Andy Bonikowsky's Blog, page 23
May 13, 2014
The Proper Focus (James 1:9-10)
All of us can rejoice. We just need to have the right focus. The one who has few earthly things can rejoice in the fantastic inheritance he has in Christ. The one who is blessed with an abundance of wealth can enjoy knowing the truth, that his treasure is actually just a temporary trust from the Lord.
And those in between? They can adopt either view, whichever is most appropriate for the moment.
(James 1:9-10, Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.)
And those in between? They can adopt either view, whichever is most appropriate for the moment.
(James 1:9-10, Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.)
April 26, 2014
Random Pain
For a dozen years the father had enjoyed the beauty of his daughter's face and the tender touch of her precious little hand. But that was all a memory now as he watched the agony of her inevitable death.
When the little girl was born a certain woman started suffering from a bloody disease. For the next twelve years she wondered why the Lord allowed all the pain and waste of money.
Both of these had unknowingly been heading towards a conversation with the Master on that street. Within minutes He would wipe away their anguish with his kind and powerful words.
Who of us can understand why one or another suffers for long, for short, increasingly or abruptly? None of us, of course. And it is this seeming randomness of suffering that can be disconcerting. But passages like this remind us that with God there is no such thing as a random event.
(Luke 8:42-43, For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,)
When the little girl was born a certain woman started suffering from a bloody disease. For the next twelve years she wondered why the Lord allowed all the pain and waste of money.
Both of these had unknowingly been heading towards a conversation with the Master on that street. Within minutes He would wipe away their anguish with his kind and powerful words.
Who of us can understand why one or another suffers for long, for short, increasingly or abruptly? None of us, of course. And it is this seeming randomness of suffering that can be disconcerting. But passages like this remind us that with God there is no such thing as a random event.
(Luke 8:42-43, For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,)
April 23, 2014
In Spite of Prophecy
Jesus specifically said that what was happening to Him was fulfilling prophecy . . . and how did the disciples respond? By fleeing! How illogical is our fear many times. Just like the disciples, we create erroneous expectations and fly to the mountains when life doesn't match up. Our hopes should be anchored in the pure and simple meaning of the Scriptures, not in what we or anybody else extrapolates from them. (Matt 26:56)
March 22, 2014
Always Close By
Over 700 days had passed since Joseph's hopes had been lifted, making him think he would leave the Egyptian dungeon. So on this particular morning he could have had no idea of the luxury he would enjoy that very night. Whatever the prisoner's thoughts had been, the good God was just as close to him in his cell as He would so obviously be that evening before Pharoah.
If we are trusting God with our lives today, whether the situation is nice or not, He is no farther from us than He was from Joseph in his prison. The nature of our circumstances is irrelevant to the fact of His presence. We may not see Him or even sense Him, but He is right there with us. And if He wants to, everything around us can change in a blink.
Genesis 41:14/50:20 (Then Pharoah sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon . . . God meant it unto good)
If we are trusting God with our lives today, whether the situation is nice or not, He is no farther from us than He was from Joseph in his prison. The nature of our circumstances is irrelevant to the fact of His presence. We may not see Him or even sense Him, but He is right there with us. And if He wants to, everything around us can change in a blink.
Genesis 41:14/50:20 (Then Pharoah sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon . . . God meant it unto good)
March 19, 2014
Satan's Goal for Us
Job 1:11. We can understand Satan's goal for us by what we hear from his mouth in this verse. He wants us to curse our Creator. The natural man walks right along the devil's path, hardly needing any demonic encouragement and oblivious to the battle that is raging.
For us who believe, the serpent's design is much the same. Our adversary will throw at us anything within his limits, in an attempt to turn our minds against the Lord. May God help us walk carefully today, alert to the spiritual war we are in.
(But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.)
For us who believe, the serpent's design is much the same. Our adversary will throw at us anything within his limits, in an attempt to turn our minds against the Lord. May God help us walk carefully today, alert to the spiritual war we are in.
(But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.)
March 10, 2014
The Spouse Chooser
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought he unto the man . . . (Genesis 2:22)
Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter . . . then will I do the part of the kinsman to thee, as the lord liveth. (Boaz, in Ruth 3:10, 13)
It was no ordinary man God chose to be king David's ancestor.
He was rich. He was powerful. He was respected.
But more importantly, Boaz was godly.
He ran his business with a spiritual atmosphere, so much so that when he arrived to check out the progress at his fields, the opening conversation with his workers went as follows: "Hey men, may Jehovah be with you today!" To this they would heartily answer, "And God bless you too, Sir!"
Wow!
But it appears there were a couple more interesting things about him.
