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Thursday, June 29, 2017

Joy-Full Friendship ~ Series on Friendship

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV

Discontentment leads to resentment, resentment to rage, rage to shouting, shouting to abuse; this is the chain of events that acts of malice ignite. These intentional malignant actions, each one fueling the next, cause pain and distress. Negative emotions like resentment and animosity are toxic and destroy relationships. Warren Wiersbe says, "Corruption from the lips only means corruption in the heart." 

Augustine in his Confessions lists the joys of friendship: “to make conversation, to share a joke, to perform mutual acts of kindness, to read together well-written books, to share in trifling and in serious matters, to disagree though without animosity... and in the very rarity of disagreement to find the salt of normal harmony, to teach each other something or to learn from one another, to long with impatience for those absent, to welcome them with gladness on their arrival.” 
The way we interact with others reveals not only our heart's attitude, but it gives insight into our relationship with God. The joys of friendship with God include holy conversations and divine instruction, unconditional love and unrestrained fellowship, peace and hope, all wrapped up together in Amazing Grace. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of our life.(The Message Ephesians 4:30) Our expressions of kindness and tenderness and forgiveness that we offer one another measures our friendship with God. ~ dho

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Unrestrained Fellowship ~ Series on Friendship

Thus, the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend... Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But You haven't told me whom You will send with me. You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with You... And the LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." ...And the LORD replied to Moses, I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with Me, and you are My friend."

God calls Abraham and Moses by name, speaks to them as friends, identifies each one as friend. In studying these heroes of Faith, it is clear the privilege of friendship with God comes with many responsibilities but also provides deep, intimate fellowship. These ancient words in Exodus reveal not only the trust and responsiveness of Moses to God, but also God's promise of His Presence to Moses. This relationship demonstrates reciprocity, mutuality, and unrestrained fellowship!

God's promise, "My Presence will go with you," reassures Moses. In Hebrew My Presence literally means My Face(NKJV Study Bible) Moses asks for God's Presence, His personal companionship; God willingly responds. Of all the nations on earth in Old Testament times, only Israel would go forward with the presence of God Almighty. With Jesus Christ, God completes the picture of His abiding presence. For through Christ, each of us can have this unrestrained fellowship with God.




Philip Yancey writes in his book Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference, "keeping company with God involves two parties, and I have an important role to play in the relationship." There are those people who seem content with a superficial relationship with God, those who settle less. Some people deeply desire a growing faith walk with God, some who long for more. God is waiting for those who want to experience an intimate relationship with Him. In God's Presence, the Believer is called by name, feels His nearness, and can understand His voice, just as a man speaks to his friend. In Christ, unmeasured grace and unspeakable joy fuse in unrestrained fellowship! I want MORE of this! What do you want?  ~dho 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Covenant Benefits ~ Series on Friendship

"Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did - by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say, 'Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.' He was even called 'the friend of God'." James 2:21-23 NLT (see Genesis 22, story of Abraham and Isaac)


How does this New Testament verse describe Abraham, and what does his behavior reveal about his faith? First, after remembering Abraham's ancestry and the Jewish lineage, Scripture tells us he is declared righteous by God because of his obedience to God's command. We then understand Abraham's faith foundation comes from fully trusting God. Abraham's faith was made complete in his obedience. Then, God calls Abraham "friend". 

In defining friendship, one idea centers around a trusted confidential relationship. Abraham fully trusts God, and we understand this in observing his actions. Back up a few decades and read Genesis 15; God makes a covenant with Abram, long before this act of obedience demonstrates his faithfulness. A Promised Land and many descendants will become his legacy. When Abraham is 99 years old, God again blesses Abraham, renewing His covenant calling him the father of many nations and millions of descendants, and promising him a son, to be named Isaac. This relationship exemplifies a trusted confidential relationship that evolves into a genuine friendship with God.

A lifestyle of spontaneous obedience is the most compelling evidence of our friendship and affection for Christ. [Blackaby Study Bible] A growing intimacy with Christ reveals an increasing awareness of His Presence. Christ chooses us, but our hesitation or reluctance or denial to respond creates barriers. Without an intimate relationship with Christ, our offerings to the world are of limited significance. Christ meets us where we are and offers us His covenant benefits.  How does your lifestyle describe you, and what does your behavior reveal about your faith? Can God call you friend~dho

Thursday, June 08, 2017

Genuine Frienship ~ Series on Friendship


We can never replace a friend.  When a man is fortunate enough to have several, he finds they are all different.  No one has a double in friendship.  

