Renewing Our Strength #31

Psalm 145 is a song of praise and thanksgiving, intended to be a reminder to be passed on the upcoming generations of how great and good God is. Near the end of the song, it says: 

14 The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.

When our strength is sapped, and we can hardly stand up - or even if we have fallen down, the Lord will hold us up and pick us up.  If we need to be fed to renew our strength, he will feed us just like He did Elijah.  The Lord is watching out for us.  Notice that between verses 14 and 15 the Psalmist switches from talking about God to talking to Him. As soon as he mentions the Lord picking him up, he turns his eyes to look to God in worship, thanksgiving, and trust.  What God has done before, He will do again.  Lord, renew our strength.  

Renewing Our Strength #30

Often, as we work our way through the Bible over the years, we begin to pick and choose verses that we find meaningful. We memorize them and go on to another chapter or book.  What we end up doing is missing out on more that God has for us in that same chapter. Like in Romans 5, which begins:

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

That one verse is a powerful truth, but let's keep on reading

2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

Not only do we have peace, we have grace, joy and hope.  But let's not stop there...

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. God, through His Holy Spirit gives us endurance, the strength to go on, and as we endure by His strength, He fills us with His love, doing what only He can do: develop our character, transforming us into Christ-likeness, so we can live lives pleasing to Him.  What a wonderful bundle of gifts we have in Christ. 

Renewing Our Strength #29

The big theme in Hebrews 4 is "entering God's rest" - enjoying with Him that view He had when He made the world and saw it was good.  This is contrasted with those who in the Old Testament had given up, fallen into disobedience, and did not "enter His rest." The writer here is trying to encourage those who were struggling in their faith, tempted by persecution and struggles to give up and turn away from God. He says: "Don't do that. there is hope and strength in Christ", so that by then end of the chapter he says: 
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Mercy and grace are available in Christ.  God does not give us what we deserve in terms of punishment, and He gives us what we do not deserve: His grace - the God-given ability to do what we cannot do on our own.  In Christ we can have renewed strength, faith, endurance and hope. Come to Him as the Great High Priest. He knows; He understands, and He can do something about it. He will renew your strength in time of weakness. 

Renewing Our Strength #28

Beneath the surface in Paul's letter to Timothy is this sense that this young disciple may have been tempted to give up on the call God had given him - that he was becoming drained by the constant messages he was being given that he was too young and inexperienced, as well as the continually having to deal with false teachers, gossipers, and all around trouble-makers. It can wear you down. So Paul reminds him in chapter 4:

14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

When God calls you to do something, He gives you the gifts you need. He provides every resource that His call requires - the physical, mental, and emotional strength it takes to continue your own walk with Him, so that you can keep going and have others join you on the journey, sometimes needing extra strength to bring them along.  Be persistent, and He will provide the strength. 

Renewing Our Strength #27

Psalm 46 is a psalm I often read at funerals, because there, in the midst of death, those who are alive and remain often need renewed strength; we need to be reminded where it really comes from:

 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

When life seems out of our control, we become afraid, and fear saps us of strength and stability.  The Psalmist alludes to all kinds of what insurance companies call "acts of God": earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and other kinds of storms involving water. These can leave us with a sense of helplessness. But he has far more in mind here: the storms of life involving sickness, pain, accidents, heartbreak and death all take a toll on our emotional, mental and spiritual strength.  Where can we go for safety? How can we face our fears and our future? By living in the presence of God, trusting Him, depending on His strength to go on.  May this first verse echo throughout our thoughts, feelings and decisions today: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Renewing Our Strength #26

No consideration of the Lord's Strength would be complete without remembering Paul's words in Ephesians 6:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 

We have seen before in our series that we need to be trusting in the Lord's strength, and not the sorry substitutes we often rely upon instead. We've also seen before that our struggles are not just with physical strength, but even more so with the mental, emotional and spiritual battles in life.  God does not leave us empty-handed; He offers and provides a whole set of armor - not that will weigh us down and make it hard to stand, but which will give us the strength to stand up and stand against all the attacks, struggles, and lies that come our way.  May we willingly receive from Him today the faith, truth, guidance and strength He offers us in His Word, in prayer, and through His Holy Spirit. And may we stand strong in Christ. 

