Like Trees Firmly Planted

Psalm 1:1-3 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.

This weekend I went on a Scout camp out with my son, Jonny, and had the privilege of seeing his patrol win the overall event competition and the breakfast competition. His troop had not fared well at these camporees in several years, and they were very excited at the campfire last night when they were recognized with both wins. But the competitions were only a part of the program. The campground we were in is a National Forest campground and one where the forest service had done a lot of maintenance on the trees and undergrowth. But with the work also came the need to clean up a lot of the leftover stuff remaining on the ground. It was the task of the various troops there to make the campsites look like campsites again, and all of the units there did an excellent job. Our campsite looked like a series of mounds with little space to pitch a tent, and when we left it was actually one in which we would gladly set up camp.  We left not only very pleased with the boys and their effort, but with the great joy of seeing how well they worked together to accomplish those goals which had been set before them.

Myself, I was afforded a privilege by being asked to bring a Sunday morning message to the units who remained. We started our program with two boys walking in wearing regular clothes and sitting down at the large tree in the front of the chapel area. One of them had a prop which was a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag, and the other a prop of white cardstock rolled like a cigarette with the end rubbed with charcoal for realism. They walked in and sat down and embraced their roles in front of the people who were waiting for the service to begin. Next came a Scout wearing his uniform. At first he walked past the other two boys shaking his head, but then he turned around and came back. As he came back he stood there for a moment rubbing his chin and thinking before again walking off. But he didn’t stay gone long, as he quickly turned around, came back, sat down, and took the fake cigarette looking straight into the eyes of the audience has he pretended a puff. You could hear the gasps from some who were looking on.

Having their attention, we spent the rest of our brief time talking about choices, the choices they made even the day before both in service and in competition, but also the choices they make in life. As a text we looked at Psalm 1:1-3, where in verse one, we have a similar situation as that of introductory drama. But then in verse two we looked at the importance of being guided by God’s Word, and by choice letting His Word shape our lives. As Scouts I also reminded them that much of what shaped our Scouting principles are those things consistent with how the Bible says we should live. But the greatest determinant in our lives of how we should live is found in the Bible. It is here that we learn about God, even about us, and how we are to live before him and others.

Then we moved to verse three, where it speaks of being like a tree firmly planted who does not wither and bears fruit in its season. I shared with them the extreme privilege we have of being able to go out and experience these trees we camped under. But also as we looked off into the mountains we could see trees that did not make it. Whether it was by disease or fire, there is the realization that not all trees make it just as in life neither do all people. Then they were challenged to consider who and what they were going to allow to shape their lives and guide their steps. As for me, I told them that it was going to be God and His words as recorded in the Bible.

Today Sarah writes about our security regardless of our feelings. Feelings can be fleeting and even misleading. As with the young Scout in our drama, he didn’t really stop to think. Worse than that, he had not determined in advance how he was going to walk and to whose voice he was going to listen. As such, the feelings and inclinations of the moment were left to determine his steps and possibly, if reality, even his direction. Our real hope is found in our God, and in the relationship we have with Him because of what His Son did on the cross. In Christ our future is guaranteed and His presence is certain.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/19)

I want you to know how safe and secure you are in My Presence. That is a fact, totally independent of your feelings. You are on your way to heaven; nothing can prevent you from reaching that destination. There you will see Me face to Face, and your Joy will be off the charts by any earthly standards. Even now, you are never separated from Me, though you must see Me through eyes of faith. I will walk with you till the end of time, and onward into eternity.

Although My Presence is a guaranteed promise, that does not necessarily change your feelings. When you forget I am with you, you may experience loneliness or fear. It is through awareness of My Presence that Peace displaces negative feelings. Practice the discipline of walking consciously with Me through each day.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Security In The Midst Of Change

One of the big tensions (or fears) in leaving a place of security is the potential for insecurity, and the greatest release in returning to a place of security is the realized hope for continued stability. This is how most of us function, or at least think. In this world, especially with families, our interests are divided and we have many concerns.

But GOD. It is in these places of insecurity where we can best realize the security we have in Him. It is living in the reality of His sovereign control, His wise plans, good intentions, and unlimited resources where we safely seek and listen to His direction. Rather than allowing our relative security to drive our decisions, we can truly rely on God’s leading in our lives. It is here that we are freed to risk loss in order to gain His blessings.

