Where are you looking?

2 Chronicles 12:12b
…”We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

We find ourselves in the land of Judah, Probably 800-900 years before the time of Jesus. Specifically we are in the presence of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. Scripture tells us that Jehoshaphat followed the Lord and that, “His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 17:6a). There is a sense that he truly desired to follow and seek after the Lord. He wasn’t without his faults though. He had made some unwise choices (2 Chronicles 18-19:3, 20:35-37). However, in the midst of his foolishness we are able to see the heart of a man who loved the Lord.

In the context of the initial verse, times are desperate. Enemies are gathering around Judah; things certainly must have looked bleak. The Bible tells us that there was a great multitude. Can you imagine the great fear that must have come over him and the kingdom? We are told that he was indeed afraid (2 Chronicles 20:3), but he did not let his fear consume him. The way Jehoshaphat responds here gives us great insight into his heart. He sets his heart to seek God and in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12, we have a beautiful, passionate prayer of one who is afraid but one who knows who to turn to. We hear the prayer of one who is utterly dependent on God; he is desperate. We see that in the ending of the prayer, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Do you sense the desperation in his prayer?

We too often find ourselves surround by enemies. Sometimes we can only describe them as a great multitude. For most of us, our enemies are not necessarily people. They are often circumstances, events, emotions, tragedies, obstacles, mountains, and any number of things. They surround us and we can hardly see past them and we are filled with great fear because things look so hopeless. Have you been there? I have. I know what it is like for fear to grab hold of you and paralyze you because of the situation you are in. We have a choice though. We can choose to let the fear overwhelm us, or cry out to God in utter desperation. I began to think about what my life would be like if I lived in total dependence on Him in all areas of my life. What if instead of trying to fix things on my own I cried out to Him and said that I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on him? What if I lived my life in such a way that I was totally unaware of my problems because my eyes were fixed on Him? I desire that sense of urgency and passion in my walk with the Lord. Does this mean that every problem we face magically disappears when we cry out to the Lord? No. I’ve lived long enough to know that sometimes the Lord allows things in our life to help us grow and be strengthened in our faith. My prayer for you and me is that we continually seek the Lord not just when times are rough, but at all times. However, my prayer is also that when we are at wit’s end, are prayer is very similar to that of Jehoshaphat. Oh how wonderful it will be when we learn to look to the Lord (see: Hebrews 12:1-2).

In Jehoshaphat’s case, the Lord delivered Judah from the hand of their enemies (2 Chronicles 20). I believe that regardless of what you are going through, the Lord has a plan and a purpose for you in the midst of your trial. Let us pray with Jehoshaphat and say… “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

_____________________________

As with all of my blog posts, If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, my writings may not make much sense. Without a personal relationship with Christ, there is no hope for this life or for eternity. If you want to know more about a personal relationship with Christ, please look under Resources for a link entitled “How to be Saved.”


“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

The importance of God's Word

Sorry it has been so long but I have been super busy! Jenn and I have enjoyed being here in Fort Worth and getting to meet new people. It has been a good first semester, and the Lord has been so faithful! We are so thankful for His continued guidance in our lives. I am also thankful for the support of my wife, Jenn, and what a great blessing she has been! She has been patient and understanding throughout this semester and I thank the Lord for her! Below is a new blog post about a topic that I have been thinking about all semester. I hope to put out some more blogs over the break.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (NKJV)

This has been one busy semester! It has been filled with many long days studying, going to class and many hours in the Library. I have learned so much in class, chapel, through books and discussions; many things I have never even thought about before. However, there was one theme in particular, which has weighed on my heart all semester; the importance of the Bible, which is God’s word. Perhaps you read this and think, “That is all that you have learned in seminary! I could have told you that!” Well no, that’s not all I have learned and seminary, and yes, as Christians we know this to be true. Yet, it seems that Lord has wanted me to really understand this. So often, we treat God’s word as just an ordinary book or maybe we treat it as a textbook or index we go to for help; however, the Bible is so much more than that.

