Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Shack
A board member for Stadia recently recommended "The Shack". It is a book that should be read by all. It deals with our road to God on so many levels. For the purposes of this blog, it deals with the question, "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?" or the question of evil. The technical term for this is a theodicy-- like the book of Job, it causes us to lift the cover off our pain and look at what is going on behind the scenes in the heavenlies. It is not the Bible and thus it most likely does not describe God fully or possibly even accurately--who of us can, but it will make you think about God. It will also help you put your own pain in perspective. For some comments and preview you can go to http://www.theshackbook.com/index.html
Monday, January 14, 2008
This from a reader
My experience is that overall emotional stability or better yet, happiness, is a daily issue to deal with. I think overall we are better off if we follow the lifestyle as taught by Jesus and the Bible, but it doesn't make us immune to the attacks of Satan or other people or just natural circumstances such as disease or accident to us or loved ones.
I find wisdom in what Solomon wrote overall in Ecclesiastes about having a balanced life, a partial summary as contained in these verses:
2:24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,
3:12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
So to me the practical application of these verses balanced with all other parts of the Bible is this: Bad, disappointing and discouraging things are going to happen to all of us while here on earth. When those things happen, how do we keep our balance and get back up to par? Depend upon God per the verses you quoted plus apply what Solomon stated in Ecc.
So how do we apply this in a practical way? In my opinion we need to plan and do those things that have a probability to bring us satisfaction, joy and happiness. It sounds simple, but isn't always that easy. When we get wrapped up in our work, even if it is ministry work, over time it can cause us to ignore those things that otherwise bring us satisfaction and joy. Over a period of time we get out of the habit and can actually "forget" how to do those things.
I think its important then to take some time and identify what kinds of experiences will likely bring us satisfaction, joy or happiness... and make it a priority to regularly participate in those types of activities. Maybe its spending more quality time with those we love. Maybe its going to more ball games or getting more physical exercise or going fishing with a friend or tending a garden or whatever. Perhaps its a combination of a few different activities during the different seasons. I think there's some wisdom in the old adage, "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." Or, take time to smell the roses.
In any event, the bad times are going to happen and I think its good to have a regular dose of good times in order to help balance out the bad times.
Gary Martinez
I find wisdom in what Solomon wrote overall in Ecclesiastes about having a balanced life, a partial summary as contained in these verses:
2:24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,
3:12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
So to me the practical application of these verses balanced with all other parts of the Bible is this: Bad, disappointing and discouraging things are going to happen to all of us while here on earth. When those things happen, how do we keep our balance and get back up to par? Depend upon God per the verses you quoted plus apply what Solomon stated in Ecc.
So how do we apply this in a practical way? In my opinion we need to plan and do those things that have a probability to bring us satisfaction, joy and happiness. It sounds simple, but isn't always that easy. When we get wrapped up in our work, even if it is ministry work, over time it can cause us to ignore those things that otherwise bring us satisfaction and joy. Over a period of time we get out of the habit and can actually "forget" how to do those things.
I think its important then to take some time and identify what kinds of experiences will likely bring us satisfaction, joy or happiness... and make it a priority to regularly participate in those types of activities. Maybe its spending more quality time with those we love. Maybe its going to more ball games or getting more physical exercise or going fishing with a friend or tending a garden or whatever. Perhaps its a combination of a few different activities during the different seasons. I think there's some wisdom in the old adage, "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." Or, take time to smell the roses.
In any event, the bad times are going to happen and I think its good to have a regular dose of good times in order to help balance out the bad times.
Gary Martinez
I haven't written lately
Sorry for those of you who have looked here and found nothing new for the past two weeks. I've been traveling extensively and found myself too tired to write at the end of the day. Not an excuse, but at least an explanation.
I found today that some of you have not been able to post comments. I think I have remedied that situation. If you still find you can post a comment, please email me at mbigelow@stadia.cc and I will work some more on it. I'm still new to this blog business.
I removed the survey this morning since no one could post to it. Overwhelmingly, 80%, people felt that betrayal is the worst bruising they have undergone. I have to confess that it makes sense to me.
I've been thinking the last few days about the role of music in helping us through our bruisings.