Sarah writes today about quietly sitting in the presence of God and considering His vastness as you lay you limited resources before the God of unlimited resources. It was after reading this one year ago, this calendar day, that Robin and I knew that God was changing the direction of our lives and that we could safely step out in it and trust Him. This past year has been quite significant as we have searched and waited on His leading, and we have seen Him do some pretty incredible things. Today we move into this next year knowing that our God is faithful to complete what He starts and that He will indeed supply all of our needs. And this is not just a Burgess household story. It is one told from house to house over the ages as people have seen our God do amazing things in the lives of His children.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/17)

As you sit quietly in My Presence, remember that I am a God of abundance. I will never run out of resources; My capacity to bless you is unlimited. We live in a world of supply and demand, where necessary things are often scarce. Even if you personally have enough, you see poverty in the world around you. It is impossible for you to comprehend the lavishness of My provisions: the fullness of My glorious riches.

Through spending time in My Presence, you getting glimpses of My overflowing vastness. These glimpses are tiny foretaste of what you will experience eternally in heaven. Even now you have access to as much of Me as you have faith to receive. Rejoice in My abundance – living by faith, not by sight

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Courage For The Journey And Strength For Today

Anniversaries of things are strange. Do you remember the calendar day of the year or the day of the week? In looking at the day of the week, this is the anniversary of my starting to read “Jesus Calling.” Relying on the calendar date, it is tomorrow. But that doesn't mean I haven’t read these words before. While I actually started reading on the 17^th in the midst of struggling through a season with a very difficult situation and decision, after reading the one for the 17^th I wanted to read more. So, rather than reading ahead I read backwards two days. This included yesterday’s reading which spoke of the intensity of spiritual warfare, which God used to speak directly to the intensity of the struggle I had been going through and the accompanying spiritual warfare. And it included today’s (16^th), which speaks of two important truths about God.

The first of those two truths, and most important, is that He is my God and His Son, Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life. As such God is totally sovereign over everything and every aspect of my life, and any plan that I might make needs to be subject to His sovereign plan. Everything that presses on my heart and pushes me in a direction needs to be subjected to God’s direction, and as such I needed to be willing to allow Him to change that direction, making sure that I wasn't just running from a difficult situation but that I was truly being led in God’s direction. That was a night that I really did need to let everything else go, and hear from Him.

The second aspect of her writing for the day spoke of God as my friend and the lover of my soul. So often when things are pressing in we can feel as if we are alone, and it was this compassionate reminder of who my God is that brought peace to everything else. It also was an assurance that following His leading would continue to lead to accomplishing His good purposes in my life and even for the protection of and provision for my family. It was and is so important knowing that not only is my God purposeful, but that He is also loving, compassionate, and merciful.

So, this morning, one year later, I listened to a message from Dr. Charles Stanley entitled “The Courage to Keep Going.” There was a lot in it that was very timely and fitting, particularly for today. Among the things he shared was this, “If I’m going to be able to keep on keeping on I’ve got to know that I’m doing what God says do, how God say do it, when God says do it, and where He says do it. I don’t even have to understand why.” Then he quoted Psalm 32:8 which reads, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” And of course, he quoted my favorite, Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Our God is so incredible toward us. While He does not make the path easy, He does give us both the strength and the encouragement to walk it with Him as He goes before us and sets our steps.

So, here’s Sarah…

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/16)

I am your Lord! Seek Me as Friend and Lover of your soul, but remember that I am also King of Kings – sovereign over all. You can make some plans as you gaze into the day that stretches out before you. But you need to hold those plans tentatively, anticipating that I may have other ideas. The most important thing to determine is what to do right now. Instead of scanning the horizon of your life, looking for things that need to be done, concentrate on the task before you and the One who never leaves your side. Let everything else fade into the background. This will unclutter your mind, allowing Me to occupy more and more of your consciousness.

Trust Me to show you what to do when you have finished what you are doing now. I will guide you step-by-step, as you bend your will to Mine. Thus you stay close to Me on the path of Peace.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

“…to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:79

Prepared To Stand Firm

Ephesians 6:10-20 is one of those important passages in Scripture that speaks to the issue of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10 tells us Paul’s intention in writing this portion of his letter to the Ephesians, and that is that we might be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might. It is so important that we grab hold of this purposeful instruction so that we might more fully understand how the armor he next speaks of works. Paul follows this with three instructions to “stand firm.” He goes on to tell us that our real enemy is not flesh and blood that we can attack him, but unseen and more than willing to come after us.

