Mark 12:41-44 (ASV)

You might think, by the way Jesus interacted with those who were a part of the established religious community, that He wouldn’t be too keen on giving to such an organization of ‘vipers’. His teaching, rather than a lesson on how much, could have been on being careful to give only to ‘worthy’ entities, or how that giving to a less than perfect church wasn’t part of His new ‘way’, or maybe how we shouldn’t trust what we are giving to God to such shady organizations, but should rather give it directly to whoever we feel needs it the most. Jesus’ words, however, never gave the slightest impression that giving to the temple was out of order. The fact that the rich and the poor alike were giving to this particular organization of questionable leadership didn’t divert Him from attention on the heart of the giving above the actual calculable amount.  It would seem that bringing the tithes into the storehouse, or the place of worship, wasn’t just acceptable, but of such great importance that Jesus actually sat and watched to see how much was given and how the heart of the giver was being represented in the amount given.

You might think that there could have been correction given with regard to the widow’s giving, that she should have been giving out of her need directly to others in need, or to the poor. In knowing and serving God, it could have been pointed out how futile and how insignificant was the small pittance given in relation to the size of the temple. With Jesus’ observation, though, there is more emphasis given on the relationship of the heart to the directive of the actual God worshiped in the giving. Rather than being like Saul and deciding herself how the sacrifice should be made, the widow was being obedient to bring this portion directly to her God. For her it had nothing to do with those who might be running the place, but it was her heart being obedient, even when it meant giving out of her own need. In throwing her mite into the treasury, she was freeing her heart completely in its proximity to God. Totally liberated from what any observer might think, her heart was filled with confidence and assurance, knowing that nothing had been held back from what was rightfully God’s.

No matter how much has been accumulated or how much is coming in, the heart has a direct proportionate relationship to whatever that might be. In casting that portion that is the Lord’s, there is a commitment of the whole heart to Him, as nothing that is His is being held back, even at the point of greatest need. Rather than letting any diversion obstruct the liberation of the heart in its worship, rather than being turned off by the representation of the ministry, simple obedience to what God has directed removes any hindrance from the most important Observer of our worship, and makes for a bold and confidence advance to His throne of grace.

In the past few years, a host of studies have emerged claiming that eating dinner as a family can provide serious benefits for children. In 2005, research at Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that the number of children who report having dinner regularly with their families was on the rise—about 58 percent, up from 47 percent in 1998—and that children who experienced family meals were less likely to be tempted by marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs, and less likely to smoke cigarettes. A 2000 survey at Harvard Medical School revealed that nine- to fourteen-year-olds who ate dinner with their families usually consumed greater quantities of healthy fruits and vegetables, and less soda and fast food. They were also more likely to accept new foods their parents offered them and to make healthy food choices on their own. For girls in particular, eating dinner with parents has been shown to correlate with a reduced risk of crash dieting, having distorted body image, or using aggressive weight-loss methods.

(From ‘The Family That Eats Together … Why Family Meals Make for Happier Kids’ by  Divine Caroline, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:59pm PST)

In the middle of the attacks that are coming without interruption from and enemy that would like to destroy us with so many diversions, there is a place of comfort and security to be found right at the dinner table. Right in the presence of those assaults that would destroy and divide, there is a refuge and place of hope and confidence, where the challenges of life are disabled for a few moments and the nourishment that is so needed is taken in from the provision of the Father.

I was so blessed in this way in our home growing up. Though we were not without our own tense moments, there was something we always did as a family- sit down together for breakfast and dinner. It wasn’t just going through the drive-through either. The nourishment received there at the table was something that had usually been prepared by the loving and caring hands of my mother. Something very secure and foundational was established with every beckoning to the dining room by the smells of her creations. Love was imparted and the fears that could have opened doors for the enemy’s devises were dispelled by a defense that came by merely sitting down together and establishing the refuge of relationship.

