Mark 4:22

“For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.”

This is a verse that, for me, I always found a bit perplexing. In the economy of human behavior, we hide things so that they will not be found out. In fact, often so that they will never be found out.

But God’s economy works differently. When God hides something, it isn’t so that we will never discover it. While I haven’t nailed down this verse entirely, I hypothesize that man’s readiness is somewhere in view here.

What I mean by that is that while there is truth almost everywhere, as individuals, we’re not always ready to hear or see it. God hides things from us until we, as people on our own personal journeys with the Lord, are ready to understand them.

Every one of us is living in sin. Somehow. Some are living in sin they know about. Others are freed from some sins they once lived in and now live in sins they are yet unaware of. But God knows of these sins and has chosen not to reveal them to us yet. Why? Because we’re not ready yet.

God is gentle and patient. He has a truckload to reveal to us about ourselves and this life, but he isn’t going to dump all of it on people who don’t have the means to carry it yet.

Not all talk that may lead us away from the richness of our faith is crazy and unrealistic. I love the way the ESV puts Colossians 2:4:

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

The sense of that word ‘plausible’ is something like ‘persuasive’. In other words, arguments that delude us in our thinking by making persuasive arguments. But no argument is made persuasive without also being, or at least seeming plausible.

It seems that many Christians, myself at times, feel a sense of false security, thinking the apologists of the World don’t have a logical argument to stand on. But this simply isn’t true. There are plenty of plausible ideas that would lead us away from trusting the Lord.

Christians should realize that knowing and being confident in their theology (know what they believe and why), is a paramount duty. We cannot expect that we are impervious to good arguments of the disagreeing party. But, rather, expect their arguments are plausible and be prepared by knowing and believing our own plausible Truth in the Gospel.

Today my second nephew was born 7lbs, 12oz and about 21 inches long with probably the biggest feet you’ve ever seen on a newborn. My sister went through it like a trooper, with only a few hours of labor and less than 2 minutes of actual pushing. She’s seriously a pro.

The name William Joseph Wellons is in tribute to my Father (Joseph) and my grandfather (William). As is the tradition in the Wellons family, the new baby will go by his middle name,  Joseph. Or, if I get my way, Joey.

So, as is my tradition, here is my prayer for my new nephew on his 0st birthday.

Jesus, I pray today for my new nephew, William Joseph Wellons. Born today to parents, Theresa and Chris, who love him and love you. Jesus, first and foremost, I pray for that your glory would be highlighted and amplified in Theresa and Chris’ love for their new son. I pray that your glory would be obvious in ever breath than Joseph takes, and every confused, hungry and tired cry that he utters.

Jesus, I pray for Theresa and Chris, as parents new to raising multiple children. I pray that you would help them never to play favorites. Help them never to give love an attention to one child at the expense of another, but only at their own. Jesus I pray that you would calm their fears and anxieties. Give them faith to trust that you are in control and that you have a plan full of good things for this child. I pray that through difficulty and hardship, you would give them peace knowing that there is nothing that cannot be overcome when they trust you.

Jesus, a second child will undoubtedly strain and challenge Theresa and Chris’ marriage. I pray that you would help them to face those challenges with love for one another and love for you. Let them never vilify each other, or any of their children to achieve their own comfort. But help them to realize that their greatest calling on this earth is the children you have given them. And as you have given everything, help them also to give everything.

Jesus, I pray for Joseph’s older brother Stephen. I pray, that even as a toddler, you would give him a vision for his relationship with his new sibling. I pray that as the two of them grow, that you would give Stephen a drive to defend his younger brother in times of trouble, love and support him in times of sadness, and celebrate with him in times of achievement and happiness. I pray that you would knit these brothers together, not only to be brothers, but friends as well.

Finally Jesus, I pray for Joseph. Though he has spent only 12 hours outside of his mother’s womb, I pray that you would be his guide. I pray that you would feed and protect his soul. I pray that you would usher him into your family of redeemed people to be more than a happy, successful person, but a person so committed to knowing you and your glory that people cannot help  but notice you in him. Jesus, I pray that in his body, you would keep him safe, healthy and happy, until he is finally called home to fully realize all that you are.

Jesus, be great in the Wellons family. Greater than we can imagine.

Have you ever had a brother or sister in Christ wish to give you a gift, or take you to dinner, or something like that, but you knew that it wasn’t something you needed? Or perhaps you knew that there was a “better” place for their resources to go? I know that I have and I’ve always felt a sense of discomfort about it. What we don’t realize is that even though it seems selfless, it can actually be more selfish to refuse the gift.

As I read in Philippians tonight, though it was something I knew, it occurred to me again that accepting that gift is often times a way to serve them in return.

Philippians 4:14-17:

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Paul didn’t seek or ask for the gift from the Philippians. But he knew that they desired to serve God by serving him with their resources. So he graciously accepted their gift as it would be a service to their credit.

I would like, in those times, to realize that it may be self-centered to not accept a gift given in the Lord’s name. But perhaps the most selfless thing is to accept and appreciate their the love their showing me and God in contributing to my good.

Today, my sister Mary is wed to her boyfriend and long time friend Seth. Soon they will be off for to their honeymoon and then off to build a life and family together. That’s exciting. It’s also going to be challenging.

This is my prayer for May and Seth on their wedding day, for their marriage to come.