Paul speaks of six specific pieces of armor, three which are pre-existing of any conflict for the Christian. The first is having girded our loins or having been wrapped in a belt of truth-the unchanging truth upon which everything else hangs. God cannot lie, and all that He has declared is true. Second, he speaks of the breastplate of righteousness – the fact that having placed our trust in Jesus Christ for salvation He has declared us righteous and that is who we forever are. It’s the truth. Third, are the shoes of peace which because of what Christ did for us has made us at peace with God and results in us being able to know His peace even in the midst of the greatest battle. All three of these are written of in the past perfect tense as things which already having been accomplished are still true and effective – done deals. Or, at least done deals for those who have believed and called upon the name of Jesus Christ and received His promised gift of salvation. They are part of the being saved bundle.

Paul then goes on to three pieces which are taken up in the heat of battle, things which are there and present but specially grabbed hold of when things get tough. The first of these is the shield of faith, which Sarah speaks of today. This shield was not a small thing that we swung around in an effort to fend off an attack, but a huge door type shield that we truly could hide behind. And in that way, when we are attacked we hide in the assurance that God will wrap himself around us and take care of us. There is absolutely nothing which can separate us from Him and He has told us to trust Him in this. Taking up the shield of faith is choosing to trust God in those moments when everything else looks too large or imposing.

The second of those items taken up is the helmet of salvation, which is reminding ourselves that whether the enemy actually lop off our heads (which the helmet is to protect) or try any of his other attacks on our head and our mind, that we focus on the certainty of our salvation and the settled truth that eternally speaking he can’t do anything to change it.

And the last of the armor items mentioned, is the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. It is the word of God not in the sense that we beat the devil over the head with the Bible, but in the sense that in these times of attack we stand firm relying on all of the various pieces of truth that we have learned of God and from His Word. This is a truth battle, and our defense is hiding God’s Word in our hearts and actively thinking on it when attacked as in all other times.

There is one more very important thing Paul speaks of that is generally not looked at as a piece of armor, and that is prayer. Paul stressed the importance of prayer, and in the military sense it is God who is our head and Christ who is our Lord. Knowing that our battle is a spiritual one, we need to spend time with our God who knows all things, including the unseen. We need to spend time with Him and take our direction from Him.

                                                                        

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/15)

Spending time alone with Me is essential for your well-being. It is not a luxury or an option; it is a necessity. Therefore, do not feel guilty about taking time to be with Me. Remember that Satan is the accuser of believers. He delights in heaping guilt feelings upon you, especially when you are enjoying My Presence. When you feel Satan’s arrows of accusation, you are probably on the right track. Use your shield of faith to protect yourself from him. Talk with Me about what you are experiencing, and ask Me to show you the way forward. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to Me, and I will come near to you. And lest you think that this is only necessary when you are being attacked, remember that our enemy is wily and has no problem coming after us when our defenses are down.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” Revelation 12:10

In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

Be Strong And Courageous – God Is With You

Stepping and Standing, these are both challenging. Sometimes we step out when we shouldn't and sometimes we refuse to step when we should. And frequently when we are supposed to step, we do so timidly with uncertainty of the results or outcomes. And similarly with standing, sometimes we stand when we should be stepping. We stand in the midst of things which are not healthy or right. We stand in place rather than accepting opportunities for service. Yet, whether we step or we stand oftentimes the root issue is the same and that is a lack of dependence.

The people of Israel after seeing God do incredible things in order to bring about their release were very short-sighted and rebellious when it came to God. No sooner had they left Egypt than they were faced with their backs up against the Red Sea with an army quickly approaching and God intervened again. As they were in the desert and Moses had left them to go onto the mountain, they listened to other voices and turned their eyes from God and began to worship gods made by human hands. When the spies were sent into the land, only two of the spies saw God’s ability to bring them victory. And so it was with them, they wandered until an entire generation had died off. They had a serious dependence issue, one that arose out of their not seeking after and worshiping their God who was daily leading them and providing their very direction and sustenance or daily manna. God did not lead them into the wilderness to abandon them, yet before they ever took one step He already knew that many would.

Then there is Joshua and Caleb. These men stood by Moses’ side with some faithful others, and it is these men that God used to lead His people into their promised land. That which God said He would do He accomplished, and in doing this He used men who depended on Him.

Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and sound judgment or discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). It also tells us that that which He began in us He is also faithful to complete (Philippians 1:6). But, God also tells us to seek after Him wholly, to listen to Him carefully, and to trust Him completely and He will direct out steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). Our God is indeed a mighty God and there is nothing too difficult for Him.

