Provocations

Dealing with Discouragement

Jesus brings courage to the discouraged.

This was the core message from yesterday's sermon. I thought I would follow up with some practical pointers. Here a a few things I have found helpful in dealing with discouragement:

1) Identify what it is that is causing you to be discouraged. This may sound simplistic but have you ever felt in the dumps or unmotivated but are not sure why? I have. It helps me to do a little self-analysis and figure out what is the cause. Sometimes I find some goal I have (stated or subconscious) has been blocked. Sometimes I find that I have a stressed relationship in my life. Whatever it is, identify the source of the discouragement so that you can know what you need to do next.

2) Identify what you can and cannot control about the cause of your discouragement. For instance, if I have a blocked goal, is it blocked because of something I have done or not done? Is it caused by someone else or circumstances that are out of my control?

3) Take action on the things you can control and trust God with the things you can not. Actually we trust God no matter what but we need also to take personal responsibility for the things we can do. The things that are out of your control need to be taken to God and trust that he will make something good out of something that to you is frustrating (Romans 8:28). The things that you can control need to be addressed by asking, "What could I do differently that I have done to this point to overcome this obstacle." This is, of course, dependent on being convinced that the goal is honoring to God and a worthwhile goal.

4) Because often discouragment is seeded in personal desires, seek in both your mindset and your actions live out Philippians 2:1-4

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

 5) Worship God knowing that your discouragement provides you the opportunity to trust him and to encouraged by him. Anytime our weaknesses give way to a demonstration of his strength is a reason to worship.

How about you? What have you found helpful in dealing with discouragement?

Philippines Update: Day 3

I write this morning with the sound of a thunderstorm rolling through the city. That will likely make my wife jealous since, surprisingly, one of the things she misses about growing up in Memphis are the thunderstorms (minus the tornadoes).

Yesterday (day three of my journey), I had the opportunity to worship with Community Baptist Church and preach at two services. One of the very encouraging aspects of meeting the people here have been the radical life change stories as a result of the commitment to Jesus Christ. Over and over again I hear of the brokenness that was healed and the bondage that was shattered by finding peace in Christ. This peace seems seldom to leads to passivity but translates into a mobilized person willing to take great personal risk to tell others the good news. The number of young people who have come to know the Lord from destructive lifestyles and moved on to leadership roles living full out for Jesus is amazing. Many of these are not only impacting Manila but moving out to other countries as missionaries. I look forward to telling more of their stories in the future.

After Church I gathered with the Lyons family for lunch. It is a great testimony to the vision and heart for missions that Greg and LuAnn have obviously passed on to their children who are serving with them in ministry. We spent some time talking about leadership development and brainstorming some ideas of future ministry partnerships with SCC. Collette also joined us. A widowed school teacher who has fairly recently followed God's call from Kansas to come to the Philippines to teach. By the way she is probably about 60. God does not just call the young people to a radical life-changing experience in missions.

I did not sleep well last night. In fact, for those that are aware of the time difference it is 5:30 am here and I have been up praying, dreaming and typing for about 2 hours. My lack of sleep, however, has little to do with the time change and travel schedule. Rather, I am always energized being around other leaders with a big vision and the willingness to take risk for the kingdom. To share together in this great work of of the kingdom, to challenge one another and to support one another. This is life abundant for me. Continue to pray as I move into a week of ministry to local pastors. I know I will learn from them. Pray that God, in turn, may use me to encourage and strengthen their hearts and minds.

Below is a picture of the garland they gave me to wear while preaching yesterday. Don't do that everyday!

Prayer Reflections for Thursday July 21

It was early in Jesus ministry. He had been rejected at Nazareth. Elsewhere as he taught and healed people crowds began to follow him. He called his first disciples which brought its own unique challenges. Then in Luke 5: 15-16 we read the words, "But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."

As a Pastor this passage speaks volumes. There is never enough time to meet all the needs and ministry demands. Even success in ministry can be intoxicating and fuel the feeling that you need to always be available to the crowds. Every morning there is the long "to do" and "to meet" list. Jesus, however, took the time to withdraw from the crowds and pray. We see this same example in the early church leaders in Acts 6 where they put a priority on the ministry of the word and prayer. But the application of this passage is not just for Pastors. We all have things clamoring to be done. People wanting our time. These are most often good things and people we value calling for our time. Yet, what do we have to give if we have not first spent our time alone with God.

One writer has stated, "A day without prayer is a boast against God." We are not designed to live independently of our God. We are to live in the reality of his presence, power and glory. Prayer reminds us of these truths. No matter how busy your day or how large the crowds, be sure and take time out to pray. Boast in his power not your own by your commitment to prayer.