He was patient. He was single.
Maybe he had not read Genesis 1 & 2, but it is pretty clear he understood the concepts taught there.
In the beginning God gave an unbeatable model for choosing a spouse. First He set the scene by having Adam name the animals. As the man thought over each species in that peculiar zoo at Eden, one thing became painfully clear. Every creature on earth had a mate, except him. He was all alone and soon was longing for company.
So God performed surgery on him.
When Adam woke up from his deep sleep, the Lord walked over to him with His beautiful surprise. The Creator must have enjoyed this moment more than any other in the six days of creation. What a scene! Surely it brought a special delight to His heart. It was so sacred, so pure, so right.
Thousands of years later Boaz was looking to the very same God to choose a wife for him too, and his desire was honored. His wealth and influence would have provided numerous opportunities for finding a female companion, but that was not the way this man understood things. He knew the best way to find exactly the right lady was to let the Lord bring her to him, even if it took years.
And that is precisely what happened.
Faith and patience paid off, as they always do.
May we encourage the younger generation to not get swept up in the mood of the age, or the vanity of youth, or the pressure of culture, or whatever else goes against pure and simple Biblical sense. Our world seems to take for granted that young people need to go off in search of their mates, that they are automatically wise enough to discern what is true love. Sadly, some do just that, forsaking the teaching of Scripture and the advice of parents and pastors.
What follows is usually not a pretty sight.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God . . ." and "Honor your father and your mother" and "Wait on the Lord" may be old phrases, but they are truth as relevant as this morning's sun. They are the only way to find God's perfect choice of spouse, if He wants one to be found.
Dear Father, protect our young people from the pull of the age, from following the world's manual. Help us teach by example, not rushing into the future with personal strategies and agendas, but waiting, trusting, and letting You bring the best our way. Amen.
Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter . . . then will I do the part of the kinsman to thee, as the lord liveth. (Boaz, in Ruth 3:10, 13)
It was no ordinary man God chose to be king David's ancestor.
He was rich. He was powerful. He was respected.
But more importantly, Boaz was godly.
He ran his business with a spiritual atmosphere, so much so that when he arrived to check out the progress at his fields, the opening conversation with his workers went as follows: "Hey men, may Jehovah be with you today!" To this they would heartily answer, "And God bless you too, Sir!"
Wow!
But it appears there were a couple more interesting things about him.
He was patient. He was single.
Maybe he had not read Genesis 1 & 2, but it is pretty clear he understood the concepts taught there.
In the beginning God gave an unbeatable model for choosing a spouse. First He set the scene by having Adam name the animals. As the man thought over each species in that peculiar zoo at Eden, one thing became painfully clear. Every creature on earth had a mate, except him. He was all alone and soon was longing for company.
So God performed surgery on him.
When Adam woke up from his deep sleep, the Lord walked over to him with His beautiful surprise. The Creator must have enjoyed this moment more than any other in the six days of creation. What a scene! Surely it brought a special delight to His heart. It was so sacred, so pure, so right.
Thousands of years later Boaz was looking to the very same God to choose a wife for him too, and his desire was honored. His wealth and influence would have provided numerous opportunities for finding a female companion, but that was not the way this man understood things. He knew the best way to find exactly the right lady was to let the Lord bring her to him, even if it took years.
And that is precisely what happened.
Faith and patience paid off, as they always do.
May we encourage the younger generation to not get swept up in the mood of the age, or the vanity of youth, or the pressure of culture, or whatever else goes against pure and simple Biblical sense. Our world seems to take for granted that young people need to go off in search of their mates, that they are automatically wise enough to discern what is true love. Sadly, some do just that, forsaking the teaching of Scripture and the advice of parents and pastors.
What follows is usually not a pretty sight.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God . . ." and "Honor your father and your mother" and "Wait on the Lord" may be old phrases, but they are truth as relevant as this morning's sun. They are the only way to find God's perfect choice of spouse, if He wants one to be found.
Dear Father, protect our young people from the pull of the age, from following the world's manual. Help us teach by example, not rushing into the future with personal strategies and agendas, but waiting, trusting, and letting You bring the best our way. Amen.
February 1, 2014
No (JAM#149)
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (Acts 16:6-7)
"I don't want you to go there", the Holy Spirit said to Paul and his companions.
It may have come to them as a complete surprise since God's unmistakeable blessing had been on their journeys so far. Everywhere they had gone the churches had been strengthened and people had been saved daily. As far as we know, the Lord had prospered every choice they had made up to this point.
But on this day the Holy Spirit had said NO.
So they turned north . . . and the Spirit stopped them again!
