Jennie Dickson was 102! She was one of the founding members of our church ‘way back in 1947, a long-time Sunday School teacher, and a good friend. Well into her 90’s, she drove her car down the mountain and to our front door to worship. And last Sunday, her journey here on earth came to a close. We’ll have her funeral today and then commit her body to the ground, but we won’t say good-bye. Instead, we’ll bid her rest in the arms of her Lord and say, “see you later!”
The hope of our faith is eternal life. I love what Paul says about this.... “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." (1 Corinthians 15:17-19, NIV) "But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died." (1 Corinthians 15:20, NLT) The keystone of our faith is the Resurrection! The Cross is the key to our restoration to our Father. The Empty Tomb the proof of our hope, the symbolic doorway to Heaven.
Disciple, we must not only drag this doctrine out of the Bible at funerals and Easter! We need to be Resurrection people, our lives kept on track and focused by this promise. Our reservation is confirmed, our destination certain. This great truth is not only comforting. It is compelling! That great treatise on the Resurrection closes by urging us to stay steady. Keep the Faith! "In a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, The Message)
What Aunt Jennie did for the Lord and our church has disappeared under the weight of time. There are perhaps a couple of dozen people left in the congregation who even know her. Few realize the key role she played in bringing the church into existence, her sacrifices of time and resources to make it thrive, her steadiness to the church through it’s up’s and down’s over the years, but God knows and she was welcomed into His house, blessed and honored daughter of the Father.
See you later, Aunt Jennie.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)
_________________
When the trumpet
Of the Lord shall sound
Time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks
Eternal bright and fair.
When the saints on earth shall gather
Over all the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.
And on that bright
And cloudless morning
When the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory
Of His resurrection share;
When the chosen ones shall gather
To their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.
So let us labor for the Master
From the dawn 'til setting sun,
Let us talk of all
His wondrous love and care;
And when all of life is over
And our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.
When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
Black, James M.
© 1994 Gaither Music Company ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management / DaviSongShop ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management / PraiseGathering Music ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Irreplaceable Christ
What secures your faith? He’s not what, but Who. His name? Jesus Christ!
What anchors your hope? I pray you’re not falling for silly superstitions for our hope in God is anchored in the the Word.
George Barna, a researcher who studies Christianity in America, reports the following alarming “mega-trend” which creates deep concern in my mind. “What used to be basic, universally-known truths about Christianity are now unknown mysteries to a large and growing share of Americans--especially young adults. For instance, Barna Group studies in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Other examples include the finding that few adults believe that their faith is meant to be the focal point of their life or to be integrated into every aspect of their existence. Further, a growing majority believe the Holy Spirit is a symbol of God's presence or power, but not a living entity. As the two younger generations (Busters and Mosaics) ascend to numerical and positional supremacy in churches across the nation, the data suggest that biblical literacy is likely to decline significantly. The theological free-for-all that is encroaching in Protestant churches nationwide suggests the coming decade will be a time of unparalleled theological diversity and inconsistency.”
My own observation is that many “Christians” forsake the true Gospel of Jesus Christ for silly superstitions, angel stories, and bizarre worship practices. In a lifetime of pastoral ministry I watched as many fads have come and gone in the Church. I've seen many doctrinal aberrations that time has corrected, but nothing I have known compares to what is happening in evangelical and Pentecostal Christian churches now. Because many no longer trust the absolute sufficiency of the Scripture for life and godliness, all manner of dangerous practices and esoteric practices are creeping in.
Our doctrines are shaped by psychology as much as Scripture, by cultural influences more than the truth. Americans love their celebrities and trust a pretty face to advise them about money, sex, and politics! Tragically, the same is true in the Church. An athlete who comes to faith in Christ from a life full of dysfunction is put on the stage in front of thousands of teens within months of his conversion, held up as a role model before the water of his baptism has dried. Our theology is shaped by singers and bands that often have little in the way of sound theological training, but they ‘sound’ relevant, so let their songs teach us.
