Tag Archives: Prayer

Just one beggar

Posted on by
Reply

Following up on the theme from Monday’s post – I mentioned then that my ministry is primarily that of “One beggar telling another begger where I found bread.”  Here’s a little illustration:

We don’t really like the idea of begging.  When we see beggars in the city, usually we walk a little faster, make sure the doors are locked in the car, pretend they’re not even there.  Maybe we think that if you have to beg, then you’ve failed at something in life.  We tell our children, “Don’t beg” when they are pestering us for the latest toy begin advertized every five minutes.  If you are working hard enough, keeping on the straight and narrow, you should never have to beg, right?

I wonder how many of us feel like begging might become a viable option in the near future.  Jobs are scarce, gas is expensive, money’s tight.  The thought is terrifying, but “Brother Can you Spare a Dime” might hit the Top 40’s again.

But for just a moment, if we can get past all of the social and cultural stigmas that are associated with begging, we might begin to see how this picture is a pretty accurate description of the Christian life.

Consider for a moment the language that is used in the old prayer books of the church.  Today, prayer books are filled with the words like “pray,” “ask,” and “seek;” all very good and appropriate words.  But they’ve lost some power.  The Presbyterian Book of Worship from 1943, on the other hand, uses words like, “beseech,” “entreat,” “implore,” and even “beg” in its prayers.  How many of you would be confortable if your pastor prayed this Sunday, “God we are on our knees begging for your mercy and grace”? 

The things is, while these words are out of fashion today, they teach us a lot about how we ought to depend upon God.  God is the source of all goodness and life, if there is anything we are wanting, we must turn to God.  Bring before God the longings of your heart, look to God for those things which will bring your peace, security, and comfort in life.  Come to God with empty hands, asking to be filled.

Then perhaps, as the beggar pictured above, you may find the food you truly desire, the bread of life, the end of hunger and thirst (John 6:35).

SDG

Wasted by Glory

Posted on by
Reply

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
Habakkuk 2:14 ESV

I know there’s always the danger of coming home from a conference and feeling dissatisfied with life and work.  You go away for a couple of days, free from the stress and busyness of the everyday life, and is drudgery having to get back into the same old routine again.  You struggle to implement the great ideas you picked up, and no one else shares your enthusiasm.  You can’t go back to the mountain top, and eventually the passion dies.  I’ve been through this before, I recognize it for what it is, and I know to avoid it.

However, what I’m experiencing this week is something completely different.  Last week I attended the Desiring God Pastor’s Conference.  Speaking at the conference on prayer were such authors as Joel Beeke, Mark Dever, Francis Chan, and John Piper.  1700 pastors were led in uplifting worship by a fantastic band.  Yes, I came home with some great ideas, a few more books to fill the shelves, and a renewed sense of commitment in prayer. 

In a few months, the remarkable things that were said may be forgotten.  I may get bogged down and forget my resolve.  I may have to walk away from the mountain top and live among the maddening crowds.  But there is something that I will never lose.

In a unique way, this conference allowed me, through the reading of scripture and “prayerful prayer” to, for a brief moment, have a taste of the all-surpassing glory of God.  For just a moment, I saw myself for who I truly am – a sinner in need of grace, distracted by so many things from the greatness and glory of God, chasing after so many lesser loves rather than resting in the wonderful love of my blessed redeemer – and I saw God glorified and lifted up – full of grace and truth, redeeming and restoring all whom He calls to Himself, sanctifying and preserving His church. 

I have been wasted by glory, I cannot be the same. 

I will work twice as hard to in some way communicate the glory of God in my messages, but I know that even in my greatest eloquence I will always fall short.

I have committed to renewed prayer, but now find myself waiting in silence, recalling God’s words of scripture, allowing Him to speak to my heart and mind.

I cannot read through Scripture without stopping in amazement at how God’s goodness and glory jump off of every page.

The gadgets and stuff that I once daydreamed about seem silly to me now.

I still find beauty in the world around me, joy in the love of family and friends, but my heart is consumed with a passion that lies elsewhere.

Food doesn’t even taste as good, now that I have “tasted” the goodness of God.

I have been wasted to the world by the glory of God.

And yet, I find a renewed appreciation for the blessings God has provided, a renewed love for my wife and kids, and a greater compassion for the church and for those in need.

Because the world no longer holds the answer for me, because my eyes are fixed on Christ, the author and finisher of my faith, perhaps now I am of more use to God and benefit to the world.

May my life reflect the glory of the Lord, that all may know His greatness and love.

SDG