Eyes to See (February 3, 2012)

Last night, I began an online course with R.C. Sproul called Principles of Biblical Interpretation.  I am truly grateful to God for a couple of friends who invited me to be a part of this.  At first, I was intrigued.  Then, in all honesty, a little reluctant.  I mean, between Bible college, seminary and other courses since then, I've been over this type of material numerous times.  My educational "pride" almost kept me out of the class.  I am sure glad the Spirit pushed me on this.  In completing lesson one last night and the subsequent assignments, God took a very simple and basic truth and hammered it into me again.  It is the truth that Jesus affirmed in John 5:39, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me."  


If I am not careful, I can easily fall into a trap of coming to the Word of God to learn something, to deepen my theology, to sharpen my defense of a doctrinal issue, to beef up my evangelistic efforts, to find a good insight for a Bible study or sermon, and other similar motives.  What I can lose focus on in the midst of all of that is that it is in the Word of God that I should be encountering Jesus Himself.  Growing to love Him more.  Hearing what He has to say to me each and every day - for my growth, not for my ministry alone.

A basic, yet wonderful lesson that I need to be reminded of over and over again.

Eyes to See (January 17, 2012)

Expensive cars.  Private jets.  That's what some declare that God has promised to provide for His children.  Sorry, don't see it - not only in experience, but in Scripture.  That is Old Covenant.  The New Covenant blessing are so much greater - every spiritual blessing in Christ!  That being said, I cannot deny that God can and does often provide wonderfully in the realm of providing His people what they need to do His will.  God did that today in a wonderful way.  Not an earth-shattering way to most.  But, an abundant blessing nonetheless.  For yet another display of His glory, give Him abundant thanks!

Eyes to See (January 15, 2012)

So, it seems there is a pattern developing.  My reflections for Sundays lately are about something I saw God do in someone's life at church that morning.  And let's add another.  It has been so amazing - week after week - seeing the Spirit of God working mightily in the heart's of God's people.  And I never had a chance to reflect on what I saw Him do Saturday!  Oh well, maybe I will get to that sometime during the week.

I remember a wise pastor once telling me to lower my expectations for Sundays.  He said that if I always expect great things to happen, I will become discouraged.  Well, I guess I've ignored that advice.  In our Sunday morning prayer time, we have been praying just about every single week for God to work in the hearts of people and to change lives.  I mean, if we are gathering in the presence of God and being spoken to by the Spirit of God through the Word, how can we not leave transformed further into the likeness of Jesus?  God has been doing that.  It has been a beautiful thing to watch.  He is so awesome and I just can't wait for next Sunday!  But, Lord, help me to see how You are working even tomorrow!

Eyes to See (January 10, 2012)

I wish I could say that seeing God at work was always pleasant and painless.  But the work is always beautiful.  There were two moments that stood out to me, and both shared a similar element.

For some time now, I have been growing increasingly disturbed by much of the online conversations taking place within the Body of Christ.  The tone of the theological fights is getting darker.  For a time, I found myself putting on the gloved and getting into the thick of things.  I realized that was wrong, so I stepped out of the fights, but I followed them and I poked my head in from time to time if someone attacked a position I held to and I saw a glaring hole in their argument.  Again, I was convicted.  Then, I merely followed the fights but stayed out of them.  I only thought that was better - it wasn't.  Today, God powerfully convicted me to have the heart of men like Leonard Ravenhill, Eric Ludy, and others.  These men, while standing firm on the Gospel and the core truths of the Christian faith, have not thrown their hats into the petty divisions that are so rampant among Christians.  The thought came to me that if I am locked in prison with another Christian because of our faith in Christ, the only issues I am willing to fight over would be the issues that I would care about in that prison cell.  If it wouldn't matter to me then, it shouldn't matter to me now.  Our a better example would be - if I won't care about it when we worship at the feet of Jesus in heaven, I won't care about it now.  So, I guess I am officially resigning from all debates pertaining to hymns vs. choruses / KJV vs. ESV vs. NASB / pre-trib vs. post-trib / speaking in tongues / Calvinism vs. Arminianism and on and on.  Are these important issues to study and work through.  Absolutely.  When we are together at the feet of Jesus, will I care where you stood on these?  Nope.  So, as for the debates, I want out.  How was that a painful lesson?  The humility of conviction and also the pain of seeing what these debates are doing.

