Psalms

Just shut up and follow

/ The Pastor

I have been doing some pondering this week about what it means to be called.  The Gospel text for this Sunday (Jan 22) is Mark 1:14-20.  Here Jesus is walking along; encounters some guys and simply says “Come, follow me”.  And these rabbi school rejects drop everything to follow Jesus.

They leave behind a somewhat stable income.
They leave behind a place to live.
They leave behind family and friends.
They leave behind their careers.
They leave behind their comfort zones.

Just like that they go and follow Jesus.  No argument. No negotiating.  They go and follow Jesus.  At least some of those characters in Old Testament tried to object:

I’m too young. (Jeremiah)
I’m a man of unclean lips. (Isaiah)
I don’t speak so well. (Moses)
We’re too old. (Abraham and Sarah)

That sounds more like me.

But God has a response for those excuses and so they follow…and God is faithful…and God accomplishes what God set out to do through them.  As if there should have been any doubt.  God is awesome and God knows what he is doing.

If that be the case (and it is) why do I think I can offer up an excuse for why I can’t or shouldn’t follow?  Do I really believe I can convince God that He made the wrong choice?  Do I really think I can talk God out of what God has in mind for me?  Do I really think that God doesn’t know me better than I know myself?

Silly man!

So whatever excuse you have used to not follow God…throw them out the window.  They’re no good.  When God says “Follow” simply recall to mind Psalm 23 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me” .

Think also of Jesus’ promise from Matthew 28 “…and lo, I am with you even to the very end of the age.”

When God commands you to follow, God is not going to leave you stranded.
When God commands you to follow, God will not leave you orphaned.
When God commands you to follow, God WILL do amazing things through you.

So just follow.
Stop the arguing.
Repent and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ died and risen FOR YOU.
And then…watch the fireworks…praising God always and forever.

Amen!

edh -|—

Firm footing

/ The Pastor

Psalm 62:1
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

I have never experienced an earthquake before but from what I have heard from others it is an unsettling experience.  Something that is supposed to be firm, stable and safe is all of a sudden shaky, unstable and dangerous.  The ground is supposed to be a safe haven.

This same mentality is true in other areas of our lives where we put our ultimate trust in people or things.
–Financial markets
–Relationships
–Career
–Talents
–Family
–Intelligence

…and the list could go on.

I am reminded of the verses from 1 Corinthians 10:12 that reads, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall!”  Paul goes on to talk about temptation and how God won’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle; always providing a way out for us.  But the problem comes when we become over-confident in our so-called firm standing.  A firm standing that is outside any relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

There are many well meaning people who think they are standing firm based on their worldly success and material possessions.  But as we have seen in this fragile economy, worldly success can come crashing down very quickly.
–People of high social standing can succumb to temptation and fall.
–The strongest of relationships can be torn apart.
–Careers can come to an end in a blink of an eye.
–A pop of the knee can end a promising athletic future.

Earthquakes of all kinds happen…and they happen everyday.  People we never thought would fall have fallen.

Maybe even you.

But…

When we find refuge in God.
When we place our future in God.
When we stand on God’s promises.
When we trust in God’s faithfulness.
When we find our treasure in God’s love.
When God is our fortress…

…then we will not be shaken.  As Psalm 46 says, “…though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…” we will stand firm.

In the midst of a shaky world, find your rest in God through Jesus Christ.  Find stable footing on the promises of our faithful God; for the foundation of God is the only thing that will ultimately stand.

-edh-

Awesome and simple prayer

/ The Pastor

Psalm 25:4-7
“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from old.  Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.”

That Psalm was from my Bible reading a couple days ago but it is still clinging to me so I thought I would jot down a few thoughts for you.

Shortly after I posted these verses to my Facebook page, a friend of mine commented and thanked me for posting this.  She said she printed those words off saying “what an awesome yet simple prayer“.  I was struck by her words for she is right ~ it is an awesome yet simple prayer.

Show me your ways
Teach me your paths
Guide me in your truth
I strive to learn more about God yet I seem to get easily distracted by this world.  There are worries, concerns, to-do lists, full calendars, demands, expectations, etc.  I get distracted and find myself following the ways of this world ~ and when that happens I get overwhelmed.  And that is exactly what happened to me.

But then…

…the Okoboji Lakes Bible and Missionary Conference started.

