Robbing God

Malachi is a pretty stern book to close the OT with. And, while there are many themes, I think the overriding theme is robbing God. I do not want to enter into a debate about tithing -- though this is where most of us believe the "robbing" comes in. I think robbing is the general theme. You see, we rob God when we don't give our best to whatever we do. We are his ambassadors -- his managers of our lives and those entrusted to us. And, when we don't put our best foot forward we rob him. If you look at Chapter 1, the priests rob God by giving a blemished sacrifice -- not the best. In Chapter 2, spouses rob God when they are not faithful to their spouse -- clearly, not the best example of keeping your marriage vows. And, in Chapter 3, all people robbed God by not giving the mandatory money to the temple.

So, I am presented with a very simple question: Where do I rob God?

Refreshment

As I write this, I am thirsty. I had a cup of coffee with a friend but that wasn't refreshment. I am still thirsty. We all need refreshment -- physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

In Isaiah 57:15, God tells us the secret to spiritual refreshment: For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

The word revive is also translated refresh and "lowly in spirit" as "humble." God's desire is to refresh us. But, to do so, we must be humble (that's hard) and contrite (just not happy with our sinful behavior). Being humble -- or humility -- is misunderstood, I think. It is not being self deprecating or not acknowledging your gifting. Rather, it is understanding who you are in the context of who He is.

Jesus says it this way in Matt 5:5: :Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." That word is also translated "humble" and it means strength under control and was used of stallions that are being ridden by its rider. They are very strong and yet under control. We need to be strong people under God's control and need to have a contrite disposition. When we have those two ingredients, then we will be refreshed.

Back to my thirst. Time to get a bottle of water. That will quench my thirst.

Running in the Background

All of us use computers. And, when we are using the computers we have "primary" programs and programs running in the background. What I mean by that, is if I am in Word preparing a document, I will also have my email program running in the background and depending on what programs are running there could be reminders of an email or an appointment, etc.

Paul tells us to "pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit." Eph. 6:18. As I reflected on that, my thoughts were drawn to computers and the programs running in the background. While we should set aside time to pray -- no doubt, I think Paul is telling us that the prayer program should always be running in the background by the "power of the Holy Spirit." So, we should always have a "God-consciousness" that allows us to communicate. We should keep that channel open throughout our day to get His perspective on our tasks, our priorities, our issues.

Try today to keep your prayer program running in the background.

Rainbows

I wanted to share an experience I had today with two rainbows. I believe that God speaks and wants to communicate with us daily -- even hourly. But, I know at times I am too busy. Pretty sad considering if I listened to His voice I would be guided into green pastures and abundant life. More on that later. In any event, the genesis of the rainbow is God. Here is what God said about the rainbow in Genesis 9: "Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” 17 Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”

Before you begin to say, "yea, but a rainbow is the natural result of light refracting off of rain in the clouds," let me make some comments:

1. Genesis 2: 5 and 6 state "For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. 6 Instead, springs[b] came up from the ground and watered all the land." So, it is highly probable that the first time it rained was when the flood came. This would make sense as it relates to the fossil records in the North and South Pole (if that interests you, we can talk about that later).

2. How cool is it that God used an event that occurs because of what he put in place to remind US that he is a God that keeps promises.

Back to my experience. I was reading an email that had less than great news. Took a deep breath and for some reason looked up. There they were -- two rainbows -- one full one half. God spoke to me through that saying "I keep promises." Humbled, I paused, agreed and moved on with my day.

And, Noah? "But Noah found favor with the Lord....He walked in close fellowship with God." He acted in faith on what God said believing God would do what he said. God could have protected Noah but required that Noah do his part. One simple question in a story filled with awesome truths:

What is God calling you to do before He will act on your behalf?

Seeds

Hey guys! Today is about seeds. The author takes us to the parable of the sower of the seeds. But, before that he challenges us saying: "It doesn't matter how significant our potfolio is or how ambitious your plans are. If all you're doing is accumulating things and trying to impress people, then the moment you die, your influence ends." Some other cool thoughts were:

"God never promised a life that's convenient and carefree. He does promise us an abundant life of joy without worry if we'll look to Him for our daily needs." I must confess that I desire the convenient and carefree but know that the other is far better.

and

"If I plant one seed, I don't get one seed or even one apple in return but a tree full of apples, season after season. A bushel of blessing comes from a tiny seed of faith.