In the two major bruisings of my life I have found each time a song has spoken very clearly to me and helped me through it.
When we lost our daughter 32 years ago, "It is Well with my Soul" became a solid resting place for our faith. Sometimes we sang it by faith, trusting that it was well with our souls even though it didn't feel like it.
Last year, as we went through other trials, "Blessed be Your Name" became a source of strength. The only downside of having songs that take you through these times is that you can hardly ever sing them again without our eyes becoming moist as we think of God's faithfulness to us. However, that's a small price to pay for the blessings we have received from song.
Martin Luther said, "besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart…"
It's no wonder he wrote "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" while on trial for his faith.
He also said, "I have no use for cranks who despise music, because it is a gift of God. Music drives away the Devil and makes people happy; they forget thereby all wrath, unchastity, arrogance, and the like. Next after theology, I give to music the highest place and the greatest honor."
So, find a song, sing it strong and let it help strengthen you through the hard times.
I would be interested in other songs that you have found a help in times of trial. Please post a comment and let me know.
I found today that some of you have not been able to post comments. I think I have remedied that situation. If you still find you can post a comment, please email me at mbigelow@stadia.cc and I will work some more on it. I'm still new to this blog business.
I removed the survey this morning since no one could post to it. Overwhelmingly, 80%, people felt that betrayal is the worst bruising they have undergone. I have to confess that it makes sense to me.
I've been thinking the last few days about the role of music in helping us through our bruisings.
In the two major bruisings of my life I have found each time a song has spoken very clearly to me and helped me through it.
When we lost our daughter 32 years ago, "It is Well with my Soul" became a solid resting place for our faith. Sometimes we sang it by faith, trusting that it was well with our souls even though it didn't feel like it.
Last year, as we went through other trials, "Blessed be Your Name" became a source of strength. The only downside of having songs that take you through these times is that you can hardly ever sing them again without our eyes becoming moist as we think of God's faithfulness to us. However, that's a small price to pay for the blessings we have received from song.
Martin Luther said, "besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart…"
It's no wonder he wrote "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" while on trial for his faith.
He also said, "I have no use for cranks who despise music, because it is a gift of God. Music drives away the Devil and makes people happy; they forget thereby all wrath, unchastity, arrogance, and the like. Next after theology, I give to music the highest place and the greatest honor."
So, find a song, sing it strong and let it help strengthen you through the hard times.
I would be interested in other songs that you have found a help in times of trial. Please post a comment and let me know.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Psalm 20--third look
Ps 20:6-86 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall,but we rise up and stand firm. NIV
The third part of this Psalm talks about false security versus true security. In our intellectual minds, we often acknowledge that God is the only true sense of security, but when things are going well, in practice and in our emotional hearts, we trust in those things we can see or at least, those things we think are "more real".
As I write I am thinking about the faith people put in the FDIC and the US Government that secures their money. Has anyone ever seen an FDIC? FDIC sightings are about as common as Sasquatch appearances. Yet, we put our trust in the bank account and the economy.
We go through airport screenings and expect to be safe from terrorists, we contribute to Social Security and expect to have something when we get older. We have annual check ups and expect health to remain good.
Yet, it doesn't always happen. This Psalms says, if we trust in human things, we will fall to our knees. I get the picture of being forced down by a crushing load. But, if we trust in God, he will cause us to rise again.
Our God is the God of the resurrection--the God who brings beauty from ashes, the God who makes all things work together for good.
Just a few chapters earlier in Psalms, the writer says,
Ps 11:3-4 When the foundations are being destroyed,what can the righteous do?"
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;the LORD is on his heavenly throne.NIV
If your foundations have been shaken, remember, God, the Lord, is still in his holy temple and on his throne.
The third part of this Psalm talks about false security versus true security. In our intellectual minds, we often acknowledge that God is the only true sense of security, but when things are going well, in practice and in our emotional hearts, we trust in those things we can see or at least, those things we think are "more real".
As I write I am thinking about the faith people put in the FDIC and the US Government that secures their money. Has anyone ever seen an FDIC? FDIC sightings are about as common as Sasquatch appearances. Yet, we put our trust in the bank account and the economy.