Philippians 4:8-9:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Jesus, I pray first and foremost that in Mary and Seth’s marriage, that you would be glorified and lifted up. That their affection and love for one another would be a reflection of their love and affection for you. When those who do not know you yet would see you when they see Mary and Seth. By your power and provision, make the tiniest of opportunities into the biggest of possibilities. Let them waste no opportunity. Let them never think too little of what it means to represent you to the world in their marriage.

Next Jesus, I pray for Seth. I pray for Seth as your servant in his personal life, and as the youth pastor of his Church. I pray that you would challenge him as a man. Challenge him, aside from all of his personal aspirations and expectations, to lay his life down before you as a true living sacrifice. Let him hold nothing in higher esteem than your intentions for him. I also pray for Seth as a new husband and father. Help him to place himself in his proper place, as a strong leader in their household and as a servant caregiver, and lover. Let him care for Mary as he would his own body. I pray that you would take every fear and hesitation and turn it to trust in your power and worth.

Jesus, I pray also for Mary, a sister and friend I love and care for deeply. I pray that you would challenge her in new ways to pursue you and trust you. I pray that you would defend her from the temptation to place her worth and value in her husband—to be see it increasingly in you and your sacrifice for her on the cross. I pray that you would help her to exist in happiness and harmony with her husband. Help her to trust and support Seth in his endeavors. Help her to submit to Seth’s leadership, not blindly or begrudgingly, but lovingly and in partnership with him to learn how best to serve you and further your kingdom. Jesus, I pray that you would take the bad habits that Mary has learned and submit them to you for reformation. Help her not to be anxious or nervous, but rather at peace, knowing that although difficulty will come, it will always be, in an ultimate sense, for her best and your glory. Help her to see her beauty in you and live life in that truth.

Jesus, for my niece Meg, who moves today from being the daughter of a single mother to the daughter of a family unit. Jesus I pray that you would make this transition as harmless as possible. Help her to find peace in her newly married parent’s love for you and each other. Give her strength in times of conflict and help her to see the immeasurable value in trusting you. Jesus, I pray that you would protect her from the lies the enemy will tell her about her worth. I pray that even though the next few months and years will be full of challenging transitions, she would know that you love her and her value is in you. Nowhere else. Help her also to see her own roll in supporting her Mother’s marriage. Help her to be an instrument of success for them as a couple.

Jesus, as a family, I pray for Mary and Seth and Meg. I pray that you would help them to love each other. Help them to be open and honest. Help them to pray and seek you as a family unit, sent as ambassadors of your kingdom. Give them strength. Help them to exhibit every fruit of the Spirit. Help them not to ignore conviction, but respond to it in repentance. As a family, help them never to brush the trouble under the carpet, but lovingly work through their wrongs to become a stronger and more you-glorifying unit of your people.

Lastly Jesus, I pray for the unborn children of Mary and Seth’s love for one another. I pray that you would, by their parent’s direction and example, make them not only children of a loving couple, but children of a loving God. Give them every opportunity. Give them every good thing you desire. Give them your specific, soul saving love. Give them earth shattering faith in your power.

Jesus, I know you have more good in mind than I could ever dream. You’re intentions are higher than my highest sights can be set. Help us to love you, trust you and glorify you in everything. Be all that you truly are in our lives and raise our standards Lord.

And just in case I wasn’t clear enough, it’s in your name I pray these things, Jesus Christ, the perfect son of God.

The final verse of the Bible’s longest chapter, Psalm 119, is one that ever honest Christian must find a potent connection to.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
   for I do not forget your commandments.

Even in our worst follies, failures and wanderings, Jesus is not too far away to retrieve us. Nor has he ceased to be our shepherd.

Furthermore, when a true Christian has begun to wander, the Lord’s commandments don’t. They continue to press on the believer’s heart and the Holy Spirit from within must be repeating this prayer on our behalf. “Lord, seek your servant!”

Even in sin, Jesus is the encouragement of life.

My favorite part of the Old Testament is definitely the stories of Elijah and Elisha. I suppose because they’re some of the most potent places we see God’s power moving directly through a person. Plus, they’re just plain cool… maybe even bad-ass. (Though I’m not sure that’s the best reason to appreciate it).

Reading in 1st Kings about Elijah this morning, I came upon the story of Elijah’s God-off with prophets of Baal. The story where the prophets of Baal and Elijah each build an alter and slaughter a bull on it, then ask their respective God to consume the offering with fire. The God who responds is the true God.

Of course the prophets of Baal chant and dance around and mutilate themselves and nothing happens. Meanwhile Elijah goes out of his way to make it impossible for the offering to burn by dumping water all over it and building a trench to catch the water. Still, God consumes the whole alter and all the water with fire and the people watching are stunned and fall down declaring the Lord is the true God.

Right before all this though Elijah provokes the other prophets and people with these words. 1 Kings 18:21:

"How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.

I think these words are haunting. Although almost no one, especially Christians, are torn between the Lord and some definite false deity, nearly everyone offers at least a portion of their worship to something other than God. Money, power, love, family, success, even ministry.

Elijah’s words are potent to us who are Christians. “Well which is it, is your _____________ (fill in the blank; money, power, success, etc.) the God you will serve, or is it the Lord God in heaven?”

Because as Jesus said, you cannot serve two masters. Yet we continue to try and split our attention. We will probably struggle with that till the day we die. But as Elijah proved to the prophets of Baal, even the most rigorous tests of God’s power prove that God is the Lord of all and always prevails.

If we want to really enjoy him and live our fullest in him, we have to choose and live that choice.