The Bible is His word to us. Consider the implications of this; God has given us His word. We do not have to search the world over for God’s truth; it is all in one place! It shows us how to have eternal life (Romans 10:9-10), how to have peace (Philippians 4:6-7), how to treat the Lord and one another (Matthew 22:37-40), and encouragement for the days we need it most (Philippians 4:13). These are just some of the truths that are contained in the Bible. How wonderful this is! The reality of this has caused me to fall deeper in love with God’s Word. I desire more than ever to apply these truths in my life. I do not want to simply know them, I want to know them. Through this renewed love for God’s word, my faith has been strengthened and I have grown closer to the Lord. It has caused me to evaluate my life and the things I do. I have been challenged to do things differently and to do things I have never done before. Through it, I have been encouraged to be a better husband, brother, son, friend, and ultimately a better follower of Christ. His Word has given me strength to make it through the darkest of days and to rejoice in the best of days. I have been confronted with the tough truths of scripture, as well as the sacrificial love of Christ. God has truly used His Word this semester to teach me more than I could have ever imagined. Above all, it has caused me to love Him more. We do not worship the Bible, of course; we worship the Lord. Many people know all about the Bible, but they do not know it as God’s word. I don’t know where you are in your life, but I do know this, God’s Word is applicable in every stage of life. I encourage you to read God’s Word and to really apply these truths to your life. Don’t miss the truths that God has given us.

Do you know where you will spend eternity? This is a critical question and one you should think about. You can read the Bible front to cover, but if you don’t what the Bible says about this, then you have missed the point. For more information, I encourage you to look under Resources for a link entitled “How to be Saved.”

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (NKJV)

Scripture labeled:NKJV

"New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved."

"Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000."

The Strength We Need

Philippians 4:10-13

“10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (NKJV).

Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorite passages in scripture. I have loved this verse since I was young, but the reality is I have come to love and understand this verse much more over the past few years. I used to simply read the verse but never really understood the background of this verse, but once I did, my eyes were opened to the promise of this scripture.

You see, in this passage Paul is closing his letter to the Christians at Philippi; He is making his closing remarks. In the above passage, he is specifically thanking them for their gifts, but he goes on to say that his content in all things, full or hungry, to be in need or to have plenty. He is truly thankful for the gifts but he understands that even without the gifts he would have been ok. Philippians 4:13, flows out of this. It’s as if Paul is answering the question that the believers in Philippi and the believers of today would have asked, “Hey Paul, how can you be content in all things?!” Paul’s answer? “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Every time I read this verse now in light of the entire passage I truly desire the power and conviction that Paul has. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reminds us that we have the Holy Spirit on our side. Paul elsewhere confirms this:

Ephesians 3:20
“ 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (NKJV).

As believers, we can learn many things form this passage. Here are truths that I have taken from these verses:

1. It’s all about Jesus!

Clearly, Paul does not say “I can do all things myself” nor does he have an “I can do it myself” mentality, which plagues many of us today (including myself at times). It is Christ who gives us the Power to do the things that we cannot. Undoubtedly, you will encounter things that you cannot do on your own. You will face a giant too large, a mountain to high, a problem too painful for you to handle alone. These are the times that we are painfully aware that we are not really self-sufficient. We like to pretend that we can do all things or that we can fix any problems that come our way, but there are times that problems come in that loom so large over us that we lose any idea of self-sufficiency. Remember, it is all about Jesus. He gives us power and He gives us strength. Paul clearly understood that is was all about Jesus then, just as it is today.

2. Nothing is too big for God!

In this passage, you know what word jumps out at me? That simple,little word all. It seems like a word that doesn’t really matter, but in this passage it matters greatly. Paul didn’t say, “I can do some things…” Would you take a lot of comfort in this verse if he did? I know I wouldn’t because I would wonder and worry which things he would give me the strength to do! The reality is that there is nothing that is too big for God! In the birth story, we are reminded of this. When the Angel was telling Mary that she would conceive a son, even though she was a virgin, we come across a wonderful statement, “For with God nothing will be impossible” Luke 1:37 (NKJV). What a wonderful promise of scripture, but the questions is, Do you believe that? Do you really believe that there is nothing that we face that is too big for God to handle? I believe this to be true because is promised in scripture. I believe there are people that are reading this blog right now who are facing some incredible challenges and difficulties in their life. They are reading this and wondering if there problem is too big for God to handle. They may be struggling with addictions, relationship problems, financial problems, work issues, church issues, health problems but God is bigger than all these problems. Just when you feel like giving up or that you don’t have the strength to go on, Paul gently reminds us that we can do all things through Christ. Because he is bigger than all of our problems, He is faithful to help us through any issue we face. Does this mean that our problems will be magically wiped away? No, he does not promise that we will not face any problems, rather we will be strengthened as we go through them.

