When the king ordered the search for beautiful women, many were taken to the king's palace in Susa, and Esther was one of them. Hegai was put in charge of all the women, and from the first day, Esther was his favorite. He began her beauty treatments at once. He also gave her plenty of food and seven special maids from the king's palace, and they had the best rooms.
(Esther 2:8-9, CEV)
It’s often said that Esther is the only book in the Bible in which God’s name isn’t mentioned, but His presence is evident throughout it.
Today’s verses are the first where we really sense that God is working His plan through Esther. We don’t know exactly how many women were gathered to the palace, but we can assume there were many. One hundred? Or more? We don’t know for sure, but no matter the actual number, somehow Esther gains immediate favor with Hegai, the eunuch who is in charge of this new group of women.
God had a definite plan in place, and Esther is key to fulfill that plan. And so she receives special favor from a man of influence in the harem. Her beauty treatments begin “at once.” She gets her own maids and the “best rooms.”
Yes. She receives favor from Hegai. And favor from God.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A Star and a Tree (Est. 2:5-7)
At this time a Jew named Mordecai was living in Susa. His father was Jair, and his grandfather Shimei was the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. Kish was one of the people that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem, when he took King Jeconiah of Judah to Babylonia. Mordecai had a very beautiful cousin named Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah. He had raised her as his own daughter, after her father and mother died.
(Esther 2:5-7, CEV)
Two new characters enter the storyline. Two very important characters.
In today’s verses, we learn a bit about them. Mordecai comes from the tribe of Benjamin, which Saul described as the “smallest of the tribes of Israel” (1 Sam. 9:21). Mordecai’s great-grandfather had been captured by Nebuchadnezzar, so he comes from a long line of captives.
And from the first, we know that Mordecai is a man of integrity and compassion as he chose to raise his own cousin after she became an orphan. In fact, he chose to “raise her as his own daughter.”
And then there’s Esther. We immediately learn that she is physically beautiful. That in itself foretells her future.
Esther, this girl’s Persian name, means “star.” And her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle tree.” Now, at first glance, I’d chose “star” over “myrtle tree,” but the meaning of names was quite important in biblical times. And further research indicates that “myrtle tree” is a “symbol of victory and a symbolic name for girls born on Sukkot because a branch of the myrtle bush, which has a lovely fragrance” (source: http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Hadassah.html).
So even her names give us hints of who this girl would be. She would be a star, a victorious star. She would bear a lovely fragrance.
As our journey continues, we’ll see that our initial impressions of both Mordecai and Esther are true. And we’ll be inspired by both.
(Esther 2:5-7, CEV)
Two new characters enter the storyline. Two very important characters.
In today’s verses, we learn a bit about them. Mordecai comes from the tribe of Benjamin, which Saul described as the “smallest of the tribes of Israel” (1 Sam. 9:21). Mordecai’s great-grandfather had been captured by Nebuchadnezzar, so he comes from a long line of captives.
And from the first, we know that Mordecai is a man of integrity and compassion as he chose to raise his own cousin after she became an orphan. In fact, he chose to “raise her as his own daughter.”
And then there’s Esther. We immediately learn that she is physically beautiful. That in itself foretells her future.
Esther, this girl’s Persian name, means “star.” And her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle tree.” Now, at first glance, I’d chose “star” over “myrtle tree,” but the meaning of names was quite important in biblical times. And further research indicates that “myrtle tree” is a “symbol of victory and a symbolic name for girls born on Sukkot because a branch of the myrtle bush, which has a lovely fragrance” (source: http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Hadassah.html).
So even her names give us hints of who this girl would be. She would be a star, a victorious star. She would bear a lovely fragrance.
As our journey continues, we’ll see that our initial impressions of both Mordecai and Esther are true. And we’ll be inspired by both.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A New Plan (Est. 2:1-4)
After a while, King Xerxes got over being angry. But he kept thinking about what Vashti had done and the law that he had written because of her. Then the king's personal servants said: “Your Majesty, a search must be made to find you some beautiful young women. You can select officers in every province to bring them to the place where you keep your wives in the capital city of Susa. Put your servant Hegai in charge of them since that is his job. He can see to it that they are given the proper beauty treatments. Then let the young woman who pleases you most take Vashti's place as queen.” King Xerxes liked these suggestions, and he followed them.
(Esther 2:1-4, CEV)
The book of Esther is full of irony, and verse one of chapter two is a doozy. It seems King Xerxes feels a twinge of regret over his listening to the voices of his so-called advisors. Once he “got over being angry,” he thought about Vashti and the “law he had written because of her.” I wonder if he missed her. After all, he had a harem full of women at his beck and call. Yet he thought of her.
Or perhaps I’m just romanticizing things.
In any case, in some way, the king missed having a queen. And so another parade is suggested.
This time, all the beautiful young virgins throughout the kingdom would be brought to the kingdom, and then they’d be gussied up and primped and pampered. Finally, they’d be presented to the king. And he’d choose a new queen.
Needless to say, the king likes this new plan. A lot, I’d say.
It seems quite sexist and archaic, but it’s a necessary evil for our story to play out.
(Esther 2:1-4, CEV)
The book of Esther is full of irony, and verse one of chapter two is a doozy. It seems King Xerxes feels a twinge of regret over his listening to the voices of his so-called advisors. Once he “got over being angry,” he thought about Vashti and the “law he had written because of her.” I wonder if he missed her. After all, he had a harem full of women at his beck and call. Yet he thought of her.
Or perhaps I’m just romanticizing things.
In any case, in some way, the king missed having a queen. And so another parade is suggested.
This time, all the beautiful young virgins throughout the kingdom would be brought to the kingdom, and then they’d be gussied up and primped and pampered. Finally, they’d be presented to the king. And he’d choose a new queen.
Needless to say, the king likes this new plan. A lot, I’d say.
It seems quite sexist and archaic, but it’s a necessary evil for our story to play out.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Good News ... Worse News (Est. 1:19-22)
“Your Majesty, if you agree, you should write for the Medes and Persians a law that can never be changed. This law would keep Queen Vashti from ever seeing you again. Then you could let someone who respects you be queen in her place. When the women in your great kingdom hear about this new law, they will respect their husbands, no matter if they are rich or poor.” King Xerxes and his officials liked what Memucan had said, and he sent letters to all of his provinces. Each letter was written in the language of the province to which it was sent, and it said that husbands should have complete control over their wives and children.
(Esther 1:19-22, CEV)
Good news. Bad news. Worse news.
Queen Vashti’s refusal to parade in front of King Xerxes’ debauched guests could have led to her execution. People who “dissed” the king usually didn’t make it out alive.
So the good news is the queen's life is saved.
But that’s the only good news we read today.
The bad news? The queen is now banished, and they’re going to look for someone else who “respects” the king. In other words, someone whom the king can control. Someone who will stroke his ego.
But the worse news? The king’s so-called advisors come up with a way to oppress all their women. A fool-proof, king-approved plan: Husbands—rich or poor—would have complete control over their wives.
This smells like potential abuse to me. Men would be able to tell their wives to entertain their guests—naked. And their wives couldn’t refuse.
How tragic.
And why? Well, in my opinion, because a few men were so selfish and spineless, they needed a king’s edict to make certain they retained a semblance of power.
Just because one woman—quite rightly—stood up for herself.
(Esther 1:19-22, CEV)
Good news. Bad news. Worse news.
Queen Vashti’s refusal to parade in front of King Xerxes’ debauched guests could have led to her execution. People who “dissed” the king usually didn’t make it out alive.
So the good news is the queen's life is saved.
