Always Confident – April 5, 2009

Always Confident

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Jim Stephens

04-05-09

 

Scripture:

 

6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Paul lived with the danger of persecution, imprisonment, and death always just on the edge of his field of view.  He worked hard and served at great personal sacrifice with no one to monitor his hours and working conditions.  Paul was motivated by the call and life-purpose he had received from the risen Jesus Christ.

 

And Paul lived confidently.  He was confident that the God he served was the God of earth and heaven.  He was confident that God’s promises were good in the next life as well as this one and that God had the power to keep his word.

 

Application:

 

If my values are centered on material prosperity, my health, my personal comfort, and the approval of others, I will not live like Paul – always confident, fully confident.  If I live now for my Master the Lord Jesus Christ and if I live in confident expectation that my ultimate reward lies in the next world, not this one, I can begin to approach Paul’s way of living.

 

I want to live by believing and not by seeing, always confident, fully confident.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, I’m challenged today by Paul’s words and by his example.  My confidence level so often looks like a roller-coaster ride at an amusement park.  And that’s not amusing!  Help me to learn to live like Paul, always confident, fully confident.  Confident in you and your good promises.  Amen!

 

God Will Do This – March 16, 2009

God Will Do This

1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Jim Stephens

03-16-09

 

Scripture:

 

8 He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

God got me started on this spiritual adventure.  There I was, living my life, a recently returned Viet Nam veteran who wanted to settle down and buy a house, work hard and grow my business, and build a good reputation in my small Eastern Washington town.

 

But God invited me into a wonderful friendship with his son Jesus Christ and that changed everything.  I began to think in terms of purpose rather than purchasing power – of significance rather than success and security.  Jean and I made choices that changed everything for us.

 

Application:

 

God got me started on a spiritual adventure by inviting me into a wonderful friendship with his Son Jesus Christ.  The choices we’ve made through the years have kept us on the adventure path right up to today.

 

I don’t know what’s next or how it will all turn out, but I know God will surely do this for me because he always does just what he says, and he’s the one who invited me to the party!

 

Prayer:

 

Father, thanks for getting us started on what has turned out to be quite an adventure.  We had no idea it would lead us where we’ve gone in the past forty years.  It’s been quite a ride!  I’m ready for the next episode of the great adventure, because I am confident that you always do what you say you will do.  What’s next?  Amen.

 

God Doesn’t Lie – February 27, 2009

God Doesn’t Lie

Numbers 23:19-20

Jim Stephens

02-27-09

 

Scripture:

 

19 God is not a man, that he should lie. He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? 20 I received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! (Numbers 23:19-20 NLT)

 

Observation and Application:

 

This is a weird story!  C’mon folks, we’ve got a prophet who hires himself to the highest bidder but can only say what God tells him, we’ve got a talking donkey who sees angels, and right in the middle of that we’ve got God seeming to say, “Don’t go!  Oh all right then, go ahead!”

 

I’ll leave it to others to sort out all the possible explanations of what, why, how, and “Well what on earth can that possibly mean!”

 

Here’s what speaks to me very clearly from this story:

·        God doesn’t lie!  Unlike me and you, he doesn’t waver in his opinions and decisions.

·        God gives his word and backs it with action.  He’s not just making conversation.

·        God makes promises and carries them through.  Whatever it takes.

·        God blesses and no human or evil power can cancel or reverse that blessing.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, I know that you are the same God who revealed this truth about yourself all these centuries ago.  You have not changed.  You do not lie.  You fulfill your promises.  You speak blessing with the power and authority to create blessing.  You have given me good and precious promises, rich blessings, and confident assurance.  I therefore believe you and I receive the promises and blessings you have given me.  By your grace.  Thank you, with all my heart.  Amen.

 

What Is It? – January 26, 2009

What Is It?

Exodus 16:14-15, 31

Jim Stephens

01-26-09

 

Scripture:

 

14 When the dew disappeared later in the morning, thin flakes, white like frost, covered the ground. 15 The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked. And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you. 31 In time, the food became known as manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey cakes. (Exodus 16:14-15, 31 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

God had accepted full responsibility for giving direction, protection, and provision to his people when he brought them out of Egyptian slavery to become his special people.  God took full responsibility and he had a workable plan.

 

The problem for the people is that they couldn’t see things from God’s perspective.  They were fairly clear about the pillar of cloud and fire for direction.  It was hard for them to see the Red Sea as part of God’s plan for protection because they saw it as an impassable obstacle and God saw it as a doorway of escape for them and a weapon of destruction for Egypt.  When the manna showed up, their response was “What in the world is this?” and God’s response was “This is a totally balanced diet that will keep you completely dependent on me!”