3. We can rest in God’s power!

I am convinced that we do not rest enough. I don’t mean physical rest (although some of you need to physically rest more too!) We don’t rest in God enough. We are too busy fixing things, fighting battles, working at different things, perhaps we are doing God’s work, but we are weary. Why? Because we are too busy doing all of this alone! We don't rest in God’s power. In our main text, Paul says that he is content, even in the midst of different trials. He is content because he knows that he will be the given power to handle any situation. When we try to handle all of life’s problems alone, we will surely get burnt out! Let us put down our plows for a minute, let us step back from the battles and rest. Those problems will still be there but we have to remember that we can do all things through him. He alone gives us strength, but there are times in our life that we need to be re-charged. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “ 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (NKJV) We need to be still and fellowship with God. How can we rest? I believe through prayer, bible study, fellowship, worship; anything that puts our eyes on Christ. Rest; I need it and you need it. This is not a call to laziness, because Paul was anything but lazy! This is simply a call to step back and allow God to be God.

I hope you will rest in God’s power and stop striving on your own power; you will never succeed on your own. He will give you power! Don’t forget that amazing promise that is in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (NKJV). I''ll be honest, this blog post is really for me than anyone else! I too need to be daily reminded of these truths. This blog simply flowed out of my study of these scripture passages and the joy I received from them!

Here is the catch though; you have to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior in order to experience His power. Please see the link “how to be saved” under Resources.

In Christ!

Donald


Scripture labeled:NKJV

"New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved."

"Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000."

True Hope

One things I have noticed over the past year or so is the use of the word hope, the way it is used in culture and the way I use it personally. You see, it's some what of a buzz word, especially since it was used extensivelly in our last presidential election. We use it often in everday language, using it as a sort of wishful thinking. I hope for a lot of things; I hope gas goes below $2 a gallon again, I hope the Redskins go to the SuperBowl, I hope I get a check in the mail to pay off all my bills, I hope my car is able to last another 5 years; you get the point. Not that these things couldn't happen, because they very well could. However, they are not based on fact or logic, rather they are based on what I want. In a lot ways the phrase "I hope" is synonomous with "I wish."



So, from a Christian perspective when I say that I have hope in Jesus Christ, do I mean that I have a sort of wishful hope, not sure if He is real, but hoping he is? No! You see, in scripture the word Hope is used much differently than we use it. Accord to The Vines Complete Expository Dictionary, Hope is, "a favorable and confident expectation." In 1 Timothy 1:1 the apostle Paul addresses his audience in the way, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope " (NIV). Christ Jesus our Hope! How exciting is it to see that we have hope in Jesus Christ, but what exactly do I mean by that? My relationship with Jesus has given me hope in many areas of my life, but specifically I have assurance of eternal life with Jesus. When I die, I do not have to wonder if I will go to heaven because I have hope in the promises of scripture:



John 3:16 " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." NKJV



Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." NKJV



1 John 5:12 "He who has the Son has life: he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." NKJV



Often, when people are asked if they will go to Heaven when they die, they will respond by saying, "I hope so." You don't have to have hope of heaven in a worldly sense, rather you can have true hope of eternal life when you trust Jesus Christ!

If you would like more information on how to know Jesus Christ, please visit the following link. Pastor Ray Pritchard has written blog outlining how to be Saved.

http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/2006-05-26-Gods-Simple-Plan-of-Salvation/


Please feel free to e-mail or comment with any questions or feedback!
In Christ,

Donald


Scripture labeled: NIV

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture labeled:NKJV
New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved."

"Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000."