But that’s the only good news we read today.
The bad news? The queen is now banished, and they’re going to look for someone else who “respects” the king. In other words, someone whom the king can control. Someone who will stroke his ego.
But the worse news? The king’s so-called advisors come up with a way to oppress all their women. A fool-proof, king-approved plan: Husbands—rich or poor—would have complete control over their wives.
This smells like potential abuse to me. Men would be able to tell their wives to entertain their guests—naked. And their wives couldn’t refuse.
How tragic.
And why? Well, in my opinion, because a few men were so selfish and spineless, they needed a king’s edict to make certain they retained a semblance of power.
Just because one woman—quite rightly—stood up for herself.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Queen's Refusal (Est. 1:13-18)
The king called in the seven highest officials of Persia and Media … These men were very wise and understood all the laws and customs of the country, and the king always asked them what they thought about such matters. The king said to them, "Queen Vashti refused to come to me when I sent my servants for her. What does the law say I should do about that?" Then Memucan told the king and the officials: Your Majesty, Queen Vashti has not only embarrassed you, but she has insulted your officials and everyone else in all the provinces. The women in the kingdom will hear about this, and they will refuse to respect their husbands. They will say, "If Queen Vashti doesn't obey her husband, why should we?" Before this day is over, the wives of the officials of Persia and Media will find out what Queen Vashti has done, and they will refuse to obey their husbands. They won't respect their husbands, and their husbands will be angry with them.”
(Esther 1:13-18, CEV)
Today’s passage is longer than usual, but the verses really need to be studied together. As I read them, a couple of things stand out to me.
First, King Xerxes really is a bit of a wimp. He can’t make any decision on his own. And he’s a bit of a whiner. You can almost see his pouty lip as he cries, “She wouldn’t come and dance naked for my friends. Tell me what I can do to punish her?”
Second, the men of the day aren’t in any way concerned about the feelings of women. I mean really. Vashti is Xerxes' queen. His wife. He must have some kind of love for her. But he thought nothing of asking her to debase herself in front of hundreds. He only wanted to feed his own ego.
Finally, the only thing the rest of the men were concerned about is how Vashti’s refusal would affect them. No worries about what she was asked to do. If the queen would “disobey,” then any women could do the same. They would refuse to respect their husbands.
The really sadly ironic part? I don’t think Vashti was being disrespectful to Xerxes. Had he asked her to come and politely greet his guest, she probably would have gladly done so. But to be asked to parade naked in front of a bunch of drunken men? Any self-respecting wife would refuse.
Yes, I do believe Vashti knew the risk she took in refusing, and she was absolutely right.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at the consequences of her right, but risky choice.
(Esther 1:13-18, CEV)
Today’s passage is longer than usual, but the verses really need to be studied together. As I read them, a couple of things stand out to me.
First, King Xerxes really is a bit of a wimp. He can’t make any decision on his own. And he’s a bit of a whiner. You can almost see his pouty lip as he cries, “She wouldn’t come and dance naked for my friends. Tell me what I can do to punish her?”
Second, the men of the day aren’t in any way concerned about the feelings of women. I mean really. Vashti is Xerxes' queen. His wife. He must have some kind of love for her. But he thought nothing of asking her to debase herself in front of hundreds. He only wanted to feed his own ego.
Finally, the only thing the rest of the men were concerned about is how Vashti’s refusal would affect them. No worries about what she was asked to do. If the queen would “disobey,” then any women could do the same. They would refuse to respect their husbands.
The really sadly ironic part? I don’t think Vashti was being disrespectful to Xerxes. Had he asked her to come and politely greet his guest, she probably would have gladly done so. But to be asked to parade naked in front of a bunch of drunken men? Any self-respecting wife would refuse.
Yes, I do believe Vashti knew the risk she took in refusing, and she was absolutely right.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at the consequences of her right, but risky choice.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Bold Queen (Est. 1:10-12)
By the seventh day, King Xerxes was feeling happy because of so much wine. And he asked his seven personal servants … to bring Queen Vashti to him. The king wanted her to wear her crown and let his people and his officials see how beautiful she was. The king's servants told Queen Vashti what he had said, but she refused to go to him, and this made him terribly angry.
(Esther 1:10-12, CEV)
One of the best reasons against substance abuse is that it can definitely cause us to make bad decisions. King Xerxes has been imbibing for seven days, and he is “feeling happy.” Or perhaps feeling stupid?
He asks his personal servants to bring the queen to him to show her off. But make no mistake. It was more than his wanting to show her off. Some commentaries state that she was called to come wearing her crown—and nothing else.
And so she refused. A very bold stance. The Adam Clarke Commentary notes:
And so, she refused the king himself.
(Esther 1:10-12, CEV)
One of the best reasons against substance abuse is that it can definitely cause us to make bad decisions. King Xerxes has been imbibing for seven days, and he is “feeling happy.” Or perhaps feeling stupid?
He asks his personal servants to bring the queen to him to show her off. But make no mistake. It was more than his wanting to show her off. Some commentaries state that she was called to come wearing her crown—and nothing else.
And so she refused. A very bold stance. The Adam Clarke Commentary notes:
And much should she be commended for it. What woman, possessing even a common share of prudence and modesty, could consent to expose herself to the view of such a group of drunken Bacchanalians? Her courage was equal to her modesty: she would resist the royal mandate, rather than violate the rules of chaste decorum … She well knew that this act of disobedience would cost her her crown, if not her life also: but she was regardless of both, as she conceived her virtue and honour were at stake.This is why I admire Vashti. She knew the risk she took, yet she thought enough of herself to refuse humiliation.
And so, she refused the king himself.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The First Queen (Est. 1:7-9)
The guests drank from gold cups, and each cup had a different design. The king was generous and said to them, "Drink all you want!" Then he told his servants, "Keep their cups full." While the men were enjoying themselves, Queen Vashti gave the women a big dinner inside the royal palace.
(Esther 1:7-9, CEV)
You have to admit. King Xerxes really knew how to throw a party. Again, there had to have been hundreds, if not thousands, of guests, and each cup had its own design. “Drink all you want!” he said.
Needless to say, “the men were enjoying themselves.”
Ahh. But now we add a new character to the story—a minor, but very important character.
Queen Vashti.
I actually like Queen Vashti quite a bit. She’s self-confident and steadfast in her ideals. She will prove to be a stark contrast to her king.
We don’t know much about her. She’s only mentioned in a few verses, but let’s speculate. We know King Xerxes had a harem—many wives and concubines. But only Vashti was queen. We can then guess she must have been quite beautiful, both in face and figure. She may also have been articulate and a good communicator.
But mostly, as we’ll soon learn, she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes to be right.
Even to the king.
(Esther 1:7-9, CEV)
You have to admit. King Xerxes really knew how to throw a party. Again, there had to have been hundreds, if not thousands, of guests, and each cup had its own design. “Drink all you want!” he said.
Needless to say, “the men were enjoying themselves.”
Ahh. But now we add a new character to the story—a minor, but very important character.
Queen Vashti.
I actually like Queen Vashti quite a bit. She’s self-confident and steadfast in her ideals. She will prove to be a stark contrast to her king.
We don’t know much about her. She’s only mentioned in a few verses, but let’s speculate. We know King Xerxes had a harem—many wives and concubines. But only Vashti was queen. We can then guess she must have been quite beautiful, both in face and figure. She may also have been articulate and a good communicator.
But mostly, as we’ll soon learn, she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes to be right.
