June 14 - I Can Do It!

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The true sign of maturity is not self-sufficiency
but realizing our sufficiency is in God. 

We try to teach our children and their children how to be self-sufficient. That’s a good thing, right? Well it is to a point. I remember cleaning the house, top to bottom, with three young grand kids who were trying to help. Now that’s a classic case of counter-productivity, or more accurately, an exercise in futility! We followed behind them as they cleaned, removing their fingerprints from everything they touched. We also reminded ourselves, although it is more work for us, they are learning to do things for themselves.

The problem is, we also need to teach them how to be dependent on God, at least for the important things in life. They will still have to clean their own bedrooms and eventually their own houses, but for cleaning up their neighbourhoods and their own hearts, they will always need God’s help. It’s good to teach our kids and grand kids to work, pay and play, but even better to pray. And to read their Bibles. Philippians 4:13 is worth teaching them. It has that important “I can do all things” theme that we see in so many kid’s books and TV shows, but with an important addendum: “through Christ who strengthens me!”

Someone should have taught this to Jeroboam. He was such an accomplished military commander that he thought he no longer needed God’s help. When Abijah came at him with half the troops he had and less than half his experience, he was confident they would prevail. In fact, he even threw in the tried and true pincer movement. He must have been laughing at Abijah’s incompetence, allowing his meager army to be surrounded. But he forgot to account for the “God who strengthens them” part.

And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear; and they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah (13:14,15).

“Lord, I can do it, but only with Your help. The true sign of maturity is not self-sufficiency but realizing my sufficiency is in You.”

June 13 - Those Who Are Mature

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The world thinks of maturity as realizing our
independence and self-sufficiency.
The opposite is true in God’s Kingdom. 

The mark of maturity is humility. Younger, or older but immature, leaders tend to overcompensate for their insecurities.  Like Rehoboam and Jeroboam, they proudly assert themselves without regard or respect for their followers. We see the same negative traits in the false teachers Paul exposes in his letter to the Philippians (3:2,18-20). But the example of Paul in chapter 3 (4-17), and, better yet, the example of Jesus in chapter 2 (1-11), shows us how mature leaders will model genuine humility. The more we mature, the more humble dependence on God will define our life and our leadership.

Unfortunately, an immature, self-centered leader will hurt more than themselves. We can see how Jeroboam brought his entire kingdom, the ten northern tribes of Israel, under oppression because of his rash decision to create idols: And He will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit (14:16).

The same happened to Judah under Rehoboam: This is what the Lord says, “You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak”. The one difference was repentance. Rehoboam and his leaders realized their mistakes: The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is just.” When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance.” (12:6,7).

The world thinks of maturity as realizing our independence and self-sufficiency. The opposite is true in God’s Kingdom. Real maturity isn’t evident until there is complete dependence on God and an unwavering reliance on God’s sufficiency. “Lord, I have finally learned how insufficient I am on my own. As an official senior citizen, I may be finally growing up!”

June 12 - Selfish Ambition

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10,11; Philippians 2

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 History will only stop repeating itself

when we learn from the mistakes of others. 

If only Rehoboam could have read Philippians 2, or at least had seen the example of Jesus, before splitting God’s chosen people into two competing nations. But wait, we have the completed Bible today and we do the same thing as Rehoboam, over and over again. Pastors, exercising selfish ambition to grow bigger and better ministries, are splitting churches on a daily basis around the world. The solution is so simple, and yet it seems so difficult for immature leaders.

Rehoboam’s first mistake was choosing to listen to the younger leaders instead of experienced elders. We now have a culture that embraces young leaders, with their new ideas and fresh approaches for reaching a changing world. That is a good thing! What is bad is marginalizing the past generation of leaders, dismissing their experience as irrelevant. Old guys like me have learned some invaluable lessons, usually the hard way. History will only stop repeating itself when we learn from the mistakes of others.

His second mistake was exacting sacrifice from his subjects without leading by example. It’s like politicians who promise fiscal restraint and then vote themselves a pay raise as soon as they are elected. And they wonder why they can’t get re-elected! Imagine how people would respond to a politician or pastor who leads the way in reducing spending by taking a personal cut in pay. Leaders who are willing to sacrifice and serve will earn the undying loyalty of their followers.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (2:3-5).

“Lord, You led us all by Your example of humble service. You, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made [Yourself] nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (2:6,7). I should do no less.”

June 11 - Love Songs

 Read today’s texts first: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God created sex, made it pleasurable
and called the marriage bed undefiled. 

I’m not naturally inclined towards poetry. I do like words, so I can rip a rhyme when called upon, but I have trouble understanding or appreciating modern prose with no rhythm or rhyme. The poetry of Solomon’s day is even farther outside my comfort zone. The images seem strange, as you can see from the attached drawing based on Solomon’s descriptions of his “beautiful wife,” Abishag. I don’t think I’ll include any of these verses in my anniversary card to Jan. It’s hard to believe Solomon was a smooth-talking ladies’ man!