Even serious disciples are too often distracted by esoteric ideas about demons, angels, and psychic phenomena rather than solid daily application of Jesus’ Gospel to their business practices, financial decisions, and relationships.
Here's the wonderful Word of the powerful Gospel. "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:14-17, NIV)
Take time this Advent to go back to the Gospel. Read the Jesus story told in Matthew and Luke and let the wonderful Truth inspire you. God became a Man! God, the Creator, mysteriously and wondrously, moved by love entered this world and was born a baby, lived among us teaching us, died to save us from our sins, and rose again to declare His triumph over sin, death, and Hell. Hallelujah, what a Savior.
"I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that He died for me."
My heart is leaning on the Word,
the written Word of God.
Salvation by my Savior's name,
salvation through His blood."
What anchors your hope? I pray you’re not falling for silly superstitions for our hope in God is anchored in the the Word.
George Barna, a researcher who studies Christianity in America, reports the following alarming “mega-trend” which creates deep concern in my mind. “What used to be basic, universally-known truths about Christianity are now unknown mysteries to a large and growing share of Americans--especially young adults. For instance, Barna Group studies in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Other examples include the finding that few adults believe that their faith is meant to be the focal point of their life or to be integrated into every aspect of their existence. Further, a growing majority believe the Holy Spirit is a symbol of God's presence or power, but not a living entity. As the two younger generations (Busters and Mosaics) ascend to numerical and positional supremacy in churches across the nation, the data suggest that biblical literacy is likely to decline significantly. The theological free-for-all that is encroaching in Protestant churches nationwide suggests the coming decade will be a time of unparalleled theological diversity and inconsistency.”
My own observation is that many “Christians” forsake the true Gospel of Jesus Christ for silly superstitions, angel stories, and bizarre worship practices. In a lifetime of pastoral ministry I watched as many fads have come and gone in the Church. I've seen many doctrinal aberrations that time has corrected, but nothing I have known compares to what is happening in evangelical and Pentecostal Christian churches now. Because many no longer trust the absolute sufficiency of the Scripture for life and godliness, all manner of dangerous practices and esoteric practices are creeping in.
Our doctrines are shaped by psychology as much as Scripture, by cultural influences more than the truth. Americans love their celebrities and trust a pretty face to advise them about money, sex, and politics! Tragically, the same is true in the Church. An athlete who comes to faith in Christ from a life full of dysfunction is put on the stage in front of thousands of teens within months of his conversion, held up as a role model before the water of his baptism has dried. Our theology is shaped by singers and bands that often have little in the way of sound theological training, but they ‘sound’ relevant, so let their songs teach us.
Even serious disciples are too often distracted by esoteric ideas about demons, angels, and psychic phenomena rather than solid daily application of Jesus’ Gospel to their business practices, financial decisions, and relationships.
Here's the wonderful Word of the powerful Gospel. "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:14-17, NIV)
Take time this Advent to go back to the Gospel. Read the Jesus story told in Matthew and Luke and let the wonderful Truth inspire you. God became a Man! God, the Creator, mysteriously and wondrously, moved by love entered this world and was born a baby, lived among us teaching us, died to save us from our sins, and rose again to declare His triumph over sin, death, and Hell. Hallelujah, what a Savior.
"I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that He died for me."
My heart is leaning on the Word,
the written Word of God.
Salvation by my Savior's name,
salvation through His blood."
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Like a Shepherd
Are you attempting live alone, trying to figure it out as you go, relying only on your own wit and wisdom? Have you cynically concluded, "nobody cares!"? Or, does pride keep you from seeking help or guidance? If I'm describing you, you need need to know that you are putting yourself at great risk.
Fact: sheep left alone on the open range without a shepherd do not thrive!