Even to the king.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Kingly Extravagance (Est. 1:5-6)
King Xerxes soon gave another dinner and invited everyone in the city of Susa, no matter who they were. The eating and drinking lasted seven days in the beautiful palace gardens. The area was decorated with blue and white cotton curtains tied back with purple linen cords that ran through silver rings fastened to marble columns. Couches of gold and silver rested on pavement that had all kinds of designs made from costly bright-colored stones and marble and mother-of-pearl.
(Esther 1:5-6, CEV)
Okay. Yesterday, we learned of the 180 days of partying with all the leaders of the land. That apparently wasn’t enough for King Xerxes. Now he throws a party for everyone in Susa. Everyone. I have no idea what the population of Susa was at that time, but think of how immense the palace gardens must have been to accommodate what must have been hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
I had the opportunity to go to Europe on a study tour while in college. We visited several palaces, and I vividly remember Fontainbleu in France. Well, I don’t so much remember the palace itself, but I do remember the gardens. They were absolutely gorgeous. And absolutely immense. If King Xerxes’ gardens were anything like those at Fontainbleu, then he could have had literally a couple of thousand people there.
So, yes, he could have had all the people of Susa for a seven-day feast. In his gardens extravagantly decorated … just for this particular event. Think of the time and money that went into preparing for this day. Mind-boggling.
And with this feast, we see yet another example of the king’s neediness. The most powerful man in the kingdom needs to be surrounded by adulation. He needs to show off his wealth and power. He needs to demonstrate that he can do whatever he wants.
He is the king, after all.
(Esther 1:5-6, CEV)
Okay. Yesterday, we learned of the 180 days of partying with all the leaders of the land. That apparently wasn’t enough for King Xerxes. Now he throws a party for everyone in Susa. Everyone. I have no idea what the population of Susa was at that time, but think of how immense the palace gardens must have been to accommodate what must have been hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
I had the opportunity to go to Europe on a study tour while in college. We visited several palaces, and I vividly remember Fontainbleu in France. Well, I don’t so much remember the palace itself, but I do remember the gardens. They were absolutely gorgeous. And absolutely immense. If King Xerxes’ gardens were anything like those at Fontainbleu, then he could have had literally a couple of thousand people there.
So, yes, he could have had all the people of Susa for a seven-day feast. In his gardens extravagantly decorated … just for this particular event. Think of the time and money that went into preparing for this day. Mind-boggling.
And with this feast, we see yet another example of the king’s neediness. The most powerful man in the kingdom needs to be surrounded by adulation. He needs to show off his wealth and power. He needs to demonstrate that he can do whatever he wants.
He is the king, after all.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A Flawed King (Est. 1:1-4)
King Xerxes of Persia lived in his capital city of Susa and ruled one hundred twenty-seven provinces from India to Ethiopia. During the third year of his rule, Xerxes gave a big dinner for all his officials and officers. The governors and leaders of the provinces were also invited, and even the commanders of the Persian and Median armies came. For one hundred eighty days he showed off his wealth and spent a lot of money to impress his guests with the greatness of his kingdom.
(Esther 1:1-4, CEV)
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is Esther’s. It’s a wonderful illustration of faith under fire, and I’m always inspired by it. And even though the name of Jehovah isn’t mentioned at all, God’s sovereignty abounds.
So join me on a new journey of intrigue, man’s fallibility, deception, strong faith, and good overcoming evil. And to paraphrase Bette Davis, “Fasten your seatbelts, people. It’s going to be quite a ride.”
Let’s start by meeting a man of great power, but one who is vain and selfish. One who is easily swayed by those he should have ruled with an iron hand.
King Xerxes is the king of Persia. He is rich and powerful. And he likes to show off that wealth. As our story opens, he’s throwing yet another banquet to remind everyone of just how wealthy he is.
But it’s not just a banquet as we would imagine. Read that last verse again. This party went on for 180 days. 180 days, folks. Think about it. It’s one thing to have a one-time get together and serve Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon. It’s quite another to do this over and over for 180 days.
Yes, King Xerxes is rich and powerful. But again, as we continued our journey, keep in mind the underlying reason for his wanting to show off. Instead of relying on his own strength of character, he needs the constant adulation of others.
Oh, yes. It’s going to be quite a ride!
(Esther 1:1-4, CEV)
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is Esther’s. It’s a wonderful illustration of faith under fire, and I’m always inspired by it. And even though the name of Jehovah isn’t mentioned at all, God’s sovereignty abounds.
So join me on a new journey of intrigue, man’s fallibility, deception, strong faith, and good overcoming evil. And to paraphrase Bette Davis, “Fasten your seatbelts, people. It’s going to be quite a ride.”
Let’s start by meeting a man of great power, but one who is vain and selfish. One who is easily swayed by those he should have ruled with an iron hand.
King Xerxes is the king of Persia. He is rich and powerful. And he likes to show off that wealth. As our story opens, he’s throwing yet another banquet to remind everyone of just how wealthy he is.
But it’s not just a banquet as we would imagine. Read that last verse again. This party went on for 180 days. 180 days, folks. Think about it. It’s one thing to have a one-time get together and serve Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon. It’s quite another to do this over and over for 180 days.
Yes, King Xerxes is rich and powerful. But again, as we continued our journey, keep in mind the underlying reason for his wanting to show off. Instead of relying on his own strength of character, he needs the constant adulation of others.
Oh, yes. It’s going to be quite a ride!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Hardened Hearts (Ps. 95:7b-11)
Today, if you will hear His voice:
“Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
(Psalm 95:7b-11, NKJV)
God loves us, of that I’m certain. But make no mistake: God is holy and righteous, and He cannot abide sin. He will rightfully judge those who “harden [their] hearts.”
Relatively few people living on the earth today have the right to say they never heard of God and the sacrificial death of Jesus. A friend of mine recently heard from a representative from Wycliffe Bible Translators. By 2013, their team will begin translating the gospel into the languages of the remaining people groups. Within just a few years, every known language on earth will have a translation of the gospel.
Then there will be no one who will be able to say they never heard.
So why are there now—and will be then—so many who will not commit their lives to Christ? Just as the people of Israel did, many harden their hearts. They refuse to see the truth. They don’t want to give up control. They choose to follow their own will. They think the world offers more than God ever could.
And so, just as God rightfully judged the people of Israel by refusing to allow a generation to enter the Promised Land, so He will judge those who choose to not follow Him. He will honor their choice and allow them to remain separated from Him, and they too will not “enter into [His] rest”—eternity with Him in heaven.
You’ve heard God’s truth. You’ve heard the good news of Jesus Christ’s payment for the penalty of your sin. Have you hardened your heart? Oh please, hear me: Allow the Holy Spirit to soften your heart, and commit your life to your loving—and holy—heavenly Father.
“Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
(Psalm 95:7b-11, NKJV)
God loves us, of that I’m certain. But make no mistake: God is holy and righteous, and He cannot abide sin. He will rightfully judge those who “harden [their] hearts.”
Relatively few people living on the earth today have the right to say they never heard of God and the sacrificial death of Jesus. A friend of mine recently heard from a representative from Wycliffe Bible Translators. By 2013, their team will begin translating the gospel into the languages of the remaining people groups. Within just a few years, every known language on earth will have a translation of the gospel.
Then there will be no one who will be able to say they never heard.
So why are there now—and will be then—so many who will not commit their lives to Christ? Just as the people of Israel did, many harden their hearts. They refuse to see the truth. They don’t want to give up control. They choose to follow their own will. They think the world offers more than God ever could.
And so, just as God rightfully judged the people of Israel by refusing to allow a generation to enter the Promised Land, so He will judge those who choose to not follow Him. He will honor their choice and allow them to remain separated from Him, and they too will not “enter into [His] rest”—eternity with Him in heaven.
