BIBLE PICK 'EMS - God "Unsettles" Me

A re-post.

Timely in its message for me - My first Sunday in my new home, in my new life.

“Will you pray for me?” my friend asked me the other day.

Fearing something terrible, I answered, “Of course I will, what’s wrong?”

She went on to explain. There wasn’t any earth-shattering horror in her life. No deadly disease, no financial mishap, no terrible loss. There wasn’t any BIG thing in her life. It was just…well, her life.

She went on to explain how unsettled she was feeling, unsteady and unsure.

How previous goals seemed unclear, and earlier dreams felt unmet. How a straight and narrow path now felt crooked and directionless. How the clarity of purpose she had as a younger person, now felt blurry and indistinct. How she just didn’t know what she was feeling, what she was supposed to be doing, where she should be headed – how she felt unnerved, unsure, uncertain...

“Oh,” I said. “You mean you’re feeling life queasy.”

“What?” she replied. “Life queasy?”

“You know, that feeling you get on a boat out at sea. The pitching and rolling just has you off-kilter. A little uneasy and uncomfortable. You can’t quite get your bearings. Except you feel this way about your life. Life queasy.”

She smiled. “Yeah, that’s exactly it.”

Do you ever feel this way?

Like a towel in a washing machine? All mixed up and disoriented?

It’s not a great feeling for anyone to feel, but especially for a Christian, I think. After all, we know the God of Wisdom and Purpose. We should have clear direction in our lives, we say to ourselves. We should have peace.

But we don’t – we feel distressed. We feel…shaken.

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” comes from the book of Amos, a prophet who knew a thing or two about being shaken up!

Surely Amos was a faithful man, a person whose life was devoted to God. But he was a simple shepherd and fig grower. He wasn’t the son of a prophet – not the son of a priest.

However, God had a purpose for Amos – a purpose that probably made him feel life queasy.

God took Amos from his homeland in the southern kingdom of Judah, and sent him to denounce the social and religious corruption of the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos obeyed God.

And though his message brought pronouncements of God’s judgment on Israel, it also brought the promise of restoration. Today’s verses bring a word of tremendous reassurance:

“For I will give the command and will shake Israel along with the other nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, yet not one true kernel will be lost.” (Amos 9:9)

Though these words were directed toward the nation of Israel, I think we can apply them to our lives. Sometimes God needs to do some shaking up. Sometimes He needs to “unsettle” us.

But always remember – God wants to redeem, not punish. He wants to purify, not destroy.

He wants to make us holy.

So God will always care more about our character than our comfort.

What can we hold on to when we’re being shaken?

The promise: The faithful will not be forgotten. True believers will not be lost.

God shakes those He loves.

"You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver."

(Psalm 66:10)

"I will bring [them] through the fire and make them pure.  I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold."

(Zechariah 13:9)

Where does God need to *shake you up* at this point in your life?

(NOTE: Comments are OPEN - I cherish your responses)

And I'd appreciate some prayers as I seek to solve my Internet *connection* dilemma next week!  If I go MIA for a bit, please know that I will find a way to return to Blog Land sooner than later!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

2 TIMOTHY - Famous Last Words

You know, "Bible Pick 'Ems" takes me on an interesting journey every week.

Sometimes I have to pick and tug, and ponder and mull over the verses that I find myself reading – like a miner digging away at hidden ore. I have to really search hard for the message God wants me to bring to you.

(Like the time I landed in Leviticus…)

Other times, I find myself smack dab in the middle of abundant riches – verses just full of golden nuggets from the Word.

Today would be one of the rich days.

I have landed in the beginning of 2 Timothy.

Let's start with a little background. The great apostle Paul finds himself in prison – yet again – arrested for preaching the Good News of Christ. Paul, one of the most knowledgeable, influential, and beloved men of history is facing death. He knows that he will soon be executed, and so he writes his final thoughts to his "son" Timothy.

Paul passes on the torch of leadership, reminding Timothy of what is truly important, andencouraging him in the faith. Because of the circumstances, this is the most intimate and moving of all Paul's letters.

So, as we read 2 Timothy, it makes a difference to know that we are reading the last words of this great man of God. And we are wise to pay attention to the words that the Holy Spirit gave him to say at the end of his life.

I love analogies – (I think that's a product of the little *English major* that beats in my heart.) And Paul is so very good at them!

In the first two chapters of 2 Timothy, he uses three images of the believer. Let's explore those a little bit.

First of all, he calls us to be good soldiers of Jesus. Have you ever noticed how the Bible is full of war imagery – battles, soldiers, weapons? I think it does us good to remember that we are not just living life – we are waging war. We fight against unseen enemies, and they are led by the greatest enemy of God – the devil. It is crucial that we fight like a good soldier.

What does that look like?

Paul tells us – "Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them." (2 Timothy 2:4)

Hmmm…sounds like an admonition to have our eyes on heavenly matters – to be focused clearly on eternity. To concentrate our efforts on pleasing our commanding officer – our Lord Jesus Christ, the Captain of our souls.