Renewing Our Strength Day 25

 Habakkuk had a tough ministry being called upon to speak judgment against God’s people but he was able to step back and see the big picture so by the last paragraph of this prophecy he would write this

“ there’s a big tree should not blossom nor fruit beyond the vines the produce of the olive oil fail in the field shield no food the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the Lord I will take joy in the God of my salvation God the Lord is my strength he makes my feet like the dears he makes me tread on my high places“

Today is going to be a rough day sending off our only daughter to Cambodia for three years but truly like a backache we can say God the Lord is my strength.

May you find in him with your challenges his strength

Renewing Our Strength #24

Between the time David was anointed as king and the time he was actually established as king was about fifteen years. During much of that time he was on the run - from Saul and from the Philistines, who both wanted him dead. One of the things that hurt his heart during that time was that he was unable to go to worship at the house of the Lord.  Finally, in I Chronicles 16, the tabernacle was established in Jerusalem and the Ark of the Covenant was brought in, and one big worship service ensued. And David sang:

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
10 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!

Often David had had a tired, weary and weakened heart while on the run, but now what he had hoped for was finally coming to pass, and he said: Let it out: give thanks, sing praises, rejoice, tell the Lord how great and wonderful our God is. But most of all, Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! My hope for you today is that you will be able to join God and His people, to worship Him, to seek His presence, and to seek His strength. For David, it was a passion. May it be the same for us too. 

Renewing Our Strength #23

When Paul began his second letter to the Thessalonians, he let them know what a great reputation they had for standing firm in their faith, even during times of suffering and persecution.  But he knew that when these things persist day after day, month after month, even year after year, the best of us can get worn down, discouraged, disheartened and weary.  He even told them in the middle of the letter to expect things to get worse.  He also knew from personal experience what it was to get weak and weary, so as he wraps things up in chapter 3, he says: 
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Remember, no matter how bad it gets, no matter how long this goes on, no matter who turns on you, the Lord is faithful. He will prop you up and protect you. He will prompt you to do what is right and give you the strength and steadfastness you need. He always has and always will.  Trust in His love for you. Trust His Word. Trust His character, and you'll have all the strength you need. 

Renewing Our Strength #22

In his letters to the Corinthian church, Paul had a lot of hard things he had to say to professing followers of Christ who were selfish, sensual, and self-focused.  But Paul did not speak from self-righteousness or take it easy on himself, as we see near the end of his second letter, in the twelfth chapter:

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul recognized the pride within us all - that since the Fall, when arrogant Satan put those seed thoughts in the mind of Eve, we all have these tendencies to think we are the wisest, strongest, and most discerning, and that it is everyone else who is a mess.  Paul says: "God made me know I am a mess too; He allowed me to see my weakness." One of the greatest hindrances to our having our strength renewed by the Lord is our unwillingness to face reality and to admit how much we really need Christ to do so.  Until we do so, we will never really understand how powerful God is. 

Renewing Our Strength #21

In Psalm 73, we find Asaph, the psalmist struggling with one of those questions often posed in the psalms, and our own hearts: "Why does it seem like the ungodly, who live life with no thought of Him, live lives of ease and plenty, and no care that someday they will stand before Him, while those of us who do care struggle with the pains and weariness of life.  Finally Asaph goes to the Sanctuary of God to talk with Him, and as they talk, this is what he comes up with:

 23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

How can I do it? How can I live with these unanswered questions? With you God. Notice Asaph does not say "You are with me." He says: I am continually with you." I choose you, God. You give me security; You give me guidance; You give me a hope and a future.  I choose to put you first.  I am not relying on my own wisdom or strength; I am relying on Your strength and provision to carry me through - not to the end, but to a new beginning with You. 