Johann Von Schiller






Although we all have had friends for seasons, those who come and go, each are individually unique, irreplaceable for those particular times and certainly not forgotten. As new seasons arrive, God does fill that void, sometimes. I also find those who remain true soul friends, despite time and distance, are NOT so replaceable. When circumstances claim them, for a while or until eternity, their place in the heart remains. Occasionally life returns them, in planned reunions or at unexpected intersections. In these moments, we fall into conversation with comfort and ease; afterwards, we pause, reflective and grateful. Genuine friendship is a matter of the soul, a holy engraving by the Giver, each one chosen for us. What splendid friends they make! ~dho

"And these God-chosen lives all around 
- what splendid friends they make!"

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Spirit of the Living God

Easter gatherings with their celebrations are fast becoming memories as plans for Spring Break and summer vacations begin to fill the calendar. Before life fills our plates too full with other thoughts, I would like to spend the next several weeks sharing some of the insights I gleaned during these recent weeks of Lent. Pentecost this year is Sunday June 4, 2017.~dho

"Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angels' wings.
I see glory on each face;
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place."


As promised, Jesus returns to Heaven to be with God, but His presence will remain with mankind in the form of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus returns to heaven, the Holy Spirit descends to the earliest believers like a mighty windstorm, like flaming tongues of fire. The living breath of God becomes the life source of the faithful. God's plan for the Christian church begins with the outpouring of His Spirit in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. For anyone believing in Christ, the Spirit leads and teaches, intercedes and empowers, even in this place, at this moment! 

Spirit of the Living God, fill me with Your presence. Holy Fire, kindle my soul. Gift of God, open my heart to truth and wisdom. Anywhere and all the time, You refresh my soul! ~ dho   

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 
Acts 2:1-4 NLT


" . . . Spirit of holiness, on us descend. . ."

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Servant of God

Easter gatherings with their celebrations are fast becoming memories as plans for Spring Break and summer vacations begin to fill the calendar. Before life fills our plates too full with other thoughts, I would like to spend the next several weeks sharing some of the insights I gleaned during these recent weeks of Lent.~dho



The spiritual discipline of service requires an "attitude of obedience". In A Year with God, Foster gives us the definition of servanthood. As I think back on these instructions, I must ask myself if I have become a better servant or gained a deeper understanding of service. What do my actions really show? What is my heart's intention?
Being a servant of God and of others [is] a way of living - a declaration of obedience, not an occasional volunteer activity. Richard Foster
As the season between the resurrection and Pentecost draws to a close, implementing the lessons learned becomes more critical. Without a demonstration of living more like Christ, our insights fall short. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us how to work, how to be obedient, how to honor Christ with our efforts. -dho
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Thursday, May 18, 2017

"O good and gracious King!"

Easter gatherings with their celebrations are fast becoming memories as plans for Spring Break and summer vacations begin to fill the calendar. Before life fills our plates too full with other thoughts, I would like to spend the next several weeks sharing some of the insights I gleaned during these recent weeks of Lent.~dho


During the Lenten season, there are many hymns that are traditionally sung. One that is often part of worship on Palm Sunday is "All Glory, Laud and Honor". A particular memory of this hymn happened on Palm Sunday in 1991 at Church of the Savior in Cleveland, Ohio. On this first Sunday we take our younger daughter to church, only 3 weeks old, we sing this hymn. The words stir my heart as I hold my newborn and think of the innocence of children singing "sweet hosannnas" as Jesus enters into Jerusalem. I am reminded again each time this hymn is sung. 

Take a moment to reflect upon the words of this hymn. Imagine the day, the joy, the celebrations. Imagine the day's events, conversations, and songs. Take a moment to once again offer praises and prayers to our Redeemer, our good and gracious King! - dho

"All glory, laud and honor
to You, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David's royal Son,
now in the Lord's name coming,
the King and Blessed One.

The company of angels
is praising You on high; 
and we with all creation
in chorus make replay.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before You went;
our praise and prayer and anthems 
before You we present. 

To You before Your passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to You, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
As You received their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
for You delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!"