The second issue came in a special moment in a special place.  Just about 15 months ago to the day, my Mom went home to be with Jesus.  While my entire Christian life has been about striving to pursue Jesus daily, something happened in my heart after my Mother's death.  I remember where I was when it happened.  God used that deep pain to draw me to a deeper place in my walk with Him.  At first, I feared it would be a season that would fade after my grief settled down.  But being back in that same spot 15 months later gave me an opportunity to look back at what God has done in those 15 months and how that work continues to increase.  Thanking Him for the Philippians 1:6 was definitely in order!  I felt like I was in the book of Genesis, going back to where I had built an altar in a previous encounter with God.

As a side note, I almost posted a picture of my Mom here.  She hated having her picture taken, so I will honor her by not doing so.  Instead, her memorial at the Cleveland Zoo...

Eyes to See (January 9, 2012)

God is so amazing.  I am humbled by Him.  His Word is powerful and changes lives.  I heard a testimony tonight that, had it not taken me so by surprise, would have brought me to tears.  God used His Word in a powerful way to deeply impact someone's life.  It is such a blessing and honor to see Him working in people.  Thank You, Lord!

Eyes to See (January 3, 2012)

Today, I saw God at work in an unexpected way.  It may not seem huge, but it meant the world to me.  It came in an out of the blue encouragement to once again read through the Bible in 90 days.  Two years ago, I did it for the first time and last year I read through in 120 days.  I am looking forward to this intensive time in His Word.

I was also deeply encouraged by spending some time with a brother in Christ who consistently demonstrates a hunger and desire to grow in his walk with the Lord.  I can't get enough of those moments as they are living, breathing reminders of the handiwork of God!

Eyes to See (January 2, 2012)

OK, so I want to try and get back to a daily journaling of how I am seeing God at work.  I've gone back and forth and whether to do this or not, but have decided that for my own giving of thanks to God, as well as to pass on the stories of what God has done, that I will resume this effort.  I have spent too long living a Christian life that didn't really expect God to work in anyone's life.  Cynicism can sneak up on us far too easily.

So, today's reflection will focus on how God has been at work in the heart's of His people at Lighthouse.  Yesterday, I began a sermon series called "More Than Conquerors" which deals with why we struggle with temptation and how to live in the victory that Christ has provided.  I was nervous about the opening message, as it was designed to leave people feeling a bit convicted.  I was afraid people would become defensive instead.  I wrestled with the message in prayer all of last week, leaving it to God to do a much needed work in all of our hearts.  The feedback that I have received since I preached the message yesterday affirms that His Spirit was at work.  As a pastor, the greatest longing of my heart is to know that the people in the church are hearing from God and that His Spirit is at work in them.  He is.  And I pray the work continue this week for part two.

Lord, thank You for what You are doing.  And I thank You in advance for what You will be doing tomorrow.  Grant me eyes to see the work of Your hands.

Eyes to See (December 19, 2011)

I think it may be wise for me to reflect a week at a time rather than daily.

Last week was an interesting one.  Spent nearly the entire week sick.  Not a big fan of those weeks.  But even in the midst of it, I was able to see God's hand.  I had been running pretty hard for quite a while - something I keep telling myself I am not going to do anymore.  At first, being sick is frustrating because I can't do everything I want to do.  But then I realize how much of a gift it can be, in that God forces me to slow down.

I am so grateful that God works, even through sickness.

Eyes to See (December 8, 2011)

OK, so after my post last night I guess I am obligated to give a follow up.  I can't give too many specifics - mostly out of fear I may be thought of as weird in response.  In short, someone said something to me last night that was totally out of the blue and caught me off guard.  It left me a little skeptical, but still wanting to be open to what God might have in store.  Going to bed last night, I had all sorts of thoughts on what might play out.  What was said to me last night was that today I would see a victory to something I had been wrestling in prayer over for quite some time.  And I do believe that victory broke through just before 3 PM today.

A little vague, I know.  Sorry.  But I will just add that the spiritual torment I endured this morning leading up to the afternoon was unlike anything I had experienced before.  But, I guess victory doesn't come without a fight.

Eyes to See (December 7, 2011)

This week has been flying by.  Today something happened that has me a little puzzled.  Not ready to share it yet, as it is still "in process."  Could be nothing but it could be God doing something amazing.  Time will tell.

Eyes to See (December 4, 2011)

While there were several things today I could comment on, perhaps the most special moment took place during our family devotion tonight out of John 13.  My heart is overwhelmed as I watch my kids responding to the Word of God and wrestling with applying it to their daily situations.  I praise God for His Spirit working in them.

Eyes to See (December 2, 2011)

I recently mentioned working through issues regarding someone who had hurt me.  Today, the Lord again used this to show me the amazing nature of His love for me despite my unworthiness of His love.  So grateful, not only for this lesson, but the fact that God is willing to keep reminding us of lessons until we truly get it.

