Home, where I belong

 

 

Where are you ‘at home?’  I love my house because it is not just the place where I go to sleep, it is my refuge, where I can relax, a place that is comfortable. When I traveled beyond the borders of the United States, it was always a wonderful thing to arrive back in the country where I spoke the language, where I found food that was familiar to my palate – yes, home!  The plight of those who are ‘homeless’ breaks my heart whatever the reason. They live without the warmth and security I take for granted in my life.

Did you know that the writers of the New Testament consistently speak of a place other than this present world as Christian’s true home?

Peter urges us to live as ‘aliens and strangers in this present world.’  (1 Peter 2)  Paul says our ‘citizenship is in heaven.’   The fuller text says this - "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:18-21, NIV)

Do you find that challenging? The familiar can tempt us to settle down, especially when life is rich with blessings and comfort. Yes, we can get very much ‘at home’ in this world. 

Paul uses a metaphor designed to shock us to grab our attention when he says that we can substitute our gut for God!  Of those Christians who make this world their home, he says their ‘god is their stomach.’   It is possible to lose any real desire for spiritual things, preferring instead to feed the appetites of the body without restraint, with such intensity that food, sex, pleasure, and comfort become a god!  

Inevitably, that worship of the body and its desires lead to a lesser life than the Lord desires of us.  Paul says that such a life turn people into ‘enemies of the cross of Christ.’  The text warns of turning into people who will ‘glory in their shame.’  Instead of finding joy and fulfillment in Christ and service, they celebrate their earthy nature.  It’s not a pretty picture.

A subtle perversion of Christianity has crept into the Church in which God exists to serve ‘my needs’ instead me existing to love and serve Him! Those who are too much ‘at home’ in this present world, pray only ‘bless me’ prayers – “Lord, make me richer, happier, healthier. Don’t ask much of me, just give me, fill me, comfort me.”  There is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs, dear friend. But, if all we do is whine for more, constantly asking for ease and comfort, like the ancient Israelites in the Exodus, we will find ourselves far from the true life of Christ, worshipping the belly god!

But … true heavenly citizens are attuned to Heaven, guided by hope, living fully under the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ!  What results is a ‘transformed life’ which will ultimately lead to a total change from a dying temporal body to an eternal glorious one!  Those who love the stomach god will be destroyed by their ‘worship.’ Those who love Christ Jesus will find an amazing eternal life that is beyond our human imagination.   

Jesus is, for us, the true Bread of Life, satisfying our deepest need, inviting us to be at home in Him. The paradox is this – those who live as citizens of Heaven, whose hope is settled on the grace of God and His love, find the richest existence in this present world. They know a ‘peace that passes human understanding.’

So, what are the implication of this fact?

Paul says "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" (Philippians 4:1, NIV)  Our heavenly passport creates an expectation of life from which we gain the ability to ‘stand firm’ through all the ups and downs that are part of the journey from the Cross to the Crown. Let’s live as citizens of Heaven, even now, in this ‘foreign land’ of the present world.

Here is a word from the Word – with promise and challenge. "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." (Ephesians 2:18-22, NIV)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Home Where I Belong
(An old Southern Gospel song! Enjoy)

They say that heaven's pretty
And livin' here is too
But if they said that I would have
To choose between the two
I'd go home goin' home
Where I belong

While I'm here I'll serve Him gladly
Sing Him all these songs
I'm here but not for long

Sometimes when I'm dreamin'
It comes as no surprise
That if you'll look you'll see
The homesick feelin' in my eyes
I'm goin' home I'm goin' home
Where I belong

When I'm feelin' lonely
And when I'm feelin' blue
It's such a joy to know
That I am only passin' through
I'm headed home I'm goin' home
Where I belong

One day I'll be sleepin'
When death knocks on my door
And I'll awake to find
That I'm not homesick anymore
'Cause I'll be home I'll be home
Where I belong

Pat Terry © 1976 Curb Word Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.)

CCLI License # 810055

 

Get ready!

One of the things about living here in NJ is the “entertainment” that comes with winter storms.  Our local forecasters love to hype a storm, particularly it seems to me, snowstorms. The next one is going to be a ‘monster.’  A blizzard is cause for something like a party for the weather guys. It is true that snow complicates life for about 24 hours but we have snow plows and salt for the roads. Within 24 hours of even a major storm life resumes its normal pace.  

Of course I am glad for the meteorologists who help us to anticipate and prepare for weather events but the hyperbole that creeps into their language amuses me. When they forecast a ‘snow-pocalypse’ I just make sure I have some gas for the generator, food in the frig, and I prepare to shovel the white stuff.  When I am ready, I can sit back and even enjoy the unique beauty of a snowstorm.

There is no exaggeration in these words, my friend. Storms will inevitably come your way.  
Occasionally they will be monsters that rock your world. Sometimes they will cause a minor disruption. The question is - are you prepared?  

