"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act."
Another conditional command, somewhat reiterating the previous one. If we commit our lives to God and delight in Him, then our minds will be transformed so we can more easily trust in God...and He promises quite a lot to those who really have faith.
Peace.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Wait, the desires of my heart, that thing which "is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick?" Why would God grant the desires of something so untrustworthy?
If, however, we are delighting ourselves in the LORD, befriending faithfulness, doing good, and trusting Him, doesn't that reveal a changed heart? Once our heart has been tuned to God's will, our desires also get tuned to His, and God will honour those desires which align to His will.
God calls us to have faith in Him, even when it seems wrongdoers are getting away with everything and God isn't stopping them. He calls us to delight in Himself, which means forsaking all our worries. When we do that, He will show us just how powerful and faithful He really is.
Peace.
Wait, the desires of my heart, that thing which "is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick?" Why would God grant the desires of something so untrustworthy?
If, however, we are delighting ourselves in the LORD, befriending faithfulness, doing good, and trusting Him, doesn't that reveal a changed heart? Once our heart has been tuned to God's will, our desires also get tuned to His, and God will honour those desires which align to His will.
God calls us to have faith in Him, even when it seems wrongdoers are getting away with everything and God isn't stopping them. He calls us to delight in Himself, which means forsaking all our worries. When we do that, He will show us just how powerful and faithful He really is.
Peace.
Psalm 37:3
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness."
That is, as opposed to worrying about evildoers and envying wrongdoers, for their reward is coming. We should not follow them, but rather trust that following God is the right way.
"...and befriend faithfulness."
This, according to my Bible, can also be translated, "and feed on faithfulness," or, "and find safe pasture." All three translations seem to give "dwell in the land" a sense of security, especially in the context of the passage so far. To me, it seems like all three translations of the last phrase not only suit the verse well, but complement one another. Since the LORD alone is our shepherd, we can dwell in the land safely, sustained by His faithfulness.
Peace.
That is, as opposed to worrying about evildoers and envying wrongdoers, for their reward is coming. We should not follow them, but rather trust that following God is the right way.
"...and befriend faithfulness."
This, according to my Bible, can also be translated, "and feed on faithfulness," or, "and find safe pasture." All three translations seem to give "dwell in the land" a sense of security, especially in the context of the passage so far. To me, it seems like all three translations of the last phrase not only suit the verse well, but complement one another. Since the LORD alone is our shepherd, we can dwell in the land safely, sustained by His faithfulness.
Peace.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Psalm 37:2
"For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb."
This explains why we should not fret over or be envious of those who do wrong: because their end is coming soon. The evildoers will receive judgment, so there is no need to trouble ourselves with being angry, and we should not envy them even though things may seem to be going well with them now. They will fade and wither like a small plant in the blazing summer heat, as one condemned in the presence of the Lord Almighty.
Again, strong words in a small passage. Those who trust in Christ and follow Him, however, can stand before God as His forgiven children, known and loved.
Peace.
This explains why we should not fret over or be envious of those who do wrong: because their end is coming soon. The evildoers will receive judgment, so there is no need to trouble ourselves with being angry, and we should not envy them even though things may seem to be going well with them now. They will fade and wither like a small plant in the blazing summer heat, as one condemned in the presence of the Lord Almighty.
Again, strong words in a small passage. Those who trust in Christ and follow Him, however, can stand before God as His forgiven children, known and loved.
Peace.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Psalm 37:1
So, this is the first blog in a series of forty I'll be doing until Easter. They will likely all be short, but maybe not. I'll be taking one verse of Psalm 37 for each blog.
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!"
These two commands seem simple and easy to follow. Have you ever been furious at someone driving selfishly and recklessly on the highway, though?
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers."
Once it's put in those terms, we can probably think of all sorts of applications for this command. Are you jealous of the amount of music someone has, which they illegally downloaded?
"Be not envious of wrongdoers!"
Interesting how quickly two "simple" commands can quickly morph into two rather difficult ones. This verse may not be the quaint little introduction which it seems to be on the surface.
