must come out of the sand.

 

YK's seven resolutions for 2013:

1. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom 10: 17, NASV).
Lord, may I hear - really really hear - your words that my faith may grow. Protect me from all other noise.

2. " . . . the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Mat 13:23).
Lord, let me hear and understand your Word that I may bear much fruit. Protect me from deception and stagnation.

3. “Behold, their ears are closed (Hebr: arel:uncircumcised) and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it” (Jer 6:10).
Lord, circumcise my ears that I may delight in your Word. Keep me from having ears that are deaf or shut.

4. “ . . . and I [the LORD] spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer,. . .’ (Jer 7:13-15).
Forgive me, Lord, for not being there when you were ready to speak, and for not answering when you called. Kick me out of bed if you have to!

5. “Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; . . . “ (Ps 143:8).
May the first sound I hear every day be your voice of love, dear Lord, not the sound of self, schedule, or social media.

6. “ . . . your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left” (Isa 30:20-22).
Lord, my gracious teacher, speak wisdom in my ears, whisper direction behind me. Pull me back whenever I run ahead of your voice; repeat, reprove, remind me whenever I forget.

7. “ . . . therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD" (Eze 34:9).
Lord, may I teach only what I hear from you. Let my message outlines, lesson plans, illustrations, and stories come only from you.

MUST HAVE HEART

(Reflection from Exodus - about Moses)

Pharoah’s daughter saw something in the river and called, “Bring that to me.”

God moved her heart to love the baby, and Moses the fugitive became the prince of Egypt.

And the prince grew up and declared, by faith, “I am Moses the Hebrew, I will save my people.”

His heart was right and ready, but he lacked backing or call or plan.

One day, someone challenged him, “What? You a murderer telling us what to do?”

So the favored one became a fugitive again; his heart was numb for 40 years.

Until he saw the flaming bush and said, “I must go look.”

And he found God’s burning heart for His people.

“Lead my people out of Egypt,” God instructed. “I will remove all hindrances.”

But Moses kept one barrier hidden within himself – double-locked and deep in his unmoved heart.

“I can’t, I won’t,” pleaded Moses. “I don’t even know what to say.
He had all of God's backing and call and plan, but his heart was missing.
When Pharaoh hardened his heart and commanded, “Increase the people’s burden!” Moses cried out, “Lord, deliver your people!”
Finally, his heart came back to life, it beat for his own again!

And so the stage was set, the man was free

From hollowness to heart –
To confront a stiff-necked king and care for an ungrateful people;
Halt the plagues, part the Sea,
Represent God before man, intercede for man before God.

Today, more than calling, charisma, candor, and courage,

God searches for men and women with heart;
Heart that says “I will not give up,” “I will beat for you,”
“I will pray,” “I will love,”
“I will care,”
“I will set them free.”