Renewing Our Strength #20

In the opening paragraph of the last chapter of I Peter we find an exhortation to humble servant leadership. The reason given is simple: God is opposed to pride and arrogance. It is what fills this world with sin. There is then an exhortation we all need to consider beginning in verse:

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Peter says there are times when we fell knocked down. The enemy is not going to go down without a fight; he will tempt us to sin and discouragement; all believers face this. Our job is to be on guard, even when worn down and weary, standing firm in our faith. What seems like forever is, in the scheme of things, a little while compared to eternity.  We can trust God, through Christ to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish. He will come along to put us back together again, pull us up to stand stable, give us strength, and help us to stand strongly and firmly. This is no pull-yourself-up-by the-bootstraps kind of strength and stability, based on our own pride and sufficiency, but solely found in His strength. 

Renewing Our Strength #19

In Isaiah 11, after an initial round of pronouncements of judgement on Israel, God announces that His righteous Branch will some day restore a remnant of His people, bringing them back from exile to the land, where He will rule over them. It will be a place of peace, justice, and hope.  At the end of the chapter he says that the returnees will have a wide path, just as the people did when they came of out Egypt under Moses. Chapter 12 then begins this way:

 You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
    for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
    that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.”

That last verse should sound familiar. It is much like we saw yesterday in the Song of Moses he and the people of Israel sang after the Lord delivered them from the Egyptians through the Red Sea.  There will be a renewed sense of strength; this song will come back into their hearts and minds; they will remember that the Lord forgives and saves.  Throughout the Old Testament, we see the people of Israel needed to be reminded of that over and over again. The Lord is merciful, loving and forgiving; the Lord saves us, and brings us back to that place of joy and renewed strength, peace and contentment.  May we find all those things through His renewed strength today. 

Restoring Our Strength #18

The book of Exodus recalls the great deliverance God brought about when He freed the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt.  We are familiar with the story, but think about how tired and weary they must have been. They had been slaves for 400 years, required to make bricks for the ever-increasing building projects of the Pharoah.  Then, when Moses showed up to "help them", the workload was increased, while they themselves were affected by some of the impact of the plagues. Then, quickly overnight, they had to pack up all their things and quickly leave on their journey, only to be trapped at the Red Sea with the Egyptian chariots coming their way. Imagine how emotionally and mentally - as well as physically tired they must have been pressed in together on the shore. Imagine how tired Moses must have been from leading this complaining crowd. Then, God does something impossible, taking them through the Sea and covering the Egyptian army when they came after them.  Chapter 15 then begins this way:

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,
“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
    the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
2 The Lord is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father's God, and I will exalt him.

The first words of testimony out of Moses' and the people's mouths are "The Lord is my strength." Yes, He is so many things to me: He is great and powerful, holy and loving, saving His people. But what we need right now is strength. There is still a long journey ahead of us, but we have a song to sing along the way. We have the strength to go on, because the Lord is my strength. Sing that throughout your day today. 

Renewing Our Strength #17

Isaiah 41 begins with a call for renewed strength.  After talking about all God's sovereignty over all nations, and their dependence on worthless idols made with hands, God remind them:

8 But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
    and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God reminds His people that they are chosen, called and not cast off. Rather than us making up our God, He has made us. Rather than us making something to call God, He had called us to for a purpose. Rather than being scraps left over from an idol to be burned or disposed of, we are kept by God. Therefore, we do not need to fear the future, even if the world around us seems to be falling apart. And we can be assured of His strength to help us, and His hand to hold us.  

Renewing Our Strength #16

In the book of Nehemiah, we find a long, drawn out process of rebuilding the walls and city of Jerusalem after the exile.  It was not only physically draining work, it was mentally and emotionally tiring as they had interruptions and irritations constantly stopping and hindering their work.  Finally, the walls were completed, and a celebration was called for, during which the Word of God was brought out and read. The people gathered around heard the reasons why they city had been destroyed: the disobedience of their forefathers against God. They also were convicted of their imperfections, and looked around at everything that still needed to be done. They were spiritually disheartened, weary, and weak. In chapter 8 we find:

9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 

What is it that renews our strength? What is it that makes us pause and reflect, then not give up, but move on with greater purpose and peace? The joy of the Lord.  There is joy when we listen to God, obey Him, and see Him at work in and through us.  His joy sustains us, revives us, lifts our spirits, and make us say: "Let's see what else God has for us." Are you in?

