I never have been too impressed by overblown productions, high flown rhetoric, or big shows designed to overwhelm. Something in me reacts against that sort of thing. Recently, I watched a broadcast from England that covered the pomp and splendour of the royals. Some people are wowed by the traditions, awed by golden coaches, and entranced by guards in scarlet uniforms. I can appreciate the beauty and tradition, but it seems to be such a wasteful use of resources in this world, serving little real purpose other than to overwhelm 'commoners' to sustain the illusion of the Crown's majesty. If the palaces were turned into open museums, the guards sent back to their regular military units, the coaches parked - England's royals would become like the Scandinavian royals, just ordinary people blending into society, with quiet influence.
Sometimes religion falls into the same reliance on hoohah! A lack of substance in ministry, a powerlessness to deal with real spiritual need, is obscured with ritual, rhetoric, loud music, or big shows. There is power in Christianity that will change the world. That power, Paul says, 'is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:19-22, NIV) That power flows from deep inside of us, from holiness of heart, and deep intimacy with God. The very things we often mistake for 'spiritual revival' - the grand productions featuring 'God's man of power for the hour,' - keep us, just ordinary folk, from living in an incredibly wonderful, world-transforming, empowering experience of the Holy Spirit.
An old joke circulated among preachers relates that the pastor, on reviewing his sermon notes and realizing his point was intellectually weak, wrote in the margins, "Point weak; shout loudly!" If we feel the need to shout to make our point, to rise to sweaty heights of emotional displays to cast down the strongholds of the devil, I fear the we have most likely fallen into self-fueled attempts at power, replacing the 'still, small voice' of the Holy Spirit with our amplified declarations, that echo meaninglessly into the caverns of evil!
We are warned about this in the Scripture. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)
Read it again, this time from The Message: Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. ... They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
Friend, don't get taken in by the 'show.' Don't let fast-talkers take your heart (or your money) away from the true Source of your hope and your power. Walk with Jesus. When you feel manipulated, pushed, pulled, or overwhelmed by personality driven 'ministry,' RUN, don't walk, away! Find a quiet place and listen for the Spirit's voice. There you will be empowered!
"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, “Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15, NLT)__________________________
Only In God
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock,
My strength and my salvation.
Only in God is found safety,
When my enemy pursues me.
Only in God is found glory,
When I am found meek and found lowly.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be afraid at all.
My stronghold, my Savior, I shall not be moved.
Only in God, is my soul at rest.
In Him, comes my salvation.
Author: Talbot, John MichaelCopyright: 1980 Birdwing Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) / BMG Songs, Inc. (Mech) (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing; Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, October 07, 2005
Thursday, October 06, 2005
All grown up?
There are 70 year old people who are still infantile, and there are 16 year old people who show amazing maturity. Immature people carry on and cry, demanding that someone clean up their mess and make them happy! One trait of maturity is the ability to deal with adversity while staying steady, the ability to deal with reality in life. I am not talking about stoicism that disallows emotions, nor am I describing a robotic approach to life. Maturity does not mean we give up on laughter or sorrow. Some do, but in so doing they become poorer, not richer. Maturity allows us to 'take a hit' without collapsing and quitting. It gives us the ability to deal with life with genuine faith that God's purposes prevail; that He is working out those purposes in and through us. And how do we get to that point? By letting God lead us, step by step, through situations that teach us to trust Him completely!
Our model for this kind of maturity is Jesus. In Hebrews we are told - "While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honored God, God answered him. Though he was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Then, having arrived at the full stature of his maturity and having been announced by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him." (Hebrews 5:7-10, The Message) The sinless Son of God had to endure suffering to accomplish His mission, to bring God's plan to set the world free from sin and death. He had to walk through an escalating series of difficult experiences that ended at the Cross to get it done. Then, in the fullness that His suffering purchased, He became the Life-giver.
