Birds of Prey

God spoke to Abram in a vision: I am your shield, your very great reward. (Gen. 15:1 NIV) That sounds wonderful, but Abram was less than thrilled. He might have appreciated God as his shield, but in his world, children were a primary blessing. He and Sarah had none. He wanted a child and he said, O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless. . . . (v. 2)

God answered by again promising Abram that he would receive a son. He promised land, too. And Abram was so free in God’s presence that he asked how he could believe God was really speaking to him. God replied by instructing him to prepare a specific sacrifice.

Abraham followed the instructions, but then something strange happened: birds of prey came down on the carcasses. . . . (v. 11) In this tender moment of communion with God—of knowing God’s divine love and attention—Abraham was forced to deal with wild animals that threatened to destroy his offering. He drove them away. (v. 11)

Was it a test? A challenge? Later than night, God spoke to him in a dream—revealing the future of his descendants. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram. (v. 18)

We don't know why God deals with people the way He does. Abraham's experience with birds of prey might not have seemed as strange to him as it does it us. Abraham somehow knew God was with him.

We, also, somehow know God is sovereign and that He is with us. And like Abraham, we might experience strange events when God comes to us with His promises. Then, like Abraham, we're called to trust Him. And like Abraham, we stand against whatever threatens to destroy our relationship with this God who speaks and offers promieses.

Originally published March 9, 1984.

Picture: Oriental poppy, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

River of Life

Rivers offer much to the people who live on their banks. They bring water to thirsty people. Their water is used for household tasks such as washing clothes and floors. Many parts of the world use river water for irrigation, so they are important to farmers producing food. Sometimes rivers provide a mode of transportation. Industries often build along rivers because they need the water a river brings.
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A river’s importance was perhaps even more apparent in Biblical times than today. Although Abraham’s nephew Lot had traveled with his uncle, there came a time when they were too prosperous for the land to support both. Abraham—knowing he was blessed to be a blessing—offered Lot first pick, and Lot chose the valley of the River Jordan. He looked down and saw it was a well-watered plain. (Gen. 13)

Throughout the Bible, rivers provide an analogy for God’s blessing. A psalmist said, There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. (Ps. 46:4 NIV) Although people who trust God are not immune to problems, they can turn to Him. And He becomes their personal life-giving river.

Originally published June 8, 1984.

Blessed to Bless Others

God said to Abram, I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. (Gen. 12:2 NKJV) Notice that God blessed Abram—later Abraham—so he could bless others. Blessings from God have value beyond the individual who receives them.

Lest there be any doubt, Abraham was blessed indeed. We learn in chapter 13:2 that he was rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. At one point he deployed a personal army of 318 of his own servants. (Gen. 14) He’s the recognized patriarch of several ethnic groups.

And in the spiritual realm, Christians from all ethnic groups claim Abraham as a forerunner and patriarch because he fathered the lineage of Jesus Christ—and he offers Christians and all people with an example of obedience and faith.

So as Christians called to live by faith, we’re also called to recognize that we receive blessings so we can bless others. Peter made this clear when he said, not returning evil for evil . . . but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (I Pet. 3:9)

Truly, we are blessed—so we can bless others.

Originally published May 29, 1987.

Picture: Pink peonies in full bloom viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Time of Your Sojourning

Abraham was a sojourner. He lived in temporary dwellings—tents—among a people-group different than his people group. Although he did business with his Canaanite neighbors—coexisted with them profitably and peacefully—he was not part of their culture. Even when he became wealthy, he did not join their lifestyle.

As Abraham was a sonjourner, Christians are called to become sojourners. Christians are called to do business with their neighbors—co-exist with them profitably and peacefully—while not joining a worldly, Canaanite-type lifestyle.

Peter wrote, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your sojourning here in fear, knowing you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ. . . . (II Pet. 1:;17-19 NJHV)

Because of the sojourner status, natural sources of stability, support, and release are not available to many Christians. They must look instead to a supernatural source. They must become firmly established in Jesus.

Originally published June 26, 1987.

A Good Condition

The word sanctify is usually associated with purity or freedom from sin. However, the literal meaning is set apart for a sacred purpose. It is associated with purity when people or objects are set apart for spiritual reasons. Because they are set apart, they are unstained by sin and the world and they are recognized as holy or pure.