And, so, two very simple questions: What seeds are you planting? And, where are you planting them.

Check out this video on the time it takes for one plant to grow from a seed. I promise you will love the short video.
http://www.skyquestcom.com/skyquestcom/community/ij/gui/Flash/enijunc20041015.swf

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Sandcastles

Today's lesson is about sandcastles. The author states that when kids make sandcastles they know (or realize) that the sandcastles will get washed away in the tide. And, they don't care. He makes this analogy as it relates to possessions. His point is that all our possessions on this earth will be washed away. And, if that is true, then we should enjoy the sandcastle but look to invest in things that don't wash away -- relationships. Jesus put it this way: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matt. 6:19 & 20.

So, there are three tests: influence evaluation, affluence evaluation and obedience. Influence evaluation -- who are we influencing, affluence evaluation -- are we giving or our our possessions possessing us. God blesses us to be a blessing to others. Obedience exam -- are we doing what he would have us do? "He gives you just enough time to do everything you need to do, both in your day and your life.

I leave you with the song below. Read it. What set of Joneses will you choose to be?

This here's a song about two sets of Jones'
Rothchild, Evelyn, Rueben, and Sue

And just for discussion through random selection
We've chosen two couples who haven't a clue

Rothchild was lucky to marry so wealthy,
Evelyn bought him a house on the beach.

Rueben and Sue, they had nothing but Jesus
And at night they would pray that he would care for them each

Chorus:
And the rain, came down,
And it blew the four walls down
And the clouds they rolled away
And one set of Jones', was standing that day

Evelyn's daddy was proud of young Rothchild,
He worked the late hours to be number one
Just newly weds and their marriage got rocky,
He's flying to Dallas, she's having a son.

Rueben was holding, a Giddeon's Bible,
And he screamed "it's a boy" so that everyone heard
And the guys at the factory took a collection,
And again God provided for bills he incurred

(Chorus)

So what is the point of this story,
What am i trying to say
Well is your life built on the rock of Christ Jesus
Or a sandy foundation you've managed to lay

Well needless to say Evelyn left her husband
N' sued him for every penny he had
But I truly wish that those two would find Jesus
Before things get worse than they already have

(Chorus)

And the rain, came down,
And it blew the forewalls down
And the clouds they rolled away
--
Take Care,

The Miraculous

Hey guys! Today's lesson is about a personal miracle. And, it was convicting. The author talks about the fact that God -- though not a genie -- is in the miracle business. He tells us that while there is no formula for God there are some road signs to follow -- some principles -- and if not followed, then we are simply not in a position to have a miracle work in our lives. The author uses the story located in 2 Kings 4:1.

His first point is that we must understand -- admit -- that there is a need. And until "we acknowledge that His intervention is essential and invite Him into the situation" God cannot work. This sounds pretty familiar to the story in which it was explained that "he [Jesus] did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."

Admitting a need -- that you cannot do it -- leads you to the next sign. That is, you realize that the only one that can meet that need is God.

Next, is a stop sign. The author tells us that we need to stop and take inventory of what we DO have. "So, you have to take everything you have and give it to Him. Your time, talent, resources, and energy, no matter how limited they may seem, are God's staring place. Your willingness and surrender activate God's intervention and blessings. This reminds me of the story of the willing boy. We call it the feeding of the 5,000. Here is the dialogue. "Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'" The boy was willing to give what he had and at least Andrew saw something. Andrew had faith mixed with doubt. Philip had certainty that disallowed faith. God can use a little boy's willingness and a grownup's faith mixed with doubt. He can't use those whose certainty negates faith.
The author makes a statement that you-turns are allowed. That is, the widow saw "a little oil." Andrew saw five crackers and two sardines. And, that is enough. See what you do have not what you don't. "Faith is not ignoring the present reality; it's acknowledging that with God all things are possible.