Now I find myself slowing down as I am taking this week off for continuing education and renewal.  I am enjoying the faithfulness of God as God is showing me his ways and teaching me his path.  God is guiding me in his truth and through it all ~ refreshing my soul.  I am feeling God’s great mercy and love and being reminded of God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  I don’t feel overwhelmed anymore.

Indeed ~ what an awesome yet simple prayer.

Sometimes it is easy to forget that the Book of Psalms was the first worship/prayer book.  There are timeless truths contained in this “little Bible” (as Martin Luther called it).  The psalter spills out in words the emotions that we all go through (even though written in a different place, time and context).  Psalms of praise, confession, lament and many more are waiting for you.  Many times, when I don’t have the words to say to God, I find myself searching the Psalms.  God may know my thoughts but it is comforting to know someone else was feeling something similar to me.

Make it a habit to engage the Psalms often.  Chances are you will find one to help you give words to what you are feeling and experiencing.  And no doubt…you will find an awesome and yet simple prayer.

Praise be to God!

-edh-

Chariots and horses

/ The Pastor

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

I read this verse this morning and almost chuckled at the fact that some people actually trusted in chariots and horses (otherwise the psalmist would not have mentioned it).  Obviously he is referring to those who trust in the military might and strength; making them their god.   But upon further reflection, I began to wonder how the psalmist might write this verse if he were living in the United States today.

Hmmm…

Some trust in __________ (how would you fill in the blank?)
Education
Money
Smartphones (I almost hesitate to write this since this describes me)
Friends
Doctrine
Family
Etc, etc, etc…

Of course I could go on.  And now I am no longer chuckling.

In seminary I had a professor that said “Anything you fear more than God has become your god.”  And I think we can put trust in that quote and get the same meaning. “Anything/Anyone you trust more than God has become your god.”  When I write it that way I get a little nervous and a little shifty in my chair…because it is true.

How many gods do you have in your life?  I know I have a few (which I am not proud of).  Now all of a sudden I am less judgmental towards those who trusted in chariots and horses.

In scripture we read about people who trusted in the name of the Lord our God.  They were fulfilled and happy.  They felt safe and secure.  And why not?  When God, the creator of the universe, is your god then you have a God who is above all things…and all gods.  The things and people we trust in this life more than God can not do for us what God can.  The things and people in this life can not give us life beyond this one; they can not give us hope; they can not give us strength.  Holding onto my smartphone may give me comfort; for I have instant access to the world, but nothing can compare to holding onto God who IS the world.

Let us place our trust in the Lord our God and not in gods. Amen!

-edh-

Psalm 13

/ The Pastor

Today’s assigned Bible readings were many: 2 chapters from Leviticus (which is always a challenging book to read but one not to be ignored), 2 Psalms, a chapter from Proverbs (which has some great pieces of wisdom) and from 1 Thessalonians.  Normally there are only 4 chapters a day to read during this plan.

Today it is not a single verse or two that capture my attention but the entirety of Psalm 13 which I included below:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2     How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3     Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4     my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5     But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6     I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me.

Verses 1 – 4 contain a lament/complaint to God.  The psalmist is wondering when God will answer him and act.  The psalmist feels alone, is wrestling with sorrow, is in a dark place and feels the whole world is against him.

When haven’t WE been there?

But then the psalmist closes with some incredible words of faith.  He trusts in God’s unfailing love and rejoices in God’s salvation. And if that is not enough the psalmist will sing to the lord for the Lord has been good to him.  Despite what is going on the psalmist maintains his faith.

My prayer is that when times get tough for me I may remember that God has been good to me through sending Jesus to die and rise that I may live.  Even though I may feel alone at times; even though I may feel like the whole world is against me, God is for me.  God is with me.  God has been good to me.  And God has not forgotten about me.  I pray I may always remember this that I may praise God in the good and the bad.  For God has been and will always be good to you and to me.

Praise be to God!

-edh-

Psalm 15 — “holy hill” living

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

This week I have been drawn to Psalm 15 (the assigned Psalm for this Sunday, Aug. 30).  I am not sure if I am preaching on this yet…I am still pondering it and praying about it.  Here are some of my initial thoughts thus far, but first here’s the text:

1     Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2     He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3     and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4     who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5     who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Verse 1 contains a question about who may dwell in the sanctuary; who may “live on your holy hill”.  Following this question the psalmist goes on to answer his own question.

Verse 2 is about faith; about what’s in the heart.