Jesus did not envision this as a rare condition. He applied the word sanctify to His disciples when He prayed to His Father. He said, Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is Truth. As You have sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. (Jn. 17:17-19 NKJV)

Observe that being sanctified or set apart occurs when the truth of God’s Word shapes individuals. Jesus perceived it as a good condition—one that helped the disciples influence others positively. Jesus willingly allowed Father God to set Him apart—to sanctify Him. He also prayed for His disciples sanctification.

Originally published January 22, 1993.

Picture: Pink peonies beginning to bloom, viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Markedly Different

True wisdom is rare. For examples, look at politics and science. Many political solutions create new problems. And science, although it offers advances through technology, often causes unforeseen residual effects. And so, while politicians and scientists keep busy, detached intellectuals view our dilemma with little hope.

Against this backdrop, listen to Scripture’s view of man’s attempt at wisdom: Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (I Cor. 1:20 NKJV)

This doesn’t mean God opposes critical thinking or pursuing knowledge. The more we know about creation, the more we appreciate our Creator. And God specifically tells us to pray for political leaders.

Nevertheless, God’s wisdom is markedly different from man’s wisdom. God’s wisdom focuses on the person of Jesus. It creates new lifestyles in those who turn to Him. And that’s godly wisdom.

Originally published April 27, 1990.

Does God Subvert Judgment?

The Biblical book of Job is confusing. Job tried to explain his condition to his friends by saying unthinkable words that seemed to blame God: He crushes me . . . and multiplies my wounds . . . For He is not a man . . . Let Him take His rod away from me, and do not let dread of Him terrify me. (Job 9:17-34)

Bildad the Shuhite was shocked by Job’s outbursts: How long will you speak these things. . . ? Does God subvert judgment? (Job 8:2,3 NKJV) To make matters worse, two additional friends named Eliphaz and Zophar agreed and said similar things. Furthermore, Job’s friends must have quoted truth because almost everything they said can be found in other portions of Scripture.

Yet, in the end, the friends were pronounced guilty. God instructed them to provide an offering so Job could sacrifice in their behalf and pray for them. Now, is that not confusing?

A big difference between Job and his friends was that Job trusted the person of God for salvation. Although the friends seemed to be God-focused as well, they focused on ideas about God. Perhaps they trusted more in being right—more in what they believed about God—than they trusted in God Himself.

Originally published September 27, 1992.

Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

If He Withholds

Life can be unfair. Look at the Biblical character named Job. Although he was a righteous man, he lost his children and vast material possessions. Then God allowed Satan to afflict him with boils covering his entire body.

After a long discussion between Job and his friends, God returned Job to health and prosperity on all counts—even gave him additional children. But between the time when his world came crashing down and when his world was restored, God took Job on an inner journey. While sitting on the ash heap—nursing his sores—he examined his motives and the nature of his God—the God who allowed so great a misfortune.

One thing was certain: God was (and is) sovereign. Job said, If He [God] breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt; if He imprisons a man, there can be no release. If He withholds the waters, they dry up . . . He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings the shadow of death to light. . . . (Job 12, 14-13:1)

Originally published February 9, 1990.

Interested in God?

Does the Gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—ever seem unreal? Does Jesus’ death on the cross seem unrelated to daily life? After all, it happened almost 2,000 years ago.

If those questions describe your mental state, try asking God for a spiritual mind. Paul wrote to the Romans, For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Rom. 8;5,6 NKJV)

A carnal mind does not probe deeply and it refuses to contemplate what it does not understand. It is not interested in God. A spiritual mind, however, asks questions and considers the many paradoxes of life. A spiritual mind is interested in God.

Unless we have a spiritual mind, we will not come to Jesus Christ and we will not accept His sacrifice for Sin. But we cannot create our own spiritual mind. We can only receive it by turning to God. Only He gives spiritual minds that make it possible to accept Jesus’ sacrifice.

Originally published November 8, 1991.

Picture: Peonies viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Inspired Leadership

History tells us that nations can rise or fall depending upon their leaders. Leaders that inspire can bring individuals together, can unite people to pursue worthy goals.

The people of Palestine during Jesus’ time did not have such leadership. The Bible tells us, But when [Jesus] saw the multitude, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (Mt. 9:36 NKJV)

Many feel our nation is in this condition today. Individuals along with society as a whole are weary, jaded, fragmented, aimless—wandering about for lack of inspired leadership.

Jesus has the solution. He offers Himself and a new dimension of life. We can receive Him and the purpose He brings, or we can reject Him and continue without meaningful direction.

Originally published November 17, 1989.

Restrictions, Rights, and Freedom

Occasionally we hear much about restrictions—they’re supposed to be bad because they limit freedom. Or we hear about rights—they’re supposed to be good because they allow freedom.