You’ve heard God’s truth. You’ve heard the good news of Jesus Christ’s payment for the penalty of your sin. Have you hardened your heart? Oh please, hear me: Allow the Holy Spirit to soften your heart, and commit your life to your loving—and holy—heavenly Father.
Friday, February 18, 2011
God Our Maker (Ps. 95:6-7a)
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
(Psalm 95:6-7a, NKJV)
Such beautiful words of praise and worship.
Back in the day, when I was in high school and college—and went to church sporadically—we sang a Maranatha praise song with these words as lyrics. Just these words. Nothing more; nothing less.
We’d sing them quietly, reverently.
At the time, I have to admit I wasn’t always deep-down reverent. I was in the middle of my “two steps forward, five steps back” journey of rebellion, and I often went to church only because it was expected of me. I didn’t always sing these words, really thinking of how wonderful they are.
God is our Maker. He is our Sovereign God. He is all-powerful. All righteous. All holy. He has every right to snuff us out because of our sin and rebellion.
But He doesn’t. He loves us so very much, He wants to be in relationship with Him. He wants to provide for us and care for us. Just like a shepherd provides and cares for his sheep.
He picks us up when we’ve fallen. He guides to safe pastures. He protects us against all enemies.
Because He loves us.
So we can reverently, quietly bow down before Him. Worshiping Him. Praising Him.
Loving Him in return.
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
(Psalm 95:6-7a, NKJV)
Such beautiful words of praise and worship.
Back in the day, when I was in high school and college—and went to church sporadically—we sang a Maranatha praise song with these words as lyrics. Just these words. Nothing more; nothing less.
We’d sing them quietly, reverently.
At the time, I have to admit I wasn’t always deep-down reverent. I was in the middle of my “two steps forward, five steps back” journey of rebellion, and I often went to church only because it was expected of me. I didn’t always sing these words, really thinking of how wonderful they are.
God is our Maker. He is our Sovereign God. He is all-powerful. All righteous. All holy. He has every right to snuff us out because of our sin and rebellion.
But He doesn’t. He loves us so very much, He wants to be in relationship with Him. He wants to provide for us and care for us. Just like a shepherd provides and cares for his sheep.
He picks us up when we’ve fallen. He guides to safe pastures. He protects us against all enemies.
Because He loves us.
So we can reverently, quietly bow down before Him. Worshiping Him. Praising Him.
Loving Him in return.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Creator God (Ps. 95:4-5)
In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
(Psalm 95:4-5, NKJV)
I’ve always thought it takes more faith to be an atheist than to be a Christian. Being an agnostic, I understand. To say “There may be a God, but I’m not sure” is one thing, but saying there’s no God is quite presumptuous.
If nothing else, seeing the scope of creation should make one at least consider the idea of a Creator, an Intelligent Designer. This world is so intricate, so detailed. And so amazingly grand. Living in Southern California, I can see the magnitude of the mountains, the vast expanse of the ocean, the immensity of the desert. All in one day, if I choose.
Sunsets. Flowers. Animals. Birds. Rainbows. People.
All point to a Maker. An intelligent, wondrously creative Maker.
And I believe with all that is in me that the Maker of this world, and all that is in it, is the God of the Bible. He created heavens and earth. He created plant life and animals. He created man and woman.
This is the God I worship and praise. This is the God I choose to serve. What about you?
The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
(Psalm 95:4-5, NKJV)
I’ve always thought it takes more faith to be an atheist than to be a Christian. Being an agnostic, I understand. To say “There may be a God, but I’m not sure” is one thing, but saying there’s no God is quite presumptuous.
If nothing else, seeing the scope of creation should make one at least consider the idea of a Creator, an Intelligent Designer. This world is so intricate, so detailed. And so amazingly grand. Living in Southern California, I can see the magnitude of the mountains, the vast expanse of the ocean, the immensity of the desert. All in one day, if I choose.
Sunsets. Flowers. Animals. Birds. Rainbows. People.
All point to a Maker. An intelligent, wondrously creative Maker.
And I believe with all that is in me that the Maker of this world, and all that is in it, is the God of the Bible. He created heavens and earth. He created plant life and animals. He created man and woman.
This is the God I worship and praise. This is the God I choose to serve. What about you?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The One Great God (Ps. 95:3)
For the LORD is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
(Psalm 95:3, NKJV)
In the days this psalm was written, false religions abounded and so-called gods were worshiped throughout the known world. Man-made gods. Gods that somehow met the spiritual needs of their followers.
But time and time again, the God of Israel proved Himself to be the one and only true God.
It’s the same today. Yes, some religions, like Hinduism, follow many gods. But we have other gods today. The god of money. The god of success. The god of fame. The god of possessions. The god of “my will.”
We worship at the feet of these idols, thinking these gods will somehow meet our spiritual needs. But if we're honest with ourselves, they fail, time and time again.
There is only one great God. There is only one God who is our strength and protector and provider. There is only one God who heals. One God who give grace. One God who loves unconditionally. One God who saves.
The God of the Bible continues to prove Himself as the one and only God. He is above any other god you may worship. He is the God who will shower you with grace and save you from your sins. He is the God who will bless you on earth and welcome you one day into His kingdom.
I pray you know that God. The one and only true and great God.
And the great King above all gods.
(Psalm 95:3, NKJV)
In the days this psalm was written, false religions abounded and so-called gods were worshiped throughout the known world. Man-made gods. Gods that somehow met the spiritual needs of their followers.
But time and time again, the God of Israel proved Himself to be the one and only true God.
It’s the same today. Yes, some religions, like Hinduism, follow many gods. But we have other gods today. The god of money. The god of success. The god of fame. The god of possessions. The god of “my will.”
We worship at the feet of these idols, thinking these gods will somehow meet our spiritual needs. But if we're honest with ourselves, they fail, time and time again.
There is only one great God. There is only one God who is our strength and protector and provider. There is only one God who heals. One God who give grace. One God who loves unconditionally. One God who saves.
The God of the Bible continues to prove Himself as the one and only God. He is above any other god you may worship. He is the God who will shower you with grace and save you from your sins. He is the God who will bless you on earth and welcome you one day into His kingdom.
I pray you know that God. The one and only true and great God.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Praise the Rock of Our Salvation! (Ps. 95:1-2)
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
(Psalm 95:1-2, NKJV)
We’ve just spent the last 14 days reviewing how we’re to love. It seems quite appropriate to spend the next few days praising the One who loves us with an unconditional, everlasting love.
Our Creator God deserves our constant worship and praise, and it is our privilege to do so. We can praise Him with singing, with shouting. We can praise Him with thanksgiving.
He is, after all, the Rock of our salvation. He is our Redeemer. Our shield. Our strength.
He blesses us with what we need, and He often blesses us far beyond what we need.
Today, as you go about your daily “to-dos,” praise Him. As you drive to work or to school, sing songs of praise. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” or “Amazing Grace.” Sing “Mighty to Save” or “Revelation Song.”
As you’re doing chores at home, praise Him—out loud—for all He’s done for you. Name His attributes. He’s all-powerful, all-loving. He’s Your Healer and Provider. He’s the Giver of peace.
Take time today, and read through a few psalms of praise. Some of my favorites? Psalm 33. Psalm 40. Psalm 46. Psalm 71. Psalm 100. Psalm 150.
He is Almighty God, and He is worthy of all praise, worship, honor, and glory.
Praise Him today … and every day.
