Psalm 5
People are longing to know that God hears them...that the high King to whom we pray is attending our cries. The Psalmist expresses this ache here. He acknowledges that God is not one who delights in evil, that sin and wickedness do not live with God - these must be separated from a holy God. The way to come to God is not prideful or arrogant - the Lord "hates" evil - doers. Such language is too strong for our ears today - we shiver at the thought that God hates anyone or anything. The one who speaks lies will be destroyed?!?!! as God abhors those who are bloodthirsty (murderers perhaps) and deceitful.
The rest of the psalm is a contrast:
BUT I will - enter through your steadfast love - it is only by Grace that we enter into the Holy One's throne room (see Hebrews 4). God's lead in our lives is the key to righteous living - we are dependent. Verse 11 - All who take refuge in God will rejoice and sing for joy. God is the source of our joy and pleasure in life - we must find our hearts in him.
Psalm 6
Psalm 6 is a cry to the Lord for deliverance amidst strife and difficulty...He is crying out to God for grace - that he would find deliverance in God, from God's love for him. Deep heartfelt anguish from living in a world with sin, death, enemies, workers of evil - this great need of humanity - for refuge and salvation in a sin sick world is the heart of this Psalm. And my own heart on so many days...but oh for the Love of God in Christ - who shows us a new horizon, yet to be fully revealed in the Sons of God...Come Lord Jesus.
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POC Blog
The random technotheolosophical blogging of Reid S. Monaghan
Significant Psalms...
I may drop some stuff in here from time to time as I am reading the through the Psalms...I'll link em up so you can read along...
Introduction to the Psalms
The book of Psalms is filled with the songs and prayers offered to God by the nation of Israel. Their expressions of praise, faith, sorrow, and frustration cover the range of human emotions. Some of the Psalms dwell on the treasure of wisdom and God’s Word. Others betray the troubled heart of a mourner. Still others explode with praise to God and invite others to join in song. This diversity is unified by one element: they are centered upon the one and only living God. This Creator God is King of all the earth and a refuge to all who trust in him. Many of the Psalms are attributed to King David. The Psalms were written beginning in the fifteenth century B.C. and were probably collected in their final form in the third century b.c.
Introduction from The Holy Bible : English Standard Version., Ps. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001.
Psalm 1:1-4
The foundation of a man is his delight in the law of the Lord. Delight for God which means delight in the the Word of God is the only proper foundation for the soul. Here there is water, life, fruit...
Psalm 2:1-12
The Son is the sovereign ruler - whom we bow to. We kiss him as our holy king. All kings, political and earthy, idolatrous and spiritual, shall be in subjection to God's holy one. The King of Kings shall reign from Zion will judge this world and its rebellious rulers. The imagery is very similar to that of the coming King (Jesus) in Revelation 17:14
Psalm 3:3-6
The great protection and sustaining work of God in his people. He is a SHIELD - who protects. He is our glory - the most glorious and valuable one. He is the LIFTER of our heads - he gives encouragement and restores dignity to a person.
Psalm 4:6-7
The Lord is better, much better than feasting and drinking. His joy in our hearts is better than the greatest party.
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2 Timothy - Leaving a Great Trust - The Final Installment
We spent our final evening with our Athletes in Action students on Tuesday night...we focused on the theme of "Leaving a Great Trust"
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCRIPTURES TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUST
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
All Scripture is literally (theopneustos – breathed out of the nostrils of God) and is useful for:
- Teaching – the gaining of knowledge of God and his plans for his world - So many students I have met are starving for the knowledge of God and I have done my best in earnest here at VT to help teach – but many times, a question is asked and the Bible is left dusty, cold, undisturbed on many a desk here at Tech. I plead with you men and women, be not ignorant of the Word of God. It is hard to learn, it takes time, it takes effort, it takes discipline – the results are glorious – We come to know not just facts – but God himself as he reveals himself in His Word.
- Reproof (rebuking) – The calling out of wrong - If my daughter Kayla, is about to stick a fork into a power outlet. If she is about to run out into the street amidst racing automobiles, if she is talking back to her mother, if she is jumping up and down on her sisters stomach…she will get rebuked. As a loving Dad, I want her to know right from wrong – good from evil – God’s Word will rebuke us – He will use it in our lives to lovingly call out wrong
- Correction – setting wrongs aright - Giving us great instruction on how we should love God, others and live our lives in significant, joyful, and meaningful ways. Not only will I lovingly rebuke my daughter, I will also instruct her in the way of life!