There is this same calling taking place every morning and evening, and especially in the presence of enemies that would divide, dissuade and addict us to destructive paths of unrighteousness. It is a calling to that place at the table where for a few moments all other considerations of life are suspended for the intake of a savory preparation of love and care. The table is always set and awaiting all that will but come and sit down in His presence. There, almost as if by magic, the power of those weapons that would otherwise wreak devastation are disabled and can no longer prosper. A relationship is established there in His presence that causes the once ominous enemy to be reduced to his proper size and removed of all power to be an effective enticement. The return to this place, then, becomes a welcome and necessary event as the hunger rises once again and the enemies continue their assault. The comfort, security and nourishment are available morning, noon, and night at an open dining room and a table that is ever set with the preparations of a welcoming Father.

Kim and I recently attended a ministry time for pastors at an established and effectively producing church. We got there a little early and had the opportunity to be a part of a prayer time and meet the senior pastor of the church. What made this event particularly significant for me was that several things had occurred on the way to the event that directly challenged our resolve to go on. Because of some very personal and devastating attacks, we were greatly tempted to just turn around and forget the whole thing. There was reason to question the validity of our most precious possession as threats to His presence became magnified, causing a feeling of great solitude and separation. Even with these things heavy upon our minds and hearts, however, we determined to go ahead and make our way to the gathering.

It was the question from the pastor upon our initial greeting that awoke something inside and brought an opening for light once again. He asked us how we were doing. Now, for us at that particular moment, there was a battle of thoughts to determine exactly what a truthful response should be. Right at the front of the mind was a long list of reasons for despair and discouragement, which should have honestly rendered a sorrowful and negative response. Confronted by this question, though, there was this shifting of the mind from those things to the favor side of our circumstances. The question from a brother in Christ brought a return to the answer and provision side of our circumstances. Though we would go on to relate some of our most challenging considerations, there were words of encouragement from him (and from us) that elevated the ever-present solution in Christ above the isolating effect of the fearful thoughts.

We would go on to gain much valuable information from the sessions that would follow, but in that gathering there was something else that took place even though there wasn’t a single song sung or note played- worship. The name of the Lord was raised and His presence was acknowledged above the dominance of circumstances. This was something that took place as a direct result of our coming together with other believers, where we were compelled to abandon the lonely place for the warmth of His loving favor. We weren’t just being hypocrites that were pretending something around others that wasn’t real somewhere else. We were letting what was real in the congregation affect the illusion of defeat the enemy was using to take our victory and make our God seem far away. Together with others He was seen as near once again.

Alone and apart from the body, there will be great opportunities to abandon the vows, to give up on the commitments, and to lose sight of the One who has done so much to be right there next to us and before us. But, in the congregation of those who fear Him, there will be an opportunity for humility to rise with the lifted praise and for the light of His presence to remove the darkness, revealing the good that was there all along. Something that might not have been possible alone will become inevitable in the sanctuary as the song of despair is transformed into the song of triumph and victory.

A bit random, coming at the end of a chapter and in the same paragraph where it talks about the birth of Adam’s son, Seth. It’s sort of like- ‘and, uh, I forgot to mention that men began calling on the name of the Lord.’ What is very interesting, though, is that this is the last statement before one of those favorite parts of the Bible for all of us- some of the ‘begats’. But, these ‘begats’ have a little different form to them- they state the age of the participants, how long they lived before they begat their son, the years after that before they died, and their total age. My quick research shows that this is the only set of ‘begats’ that reveal this information for all involved. The reason, though, might be that all of these guys lived to be more than 700 years old, all except for Enoch, who didn’t really die, just went on up. Though the correlation isn’t actually declared, the placement of the ‘called’ statement right before the genealogy could very well be seen as a demonstration of what happened to those men who began calling on the name of the Lord.

The other element of this that inspires another ‘hmmmmm?’ is that they were calling, but I’m sure without the great volume of worship resources that are available to us today. They didn’t have hymns and the latest worship cds. They couldn’t go online and stream sermons from the most eloquent and inspiring ministers around the world. They didn’t even have scriptures that they could hide in their heart and keep them from going the way of Cain. All they must have known was to simply call, without scriptural correctness and musical preparation. All of that stuff must not have been necessary, though, for their calling to be effective and powerful. Theirs was a relationship with God that was pure and without pretense, but filled with an awareness of what happens to those who, like Adam and Cain, choose to fall out of worship and act as if God isn’t there. Theirs was a direct one-on- one that touched every part of their body with significance and longevity.