 

Prayer Tip: I spoke Sunday about setting aside specific times of prayer and make them a part of your life rhythm. I mentioned in my Monday post that one way to do this is to follow a long standing Christian tradition of having a time of morning prayers, mid-day prayers, and evening prayers. I have often found it helpful to pause at midday to have a time of prayer and reflection. I actually began this while working in the construction industry. I would read a chapter in the Book of Proverbs and then pray as to how I could live that wisdom for the rest of the day. A side benefit of this, other than having a piece of wisdom for the day and returing your focus on the Lord, is that you can read through whole Book of Proverbs in one month.

Prayer Reflections for Wednesday July 20

Meditation is a practice that many have associated with eastern, non-christian religion. However, meditation has a rich Christian heritage that is rooted in Scripture. J.I. Packer has defined meditation from a christian perspective as follows, "Meditation is the activity of calling to mind , and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God."

Christian meditation is, therefore, different from some forms of meditation. Many non-christian forms focus on the emptying of the mind or the merging of the conscious with the unconscious. Christian meditation is about drinking deeply of the nature and character of God with an active but quiet mind. 

Consider mediation from the practice of the Psalmist. Meditation is a recurring theme and focused on the commands, precepts, promises and works of God. Here are a few examples for reflection:

"I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." Psalm 77:12

"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways." Psalm 119:15

"Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works." Psalm 119: 27

"I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes." Psalm 119: 48

"Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts." Psalm 119: 78

"My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise." Psalm 119: 148

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands." Psalm 143:5

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." Psalm 1435:5

One of the more interesting passages regarding meditation is found in Psalm 5 where the Psalmist contrast sinning in anger and meditation, "Be angry, and do not sin; meditate in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."   Selah Psalm 4:5

I leave you with the following from Thomas Merton in Thoughts in Solitude on prayer and meditation:

"In meditative prayer, one thinks and speaks not only with his mind and lips, but in a certain sense with his whole being. Prayer is then not just a formula for words, or a series of desires springing up in the heart - it is the orientation of our whole body, mind and spirit to God in silence, attention and adoration. All good meditative prayer is a conversation of our entire self to God."

Prayer Tip: One of the ways to practice meditation is Scripture memory. We often think of Scripture memory as a discipline rather than a devotion. If we slow down and memorize the text not for intellectual prowess whereby we can impress others but with the goal of meditating on it . We are then free to meditate on his word and commune with him rather or not we have a bible in front of us. I believe Scripture memory combined with meditation can be a tremendous fuel to a fervent prayer life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer Reflections for Tuesday July 19

Over the years of practicing and teaching the use of the acronym ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) I have found that people have difficulty distinguishing adoration from thanksgiving. This has also been something I have noticed in the worship songs often written and sung in our churches. Both adoration and thanksgiving have a place in our worship and prayer but there is also a distinction. I believe the fault is in our understanding of adoration. I am not sure I can say it better than Albert Day in An Autobiography of Prayer:

"...the highest adoration is not occupied with the recollection of favors received and mercies extended, though they do help one be aware of the true nature of God. There is still, in all such recollection, a remnant of that self-centeredness which it should be the purpose of prayer to escape. In it, we are still thinking of God in terms of something done to 'me' or for 'me.' We never really adore Him, until we arrive at the moment when we worship Him for what He is in Himself, apart from any consideration of the impact of His Divine Selfhood upon our desires and our welfare. Then we love Him for Himself alone. Then we adore Him, regardless of whether any personal benefit is in anticipation or not. Then it is not what He has done for us or what we expect Him to do for us, but what He has been from eternity before we existed, and what He is now even if we were  not here to need Him, and what he will be forever whether that 'forever' includes us or not - it is that which captivates us and evokes from us the selfless offering of self in worship. That is pure adoration. Nothing less is worthy of the name."

What a transformation such thoughts have on both our prayer life and our worship. To begin each prayer expressing our adoration of our Heavenly Father. This not only is proper but has the power to transform our hearts from the self-centered lover of the gift to the other-centered lover of the giver.

Prayer Tip: A very helpful book that Jane Etter, our women's ministry director, introduced me to is called Disciplines for the Inner Life by Bob and Micheal Benson. It is a bit hard to come by but if you can get one I suggest you do it. It is broken down into 52 chapters (one per week) for the year and a different Scripture and meditation for each day in the week. It is different from most devotionals, however, in that it is really a worship guide with each days reading being broken down into 1) a prayer of invocation; 2) a Psalm; 3) a daily Scripture reading; 3) a selection for meditation; 4) a time of personal meditation; 5) a prayer; 6) a Hymn; 7) a benediction.

Prayer Reflections for Monday July 18

E.M. Bounds is one of the best known writers on prayer. Reflect on his thoughts about devotion and prayer:

"The very essence of prayer is the spirit of devotion. Without devotion prayer is an empty form, a vain round of words...Prayer must be aflame. Its ardor must consume. Prayer without fervor is as a sun without light or heat, or a flower without beauty or fragrance. A soul devoted to God is a fervent soul, and prayer is a creature of that flame." 

Listen to the consuming devotion of the Psalmist in Psalm 63:

              ¹ O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you;

                        my flesh faints for you,

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

                ²        So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

beholding your power and glory.