Verse 3 flows out of verse 2.  What’s in our heart will dictate how we will speak to and about other people.  If we live blameless lives, do what is righteous and speak truth from our heart then we will naturally speak well of our neighbor and do them no wrong.

Verse 4 – 5a flows out of verses 2 and 3.  This verse talks about our actions.  It is one thing to say we have faith in Christ and talk a good game, but what do our actions say.  James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.” (oddly enough that is part of the second lesson for Sunday).

And when all is said and done, the ending of verse 5 says, “He who does these things will never be shaken.“

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always follow the “formula” in verses 2 – 5a.  So I guess I will not dwell in God’s sanctuary and live on his holy hill…

…but maybe this is not a Psalm of law or one prescribing certain behaviors before I can enter God’s presence, but rather describing how a believer lives outside the sanctuary; outside the walls of the church building.  Maybe Psalm 15 is descriptive rather then prescriptive…”He who does these things will never be shaken.“

Those are my thoughts now…as I am still processing.  Feel free to share you thoughts.  God bless!

-edh-

Sheep and THE Shepherd

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

The Gospel text for Sunday seems like a piece meal deal that cuts out a major story (The Feeding of the 5000).  But before we get too excited, the Feeding of the 5000 account is picked up next week when we begin a 6 week stretch in the Gospel of John.  This stretch in John starts with the feeding story and then a series or texts that talk about Jesus as the Bread of Life.  We will deal with that more in the coming weeks…but back to sheep and the Shepherd.

This Sunday, Jeremiah mentions the shepherds who have scattered God’s sheep and God’s response to their irresponsibility.  The Psalm is Psalm 23…”The Lord is my shepherd…“.  The second lesson is from Ephesians 2.  It doesn’t talk about sheep and shepherds specifically, but some correlations can be drawn.  The key verse that jumps out to me here is 2:19 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.”  And then the Mark text from chapter 6 has people flocking to Jesus.  And even though he and the disciples are trying to get some R & R, Jesus has compassion on the people “because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  So he began teaching them many things.”  Lots to deal with here.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I still haven’t totally figured out what I am preaching on yet (actually I should say that the Holy Spirit hasn’t revealed it to me yet).  But here are some thoughts I am pondering (at least until further notice):

(1) “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” (Jer. 23:1)
–As people who know the truth of God through Jesus Christ, we have an amazing responsibility.
–God WILL bring all his sheep back under one righteous King (referring to Jesus).
–God has a heart for “sheep”.

(2) Psalm 23…”and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Picking up where Jeremiah left off.

(3) Ephesians…God’s gift of salvation is for ALL people through Jesus Christ.

(4) As “sheep” we all need a shepherd.  But as we see from Jeremiah, we need to be aware of what shepherd we are following.  There is only one GOOD Shepherd.

Those are just a few things I am pondering and I am sure others will pop up today.  So with that I ask you:
What preachable moments are you seeing in the texts?
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

As a lay person sitting in the pew (and I know there are a number of you out there reading this…and many who are here in Jackson) what do you need to hear…right now…in this place?

What does it mean for you to be considered “sheep” and that Jesus is our “Shepherd”?

Until next time, happy scripture reading and have a blessed “sheepish” day following our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Praise be to God!

-edh-

Where is your hope?

/ The Pastor

Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

Hope is a scary thing…

…because it is placed in something (or someone) that we can not see.  If we can see it, feel it, touch it, taste it, etc, then we can’t have hope in it.  As scripture tells us, how can you hope in something that you can see?  But even though hope can be scary when viewed in this light, people often have no problem placing their hope in things/people that can guarantee nothing.  An athlete places their hope in their abilities…but one play can end their season or career.  Investors place their hope in their financial institutions, but as we have seen lately…well…I don’t need to elaborate.  People place their hope in one another, but the best of relationships can end with one word.

Hope placed in this world is a misplaced hope.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

As these watchmen stood on the wall, guarding the city, they waited for the morning sun to rise.  When the sun rose it indicated that their shift was over and they could return home…to be with their family and friends.  These watchmen knew the sun was going to come up.  They knew they were going home.  So they waited with a sure and certain hope.

But the hope this psalmist has is even more certain than that of the city watchmen.  This psalmist does not place his hope in things that can fail; in people that can let him down; in institutions that can crumble.  No!  This psalmist places his hope in the Lord.  Someone who is more faithful than the rising morning sun.  So he waits with confidence knowing that he will be going home someday.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Hope placed in this world is a misplaced hope.

Where is your hope placed?

-edh-