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Humility…before the Lord…we all need it.

As I am writing this, there are 19 parents in Uvalde, Texas that will not see their children finish the school year…or ever see another milestone in their lives.  Two brave teachers will not teach again.

Because of the senseless evil of an 18-year-old, whose life also came to an end.

Our two girls are finishing middle-school and high-school this week.  I am proud of them and yet am reminded today that the walls of a school are not guaranteed safety for them.  Nor is any day of life guaranteed to turn into another day of life.

While my heart aches for the parents who must now make unexpected plans to bury their children (I can’t even imagine), my heart also aches for our communities and country.

Politicians are quick to jump on the tragedy and blame the guns involved.  Pundits are quick to blame mental illness and bring sympathy almost more for the perpetrator than the grieving parents.  Well meaning commenters on social media agonize with the parents, but blame the evil on the upbringing and circumstances of the child’s life.

What I hear little of is really dealing with root issues.  Guns don’t fire by themselves (but I’m not here to debate gun laws). Anyone who thinks the recourse of life should include gunning down helpless children is mentally ill (but I’m not here to put a clinical diagnosis on anything).  Blind hatred for people groups or life in general exists (but I’m not here to talk about racism).

The root issue is three letters: SIN.

Here’s a description of the world pre flood:  Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

Here’s Jesus’ diagnosis of evil: Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

What happened today in Uvalde and in many other places today is not a hard one to figure out.

Galatians 5:19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Perhaps there is value at looking to determine motive, find some circumstance to blame or justify the action, or develop some policy or law that we think will stop evil…perhaps.

However, all too often we either are unwilling or unaware of the elephant in the room: Sin is the cause of evil and evil will always find an expression until it is bound by the power of the Spirit of God.

Our society wonders why this keeps happening.  It tries to wrestle with the outcome as it tries to identify a cause or in some way sooth their consciences by doing something.

There is only one thing to do: Return to the Lord.

James 4:7 So, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded people. 9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be changed into mourning and your joy into gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.

When we return to the Lord, we find the power and comfort of the Gospel message.

A heart will not be changed until the power of the Gospel changes hearts.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:

The power of the Gospel is the salvation of souls.  Use that power personally and with your kids and family.  The only comfort in a tragedy like this is to know a child has been baptized into the family of God, has learned and is trusting Jesus loves them and forgives them.  As hard as it is to be a parent of a child lost in this tragedy, I pray that by the grace and mercy of God, the children whose lives ended on earth today were covered in the blood of Jesus and so enjoy their first day in heaven.  The word of God and the love of Jesus is the ONE thing a child needs…every person needs.

The power of the Gospel is the power to combat sin.  Just as the fruit of the sinful nature is obvious, so is the fruit of the Spirit of God.  Our world is calling for this fruit, but is needing believers to bring the power of the Gospel to their friends, family and communities.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

More thoughts continue to percolate, but today I am praying earnestly that the power of God through his Gospel permeates our own hearts, that of our families, friends, classmates, teachers, officials, communities, and everyone in our land. I invite you to do the same.

Prayer: Lord, deliver us from evil. Amen.

Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 30: HUMILITY”

WATCH Full Sunday message

(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”

You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.

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Humility…Let God Lift you up!

What was your experience?

You know, the one where you thought for sure you would be recognized, receive a promotion, or receive an award…and you didn’t.

You know, the one where you spoke with confidence of yourself and what you were going to do, only to find that someone could do it better.

Humbling.

What was your experience?

You know, the one where you were surprised by a recognition, raise, or promotion?

You know, the one where you were given a spot on the team, a contract, even if you weren’t the best player.

It’s humbling when we self-promote and end up not being recognized.

It’s exalting when others promote you because of your humble Spirit.

Jesus taught:

Luke 14:7 When he noticed how they were selecting the places of honor, he told the invited guests a parable. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline in the place of honor, or perhaps someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him. 9 The one who invited both of you may come and tell you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then you will begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.

10 “But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a higher place.’ Then you will have honor in the presence of all who are reclining at the table with you.