But what is worthwhile noting from Song of Solomon is its unique theme. This book’s inclusion in the biblical canon brings spiritual support to the beauty and purity of married love. Some think that Christianity condemns sex and sees it as a necessary evil only for the purposes of procreation. But God created sex, He made it pleasurable, and He called the marriage bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4). Solomon’s graphic description of his lover and their love-making helps us appreciate our spouses and the deep intimacy that can only be found in a godly marriage. Now that’s something I can write in my wife’s card.

“Lord, thank You for the gift of marriage in general and, in particular, my wonderful marriage to Jan.

 I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (6:3).

June 10 - Serving the Lord

 Read today’s texts first: Songs of Solomon 1-4; Ephesians 6

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

When what we do is for the Lord,
every task in our day takes on significance. 

The closing words of Ephesians summarizes our calling as believers:  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (6:7). The word “vocation” (4:1 KJV) refers to a calling (same root as “vocal”). It can apply to any career, from presidents to pastors to party planners to pipe-fitters. Because you are working for God, not just men, your duties go far beyond planning parties or fitting pipes. You are on assignment as a representative of God and His Kingdom wherever and with whomever you work!

When we choose to live a life worthy of the calling you’ve received (4:1 NIV) we will experience the promises that fill this God-inspired letter. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen to be holy and blameless, predestined to be adopted, redeemed by His blood, forgiven, lavished with grace, given wisdom and understanding, made aware of the mystery of his will, chosen according to his plan, and marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit - and that’s just the first half of chapter one.

I love my job. It’s very different from my work during the previous 40 years, but it feels as meaningful as anything I’ve ever done. When what we do is for the Lord, every task in our day takes on significance. Our life stands in stark contrast to the meaninglessness of a life lived without God, described by Solomon in the book we just finished. When we serve God instead of men, He gets involved in our daily routine. The ordinary takes on extraordinary proportions.

Recently we had one of those moments. A woman was sent to our facility from a hospital without any family history that we could confirm. While her words sounded coherent, her medical condition made it difficult for her and for us to separate the truth from her imagination. After prayer with her and each other, a random person walked in, for a completely unrelated reason. “Coincidentally” while touring our facility, she saw the woman and exclaimed, “that's my sister!” These miraculous moments happen often when we work for God!

“Lord, I love working for You. You are my Lord, my God, and my Boss!”

June 9 - Empty Words

 Read today’s texts first: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalms 94; Ephesians 5

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

“A fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness!”

All three of our readings today agree on the power of words, for good or for bad. I just had several significant conversations on the job with residents and their family members. What I read this morning changed the way I handled those moments, and they were no doubt better because I held back my words.

I tend to under-listen and over-talk. I know we have two ears and one mouth for a reason, but when I get caught up in an engaging discussion, I usually jump in with both feet - firmly planted in my mouth. Afterwards, I often regret my empty words and wish I could be more like Kwai Chang Caine of the classic 70’s show, Kung Fu.  Kwai didn’t talk much, but when he did he was like E.F. Hutton (with a half-Chinese accent) - people listened!

Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness - and the fool multiplies words (10:12-14).

How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, O Lord; they oppress your inheritance (94:3-5).

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.... Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (5:6,7,19-20).

These are wise words about wise words. “Lord, may I speak less and listen more, especially to You. When I finally do talk, may I speak Your wise words, not my own foolishness.”

June 8 The Purposeless Undriven Life

 Read today’s texts first: Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
The hope of heaven gives us eternal perspective
and unwavering purpose!

My apologies to Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven Life resources, but we can be sure they don’t contain references to Ecclesiastes. Ephesians maybe - in fact definitely! Reading the two books at the same time offers startling, almost laughable, contrasts. Ephesians inspires us with lofty, soaring images of the church ruling in power side-by-side with our conquering hero, Jesus. Ecclesiastes brings us down with the depressing realities of life on this sin-polluted planet. Both are inspired by God, and the contrast is intentional. The two books together help us understand the difference between a purpose-driven and a purposeless “undriven” life, if there is such a word!

Today’s reading in Ecclesiastes includes one of its more encouraging passages (I speak facetiously): Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun - all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom (9:9,10). I found the perfect Scripture passage to include in my upcoming anniversary card to Jan - not!

Compare the meaninglessness of that passage with the opening verse of our reading in Ephesians: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (5:1). Paul, imprisoned in Rome while writing to the church in Ephesus, still finds purpose in his days. No matter what Paul went through - prison, beatings, stonings, you name it - he stayed focused on the assignment Jesus Himself gave him on the road to Damascus.

What is the difference then between the hope level in these two books? I believe it comes down to the difference between a temporal and eternal perspective. Solomon is writing about the futility of this life on earth - period. There is little thought given to rewards beyond what the world can offer. Paul, though, because he had so little to hang on to in this world, was reaching into the future with Jesus and it changes the way we live right now. “Lord, the hope of heaven inspires me to live every day left on planet earth with an eternal perspective and unwavering purpose!”