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Be Still and Know…

/ Chris Courtney / Leave a comment

“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

My friend Satish and I were talking today, and he made a comment that is lodged in my head.  Let me paraphrase his observation: You can tell how well one’s quiet time with God is going by how much that person is struggling.  The better the peaceful one-on-one time with the Lord, the stronger and better equipped we are to face the travels and troubles ahead.

It is a truth that Psalm 46 spells out for us.  Verses 1-9 describe a turbulent walk.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” begins the chapter.  From there, we read about churning, foaming waters and crumbling, quaking mountains.  Nations and wars “rage”, kingdoms collapse, and chariots burn.  Through all of this, God is in control, bringing “desolations” on the earth.  Then, abruptly, as the description of chaos reaches crescendo, God says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Be still.  Raphah (still) is a Hebrew word that means “relax,” “refrain,” “abandon,” “leave it alone.”  In other words, let go.  Whatever battle is raging in your life, let it go.  Relax – be still – and recognize God for Who He is.  He is the conqueror of all.  He is the exalted one, over all – everything – there is nothing outside of His reign! 

Grab your Bible, take a minute and read Psalm 46.  Notice something: verse 11 is a repeat of verse 7:

‘”The LORD of hosts is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah”

God is our ever-present fortress.  This is really important to understand, so much so that the psalmist repeats the statement.  When you read a statement repeated in Scripture, it is for emphasis.  It means a very important message is being conveyed.  Not only that, both times the statement ends with the word selah.  Whenever you see selah in Scripture, stop.  The word means “pause and ponder this.”  Consider the message – deeply.  Meditate on it. 

When I meditate Psalm 46, here is how it boils down: God is God and I am not.  All the thoughts and ideas and concerns and things that I focus on need to be stripped away, for they all melt away in the presence of our Wonderful, Wondrous God.  God is, and I am His.  He (not my limited insights or comprehensions) defines reality.  He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.  He is also personal and His Holy Spirit indwells me.  God will bring whole nations to their knees.  Whatever I bring before Him is small potatoes – no problem for God.

As we begin our descent into another busy week, I want to encourage – urge – each of you to take some time (preferably first thing in the morning) and be still before the Lord.  Set aside the busyness, the stress, the troubles.  Relax.  Let go.  And spend time with the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth, Our Heavenly Father.  Recognize Him for Who He is.  And realize that He is with us – always.  Talk with Our Father, spend time prayerfully in His Word.  Be still, and know that He is God – the Almighty Who loves you beyond comprehension.

Have a blessed week!

Gnawing on that Stinky Dog Bone

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“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “ – Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

It is disgusting.  The thing is yellowed and tooth marked.  It reeks of dog breath because she’s spit it out and picked it back up so many times.  Yet, no matter how gross and smelly and slobber-laden, our puppy keeps going back to that nasty chew bone.  And she keeps gnawing it.  And gnawing it.  Really turns my stomach.

For the life of me, I cannot see the attraction of that sticky, stinky dog bone.  But then I think of the stinky dog bones I tend to return to.  We all have them.  For some, it is a past sin they cannot forgive themselves for.  Perhaps a past hurt, a friend or loved one who betrayed, a divorced that scarred, a slight that pierced.  Maybe it was an insult hurled or painful rejection.  Maybe it is simply the feeling of not measuring up to expectations, or an anxiety that just won’t go away. 

Today, I want to ask you – and I ask myself as well – when are you going to quit gnawing on that stinky dog bone?  We just go back out of habit.  We keep returning to the issue and mulling it over in our minds, as if figuring it out will bring relief.  It won’t.  It’ll just get nastier.  It’ll just get stinkier.

The time has come to give up the anxiousness.  Whatever the issue is, give it to God.  Find the joy that comes from knowing Him.  Understand that the peace Christ brings is accepted by faith, not logic.  The reason: to our minds, the love, peace, mercy and grace of Jesus are illogical.  How could someone so perfect possibly love someone so flawed?  He does.

He loves you.

Let today be the day you bury that nasty old dog bone out back.  And don’t go digging it up later.

Shine Your Light

/ Chris Courtney / 3 Comments

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

Over the years, I have heard stories of pastors and ministers who regularly visit bars and taverns as part of their ministry. There is one story in particular that has stuck with me. This pastor used to frequent a local drinking establishment on a regular basis as part of his ministry. He abstained from alcohol, imbibing only in sodas.