From what we know of Paul, we can be quite sure he had had a plan. That's the kind of person he was. Before his conversion his had been the highly regimented lifestyle of the Pharisees, and in that circle he was at the top. He was known for excelling in everything and famous for leaving his peers behind in his unparalleled zeal for the Law. He knew where and how he was going, and wouldn't stop until he got there!
But that was before.
Paul viewed his new mission in a completely different light. He no longer had a personal agenda nor was his primary focus on checking off his list of target cities. God was the One who made his decisions now. The courageous and energetic missionary had humbly submitted to the will of his Master. The Lord Jesus could move him in any direction, at any moment, and in any way.
And that is exactly the attitude we should have.
Who of us has not heard this same NO?
Can you remember having your suitcases packed and ready when the Spirit clearly made His point: "That is not where I want you to go"? What about the business objective or ministry goal that you were sure was the ideal one? Or how about the family dream you had looked forward to for years?
It can be a disconcerting experience to have these changed by God, but that is what He often does. And every time He moves to rearrange our plans, it is to prepare us for His better ones.
In this Biblical scene, the Spirit had a whole package of spiritual victories awaiting the Gospel preachers. There was Phillipi and it's church born in the jailer's house. There was the congregation of Thessalonica, with its exemplary conversion from idols to the living and true God. There were the Bereans, who eagerly compared the message with the Scriptures, and then the Athenians who heard Paul's mighty sermon about the Unknown God. Finally, before the messenger of God turned back to his sending church at Antioch, a remarkable ministry would be established on the isthmus of Corinth.
All this because a man was open to having the Lord interrupt his schedule.
Are we wise enough and humble enough to be used in this way?
Dear Father, You always know best. I fear that many of my spiritual plans are still laced with subtle strands of private ambitions and desires. Make me easy to direct, easy to change, easy to move in the direction of Your perfect will. Amen.
Andy
"I don't want you to go there", the Holy Spirit said to Paul and his companions.
It may have come to them as a complete surprise since God's unmistakeable blessing had been on their journeys so far. Everywhere they had gone the churches had been strengthened and people had been saved daily. As far as we know, the Lord had prospered every choice they had made up to this point.
But on this day the Holy Spirit had said NO.
So they turned north . . . and the Spirit stopped them again!
From what we know of Paul, we can be quite sure he had had a plan. That's the kind of person he was. Before his conversion his had been the highly regimented lifestyle of the Pharisees, and in that circle he was at the top. He was known for excelling in everything and famous for leaving his peers behind in his unparalleled zeal for the Law. He knew where and how he was going, and wouldn't stop until he got there!
But that was before.
Paul viewed his new mission in a completely different light. He no longer had a personal agenda nor was his primary focus on checking off his list of target cities. God was the One who made his decisions now. The courageous and energetic missionary had humbly submitted to the will of his Master. The Lord Jesus could move him in any direction, at any moment, and in any way.
And that is exactly the attitude we should have.
Who of us has not heard this same NO?
Can you remember having your suitcases packed and ready when the Spirit clearly made His point: "That is not where I want you to go"? What about the business objective or ministry goal that you were sure was the ideal one? Or how about the family dream you had looked forward to for years?
It can be a disconcerting experience to have these changed by God, but that is what He often does. And every time He moves to rearrange our plans, it is to prepare us for His better ones.
In this Biblical scene, the Spirit had a whole package of spiritual victories awaiting the Gospel preachers. There was Phillipi and it's church born in the jailer's house. There was the congregation of Thessalonica, with its exemplary conversion from idols to the living and true God. There were the Bereans, who eagerly compared the message with the Scriptures, and then the Athenians who heard Paul's mighty sermon about the Unknown God. Finally, before the messenger of God turned back to his sending church at Antioch, a remarkable ministry would be established on the isthmus of Corinth.
All this because a man was open to having the Lord interrupt his schedule.
Are we wise enough and humble enough to be used in this way?
Dear Father, You always know best. I fear that many of my spiritual plans are still laced with subtle strands of private ambitions and desires. Make me easy to direct, easy to change, easy to move in the direction of Your perfect will. Amen.
Andy
January 25, 2014
Finish!
Luke 14:29. It is a sign of character to finish the jobs we undertake. It should also be a priority in parenting to teach this to our children. Faithfulness is at the heart of the matter and the ensuing testimony is a tribute or a dishonor to the family name. (Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,)
January 22, 2014
JAM#148, Remember
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (1 Chronicles 16:12)
Guess who in the Bible is first said to remember something.
God! He remembered Noah who was floating on the flood. Obviously, the verb needs a slightly modified definition when applied to Him, since we can hardly say that He ever forgot anything.