Renewing Our Strength #15

Well, it's Friday. Many of you have just about made it through the week.  You are tired; you have just about enough strength to make it one more day.  Then tomorrow you might sleep in, catch up on errands, maybe even do something fun.  Then, if God is lucky, you'll grace Him with your presence on Sunday.  For a moment, I'd like you to imagine you are the Psalmist, going up to Jerusalem to worship - and when I say going up, I mean a steady climb from sea level up a few thousand feet. on foot.  During your journey you have experienced hot at day and cold at night.  Sometimes you are tired of the crowds you need to walk with, while others you are scared, going through steep, dark places, wishing you were not all alone. Then you remember, and begin to sing, 

Psalm 121: I lift up my eyes to the hills.

    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

Rather than feeling like he is pulling the train, trying to get through the week, the psalmist is pulled from ahead, from what is before Him - the presence of the Lord.  He gives him the strength he needs for the journey, as well as safety and comfort.  Notice what has happened here: he has turned from focusing on I and my to The Lord, The Lord, The Lord, The Lord, The Lord - five times, in increasing intensity. He sees that changing our focus from our weariness and wornness to the Lord renews our strength.

Renewing Our Strength

In John 16, as Jesus neared the end of his time with His disciples in the upper room, there were a number of things He had said that they had difficulty both understanding and accepting. They could not believe that He was talking about leaving Him. They did not want to accept His words that He was going to suffer and die. But there were some things they did believe, which He told them to hold on to:

30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The disciples said: "Lord, we believe in You. We believe in Who You are. We believe You are the Truth."  In response Jesus says: "Okay then. If you believe, remember that even if you feel you are all alone, with no one else to support you, and you have lost all strength and desire to go on, I am with you. Just like I am not alone when you leave me, you will not be alone. And just as I have overcome the world, you can have renewed strength and hope and peace knowing I am with you.  Take heart, and receive my strength."

Renewing Our Strength #13

Yesterday, without looking ahead to see what our passage for today is, I concluded our devotional with the last verse of this passage from I Corinthians 10:
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God promises the strength to endure every temptation. Paul has just looked back on the poor example set by the people of Israel when God delivered them from bondage in Egypt only to have them rebel in the wilderness.  From the get-to at the foot of Mt Sinai, the kept falling back in to idolatry, immorality, and even more insulting to God, a lack of faith in Him. Their complaining and compromise with sin kept them from fully experiencing what a deliverance God had provided for them, so that most never even entered the promised land.  God wants more for us - so much more, and if we do not find it, it is not for lack of strength to say no to sin and yes to God. It's our own sinful, selfish, self-sufficient tendency to try to do it on our own, without His strength.  

Renewing Our Strength #12

A few days ago we looked in James 1 at the opening verses, which set the stage for the theme: Call out to God for everything you need, including strength. Today we go to the middle of the first chapter: 

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Our tendency when we are sapped of strength - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, is to just give up, to stop fighting.  That is not a healthy position to take towards trials, or especially, temptations. When facing trials, to give up and say it doesn't really matter is to miss an opportunity for us to rely more fully on God's strength and allow him to grow us stronger.  But when facing temptations, to give up is to totally abandon our responsibility in the matter, and to blame God not only for the consequences of our sin, but for our tendency to give in in the first place.  God promises us strength for trials and temptations. For the latter He reminds us: with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13)

Renewing Our Strength #11

In his introductory chapter of his letter to the Colossian church, Paul joins together two interesting characteristics: wisdom and strength: 

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 

It is one thing to know the right thing to do, and to realize that there is no other way than God's way to do so.  It is quite another thing to do it.  That takes strength - not just physical strength, but mental - and even more so, spiritual strength.  That is something we cannot develop on our own. With physical strength we can at least try to eat, rest, and stay active, but with spiritual strength we must add to our feeding on the Word, trusting in His will, and seeking to serve Him, a strength that only comes from Him.   He is the One Who gives us the endurance and patience to not give up on ourselves or life, and press on with joyful hearts. We can and must truly say: "Lord, I cannot do this day without Your strength. I'm ready to receive what You have for me today, and that is enough."