- Training in Righteousness – paideia - The whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body. 2 whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. 2a instruction which aims at increasing virtue. 2b chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment).Strong, James. The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Test of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed., G3809. Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996.
As Athletes we do understand Training!!! – It is a consistent (not happenstance), disciplined (not lackadaisical) effort to get better at something – WHY? So that you will be thoroughly equipped for every good work: For the work of helping and serving the others – especially the poor and the downcast. For the work of preaching the good news of the grace of God to sinners For the work of discipling – faithfully passing on the trust – to othersFINISHING WELL IS THE IMPORTANT THING It must be said that not only do we want to challenge each other to guard the good deposit, pass on the trust, know it, love it, proclaim it to others, we too ourselves want to finish well. We all know that the runner who starts off super fast in a long race is either the rabbit, or will soon be ravaged by the length of the race. You see, it is finishing well with the trust that is important, start well, finish well…again we hear the last words of a great Christian…
Life is Full of Great Starts…bad finishes. In this Room there is potential:ON LEAVING – SOME MORE ON LAST WORDSBUT In this Room there is also potential:
- For Broken Marriages and Broken Homes
- For Violence Against Women
- For the Neglecting and Abuse of Children
- For Addictions to Drugs, Alcohol, and Gambling
- For Greed and the Love of Money to the Point of Corporate Scandal
- For The Collapse of Communities, to the Utter Undoing of Our Society
- For Beautiful Loving Marriages and Homes that are Lights to a dark world
- For the Love and Servant Leadership of Women
- For the Nurture and Love of Children Leaving a Godly Generation behind you
- For the Rescuing of Drug Addicts
- For the Godly use of Finances to help others and reach our world with the gospel
- For the Rebuilding and Establishing of Communities and the Rebirth of Goodness and Virtue in our Culture
Thus have I, in a few words, written to you before I die, a word to provoke you to faith and holiness, because I desire that you may have the life that is laid up for all them that believe in the Lord Jesus, and love one another, when I am deceased. Though then I shall rest from my labors, and be in paradise, as through grace I comfortably believe, yet it is not there, but here, I must do you good. Wherefore, I not knowing the shortness of my life, nor the hindrance that hereafter I may have of serving my God and you, I have taken this opportunity to present these few lines unto you for your edification.John Bunyan, Christian Behavior To awaken you, rouse you off of your beds of ease, security, and pleasure, and fetch you down upon your knees before him, to beg of him grace to be concerned about the salvation of your souls. Following of me is not like following of some other masters. The wind sits always on my face and the foaming rage of the sea of this world, and the proud and lofty waves thereof do continually beat upon the sides of the bark or ship that myself, my cause, and my followers are in; he therefore that will not run hazards, and that is afraid to venture a drowning, let him not set foot into this vessel.John Bunyan, The Greatness of the Soul I am leaving the ship of the Church in a storm, but while the great Pilot is in it the loss of a poor under-rower will be inconsiderable The Correspondence of John Owen, p. 174.I feel this way of our departure from Va Tech -- Next year you will need to be reminded – and I will too – as I will miss you and long for you. We will need to be reminded that God is the great Pilot and Leader of VTAIA, that the Sovereign of the Universe will lead you on and use his servants to take you where you need to go. It is a lesson that we all must learn in life – John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus, knew it well in saying – “He must increase, and I must decrease” May this be our song as we exalt, love, worship and proclaim Jesus to our world. --------
Passing on A Great Trust
Tuesday Night I delivered our second farewell message from 2 Timothy to our students at VT...a few thoughts from the message - these are yanked out of context but still might be useful to share:
THE GRACE OF GOD – STRENGTHENED IN THE RIGHT SOURCE
Grace, Grace, Grace – Oh that we might understand, even get a glimpse of the Grace of God. You see to understand grace, one has to understand the depths of the sickness of their own sin. We have to look at our own sin, not someone else’s, with honesty and brokenness. 1 John 1:8-10 says this - If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. He saved us from the judgement upon our own sins, He calls us out of darkness to walk with him – to a Holy Calling. Why did God do this? Grace. John Newton was a captain of a slave ship in the 18th century. He was involved in the brutal, inhumane, ungodly slave trade on the West African Coast. Many people do not know much about this man until the hymns of the faith are sung worldwide….Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound that saved a wretch like me…the author of the Hymn, Amazing Grace had this to say:WHAT WE ARE TO DO TO MAKE OURSELVES USEFUL FOR HIS SERVICEI commit my soul to my gracious God and Savior, who mercifully spared and preserved me, when I was an apostate, a blasphemer, and an infidel, and delivered me from the state of misery on the coast of Africa into which my obstinate wickedness had plunged me; and who has been pleased to admit me (though most unworthy) to preach his glorious gospel. Richard Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John Newton, p. 90Our sins are various in kind and various in degree, but they are all sin against a good and holy God, deserving of judgment. John Newton Understood Grace. We should never forget what God has done for us in saving you and calling you one of his children. GRACE IS EVERYTHING FOR NOTHING TO THOSE WHO DON’T DESERVE ANYTHING – Our Daily Bread, Sept.-Nov. 1997, page for October 31.