                ³        Because your steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise you.

                ⁴        So I will bless you as long as I live;

in your name I will lift up my hands.

                ⁵        My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

                ⁶        when I remember you upon my bed,

and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

                ⁷        for you have been my help,

and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

                ⁸        My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

                ⁹        But those who seek to destroy my life

shall go down into the depths of the earth;

                ¹⁰        they shall be given over to the power of the sword;

they shall be a portion for jackals.

                ¹¹        But the king shall rejoice in God;

all who swear by him shall exult,

for the mouths of liars will be stopped." 

 

What a pleasure it is to be able to pray to the one who has captured our hearts with his love. May our devotion be ever growing and manifest in a prayer life that is aflame with our passion for Him and His will.

Prayer Tip: I spoke Sunday about setting aside specific times of prayer and make them a part of your life rhythm. One way to do this is to follow a long standing Christian tradition of having a time of morning prayers, mid-day prayers, and evening prayers. I find it helpful to focus on the character and nature of God in my morning prayers. This gets my attention flowing in the right direction to start the day. One way this can be done is to read a psalm and on a sheet of paper list if there are any of the following: a characteristic of God revealed, a work that God displayed, and/or a promise that God that has been made. Then pray in view of these. What a great way to better understand God, the object of our devotion.

Note: This blog is a follow-up from a Sunday morning sermon at Snohomish Community Church. I will be posting a blog a day on prayer and a prayer tip from July 18-22.

 

Sermon for July 17

This past Sunday at Snohomish Community Church I spoke on prayer from Ephesians 6:18-20. We see Paul calling the Ephesian believers to prayer. He begins with a general call to pray at all times. He then narrows the call to praying specifically for believers. Finally, he narrows it even further to call them to pray specifically for him. The following chart shows Paul's narrowing emphasis. The final call to prayer I have broadened to all those who proclaim the good news, not just Paul.

 

After reviewing this text, we spent some time in corporate prayer using the ACTS acronym. This is a great tool for times when you need a little help focusing your mind in prayer. The acronym is as follows:

• Adoration - expressing of your adoration to God for who he is.
• Confession - agreeing with God about your sin.
• Thanksgiving - expressing thanks for what God has done.
• Supplication - making requests of God concerning yourself, others and the advance of the gospel.

People find many different ways to help them focus their prayer time. What helps you in your daily prayers?

Luther on True Divinity

In reading a section from Luther's Table Talk I came across the following description of those who do not practice and teach "true divinity":

"They follow their own opinions, and what with their five senses they are able to comprehend."

Lord, protect me from the idolatry of my own opinions. May they always be subjected to your revelation. Lord, protect me from overconfidence of my ability to perceive with my natural senses. Reveal your will through your Spirit so that I may not boast in my abilities. Natural men accept only the things of the flesh yet the spiritual man receives what is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Reflections on Psalm 119: 9-16

During my recent vacation to Florida I began reading through Psalm 119 as part of my time alone with God. I have copied here some of the reflections from my journal:

As in the previous verses, the delight in God's word is still prevalent in these verses. It is interesting that in the Scriptures the study of God's Word is both a discipline and a delight. When it becomes only a discipline it is time to check the heart attitude. 

The unique contribution in these verses above the previous resides in the understanding that the teachings, the a word of God, keep one from impurity and sin. In verse 10, there is a parallel established between the pursuit of God with all our hearts and not wandering from his commandments.

These and so many passages draw together a love for God, his Word and obedience. Is not Christianity really that simple? Understanding who God is, a desire to love and obey him, and accepting Jesus as the only way to forgiveness and empowerment for life.In this I delight, that he loves me, initiates a relationship with me and gives me his word for protection. 

Reflections on Psalm 119: 1-8

During my recent vacation to Florida I began reading through Psalm 119 as part of my time alone with God. I have copied here some of the reflections from my journal. 

I sit on the beach at Carillon as the sun begins to arise from its nightly slumber. The waves have not slept. I know this because I heard them all night outside my window. I am overwhelmed by the greatness of God displayed in his creation. I reflect upon the loving-kindness of God. It is like these waves. It continually roles in morning and night day after day.

The text before me this morning is Psalm 119: 1-8. Here the Psalmist writes of the statutes, law and testimonies of God. There is a focus on the blessings given toward those who listen to them and obey. Why would we not?

I fear the only reason we would not follow in and delight in these are because we doubt the character of the law giver. Perhaps we do not believe he loves us enough to give us commands that lead to life. Perhaps we doubt his ability or desire to hold up his end of the bargain. Or. likely, we are just lazy. We fail to stop and to listen and then to obey.

This great God who has the power to create this great beauty is worthy of worship and obedience. He is worthy of this whether or not we receive any blessings from this obedience. Yet, blessings he promise. I pray that my life would be always firmly established on His truth. That his blessings would abound that I may turn and proclaim the excellencies of his faithfulness.