Renewing Our Strength #10

Yesterday we looked at Paul's words in Romans 15. Today we go earlier in his letter to chapter 8:
24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

What we have here is nothing less than an invitation to pray for strength. This life is full of struggles. Paul talks about them earlier in the chapter: we struggle against our sinful selves; we struggle with assurance about our salvation; we struggle to live life in hope when things around us seem falling apart and hopeless. Who can help us through all this? The powerful Holy Spirit. He can give us the ability in Christ to say "no" to temptation; He can give us assurance when our minds doubt our relationship with God; He can help us call out to God in prayer for strength of mind, body, and soul when we realize we are not enough, but God is. He can and will do all these things to strengthen us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and advocate to hold us up, hold our hand, and help us stand. 

Restoring Our Strength #9

As Paul was talking to the Romans about the practical implications of the Gospel, he spoke to them about strength and weakness:

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Notice here the connection between endurance and encouragement. Those who are strong are challenged to encourage those who are weak.  In context, this is especially in a spiritual sense of holding to our convictions as followers of Christ, without judging those whose faith has not developed in some area. But last month when many of us were weak - physically, emotionally and mentally drained, we found ourselves longing to be able to do something to encourage one another - that any strength we had, given by God, we wanted to pool together to help and encourage the weakest among us. We wanted to live, and to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Where does that come from? It is the very character of Christ, Who did not come to please Himself. It is the very character of God, Who is the God of endurance and encouragement. He is the God Who gives strength for us to share with one another. 

Restoring Our Strength #8

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul reminds the believers there that in Christ they will find everything they need. In the practical application half of the letter, in chapter 3, he emphasizes living that out in our relationships with others, concluding with the servant/master relationship. He says:

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 

What does this have to do with Renewing Our Strength? Of all the relationships he discussed this one at times could have seemed most hopeless. Notice that Paul only talks here about the one side of the relationship: the servant. Humanly speaking, it could seem like there was no pleasing one's master, that they would work a life-time for this person and have nothing to show for it, and to be tempted to just give up with one's mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength totally gone.  Paul says: remember Who your true master really is, Who you really are living to please, and Why what you do is really important. You belong to the Lord, work for the Lord, love and want to please the Lord, and what you do can really make a difference for the Lord. Your life has meaning, purpose and value, because the Lord is with you. Let Him give you His strength to show you what that is. 

Restoring Our Strength #7

Many of us as followers of Christ find the book of James helpful in daily life. It's clear-cut, down-to-earth, cut-to-the chase practical wisdom is what we need in our face. Right off in chapter 1 he says:

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Keep the proper perspective. As you struggle in life, look upon it as a way for God to work in your life.  Hang in there. Whatever you need, trust God for it.  And as he works his way through the book he talks about needing wisdom, needing self-control, needing healing in relationships, needing forgiveness In each and every challenge, God can do something.  The same is true when we lack strength, when we struggle just to get up and moving. God will give the strength we need for that day, for that calling, for His glory. Be steadfast and call on Him for strength. 

Renewing Our Strength #6

As some of you know, one chapter that has been very meaningful to me throughout my ministry had been II Corinthians 4.  It begins and ends the same way, and really resonated this past month when so many of us were laid low. I begins this way: 

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

and ends this way:

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

As Paul wrote these words, he had been through a lot of stressful situations, including writing this letter to a church that was resistant and angry with him.  He was pushing hard to get to see all the churches he could, while at the same time collecting an offering to take to suffering saints in Jerusalem as soon as he could.  He kept hitting roadblocks and persecution along the way. It was wearing him down emotionally and he was wearing out physically, but he refused to give up or get down, to lose heart. Why he depended daily or the Lord to renew his strength.  He was able to looking beyond the stresses on his strength here and now to the glory beyond. His strength for the long haul came one day at a time. The Lord knew what he needed that day and gave it; He'll do the same for you.