2 Timothy 2:22 So flee youthful passions (lusts) and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.--------
- Flee Something – run away
- Pursue Something – but not running to nowhere – but running to somethingMen and women, intentionally, with zeal, with vigor, with dedication, on purpose, with passion, with your time, your energies, your focus, your determination – Pursue! Righteousness, Faith, Love, Peace
- With Somebody – Not alone, not isolated
1 Corinthians 15:33 says this Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals. Ain’t that the truth…The exhortation here is to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace "Along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart”
- Those who have been made pure by faith in Christ
- Those who are a pattern to you
- Those who will strengthen you in your convictions
- Those who will laugh, cry, pray, rejoice with you in the journey
A Blessing in 1 Corinthians
I met with a student today, one of our leaders and a young man who has become very dear to me. It was an exciting appointment, for today, in the morning, this young man had met with God reading 1 Corinthians. In Chapter 7 there is a rich discourse on marriage, singleness, etc. At the end of the chapter there is some exhortation to those who are in slavery. We had a rich time looking at what the New Testament actually has to say to the issue of slavery. Some have tried to argue that the New Testament endorses slavery; is this the case?
The first observation we made is that the New Testament actually addresses slaves - this fact alone shows that it is not an elitist, oppressive slavery endorsing document - for if that was the case, slaves - being the lowest people in ancient society, would not have even been spoken to. Yet the Bible addresses the people in the Roman Empire who were slaves, with terms of dignity, equality, and encouragement. A few of the examples from the text:
- Gal 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. There is equality in Christ - even if you were a slave
- Col 3:22-4:1 - 22 Slaves [greek - bondservant], obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves [greek - bondservants] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Those who come to faith in Christ as slaves or masters - were to live as Jesus did - justly and with sincerity of heart
- 1 Cor 7:20-23 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21Were you a slave[3] when called? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity. 22For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. One should gain his freedom if he can - and even if one was in a situation of servitude, he was still free in Jesus Christ
2 Timothy - MP3 Messages
I am posting the messages we are giving with the students as we leave VT - The MP3 Messages are available and will be about 8-10MB each. The first installment was not recorded, though we may give the message again for the web site. I'll try to grab some time to do that.
Out...
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A Great Trust...
I am teaching a series on 2 Timothy to challenge and encourage the students of VTAIA to remain faithful and continue on the mission in the Athletic Family here in Blacksburg. I thought I would share a few excerpts of my time with them over the next few weeks. It will be in "snippet" form, but I hope the heart will come through.
Thoughts from 2 Tim 1:8-14
Look into the face of Jesus, look at the beatings, pain and horrible death he bore on behalf of you, look at him! look at him! are you going to walk away from his calling on your life. Don't do it, don't walk away, be not ashamed, preach his good news, and turn this campus upside down!!!
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He saved us, and calls us to live for him, not to be ashamed of the testimony, not to be afraid of hardship or suffering for following Jesus and bringing his good news of love, hope and forgiveness for sins to the people around us. It is a great burden in my heart that many of us, for fear of being different, for fear of the pressure of "peers"", will not follow the one who ABOLISHED Death, and choose their own comfort, coolness, and acceptance by the world. Guys step up, be not ashamed, and to the one who calls to your soul and says "Follow Me" I say follow!!!