But this subject is a fascinating one. Have you ever stopped to ponder the reality of memory?
What a blessing it can be! God is so good to have given us this ability. He could simply have left it out of our makeup, that we not have the capability to rehearse and relish the wonderful experiences of the past.
I woke up a little while ago, in the middle of the night, thanks to jet lag. I found myself reliving the many kisses I recently placed on the sweet face of Chloe, our beautiful, brand new grand daughter! She is thousands of miles away now and I can't go visit her in the morning nor gently rub her soft, fresh cheek . . .
But I can savor the experience in my mind, smile, and thank the Lord for the gift of memory.
This verse is part of David's happy song of praise to God when the Ark was placed in the Tabernacle. It was a personal habit of his to go over and over the wonderful works of his Master, to stop and revel in the truth of divine mercy. And he encourages us to do the same.
There is something quite spiritually healthy about it, and it is especially useful in those duller moments of life when we are tempted to despondency or self pity.
Can you remember the moment you put your faith in the Lord Jesus?
Pause for a second, and think about it.
How about the day you led a soul to Christ? Can you remember a specific moment of divine protection, when you should have been severely injured or died? Can you recall a special incident of financial need when the Lord touched another of His children to come along side of you to meet it? Can you think of a song, sung by a choir or congregation, that sent your soul soaring into the heavenlies? What about the memory of the first time you met your spouse, or gazed at a majestic mountain peak, or held a newborn?
Each of these are treasures God allows to stay in our memory bank. They can be powerful tools of encouragement when put to proper use. Throughout the Scriptures the Lord tells us to pull out these spiritual weapons during key moments of life. We find His people benefitting from this practice as they faced major battles, dark moments of disappointment, or times of confusion.
God has placed eternity in our hearts and part of what that includes is the capacity to remember His marvelous works and bask in the assurance of His grace.
Dear Father, thank You for such a special gift. Help me to recall often those kind gestures You so generously sow along my path. And Lord, thank You for remembering me, every day of my life, even when I have forgotten you. Amen.
Andy
Guess who in the Bible is first said to remember something.
God! He remembered Noah who was floating on the flood. Obviously, the verb needs a slightly modified definition when applied to Him, since we can hardly say that He ever forgot anything.
But this subject is a fascinating one. Have you ever stopped to ponder the reality of memory?
What a blessing it can be! God is so good to have given us this ability. He could simply have left it out of our makeup, that we not have the capability to rehearse and relish the wonderful experiences of the past.
I woke up a little while ago, in the middle of the night, thanks to jet lag. I found myself reliving the many kisses I recently placed on the sweet face of Chloe, our beautiful, brand new grand daughter! She is thousands of miles away now and I can't go visit her in the morning nor gently rub her soft, fresh cheek . . .
But I can savor the experience in my mind, smile, and thank the Lord for the gift of memory.
This verse is part of David's happy song of praise to God when the Ark was placed in the Tabernacle. It was a personal habit of his to go over and over the wonderful works of his Master, to stop and revel in the truth of divine mercy. And he encourages us to do the same.
There is something quite spiritually healthy about it, and it is especially useful in those duller moments of life when we are tempted to despondency or self pity.
Can you remember the moment you put your faith in the Lord Jesus?
Pause for a second, and think about it.
How about the day you led a soul to Christ? Can you remember a specific moment of divine protection, when you should have been severely injured or died? Can you recall a special incident of financial need when the Lord touched another of His children to come along side of you to meet it? Can you think of a song, sung by a choir or congregation, that sent your soul soaring into the heavenlies? What about the memory of the first time you met your spouse, or gazed at a majestic mountain peak, or held a newborn?
Each of these are treasures God allows to stay in our memory bank. They can be powerful tools of encouragement when put to proper use. Throughout the Scriptures the Lord tells us to pull out these spiritual weapons during key moments of life. We find His people benefitting from this practice as they faced major battles, dark moments of disappointment, or times of confusion.
God has placed eternity in our hearts and part of what that includes is the capacity to remember His marvelous works and bask in the assurance of His grace.
Dear Father, thank You for such a special gift. Help me to recall often those kind gestures You so generously sow along my path. And Lord, thank You for remembering me, every day of my life, even when I have forgotten you. Amen.
Andy
January 21, 2014
Universal Demolition
Matthew 24:2. It had never occurred to me before that this is actually to be said of EVERY BUILDING EVER built by the hands of man. I have admired the 2,000+ year old aqueduct of Segovia (Spain) which the authorities are trying so hard to preserve. There are even laws about noise levels, because of the effects it has on the massive monument. But ultimately, it will fall as well. (And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.)