I want to be a life-giver, don't you? I want my life to be full of God's grace, rich in mature acceptance of His favor, so that I am able to lift up people who are broken, helping them to heal. I want to be secure in God's love, richly mature, so that I can pour love on the unlovely! I want to be wise in God's purposes, matured through adversity, so that I can be a source of encouragement for those in times of distress. Mature Christians who are 'sources' of life are needed in the Church. Too many Believers are 'sponges' who draw in attention, soaking up resources - perpetually locked into infancy.
Think of it in terms of the natural life-cycle. We were born into this world, naked, nearly blind, and totally helpless. Without parents to nurture us and care for us we would have died quickly! Gradually over the next two decades, we became independent. We learned to care for ourselves, to think of others, to provide for our needs, to anticipate future needs, and to become productive, contributing adults in the world. As much as I love being Jay's, Sean's, Christine's, and Maribel's Dad - I sure would be sad if they were all still home, living off of me, unable to sustain their own life, now that they are in their mid to late 20's! I am still a resource to them, an advisor, an encourager to steady them when they need it. But, they now have their own lives as they have matured into adulthood. My greatest joy is seeing them now starting to give out to the people they live and work among!
How did my kids move from being 'takers' to 'givers?' By learning maturity - often in painfully difficult lessons. Many times I wanted to step in and take the pain, absorbing the blows that life was handing to them, but I didn't. Why? Because I knew it was part of being 'all grown up.' They had to be allowed to make mistakes, to feel the consequences of their actions - positive and negative. My parental responsibility wasn't to remove all the pain, but to keep them from making fatal mistakes, appropriately guiding them toward maturity.
The Bible encourages us to see the situations that cause us pain as an opportunity to grow up. "Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (1 Peter 4:1-2, The Message) Learn to think like Him!
The joy of maturity is its great freedom. A person who has learned to live with a long view, who knows that the 'sun will come up tomorrow,' despite apparent evidence to the contrary today, who understands that temptation and tests are temporary, is richly resourced for a great life. So, I urge you to accept the reality of your life without demanding that God or somebody else 'make it all better.' Instead, take His hand and let Him lead you through it as He guides you into full maturity. And in that place, you will become a person of great value to the Kingdom of Heaven, a life-giver in a world of death. And your Father in Heaven will approve, taking joy in your productive work in His world.
Our model for this kind of maturity is Jesus. In Hebrews we are told - "While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honored God, God answered him. Though he was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Then, having arrived at the full stature of his maturity and having been announced by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him." (Hebrews 5:7-10, The Message) The sinless Son of God had to endure suffering to accomplish His mission, to bring God's plan to set the world free from sin and death. He had to walk through an escalating series of difficult experiences that ended at the Cross to get it done. Then, in the fullness that His suffering purchased, He became the Life-giver.
I want to be a life-giver, don't you? I want my life to be full of God's grace, rich in mature acceptance of His favor, so that I am able to lift up people who are broken, helping them to heal. I want to be secure in God's love, richly mature, so that I can pour love on the unlovely! I want to be wise in God's purposes, matured through adversity, so that I can be a source of encouragement for those in times of distress. Mature Christians who are 'sources' of life are needed in the Church. Too many Believers are 'sponges' who draw in attention, soaking up resources - perpetually locked into infancy.
Think of it in terms of the natural life-cycle. We were born into this world, naked, nearly blind, and totally helpless. Without parents to nurture us and care for us we would have died quickly! Gradually over the next two decades, we became independent. We learned to care for ourselves, to think of others, to provide for our needs, to anticipate future needs, and to become productive, contributing adults in the world. As much as I love being Jay's, Sean's, Christine's, and Maribel's Dad - I sure would be sad if they were all still home, living off of me, unable to sustain their own life, now that they are in their mid to late 20's! I am still a resource to them, an advisor, an encourager to steady them when they need it. But, they now have their own lives as they have matured into adulthood. My greatest joy is seeing them now starting to give out to the people they live and work among!