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We need Patterns, a perfect pattern Jesus, and other patterns on our way. We need Heroes!!! Mentors...Dad, Mom, Pastor, Coaches etc. We need to be following the pattern of sound teaching and life of others. Paul said striking things elsewhere in the New Testament.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Can you say this of anyone, that you can follow them, as they follow Christ? Can you say this of yourself? Do you hope to? Do imagine what your life can be as an example of the power and love of God to others? Don't waste your life! Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7In all humility, I hope in Kasey and me you observed a pattern to follow and you are receiving a trust. In other words, we are moving on and we trust you guys to carry on with the good deposit to carry on in the truth and preaching of the gospel in the VT athletic world - How? With Sound Words/Doctrine not comprising the truth, yet at the same time in faith and in love. ... I am praying that as we close out our time here at VT a beacon call will resonate in their souls - that God is calling them up next year and unleashing them for his service on their campus. Out --------
A Lesson in Leadership - 1 Kings 12
In 1 Kings 12 we find the intriguing story of the transfer of power in the Kingdom of Israel. Solomon has gone the way of the earth and power is to be conferred to his son Rohoboam. Israel assembles to make Rehoboam King, another leader Jeroboam returns from Egypt and with the assembly asks the new young ruler to lighten the load upon the people and they will serve him as their king. Rehoboam receives to lines of counsel.
The first is from the old and the wise who had counseled Solomon in his day. Rehoboam may have been exposed to the proverbs of Israel (many penned by his father) and may have know that:
The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. Proverbs 20:29
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
The counsel of the wise is this - If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.
Rehoboam, however, also had another voice to listen to, one of youth, one of his buddies, one full of the spirit of indolence and folly.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:2
The young men Reheboam, give this insight to the fledgling ruler - ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’ ”
Upon taken this advice, the kingdom is fracture into two factions, and Rehoboam's leadership is undermined. Indeed, their is wisdom in the counsel of the experienced, the seasoned, the elder before us.
Finally, a Great Reminder is found in 1 Kings 12:15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord that he might fulfill his word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
Even in the midst of the folly of Rehoboam, God was Sovereign, fulfilling his purposes for his people. This is a great encouragement to me. Even as I make decisions today - some wise, some foolish - the gracious hand of providence leads us forward. Such a bulwark to know that -In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Out...
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The Loss of Solemnity
Today in studying the account of the construction of Solomon’s temple in 1 Kings 6, I pondered again an interesting description of the building process:
When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the temple while it was being built.In order to have a construction site not burdened by the raucous sounds of clashing stone and chisels, Solomon had all the work done at the quarry. This construction would go on in a manner suited for such a holy task. Today’s construction sites of whirring nail guns, powerful electric saws, and a cacophony of surrounding traffic and various noise would provide a stark contrast if we were to view the temple construction on a corner down the street. In our contemporary setting there seems to be little time for silence and solemnity. Indeed, our world is full of distractions with little time for the still and quiet reflection that the soul thirsts for. Although, our world has brought an onslaught of distracting forces – beepers, cell phones, instant messaging, e-mail, web logs (smile) – the problem of a busy and scattered soul is not new for our day. In the time of the Bible, warfare, famine, pestilence, enemies on every side, political turmoil were par for the course in our sin racked world. Yet, how did they deal with all they faced? The psalmist has much to say:
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:7,8 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:2Oh for some time alone in the silence and solemnity of the presence of God!!! How uncomfortable for us to think of such still and powerful quiet invading our distracted world – but how liberating!
UP now, slight man! flee, for a little while, thy occupations; hide thyself, for a time, from thy disturbing thoughts. Cast aside, now, thy burdensome cares, and put away thy toilsome business. Yield room for some little time to God; and rest for a little time in him. Enter the inner chamber of thy mind; shut out all thoughts save that of God, and such as can aid thee in seeking him; close thy door and seek him. Speak now, my whole heart! speak now to God, saying, I seek thy face; thy face, Lord, will I seek (Psalms xxvii. 8). And come thou now, O Lord my God, teach my heart where and how it may seek thee, where and how it may find thee. St. Anselm of Cantebury - The Proslogion, Chapter 1Out… --------
A Time of Wealth and Wisdom...