Joshua 1:5-9. “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/14)

I am a mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day’s demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.

I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength.

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my path power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Products Of The Refiner's Fire

Proverbs 17:3; 27:21. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. … The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.

Sarah starts today’s devotional with, “Thank Me in the midst of the crucible.”  Webster defines a crucible as (1) a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat, (2) a severe test, or (3) a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development. As it is with definitions, you have to frequently look up other words in order to understand the original word. For me it was the word “calcining,” which is what is accomplished when the high heat is applied and volatile material is driven off (burnt, evaporated, etc…).

Pressure and Heat…. I don’t think most of us like this. And having things burnt off sounds even less appealing. Isn’t it any wonder that people, in general, resist change or desire to take the status quo path. After all, it’s the one we’ve grown comfortable with. But the reality is in this world we will have troubles or difficult times, and God uses these difficulties to grow us as He shapes the final outcome perfectly.

This time last year was one of our biggest “crucible” weeks, starting with Sunday, climaxing on Thursday, confirmed on Friday, and followed through with on the next Sunday. The temperature (circumstances and pressures) had been increasing over a couple of months as our church was facing severe restructuring and staff reductions. There had been several points during this season that gave rise to questioning God’s leading for us, but we had no clear answer. But then came Mother’s Day last year and a sermon on eclipse seasons when it seems that we don’t hear or receive direction from God though we know He is still very present and working. Robin and I had been asking His leading, but we had no answer. After the service I drove home without the radio on and pretty much told God that I wanted to hear from Him, that I needed to know what He wanted.

Well, the week that followed was full of His answering. He spoke through some meetings that raised questions. He spoke through my preparation to teach that week’s class on Spiritual Gifts, and even looking at how my service, though productive, really wasn’t in line with how He had gifted me. He spoke through a favorite radio pastor, David Jeremiah, who was speaking on recognizing open doors. And it culminated in opening a new devotional for the first time (Jesus Calling) through which he spoke loud and clear. As Robin and I talked and prayed we knew God had given us an answer, one that had we not been in this particular crucible we most likely would not have made.

The next day we heard the other half of Dr. Jeremiah’s message, which was that once you go through the door things generally don’t get easier. This was not new to us. The reality is that they often don’t get easier because there is also an evil one who does not want us to trust and follow our God, and who will try all he can to throw up opposition. But the big truth is that regardless of the opposition, our God is bigger and what He started He will bring to pass. Our responsibility is to walk in dependence and trust, taking the steps that He sets before us and staying tuned to His leading and even His shaping us in that direction.

Our God is gracious, merciful, and compassionate and He will take care of His.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/13)

Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.

Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he made that you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Not Even A Small Piece On My Own

Today Sarah writes about being thankful to God during times of problem or difficulty, bringing those very things that are pressing on us to Him. Reading the psalms of David can give us great insight into how these troubles can be brought to God with thanksgiving. David shows us over and over again how when he was troubled he would come before God with those troubles, focus on the character and power of God, and then even find the ability to lie down and rest in the midst of it.

Below is one of those psalms, Psalm 57, which is of a time when David was fleeing from King Saul and hiding in a cave with his men. As we know elsewhere in Scripture (1 Samuel 24), David even had an opportunity in the cave to strike out to kill King Saul and possibly even end the pursuit. Yet he chose instead to cut off the edge of his robe, an act which he regretted even going that far on his own. Realizing that this act was out of line, David spoke up to his men, telling them it as not for them to raise their hand against the Lord’s anointed – the king which God had put in place as the first king of Israel. As we know, God later removed Saul and installed David in his place.

David illustrates for us through his life and his recorded words that no problem is too big for God, nor is there anything so pressing that we drop our reliance on Him and take things into our own hands. God did what he said He would do for David, and He will take care of us.

Psalm 57 (ESV) …David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/11)

Thank Me for your problems. As soon as your mind gets snagged on a difficulty, bring it to Me with thanksgiving. Then ask Me to show you My way to handle the situation. The very act of thanking Me releases your mind from its negative focus. As you turn your attention to Me, the problem fades in significance and loses its power to trip you up. Together we can deal with the situation, either facing it head-on or putting it aside for later consideration.

Most of the situations that entangle your mind are not today’s concerns; you have borrowed them from tomorrow. In this case, I lift the problem out of today and deposit it in the future, where it is veiled from your eyes. In its place I give you My Peace, which flows freely from My Presence.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27