You Can’t See Me

Posted on November 26, 2019 by drgause@agause.com

Remember your young children standing across the room with either their hands over their eyes or a blanket over their head saying, “you can’t see me”. Psychologists tell us preschool children’s brains haven’t developed enough to distinguish their perspective from someone else’s. They think by covering their eyes so they can’t see you, you can’t see them. You might be thinking like me, “that sounds like a lot of adults I know trying to hide from God.”

Efforts to hide from God have been around since the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden (Gen 3:8). People’s attempt to hide continues through scripture to the end of time. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne” (Rev 6:15, 16). Anyone who thinks they can hide from His presence should consider this verse. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Heb 4:13).

Running and trying to hide from God isn’t confined to unbelievers; believers do the same. One of the most known stories is Jonah the Prophet. He wanted to escape the Lord’s calling. God told him go to Nineveh the capital of Assyria and announce judgment. But they were Israel’s worst enemy. Jonah understood God’s love and that He would forgive them if they repented. That was the last thing Jonah desired for this wicked nation. He thought if he got as far away from the land of Israel as possible that he could hide. So he bought a ticket to Tarshish the farthest location one could travel. He even hid in the lowest part of the ship. As a prophet, Jonah was knowledgeable about scriptures. However, he must not have read King David’s psalm, Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence (Psa 139:7)?

Regardless, Jonah believed he was hidden. Sorry Jonah, the Lord was present and had already appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah in order to save him when he was thrown overboard. After three days and three nights God had his attention and Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish (Jon 1:17-2:1). Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land (v10). And what did God say? The Lord spoke to Jonah a second time, “go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you” (3:1, 2 NLT)—same calling; same message. Over 700 years later Paul wrote for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable (Rom 11:29 NIV).

The lesson for us, if God has called you whether as a child, a teenage, or an adult you may believe you can run away and hide, but you are like a child with your hands over your spiritual eyes telling yourself ‘He can’t see me’. One of the best-known parables Jesus taught was the story of the lost son, commonly known as the prodigal son. This young man wanted to get away from his Father, his control, his way of thinking, and his confining values. He did not accept the Jewish Law. He did something unheard of for a Jewish son; he asked for his portion of the inheritance. That was the most radical rejection of his father’s love and position. In the Jewish culture, it was liking telling his father, “I wish you were dead”. The father granted his request. In a few days, he packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land. Now he was finally free, so he thought. He wasted everything he had, a famine came, and he ended up feeding pigs merely to stay alive. Far worse than any constraints he had at home.

Here’s the key for everyone running and hiding, he came to his senses. He remembered the blessings and joy at home. He said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death (Lk 15:17 NIV). He got up and went home where the Father received him with open arms. A distant land doesn’t have to be a foreign geographical location. For so many it’s drugs, alcohol, immoral life style, false beliefs, resentment of parents, or preachers. It doesn’t matter the Father wants you home. Christians can hide themselves from the call of God in the work, family activities, hobbies, entertainment, even church ministries and never surrender to their calling. Most runners and hiders try to push any thoughts of God to the back of their mind.

Sustaining Word for the Week: Are you running? Do you think you are hidden? People are praying you come to your senses. For some of you, ‘Go fulfill God’s calling.” For others, “God is saying come home.”

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God Made Introverts Too!

Posted on November 18, 2019 by drgause@agause.com

Have you ever been made to feel substandard because you’re an introvert? Or felt like you are one lone introvert trying to survive in a world of extroverts. Most introverts would give a resounding, “yes”. A few extremists go as far as to contend it is wrong, even sinful, for a Christian to be an introvert. However, several studies reveal that up to half or more of the population are introverts, including Christians. You might be saying, “There’s no mention of introverts and extroverts in Scripture. Why write about it?” You are correct these now common terms weren’t coined until 1920. Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit has filled the Bible with examples of people’s personalities and how this affected their ministries. In addition, including myself, many believers have struggled to reach God’s full potential because they feel defective and damaged for being introverted.

The first truth we must understand, and embrace is being introverted isn’t a liability rather it is a gift of God just as are your talents and spiritual gifts. God made you a unique person because He has a purpose for you. Introverts can thrive and enjoy ministries and professions that would bore and frustrate an extrovert. David tells us, God formed your inward parts (mind and heart); He wove you together in your mother’s womb. This includes your personality whether introvert or extrovert. All the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be (Ps 130: 13, 16 NIV). The Lord told Jeremiah, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations-that’s what I had in mind for you” (1:5 MSG).