11 “Yes, everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Like so many truths of Scripture, this too is counter intuitive.  Like having to hit a golf ball with the club as it is on the down part of the swing makes the ball go up instead of hitting the ball as the club is going up will make the ball go down.  One might think that I have to self-promote, self-gloat, self-preserve to get recognized, move up in the world, or achieve anything.  The opposite is true.  One who moves through the world with a humble mindset and spirit, will be recognized, respected, and entrusted with more.

James says in 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Live in humility.  Wait for the Lord to lift you up…you won’t have to do it yourself.

Apply: What area of life do you struggle to be humble instead of self-promotion?

Prayer: Lord, we ask for your Spirit to instill and keep in us a spirit of humility before you and before others.  Help us to trust that as we have a spirit of humility, you will in your time and way lift us up. AMEN.

Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 30: HUMILITY”

WATCH Full Sunday message

(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”

You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)

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Years ago in high school sophomore British Literature class (do they make kids take that anymore?); I remember slugging through Shakespeare, Chaucer and other English writings that needed interpretation (Can you tell I loved the class? Sarcasm intended.)

However we did learn some cool words that while I remember little of Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet, I do remember genre (type of literature) and hubris (pride).

I’m not sure why I remember these words, but probably because everything we read we had to identify the genre of literature and the downfall of the lead character was usually hubris (pride).

A hero is amazing, but every hero has a propensity to hubris.  Healthy pride is one’s accomplishments turns to inflated arrogance that thinks one is greater, more important, or more immune to failure than anyone else.  Greek mythology often has humans fall because of their attempt to claim the powers of the gods or a position over the gods.

St. Augustine quipped, “Pride has made angels into demons.”

It’s why in the Christian church for centuries, pride has been labeled as one of the Seven Deadly Sins.  In fact many would argue it is the deadliest of sins as it leads one to control self apart from any need or direction from the Lord.

Pride is deadly – physically.

On 15th April 1912, just before the Titanic was about to embark on its maiden journey, one passenger asked a ship’s agent for extra insurance on some valuables in her luggage. The agent replied, “Ridiculous. This boat’s unsinkable.”

Titanic’s Captain Edward Smith himself was asked about the safety of the Titanic. He answered – “I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder. I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that.”

Then, after the ship had struck the iceberg, a passenger asked her employer if they should do something about it. He replied, “Go back to bed. This ship is unsinkable.”

 Pride is deadly – spiritually.

Proverbs 16:5 “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

James 4:4-6 So whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or, do you think that Scripture has no reason for saying that the Spirit, who lives in us, yearns jealously? 6 But he gives greater grace! That is why it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.”

Pride leaves no room or need for the grace and mercy of God.

Which is why pride is a deadly sin and needs us all to repent of it.  It’s not just the Titantic Captain that suffered from pride, we all do.  We all want to be the top; be invincible; call all the shots.  Our sinful nature wants us to think we are more than we are and in no need of a God to tell us different.

Time for repentance and humility.

James continues in 4:7 “So, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded people. 9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be changed into mourning and your joy into gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

With the Spirit of God’s help, we will humble ourselves and learn humility this week from the humility Jesus showed for us.

Apply: How has pride led to failure in your life?  What did you learn?  For what did you repent?

Prayer: Lord God, forgive and drive out all hubris from my life that I may walk in humility before you and all people. AMEN.

 

 

Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 29: GENTLENESS”

WATCH Full Sunday message

(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”

You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)

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Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

How many conflicts have you been involved in that escalated because the tone and volume of voices continued to increase?

I have been at the receiving end of some pretty direct and harsh criticism.  I feel my heartrate increase.  I feel my defenses come up.  I am ready as soon as the other person is done talking to not only defend myself but to attack back.

This doesn’t go well.

Does it work for you?

I doubt it.  Wrath returned with wrath just creates more wrath.  In fact, if never resolved creates division, hurt, and sometimes lifetime rifts in relationships.

So in one short statement of wisdom, Solomon guides us in a different direction.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath.”