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
(Psalm 95:1-2, NKJV)
We’ve just spent the last 14 days reviewing how we’re to love. It seems quite appropriate to spend the next few days praising the One who loves us with an unconditional, everlasting love.
Our Creator God deserves our constant worship and praise, and it is our privilege to do so. We can praise Him with singing, with shouting. We can praise Him with thanksgiving.
He is, after all, the Rock of our salvation. He is our Redeemer. Our shield. Our strength.
He blesses us with what we need, and He often blesses us far beyond what we need.
Today, as you go about your daily “to-dos,” praise Him. As you drive to work or to school, sing songs of praise. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” or “Amazing Grace.” Sing “Mighty to Save” or “Revelation Song.”
As you’re doing chores at home, praise Him—out loud—for all He’s done for you. Name His attributes. He’s all-powerful, all-loving. He’s Your Healer and Provider. He’s the Giver of peace.
Take time today, and read through a few psalms of praise. Some of my favorites? Psalm 33. Psalm 40. Psalm 46. Psalm 71. Psalm 100. Psalm 150.
He is Almighty God, and He is worthy of all praise, worship, honor, and glory.
Praise Him today … and every day.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love Endures All Things (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love endures all things.
For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.
Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. The race has been run; now onto the next sprint ... Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.
Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. As I mentioned yesterday, my husband and I have been married almost 23 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.
Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, who takes care of those "handyman" things around the house, who cares for me when I'm not feeling well, and whom I know will be there for me no matter what.
Our love has endured. If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just Astroturf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you're still single, please hear me: Plan on running a marathon when you marry.
Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.
Run the race. Finish the marathon.
Endure.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love endures all things.
For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.
Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. The race has been run; now onto the next sprint ... Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.
Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. As I mentioned yesterday, my husband and I have been married almost 23 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.
Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, who takes care of those "handyman" things around the house, who cares for me when I'm not feeling well, and whom I know will be there for me no matter what.
Our love has endured. If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just Astroturf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you're still single, please hear me: Plan on running a marathon when you marry.
Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.
Run the race. Finish the marathon.
Endure.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Love Hopes All Things (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love hopes all things.
Hope is one of my favorite words. Hope. Anticipation.
I especially like Webster’s definition: to “cherish a desire with anticipation” or to “expect with confidence.”
When we love with hope, we anticipate good things from and with the ones we love. We have confidence in their love for us. We hope for a bright future.
Russ and I have been together for over 25 years, and we’ll be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary in April. I still anticipate what’s ahead. I still “expect with confidence” that we have amazing times in store for us. And my hope is that we’ll love each other even more through the next 25 years!
We Christians live with an even greater hope: eternity in heaven with our Lord God. Talk about “cherish[ing] a desire with anticipation”! I desire nothing more than shedding this earthly skin and being in the very presence of my Lord and Savior. I live in hope for that day.
Where is your hope? Can you really “expect with confidence” the things of this world? Certainly, you can place your hope in trusted people on earth, but your hope—your only real hope—should be in the One who will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5). The One who loves you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).
Place your hope in Him.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love hopes all things.
Hope is one of my favorite words. Hope. Anticipation.
I especially like Webster’s definition: to “cherish a desire with anticipation” or to “expect with confidence.”
When we love with hope, we anticipate good things from and with the ones we love. We have confidence in their love for us. We hope for a bright future.
Russ and I have been together for over 25 years, and we’ll be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary in April. I still anticipate what’s ahead. I still “expect with confidence” that we have amazing times in store for us. And my hope is that we’ll love each other even more through the next 25 years!
We Christians live with an even greater hope: eternity in heaven with our Lord God. Talk about “cherish[ing] a desire with anticipation”! I desire nothing more than shedding this earthly skin and being in the very presence of my Lord and Savior. I live in hope for that day.
Where is your hope? Can you really “expect with confidence” the things of this world? Certainly, you can place your hope in trusted people on earth, but your hope—your only real hope—should be in the One who will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5). The One who loves you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).
Place your hope in Him.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Love Believes All Things (1 Cor. 13:3-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love believes all things.
I spoke at an event a few nights ago, and I said that the one attribute of love that was missing from Paul’s list was, “Love is trustworthy.” After meditating on the words we’re focusing on today, I think I may be wrong. Today’s attribute is close.
If I love someone—truly love him—I’ll believe the best of him. I’ll believe he’ll do his best. He’ll be loyal and kind. He’ll be faithful to me. In fact, I’ll believe he’s worthy of my trust.
In return, I need to be the same for him. This is the relationship I’m blessed to have with my husband. I know he’ll be faithful to me. I know he’ll love me through sickness and health, good times and bad, riches and poverty … because he has.
So I can believe he’ll be the same in the next year or five or ten.
Love isn’t blind. That’s certain. If someone has clear issues—anger, a tendency to belittle, a history of infidelity—you should avoid an intimate relationship. However, if he has proven himself to be faithful, then you can trust him.
Believe in him.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love believes all things.
I spoke at an event a few nights ago, and I said that the one attribute of love that was missing from Paul’s list was, “Love is trustworthy.” After meditating on the words we’re focusing on today, I think I may be wrong. Today’s attribute is close.
If I love someone—truly love him—I’ll believe the best of him. I’ll believe he’ll do his best. He’ll be loyal and kind. He’ll be faithful to me. In fact, I’ll believe he’s worthy of my trust.
In return, I need to be the same for him. This is the relationship I’m blessed to have with my husband. I know he’ll be faithful to me. I know he’ll love me through sickness and health, good times and bad, riches and poverty … because he has.
So I can believe he’ll be the same in the next year or five or ten.
Love isn’t blind. That’s certain. If someone has clear issues—anger, a tendency to belittle, a history of infidelity—you should avoid an intimate relationship. However, if he has proven himself to be faithful, then you can trust him.
Believe in him.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love Bears All Things (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love bears all things.
Love—true love—puts up with everything. Now I’m not saying we’re to be doormats or allow abuse, but we should be willing to bear our spouse's bad mood or our kids’ testiness. We shouldn’t get angry when our friend forgets a coffee date. We should instead love them.
Love is a noun and a verb, you know. We have a feeling of love (noun), but we choose to actively love (verb). I can’t remember where I read it (may have been in a book by Gary Smalley?), but the author wrote how a man came to him and said he didn’t love his wife any more. “What should I do?” he asked. “Just love her.” Confused, the man said again, “But I don’t love her.” And again, the reply was, “Just love her.” This went on a couple of more times, and the man was told to just go and love (verb) his wife. And a marriage was restored.
We choose to love—the verb—even when those around us aren’t being very lovable. That’s why parents can say, “I don’t like what you’ve done, but I still love you.”
My mom is a prime example of that kind of love. For a very long time, I did a lot of things that my mom did not like. But she never stopped loving me. And today, there may be things my husband does that I don’t like, but I love him. I choose to love him every day.
Think of how Jesus loves us. I imagine He doesn’t like a lot of what we do, but He loves us. He loved us enough that “while [we] were still sinners, [He] died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
That’s what it means to bear all things. All things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love bears all things.
Love—true love—puts up with everything. Now I’m not saying we’re to be doormats or allow abuse, but we should be willing to bear our spouse's bad mood or our kids’ testiness. We shouldn’t get angry when our friend forgets a coffee date. We should instead love them.
Love is a noun and a verb, you know. We have a feeling of love (noun), but we choose to actively love (verb). I can’t remember where I read it (may have been in a book by Gary Smalley?), but the author wrote how a man came to him and said he didn’t love his wife any more. “What should I do?” he asked. “Just love her.” Confused, the man said again, “But I don’t love her.” And again, the reply was, “Just love her.” This went on a couple of more times, and the man was told to just go and love (verb) his wife. And a marriage was restored.
