The Simple Life–Little Things

As I grow older I appreciate more and more the importance of these words: Keep Life Simple. I have had the freedom through much of my life to select my priorities and to live life pretty much on my own schedule–both during my years in ministry and later in the university. Now in my role as ministry and mission consultant and speaker, that freedom is even greater.

We live in a world that threatens to make life intensely complex. One can spend tremendous amounts of time doing things that make little difference in the long run. Our lives often operate by the tyranny of the urgent and the importance of the immediate. The simple life seeks to establish priorities and live a focused life. The simple life appreciates the little things. I recognize that the simple life is a luxury unavailable to many in our rushed and hectic world, but one can take steps in the right direction even in a hurried world.

Here are five ideas.

  • Avoid the tendency to think life matters because we are busy. Do not overschedule life. Find time to take a break from mere busyness. Beware leisure activities that are not leisurely.
  • Avoid the tendency to think that “things” define life. The “stuff” is temporary. Relationships are vital to the simple life.
  • Keep the most important parts of life, and the most important activities of life, in focus. Make lists of things to do, keep the most important things as top priorities every day.
  • Do not ignore the little things: time with family and friends, time enjoyed for its simplicity. Take time to see and enjoy God’s natural beauty.
  • Take time to enjoy and appreciate the little things–be alert to sights, sounds, smells, and experiences. Let these be times of peace in your life.

    • Above all, the simple life and the little things include an awareness of God. Be thankful in all circumstances.
    “Thank you, Lord, for the simplicity of life and the little things that make life special.”

    Reviewing 2012 Mission-Ministry Activities

    In the United States–
    I made 4 teaching-preaching trips
    I presented seminars in 4 Spanish-speaking churches
    I led a congregational planning workshop in an English-speaking church
    I taught and preached in five other churches, making mission reports or helping with mission emphasis days

    Internationally–
    I made 8 international trips, spending 104 days out of the United States
    I preached and taught at 31 churches, and I presented seminars at 3 preacher training schools

    Ministry-Mission Summary–
    141 days traveling for teaching, preaching, and presentations
    8 countries, 43 locations, attendees from 77 churches
    estimated 1350 persons receiving teaching or training

    Other Activities–
    Work in local church, teaching classes both in English and Spanish
    Board chairman at Baxter
    Quest for Truth translating Evangelistic Bible Study series: translation, workshop development, and training

    A Short Guide to Reading the Psalms Devotionally

    At the start of 2013, for several days I published entries from my current writing project: A Short Guide to Reading the Psalms Devotionally. My goal is to write at least one devotional guide each day–and to stay ahead of those who began the new year reading a psalm each day. [It is always a good time to begin a Bible reading plan.] The guide provides background, context, outline or organization, and reading or devotional hints, along with a prayer for each psalm.

    I do not have plans to include these entries in future blogs, but they are available on the website. Check out the link in the right column, or you may check them out and bookmark: A Short Guide to Reading the Psalms Devotionally.

    It’s Sunday Again: Coming Together to Break Bread

    In Acts 20 we read about Paul’s travel to Troas where he stayed seven days, apparently desiring to be present on a Sunday (first day of the week) so he could worship with the local church. In Acts 20:7, Luke writes that Paul and those with him (we) assembled with the church to observe the Lord’s Supper (break bread, plural). It appears the church gathered toward the end of the day or in the evening since the text says that Paul preached until midnight when the assembly was interrupted by a young man falling out a window. Paul ate (break bread, singular) and talked until daylight. It may be that he resumed preaching, but the change of verb suggests that he and the Christians at Troas simply spent time together in less conversation (although the verb is where we get our word ‘homily’).

    Today as I assemble to worship with yet another part of God’s extended spiritual family, I am thinking of this text. I have traveled and arranged my schedule for the specific purpose of spending time with this church on this Sunday. An important part of the assembly will be the opportunity to surround the Table and remember together the death and resurrection of Jesus. I will preach and report on what God has been doing through the ministry of his servants during the past year (but not until midnight).
    When I travel, I miss my spiritual family at home. But I never tire of getting to know more of my brothers and sisters in places I have never visited. I never tire of returning to renew relationships and worship with brothers and sisters I see infrequently in my mission travels. I enjoy the challenge and renewal of spending time with God’s family around the world. It’s Sunday again–God’s people around the world will come together around the Table to break bread.