Thinking about it more and more, these commands keep getting more difficult. However, the point of the Law is not to make us into perfect people, so we need not make ourselves feel guilty. The point of the Law is to reveal how much we really cannot do ourselves, and direct us to Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets; the only One, in fact. By believing in Him and allowing Him to live His perfection through us, we can approach and know God. Then, instead of seeing imperfection, God sees Christ, and thus perfection.
Peace.
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!"
These two commands seem simple and easy to follow. Have you ever been furious at someone driving selfishly and recklessly on the highway, though?
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers."
Once it's put in those terms, we can probably think of all sorts of applications for this command. Are you jealous of the amount of music someone has, which they illegally downloaded?
"Be not envious of wrongdoers!"
Interesting how quickly two "simple" commands can quickly morph into two rather difficult ones. This verse may not be the quaint little introduction which it seems to be on the surface.
Thinking about it more and more, these commands keep getting more difficult. However, the point of the Law is not to make us into perfect people, so we need not make ourselves feel guilty. The point of the Law is to reveal how much we really cannot do ourselves, and direct us to Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets; the only One, in fact. By believing in Him and allowing Him to live His perfection through us, we can approach and know God. Then, instead of seeing imperfection, God sees Christ, and thus perfection.
Peace.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
More Mark
So, as I've said in some previous posts, I'm working through the book of Mark right now. Yesterday I was in chapter nine, which contains the account of Jesus healing a boy who is possessed by a spirit which made him mute and deaf, along with giving him convulsions. Poor kid. When the boy's father comes to Jesus asking for help, he expresses his belief that Jesus has the power to heal his son, but he still shows a little doubt. Jesus responds: "All things are possible for one who believes." The father exclaims after this, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
Wow. I've heard that phrase before, but I don't think I ever realised it originated in Scripture. I'm jealous of this man's faith and humility before Christ. He recognised his own unbelief, and wanted it gone; he wanted to believe with his whole heart, but at the same time knew he did not yet believe so strongly.
I know this man's situation well (not the part about having a possessed son). One of my most often used prayers is just this: "Jesus, change my heart so that I WANT to love You more." It's so easy to forget the spiritual warfare going on around me every day, the nearness of God, the love of Christ...sigh. Sometimes my own ignorance baffles me.
Well, in other news, I've finally landed a job, for those who read this and haven't heard yet. Starting next week, I'm going to be a park ranger with the Ingham County Parks Department. I'll be doing maintenance work throughout several dozen county parks around Lansing; primarily at Hawk Island County Park. Most of the work will be snow removal (if we get more...), trash duty, and mowing when it gets warmer. However, it's just a temporary job; the regular team will be re-hired in May, and I will probably be let go by June. I'm just happy to have a job, though, especially one which suits me so well. The pay is low, but I should have 35-40 hours every week, which will be great. If it does end in May, then I will also have an opportunity to get a summer job with the DNR, which I would also love.
Getting my foot in the door.
Peace.
Wow. I've heard that phrase before, but I don't think I ever realised it originated in Scripture. I'm jealous of this man's faith and humility before Christ. He recognised his own unbelief, and wanted it gone; he wanted to believe with his whole heart, but at the same time knew he did not yet believe so strongly.
I know this man's situation well (not the part about having a possessed son). One of my most often used prayers is just this: "Jesus, change my heart so that I WANT to love You more." It's so easy to forget the spiritual warfare going on around me every day, the nearness of God, the love of Christ...sigh. Sometimes my own ignorance baffles me.
Well, in other news, I've finally landed a job, for those who read this and haven't heard yet. Starting next week, I'm going to be a park ranger with the Ingham County Parks Department. I'll be doing maintenance work throughout several dozen county parks around Lansing; primarily at Hawk Island County Park. Most of the work will be snow removal (if we get more...), trash duty, and mowing when it gets warmer. However, it's just a temporary job; the regular team will be re-hired in May, and I will probably be let go by June. I'm just happy to have a job, though, especially one which suits me so well. The pay is low, but I should have 35-40 hours every week, which will be great. If it does end in May, then I will also have an opportunity to get a summer job with the DNR, which I would also love.
Getting my foot in the door.