We choose to love—the verb—even when those around us aren’t being very lovable. That’s why parents can say, “I don’t like what you’ve done, but I still love you.”
My mom is a prime example of that kind of love. For a very long time, I did a lot of things that my mom did not like. But she never stopped loving me. And today, there may be things my husband does that I don’t like, but I love him. I choose to love him every day.
Think of how Jesus loves us. I imagine He doesn’t like a lot of what we do, but He loves us. He loved us enough that “while [we] were still sinners, [He] died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
That’s what it means to bear all things. All things.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Love Rejoices with the Truth (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
Of all the attributes Paul describes, this one should be the easiest for those of us who follow Christ. We should never rejoice in unrighteousness. Sin should never be celebrated. As I write these words, I’m convicted—yet again. How often do I watch a television show or movie that revels in sin? More often than I care to admit.
Sin breaks the heart of my heavenly Father. It should do the same to mine. And yet, I laugh it off as though it doesn’t matter.
My rejoicing should only come when I see God work in lives. When I see people make a stand for faith. When someone begins a relationship with Jesus.
When truth wins out.
Then I should plan a party and celebrate!
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
Of all the attributes Paul describes, this one should be the easiest for those of us who follow Christ. We should never rejoice in unrighteousness. Sin should never be celebrated. As I write these words, I’m convicted—yet again. How often do I watch a television show or movie that revels in sin? More often than I care to admit.
Sin breaks the heart of my heavenly Father. It should do the same to mine. And yet, I laugh it off as though it doesn’t matter.
My rejoicing should only come when I see God work in lives. When I see people make a stand for faith. When someone begins a relationship with Jesus.
When truth wins out.
Then I should plan a party and celebrate!
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Love Does Not Take Into Account a Wrong Suffered (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not take into account a wrong suffered.
In other words, love doesn’t hold a grudge. Love doesn’t seek revenge. Rather, love forgives, even when the other person hurts us deeply.
I’m reminded of the story about the man who entered an Amish school and killed several of the children before taking his own life. The Amish community lived out this attribute of love as they went to the gunman’s house and told his wife they forgave him.
Forgiveness isn’t approval of the other person’s actions. It doesn’t condone wrongdoing. It doesn’t mean we have to let a person who wronged us into our daily lives. No. Forgiveness takes the burden of anger and bitterness off of our own shoulders. It allows us to love as Christ loved—loving the sinner without loving the sin.
Does this sound too unrealistic to be true? How can I forgive someone who’s abused me or taken what’s mine—or even killed my child?
It is possible with the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. I know. The primary reason for my twenty-year rebellion was because I couldn’t—or wouldn’t—forgive those who had hurt me. My father for leaving us. Three adult men for abusing me.
My unforgiveness allowed hate and anger to fill my heart. It caused me to be miserable and pushed me into depression. Finally, when I just couldn’t take life any more, I found my way back to the arms of my heavenly Father, and with His strength, I was able to forgive. Those who hurt me never asked for my forgiveness, and my doing so didn’t say what they’d done was okay. But my being able to say “I forgive you” with a sincere heart lifted the burden that had so consumed my heart.
Holding a grudge or seeking revenge does nothing but destroy your own heart. There’s a saying that describes this well: “Anger [or unforgiveness] is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Don’t “take into account a wrong suffered.” Rather, ask Jesus to give you the strength to forgive. He'll take the poison from your heart. And fill the now-empty spaces with peace. And love.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not take into account a wrong suffered.
In other words, love doesn’t hold a grudge. Love doesn’t seek revenge. Rather, love forgives, even when the other person hurts us deeply.
I’m reminded of the story about the man who entered an Amish school and killed several of the children before taking his own life. The Amish community lived out this attribute of love as they went to the gunman’s house and told his wife they forgave him.
Forgiveness isn’t approval of the other person’s actions. It doesn’t condone wrongdoing. It doesn’t mean we have to let a person who wronged us into our daily lives. No. Forgiveness takes the burden of anger and bitterness off of our own shoulders. It allows us to love as Christ loved—loving the sinner without loving the sin.
Does this sound too unrealistic to be true? How can I forgive someone who’s abused me or taken what’s mine—or even killed my child?
It is possible with the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. I know. The primary reason for my twenty-year rebellion was because I couldn’t—or wouldn’t—forgive those who had hurt me. My father for leaving us. Three adult men for abusing me.
My unforgiveness allowed hate and anger to fill my heart. It caused me to be miserable and pushed me into depression. Finally, when I just couldn’t take life any more, I found my way back to the arms of my heavenly Father, and with His strength, I was able to forgive. Those who hurt me never asked for my forgiveness, and my doing so didn’t say what they’d done was okay. But my being able to say “I forgive you” with a sincere heart lifted the burden that had so consumed my heart.
Holding a grudge or seeking revenge does nothing but destroy your own heart. There’s a saying that describes this well: “Anger [or unforgiveness] is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Don’t “take into account a wrong suffered.” Rather, ask Jesus to give you the strength to forgive. He'll take the poison from your heart. And fill the now-empty spaces with peace. And love.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Love Is Not Provoked (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is not provoked.
Good old Webster defines provoke as “to incite to anger” or “to stir up purposely.”
If you’ve been in a relationship for any length of time—and by relationship, I mean family or friendship or romance—you probably know that other person very well. You know what brings him joy, and you know what drives him nuts.
And you know how to push his buttons.
My husband and I have been together for over 25 years, and we know each other deeply. And yes, we know how to drive each other crazy—if we choose to do so. And sad to say, we sometimes make that choice. Fortunately, the longer we’re together, the less we provoke each other. And when we do, we ask for forgiveness much more quickly.
But I have to ask myself, why do we provoke those we love? If we fail to be without pride, we’re only hurting ourselves. But if we provoke another, we’re hurting them.
I don’t know for sure, but I have a theory. I think it may have to do with our own feelings of low self-esteem. If we’re not terribly confident in ourselves, we may provoke others to gain a false feeling of superiority.
Which brings us back to Paul’s words to the Philippians … If we love others, we’re going to do “ … nothing … through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (2:3).
I hadn’t thought about it before, but today’s attribute really builds on those that precede it: If we’re patient, if we’re kind, if we’re not boastful or arrogant, then we won’t need to put others down or provoke them to anger.
We won’t need to push their buttons because we’ll lovingly esteem them.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is not provoked.
Good old Webster defines provoke as “to incite to anger” or “to stir up purposely.”
If you’ve been in a relationship for any length of time—and by relationship, I mean family or friendship or romance—you probably know that other person very well. You know what brings him joy, and you know what drives him nuts.
And you know how to push his buttons.
My husband and I have been together for over 25 years, and we know each other deeply. And yes, we know how to drive each other crazy—if we choose to do so. And sad to say, we sometimes make that choice. Fortunately, the longer we’re together, the less we provoke each other. And when we do, we ask for forgiveness much more quickly.
But I have to ask myself, why do we provoke those we love? If we fail to be without pride, we’re only hurting ourselves. But if we provoke another, we’re hurting them.
I don’t know for sure, but I have a theory. I think it may have to do with our own feelings of low self-esteem. If we’re not terribly confident in ourselves, we may provoke others to gain a false feeling of superiority.
Which brings us back to Paul’s words to the Philippians … If we love others, we’re going to do “ … nothing … through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (2:3).
I hadn’t thought about it before, but today’s attribute really builds on those that precede it: If we’re patient, if we’re kind, if we’re not boastful or arrogant, then we won’t need to put others down or provoke them to anger.