But this pastor went for one reason: to minister to a young woman who frequented there. She was a lonely person who came to the bar for camaraderie, a sense of belonging, a way to fill the void she felt in her life. On her birthday, the pastor threw a party there in her honor. She cried. Nobody else had cared. No one had ever been so kind or shown her such love.

There are those who would hear of a pastor frequenting a bar and immediately begin throwing out negative judgments. But the truth of the matter is, Jesus didn’t exactly hang out with the up-and-coming crowd in Galilee. When He did dine at the home of a Pharisee leader, Jesus wasn’t exactly politically correct in what He said or did (read Luke 14:1-24). But Jesus’ motives were (obviously) far more pure than those of the Pharisees. It was not “pc” to heal a man on the Sabbath. It was even worse to do it in a Jewish ruler’s home.

But Jesus wasn’t merely rebelling against the rules and regs of the religious elite. He was revealing the truth of God through his dinner visit. He was showing that what we do is not nearly as important as why. Here sits Jesus, in the home of a powerful man, surrounded by equally status-rich fellow guests, talking to them about humility, rebuking them to sit not by the guest of honor, but “in the lowest place,” so that others may honor you (as opposed to honoring one’s self). He tells them, when they throw a dinner party, don’t invite the people who will repay you or make you look good. “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:13-14, ESV).

The point is simply this: motive is everything. “Why” trumps “what.” There is no human being who is disqualified to receive the love of God, regardless of their station in life or how checkered their past. Nobody is beyond God’s reach.

We are the light of the world. Light is most effective when it shines in dark places. Where can you light some darkness today?

Hang in There!

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It took years.  A lot of years.  I wish I could tell you we were patient and joyful throughout that long period.  The ride was an emotional rollercoaster with more than its fair share of hopes dashed, plans scuttled and doubts expressed.  We almost gave up.  The pain and the stress of it all were more than we could bear.

Then the day finally came.  We prepared her bedroom, slathering on layers of pink paint and hanging dresses in the closet.  Her name was Lily.

Then we got matched.  Surprise!  Our daughter was a boy.  (Pink is easier to paint over than it seems.)

Austin is the perfect match for us, and we for him.  It is as if we share DNA.  He is our son.  It all happened at just the right time, in God’s time.  Had it been any other way, things could have been a disaster.  We couldn’t see it at the time.  All we could see was our heart for a child, the desire to be parents and the anguish of disappointment.

I’m reminded of something David wrote, as he was facing warfare and an enemy he thought was overwhelming: “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”  My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!  Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!” (Psalm 31:14-16, ESV).  David knew a thing or two about waiting in anguish.  The psalms bear this out in amazing clarity.  David was waiting for God.  He was anguished.  He was frightened. 

But he was faithful.  He never gave up on God.  Even more importantly, God never gave up on David.  The faithfulness of our Lord never ceases to amaze me. 

My point is simply this: hang in there.  Whatever you are waiting on God for, hang in there.  What he has for you may not look anything like what you are anticipating.  But His will is infinitely better than ours.  Whatever you are waiting for, look to God.  Keep your focus on Him.  He will not let you down. 

Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

Hang in there!  Wait for the Lord.  All good things come from Him in His good time.

Just Call Me Coho

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Every fall, the Coho and Chinook salmon travel up the Grand River to spawn. And, every fall, my dad and his best friend Charlie would make the long trek to the Sixth Street Dam in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, to join the throng of anglers, each trying catch of few of these salmon.

Thinking back, I feel a little sorry for the fish. Some made it to the fish ladders and safely beyond the dam to their destination upriver. But, for those who didn’t… as the old saying goes, it was like shooting fish in a barrel. Or, rather, hooking them.

All these poor salmon were doing were trying to fulfill their mission in life: the annual migration they were designed to make. Yet here, halfway into their momentous yearly trip, was a huge barrier. And a bunch of fishermen awaiting them, eager to take advantage of their plight. How frustrating it must have been to be one of the salmon that just couldn’t find its way to the ladders.

There are days when we feel like one of those salmon. We’re just trying to do what we feel God has called us to do, trying to get to our destination, trying to find the ladder.

