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Don’t be outdone by a rock

Posted February 10, 2012 by Tim

Riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus was showered with shouts of praise, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38). Enraged, the Pharisees ordered Jesus to rebuke His followers and silence the crowd. Jesus answered, “If these become silent, the very stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). Surely He was exaggerating just to make a point…or was He? God’s Word consistently talks about the seas lifting up their voice (Psalm 93:3), the heavens having a universal voice that goes out to all the earth (Psalm 19:1-3), and mountains singing together for joy (Psalm 98:8). Romans 10:18 even uses the Greek word for “musical sound or note” to describe their “voice.”

Still not convinced? In a rare glimpse of God’s heavenly throne room, we see a mighty chorus of praise erupt around the throne and ripple outwardly to encompass all of creation:

“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.’ And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever’” (Revelation 5:11-13).

It may be worth noting that “every created thing” is fairly all-inclusive not to mention the fact that John “heard [them] saying…” God not only created it all, but also gave creation a magnificent voice, a glorious song, a mighty chorus to praise His great Name.

So what about these stones Jesus pointed us to? He could have at least picked doves cooing or lambs bleating, but pebbles? They had to be the least glamorous thing around. But then again, maybe He chose them since they are largely ignored with no apparent voice and yet are foundational to everything!

All things considered, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” (Psalm 107:2). May we live in such a way that we never cease to sing His praises, tell of His greatness, or speak of His amazing love. Praise is foundational to everything. Don’t be outdone by a rock!

When we build

Posted January 10, 2012 by Tim

As another new year arrives, I have been challenged to consider what I’ve started that still remains unfinished. Many of us like to build and we all have a few unfinished “projects” that we constantly tinker with probably more out of therapy or enjoyment than with an actual end in mind. Those are both necessary and healthy. But I am talking about another kind of construction project: what we are building into the lives of others – about how the next generation of leaders will be impacted because of our labor.

A couple of months ago, my wife bought a set of books on construction and craftsmanship written in the early 1900’s for our middle son who is great with his hands and has always been a builder. But as fascinating as their subject matter, it is the inscription pasted in the front of each book that captures our attention:

“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us’” ~John Ruskin.

While you may be adding onto your home, building a fire pit at your ranch or sanding down your latest project, I hope you will be moved by a century old inscription as if the ink was still wet to consider what you are building into the lives of others.

I have a feeling we all have some unfinished “building” projects. Sacred stones that still must be strategically stacked. Eternal truths that still must be carefully constructed into the coming generations. Think about the incredible impact you were meant to have on your children and grandchildren…your colleagues and friends – all to the glory of God.

So tell your story. Share your heart. Speak of God’s great love and faithfulness. Teach Truth and impart wisdom. This is your legacy, and it’s a living one. For we are “living stones” (1Peter 2:4-5) and each one of us must be careful how he builds upon the solid rock of Christ’s foundation (1Cor 3:10).

“But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness a nd of Your salvation all day long; for I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, your power to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:14-17).

Be strong and courageous

Posted December 14, 2011 by Tim

When you consider these meanings along with God’s command to obey His Word, not let His Word depart from your mouth, and to “meditate” (“growl, rumble, or groan”) on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:7-9), then you see that success is defined by clinging to the Word and having a steadfast heart for God, not by might or the sword.

Can you hear His voice? God is calling you to “be strong and courageous.” Are you clinging to and abiding in His Word? Do you find His Word frequently on your lips? Are you hiding the Word in your heart so that it’s growling like hunger pangs in the depths of your being? Besides a daily time in the Word, try memorizing and mediating on just one verse of Scripture each month. Start with the one you need the most and God will honor it and multiply it.

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