In March, 2014, Bev and I entered the wild storm (late stage ovarian cancer) that eventually brought her to the end of her earthly journey 2 years later.  It was a storm turned my life inside out. But, we were as prepared as people can be for such things. Our marriage had a solid foundation that supported us for that awful 20 months of illness. Our faith rested on the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus, that gave assurance even as the worst of life was thrown at us.  We were blessed by a circle of friends and our family that gave us amazing support.  As curious as it may sound, our love deepened and we knew a sweetness unparalleled by any time in our marriage previously. How I would have lived through that storm without preparation is simply unimaginable to me.

Jesus told a story about the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The main point of the story is preparation, anticipating the demands of what’s ahead. “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return." (Matthew 25:1-13, NLT)

Jesus is forecasting the coming of His Kingdom. Some will meet Him when the trumpet of God announces His return to the Earth. Others will meet Him when they step from time into eternity at death. But, we will all meet God, one way or another.  Are you prepared?

If we have filled up life with food, pleasure, and the urgencies of this present world, ignoring the reality of the Spirit, we will be found asleep;  not ready to welcome Him.  If we are living with the right priorities each day, keeping aware of the Spirit, worshipping, by faith taking His provisions, that Day will find us ready to meet the Lord – celebrating the coming of our Savior King.  Your wife’s faith, your parent’s faith, your pastor’s faith – will not be enough in that Day. Sobering? Yes, it is.

So, let’s be prepared. Life will change, storms will come, and sooner or later the King will call us into His Presence. Are you prepared?

The word from the Word calls us to right priorities. Meditate on Peter’s wisdom. Invite the Spirit to help you to prepare today.
"The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.
Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.
Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ.
All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11, NLT)

(Video of this blog at this link)

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Build My Life

Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing

Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

 

Jesus the name above ev’ry other name

Jesus the only one who could ever save

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

We live for You

 

Holy there is no one like You

There is none besides You

Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are

And fill me with Your heart

And lead me in Your love to those around me

 

I will build my life upon Your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in You alone

And I will not be shaken

 

Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett

© 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited)

Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055

 

God's Team

The only sport that I really follow is football and what a play-off season it has been! Who thought, 10 weeks ago, that the Bengals would be going to the Superbowl on February 12?  The reporting often focuses on the quarterback, a key player to be sure; or a star receiver who can jump high into the air and snag the ball in the end zone.  In fact football is a contest of TEAMS, not individuals. The efforts of hundreds of people – managers, coaches, trainers, linemen, receivers, kickers, special teams –  who do their jobs well -  make the win possible!  A great quarterback cannot function without an effective offensive line. A great offensive squad can still lose the game if the defense cannot stop the other team’s advance on the field.

You and I are called to be a part of God’s Team. Yesterday I had the privilege of returning to the pulpit at FDC and I spoke from my heart about the critical importance of the Church. (Service available at this link) So many Christians have abandoned church, privatizing their faith, often for what they consider good reason. I acknowledge scandals, leadership failures, and terrible things done in the name of Jesus. But, you and I will never be all that God desires of us without being ‘on the team,’ serving, giving, worshipping, encouraging in the community of Believers that is called “church.”

A tragic error about the nature of church has crept into our understanding, reinforced even by the architecture of the buildings in which we worship.  One person, standing up front, becomes ‘the Christian’ and we place all kinds of expectations on that leader. Some of those leaders come to love the attention, the power, and a toxic environment develops.  But, if we understand God’s desire for the Church, a beautiful, enriching community develops that reflects His goodness to those who look on.

Paul explains to the Ephesians (and us) that God sent His Son to save us, that He gives us spirituals gifts, that He calls us into His Body for this purpose:  “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 3:8-10 (NLT)  A healthy church makes others say “Wow, what a God.”  

Somehow we have come to believe that the Church exists to serve us. We hope to be entertained, or inspired, or feel secure, or be comforted, or a hundred other things that are related mostly to ‘how I feel about myself.’  While it is true that God invites us into His Church to make our lives rich, to give us a place to belong, and to discover our true identity in Christ – it is also true that we are called into that Body to serve, to surrender ourselves to His greater call. Our greatest joy flows from doing what He equips us to do.   

Our relationships are illustrated this way:  "Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye—then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything? But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it." (1 Corinthians 12:13-18, NLT)

Are you on God’s team?   
When you trusted Christ Jesus to save you, when you chose baptism as your declaration of discipleship, you were called to be part of that team and it is called “The Church!”

The follow-up question is this – are you playing your position well, to the best of your ability, focused on the team win, not your own needs or desires?

The word from the Word today is a prayer. Receive the blessing, begin to connect, worship, give, serve, and pray thinking not so much as an individual but as a team member. The results in your life and for the Church can be ‘immeasurably more’ than you can imagine.  "I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
 May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen." (Ephesians 3:17-21, NLT)
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How Beautiful

How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross

How beautiful how beautiful
How beautiful is the body of Christ

How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That chose to forgive and never despise

And as He laid down His life
We offer this sacrifice
That we will live just as He died
Willing to pay the price
Willing to pay the price

How beautiful the radiant Bride
Who waits for her Groom with His light in her eyes
How beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth

Twila Paris

© 1990 Ariose Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Mountain Spring Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055