'Stinkin Thinkin'

What you dwell on, is what defines you; the thoughts that consume you, are the thoughts that make or break you.  

It’s reassuring to know hopeful thoughts are within reach, for God’s Word is within reach, bringing alive the thought-pattern of God.

A favorite scripture of many is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).  But a more literal translation is this translation:  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV).  

So a central way to digest God’s Word is to digest God’s thought-pattern.  For our tendency is to think ungodly thought-patterns, thinking the worst, not the best.   But there are exceptions.  Ronald Reagan loved to tell the story of the young boy who came across a huge pile of manure in the middle of the road one day.  Immediately, the boy jumped into the manure and started to dig away.  Well in no time an elderly man came down the road and was shocked to see boy digging away in the manure.  “Why in the world are you doing such a thing?”  “Listen mister,” the boy exclaimed, “There’s got to be a pony in here, somewhere!!!”  

But that’s what happens when we think hopeful thoughts, “best thoughts,” God’s thoughts: we find the pony in the manure!   We go beyond the muck -- the junk of life and find a way “gallop through” life, even the despair of life. 

And so replace negative thoughts, with God’s thoughts:

• When you think: “It’s over, I give up!”  Think:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13.  
• When you think: I’m lost, I’ll never find my way.  Think:  God never forgets me; for He’s “…engraved [me] on the palms of [His] hands; [my efforts] are ever before [Him] – Isaiah 49:15-16.  
• When you think:  I’m no good –ugly!  Think:  I am beautiful, for “… [God has] created my inmost being…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”  (Psalm 139:13-14.)  
• When you think:  my best days are behind me.  Think:  “this day is sacred to [the] Lord.  [I will] not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is [my] strength…”  (Nehemiah 8:10).  

Get the point?  Replace what one writer calls:  'stinkin thinking' – with sacred thinking – thinking God’s thoughts after Him.

What About Unanswered Prayer?

Recently I reviewed my prayer journal; it was not an encouraging experience.  Few of my prayer requests had been answered; translated:  my 'deadline date' for God to respond, had passed.   Frankly I was disappointed, soon frustrated; very frustrated!

And so I picked up a prayer classic:  Harry Emerson Fosdick's The Meaning Of Prayer, turning to Chapter VII -- "Unanswered Prayer."   For starters Fosdick reminds us:  "...the complaint about unanswered prayer is nothing new."  Consider the heart-cry of Habakkuk:  "...O Jehovah, how long shall I cry and thou wilt not hear...:  (Habakkuk 1:1)  And then Fosdick goes on to present gems of insight related to prayers unanswered; i.e. the agony of reaching out to God, but hearing "nothing" from God. 
     

• "...our petitions seem to us to be denied and we give up praying...when the fact may be that God is suggesting to us all the time ways in which we could answer our own requests. Many a man asks for a thing, and God's answer is wisdom sufficient to get the thing..." (p. 118)
• "...Men often call their petitions unanswered because in their impatience they do not give God time...Many of our greatest desires demand time, patience, persistent search, long waiting as conditions of their fulfillment..."  (p. 119)
• "...Some things God cannot give to a man until the man has prepared and proved his spirit by persistent prayer.  Such praying cleans the house, cleanses the windows, hangs the curtains, sets the table, opens the door..." (p. 129) 
• "...consider how utterly unfitted we are to substitute our wish for God's will, and what appalling results would follow if all our requests were answered...:If [God answered] all our desires according to our requests we should be ruined..."  (p. 116)

I've discovered the truth of that last gem from Fosdick painfully, but undeniably.  I remember a time in my life when I prayed boldly for an old girl-friend to come back to me, after rejecting me.   To be candid:  I made quite a scene -- wagging my finger at God – insisting He restore the love of my life.   But there was one problem: I wasn’t alone.  You see as a young pastor I was boarding in a church member’s house; to be precise:  Link and Estelle Bazzle’s house.  And so on more than on occasion, Estelle saw me making demands of God.   But Estelle was also praying, sensing my praying wasn’t praying at all; it was demanding.  And so Estelle confronted me one day -- gently, compassionately -- Estelle confronted me.   “Paul” Estelle said: “I think its time to stop wagging your finger at God.”

Not bad counsel:  it’s time to stop wagging your finger at God.  I mean wherever we’re demanding of God, not praying to God, it’s time to ‘back off’ and ‘let go.’  For though we’re to be bold in prayer, we’re to never be presumptuous in prayer – yielding to God and God alone.   For in the end:  God only knows.  God only knows what’s needed for us, healthy for us...best for us.