    During my time in full-time local church ministry, I remember some members who were hesitant to assemble with the church in other places when they were on vacation or traveling. I always encouraged them to find God’s family and enjoy the freshness of the experience. Sunday is about God–some still refer to it as the Lord’s Day. Sunday is about others–sharing and encouraging and edifying. That means that worship is both vertical and horizontal. Worship includes the mutuality of admonishing one another in song, praying together, communing together in the Supper, giving and receiving blessings, and sharing God’s Word as the body of Christ. It’s Sunday again–thank you Lord for the opportunity to be with my extended spiritual family around your Table.

    It’s Sunday Again: Strengthening the Spirit

    Today I am thinking about Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Eph. 3:16).
    One of my goals for 2013 is to grow spiritually, to become stronger in the Spirit. One way I am doing that is by working through the Psalms–reading, studying, analyzing, thinking about applications, and writing a prayer that corresponds to each psalm. During the first few days of the new year, I have posted those studies as blogs, but I want to return to other blogging topics. A link to the devotionals based on the Psalms will be available near the bottom of the Devotional Index Page.

    Today, the first Sunday of the New Year provides a good opportunity to think about how we might find greater spiritual strength. Paul writes that God strengthens us inwardly through his Spirit. How do we find and accept that strengthening? Surely it is not automatic! How do we cooperate with God in the effort? Each must find his or her own answer, but for me it involves being more in tune with and aware of God’s presence in my life. This involves listening to God, praying, daily communing with him. I want to meditate on his word, contemplate his glory and majesty, become like him as I focus on him.
    Time spent with God’s people is a part of that process. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to lift hearts together in worship today. May the glory be yours now and forever in the church, and may we know the power that gloriously energizes and works within us!

    Psalm 4

    This psalm continues a series of short psalms that call upon God to deliver, expressing confidence in God’s willingness to act.

    Reading: Psalm 4:1-8
    If the psalmist’s plaintiff cry seems too directional in demanding that God act, the first verse can be understood as a request. “May God answer, may God give me relief, may God be merciful and hear my prayer.” God honors godly people and sets them apart for his own possession. Therefore, the psalmist is confident that God will act. Such confidence comes from heart-searching and silence before God, commitment and sacrifice and trust. Such joyful confidence surpasses the joy of the greatest blessings of this earth.
    Therefore, the psalmist affirms that he can sleep at night despite the difficulties of life. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

    Prayer
    Heavenly Father, we want to know that you hear and that you respond to our cries. We want to know your mercy and love. Give the ability to see deep within ourselves and silently wait before you. Thank you for your protection. We rejoice in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Psalm 3

    The next twelve psalms (3-14) generally belong to the category of psalms of deliverance and praise. The NIV Study Bible notes suggest a 5+1+5+1 pattern. Psalms 3-7 are followed by Psalm 8, a creation psalm which declares the glory of God. Psalm 8 is also recognized as a Messianic psalm with a clear reference to Christ as the one through whom God’s glory ultimately comes to human beings. Five more psalms or prayers of deliverance and praise (9-13) are followed by Psalm 14, a description of the folly of humanity when God’s glory is refused.

    Reading: Psalm 3:1-8
    It is no small thing to pray with confidence. In this psalm, David finds assurance in God in the face of enemies. The psalm likely refers to David’s flight during the rebellion of Absalom. God is a shield who gives his people glory. (Note how this foreshadows Psalm 8 which caps the subsection.) God answers the cries of his children. The Psalmist rests in peace in his dependence on God. God delivers because God desires to bless his creation.
    May we today pray with confidence about whatever difficulties and challenges we confront. God is on his throne, orchestrating the affairs of this world, listening to our prayers, protecting his children, guiding and directing into his glory. Deliverance comes from God, in God’s ways and in God’s time.

    Prayer
    Dear God, this day I want to know the confidence reflected in this psalm. Teach me to depend on you, to accept your glory as you bring it into my life, and to await your deliverance from the difficulties I experience. I declare that you are my God, in all of your splendor and majesty. Show me the way and help me walk in it faithfully, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Psalm 2

    The first book of the Psalms (1-41) is framed by blessings (1:1, 2:13, 40:4, 41:1). In addition to the “blessed is the man….” of Psalm 1, one finds “blessed are all who take refuge in him,” “blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,” and “blessed is he who has regard for the weak.” These four psalms encourage us to contemplate the truth that God blesses those who seek righteousness, those who depend on God and trust in him, and those who are concerned about the weak.
    Psalm 2 is a royal psalm, perhaps used at coronations of kings of the Davidic lineage. Its focus is on God’s covenantal protection and power for those leaders who faithfully do God’s will. Earthly powers cannot stand against those who have God on their side. The outstanding application of the psalm is to Christ the King (2:6,11).