In 1 Kings 4 and 5 we find an incredible time in the life of Israel. Their new king, Solomon, has been blessed by God with wisdom, peace, and stability for the life of the nation. This time of stability and peace gives the nation opportunity to work dilligently on a project of utmost importance - the building of the temple of God. The wisdom and and immense wealth that God brought during the early year's of Solomon's reign were to be marshalled for the glory and worship of God. What of our own wisdom and wealth? Where and how will they be spent? We have the great opportunity to use all that God has given us - be it wisdom, wealth, or talents, to be used to establish and advance the Kingdom of God in our day. As in the time of Solomon, NOW is a very important time. We must always see the gifts in our lives as placed in our midst for the purposes of God. Whether we have an abundance of gifts or what may seem like a small ration (Matt 25 seems to teach that we all have been given something, some more than others) we should use them well for the Kingdom and Glory of God!
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A Blank Check and A Noble Request from a King
In 1 Kings 3 Solomon, the newly annointed King of Israel, is given a blank check from God. "Ask what I shall give you" is the charge given by God to Solomon. With such an unbelievable offer, from one who had infinite resources to deliver, what would Solomon request. Before he answers he reflects. He remembers the faithfulness of God to his father. He remembers that David's uprightness in heart before God. He acknowledges that he sat that day as King of Israel becaue of God's promises to his father. He realizes that this task of ruling a great multitude of people is beyond his abilities and answers with profound humilty "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" Solomon's plea for wisdom to serve and govern God's people pleased God. Solomon is granted his request and even more. The Lord knew that it would be easy for a mere man to ask for long life, riches, the life of enemies, etc. - but since Solomon asked for none of these, he grants them anyway.
What would you ask for if the Lord of the Universe literally gave you a blank check? What would I ask for?
Jesus gives us counsel here as well: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matt 6:33
What is this kingdom we should first seek? Love, Joy, Peace in the Holy Spirit - to Love God first and foremost and then to love our neighbors as ourselves. To care for the poor and the oppressed and preach the liberating gospel to those who walk in darkness...to acknowledge the rule and reign of the Word of God in our lives...such things are worth more than gold, more than anything conceived in the hearts of men - Seek these first!!!! The rest is gravy, yet gravy by itself makes for a very poor meal.
Yours for loving the true banquet of God, bone dry if he so calls...and if he chooses to add some gravy, well, that will be gravy.
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Classic Showdown...
1 Kings 18:21: "And Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him."
Such is the reality in the hearts of all men. Will God be God in the lives of his people? Or will other god(s) reign in his place. Such an offense is at the heart of spiritual unfaithfulness. We allow many other things have such a high place in our lives while we give only a nod, if any at all, the Creator of all things. In 1 Kings 18 we see the classic showdown between the prophets of Baal and the lone prophet of God, Elijah. Many times the man of God stands alone against the flooding torrents of popular opinions, and the currents of his time. Speaking from eternity, to souls bound to the earth, the man of God must speak. Here Elijah brings his challenge to God's own people Israel - make a choice, make the right choice...acknowledge the LORD as God and then follow. Such is a reasonable exhortation. Think for a minute. IF the LORD is God...IF he is the Sovereign of the world...IF he is the Creator of all things...IF he is the judge of the motives, intentions and thoughts of our hearts...IF he is the gracious, merciful, saving one...IF he possesses all wisdom, knowledge and is the fountain and essence of truth...if such things be true, IF the LORD is God, then only fools will not follow. How many times am I a fool, let not it be today Lord, not today, you are God.
