shawnvandop.com

Discipline

I read a great prayer by Keith Price a while back in my devotions.  It is a reminder of how we find time for the things we believe are important which often does not include God.  Maybe this prayer can help you put things into perspective when it comes to your personal relationship with Jesus.

O Lord
I always have time
to do
what I think is important,
but mostly
I shortchange You.
Teach me to plan
so that the urgent
no longer conquers
the important.
For one day,
sooner than I may think,
the important
will become urgent!
Give me the wisdom
and give me the will
to put the important
things first.
Amen

Be Careful

It is easy to compromise or settle when it comes to the choices we face.  We will justify our actions by thinking "we can get away with it this one time."  When we do that we chip away at our integrity and weaken our callings.  If you area a leader you risk losing your credibility and influence every time you settle for this approach.

The problem with believing that we can "get away with it" is that we can find ourselves later on in life trying to "get away from the things we thought we could get away with."  The little decisions and the small compromises are the very things that can lead us into a life of bondage.

I know far to many people who because of this attitude are now trying to break free from addictions, regrets, bitterness, and un-forgiveness.  I have lost count of the times that I have sat and talked with people who are desperately wanting to break free from the choices they thought would have no consequences.

If you are a leader - watch your choices.  Guard your life.  Do the wise thing and make sure you don't put yourself in the position where you are trying to get away from the things you thought you could get away with.

"So be careful how you live.  Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."  Ephesians 5:15-17

God's Not Fair!

Have you ever noticed that life isn’t fair?  My kids remind me all the time.  “He got to sit in the front seat last time – it’s not fair!  I have more chores than she does – its’ not fair!  Dad got more ice cream than us – it’s not fair!”  What my kids want is to live in a world where everything is calculated and where scorekeeping rules the day.  A world where everyone feels good all the time.  As much as we would all love that, you and I know that’s impossible – so we look at them and say, “Sorry kids – but life’s not fair!”

Think about it.  Life’s not fair academically, athletically, financially, physically, professionally… and what about God?  He definitely isn’t fair.  If he was then he would divide things more evenly in this world.  Make the playing field a little more level.  Stop the pain, suffering and loss.  Isn’t that what a fair God would do?  Before you answer you may want to think it through.  Ask yourself, “Do I really want God to act fairly in my life?

What is fairness?  Fairness means we all get the same chance and if we blow it – well, too bad.  Remember all those times you found yourself using the fairness card?  I’m willing to bet you used it when you found yourself on the short end of the stick.  It was probably a time when you failed to measure up because someone else was bigger, smarter or stronger and when you lost your chance for another opportunity you cried, ‘UNFAIR!”  But that’s the very nature of fairness.  It gives everyone an equal opportunity, the same shot – and whoever gets it wins!

If that’s true then we don’t have a chance when it comes to God.  He’s bigger, smarter and stronger than all of us.  He’ll make the shot every time leaving us on the losing end.  But here’s the deal.  God’s unfairness always leans towards our benefit.  Let me explain.  When you and I line up our lives against the perfection of God, we fall short every time.  He’s perfect.  He never misses which means we don’t stand a chance against him.  It’s not fair – but it’s true. 

God knew this was a problem so he did something that was very unfair to him.  He took the shot for us, gave us his position and then placed himself in our shoes.  The Bible says it this way, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”  God went way beyond fairness by giving us the benefit of his shot and paying the price for the one we missed.  He took what we deserved (death) and gave us what we didn’t deserve (life).  I’m glad God’s not fair because it means I’ve been given more chances than I could ever count to get right with God.  That’s better than fair - that’s grace.  That’s mercy.  That’s unbelievable!

Don't Be Afraid of Me, Just Fear Me!

The other day during my devotions a verse jumped out at me.  Here it is:

"Don't be afraid... For God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning."  Exodus 20:2

Israel has just been given the 10 Commandments by God telling them what they could and could not do.  God sets some ground rules in order to help them live more productive and free lives.    While communicating the commandments God puts on quite a show. There's thunder, horns being blown, flashes of lightning and smoke billowing from Mount Sinai.  This freaks the Israelites out as they get a front row seat to the power of God.

That's when Moses tells them 'not to be afraid."  But then in the same breath he tells them that God is doing all this so that they will 'fear him.'

So what is it Moses?  Should we be afraid or not?  Sounds confusing doesn't it.  "Dont' be afraid of God but you should fear Him."  Uhhh, I'm not sure that makes sense Moses!

God's not confused or conflicted.  He's making a point and sending a message.  The Israelites are learning that God is on their side.  He is 'for them' and 'with them.' They don't have to be afraid because He has their best interests in mind.  But He also wants to show them and teach them that He is God. He is Holy.  He is perfect. He is BIG!

I think a lot of people forget that.

You see, to fear God is to understand who He is.  It's recognizing that He is way bigger than us.  It's understanding that although He is our friend, He is not our buddy.  It's recognizing that although He is all about love He is also all about justice.

I fear God not because I am afraid of Him but because
I recognize who He is and what He is capable of.

That was the lesson that God was teaching the Israelites.  It's why they had to wander in the dessert for 40 years.  That was God's discipleship plan for them to learn who He is.

Along with fearing God comes a blessing for our lives.  Fear of God keeps us from sin - "...your fear of him will keep you from sinning."  That is the fruit of fearing God.  Fearing God keeps ME in perspective.  It helps me to see myself clearly in comparison with God. 

That's what hit me when I read this verse.  I don't think I fear God the way I should.  I know and embrace His love but ignore His wrath and justice.  Yet wrath and justice are key ingredients to God's love.  They remind me that I fall short and knowing this truth is when I can fully embrace His love - which makes it that much more incredible.

It means that I can be holy just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-16 ) giving me perspective and keeping me from sin.

Lord, thank you that I need not be afraid of you.  Thank you for your love and your pursuit of me.  Thank you that you want me to know you more which means I need to learn to fear you more.  Move me beyond only respect and honor for you and take me to that place where I see your holiness, your power, your strength and your might.  Give me clear picture of who You are so that I can expereince the blessing of a life that fears God - one that does not sin against you.

Amen.