We won’t need to push their buttons because we’ll lovingly esteem them.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Love Does Not Seek Its Own (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not seek its own.
As we’ve looked at these attributes of love, I’ve tried to keep our hearts and minds focused on loving how Christ loves. And Jesus definitely doesn’t seek His own—never did, never will. In fact, He was so tuned into the needs of others, He gave His very life for us.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13, NKJV).
While we may never be asked to literally die for our friends, are there ways we can serve the needs of others rather than seeking our own desires?
How do you spend your time? When you have free time, are you sitting in front of a computer, playing games or just surfing around? Do you watch hours of inane television? Is the latest issue of People Magazine adorning your coffee table?
Believe me, I asking the same questions of myself.
We’ve been given the amazing gift of time, and how we use it can illustrate how we love. I’ve been very convicted—yet again—of how I spend my time. And I really do want to steward my time in order to delight God. And I know He’s delighted when I serve others. When I shine the light of Jesus to a dark world.
When I sacrifice my time to mentor a young woman who's struggling, when I give up a little leisure time to volunteer at a God-serving organization, when I’m on my knees—literally or figuratively—interceding on the behalf of others … My Father is well-pleased.
No, I may not be dying a physical death, but when I seek to serve the needs of others, I sacrifice a bit of myself.
And by doing so, I love a bit more like Christ does.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not seek its own.
As we’ve looked at these attributes of love, I’ve tried to keep our hearts and minds focused on loving how Christ loves. And Jesus definitely doesn’t seek His own—never did, never will. In fact, He was so tuned into the needs of others, He gave His very life for us.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13, NKJV).
While we may never be asked to literally die for our friends, are there ways we can serve the needs of others rather than seeking our own desires?
How do you spend your time? When you have free time, are you sitting in front of a computer, playing games or just surfing around? Do you watch hours of inane television? Is the latest issue of People Magazine adorning your coffee table?
Believe me, I asking the same questions of myself.
We’ve been given the amazing gift of time, and how we use it can illustrate how we love. I’ve been very convicted—yet again—of how I spend my time. And I really do want to steward my time in order to delight God. And I know He’s delighted when I serve others. When I shine the light of Jesus to a dark world.
When I sacrifice my time to mentor a young woman who's struggling, when I give up a little leisure time to volunteer at a God-serving organization, when I’m on my knees—literally or figuratively—interceding on the behalf of others … My Father is well-pleased.
No, I may not be dying a physical death, but when I seek to serve the needs of others, I sacrifice a bit of myself.
And by doing so, I love a bit more like Christ does.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Love Does Not Act Unbecomingly (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not act unbecomingly.
Unbecomingly. Not a word we use in our daily vocabulary, I’d wager. There’s a nice old-fashioned ring to it, so I had to check out old Webster. Unbecoming means to behave in a way “not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life.”
Both the New Living Translation and the Contemporary English Bible use the word “rude.”
We as Christians (which is our "position or condition of life, by the way) should never be rude. And that can mean a couple of things. Rudeness connotes treating others in an “offensive manner.” It also can mean being “vulgar” in speech and action.
Think about how you interact with other people. Do you enjoy telling off-color jokes or using the latest profanity? Do you delight in pointing out the failings in others?
Or do you walk away when others gossip or put people down? Do you avoid using words that are offensive?
I picture Jesus sitting with a group of society’s disreputable. I picture His loving them and showing them kindness. But I do not picture Him laughing at their infirmities or failures. I do not picture Him peppering His speech with vulgarities.
And as we’ve talked about since we started looking at the attributes of love, we need to strive to love as He did.
Today, watch what you say and do. And love as Christ loves.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not act unbecomingly.
Unbecomingly. Not a word we use in our daily vocabulary, I’d wager. There’s a nice old-fashioned ring to it, so I had to check out old Webster. Unbecoming means to behave in a way “not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life.”
Both the New Living Translation and the Contemporary English Bible use the word “rude.”
We as Christians (which is our "position or condition of life, by the way) should never be rude. And that can mean a couple of things. Rudeness connotes treating others in an “offensive manner.” It also can mean being “vulgar” in speech and action.
Think about how you interact with other people. Do you enjoy telling off-color jokes or using the latest profanity? Do you delight in pointing out the failings in others?
Or do you walk away when others gossip or put people down? Do you avoid using words that are offensive?
I picture Jesus sitting with a group of society’s disreputable. I picture His loving them and showing them kindness. But I do not picture Him laughing at their infirmities or failures. I do not picture Him peppering His speech with vulgarities.
And as we’ve talked about since we started looking at the attributes of love, we need to strive to love as He did.
Today, watch what you say and do. And love as Christ loves.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Love Is Not Arrogant (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is not arrogant.
Other versions say, “love is not proud.” Love means not thinking too highly of oneself. Paul defines this so well in Philippians 2:3-4:
Are you able to truly rejoice in the blessings others experience? Are you willing to serve in the background if that’s what God calls you to do? Will you serve as Christ did, with a humble servant’s heart?
Then you’ll love without being arrogant.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is not arrogant.
Other versions say, “love is not proud.” Love means not thinking too highly of oneself. Paul defines this so well in Philippians 2:3-4:
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (NKJV).Lowliness of mind doesn’t mean we’re to be doormats; rather, it means we’re to love as Christ loved, with a servant’s heart:
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:5-8, NKJV).Loving without arrogance requires an attitude of humility.
Are you able to truly rejoice in the blessings others experience? Are you willing to serve in the background if that’s what God calls you to do? Will you serve as Christ did, with a humble servant’s heart?
Then you’ll love without being arrogant.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Love Does Not Brag (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not brag.
True love is never about me. True love is my looking out for others, caring for others, supporting others.
If I truly love someone, I shouldn’t be thinking about myself and what I can do. And if my thoughts aren’t on me, then I won‘t be bragging on my accomplishments. In fact, I really won’t care about what I do that’s “newsworthy.” I’ll be content to stay in the background. And when I do have the opportunity to be in the limelight, I won’t go around telling everyone.
This can be tough. Sometimes, we get excited about a God-given chance to shine. Not long ago, I had the privilege to play Marmee in a musical version of Little Women—one of my favorite books from childhood. I was excited—I wanted everyone to know. In retrospect, I walked a very, very fine line between bragging and just wanting people to come out to see a talented cast of storytellers.
Next week, I start rehearsals for The Story of Ruth, and this time, I’m privileged to be in the chorus. The question is, will I “publicize” it in the same way? Will I brag on the principal actors and be just as excited to have people come see the show when I’m not a lead?
Absolutely! Because, when I love others, I want to boast about them.
What about you? Are you boasting in your own accomplishments? Are you telling everyone how wonderful you are? Or are you content to stand back and let others shine? And tell everyone how wonderful they are?
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love does not brag.
True love is never about me. True love is my looking out for others, caring for others, supporting others.
If I truly love someone, I shouldn’t be thinking about myself and what I can do. And if my thoughts aren’t on me, then I won‘t be bragging on my accomplishments. In fact, I really won’t care about what I do that’s “newsworthy.” I’ll be content to stay in the background. And when I do have the opportunity to be in the limelight, I won’t go around telling everyone.
This can be tough. Sometimes, we get excited about a God-given chance to shine. Not long ago, I had the privilege to play Marmee in a musical version of Little Women—one of my favorite books from childhood. I was excited—I wanted everyone to know. In retrospect, I walked a very, very fine line between bragging and just wanting people to come out to see a talented cast of storytellers.