Sometimes we hit a barrier.

Sometimes our attention is turned by the shiny jig and hook.

Sometimes we get reeled in and filleted.

If this is you today, take heart. You aren’t swimming upstream alone. You have a whole school of fish travelling with you. Most importantly, we have God with us. Remember, Jesus promised: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV).

Can’t find the ladder to safety ahd deliverance? You just might be looking in the wrong direction. Look to Jesus and swim easier.

You’re a Mess!

/ Chris Courtney / 1 Comment

At least that’s what the enemy wants us to think.  The pastor made a good point this past Sunday, and it is worth remembering: The devil hates you.  He is a “thief (who) comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10, NIV).  He is our “enemy (who) prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).  He is a “murderer” and the “father of lies” (John 8:44).

He’s cunning and crafty.  This is why Peter warns us to “humble (ourselves) before God,” rid ourselves of anxiety and “be alert and sober minded” (1 Peter 5:5-8, NIV).  Sin has us in such a mess that we don’t even know what we should pray.  Have you ever felt like that?  That feeling that life is so hard, so rough, so messed up, and you are hurting so bad that you can’t even put your feelings in words. 

But, for believers in Christ, there is great news.  You don’t have to buy into the lie.  You really aren’t a mess anymore.  Life is not defined by circumstances or past mistakes or sins.  And don’t let the devil tell you otherwise.  You are a child of God.  The enemy may want to steal your life, but fear not, because Christ came “that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV). 

God’s got your back.  We may not know exactly what God wants us to pray, but that’s ok.  “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28, NIV).

Today, if you’re feeling accused – not the gentle nudge of conviction but the pounding hammer of accusation – don’t buy it.  You are not a mess – you are a blessed child of God.  Cast off the anxiety and embrace God’s promises.  You cannot sin so big, mess up so bad or run so far away that you are out of God’s reach.  If you need to confess your sins to God, then confess.  He knows them anyway, you know.  Confess, repent and move on.  Don’t let Satan steal your joy.  You are loved – even if you feel like a mess.

“

Knowing God

/ Chris Courtney / 2 Comments

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
   and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
   and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

For Christmas, my parents got me a copy of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God – a book I would heartily recommend to anybody seeking to deepen their study of God and His Word.  As I was reading this morning, I stopped to ponder a question he posses: why do I study the Bible?  And what do I intend to do with what I learn?  I must admit, there is a temptation for me to learn simply for the sake of feeling smarter.  But, really, where is the benefit in being a theological Cliff Claven?

Packer writes, “If we pursue theological knowledge for its own sake, it is bound to go bad on us.  It will make us proud and conceited.”  I pray that is not me.  While the temptation exists, my reasons for studying theology is two-fold: one, to be equipped to be a better teacher of the Gospel, for I am very aware of the warning of James 3:1.  The other is to know God better.  Not simply to know Him, but to develop a deeper relationship with my Creator and Savior.

It is truly amazing that we are able to have a personal relationship with the One True God and Creator of All.  It’s why we do not worship idols made for God (well, we’re not supposed to anyway).  We do not need an idol representative of God.  We can approach God Himself, for He approaches us.  We can have a relationship with God.

We can have a relationship with GOD.  God.  Think about that for just a moment.  Anything that exists, has ever existed, or ever will exist is from God.  Every human being in history existed because of God.  Every planet is aligned where it is because of God.  Every snowflake owes its intricacy to God.  There is absolutely nothing created that does not owe its creation to the Lord God, Creator of all.

But, He didn’t just create it all and abandon creation.  God is our sustainer as well.  He is active in every aspect, no matter how big, no matter how detailed.  This God, whose immenseness is far beyond our grasp, whose magnitude (which, when pondered, is a sure cure for human ego), desires to have a relationship with us.

With me.

With you.

And relationships require trust.  In order to trust someone, you need to know them.  And how do we get to know God?  By studying His Word.

Today, I want to encourage you to develop the habit of prayerfully getting to know God a little better each day.  Spend five minutes in the Bible every day.  You will find that you crave that time, and five minutes will become ten, then twenty…. and you will notice your trust in God, your relationship with the Trinity, growing deeper ad strengthening daily.

Now… what are you waiting for??  Go grab that Bible and prayerfully get to know our Creator better!