Renewing Our Strength #5

In Deuteronomy 31, Moses is about to pass off the scene, and leadership is being transferred to Joshua. Joshua is not a young man at this point.  He had been serving under Moses for over 40 years, through the whole time of the wilderness wanderings.  He knew the complaining, inconsistency and rebellious nature of his people all to well.  Now he was being entrusted by God to get them settled in the promised land. Listen to the charge he is given. 
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

The very thought of this challenge seems overwhelming - to get them to work together long enough and hard enough to get them all settled into the land.  It saps your strength just thinking about it. Yet God had the nerve to say to Joshua through Moses: "Be strong." How could God command that? Because the Lord went before him and with him. The people might abandon him, but God would not.  Joshua did not need a large army of strong, fit, brave soldiers.  All he needed was the presence and power of God, and of that he could be assured.  So can we, if we will only trust and obey Him. Whatever it is you are facing today that you know is above your strength level, bring it to Him and ask for His strength through His presence. 

Renewing Our Strength #4

In Psalm 37 David is making a contrast between the way of the righteous and the way of wicked. Whereas in some psalms we can see the struggle to ask the question: "does it really matter?", in this one it is very clear.  Let's look as just three couplets of verses to see how. First:

16 Better is the little that the righteous has

    than the abundance of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,

    but the Lord upholds the righteous.

Next:

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.

And last of all the following couplet.
25 I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread.
26 He is ever lending generously,
    and his children become a blessing.

Sometimes it seems like the wicked have greater resources, including greater strength, but when it comes down to it, the Lord supplies. He supplies food for His people not only for themselves for others; He uses HIs people to bless others financially; and when His people do not have the strength they need He upholds them; He holds them by the hand and pulls them up again.  God reaches down to renew our strength with His. 

Renewing Our Strength #3

Philippians 4 is a well-known and often studied and quoted passage, with one of the most quoted verses: verse 13, but let's look at it in context of our study on Renewing Our Strength. Paul says: 

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

As we know from earlier in this chapter, the Philippian church was being called to rejoice, even in the midst of trials and persecution.  They needed a change in perspective about the struggles they were going through. Paul now talks about his own joy.  He was overjoyed that this church had chosen to reach out and help him financially and physically then they heard he was in need. But he wanted them to realize that his joy was not dependent on having material things or physical ease. True joy comes knowing that God will supply whatever it is we really need, from learning to be content in every circumstance, even if it means being laid low.  When we are laid low, we need strength, but not just any strength - the strength God supplies in His time, in His way, and as He sees we need it.  Paul ends by saying: "Don't get me wrong; I am very thankful for what you gave me when I was down and out, but even if you had not, God will find a way to meet every need, including our need for strength.  

Renewing Our Strength #2

Early in the morning a couple of days ago, I went out to my car to get something I needed. It was rather cool that morning, so I started to run back to the house.  After a few weeks of being sick, I thought to myself: "I'm not sure this could be classified as running."  In Hebrews 12, the writer presents this picture of running the race of faith as a marathon event:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 

As we run this race we are looking to the forerunner, the pacesetter, Christ. Look at Him. First of all, He carried our sin, so we do not need to carry it; we need to confess and forsake it.  Life has enough burdens of its own; we don't want to carry more needlessly. But there are other weights we carry needlessly. Note that he refers to weight, and sin - they are two separate issues. What worries and even responsibilities have I taken on myself, that God wants to carry and have others accept?  God calls on us to hand these over to Christ, Who is seated at the right hand of the Father.  As we consider "renewing our strength", not only physically, but even more so, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, the first thing we need to ask is: "What am I trying to carry needlessly? I don't have the strength to carry it, and God doesn't want me to anyway." 

Renewing Our Strength #1

As many of you know, my  wife and I, and a number of saints close to us were laid low for a long time this past month. Most of us have been making progress, but still sense a weakness, a lack of strength. So we are going to spend this month focusing on "Renewing Our Strength." In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says a lot of things to try to turn the focus of these believers from themselves, to others. In chapter 6 he says:  
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Anything we seek is not to be just for our own satisfaction and fulfillment - so we can do what we want to do.  Life is an investment into doing for God and for others. This is especially true in our relationships with fellow believers. This past month many of us who were laid low were especially frustrated because there were others struggling even more than we were, yet we were in a position that we could not help them. We had no strength. So let us not forget that. As we call out to God for renewed strength, may it be so we can especially do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.