Next week, I start rehearsals for The Story of Ruth, and this time, I’m privileged to be in the chorus. The question is, will I “publicize” it in the same way? Will I brag on the principal actors and be just as excited to have people come see the show when I’m not a lead?
Absolutely! Because, when I love others, I want to boast about them.
What about you? Are you boasting in your own accomplishments? Are you telling everyone how wonderful you are? Or are you content to stand back and let others shine? And tell everyone how wonderful they are?
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Love Is Not Jealous (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is not jealous.
I have to be honest here … I sometimes struggle with this one. I see someone doing something I think I should be doing, and I’m envious. I read Facebook status updates about children or travels or amazing opportunities, and that nasty green-eyed monster raises its ugly head.
I don’t want to feel this way. I want to truly rejoice in the talents and achievements of others. I want to be genuinely happy when others have things I never will.
I really do.
Why do we feel jealous or envious? I think it has to do with contentment—or lack thereof. When I’m discontent with my own life, I’m much more likely to be envious of what others have. Conversely, when I’m content and satisfied with what I have and what I can do, I don’t even think about what others do.
It also has to do with trusting God. If I believe He’s blessed each of us according to His plan, I don’t have to be jealous because I know what I have, what I can do, what I’ve achieved is what He desires for me.
And as I write these words, I recognize yet again how very blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband, a great family, supportive friends, several vocations I enjoy. I live in a lovely home. I’m adored by my four-legged “kids.” I serve at my church, at Corona Life Services, and at LifeHouse.
I have no right—none whatsoever—to be jealous or envious. None. Because when I am, I’m telling God He hasn’t given me enough—when He’s given me abundantly more than I deserve.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is not jealous.
I have to be honest here … I sometimes struggle with this one. I see someone doing something I think I should be doing, and I’m envious. I read Facebook status updates about children or travels or amazing opportunities, and that nasty green-eyed monster raises its ugly head.
I don’t want to feel this way. I want to truly rejoice in the talents and achievements of others. I want to be genuinely happy when others have things I never will.
I really do.
Why do we feel jealous or envious? I think it has to do with contentment—or lack thereof. When I’m discontent with my own life, I’m much more likely to be envious of what others have. Conversely, when I’m content and satisfied with what I have and what I can do, I don’t even think about what others do.
It also has to do with trusting God. If I believe He’s blessed each of us according to His plan, I don’t have to be jealous because I know what I have, what I can do, what I’ve achieved is what He desires for me.
And as I write these words, I recognize yet again how very blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband, a great family, supportive friends, several vocations I enjoy. I live in a lovely home. I’m adored by my four-legged “kids.” I serve at my church, at Corona Life Services, and at LifeHouse.
I have no right—none whatsoever—to be jealous or envious. None. Because when I am, I’m telling God He hasn’t given me enough—when He’s given me abundantly more than I deserve.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Love Is Kind (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is kind.
Webster’s Dictionary defines “kind” as “affectionate and loving; of a sympathetic or helpful nature; of a forbearing nature; gentle.” Further, “gentle” is defined as “free from harshness, sternness, or violence.”
When we love, we’re to be kind. We’re to sympathize when our loved one is hurting. We’re to have a servant’s heart, desiring to help him when he’s in need. We’re to be patient (see yesterday’s devotional) when he’s not behaving as we would like.
And we’re to be gentle. Being harsh with the ones we love is not acceptable. And especially, there can be no hint of violence, physical or otherwise. Blowing up in anger at the ones we say we love is not love. Treating them harshly or rudely, even “jokingly” is not love. Putting them down—whether alone or with others—is not love.
Sometimes, we treat the ones we say we love worse than we do acquaintances or outright strangers. But that’s not really love.
Today, as you interact with your family and friends, ask the Lord to give you a spirit of kindness. Be loving and affectionate. Serve them without being asked. And if anger is an issue, pray—fervently pray—that the Lord will calm your spirit so you can be kindly loving.
Today and every day.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love is kind.
Webster’s Dictionary defines “kind” as “affectionate and loving; of a sympathetic or helpful nature; of a forbearing nature; gentle.” Further, “gentle” is defined as “free from harshness, sternness, or violence.”
When we love, we’re to be kind. We’re to sympathize when our loved one is hurting. We’re to have a servant’s heart, desiring to help him when he’s in need. We’re to be patient (see yesterday’s devotional) when he’s not behaving as we would like.
And we’re to be gentle. Being harsh with the ones we love is not acceptable. And especially, there can be no hint of violence, physical or otherwise. Blowing up in anger at the ones we say we love is not love. Treating them harshly or rudely, even “jokingly” is not love. Putting them down—whether alone or with others—is not love.
Sometimes, we treat the ones we say we love worse than we do acquaintances or outright strangers. But that’s not really love.
Today, as you interact with your family and friends, ask the Lord to give you a spirit of kindness. Be loving and affectionate. Serve them without being asked. And if anger is an issue, pray—fervently pray—that the Lord will calm your spirit so you can be kindly loving.
Today and every day.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Love Is Patient (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
For the next 14 days, we’re going to take a closer look at the descriptions of love from 1 Corinthians 13. These words are often read at engagement parties and weddings, and I don’t know about you, as I read these words, I’m somewhat—make that a lot—overwhelmed. How in the world can anyone be all that Paul described?
The only person I know who manifested every one of them was Jesus—is Jesus. So let’s look at how Jesus is love. And let’s think about how we can love just a little more like He does.
Love is patient.
Oh dear. Do we have to start here? Patience isn’t necessarily the fruit of the Spirit I manifest most often. But Jesus is indeed patient. And we can be as well when we remember that this life is temporary. What happens here is temporary. What we have is temporary. Eternity with Jesus should be our focus.
Think about it. Why are we impatient? Because we want something right now. We want that job. That relationship. That car. That house. Now. And when we don’t get it in our timing, according to our plan, we get a bit upset—to put it lightly.
And we can’t love—certainly not as Christ did—when we’re feeling impatient.
I think patience has a lot to do with trust. If I trust God, I can patiently wait on His timing, knowing He’ll work everything according to His plan (Rom. 8:28). If I trust you, patience comes relatively easy because I know you have my best interests at heart. I trust my husband, so I can be patient even if things aren’t moving as quickly as I like.
Be patiently loving today, just as Christ is. Those you love may be pleasantly surprised!
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
For the next 14 days, we’re going to take a closer look at the descriptions of love from 1 Corinthians 13. These words are often read at engagement parties and weddings, and I don’t know about you, as I read these words, I’m somewhat—make that a lot—overwhelmed. How in the world can anyone be all that Paul described?
The only person I know who manifested every one of them was Jesus—is Jesus. So let’s look at how Jesus is love. And let’s think about how we can love just a little more like He does.
Love is patient.
Oh dear. Do we have to start here? Patience isn’t necessarily the fruit of the Spirit I manifest most often. But Jesus is indeed patient. And we can be as well when we remember that this life is temporary. What happens here is temporary. What we have is temporary. Eternity with Jesus should be our focus.
Think about it. Why are we impatient? Because we want something right now. We want that job. That relationship. That car. That house. Now. And when we don’t get it in our timing, according to our plan, we get a bit upset—to put it lightly.
And we can’t love—certainly not as Christ did—when we’re feeling impatient.
I think patience has a lot to do with trust. If I trust God, I can patiently wait on His timing, knowing He’ll work everything according to His plan (Rom. 8:28). If I trust you, patience comes relatively easy because I know you have my best interests at heart. I trust my husband, so I can be patient even if things aren’t moving as quickly as I like.
Be patiently loving today, just as Christ is. Those you love may be pleasantly surprised!
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