Lord, thank You for how You were at work today.  Forgive me for not being more away of what You were doing and for not giving You the thanks You deserve.  Grant me eyes to see Your hand at work tomorrow.

Eyes to See (December 1, 2011)

Earlier today I received a phone call.  As often happens, it was exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it. It was from a dear brother in Christ, calling to say hello and to encourage me in the Lord.  It was not a long call, but it was precious.

Thank You Lord for how You were at work around me today.  Forgive me for the times I failed to see what You were doing.  Grant me eyes to see Your work tomorrow.

Eyes to See (November 30, 2011)

I recently preached a message dealing with the need to forgive others and to seek the forgiveness of those whom we may have offended.  Since yesterday's reflection, I have found myself having to deal with that in a real and difficult way.  When we are hurt by someone, everything within us seems to want to hold a grudge, take revenge, give a cold shoulder.  At least that's how I felt.

Earlier today, when telling God just how much I was hurt and how much I felt justified in holding a grudge, it was as though He gave me a glimpse of how grossly I have hurt Him by my sins.  In considering how He has loved and forgiven me, I realized the very least I could do was do the same to someone who hurt me in a far less way that I have hurt God - not only in the past, but even in my attitude after having been hurt.

Sometimes, seeing God at work is fun and exciting.  Other times, like today, can be rough, emotional, painful and needed.

Lord, thank You for how You were at work today.  Forgive me for the times when You were working around me and I failed to take note.  Grant me eyes to see Your hand at work tomorrow.

Eyes to See (November 29, 2011)

It didn't take long today to see God do something neat.  I know some people will debate and go back and forth on things like this, but they are what they are - make of them what you will.  For the past several weeks, I have been wrestling in prayer over a ministry decision.  I had some concerns about something and was not finding any way to resolve my concerns.  If I am to move ahead with these ministry plans, I need to get the ball rolling fairly soon.  The particular ministry venture involves a course with a series of books.  To obtain the complete resource kit, I would need to come up with a few hundred dollars.  I am not really willing to do that until I resolve my concerns about it.  I couldn't find my answers online and trying to talk to some people was not helping, either.  This morning I was especially wrestling in prayer asking God to show me some solution to this.  My heart was stirred to stop into a discount book store.  I was preparing to go to one closer to my house, but I felt impressed to go to one closer to my office.  I simply asked God that I might find a book to help me.  Granted, I cannot remember off hand seeing a book in this series at such a store.  I went to the religion section and there it was - one copy of the exact book I needed to address my concerns about this ministry opportunity.  All I could do was smile and shake my head.

Lord, thank You for all that You did today.  Forgive me for the times I failed to see Your hand at work.  Give me eyes to see what You are doing tomorrow.

Eyes to See (November 28, 2011)

This may be a journey of good intentions, but I'll give it a go anyway.  God is at work.  At least for me, it is easy to see Him at work in the big stuff.  The impossible answers to prayer, the unexpected gift, etc.  But sometimes, again maybe just for me, but it can be easy to miss His hand in the smaller things.  I want to be more deliberate in having eyes to see how God has worked even in the small details of life.  And I want to do this daily.  Hopefully this won't be a thing I do for a couple days and never touch again.  I want this be a as much of a daily journal as possible.  I pray it may be a blessing to you, but maybe I need to do this to remind myself to take note and give thanks for the ways God is at work.  So, here goes...

Today was a blessing.  The past several days (and couple weeks, actually) have been insane schedule-wise.  It was nice to get back into a more "normal" routine.  Granted, I was still spending time with God in all the busyness, but it wasn't the same as what I am used to having.  It is amazing how God is still there and ready and willing to meet with me.  Oh, how we can take that for granted!

This was also a day in which a loved one went in for back surgery.  I know we think of some things as routine, but no surgery is "routine" as far as I'm concerned.  Everything went smoothly and successfully.  Among other things, I am amazed at how God has made the human mind in such a way that it can think critically and how the mind has been used to bring us to a point of having so many medical advances so readily available.  This is another blessing we take for granted.  It should also cause us to remember in prayer those who lack what we have at our disposal.

I also had a moment this afternoon where I was stumped on a decision that I had to make.  I could have done what I thought best and been comforted that I was doing it for God.  But I truly wanted this to be a decision that came from God and not my own mind.  After some time of seeking God, I believe the answer came - and it came very clearly.  It was a very different conclusion than what I had been thinking before.  And once the answer came, several bigger issues began to fall into place in an amazing way.  Can you believe that God hears us when we pray?  Can you believe He is kind enough to answer?  Yet another thing we tragically take for granted.

Lord, thank You for all that You did today.  Forgive me for the things you did that I failed to see.  Grant me eyes to see the work of Your hand tomorrow.