 

Application:

 

I have to admit that my response is often in the “What is it?” category.  I’m thankful for God’s grace and for his patience with me as I learn the lessons of his direction, protection, and provision again and again.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, this morning I think about instances of your clear direction for Jean and me and I thank you for never leaving us confused.  I think of instances of your protection and I thank you for never leaving us helpless.  I think of instances of your provision and I thank you for your faithfulness.  Sorry for my oft-repeated “What is it?” response to your goodness.  Amen.

 

I Was Afraid – Jjanuary 13, 2009

I Was Afraid

Genesis 31:31

Jim Stephens

01-13-09

 

Scripture:

 

“I rushed away because I was afraid,” Jacob answered. “I said to myself, ‘He’ll take his daughters from me by force.’ (Genesis 31:31 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Jacob lived with a lot of fear.  He had cheated and deceived his brother Esau.  He had become rich at Uncle Laban’s expense and then left the country taking Laban’s daughters.  Jacob seemed to leave relational wreckage everywhere he went.  And he certainly suffered the consequences of his error.

 

But Jacob also experienced the blessing of God’s covenant and the faithfulness of God’s provision and protection.

 

Application:

 

Sometimes I need to be reminded that even though bad choices have inescapable consequences, God’s faithfulness and his covenant love covers it all.

 

Just because I make mistakes or because I have some personality flaws and weaknesses doesn’t mean God can’t use me and fulfill his purpose for my life.  But it sure doesn’t make things any easier for me and for those I love!

 

Prayer:

 

Father, thanks that your faithfulness trumps my stupidity!  Please forgive me for making harder to accomplish your purpose when I do dumb things.  I am determined, like Jacob, to hold on until you bless me and bless others through me.  Amen.

 

What He Had Promised – January 8, 2009

What He Had Promised

Genesis 21:1-2

Jim Stephens

01-08-09

 

Scripture:

 

1 Then the Lord did exactly what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant, and she gave a son to Abraham in his old age. It all happened at the time God had said it would. (Genesis 21:1-2 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

This promise had been a long time coming.  In the quarter century since God had promised Abraham a son through whom his covenant would be fulfilled, there had been delays, doubts, discouragement, and an attempt on Abraham’s part to fulfill the promise through his own effort.

 

Through all this, Abraham still believed God could be trusted even though the circumstances of his life seemed to make it more and more unlikely that it would ever happen.  And God did exactly what he had promised, exactly when he said he would!

 

Application:

 

I believe God can be trusted to do exactly what he has promised and that he can do it when he says he will do it.  Even though I fret at the delays, even though my doubts make me discouraged, even though I make some feeble effort to make it easier for God to fulfill his promise, I believe God.  God still does exactly what he has promised and he still does it exactly when he says he will.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, thanks for your patience with me.  Forgive me for fretting and doubting.  I trust you and I believe you will do exactly what you promise, exactly when you say you will do it.  Amen.

 

The Universe And Me – October 2, 2008

The Universe And Me

Psalm 147:3-4

Jim Stephens

10-02-08

 

Scripture:

 

3 He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. 4 He counts the stars and calls them all by name. (Psalm 147:3-4 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

We don’t know who wrote this Psalm.  I know that this insight speaks to me this morning.  God is the creator of the universe and keeps track of billions of stars and galaxies, but he also keeps track of hurting people and comforts and heals them.

 

Application:

 

God is not an “either-or” God.  He’s a “both-and” God.  He’s both big enough to create and operate the universe and small enough to care about me when I’m hurting.  He’s a God of justice and mercy.  He’s tough on sin and compassionate toward sinners.  He’s a mighty warrior and a gentle shepherd.

 

I need a God who has a plan for the ages and cares for me when I’m discouraged and wounded.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, thanks for being a “both-and” God.  I need to know you have things under control and I need to know you’re there when I feel beat up and discouraged.  I love you because you are my Father and shepherd and I worship you because you are the holy and awesome King of the Universe.  Amen.

 

Each Generation – September 15, 2008

Each Generation

Psalm 145:4-7

Jim Stephens

09-15-08

 

Scripture:

 

4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. 6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. 7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. (Psalm 145:4-7 NLT)

 

Observation and Application:

 

It’s my responsibility and privilege to keep the stories of God alive for my children and grandchildren.  I am determined to take more time to think about the things God has done in my lifetime – how he has sent us from nation to nation, how he has opened doors of effective service, how he has provided, how lives have been changed as we served him and his people from day to day.

 

There really have been miracles!  I need to think about them and remind my daughters of the miracles of provision and blessing and protection we experienced when they were young.  I need to make sure my sons-in-law hear those stories and know how God guided and provided.  I must make sure my grandsons hear the God-stories from the days in Jamaica, London, and Africa.

 

Psalm 145 says, “I will meditate, I will proclaim, everyone will share the story.”

 

Prayer:

 

Father, you have been good and faithful to me.  I have seen your hand of power, provision, and protection raised on my behalf and for my family.  I’ll meditate on these things and I’ll tell the stories to the next generations.  I know you are going to be their God as you have been my God through the years.  Amen.