How did my kids move from being 'takers' to 'givers?' By learning maturity - often in painfully difficult lessons. Many times I wanted to step in and take the pain, absorbing the blows that life was handing to them, but I didn't. Why? Because I knew it was part of being 'all grown up.' They had to be allowed to make mistakes, to feel the consequences of their actions - positive and negative. My parental responsibility wasn't to remove all the pain, but to keep them from making fatal mistakes, appropriately guiding them toward maturity.
The Bible encourages us to see the situations that cause us pain as an opportunity to grow up. "Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (1 Peter 4:1-2, The Message) Learn to think like Him!
The joy of maturity is its great freedom. A person who has learned to live with a long view, who knows that the 'sun will come up tomorrow,' despite apparent evidence to the contrary today, who understands that temptation and tests are temporary, is richly resourced for a great life. So, I urge you to accept the reality of your life without demanding that God or somebody else 'make it all better.' Instead, take His hand and let Him lead you through it as He guides you into full maturity. And in that place, you will become a person of great value to the Kingdom of Heaven, a life-giver in a world of death. And your Father in Heaven will approve, taking joy in your productive work in His world.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Turned aside to myths?
Yesterday a woman asked me, "Why did he die?" Her son-in-law, a relatively young man in his 40's, died just months after falling ill with lung cancer. Many Believers prayed for him, earnestly and faithfully. Still he died! This woman was not in a crisis of faith, but she wondered, like we all do, why did God let it happen? When I honestly told her, "I don't know," I think it surprised her at first. For some reason, many Christians think they have to defend God and offer all kinds of 'explanations' for life's developments when the truth is that they do not have a clue. I could have guessed at a reason. The man did smoke heavily for years. Is that why he died? Scientifically, we know it was a factor. I could have opined about 'greater good' and that 'God is using this tragedy to call his family closer to Himself,' which is possibly true as well. But the genuine truth is, I do not know, nor does anyone else, exactly why the Sovereign Lord of the Universe does what He does. Being honestly humble is the best choice when we face the big questions of life. The truth is complex and God operates in a plane so far above our finiteness. Without a deep love for Him, a simple "trust me," which is what He often asks, goes down hard!
It's comforting, in a strange way, to point to this or that as a cause, to something else as a reason for what we are experiencing. The sense that we 'know' gives us assurance that we can avoid choices that would produce suffering and align ourselves with paths that always lead to happiness. Our attempts at 'knowing' can lead us, sometimes anyway, into the realm of myth rather than truth! Paul warned Timothy that there would be those who would "no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NLT)
In our age of self-constructed spiritualities, superstition and assumption becomes the basis for much religion, and tragically, too often, even for Christian doctrine and practice. Lives that are built on such shifting foundations of sand are subject to collapse when intense storms blow. As much as I find people's stories interesting and even encouraging, I will not build my life on someone's recounting of their 'spiritual' experience. As compelling as some stories may be, those stories cannot be the cornerstone of faith's house. Too often, in the telling, such testimonies assume mythical proportions.
We must build our lives on Christ and the Word. That is Truth and a solid Rock foundation! Paul uses the phrase, 'we know,' many times in his letters, to underscore his faith in Christ Jesus. He built his hope in life, on one unchanging fact - that in Christ he was set free from the curse of sin and death and that because Christ was raised from the dead to life eternal, all those who hope in Him will live also. He did not need simplistic explanations of God's ways to lessen his anxiety about the experiences of difficulties he ran into from time to time. He chose, instead, to rest on his sure knowledge that God was in charge, that God was all-wise, and that God held an eternal home in trust for all those who lived in faith. What a confident life he lived as a result of this foundation! His words to a younger and sometimes timid Timothy vibrate with confidence, not from some 'hope so, could be' conclusion, but from his total assurance of eternal life. Take a look.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed (embarrassed by unexplained events) to testify about our Lord, ... join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, (have no regrets about my choices) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:7-12, NIV)
On what and in whom have you set your trust and faith?
Choose Christ, not some myth, nor some fanciful explanation that is appealing in it's simplistic conclusions about a complex world.