One Biblical example of different personalities comes through Paul and Barnabas ministering as a team. It’s not hard to visualize Paul as a strong outgoing extrovert. Some described him as an ambitious entrepreneur. He made decisions based on logic; he set rules and deadlines. Paul stuck to his plans. Barnabas on the other hand exhibited the characteristics of an introvert. His emotions affected his decisions. Rules and deadlines were flexible. Some have called him the loyal idealist. Midway their first missionary journey, leadership roles changed from Barnabas and Saul, i.e. Paul (Act 13:7) to Paul and his companions (v13). Paul’s personality drew him toward being the leader versus being a follower. Barnabas’ mellow accommodating disposition allowed him to be comfortable with this change. But I wonder if this influenced Barnabas’ cousin John Marktoleave them and returned to Jerusalem?

Regardless, Mark’s departure later created a conflict between Barnabas and Paul. Their personalities became obvious. Paul proposed a second journey to revisit the cities where they preached the Gospel. Barnabas an encourager and idealist wanted to give Mark a second chance. Not so with Paul. Mark had failed and abandoned them. He would just get in the way and disrupt his planned agenda. Such a sharp disagreement happened they parted company (Acts 15:39). The words sharp disagreement means a sharp fit of anger or sharp contention even to the point of screaming and shouting at each other. Remember, these were Spirit-filled men but had not learned to appreciate their differences. Paul does mention Barnabas in a passing reference in 1 Corin 9:6 suggesting reconciliation could have taken place. Paul also grew in his perception of Mark’s gifts. In his last letter, Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry (2Tim 4:11).

These are only two examples, but every Bible character received a distinct personality. Note these: Luke, an introvert; prodigal son, an extrovert; Peter, an extrovert; Noah, an introvert; Jeremiah, an introvert. The following facts should encourage you. Personalities are not something learned in life, they are traits with which we are born. Science now confirms our brains are hard wired to be either introvert or extrovert. Remember, God made us for His purpose. We cannot change our basic personality. If you try, you will only end up miserable, unhappy, and unfulfilled. I know because of pressure from others, I’ve tried and failed. Also important is to be aware that extroverts get energy being around people and develop an extensive social network. They thrive when they are the center of attention. Introverts on the other hand become emotionally drained from being around people especially large groups. They are happiest in small groups or dialoguing with one individual. We don’t enjoy small talk. Introverts aren’t being unfriendly when they withdraw. We require downtime alone to process and recharge.

Embrace who God created and gifted you to be, including those inborn characteristics like your personality. Serve the purpose He ordained for your life. Don’t let the ignorance of the world keep you in bondage.

Sustaining Word for the Week: God made introverts too! You aren’t substandard, defective, or damaged. You aren’t alone, God needed a lot of us.

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It’s About Life

Posted on November 11, 2019 by drgause@agause.com

These are probably the most quoted Bible verses of all time and frequently associated with funerals and death beds. Even occasional church goers can quote part if not all of this song of David. We know it as the twenty-third Psalm. David composed this extended metaphor of praise to God based on his experience tending his father’s sheep as young boy. Possibly written when he escaped to Mahanaim during the civil war caused by his son Absalom’s rebellion. King David paints a mental image of how he perceived the Lord as his Shepherd throughout his life.

Incredible! The only word that describes the feeling one gets after studying a scripture for years, then a new light shines and you gain a whole new perspective. I’ve preached, taught, and quoted Psalms 23 at every funeral I’ve officiated. In the past weeks, the Holy Spirit has illuminated my understanding to truths I’d never seen. Yes, it comforts people at times of death, however its intended purpose centers on life—life with the Lord as our Shepherd. Phillip Keller, shepherd and author of A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, writes “the poet is recounting the salient events of the full year in a sheep’s life”.

Any shepherd will tell you shepherding sheep requires a lot of work. You wouldn’t find sheep on the top ten list for intelligence. Three characteristics are used to describe them—dumb, directionless, and defenseless. Sheep cannot take care of themselves and are helpless without a shepherd. Not the most flattering comparison but the Bible and Jesus often refers to us as sheep. Because like sheep we are helpless and hopeless without a Shepherd. But we can rejoice in the hope Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd . . .” (Joh 10:14).

The first requirement for any true shepherd is an unconditional love for his sheep. Jesus told His disciples, I lay down My life for the sheep (Joh 10:14). He fulfills all the responsibilities of the Shepherd David described in Psalms. Jesus protects us. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3). He finds good pastures. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (Jn 10:9). He provides refreshing water. If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink (Jn 9:37). Sheep are prone to stray. For you were continually straying like sheep (1 Pet 2:25). Jesus is the Shepherd that leaves the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it (Lk 15:4).

However, we all know that life isn’t just green pastures and still waters. Difficult times come. The lush grass will eventually be grazed over leaving dry stubbles. Droughts dry up the refreshing waters. That’s when our Shepherd knows it is time to move. The route? Several versions translate it, the valley of the shadow of death (v4 KJV). However, others translate it more correctly, the darkest valley (NET & HCSB & NRSV) or the valley of deep shade (BBE). Remember this Psalms is about life and not death. No version says valley of death or this is the end. All versions have the word through—through the valley. The Shepherd knew when and where he would take them. Relocating to a new grazing area usually required passing through a valley with narrow gorges and steep cliffs. Darkness and shadows abounded coupled with loud echoes. Sheep, afraid of almost everything, walked close to their shepherd fearing no danger because they had learned to trust him to protect and take them through.