Peace.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Wapiti Wilderness
So, I've just finished reading an excellent book, "Wapiti Wilderness," by Olaus and Margaret Murie ("Wapiti" is a Cree word referring to elk). It seemed that the theme of the whole book was beauty in the natural world. Here are some selections which really stuck out to me:
"Now, by the alchemy of moonlight, all was transformed into a soft duotone of black and silver. The tiny meadow lay silver bright, overlaid with a dark tracery of moon shadows from the pines. Over the forest floor about our tent lay the same network of shadowy limbs and twigs, while in the deeper woods a few gleams penetrated in scattered flecks that silvered the underbrush. We scarcely broke the silence with speech.
"'It bothers me,' I ventured. 'I cannot grasp it all. I want to do something with it, but don't know what. It is this tiny little ache, with all the beauty, that stirs me.'
"I felt stupid at my own trite words. Who has not already said as much? An old, old yearning, this. But the fervent assent of my companion proved this yearning to be ever fresh.
"We walked on in silence across the silver meadow to our camp."
"I do think that if a man plans a career that is to take him into the wilderness, he should bear this in mind when getting acquainted with young women; if he could happen to fall in love with one who was harmonious with the out-of-doors, it would be a fortunate situation."
"I know that when I have stood in Nature's domain, rapt in wonder, in the presence of some manifestation of her charm, perhaps a sunset, a mighty unfolding of mountain ranges to the horizon, or the soft hooting of an owl in the dusk, at such times I have had my greatest peace. At such times I can harbor no ill will toward my fellow man. I do not understand it. But I feel it is God-given."
"Soon we were all outdoors, gazing on this perfect Christmas scene, and we had our cameras, for there is always this urge to 'do something.'"
"We were driving up the valley north of town one evening later in the fall, a group of us going to dinner at the Turner's Triangle X Ranch. The landscape had reached that special stage of autumn hue with pale gold grass, maroon of willows, and the variegated reds and browns and old rose on the foothills over toward Sheep Mountain. The sun, lowering over the Tetons, cast a smoldering intensity over the pattern. It almost made us gasp. Fortunately no one spoke, but I wanted to reach out to the driver and say: 'Stop! I want all that! I want to do something about it. I can't get enough just looking at it like this!'"
Throughout the book, Olaus references this "urge to do something" with the beauty he sees around him, but he can never quite figure out what exactly to do other than stand in awe.
I know this feeling. I am led to worship God when it comes over me. Looking around and seeing the immense beauty of the world, I am reminded of the One Who created it all by His own imagination and creative power, and wonder how beautiful He must be.
When we stand before God in heaven, I feel we also will be unable to do anything but stand in awe of His beauty.
On a less poetic note, this book made me all the more want to move out West. Actually traveling to Jackson Hole this past summer, the setting of "Wapiti Wilderness," cemented this desire, and the books I've been reading lately have only made it worse, haha. The Rockies...I can hardly explain what they did to me. Part of me also looks to Portland, Oregon. One of my dear friends, and somewhat of a mentor, lives there with his family, and he's asked me to come do ministry there with them. Of course, I would love to. I hope to move somewhere in that direction within three years from now, maybe sooner if possible. Right now, though, it's just a matter of what God has in store for me while I'm still in Lansing.
Peace.
"Now, by the alchemy of moonlight, all was transformed into a soft duotone of black and silver. The tiny meadow lay silver bright, overlaid with a dark tracery of moon shadows from the pines. Over the forest floor about our tent lay the same network of shadowy limbs and twigs, while in the deeper woods a few gleams penetrated in scattered flecks that silvered the underbrush. We scarcely broke the silence with speech.
"'It bothers me,' I ventured. 'I cannot grasp it all. I want to do something with it, but don't know what. It is this tiny little ache, with all the beauty, that stirs me.'
"I felt stupid at my own trite words. Who has not already said as much? An old, old yearning, this. But the fervent assent of my companion proved this yearning to be ever fresh.
"We walked on in silence across the silver meadow to our camp."
"I do think that if a man plans a career that is to take him into the wilderness, he should bear this in mind when getting acquainted with young women; if he could happen to fall in love with one who was harmonious with the out-of-doors, it would be a fortunate situation."