But perhaps true freedom is unrelated to either rights or restrictions. What if it’s related to the desires of the heart. Paul had something like that in mind when he said, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (II Cor. 3:17 NKJV)

How can that be?

When we respond to God in love, He grows fruit in our lives. And, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Gal. 4:22-23)

When the Spirit of the Lord operates in our hearts, we are free from greed, free from competition, free from pretense, free from hate. Even though these are natural human traits, if we let Him, God can gradually remove them and the hurts they’ve created. And then we are truly free. Free to respond with openness to God and to others.

Originally published May 21, 1993.

Picture: Container flowers, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Civil Disobedience?

Groups of people were killed in Europe during World War II and few rose to defend or rescue them. Doing so would have been dangerous, because that would mean disobeying evil laws established by an evil government. After the war, some defended their lack of Christian love by claiming the Bible teaches people to support their government.

The Bible does teach that people are to support their government. But would it surprise you to know the Bible also directs people to participate in civil disobedience at times? When Peter and John were imprisoned, God sent an angel to open to the prison doors and lead them outside. Then the angel said, Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people the words of this life. (Acts 5:18-20 NKJV)

The disciples obeyed the angel. The enraged authorities asked, Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name [of Jesus] And look you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. . . .

Peter and the other apostles answered with a truth we cannot forget: We ought to obey God rather than men. God’s Word instructs us to obey leadership when it provides protection and order. When that is lost, our duty is to obey God—and to change the law if possible.

Originally published August 30, 1991.

Personal Letters

There are many misconceptions about the apostle named Paul: he is often portrayed by people today as a man of no emotion. Yet his letters are full of greetings and friendly words to friends. He relates personal accounts of disappointment or joy. All suggest a rich emotional life.

Look at his letters to Timothy. Paul and Timothy enjoyed a close relationship when they traveled and worked together. While still a young man, Timothy proved his worth to Paul. Paul could send Timothy to settle disputes. Timothy went on preaching-teaching side-trips. The two men shared a common vision, and because their ministries were connected, they also experienced common hardships.

Paul’s letters to Timothy reveal their relationship. He recounted loneliness: At my first defense, no one came to support. (II Tim. 4:16 NIV) He recounted victory in a spiritual battle: But the Lord stood at my side . . . I was delivered from the Lion’s Mouth. (v. 17)

Most of all, Paul emphasized the source of his strength when he was vulnerable: The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom (v. 18a)

Originally published October 25, 1985.

Picture: Commercial landscaping, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

To Magnify God

We usually think of Paul as the brilliant, well-educated scholar who always spoke with ease and eloquence. Paul did not think of himself that way. He might even have tried to overcome the image. When He wrote to the Corinthians, he said he did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom. . . . (I Cor. 2:1a NIV) Then he explained what he had tried to do: I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (v. 2)

Anyone who studies Paul quickly realizes the man was brilliant. But his goal was magnifying God. He did not want people to believe the gospel because of His persuasiveness; he wanted them to believe because they had their own encounter with God. He said, that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (. 4,5)

Obviously, the man wasn’t impressed with himself. His purpose was to magnify God. To magnify God he focused on God’s strength and God’s power.

Originally published June 29, 1984.

Rejoicing in Jail

Paul was writing from prison when he said, Now I want you to know, brothers, that what happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Phil. 1:12 NIV) He explained that because of his imprisonment the palace guard and others realized he was there only because he was a Christian. They respected Paul. And because of the jail sentence, the Word of God was brought to people who would normally have been outside his sphere of influence.

Furthermore, Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God. . . . (v. 14a) Those dependent upon Paul for spiritual leadership were forced to step out on their own.

So although prison continued as an uncomfortable reality, Paul could write to the Philipians, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (v. 18b)

Imagine. He rejoiced. He knew God could take aspects of life which are difficult—perhaps even devastating—and use them for good.

Originally published October 7, 1983.
Picture: Pansies, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Julius, a Centurion

A centurion named Julius had the job of delivering Paul to Rome. A tough job because at least one of his prisoners—Paul—was unjustly incarcerated, and because some of his prisoners were surely dangerous.

Julius respected Paul. They'd become friends of sorts. When the ship stopped at Sidon, he arranged for Paul to receive assistance from friends.

Yet he failed to heed Paul’s revelation from God. When the owner wanted to make up for lost time, Paul recommended waiting out the winter in a port named Fair Havens, but Julius agreed to leave. [He] was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship. . . . (Acts 27:11a NKJV)

Of course, they had problems. During a storm, Paul received another revelation: all must stay aboard until the ship ran aground. Meanwhile, they should strengthen themselves by eating.