What happens when the enemies come out of their dens and hiding place for an attack? He prepares a feast right in their presence. We don’t have to cower in fear. The night before His crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full . . . you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy (Jn 15:11, 16:20). In the worst times, the Lord prepares a great banquet for us. We can sit in His presence and feast on His blessings.

Several have written what they call an Antipsalm to describe life without Jesus as Shepherd. Instead of The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters, some say,

“I’m on my own. No one looks out for me or protects me. I experience a continual sense of need. Nothing’s quite right.” Or “I feel tired much of the time, even when I’m not at work. There are very few moments of quiet, both internally and externally. In my free time, I drift towards mindless entertainment as a distraction from the stressors of life.” My thought, I did it my way and look where it’s got me!

Valleys are temporary. They are never a permanent location. Your valley of darkness will end and you will again see the sun shining on new green pastures.

Sustaining Word for the Week: It’s About Life! Until I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever; goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life

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I Know How You Feel

Posted on November 4, 2019 by drgause@agause.com

“I know exactly how you feel. I went through the same thing. You’ll be OK.” Those are comforting words when someone who has gone through the same situation reassures us. The ‘situation’ can range from the loss of a loved one, a medical diagnosis, a medical procedure, a temptation, a rejection, etc. The ‘someone’ might be a family member, a friend, or a total stranger. Regardless ‘someone’ always includes Jesus. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all-all but the sin (Heb 4:15 MSG). Christ became fully human and experienced every feeling we will ever encounter.

We tend to focus on His physical sufferings as the pain of the crucifixion, hunger, thirst, and temptations. Yet, the greater suffering was probably His emotional pain. By taking upon Himself the nature of a man, He understands our emotions. He emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. (Php 2:7NET). Imagine what took place in His mind and the emotions he felt when He was praying in the garden just prior the crucifixion. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luk 22:44 NIV). The Amplified Bible translates the word anguish as an agony of mind. The word, used only here, means agitation of mind, or a struggle of the mind versus a physical battle. This pain happened in His thoughts. The time was early spring when the temperature was still cool but Jesus was sweating. Dr. Luke used medical terminology describing the physical results of His mental anguish, His sweat was like drops of blood. This was a rare phenomenon, Hematidrosis, and occurs only during times of the extreme mental distress.  

Jesus knew from the prophecies of Isaiah the actions of men and the resulting painful emotions He would endure. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isa 53:3  NIV). Despised and rejected were acts of men toward Jesus. Despised means to hold in contempt, disdain, or to be viewed as vile and worthless. Rejected implies he was not reckoned among men, but regarded a worm, not a man. People viewed Him as a madman, one that had a demon and someone not to be heard. Put yourself in His place for a moment. How would you feel emotionally if people thought of you this way and men hide their faces and wouldn’t even look at you? What would be going through your mind?

A major recurring act of men toward Jesus, which we all experience, was rejection. He was rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes (Mk 8:31). The word means to put a person to the test for the purpose of approving him should he meet the specifications laid down. The religious leaders of Israel put Jesus to the test for the purpose of approving Him as Messiah. But He did not meet their specifications. He was not the kind, of a Messiah the Jews wanted. They disallow His claim and declared Him useless. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him (Joh 1:11). Again put yourself in His place and imagine how He felt.

 Four times the New Testament writers quote Psalms 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. In other words rejected by men but still approved and accepted by God. This is a key when we face rejection. For us it occurs when others refuse to grant us recognition or accept who we are, won’t conform to tradition, forgive our failures, and discard us as being worthless. It happens almost daily and begins early in life: you’re the last one picked to play ball; not invited to a party; not accepted in a college; turned down for a job; refused a loan; rejected by your children; a spouse wants a divorce; passed over for promotion; etc. This list has no end.

The first step in dealing with any rejection is knowing Jesus is with us and saying, “I know exactly how you feel. I went through the same thing. You’ll be OK.”  He suffered emotional anguish to understand our feelings and help us in our times of pain. Second, rejection by man is meaningless if God’s favor is upon you. Overcoming rejection depends on your self-identity and what you base your identity upon. Are you seeking acceptance from others and what people think of you or are you resting in your acceptance by God and His purpose for your life? When hurtful events happen, give it to the Lord and move on.

Who? What? Where? & Why? These have always been the questions I asked when I studied the Gospel. Study for this SW has shown me new questions we should ask, what was He thinking and what emotion was He feeling? This will help us further appreciate what He has done for us.

Sustaining Word for the Week: He’s telling you, “I know how you feel? I went through the same thing. Let me help you.”

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