He is a Rock solid foundation, immoveable, trustworthy because He is "the same yesterday and today and forever!"
________________________________
It's comforting, in a strange way, to point to this or that as a cause, to something else as a reason for what we are experiencing. The sense that we 'know' gives us assurance that we can avoid choices that would produce suffering and align ourselves with paths that always lead to happiness. Our attempts at 'knowing' can lead us, sometimes anyway, into the realm of myth rather than truth! Paul warned Timothy that there would be those who would "no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NLT)
In our age of self-constructed spiritualities, superstition and assumption becomes the basis for much religion, and tragically, too often, even for Christian doctrine and practice. Lives that are built on such shifting foundations of sand are subject to collapse when intense storms blow. As much as I find people's stories interesting and even encouraging, I will not build my life on someone's recounting of their 'spiritual' experience. As compelling as some stories may be, those stories cannot be the cornerstone of faith's house. Too often, in the telling, such testimonies assume mythical proportions.
We must build our lives on Christ and the Word. That is Truth and a solid Rock foundation! Paul uses the phrase, 'we know,' many times in his letters, to underscore his faith in Christ Jesus. He built his hope in life, on one unchanging fact - that in Christ he was set free from the curse of sin and death and that because Christ was raised from the dead to life eternal, all those who hope in Him will live also. He did not need simplistic explanations of God's ways to lessen his anxiety about the experiences of difficulties he ran into from time to time. He chose, instead, to rest on his sure knowledge that God was in charge, that God was all-wise, and that God held an eternal home in trust for all those who lived in faith. What a confident life he lived as a result of this foundation! His words to a younger and sometimes timid Timothy vibrate with confidence, not from some 'hope so, could be' conclusion, but from his total assurance of eternal life. Take a look.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed (embarrassed by unexplained events) to testify about our Lord, ... join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, (have no regrets about my choices) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:7-12, NIV)
On what and in whom have you set your trust and faith?
Choose Christ, not some myth, nor some fanciful explanation that is appealing in it's simplistic conclusions about a complex world.
He is a Rock solid foundation, immoveable, trustworthy because He is "the same yesterday and today and forever!"
________________________________
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Purpose Driven and On Course
Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and author of the wildly best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, lives what he teaches! When the failures and sins of leaders are headline material so frequently, Warren's steady commitment to Christ is worthy of note. In the October, '05 issue of Christianity Today, there is a report about Warren.
"With this book and his earlier best-seller, The Purpose Driven Church, Warren has sold 26 million books... because of the millions in book sales, he has become wealthy. His celebrity also sprang forward, ranked as the second most influential evangelical after Billy Graham by pastors surveyed in America. With this new found affluence and influence, the Warrens made five decisions:
-They did not upgrade their lifestyle.
-Warren stopped taking a salary from his church, and -repaid 25 years of salary he had collected since 1980, when he founded the church.
-They created three charitable foundations.
-They started 'reverse' tithing,' meaning that they give away 90 percent of their income and live on 10 percent."
Many people do not know that at the very same time that his book was taking off on the best-seller lists, Kay Warren, Rick's wife, was fighting for her life with cancer! If anyone might have decided to 'take it easy' or to step away from the rigorous demands of church leadership, it might have been Rick Warren. He could have hit the conference lecture circuit and lived the 'good life,' but he knew that he lived for God's pleasure, not his own. He allowed God to use Kay's cancer to further shape his life for divine purposes. He stayed steady, growing into greater ministry responsibilities, not less. Kay Warren regained her health and became a great influence in Rick's life as, with her new perspective on life, she 'discovered' the great needs of those who lived in grinding poverty and with wasting disease, particularly AIDS. Now both of them, in addition to leading Saddleback Church, are working to focus the American church on these world needs and the answer that is found in Christ and His Church.