There are these little commercials that are used at the beginning of movies to impress the power of a telephone call and how important it is to silence your phone. I believe this section of ‘begats’ is like those, but with a reverse purpose. There is power in the call to bring a long, long life of abundant fellowship with God. Too many lines of communication have lost signal (or never found it) and reduced the impact of the call’s incredible power to bring life. Rather than silencing our phones, there is a great need to have them charged, on the high level, and filled with God’s ids for quick calling. Might not make it past 100, but there is promise of greatly enhanced and extended life of salvation and wholeness for all who will, like those early men, begin simply calling on the name of the Lord.

Do you ever wonder what might have happened if Joseph and Mary had chosen to just trash that note from the government referring to some kind of ‘people—counting’? You know, maybe getting half way with Mary in her condition and determining that they had just gone far enough?

The wise men, after their long and arduous journey would have been looking all night in a crowded city for a promised king that never showed up. The angel choir would have had to cancel their Christmas program for an accepting, though somewhat baffled, audience of shepherds. A donkey would have missed out on the resume entry of ’royalty transportation’.  A manger would have remained available for some other hapless traveler. There’s a possibility that God might have had to come up with a do-over– bring the whole plan to a screeching halt and somehow arrange another way for prophecies to be fulfilled and purposes met.

At the end of responsibility’s road is the possible success of some pretty well-laid-out  party plans. More than just a noble response to a another seemingly insignificant governmental or church request, simple compliance apart from personal feelings and convenience monitoring could enable the fulfillment of kingdom plans and nation forming. Rather than having to find someone else to complete His desired intent, the Father will have a heart filled with rejoicing over the impact made in another willing and obedient life. His plans are the best- they’re just in need of a heeded request.

To the call for worship may there be a journey taken and arrival completed at the place where Jesus’ presence promises peace, joy and a completed life’s purpose. In the middle of this season filled with so many other demands and commitments, the opportunity is great for complying with the Father’s smallest request. As His ‘to-do’ rises to the top of the priority list, there will be a corresponding rise in His ability to bless and provide. What great things are awaiting the completed journey and God’s desire fulfilled? He is looking right now for that open, receptive, and obedient heart that will enable the outpouring of His grace.

“As secure as the gold at Fort Know” and “As protected as the crown jewels” are references to two of the most famous locations of extravagant treasure. Because of the great wealth in both of these places, they have also become famous for their impenetrable security and the impossibility of breaking in to them and stealing their holdings. The guards at both these places go way beyond just a guy with a stick, but include the military, along with other elements of professional defense. For someone to even consider stealing from either place would seemingly be an exercise in futility.

While the crown jewels have yet to be successfully touched by thieves, there has been a loss at Fort Knox that has to do with letting enemies in to government and leadership where they eventually received gold handed over to them without the need of break-in.

The treasure considered by God to be above any the world could stockpile is the fellowship and intimate relationship with those He created having an independence of will. Because of its superior worth to God Himself, there is a huge incentive for His enemies to steal and destroy this treasure. There is no way the thieves and terrorists of satan’s ranks are going to stand by and let any convert have a straight and easy path to heaven. There will be endless attacks made at the most vulnerable of places with an attempt to utterly kill, steal, and destroy.

I love this set of Proverbs from 4th chapter where what I believe to be the key to true security and defense of the heart is commanded to be both installed and activated. Before there is any directive to keep (protect and preserve) the heart with all diligence, the way to this ‘keeping’ is shown to clearly be an attending to the words of the Father in a relationship that is uninterrupted and continuous. From whatever direction it may originate, the ultimate purpose of any attack will be a degraded relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords. This, then, is the greatest indicator of an attack and the motivator for a return to that Secret Place by the Father where His greatest treasure can be ‘kept’ from the threats and preserved for the blessing and treasure of His presence– our most valued and protected possession.

