November 2009

Monthly Archive

November 30, 2009

Why Do People Settle?

Posted by Bruce H. Clark under Uncategorized
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“…now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” – I Samuel 8:5

When you settle for less, it costs more.

Israel asked for a king and got Saul.  He started out great, but he lost his life, the life of his son, the life of many sons and daughters in Israel, and He lost the kingdom.  Was it worth it?  Israel settled for less.

I’m thinking of a time when I could not wait for God and settled for these mediocre relationships.  Been there?  It seemed that each of these young ladies had something to offer, but none of them had the main thing I needed.  It cost time, energy, money, and most of all, consecration.  I settled for less.   (I eventually waited on the Lord and got the best woman in the world!!!)

Why do people settle for less?

In, I Samuel 8 there are three things that are happening in the nation of Israel that may help us answer that question.

1) Samuel was old.

Sometimes people settle for less because they are no longer satisfied with the old gift of God that is still in operation.   Samuel, you’re too old.  “God, I’m tired of this process I’m in, I want something new God.”  “I’m tired of this church, I want something different.”   “God why do I have to continue to work in this place that you’ve given me?  I thought this was but a stepping stone to something bigger.”   Samuel, you’re too old.

An old move of God is better than a new move of carnality.

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart!

2. Samuel sons were evil.

There is an expectation that the next generation of leaders should be godly.  There is a desire for the folks that have the mantle of God on their lives to walk in integrity and live consecrated lives.  Yet, there at times when they don’t.  While that may affect us, it is no excuse for us to settle for something less than God’s best in our lives.

Israel, in saying that Samuel’s sons were evil, was passing their responsibility onto someone else’s failure.   Like the little kid said:  “that’s a no-no”.

The old song says:  “Nobody’s fault but mine…if I die and my soul be lost, it’s nobody’s fault but mine.”  Take responsibility.  Man up.

3.  They wanted to be like other nations.

Lastly, Israel wanted to be like other nations who had kings.  They observed what others were doing and thought God’s way was not as good or cool as the world’s way.

You say, ”Lord the world seems to have a better time”.   “Serving God seems a little too boring.”  That’s a sign of a person or nation who lost their first love.   It’s time for you to “remember, repent, and repeat your first works.”  (Read Revelations 2:1-7)

When we look at what others are doing long enough, it may become appealing.    Israel is looking another nations and is finding their way of life attractive.  They are comparing.  Oh that they would have received the revelation in II Corinthians 10:12.

When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.(NIV)

When you compare yourself with something other than the standard of God, you depreciate your own value. (Read Jonah 2:8)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

When you truly see Jesus and see what God has for you, you will settle for nothing less than God’s best.  AND it will save you from a lot of pain, and give you a victorious life!

 

November 5, 2009

Four Powerful Words

Posted by Bruce H. Clark under Marketplace Grace | Tags: |
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“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.” – Philemon 1:4

I dropped off my son to a prospective high school for a day of “shadowing”.  Grabbed a cup of coffee and came home.  As I get out of the car, I see one of the neighbors I’ve been praying for.  He is on my “twelve most wanted” list.  (http://advancechurch.org/wanted.jpg)

I walk towards my front door and whisper another prayer for him.  Then, that little bookmark in my heart surfaces.  You know, it’s that sense that God is getting ready to tell me to do something that will interrupt my current agenda.   I hear the still small voice, “tell him that you are praying for him.”   I call his name, “Johnny!” (Not his real name; a name used for dramatic effect.)  He does not hear hear me.  “Ok”, I say  silently in my heart, but not consciously, “Well I tried to call him.  He did not answer, so I’ll just go inside.”

But, I hear the still small voice again, this time a little louder: “tell him that you are praying for him.”  At this point it clearly is God talking, and to negotiate for my agenda is rebellion.   (Wow!  Did you catch that?)   So, I call him again.  “Johnny!”  He hears and I walk over to greet him.   The sun is shining directly in his face, so I can see him very clearly and see the emotion in his eyes.   I say, ” I have been praying for you …”  And, it was as if someone gave him some great news.  He eyes lit up with the zeal of a child who has been accepted by his peers, and he said: “thank you.”

For the rest of the day, this man will have the reality of God’s Spirit at work in his heart, not only because someone is praying for him, but also because he is now aware that God is mindful of him.  There is something about praying for people.  And, there is something about listening to the Holy Spirit when He tells you to let someone know that you are praying for them.

Paul reminded others that he was praying for them.   (Ephesians 1:16; Philemon 1:4)   There is a sense that you are not alone, that God is at work in your life, when you know that others are praying for you.

Let us not only pray for others, but also let them know we are doing it.  There is a light in their eyes that God wants to bring forth so that they can see the glorious gospel and unconditional love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
As you pray for others today, use these four powerful words:  “I’m praying for you!”