This passage is followed by a unique display of the power of God, manifesting in real space and time - a divine exhibition to settle this showdown between the false and the true. Although this type of event is unique in redemptive history (such is the case with all miracles) authenticating the message of Elijah, how often do we ignore the ever present speech and language of God in our midst. The Heavens declare!!! the Psalmist (Psalm 19) tells us. How often we ignore what even Kant declared he could not resist (Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the oftener and the more steadily we reflect on them: the
starry heavens above and the moral law within. 1788 - THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON by Immanuel Kant translated by Thomas Kingsmill Abbott) - The beauty of the created order of our world and the moral law written on our hearts demonstrates to all the reality of the divine author. Such witnesses, suppressed as they are by many, still beckon us, yes even puzzle us. In nature and conscience God does speak, yet only in Christ does he awaken. The imprint of God, lived out in space in time, incarnate glory, revealing to us God...He completes the picture and is the who, the what, the why of what we see each day. Only that our hearts would be captured, our wills submitted, and our loves awakened to the one who IS. After all, there is a showdown, there is a victor and the outcome is certain...If the Lord is God, follow Him.
Out.
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Thoughts on 1 Kings 11 - What makes us turn from the Lord
The account of King Solomon, the Son of David, is an intriguing story of a man tremendously blessed by God, yet has his heart sucked away towards the idolatry gods of the surrounding nations. A man with such a promising start has such an unsuccessful ending. How does it happen? In 1 KINGS 11; we find the answer...his heart was led astray by conflicting passions.
Solomon, in all his wisdom, wealth, and blessings from God, did not keep his passions intact and let them wander until they eroded his commitment to the commandments of his God. What was his weakness...it was women. With wisdom, wealth, and prestige, Solomon could have anything he wanted. And he wanted wives, princesses, and concubines. Despite the fact that God had already offered him anything he desired, and had given him all things, Solomon felt he needed more. Despite the fact that God had clearly forbidden Israel from mingling with foreign wives, Solomon felt he needed more. The results were inevitable - his wives captured his heart, and in order to please them, he built alters to their idols.
The ordering of our passions is so important to our fidelity to Christ, it seems that the road to idolatry is familiar.
- Our hearts are enticed to love things that are not worthy of our affections
- Some worldly thing (material wealth, power, position, sex, fame, other people, a certain man or woman) captures the affections.
- Our love for these unworthy things rises higher than our love for Christ
- We either consciously or subconsciously begin to worship and serve this idol rather than God
- Sin, which has already bound the heart, consumes our lives
Advice from AW Tozer...
Tozer's Insight for Leaders - 2-6-04: "If you could increase the attendance of your church until there is no more room, if you could provide everything they have in churches that men want and love and value, and yet you didn't have the Holy Spirit, you might as well have nothing at all. For it is ''Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty' (Zechariah 4:6). Not by the eloquence of a man, not by good music, not by good preaching, but it is by the Spirit that God works His mighty works. The Counselor, 38-39. "
As we work this weekend on our conference for college athletes - may it truly be the Spirit of God at work, transforming hearts and lives. May excellence, dillegence, and perseverance, mark our labors, but may our labors not be in vain...may God's work blow stronger and be the source of all life transformation that takes place.
Praying that the Lord of Hosts meets afresh with our staff and students this weekend...
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Loyalty...
Thinking about loyalty today. In the book of 2 Samuel there is a man by the name of Ittai the Gittite who shows a great deal of loyalty to King David. David has been alerted that his son Absalom is leading an rebellion and is fleeing the city of Jerusalem. While leaving, Ittai, a foreigner in the land of Israel, declares that he will go with David although he had just arrived the day before. His reasoning was this "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be." Ittai and his people had found refuge with David and would not just turn and run because things were getting a little messy. He and his people left with David and later were influential in the military campaign to defeat Absalom.
I am thinking a lot these days of how loyalty should be expressed in our context today. By His grace I pray that I am loyal to my God, his church, and my family - but how far out should loyalty go. There is a proverbial saying that we can become loyal to a fault - the question is where that line lies. Someone with no loyalties most likely has no spine, and we know that loyalty can at times be a great virtue. So what do we mean to when one is loyal to a fault. I think what we mean is that sometimes loyalty can be a blinding factor to higher principles of the moral law. If our loyalty to a person, an organization, institution, party, tribe etc. begins to hinder our ability to see what is good, right and true, our loyalty is leading us towards the enemy's ground.
So it seems to me that the highest loyalty must find itself in God and his Word. This fountain of truth and goodness, the nature of God and the Word of God must be our eyes to see past even our loyalties...when God is honored, high loyalty between men is a high virtue, when the moral law of God is neglected, we can become loyal to a fault.
Story in 2 Sam 15-18
Bible Gateway : 2SAM 15;
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