Col 3:1-4 (ASV)

I met a man yesterday in a neighborhood close to a very large church we’ve enjoyed attending from time to time. I was impressed by the man’s personality as he warmly welcomed me to his home and treated me with what appeared to be sincere appreciation and consideration. While I did some work for him, I was wondering if he might attend the nearby church as he seemed to display a joy and appreciation for life that would well represent a child of God. When I did later ask him about this, though, he immediately revealed to me that he had some major challenges to his ‘faith’. As a child he had been a part of a religious organization who’s leader had, by abusing some of the other children, completely disrupted his ability to believe in anything that man had represented. He asked very passionately, “How could this be allowed to happen?”

Though there has been an experience with God, a transformation made, and maybe even a position of ‘leadership’ attained, there still remains this variable of ‘how’ as my new friend expressed it, and ‘if’ as Paul presented in the second and third chapters of Colossians. How can someone be anything other than holy and without blame if there is indeed a God and they would represent Him, and if one has been risen with Christ, then shouldn’t there be corresponding actions? To be born again, it would seem, is not just a single choice that forever changes all subsequent actions and behaviors, but it is rather the first of a lifetime of choices that will either reflect the face and image of Christ or some other identity that is far below the place where He’s seated at the right hand of God.

Where something is ‘sought’ there is a demonstration of passion and desire, and from what Paul has indicated this is something that can be set. There is an opportunity given to each of us to either allow our hearts to be taken by things that are above in Christ or things that are below and by this ‘setting’ there is an ability and capacity gained to actually act the part rather than just errantly bear the name. The initial belief in Christ that is followed by a confession of Him as Lord is a wonderful experience of rebirth, but to actually ‘be’ in Christ is an ongoing choice that will be directly demonstrated in Godly actions. Anything that’s already been attained spiritually or mentally will be rendered meaningless in every subsequent moment where another lower thing is sought, resulting in an action that raises the questions of ‘how?’ and ‘if?’. The reality of what it means to be in Christ will never be altered by those who would claim to be there and act differently, and yet the testimony and ability to walk in its power, authority and freedom will only be well represented in the lifestyle of the one who has set their mind and affections on higher things and allowed their behavior to be transformed by this fixation.

Every moment in worship has its reward in life and every setting of passions and desires will be directly reflected in a life that demonstrates what it really means to be in Christ- doesn’t really matter who you are or what you’ve already done- it’s a choice of the moment.

25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Col 3:25 (ASV)

It would definitely be considered rude to ask a widow woman during the time of famine for the last meal she is preparing. Her opportunity for offense passed her by, though, and as a result she was incredibly blessed and provided for. However, heavenly treasure just didn’t seem to be a good enough trade for the rich young man who asked Jesus how he might obtain eternal life. Instead of happily jumping on the greatest business opportunity of his life, he walked away sorrowful. When given the chance of his life to ask for the world, Solomon instead put to silence any enticement for treasure and asked for the wisdom to rule well. Because the passions for self advancement and pleasure were put to death, Solomon got to enjoy a resulting wealth that exceeded any he could have asked for.

While the word ‘sacrifice’ can carry a negative connotation with a corresponding feeling of loss or death, there is an opportunity taken and a door to fulfilled purpose opened on the other side of the altar of sacrifice. As other relationships, possessions and passions are put in their place under the only One who can truly satisfy, there will be access gained to His storehouse of blessing and provision beyond anything that could even be imagined or asked for. So many miss out on the greatest deal, the way out to survival in the famine, the acquisition of all their family’s needs, and the wisdom to live life well and effectively because they sorrowfully turn their back on the greatest opportunity of a lifetime. It is never the free meal received that opens opportunity’s door. It is the free meal given. It is never the kind deed received that provides new horizons, but rather the giving up of one’s own time, energy and resources to uniquely care for and touch the life of another.

This, like every other day is full of incredible opportunity in the kingdom for now and eternity. Sacrifice, when embraced with joy will be its key.