I have found that when people are upset at me a few things are true.

1. They are upset – their emotions are valid.
2. They are directing their frustration at me – which has some percentage of truth to it.
3. They are wanting understanding and resolution – even if they aren’t articulating it well.

So here’s what I’ve learned that helps to return a harsh word with gentleness.

1. Remember it’s not about you. (Even though it will feel that way.)
2. Listen. Listen. (When you listen, really listen to understand, you will get an opportunity to clarify any misunderstood or false statements.)
3. Validate the emotion. (I see this has really upset you.)
4. Summarize the issue. (From what I am hearing, _______ is what is making you upset.)
5. Apologize: (Find the 1% or more that is your fault and apologize. Let go of pride and needing to be right.)
6. Restore: (Affirm the relationship.  Seek the pathway forward to avoid the issue in the future.)
7. Clarify: (May I explain my side? Clarify, if needed, what happened to seek understanding and restoration.
8. Do all with gentleness. (Use the power of the Spirit to refrain from lashing out or spewing anger.  Respond with a heart of love and words of gentleness.  The strength of your response is not in the volume or in attack, but in the spirit of love and restoration that God drives in you and through you.

How is this working?  Very well.  The conflict is much shorter.  Understanding is reached.  The dialogue is productive and the relationship is strengthened.

I’ve learned “winning an argument” often is at the expense of damaging a relationship.  Responding to wrath with anger simply creates more wrath and anger – not fruits of the Spirit, but fruits of the sinful nature.

So repent.  You are covered with the blood of Jesus.  With the Spirit’s help, next time there is a heated word directed at you, turn away wrath with a gentle answer.

Apply:  Simply try returning a harsh word with a gentle word and see how the Lord blesses it.

Prayer: Lord forgive me for letting my anger add to someone else’s anger.  Thank you for always speaking the truth in love to my soul, forgiving my sin, and empowering me with your Spirit to turn away wrath with a gentle answer.  AMEN.

Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 29: GENTLENESS”

WATCH Full Sunday message

(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”

You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)

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Titus 3:1-2 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

What if we would all wake up with this reminder on our mirror?

What if our president and governing officials did?

What if the media before they wrote or went on air had this reminder in front of them?

What if the CEO of our company posted this so all could see each day?

What if our families embraced this as we went off to school, work, and the day’s activities?

What if I embraced this personally as I went through my day?

Can you already begin to sense stress release, tensions begin to calm, and the division at every turn begin to ease?

I can.

But that’s what happens when our sinful nature is put under the control of Christ and the power of the Spirit of God shows more often and evidently in my life and the lives of others.  The Lord knows that my sinful nature and that of every person in society naturally drags us down a path to be disobedient, a tendency toward selfish evil, protecting my reputation over someone else’s, thinking myself better than another, and allowing my pride to run rampant.

I need the reminder.  So do you.

At the heart of it is gentleness, or here translated, “considerate.”  Gentleness responds with a respect and humility toward another person.  Gentleness isn’t trying to “one-up” or “outdo” another person, but to come alongside them.  Gentleness seeks to understand, give respect, and honor those God has put around us and over us.  It’s just what God’s people do.

We treat people with consideration, with gentleness.

When we follow Jesus and walk in step with the Spirit of God, it is always the best way to believe and live.  The Lord loves to bless as we follow his loving commands.  In fact all his commands are not burdensome because all of his command are intended for our blessing!

James sees the blessing of understanding and living the wisdom of God.  He says in 3:17: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Once again a key characteristic of godly wisdom is consideration.  It’s thinking of others before yourself.  It is seeking peace over conflict, mercy over violence, purity over evil.

It’s just what we do when we live forgiven in Christ and guided by the wisdom of God.

Apply: Write Titus 3:1-2 on a card and put on your mirror. Let it remind you every day for a week.  Note how your interactions and relationships change as a result.

Prayer: Forgive me Lord for times and days where I exhibit everything but your love and consideration.  Empower and remind me by your Spirit “to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” AMEN.