No More Apathy

Do you remember the last time you purchased a Bible? If you live in the west, you probably perused the bookstores and the internet, asked your friends which study Bible they preferred, prayed over your decision, thumbed through the pages, and finally purchased the one you chose.

We take that process for granted. We western Christ followers still have easy access to the best seller in the world. But its life giving words are not so easily accessible to many--including those hated for following Jesus.

Sadly, in our politically correct world, we've backed off sharing life-giving words because of fear of offense. Or some other hurdle. All the while this treasure sits in our homes (sometimes in our hearts), begging to be released to accomplish God's purpose to bless many.

Easy access has borne apathy.

We have a different sense of urgency when we have five Bibles on our shelves as opposed to a smuggled sheet torn from one Bible shared among underground Christ followers.

Instead of apathy, let's ask God for a renewed urgency to share the difference Christ makes.

God says NOW. Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the day of salvation. (See 2 Corinthians 6:2)

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 in its larger context.

What is the day of salvation? How are you involved?

Power-Fall

The evening news described airport delays and car accidents as folk weathered the latest snowstorm. While people complain "It's supposed to be spring," the truth is that we need water, and especially after a dry summer.

One snowflake or drop of rain seems inconsequential, but en masse, it delivers water to replenish earth's crops. A torrent can disrupt life, carve river beds, and help bring fruit. A steady supply can seep deep into the soil and prepare it to help produce a harvest.

Isaiah says God's Word is like that.

Just as our Creator sends snow and rain to water the earth and provide seed and bread, so He sends the Word. Like rain, it waters our souls. Like snow it blankets us with truth. If we will let the Word soak into the deep places of our lives, it will do the hidden work of causing seed to grow and bringing spiritual food to make us strong.

That's a lot of power falling.

Makes me want to spread wide my arms and let the Word settle on my tongue and slip down into my thirsty heart.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth ... so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It ... will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

 

Reflect on your life. Can you see a connection between the power of God's Word and fruitfulness?
 
How have the scriptures carved a river bed in your heart?

Familiar Yet New

"Are you unpacked?" That's the question I have been asked lately.

"No, but I'm getting there." I'm still looking for ways to organize this new house in between finding my way in an unfamiliar city, cooking, doing laundry, and unpacking another box.

An interesting discovery has been how my morning times in the Scriptures and prayer have grounded me. In a time of unfamiliar roads, grocery stores, and light switches, when I sit in the same brown chair, though in a different room with a new view, I am "home." The same Lord, the same Word who spoke so regularly in the old place still speaks here.

This morning I read from Hebrews 4, a chapter which continues to intrigue me as I discover its gems.

"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts." (verse 7)

"Today ... hear his voice" eased into my heart.

Not long after is this recognizable verse (12):

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Today I can hear the living word of God. Today that word can speak cleansing. Today I can have confidence in the Word who is also my High Priest. He sympathizes with my displacement and gives me rest even when the work of unpacking and reorganizing stares me down (see verses 14-16).

So in the midst of the unfamiliar, I am confident. His familiar voice speaks what I need to know or remember.

Today I will unpack my heart with my High Priest, confident of His help as I call on him for the most mundane things. That's when I "receive mercy and find grace to help ... in ... time of need."

That familiar voice speaks a new word this day. What a solace in my time of upheaval!

For Your Consideration

What do you need to unpack with Jesus Christ, our High Priest?

If you are in a challenging day, what 'new' word do you need?