Lastly, he tells us there is a yield sign. The widow was told to look for empty vessels. The author's point to this is that we need to look for people to pour into. And, when we have a problem, normally, we focus on us. But, "the best advice I can give you when you're going through a problem is to look for empty vessels to pour yourself into." If we want to find our dreams the best way is to give away ourselves helping others find theirs. Jesus said it this way -- whoever saves his life will loose it and whoever looses his life will save it. INVEST YOUR LIFE INTO OTHERS. I also think this was a test of her faith. How foolish must she have looked to go to all her neighbors and tell them she needed jars for oil. She was dead broke! And, so there are two principles: find people to invest in and God "works in our lives about as much as we expect him to work in our lives." Jesus said it this way: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

One other note, if you read on on Kings, the very next story involves a wealthy woman. The point is that we all NEED miracles.

As I sat on the plane yesterday and read this section, I was convicted. As some of you know, I have been in a very difficult financial position for about the last year. And, so, I paused, and asked God if I ever asked him in. I thought I did but couldn't remember. So, I asked for forgiveness if I hadn't and admitted my need to his miraculous touch.

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Earthquakes

This whole section of the book has dealt with how we learn humbly. The reality is that none of us know everything, and we can improve the quality of our lives immensely if we are open to learning humbly from others and God. Today's, lesson is on earthquakes.

According to an article I read, "[f]rom a simplistic standpoint, an earthquake places a sideways load on a
building." And, so, the engineers need to determine how to develop a building that can withstand the sideways load. "One type of technology (which is very technical) is called isolated base technology. This involves using a coil or other flexible support and placing it between the structure and the foundation of the building. This system interacts the motion of the seismic waves. As the earthquake moves the foundation one way, the support moves the other way, and the building stays nearly completely stationary."

Taking this analogy, the buildings (lives) that will stand up under the sideways pressure best will be those with a flexible support. Let me apply this to our lives. Our foundation is the fact that Jesus Christ -- God -- became man, walked among us, and died for the sins of the world. There is none other. The flexible support is us and how much me have discovered the nonnegotiables, promises, and principles of the faith and then put them into practice. As we put them into practice and internalize what really are the nonnegotiables, we become flexible -- not rigid. Most "mature" Christians make preferences into nonnegotiables. Jesus never did. And, as such, he became very flexible. So, when he found out that his cousin was killed and the killer wanted to meet him :) and that 5000 people were hungry, he could withstand the earthquake. Heb. 4:15&16 says this about Jesus, "[f]or we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." More on this in a second.

The author had some thoughts that stuck out to me. He said that our default is to do all we can and then when all else fails to say, "well, I guess there's nothing left to do but pray!" He goes on to say, "But this formula is backwards; prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. God says, 'Turn to Me first, pray about it, because I'm right here with you." He concludes that you'll know if God is truly the center if you stop worrying! That was CONVICTING to me.

The other thought was that God many times doesn't give use presents; rather, His PRESENCE in the storm. And, hey, sometimes we mistake God's presence for something else (see Matt. 14:24). In that story, once they recognized who the person was he blessed them with his presence and a present.

Back to Jesus. He had storms. He was tempted. Yet, his core -- his support -- was flexible. He did ministry much different than the religious elite but remained faithful to his core. You see, when we define ourselves by God's declaration (forgiven and set free) and apply daily the principles and promises of God, we can be very flexible. There really aren't as many nonnegotiables as I'd like to think either. The most mature -- the most ready for earthquakes -- will have a strong and flexible support built on the foundation of Christ.

Are you in an earthquake? Ask God for his presence. Remember, we have a high priest, Jesus that can sympathize. God boldly to the throne of grace and find the grace and mercy you need!

Hurricanes

It was August 1992, and I was in Hollywood, FL waiting for what was to be a direct hit by a Cat 5 -- Hurricane Andrew. As I listened to the radio through the night, I wondered if our 1950's home would be OK. I thought "sure" since they were built better then.... In any event, a last minute wobble changed the landfall site 40 miles south and the damage to the metro area wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. It was bad alright. I went to South Miami and Kendall to help and it looked like a war zone. But, I was thankful. It could have been much worse for us.

Hurricanes are far too familiar in our day to day lives. The author makes the the point that the only permanent thing in life is change. And, we need to learn to adapt. "Remaining in denial, attempting to control, or clinging to the past will never fulfill us. In fact, "you can be tempted to cling to the past and romanticize the way things used to be." A psychologist stated that "immaturity is demanding that reality adapt to you." I know that many times I want reality -- life -- to conform to how I think it should be. And, it doesn't. A mature person adapts to reality.