There is no test of character like success and, to date, Rick Warren's character has been revealed as being rock solid in Christ Jesus. He is a man owned by the Spirit of God. Friend, if we know that the meaning of life is to serve God's purposes, as Rick Warren does, our lives will be steadied and focused, too. Have you answered the key question of a purposeful life? Here is it - what on earth am I here for? What are you living for today, God's pleasure or your own? Can God trust you with greater blessings? Those are the questions I asked myself this morning, prayerfully before God.
A depth of character and Christian commitment that is able to withstand the lures of success is not built after the success comes, but before! Rick Warren lived in the Spirit and to serve God-- long before his church became "mega,' long before his books became best-sellers, long before he had access to vast wealth. Today, join me in two things. First, let's thank God for men and women like Rick and Kay Warren who are radically committed to Jesus Christ, whose lives are an inspiration. Second, let's ask the Lord to lead us deeper into His purposes, building the character of Jesus in us so that we will serve Him come 'hell or high water!'
"Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. But you.... Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:10-12, The Message)
"Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time." (James 5:7-8, The Message)
__________________________
"Father, I praise you for the inspiration to be found in the commitment of Pastor Rick Warren.
Keep him, protect him, and let him finish well for your glory.
Help me to stay steady, serving You equally well in times of success and times of difficulty.
Lord, open my eyes each day to Your purpose for me, and give me the faith to live squarely in the center of Your will, and the grace to live there- with joy!
Holy Spirit, help me to be aware of Your Presence, to seek intimacy with You that I might live a holy life.
I pray this in the name of the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. - Amen."
"With this book and his earlier best-seller, The Purpose Driven Church, Warren has sold 26 million books... because of the millions in book sales, he has become wealthy. His celebrity also sprang forward, ranked as the second most influential evangelical after Billy Graham by pastors surveyed in America. With this new found affluence and influence, the Warrens made five decisions:
-They did not upgrade their lifestyle.
-Warren stopped taking a salary from his church, and -repaid 25 years of salary he had collected since 1980, when he founded the church.
-They created three charitable foundations.
-They started 'reverse' tithing,' meaning that they give away 90 percent of their income and live on 10 percent."
Many people do not know that at the very same time that his book was taking off on the best-seller lists, Kay Warren, Rick's wife, was fighting for her life with cancer! If anyone might have decided to 'take it easy' or to step away from the rigorous demands of church leadership, it might have been Rick Warren. He could have hit the conference lecture circuit and lived the 'good life,' but he knew that he lived for God's pleasure, not his own. He allowed God to use Kay's cancer to further shape his life for divine purposes. He stayed steady, growing into greater ministry responsibilities, not less. Kay Warren regained her health and became a great influence in Rick's life as, with her new perspective on life, she 'discovered' the great needs of those who lived in grinding poverty and with wasting disease, particularly AIDS. Now both of them, in addition to leading Saddleback Church, are working to focus the American church on these world needs and the answer that is found in Christ and His Church.
There is no test of character like success and, to date, Rick Warren's character has been revealed as being rock solid in Christ Jesus. He is a man owned by the Spirit of God. Friend, if we know that the meaning of life is to serve God's purposes, as Rick Warren does, our lives will be steadied and focused, too. Have you answered the key question of a purposeful life? Here is it - what on earth am I here for? What are you living for today, God's pleasure or your own? Can God trust you with greater blessings? Those are the questions I asked myself this morning, prayerfully before God.
A depth of character and Christian commitment that is able to withstand the lures of success is not built after the success comes, but before! Rick Warren lived in the Spirit and to serve God-- long before his church became "mega,' long before his books became best-sellers, long before he had access to vast wealth. Today, join me in two things. First, let's thank God for men and women like Rick and Kay Warren who are radically committed to Jesus Christ, whose lives are an inspiration. Second, let's ask the Lord to lead us deeper into His purposes, building the character of Jesus in us so that we will serve Him come 'hell or high water!'
"Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. But you.... Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:10-12, The Message)
"Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time." (James 5:7-8, The Message)
__________________________
"Father, I praise you for the inspiration to be found in the commitment of Pastor Rick Warren.