"I know that when I have stood in Nature's domain, rapt in wonder, in the presence of some manifestation of her charm, perhaps a sunset, a mighty unfolding of mountain ranges to the horizon, or the soft hooting of an owl in the dusk, at such times I have had my greatest peace. At such times I can harbor no ill will toward my fellow man. I do not understand it. But I feel it is God-given."
"Soon we were all outdoors, gazing on this perfect Christmas scene, and we had our cameras, for there is always this urge to 'do something.'"
"We were driving up the valley north of town one evening later in the fall, a group of us going to dinner at the Turner's Triangle X Ranch. The landscape had reached that special stage of autumn hue with pale gold grass, maroon of willows, and the variegated reds and browns and old rose on the foothills over toward Sheep Mountain. The sun, lowering over the Tetons, cast a smoldering intensity over the pattern. It almost made us gasp. Fortunately no one spoke, but I wanted to reach out to the driver and say: 'Stop! I want all that! I want to do something about it. I can't get enough just looking at it like this!'"
Throughout the book, Olaus references this "urge to do something" with the beauty he sees around him, but he can never quite figure out what exactly to do other than stand in awe.
I know this feeling. I am led to worship God when it comes over me. Looking around and seeing the immense beauty of the world, I am reminded of the One Who created it all by His own imagination and creative power, and wonder how beautiful He must be.
When we stand before God in heaven, I feel we also will be unable to do anything but stand in awe of His beauty.
On a less poetic note, this book made me all the more want to move out West. Actually traveling to Jackson Hole this past summer, the setting of "Wapiti Wilderness," cemented this desire, and the books I've been reading lately have only made it worse, haha. The Rockies...I can hardly explain what they did to me. Part of me also looks to Portland, Oregon. One of my dear friends, and somewhat of a mentor, lives there with his family, and he's asked me to come do ministry there with them. Of course, I would love to. I hope to move somewhere in that direction within three years from now, maybe sooner if possible. Right now, though, it's just a matter of what God has in store for me while I'm still in Lansing.
Peace.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A lot of pigs...
So I was reading in Mark chapter five today, specifically the story of the demon-possessed man who Jesus heals. Here, Jesus meets a man possessed by a legion of demons, referred to, in fact, as Legion. He casts them out of the man, but per their request sends them into a herd of pigs, which subsequently rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the Sea of Galilee.
Many Christians have read this passage before, but today I noticed something I've never heard anyone point out before. Verse fourteen says, "The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country."
"The herdsmen." The people whose income depended on those pigs surviving that day. Jesus knew what would happen, yet he still sent the demons into the herd. I'm glad I read this today, since I needed reminding that God's will is more important than anything else. He doesn't want to see people suffer, nor does He enjoy it. However, sometimes I think, "Oh, well, God wouldn't do that," or, "God doesn't want me to do that because it would get in this person's way, and He would never have me do that." I sometimes take the verse, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some," but forget about this one: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I still trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
I don't often think this way, and some people might even strongly disagree with me, but serving and loving those around us is not the ultimate goal of Christianity. Serving and loving God comes first, and although those two are almost always hand-in-hand, sometimes we may have to choose between serving God and making things hard for someone else, or choosing to please those around us and ignoring God's call.
Peace.
Many Christians have read this passage before, but today I noticed something I've never heard anyone point out before. Verse fourteen says, "The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country."
"The herdsmen." The people whose income depended on those pigs surviving that day. Jesus knew what would happen, yet he still sent the demons into the herd. I'm glad I read this today, since I needed reminding that God's will is more important than anything else. He doesn't want to see people suffer, nor does He enjoy it. However, sometimes I think, "Oh, well, God wouldn't do that," or, "God doesn't want me to do that because it would get in this person's way, and He would never have me do that." I sometimes take the verse, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some," but forget about this one: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I still trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
I don't often think this way, and some people might even strongly disagree with me, but serving and loving those around us is not the ultimate goal of Christianity. Serving and loving God comes first, and although those two are almost always hand-in-hand, sometimes we may have to choose between serving God and making things hard for someone else, or choosing to please those around us and ignoring God's call.
Peace.
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