The soldiers routinely planned to kill all prisoners. But Julius, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purposes, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard . . . the rest, some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. (v. 43a,44)

Paul prayed, trusted God, and shared his insight. And so, after making a mistake, Julius adjusted and God's plans prevailed.

Originally published May 27, 1988.

Becoming Established

People often decide they will trust Jesus in a specific problem area such as overeating or smoking or gossip or procrastination—only to discover they cannot overcome the deeply ingrained habits of sin in their own strength or power. The discouraging aspect of this is that the struggle continues throughout our Christian experience. After victory in one area, we quickly realize problems in another.

Paul identified the struggle and lamented, For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Rom. 7:19 NIV)

Yet he was not discouraged. He directed his attention beyond his sinful nature into the person of Jesus and the Spirit of Jesus. He wrote, “[H]e who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit . . .” (Rom. 8:11b)

There is victory! Although individuals cannot overcome sin, the life of Christ can do all things. It is the Spirit of Christ that establishes the life of Christ within a person.

Originally published October 1, 1982.
Picture: Potted flowers for a deck, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Do You Believe the Prophets?

Is it possible to believe without faith? Perhaps knowing truth and walking in truth are not the same? Look at the cases of Governor Festus and King Agrippa.

By way of background, when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, Christians welcomed him gladly but the religious leaders seized him on false charges. Roman soldiers arrested him to avoid a riot and, to avoid certain death at the hands of locals, Paul appealed to the Roman governor.

After languishing in prison for a season, a new governor named Festus came to town. Then King Agrippa, a king with a Semantic heritage, visited Festus. The two rulers reviewed Paul’s case together and Paul was brought before them. Paul used the event as an opportunity to tell the men about Jesus.

Each of the rulers responded based on their unique backgrounds, and each put their spin on Paul's message. Festus had a Roman viewpoint and Paul challenged everything he had learned and believed. He saw the reasoning of Paul’s argument, but he said, “Paul, you are beside yourself. Much learning has made you mad!” (Acts 26:13:NKVJ) He could not—would not—allow an intrusion into his personal views or mindset.

Agrippa, a man acquainted with Scripture, thought differently. Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?”

Agrippa couldn't discount Paul and he knew the question was not an idle question. Yet he wasn't willing to follow the God of Scripture. “You almost persuade me to become a Christian,” he said. (v. 27,28) He knew Paul spoke truth.

One man rejected truth because he could not comprehend it. The other rejected truth because he did not want to submit to its claims.

Originally published May 15, 1987.

Purposed in the Spirit

Paul was on his third missionary journey when he purposed in the Spirit . . . to travel again to Jerusalem. . . . (Acts 19:21b NKJV)

The phrase purposed in the Spirit (note the capital “S” in Spirit) is one of those sticky or controversial spots in Scripture. The New International Version of the Bible reads, Paul decided. . . . These translations do not quite agree.

The New American Standard Bible reads, Paul purposed in the spirit (note the small “s”). The small “s” has a footnote telling the reader the translators will not commit themselves to whether “spirit” means Paul’s human spirit or God’s Holy Spirit.

Did Paul decide in his own spirit or did he respond to a leading from God’s Spirit? Or a combination of the two? Whatever the case, from that point on Paul received many warnings telling him he would end up in a prison if he went to Jerusalem. But he went to Jerusalem anyway, regardless of the consequences. He had decided or purposed in the Spirit. He either would not—or could not—turn away from God’s call or God’s claim upon his life.

Originally published May 20, 1988.
Picture: Hollyhocks near Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

"This Babbler"

While in Athens, Paul went to the square. There he learned that the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. (Acts 17:21 RSV)

This has to be one of the funniest verses in the Bible. Picture cronies daily rehashing the tiresome latest trends. Standing around with no concept of useful activity, they reacted to Paul with, “What would this babbler say?” (v. 18b) They looked for whatever diversion they could find, even listening to people they identified as babblers—because they needed something to fill their boring, idle hours.

With great grace, Paul saw this as an opportunity. He presented the gospel.

Reactions varied, especially when he told them about Jesus’ resurrection. Then, some mocked, but others said, “We will hear you again about this” (v. 32b)

Paul did not push his message of Jesus. He quietly moved so he was no longer the center of attention. Some followed him and became believers.

Originally published March 19, 1982.