    Reading: Psalm 2:1-13
    Regardless of the how powerful the forces of evil that surround us may seem, they are powerless against those God has chosen (anointed). God’s supreme omnipotence only laughs at the meager efforts of those who would attempt to stand against him. Further, God empowers his covenant children against all opponents. The Psalmist anticipates that the ultimate expression of God’s covenant love will be that his Son will provide deliverance and protection for all his sons. That is, the Anointed Messiah will provide salvation for God’s children. Indeed, blessed are those who seek and find and enjoy refuge in Christ.

    Prayer
    Dear God, help me this day to be a faithful covenant person, confidently capable of overcoming the opposing forces in this world through my dependence on and refuge in Christ. Help me by faith to see further than the events of this day. Empower me as I seek to extend the kingdom to the ends of the earth. Thank you for revealing Christ as King of my life, may I live in faithful allegiance. Thank you for giving us access to your throne through Christ, as we pray in his name, Amen.

    Introduction to the Psalms: Psalm 1

    The purpose of the division of the Psalms into five books (1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150) is not clear. The divisions may be based on the use of the names of God, traditional collections, or other factors. Recent studies have suggested the possibility of thoughtful structures, often chiastic (as in the NIV Study Bible, 2002).
    The first book is framed by “blessing” psalms (1-2, 40-41) which may also be categorized as wisdom psalms. Wisdom psalms use contrast to describe the godly life in the kingdom of God. The first book contains psalms of praise, descriptions of the folly of human efforts apart from God’s wisdom, and instruction in dependence on God.

    Reading: Psalm 1:1-6
    Psalm 1 contrasts the godly man who is blessed (verses 1-3) and the wicked who cannot stand against God’s judgment (verses 4-6). A godly person avoids interactions with the wicked, sinners, and mockers. Psalm 1 foreshadows Paul’s reminder that bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). We become like those we spend time around. Spending time with the word of the Lord becomes a delight to those who seek God’s presence. We become like what we think about. Mediating in God’s word and will continually strengthens the godly life, putting down deep roots and bringing fruitfulness, perseverance, and prosperity.
    The wicked do not have strong foundations and are blown by the winds of life. The wicked will not endure judgment, and have no desire to spend time with the righteous.
    God supports, strengthens, and guards the righteous.

    Prayer
    Heavenly Father, may this day be a day of growth in righteousness. Help me avoid evil, walk away from temptation, and seek that which is best. Thank you for your word and its power in my life. Make me strong and solid, fruitful and consistent. May the things I attempt to your glory prosper, not for me but for you. Thank you for the promise of your continual care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    My New Year´s Resolutions for 2013

    The last day of 2012–time to put some final touches on my resolutions for 2013. My list for 2013 is a lot like previous resolution lists, but I have made a few additions and done some editing.
    I like to publish my list. It is one way I can hold myself accountable. I can check back during the coming year to see how I am doing.
    I like using some part of the last week of the year to reflect on the past year and to anticipate the new one, to pray and ask God’s blessings and power for the future. My resolution list is a natural part of this process. Also, I have found that my resolutions last longer with a thoughtful, intentional approach.
    Another thing about my resolutions is that they are positive statements that can be pursued continuously, even with lapses. (Negative “don’t” statements are immediately gone when one fails.)

  • I will keep myself sharp–mentally, physically, and emotionally.
  • I will pay attention to and strengthen my spiritual life, staying connected with God and staying connected with those who share like interests in spiritual activities, both locally and globally.
  • I will value, strengthen, and enjoy my family ties. I will not take my spouse or others in the family for granted. I will seek times to share life and relish the special moments.
  • I will spend money on things that matter. I will value experiences and people more than possessions.
  • I will take time periodically to review my life so that I can see more clearly–to identify the things accomplished that made a difference and to understand the direction God is leading me.
  • I will do the little things that give me a sense of accomplishment–little projects around the house, exercise, reading and writing are among my favorites.
  • I will look for opportunities and continue to do what others cannot do or what others are unlikely to do, especially in the areas of ministry and mission.