The promise of "the best" is echoed by Adoniram Judson, the famed American Baptist missionary.  At the end of Judson's life, Judson came to an amazing insight; after "ups and downs," "good days and bad days," gladness and grief, Judson concluded: "...I never prayed sincerely and earnestly for anything, but it came; at some time -- no matter at how distant a day--somehow, in some shape -- probably the last I should have devised -- it came..."   

And so pray sincerely, earnestly.  Know your answer will come, at some time, in some shape.  But probably not as you expect or devise!. 

Cross The River!

2014:  a new year is before us!  Among other things, a new year provides opportunity for new movement and growth in life.  But it takes courage to move-on in life.  

In Joshua 1, Joshua and the Hebrew people are at the edge of the Jordan River, at the edge of the Promise- Land.  But Joshua is terrified; after all, the patriarch of the Hebrew people, Moses has died; and with Moses, inspiration and chutzpah for moving-on to claim God's best.

And so God intervenes: “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6), God declares. “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9).  “Be strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7).

It's interesting:  God intervenes often in scripture with encouragement, i.e. to have courage.  Frequently it's with the phrase:  "fear not."   But contrary to popular belief,  'fear not' is not found 365 times in scripture (e.g. "one 'fear not' for everyday of the year"); actually 'fear not' is only found 80 times in scripture, and a variation of the phrase only 30 times --  [click-on the link that follows to see the graphic below, enlarged, with all "fear-not's" listed, suitable to print out http://musingsofaministerswife.com/2012/08/so-how-many-times-is-fear-not-actually-in-the-bible/

But even "at that rate," that 's plenty of 'fear not's' -- I pray -- to convince most of us, that we can move-on toward 2014 with confidence,  knowing that God moves with us. 

As God moves with us, God lowers anxiety/fear in several specific ways: 

First 1) God 'Takes Control' Through His Sovereign Majesty.  For "...the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting...The Lord has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all. (Psalm 103: 17-19).  Bottom line:   God is in control; thus, we don't need to "spin out of control."  Sure we'll be anxious on occasion, but we don't need to "go nuts" on any occasion.  For God has a "steady hand," in "any and all" circumstance.  

Second, 2) God Removes Dread, Through His Redemptive Hand.  For "...we are assured and know that God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." (Romans 8:28, The Amplified Bible).  Bottom line:  nothing is ever wasted , thus, I can risk.  Sure, I need to take calculated risk, prayerful risk, but I do not need to constantly hold back because of "fear of failure."  For God uses everything, even the missteps and errors of life.

And lastly, 3)  God Provides Emotional Support Through His Supernatural Medicine. For through Jesus, "...God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul...which transcends all understanding...[garrisoning and mounting] guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, The Amplified Bible).  Bottom line:  God is better than Prozac,  "standing guard" in every crazy moment, infusing every crazy moment, with calming elixir, flowing from the supernatural Spirit of Jesus.  Sure, it will take time for the Spirit of Jesus to "sink in"; but given enough time, the Spirit of Jesus does "sink in."  For God is anxious to address our anxiety, infusing us with spiritual peace.    

 
And so:  God does lower anxiety/fear.  And so where have you reached your Jordan; where do you need to take the next step/s toward God's promise for your life, in spite of apprehension?

The battle of Antietam gave the Union a much needed victory, but it could have been the Union's final victory. Why Union commander George McClellan could have crushed the Confederate army but he would not cross the Potomac River, pursuing the fleeing, weakened Rebels.  Miffed – Abraham Lincoln visited McClellan to rally him on.  But McClellan would not cross the Potomac River.  “I came back thinking he [might] move”, Lincoln latter wrote.  “…But [then]…he [argued] why he [couldn’t] move.  [And so] I…ordered him to [move].  [But] it [took] nineteen days before [his] first man [crossed] the river -- [and] nine days longer before [the army crossed].  [And] then – he stopped again..." 

Where are you stopped?  Where are you losing the "war," because you will not cross the river -- a "war" with food/diet -- a "war" with money -- a "war" with vocation -- a "war" with some attitude?  

I know it's scary.  But listen:  God is speaking.  Orders are being given.  

As God prompts -- obey.  Cross the river!

Forget The Box

So many of us try to lift life through possessions, success and people.  Now there’s nothing wrong with possessions, success and people, but if they become our primary source of energy, we never see Jesus.  To be blunt:  we only see Jesus, when we simplify life and focus on one thing:  the simplicity of God, in Christ.   