We go through airport screenings and expect to be safe from terrorists, we contribute to Social Security and expect to have something when we get older. We have annual check ups and expect health to remain good.
Yet, it doesn't always happen. This Psalms says, if we trust in human things, we will fall to our knees. I get the picture of being forced down by a crushing load. But, if we trust in God, he will cause us to rise again.
Our God is the God of the resurrection--the God who brings beauty from ashes, the God who makes all things work together for good.
Just a few chapters earlier in Psalms, the writer says,
Ps 11:3-4 When the foundations are being destroyed,what can the righteous do?"
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;the LORD is on his heavenly throne.NIV
If your foundations have been shaken, remember, God, the Lord, is still in his holy temple and on his throne.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Psalm 20--second look.
Ps 20:5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.May the LORD grant all your requests. NIV
In my life I have been in at least three situations where it felt like my life was being destroyed. Once, when our daughter died at birth, once when I had grown my church plant from 75 down to 23 in the first two years, and once when I had to lay off huge numbers of people due to some bad miscalculations on my part and then was demoted.
Each of those times brought on loneliness, heart ache, despair, anger, and most other negative emotions you can imagine. Each time there were people around me, mentors, peers, companions and a family, who encouraged me. One of my friends sent me this Psalm in the blackness of depression, telling me he believed in me.
My Dad, who in most people's book, is the most encouraging man in the world, has called me almost every Sunday night of my adult life, to tell me that he loves me, is proud of me, and is confident that I am making a difference. (If you are a Dad, please consider doing this for your adult children. They need it too.)
We need people around us who will shout for joy when we are victorious. If you are down right now, stop and make a list of those who are your supporters. Then, hang around them.
Leroy Lawson, in my last time of despair, made it a point to call me, email me, and look me up at every convention and meeting that we were at. I really don't know if I would have made without his encouragement.
Cherish these kinds of people. Be one yourself. If you know someone who is going through it, call them right now and let them know that you will rejoice when they are victorious--and that you believe that they will be victorious again.
In my life I have been in at least three situations where it felt like my life was being destroyed. Once, when our daughter died at birth, once when I had grown my church plant from 75 down to 23 in the first two years, and once when I had to lay off huge numbers of people due to some bad miscalculations on my part and then was demoted.
Each of those times brought on loneliness, heart ache, despair, anger, and most other negative emotions you can imagine. Each time there were people around me, mentors, peers, companions and a family, who encouraged me. One of my friends sent me this Psalm in the blackness of depression, telling me he believed in me.
My Dad, who in most people's book, is the most encouraging man in the world, has called me almost every Sunday night of my adult life, to tell me that he loves me, is proud of me, and is confident that I am making a difference. (If you are a Dad, please consider doing this for your adult children. They need it too.)
We need people around us who will shout for joy when we are victorious. If you are down right now, stop and make a list of those who are your supporters. Then, hang around them.
Leroy Lawson, in my last time of despair, made it a point to call me, email me, and look me up at every convention and meeting that we were at. I really don't know if I would have made without his encouragement.
Cherish these kinds of people. Be one yourself. If you know someone who is going through it, call them right now and let them know that you will rejoice when they are victorious--and that you believe that they will be victorious again.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
A Psalm for Bruised Reeds and Smouldering Wicks
Psalm 20 came up in my reading today. I can't think of a more appropriate Psalm for those who are ready to break or be snuffed out by the distresses of life.
Ps 20
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall,but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!Answer us when we call! NIV
I want to spend at least three days on this Psalm.
First, David assumes when we are in distress we are going to call upon the Lord. Sadly, I find that sometimes I have to wallow in my pain awhile before I call upon the Lord.
Secondly, he says, Let the Name of the God of Jacob be your protection. When Samuel recounts the litany of God's protection of His people in 1 Sam 11-12, Jacob is mentioned prominently as being under the protection of God. It is important for those of us who are bruised and smoldering to remember what God has done in the past in our lives and those around us. God is the same who saved you before and He is able to save you in this time of need.
Thirdly, there is an element of spiritual warfare in our bruisings and "snuffings". David prays that God would send help from the sanctuary. This reminds me of Daniel who receives a visit from an angel (Dan 10) who has been fighting to get to him for 21 days. Even Michel, the archangel gets involved in the battle.