It always amazes me to drive through wealthy neighborhoods and realize that each of those houses, though incredibly expensive is also occupied by someone of ‘high’ stature. We lived for a while in an area of California that was very close to one of the wealthiest communities in the nation with virtual estates completely covering hilltops. Parts of Austin likewise are full of homes that must have price tags in the millions of dollars. So many of those living there have apparently ‘arrived’, having obviously gained great success and wealth.

So many people living in these exotic homes and occupying positions of prominence and power would seem to be ‘above’ our level and apparently worthy of adoration, emulation and trust. While motivation and inspiration may be gained from their examples, placement of trust can never be on them, for every one of them will one day be brought low from their self made place of prominence. To trust in them and their strength is to trust in a failing and limited resource. Though leaders, governments, businessmen, and personalities may be exalted for the moment, their ’high’ is temporal, especially where their own trust is self rather than God centered. Better it would be to let all praise and adoration be given to the Highest and the only exalted and worthy King. He will reign forever and His glory will know no end.

While it may appear that some have risen to elevated and higher places, each one of us have actually been made to be kings and priest in Christ, (Rev. 1:6) and we’ve also been seated together with Him in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6) Rather than look with worship and praise towards ungodly persons of failing strength, there is an opportunity in every moment to not only admire, but to trust in the One who is exalted far above all these other entities, and also lifts us up together with Him. Some day those celebrities will be brought low along with all those who have misplaced their trust in them, while all those who have given their hearts and service to the King will never regret it.

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

There is a very dangerous and deceptive enticement being presented in our nation today- to serve and trust in a man and a government that is promising to care and provide for everything that is needed both in health and material provisions. While it may seem that this is a wonderful thought of man joining with man to achieve some lofty goals, it is specifically a call to abandon trust in God for that of a lowly and completely errant man, no matter whom the man might be. The reality is that there can be no hope of salvation or legitimate and long standing strength apart from a complete and total trust in and service to God alone. Where a man may represent the heart of God and lead towards the purpose that comes from His Word, he may be followed towards the righteous cause of serving God. When this path, however, is leading far away from God-dependence to self reliance and the limitations of human strength and ingenuity, there must be a strong resistance and rejection in the heart of any who has committed his/her life to service of God alone. While we definitely can ‘do all things through Christ’ (Philippians 4:13), the inverse is true for all who would attempt mountain removal apart from the Spirit of the Lord. (Zec 4:6 ) ‘Yes we can’ can only take place with the subsequent phrase ‘through Christ’. This, in fact, was the understanding which brought greatness to the founding of a nation destined to lead the world in so many ways. Rather than ‘yes we can’, there was a humble declaration that God through them would do great things. This was His doing, and though straying has brought consequences along the way, the return to trust in Him has always been our salvation and progression. This promise of another way now from another source and another faith may be shiny and bright on the outside, but it is actually the one thing that could bring down a nation that was God founded.

To the offer of all the world could provide, its kingdoms and its substance, there was in Jesus an immediate perception of exactly what was taking place. He saw that worship meant service and that to serve another being as a means of trusting them for any need in life would mean violating a significant directive from God Himself. His relationship with His Father and the understanding He possessed of God’s commandments made it possible for Jesus to avert the temptation that could have disqualified Him from fulfilling His purpose. The choice to commit oneself in trusting service is really a choice of worship, especially when a person or personality is the reason for the service above the content of the cause. I’m so grateful that there is something of much greater stability upon which trust can be place. Proven throughout all of history, there is a person in our Father God that can be trusted without fail to provide and care for us in every way. A true relationship with Him must bring a perceptive reaction from a heart that can look to no other image as its source or its commitment to service. This reaction will be the key to the future and whether or not potentials and purposes are fulfilled in us as individuals and as a nation. May our hearts and gaze be fixed steadfast upon the one and only Object of our worship.

Psalms 118:8-9 KJV  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  (9)  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Proverbs 29:25-26 KJV  The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.  (26)  Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.

Isaiah 26:3-5 KJV  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  (4)  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:  (5)  For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV  And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.