** text originally written in Latin around 820 by Theodulph, bishop of Orleans. 

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Easter gatherings with their celebrations are fast becoming memories as plans for Spring Break and summer vacations begin to fill the calendar. Before life fills our plates too full with other thoughts, I would like to spend the next several weeks sharing some of the insights I gleaned during these recent weeks of Lent.~dho

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. Psalm77:11


During Lent and since, I have been a part of a women's Bible study at our chuch called Wonderstruck by Margaret Feinberg. Each week we are challenged to 'awake to the wonder of God'. Feinberg writes, "God desires to captivate us not just with His handiwork but with Himself - displaying facets of His character, igniting us with His firey love, awakening us to the intensity of His holiness." In one exercise we were asked to recall and write down at least 5 praiseworthy deeds that God performed in the Old Testament, 5 deeds God performed from the New Testament, 5 deeds God has performed in my faith community, and 5 praiseworthy deeds God has performed in my life. If you are counting, that is 20 deeds. As we shared in groups, many had written some of the same deeds from the Bible that I wrote while others had ones I had not thought about. Other lists recalled more personal moments. Feinberg reminds us that "unless we are intentional about remembering  the deeds of God, we become forgetful aobut God and His presence in our world.

In those days leading up to Pentecost, Jesus spent time with the the disciples, preparing them for when He would ascend back to God, preparing them to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, feeding them with holiness until the coming of the Holy Spirit. Those days had to be full of wonder at all that had happened the last three years, the healings and miracles, the traveling and teaching, the obedience and the lack of understanding. Christ's very presence after the crucifixion and resurrection must have left them wonderstruck. Be wonderstruck, too, when you consider God! Can you list the praiseworthy deeds of God that have impacted your life? -dho 

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Praise His Name

 Easter gatherings with their celebrations are fast becoming memories as plans for Spring Break and summer vacations begin to fill the calendar. Before life fills our plates too full with other thoughts, I would like to spend the next several weeks sharing some of the insights I gleaned during these recent weeks of Lent.~dho
Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. Psalm 96:1-6 NLT


This year for my daily devotionals, I am using A Year With God, Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines by Richard Foster. During Lent, one of the disciplines studied was worship. Foster writes, "When we pour worship out over our daily lives, we grow ever more sensitive to God's voice and presence." In describing some of the praise psalms, he calls them "poetic proclamation". Worship is an essential aspect of faith. Being alert to and recognizing the holiness of God feeds our minds and souls. A heightened awareness of the beauty of creation reveals the majesty of the Creator, opens the heart to God's perfect design. Summing it up with St. Augustine's words, "A Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot." Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Alleluia! Amen! 
-dho

Thursday, April 27, 2017

True Humility

Easter gatherings with their celebrations are fast becoming memories as plans for Spring Break and summer vacations begin to fill the calendar. Before life fills our plates too full with other thoughts, I would like to spend the next several weeks sharing some of the insights I gleaned during these recent weeks of Lent.~dho
As Christians, the mystery of grace teaches us that as we lose ourselves in the overwhelming greatness of redeeming love, humility becomes to us the consummation of everlasting blessedness. Andrew Murray, Humility, the Preface 
One of the books I read during Lent was Humility by Andrew Murray, missionary to South Africa. Murray, Christian writer, teacher, and pastor, lived from 1828-1917. Many of his pithy theological and spiritually applicable writings are now available in reprint. Over the years, I have read several of his books, including Abiding in Christ, Absolute Surrender, and A Life of Obedience. Murray wrote, "True humility comes when before God we see ourselves as nothing, have put aside self, and let God be all."
The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is its lack of humility. Andrew Murray, Humility, pg 61
So often we struggle with our own importance, wrestle with obedience to God, turn from dependence on God. Humility is the antithesis of self-importance, disobedience, and arrogance. Even our pretentious religious words and good deeds lack humility and become the very definition of "counterfeit holiness."  Philippians 2:6-8, 12-16 from The Message give voice to the lessons on humility that Christ teaches:
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion... What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night...
One Sunday worship service early in the Lenten season, we sang a hymn, and the chorus exclaims the only way we can have true humility, to surrender and be obedient to God: 
Jesus is Lord of all!
Jesus is Lord of all!
Lord of my thoughts and service each day; 
Jesus is Lord of all!
-dho