I must confess that I don't understand a lot about spiritual warfare, except that I know it is real and that we are often in denial. The apostle Paul says, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, powers and principalities of the world. (Eph. 6:12)
When we are bruised, God has not forgotten nor forsaken us. He is still willing to fight for us.
Tomorrow, will we ever get back on top again.
Ps 20
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall,but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!Answer us when we call! NIV
I want to spend at least three days on this Psalm.
First, David assumes when we are in distress we are going to call upon the Lord. Sadly, I find that sometimes I have to wallow in my pain awhile before I call upon the Lord.
Secondly, he says, Let the Name of the God of Jacob be your protection. When Samuel recounts the litany of God's protection of His people in 1 Sam 11-12, Jacob is mentioned prominently as being under the protection of God. It is important for those of us who are bruised and smoldering to remember what God has done in the past in our lives and those around us. God is the same who saved you before and He is able to save you in this time of need.
Thirdly, there is an element of spiritual warfare in our bruisings and "snuffings". David prays that God would send help from the sanctuary. This reminds me of Daniel who receives a visit from an angel (Dan 10) who has been fighting to get to him for 21 days. Even Michel, the archangel gets involved in the battle.
I must confess that I don't understand a lot about spiritual warfare, except that I know it is real and that we are often in denial. The apostle Paul says, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, powers and principalities of the world. (Eph. 6:12)
When we are bruised, God has not forgotten nor forsaken us. He is still willing to fight for us.
Tomorrow, will we ever get back on top again.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Prophylactic planter care
This morning in my quiet time I was praying about what God would want me to write in this blog today. I was also meditating on Psalm 19. God impressed upon me the need for preventative planter care not just reactive planter care. The word that always comes to my mind, having grown up in a doctor's home is prophylactic. I know it is used almost exclusively for pregnancy prevention in the vernacular, but its a good word. Here's the definition:
Prophylactic: A preventive measure. The word comes from the Greek for "an advance guard," an apt term for a measure taken to fend off a disease or another unwanted consequence.
A prophylactic is a medication or a treatment designed and used to prevent a disease from occurring. For example, prophylactic antibiotics may be used after a bout of rheumatic fever to prevent the subsequent development of Sydenham's chorea.
I especially like the idea of the "advance guard". It seems to me the after a planter is hurt, it is much more costly in terms of emotional, spiritual, and physical cost as well as purely financial cost.
It is always much more expensive to treat a disease than to prevent it and almost always less painful. That's why governments are so into vacinnations, brushing our teeth, not gaining weight, lowering our cholesterol, etc.
So, my question for the day is, "What can we do to prevent planter trauma before it happens?"
Back to Ps. 19. One of the things is to drive planters into the Word and to encourage meditation on the word and to model obedience to the commands of God. The whole statutes, commands, precepts thing promises great wisdom, peace, and reward.
Ps 19:7-117 The law of the LORD is perfect,reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,than much pure gold;they are sweeter than honey,than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward. NIV
What do you think? How do we prevent planter pain before it occurs?
Prophylactic: A preventive measure. The word comes from the Greek for "an advance guard," an apt term for a measure taken to fend off a disease or another unwanted consequence.
A prophylactic is a medication or a treatment designed and used to prevent a disease from occurring. For example, prophylactic antibiotics may be used after a bout of rheumatic fever to prevent the subsequent development of Sydenham's chorea.
I especially like the idea of the "advance guard". It seems to me the after a planter is hurt, it is much more costly in terms of emotional, spiritual, and physical cost as well as purely financial cost.
It is always much more expensive to treat a disease than to prevent it and almost always less painful. That's why governments are so into vacinnations, brushing our teeth, not gaining weight, lowering our cholesterol, etc.
So, my question for the day is, "What can we do to prevent planter trauma before it happens?"
Back to Ps. 19. One of the things is to drive planters into the Word and to encourage meditation on the word and to model obedience to the commands of God. The whole statutes, commands, precepts thing promises great wisdom, peace, and reward.
Ps 19:7-117 The law of the LORD is perfect,reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,than much pure gold;they are sweeter than honey,than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward. NIV
What do you think? How do we prevent planter pain before it occurs?
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