Keep him, protect him, and let him finish well for your glory.
Help me to stay steady, serving You equally well in times of success and times of difficulty.
Lord, open my eyes each day to Your purpose for me, and give me the faith to live squarely in the center of Your will, and the grace to live there- with joy!
Holy Spirit, help me to be aware of Your Presence, to seek intimacy with You that I might live a holy life.
I pray this in the name of the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. - Amen."
Monday, October 03, 2005
Putting on Christ.
Americans spend $billions on devices, pills, and programs that 'guarantee' weight loss. You know the ads - a serious, mature actor purporting to be a medical Dr. looks straight into the camera and asks, "do you want to melt away those pounds effortlessly?" As he talks images of smiling people, who claim to have lost 30 lbs while they slept, appear on the TV the screen. And, we want to believe that it is possible, even as our brain tells us that it's just another gimmick! In the newspaper last week the headline announced, "Low Carb Diet Now History." Seems that we like our bread after all. Another diet fad has come and gone, making an author a ton of money in the process.
The truth is that excess calories produce excess weight. If we are serious about controlling our weight, there are two things that must happen; better nutrition to control intake and more exercise to increase metabolism. Smaller portions of food that contain less fat and sugar, along with regular moderate exercise, will allow 98% of us to be healthy. No the results won't be instant, but if we are disciplined, it will happen. We know it, and yet, we continue to chase the fantasy that we can eat ice cream every night while we avoid breaking into a sweat at all costs, and still stay healthy and trim by taking a miracle pill!
Christianity is subject to the same 'hucksterism' as the diet industry. The desire for quick and easy results causes Believers to buy the latest book that promises spiritual maturity in 90 days, if we say or do or think in some formulaic way. Testimonies from those who have 'found it to be true,' are capsulated in italics on the cover urging us to "step up to a transformed life today!" But, these easy steps to spiritual maturity only produce disappointment and disillusionment in discouraged Believers who think that the fault must lie with them when the promised results do not emerge.
Solid, mature, and deep spiritual life is built by consistent, daily practices of disciplines that open up our hearts and mind to the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit. If we spend five minutes a day of reading the Bible and match that with 3 hours of programs like "Desperate Housewives," which beat sensuality and materialism into our brain, what values will influence our choices? The answer is obvious. We will not know the voice of God if we try to sandwich our prayer and meditation into a couple of minutes here and there in our busy day. Intimacy with God, and the true spiritual power and authority that accompanies it, comes only as we follow Him, faithfully and obediently, day by day, choice by choice. Spiritual diets are the same as physical ones - if we feed on the Word and exercise our faith; spiritual health will inevitably follow.
Peter, that unstable disciple who earned so many rebukes from Jesus but who grew into the Spirit and become a rock in the Church, tells us --As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.
So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:2-8, NLT)
Don't misunderstand what I am urging you to consider today. I am not suggesting that we can produce a life that is pleasing to God by our own strength or ability. I've tried and I've failed, as have billions of good, religious people. It is Jesus Christ and the 'mighty power' of the Spirit that work in us. Yet, we must 'make every effort!' Paul tells us to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;" (Ephesians 4:22, NIV) and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24, NIV) God provides us with the new clothes, but gives us the choice to wear them!
Do you want to be holy, full of God's Spirit, living in love, filled with joy, peaceful in a tense world, marked by patient endurance, good and kind? Then start by telling God of your desire! Pray, yes, in your own earnest words, describing your struggles. Pick up the Scripture and read the story of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John until you have 'seen' Him in His true beauty, and then invite the Holy Spirit to begin the process of transforming you into His likeness. When you fail, and we all do, get up and thank Him for forgiveness. As He brings you face to face with your sins, make no excuse for them and endure the processes, often painful, that produce deep change of heart and mind.
And the beauty of Jesus will emerge because God is faithful. No, there is no quick and easy way of genuine discipleship. But there is life for the asking and strength for the taking that will let us live for God's glory today!