That’s why Paul underscores, that when God sought to reveal himself, he didn’t utilize “…human standards…influential [things]…God chose…foolish things…weak things…lowly things…despised things…”  (1 Corinthians 1:26-28).  And so must we.  Translated:  we must simplify our lives at Christmas – resisting the temptation to define success at Christmas, by the number of gifts we buy or receive – but by the worship we give to the Gift – Christ and Christ alone.   I mean Paul is so blunt:  if you’re going to boast – if you’re going to trumpet anything this Christmas – “…boast in the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 1:31) and the greatest gift ever -- the child-King of Bethlehem.

Recently I read of a pastor who claims he’s raising the strangest son ever.   Why over the years no matter what gift the pastor has given his son – his son has tossed aside the gift – and focused instead on the box it came in – playing relentlessly, repeatedly with the outward container.  Well, one Christmas the pastor outdid himself giving his son not just any gift, but the most costly gift ever: a super-dooper, fully outfitted, highly charged, very expensive mountain bike.  And it worked; the boy actually focused on the expensive gift.  And with that the pastor went into the kitchen to retrieve and bring out some goodies.  But you guess it:  when the pastor returned, his boy was not only playing with the box -- he was actually in the box – imagining himself not on some mountain trail – but flying off into some fantasy in outer space.  And with that the pastor realized:  a lot of us are like his son.  I mean we get a very costly gift – a gift that can transport us over the rugged terrain of life, with effectiveness and grace – the gift of Jesus.  Yet – we push aside Jesus -- we push aside the costly gift – and play with the lesser gift.  How ironic the pastor concluded:  we receive the “gift of all gifts” the most precious present ever – yet end up playing with the box it came in.  [Inspired by: Paul Tripp, from the sermon "Playing with the Box," Gospel Coalition – adapted]

Yes, the Word became flesh at Christmas – but it’s not the flesh -- the earthly -- we’re to focus on.  We’re to focus on the Word – the costly, the precious gift of Christ that transports us over the rugged terrain of life.

Don’t play with the box!  Focus on the precious gift of Christ!  Listen, John’s correct:  “…though the world was made through [Jesus], the world did not recognize [Jesus].  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him…”  (John 1:10-11).   

But you don’t need to be among that number.  You can receive Jesus.  For Jesus is not a lousy gift, an unwanted gift, Jesus is a life-changing gift – that’s not to be rejected -- returned – but relished and revered – trumpeted – as we’re energized, lifted, by a counter-intuitive -- crazy – gracious God!

When You Need A Miracle

Every Advent we "head toward Christmas" encountering, early on, Mary and her mess.

Yes, Mary's mess: to be precise, a scandalous pregnancy, as Mary "carries" the very Son of God, out of wedlock, while engaged to "another man," Joseph.  

But note Mary's response:  “My soul glorifies the Lord,” Mary sings. “And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…for the Mighty One has done great things…”  [Luke 1:46-49].   

How can Mary say/sing that; why she's facing one of the messiest, most controversial pregnancies ever,  yet she praises God.  How?  Well, among other things, Mary finds a miracle in the mess, not just misery; translated:  Mary  fixates on  promise, hoping godly hope.

At the heart of Mary's hope is endurance, for miracles seldom happen overnight.   It's interesting:  Noah Webster labored 36 years before compiling his dictionary.   Cicero practiced every day for 30 years, before excelling as an orator.  Plato wrote 9 different drafts before completing The Republic.  And Mary expected, hoped, for 9 long months, before "hope happened," and Mary gives birth to the Son of God. 

The lesson?  Miracles take time; on occasion: miracles do happen rapidly, "right on stage".  But for the most part, miracles happen meticulously, via dogged patience, unending courage.

    

In 1914 Sir Ernest Shackleton set out from England to cross Antarctica on  bobsled.    But he never made it.  While nearing Antarctica, his ship Endurance became trapped in ice, sinking in the Weddell Sea.   But the adventure was far from over.  Savaging a lifeboat, Shackleton and a select group moved forward: facing waves 90 feet strong, mountain ranges 10,000 feet high, and a destination 1200 miles away.    But they persevered.  True to their ship’s name, they endured, overcoming incredible obstacles. And in due course they succeeded.   It took them 7 long months,but they succeeded, reaching South Georgia Island, and human help.  Asked to explain such accomplishment, a crew member reflected: “I just kept believing:  I can take one step more.”

Where do you need to believe:  “I can take one step more”; is it in the midst of medical challenge, family challenge, spiritual challenge?  Whatever the specifics, you can take one step more.  

For Mary is right, whatever the specifics, we can focus on hope: the Son of God.  We can glorify the Lord, we can rejoice in God our Savior!  

For the Mighty One has done, and will do, great things, for all of us (Luke 1: 46-49, adapted), as we fixate on Him, and His miraculous work, promised in Jesus-- this Advent season.