Second, Paul tells us to be approved workers. And he gives us an idea of what that means.

"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

A good worker focuses not on the paycheck, but on the approval of the boss. To that end, a good worker works hard. He works with integrity and honesty. He pays attention to detail, and strives for excellence. He focuses on truth.

And finally, Paul revisits the imagery of being an athlete. He has previously called us to run the race before us with endurance – to press on to the finish line – to run the race to win.

How can we do this?

Paul says, "…athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules."

(2 Timothy 2:5)

The rules dictate the way the race is run. They make the runner effective. Sounds like we need the Guidebook – the Word of God. This is where we learn the rules – and learn how to follow them correctly.

These are great words at any time. But picture this – what if you were leaning in at the bars of a dank and dark prison cell? What if in the shadows you could just barely see a thin and haggard man? What if his voice was barely above a whisper, and you had to still yourself to hear what he was saying?

And you did this because you knew it was his last message.

Oh yes, Paul’s words resonate deeply, don't they?

And as you listen in, all of a sudden the voice grows stronger, and these words ring out loud and clear in today's "Bible Pick 'Ems":

"…the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen…

If we die with him,

we will also live with him.

If we endure hardship,

we will reign with him.

…he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny who he is.

...God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription:

'The LORD knows those who are his…'" (2 Timothy 2:9-13, 19)

Famous last words.

Yes, Paul, I hear you loud and clear…

Hallelujah!

Read 2 Timothy for yourself – and heed the wise words of a man of deep faith, undying love, constant hope, tenacious conviction, and profound insight.

(Linked today with Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. Please feel free to join me during the week at my other blog, Sharon Sharing God!)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

1 TIMOTHY - Let's Get Spiritual!

“The Hub” has always been an athlete.

Tall, muscular, coordinated – a natural.

I’ve known him since we were both nine years old, in fourth grade. He was awesome back then, too.

The biggest thing I remember about him is how he could run – he was FAST!

We would have all sorts of track and field events back then. And “The Hub” was almost always a winner in the sprints. He always ran “anchor” on relay teams.

It was very cool to watch him run. He had this style where his whole body leaned forward, his hair would fly in the wind, and every part of his being would strain toward that finish line. He reminded me of a thoroughbred stallion…really!

As he grew older, he was an all-star softball player. Still fast, still strong – a natural.

“The Hub” knows the value of staying in shape – the importance of physical training.

Our society places much emphasis on physical fitness. Billions of dollars are spent each year on health supplements, gym memberships, diet programs, workout equipment, and the like.

But our “Bible Pick ‘Ems” for today emphasizes a different kind of training. Spiritual training.

“…train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come…This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God..”

(1 Timothy 4:7-8, 10)

What does it mean to train for godliness?

Well, what do we do for physical fitness?

1) We watch what we eat – Likewise, spiritual nourishment is essential.

What do we feed our souls? Do we regularly spend time in the Word? Are we hiding it in our hearts, committing it to memory? Are we applying its words to our lives?

“But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

“I have hidden your word in my heart…” (Psalm 119:11)

2) We exercise, do weight training, to increase our strength – Likewise, it’s necessary to increase our faith muscles, too.

Are we developing our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the Church? Are we stepping out of our “comfort zone” to stretch ourselves into new areas of ministry? Do we rely on the Holy Spirit to give us His strength and power?

“Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received…” (1 Timothy 4:14)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8)

3) We work on developing stamina and endurance – Likewise, we must learn to be patient, and persevere through hardships and suffering.

Are we leaning on God to sustain us through any circumstance? Do we trust His timing? Are we obeying Him with patience?

“For you know when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete.” (James 1:3)

“And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:4)

4) We get plenty of rest – Likewise, it’s important to learn to rest, to have peace in the Lord.

Are we learning the secret of peace? Do we search for it, strive for it, pray for it?

“Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Psalm 34:14)

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life…” (Hebrews 12:14)

5) We have trainers and coaches – Likewise, we should turn to the Holy Spirit, to God’s Word, and to other believers for instruction.

Are we allowing ourselves to be taught, or do we think we know it all? Do we study the Bible? Do we pray for guidance and insight? Are we learning God’s wisdom?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.”

(James 1:5)

Training for godliness.

The word ”train” implies daily, sustained effort.

It takes practice to be skilled in a particular sport. “The Hub” didn’t become a good athlete overnight. He worked at it…hard. In the same way, it takes practice to be skilled in living the Christian life.

We need to work at it.

God does not expect us to be perfect; He expects us to be growing. Our part in growing is exerting daily, sustained effort to apply His Word to our lives.

Highly skilled and talented athletes will lose their abilities if their muscles aren’t toned by constant use. Likewise, our faith will weaken if we don’t put it to work.

It’s so important…

We’re not just training for this life – we’re training ourselves for eternity.

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life.” (2 Timothy 1:9)

Are you developing your spiritual muscles?

"When in doubt, search God out!"