___________________________
All Your Promises
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.
Your words are true, Your mercy does not change.
All Your promises are precious, reviving our faith.
Every one of them will be fulfilled one day.
We will run, we will run and not grow weary.
We will rise upon the eagle's wings.
In the presence of the Lord, our spirits will soar,
'Till we one day gaze upon our King.
Oh; all Your promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus.
All Your promises are true.All Your promises are "Yes" and "Amen!"
Lord Jesus, we'll keep running after You.
Author: Smith, Andrew
Copyright: 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
The truth is that excess calories produce excess weight. If we are serious about controlling our weight, there are two things that must happen; better nutrition to control intake and more exercise to increase metabolism. Smaller portions of food that contain less fat and sugar, along with regular moderate exercise, will allow 98% of us to be healthy. No the results won't be instant, but if we are disciplined, it will happen. We know it, and yet, we continue to chase the fantasy that we can eat ice cream every night while we avoid breaking into a sweat at all costs, and still stay healthy and trim by taking a miracle pill!
Christianity is subject to the same 'hucksterism' as the diet industry. The desire for quick and easy results causes Believers to buy the latest book that promises spiritual maturity in 90 days, if we say or do or think in some formulaic way. Testimonies from those who have 'found it to be true,' are capsulated in italics on the cover urging us to "step up to a transformed life today!" But, these easy steps to spiritual maturity only produce disappointment and disillusionment in discouraged Believers who think that the fault must lie with them when the promised results do not emerge.
Solid, mature, and deep spiritual life is built by consistent, daily practices of disciplines that open up our hearts and mind to the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit. If we spend five minutes a day of reading the Bible and match that with 3 hours of programs like "Desperate Housewives," which beat sensuality and materialism into our brain, what values will influence our choices? The answer is obvious. We will not know the voice of God if we try to sandwich our prayer and meditation into a couple of minutes here and there in our busy day. Intimacy with God, and the true spiritual power and authority that accompanies it, comes only as we follow Him, faithfully and obediently, day by day, choice by choice. Spiritual diets are the same as physical ones - if we feed on the Word and exercise our faith; spiritual health will inevitably follow.
Peter, that unstable disciple who earned so many rebukes from Jesus but who grew into the Spirit and become a rock in the Church, tells us --As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.
So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:2-8, NLT)
Don't misunderstand what I am urging you to consider today. I am not suggesting that we can produce a life that is pleasing to God by our own strength or ability. I've tried and I've failed, as have billions of good, religious people. It is Jesus Christ and the 'mighty power' of the Spirit that work in us. Yet, we must 'make every effort!' Paul tells us to "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;" (Ephesians 4:22, NIV) and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24, NIV) God provides us with the new clothes, but gives us the choice to wear them!
Do you want to be holy, full of God's Spirit, living in love, filled with joy, peaceful in a tense world, marked by patient endurance, good and kind? Then start by telling God of your desire! Pray, yes, in your own earnest words, describing your struggles. Pick up the Scripture and read the story of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John until you have 'seen' Him in His true beauty, and then invite the Holy Spirit to begin the process of transforming you into His likeness. When you fail, and we all do, get up and thank Him for forgiveness. As He brings you face to face with your sins, make no excuse for them and endure the processes, often painful, that produce deep change of heart and mind.
And the beauty of Jesus will emerge because God is faithful. No, there is no quick and easy way of genuine discipleship. But there is life for the asking and strength for the taking that will let us live for God's glory today!
___________________________
All Your Promises
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.
Your words are true, Your mercy does not change.
All Your promises are precious, reviving our faith.
Every one of them will be fulfilled one day.
We will run, we will run and not grow weary.
We will rise upon the eagle's wings.
In the presence of the Lord, our spirits will soar,
'Till we one day gaze upon our King.
Oh; all Your promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus.
All Your promises are true.All Your promises are "Yes" and "Amen!"
Lord Jesus, we'll keep running after You.
Author: Smith, Andrew
Copyright: 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
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