In James, we are told to "count it all joy....when you encounter various trials." We are told that there will be hurricanes in our lives. And, when they come, we have an opportunity; we can "count" it -- make a conscious decision that it will be -- joy or not. There can be joy in the hurricanes because we know that God works all things for good for those that love him and are called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:28.

I've been in the midst of a storm. I thought I was on the leeward side of the island away from the waves. And, all of a sudden, a rogue wave came this week. Of course, my first response was to require realty adapt to me. But, I chose and am choosing to trust that all things will work for good. That being the case, I embrace this reality, hold on, and adjust my perception to reality and to the truth that comes from the person know as Truth -- Jesus. Oh, also, I hope for a "wobble" knowing either way -- a direct hit or not -- there can be joy!

GPS

I like to fish. And, on my boat (that I used to have :(...) I have a GPS with a fish finder. And, during the winter months there was a great spot that a friend of mine had shown me off Key Largo. In any event, I marked that spot on my GPS and went back with regularity. One time I told my friend I was going fishing and he said he would be there. Well, as I approached the spot, he was fishing (guided by sight and not GPS) with no luck. As I followed my GPS, I thought it strange that he was about .25 miles off the spot. So, I continued to follow the GPS, and set up on the fish. He pulled his anchor and came along side me and began to catch fish.

The author uses the letters "GPS" to alliterate three core elements to define who we are to be: Gifts, Passions, and Struggles. He points out that David notes that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," that God "knit us" in our mother's womb. And, he notes that God is a gift giver. He gives gifts to each of his children. He puts it this way: "We're all experts at something, and no one excels at everything." This statements cuts both ways. It is awesome to know that God has gifted me to be an expert in something and yet we must acknowledge that we are not gifted in everything. His suggestion is to: (a) ask God to reveal what your gifting is and (b) ask close friend(s) that will speak the truth what they see as your gifting. God made us with a purpose and when we try to be someone else or do something that is not our gifting we will never fulfill our potential. So, be open to feedback and embrace your gifting. It was impactful for me when his said that "we often behind such language [false modesty -- "I'm not that good"] as a way of avoiding the full responsibility of our gifting."

The next letter stands for passion. God places passions inside of us for a reason -- he wants us to pursue those passions. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart." You see, as we delight in Him and align ourselves with His world view the true desires (passions) of our hearts are revealed and then we begin to see how the gifting we have can be united with those passions.

Lastly, the author points out that the struggles in our lives point us to God. And, then, we can come along side others that have similar struggles. "God can take my struggles and turn them into stars."

Going back to fishing, my friend was being guided by sight. He was looking at landmarks. But, it wasn't good enough. And, because of that, he missed the spot. I didn't want to miss the spot and so I used my GPS. And, I was able to help him! Today, ask a few questions:

1. What gifts do I have? Don't ask what gifts do I want. Sit there. God has made you an expert! Ask a friend.

2. Ask what is your passion? What do you do that makes time and emotions fly?

3. What struggles do I have that God is using to mold me?

Ask how they can be molded into helping others.

Star Power

Today is dealing with who we were meant to be. The author talks about the stars in the sky and how many there are. Raul and I were talking yesterday about going to the Tortugas -- 70 WNW of Key West -- on a boat and being out there at night. We have gone separately and had the same experience -- WOW! Seeing the sky with all the stars and no light is humbling and a sort of out of body experience. You realize the immensity of creation and consequently the Creator. The author takes us down that path and relates to us how David -- the the Psalms -- was in awe that the creator of the universe cared about him. Satan, of course, whispers, "no, you don't." But, remember, he is the father of lies and when he lies he speaks his natural language. Our identity is the son of the all powerful, all knowing, everywhere God (sound familiar from what Pastor Troy shared last night??? Cool how the book and he are crossing paths!).

Based on our identity and the fact that God is a creative God, he created all of us with unique talents and gifts. And, if we want to find our identity, it begins with humility and developing the potential in our greatest strengths. The author states that: "it's an insult to God when we focus on the gifts and passions we don't have and try to develop only our weak areas." To put it simply, use your greatest strength for the greatest good. I am excited about this section of the book as we talk about developing who we are in the context of humility. Some final thoughts (not mine) on maximizing potential:

1. Work hard.
2. Work hard at what comes easy. (Ex: Michael playing baseball vs. Michael playing basketball. He was a very good baseball player and yet he was the best basketball payer when he focused on that).
3. Work hard until it's not work.
4. Work hard on matters of eternal consequence.