A Simple Antidote for the Wintertime Blues

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Winter days get me down.  It’s cold and nasty out.  The walls of our little townhouse start to close in.  Even the dog and cats are little crabbier during these cold winter evenings.  If I allow it, life can easily get me down this time of year.

What I have to do is remind myself of this simple fact:

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. “ – Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

Being self-absorbed in our troubles is a dangerous place to hang out.  Boredom doesn’t help.  But the truth of our situations is simply that, despite how we feel, no matter how things look, we have cause to celebrate.  And, if we look hard enough, we can see that our blessings truly outweigh the negative in our lives. 

I look across the room at my beautiful wife, smiling and lovely, who loves me and supports me and takes such good care of me.  I would not be the man I am were it not for her.  I love her so much.

I look on the floor of our living at my beautiful four-year-old son, chatting away with his mother as he busily tends to his train set.  I think of the difficulties we endured to get him, and the great blessing that he is, and the faithfulness and grace and mercy of our loving Heavenly Father who saw us through the process, and blessed us with Austin.  He is the light in his mother and I’s life.

I look at the walls and give thanks that I have walls, and heat, and all of the comforts we take for granted.  I am sure I wouldn’t have to drive very far to find someone who does not have the basics of a home, let alone all these creature comforts.

I look at my feet, wrapped in the Indianapolis Colts / IU blanket my mother made for me two Christmases ago, and I think of my family and how blessed I am to be so loved, and how much I love all of them.

I realize how blessed I am and am amazed because, as blessed as I am, all of this pales in comparison to the great gift of God through Jesus Christ.  I am saved, and bathed in love, grace and mercy because of God’s great love for me.  I can trust the Lord with my very life.  He will never fail.  He will never abandon me.  He is all we truly need, for all good things are through Him, our Heavenly Father.

I can sit here and grumble about the cold, about my circumstances, about grievances or hurts or troubles or fears.  Or, I can look at the reality of my situation through the eyes of Truth:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (ESV).

Blessed…

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“And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed…’” – Matthew 5:2 (and the first word of 3) (ESV)

I am so excited!  This Saturday I will begin an earnest, long, deep study of the Sermon on the Mount.  I am gathering research material and preparing my heart to hear what God has to say in these three amazing chapters of Matthew.  The fact is that the core – the very heart and definition – of Christianity is contained in these passages.  I have always been intrigued by the structure of these chapters, how they build in blocks on one another (the Beatitudes forming a foundation to build upon).  I am quite eager to dig deeper.

Tonight, as I was reading John Wesley’s notes on the gospel of Matthew, something struck me.  He writes that “to bless men, to make men happy, was the great business for which our Lord came into the world” (Wesley’s Notes on the Bible, p.17).  In 1755, when Wesley wrote this, I’m not sure that happiness meant quite the same thing it does today, with our modern preoccupation with comfort. 

But Christ surely came to bless us with unspeakable joy and amazing grace and boundless love.  It is beautiful to find that Jesus began laying out the foundation of what it means to be a Christian by teaching us who is blessed (and, by implication, who is not – even though, by the world’s terms, it would appear Christ got it backwards).

Blessed indeed we all are who follow Jesus Christ.  Blessed in ways we cannot even imagine.  Blessed in ways the world cannot see.  Blessed in the truest sense of the word.

Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
   Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
   his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
   and he is to be held in awe above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
   but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
   strength and joy are in his place. – 1 Chronicles 16:23-27 (ESV)

Hope Jesus is a Movie Buff

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I am a movie buff.  I’ll sit on the edge of my seat, cheering for the good guy and glad to see the bad guy get what he deserves.

Then, reading my Bible later, it occurs to me: Jesus would be rooting for the bad guy.  Not for what the villain does, but for the human being.  God does not want to see sin win.  He wants to see man freed from sin.

Let’s be totally upfront here.  There are times when I am the villain.  One thoughtless word or selfish deed, and I become the bad guy.  I am so very thankful that Jesus isn’t watching, waiting for me to get my come-uppance. 

Wouldn’t it be great to watch a movie and see the bad guy get saved, repent and turn from his evil ways (as opposed to going down violently in a hail of gunfire)?  Imagine the money the studios would save on fake ammo, pyrotechnics and red-dyed corn syrup.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)