Best Next Step

Rash Decisions

2009-12-03T13:04:50-05:00

It was early 1989. Kim and I were eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first born. We were finishing up Lamaze classes at the hospital where we would deliver. It was rather comical, the ‘ooh ooh aah aah” breathing, but they assured us it would be helpful. We toured the labor and delivery rooms and found them to be quite comfortable for the upcoming event. The nursery at home was decked out in Disney Babies ready to receive our bundle of joy.

In the midst of all this preparation, we learned that a local baby furniture store was hosting a Free Baby Safety Seminar. (The word “free” should have been a red flag. In fact, with that being said, you probably know where this story is going.)

As soon-to-be-first-time parents, we decided it would be a good seminar to attend. We learned how to baby-proof our home. We were taught to recognize dangerous places in our house that had not previously been problems. We heard about the safe way to feed, change and play with our new baby. Then they talked about baby furniture.

Well, somewhere in between talking about strollers and arriving home that evening, we became the proud owners of the Wonda-Chair! I look back on that purchase as one of the dark moments of my financial past (I know, not too bad if that is as bad as it gets).

Regardless, buying the Wonda-Chair was a rash, hasty, impulsive decision. We bought what they were selling! They had preyed on our naiveté and overstated the dangers to our child. Through short-sighted thinking, we also fell for the “today only” deal they presented.

In Genesis 25:32-33, Esau made a similar decision. “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. He overstated his need (“I am about to die”) and displayed short-sighted thinking (“What good is this birthright to me?”). You have made similar decisions, as well.

The next time you are faced with a decision, remember to be realistic about what is before you and look to future implications. And one more thing…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Finish Strong

2009-11-19T10:20:51-05:00

I just finished a study through the book of Second Timothy. This is Paul’s final letter and contains, in effect, his last will and testament. Paul writes to Timothy about the need to be diligent in carrying on the faith. He instructs him to remain faithful to teaching the word. He encourages him to be strong. He challenges him to pour into others who are able to do the same.

Throughout the letter, Paul expresses concern to Timothy about the tenuous status of the faith. Times were difficult for the church with attacks coming from false teachers on the inside and the Roman government on the outside. Paul knew he would soon give his life as a final sacrifice. Timothy would need to reach out and firmly take hold of the baton that Paul was extending to him.

Then, in the midst of this flurry of challenges and commands, Paul reflects for just a moment on his life. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

No regrets. No, “I wish I would of…” No, “If only I had…” He was finishing well. He was finishing strong. As Paul neared the end of his time on earth he knew that he had accomplished what God had placed before him. A similar thought is found in the book of Acts referring to King David. “…after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died…” Acts 13:36

As followers of Christ, we are involved in a long distance race. The goal is not to blaze a trail – it is to stay on course. It is not to run fast – it is to complete the race. It is not to start strong – it is to finish strong.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

The Walk of a Lifetime

2009-11-08T21:32:52-05:00

In one of my earlier trips through the Bible, I was captured by the manner in which Enoch’s story jumps off the pages of God’s Word.

Genesis Chapter 5 presents a family tree taking us from Adam to Noah. As we travel through the years, a repetitive, if not boring, pattern emerges. First we read the father’s name. Next we read how old he was when he had his first son. We then read how many more years he lived and the fact that he had other sons and daughters. Finally we read about his death.

Then, all of a sudden, we are introduced to generation number seven. A man named Jared has a son named Enoch. Jared’s story is predictable, but then we read about his son. Here is what we find in Genesis 5:21-24.

“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

As I consider what it means to walk with God, I think about what Paul taught us in Galatians 5:25. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” This manner of walking with God is active. We’re not talking about a casual stroll, but rather an intentional, day-by-day, step-by-step journey with God.

This is what caught me when I read this passage previously. Enoch didn’t just live; he walked with God. While this is an incredible statement, what caught me this time is something totally different.

Looking at Genesis 5, we find that most of these guys lived into their 900’s before dying. However, when Enoch was a mere 365, God took him away. Enoch wasn’t even half as old as most of the other men listed when he was taken. Here is a statement signifying what was impressed on me.

Walking with God for half a lifetime is better than a whole lifetime without Him.

Think about it. Enoch was only middle-aged, but what stands out about his life is that he walked with God. As you consider all the things that might have been said about him, the fact that he walked with God is what the Bible records. And all this from the man who left the earth early compared to those that came before him and those that followed.

I pray that my life, no matter how long or short it is, would be characterized by walking with God.

To the End

2009-10-26T21:17:51-04:00

Jacob was on the run. He had tricked his brother out of his rightful place as the eldest son and had stolen the blessing his father had for him. Now his brother, Esau, wanted revenge. One night during his flight, Jacob had a dream. During this dream God spoke to him and made him these promises…

“I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.” Genesis 28:13-14

And if that was not enough, God remind Jacob that He would not leave these promises unmet.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15

Hundreds of years later, King Solomon offered praise to God as the one who brought all these things to pass…

“Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.” 1 Kings 8:56-57

The Great Completer. The One Who Finishes. The God Who Can Be Counted On.

Do you know God this way? Do you believe He will finish what He started? Are you willing to wait for this to happen?

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-6

This reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw years ago…

God said it!

I believe it!

That settles it!

Do They Get It?

2009-09-25T07:00:00-04:00

"When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.” Genesis 22:9

I’d like to believe that I’m making a difference in the lives of my children. I’d like to think that they are learning some things from me. I’d like to feel that my faith is becoming their faith.

But how do I know?

In Genesis 22 we read how God tested Abraham through his son Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac, the son of promise, was born. Now God had called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a means of demonstrating that nothing would have priority over Abraham’s relationship with God. As we read this account, the picture of God’s sacrifice of His Son is clear.

But as I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac, I was struck by what Isaac did not do. No struggle; no challenge; no running away. How could Isaac just lay there and allow his father to kill him? We don’t know how old Isaac was at the time. I’ve read suggestions from early elementary-age to early adult. Regardless, it appears that Isaac was a willing participant in his own sacrifice.

I believe Isaac didn’t struggle because he got it. He had faith in his father and in his father’s God. Whether for 5 years or 25 years, Isaac had watched his father’s relationship with God. He saw Abraham’s faith and devotion grow year after year. And now, when challenged, both he and his father passed the test.

Our kids are watching what we do with our time, with our money, with our faith. But rather than just hoping they get it, we must be intentional at teaching the lessons. This past weekend was one of those teachable moments. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, send me a note and I'll explain)

Our time as a church at Wal-Mart was nothing less than amazing. It was great walking up and down the aisles with the people we were worshiping with 30 minutes earlier. It was humbling to realize how far basic food items could really go. It was wonderful seeing empty shelves knowing this meant people were being generous.

But did you take advantage of this opportunity to help your kids grow? Did you take your kids shopping or did your kids go shopping with you? Did you share and teach and explain what was going on? I hope you did.

And if you did, you are on your way to helping your kids get it.