Have a great day!

Revealing Your Heart

Today's message deals with revealing your heart. There are a ton of good thoughts in this chapter, and I will share some personal examples. The author tells us that we have to move from "communication breakdown to communication breakthrough." It amazes me how "connected" people are and yet the disconnectedness. People simply do not know how to relate to one another. I asked a 22 year old in my office if she texts her sister when they are in the bedroom (they share the same room). The answer didn't surprise me, rather it confirmed my fears: "yes." We have become accustomed to living behind our phones and computers and don't know how to live face to face. That is tragic. We use other means because it is efficient. But, "whenever we skimp on communication in a relationship in order to be efficient, all effectiveness is lost." Real communication costs.

We have all heard the statement: "they don't care what you know until they know that you care." And, that may seem simplistic but most of the most profound statements are simple. The challenge is that simple doesn't mean easy. I once had a friend (who could eat all he wanted like 5 bowls of ice cream a day an NEVER gain weight) yell at another friend trying to loose weight: "just don't eat!" Yea right. Very simple and EASY to say. Hard to do. And, that's communication, a simple concept that's hard to do and yet we must.

The author encourages us to: admit mistakes, tell your needs, share what you're thinking. Most of us as leaders think this is dangerous. And, it is. It will unleash a unifying power like we have never seen before when we connect with others at the deepest level. I want to follow real people. None of us knows it al,l and none of us has it all together.

That all being said, we have to be truth tellers. And, that is just not easy. There is no "easy button" like Office Depot. But, we are told to speak the truth and love, seasoned with grace. We are called to be peace makers not peace keepers. And, we all know that a peace keeper does so through appeasement but there is never a real connection. A peace maker will speak the truth and strive towards peace through the truth. And, a peace maker is open to being wrong on a subject -- open to correction and admonition (more on this later). But, the bottom line is that "great relationships as well as great organizations are built on trust, and you build trust by telling the truth."

I want truth tellers in my life. In fact, yesterday, I asked a close friend to be a truth teller -- I gave him permission. I said, "I want you to tell me what I do well and what I do poorly. And, I want the truth." And now a personal example, I called a friend and told him a fear of mine a month or so ago. I thought he could probably relate. And, when I opened up -- was vulnerable (took off the mask), he ministered to me. It was refreshing. And, I don't think he thinks less of me.

If you are going to be a truth teller, always: (1) make sure that you have invested in the relationship, (2) pray and ask God if he would have you say it -- some times he just wants you to pray, (3) some times I ask a close confidant (not gossiping) the best manner to share my thought, and (4) be open to being wrong -- obviously you are a TRUTH teller and seeker. Now, about being open to correction (and that's hard!!!), I recently was speaking with a confidant about an issue that I thought maybe I should speak about. He told me, "no." And, that was it. I accepted his wisdom on that subject. I was wrong. But, I was thankful for his truth telling.

We all need truth tellers that are committed to our success -- our transformation into Christlikeness.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Today's message is about being thankful and developing that habit. Cicero said, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." The author had us look at the parable of the ten lepers that were healed and yet only one came back to thank Jesus -- a Samaritan. This is a powerful message in that many times we focus on what we don't have instead of what he do have. And, at times, we forget that God desires to transform us into the image of his son AT ALL COSTS. He is much more interested in our character than our comfort because of character determines the quality of our decisions and therefore the quality of of lives -- abundant lives.

The author mentioned that gratitude can "heal us spiritually, emotionally, and relationally." It increases our capacity to love much like in the way when the Grinch understood Christmas. "And some say that the Grinch's heart grew three sizes that day." You see, it is all about perspective. There are some many things to be grateful -- thankful -- for.

For example, my son is jumping off the bed. I can either tell him don't jump and choose to be upset. Or, I can tell him not to jump and be thankful that I have (1) a healthy son, (2) a bed to jump from, and (3) a house for that bed. What is it about me that would normally choose the former and not the latter? Perspective. I need to re-align perspectives. And, it is hard. But, as the author says that when we are grateful: (1) it increases the love among those around us and (2) increases our capacity to experience a full life without regrets.

Take some time today and think about things that my get you upset or are inconvenient and see how you can be grateful.