Predators will kill them off, one by one. The flock will stay in one area, over-grazing the land, exhausting their food supply. Only a well-shepherded flock thrives. People are much like those sheep. We need to be led! Without care, we die. Even if we have all we need right now, without guidance we will get stuck and fail to move ahead in life.
Here's the cautionary part of this tale. Our world is full of people who would 'shepherd' us, but their interest is exploiting, not caring. "What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn't shepherds feed their sheep?" (Ezekiel 34:2, NLT) They call to us, inviting us to follow them. There are dictators that demand much of us, but return nothing, wanting only to selfishly take from us. There are deceivers that want to mislead us into destruction, their plans shaped by twisted purposes of evil. There are those who just yell at us, issuing a confusing lot of directions, noises that leaves us in a whirl of confusion if we try to follow them.
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.
I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." (Ezekiel 34:11-16, NIV)
Jesus says, "Come, follow me." He fulfills that prophetic promise and offers to be our Shepherd. It's an invitation to adventure, to life that is purposeful and meaningful, and - best of all - to a relationship! He will never leave us. He does not promise that we will never be attacked by wolves, go through violent storms, or experience difficult days! But, He promises we won't face those challenges alone. "I'll be there," He says, "caring for you."
Follow the Good Shepherd. Serve Him. Worship Him. Listen to Him. And, you will 'have real and eternal life, more and better life than you ever dreamed.' That's the truth. Here's a familiar word from the Word. Don't rush through it! Savor the promise.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23, NIV)
_____________________
Savior, like a Shepherd lead us;
Much we need Thy tender care.
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us;
For our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us; Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine; do Thou befriend us;
Be the Guardian of our way.
Keep Thy flock; from sin defend us;
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear thy children when they pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear Thy children when they pray.
Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us
Thrupp, Dorothy A. / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain
Fact: sheep left alone on the open range without a shepherd do not thrive!
Predators will kill them off, one by one. The flock will stay in one area, over-grazing the land, exhausting their food supply. Only a well-shepherded flock thrives. People are much like those sheep. We need to be led! Without care, we die. Even if we have all we need right now, without guidance we will get stuck and fail to move ahead in life.
Here's the cautionary part of this tale. Our world is full of people who would 'shepherd' us, but their interest is exploiting, not caring. "What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn't shepherds feed their sheep?" (Ezekiel 34:2, NLT) They call to us, inviting us to follow them. There are dictators that demand much of us, but return nothing, wanting only to selfishly take from us. There are deceivers that want to mislead us into destruction, their plans shaped by twisted purposes of evil. There are those who just yell at us, issuing a confusing lot of directions, noises that leaves us in a whirl of confusion if we try to follow them.
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.
I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." (Ezekiel 34:11-16, NIV)
Jesus says, "Come, follow me." He fulfills that prophetic promise and offers to be our Shepherd. It's an invitation to adventure, to life that is purposeful and meaningful, and - best of all - to a relationship! He will never leave us. He does not promise that we will never be attacked by wolves, go through violent storms, or experience difficult days! But, He promises we won't face those challenges alone. "I'll be there," He says, "caring for you."
Follow the Good Shepherd. Serve Him. Worship Him. Listen to Him. And, you will 'have real and eternal life, more and better life than you ever dreamed.' That's the truth. Here's a familiar word from the Word. Don't rush through it! Savor the promise.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23, NIV)
_____________________
Savior, like a Shepherd lead us;
Much we need Thy tender care.
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us;
For our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us; Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine; do Thou befriend us;
Be the Guardian of our way.
Keep Thy flock; from sin defend us;
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear thy children when they pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear Thy children when they pray.
Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us
Thrupp, Dorothy A. / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Knowing the Real Jesus
I know hundreds of people, perhaps even thousands. I am rich in friends and acquaintances. Each one adds something to life, some unique gift and so I am thankful for all of them. But, there are just a few people who really ‘get me,’ who know my heart. Most of those are people who have ‘gone through the fire’ with me at some point in time; fighting for ministry, walking through sorrow together. The deepest bonds are those that are formed under pressure, when people unite around common cause – nation, faith, family, passion - and draw strength from one another to create success in life. The isolated individual, the one who is unable or unwilling to create those kind of intimate relationships, never reaches the same kind of emotional and spiritual maturity. Some prefer to avoid the risk of pain that comes with loving by remaining distant, by keeping to themselves. Oh what a short-sighted, self-protective choice.
The principle of bonding under pressure or in pain is true of our relationship with Christ Jesus, too. A new friend sent me this quote yesterday which I believe to be so true. "It seems like every strong believer I know has been broken or remains in broken places. A pastor said to me the other day, 'Angela, I don't really trust anyone in ministry who's never been broken.' His words were meant as grace to me....He gets it. None of us ever went looking for brokenness, but it came to find us anyway, with all its intense lessons on pain and heartache and suffering." (A Beautiful Offering) If you really want to know Jesus, you will let Him lead you through places that break you. If you’re intent on staying on the ‘Hallelujah side,’ always smiling, never willing to walk with Him into the dark where all you can do is cling to His hand; you will never know the depths of His grace and mercy.
Strangely enough, sometimes that intimacy with Jesus begins to take shape in our worst failures! David knew the Lord God and wrote beautiful songs (Psalms) about Him. But, only later in his life, after he had fallen flat on his face, disgraced himself and failed God in the most miserable ways, did he discover something of the mercy and grace of the Lord. Psalm 51 reflects his brokenness, his longing, and his realization of the steadfast love of the Lord. He came to see that all the Psalm-singing and sacrifices were no substitute for a heart of worship. "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:16-17, NIV) Don’t misunderstand my point here. Nobody should go out and sin in some huge way thinking it leads to God! As the author I quoted above says we don’t have to go looking for brokenness. If we live authentic, God-seeking lives, it will find us in this sin-filled world.
Do you want to know the real Jesus?
I doubt you’ll find much of Him in most churches today. They’re too focused on keeping things light and happy, on helping people find the American dream, at covering over the pain of life. His sorrow, indeed- the Cross – while talked about is not loved all that much. More likely you will find Him in the cancer wing of the hospital, in the heart of the one who has struggled to trust Him through huge disappointment, in the person who has been rejected, or in that one who has learned to walk faithfully with Him in obscure places.
Let me leave you with that same passage from The Message - "Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. " (Psalm 51:16-17)
_________________
Jesus on the radio, Jesus on a late night show,
Jesus in a dream, looking all serene.
Jesus on a steeple, Jesus in the Gallup poll,
Jesus has His very own brand of rock and roll!
Watched Him on the silver screen,
Bought the action figurine,
But Jesus is the only name that makes you flinch.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the mystery
Of the real Jesus.
Jesus started something new,
Jesus coined a phrase or two,
Jesus split the line at the turning point of time.
Jesus sparked a controversy,
Jesus known for His mercy gave a man his sight,
Jesus isn't white!
Jesus loves the children, holds the lambs,
Jesus prays a lot,
Jesus has distinguishing marks on His hands,
If anybody walks behind the Good Shepherd,
If anybody holds the hands that heal lepers,
And if you recognize the eyes that see forever,
Please- Jesus Jesus!
Oh, can anybody show me Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory the real Jesus.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh let Your love unveil the glory,
Of the real Jesus the real Jesus.
The Real Jesus
© 2006 Centricity Music Publishing
Germain and Martel Publishing
(Admin. by Centricity Music Publishing)
Jason Germain
Marc Martel
CCLI License No. 810055
The principle of bonding under pressure or in pain is true of our relationship with Christ Jesus, too. A new friend sent me this quote yesterday which I believe to be so true. "It seems like every strong believer I know has been broken or remains in broken places. A pastor said to me the other day, 'Angela, I don't really trust anyone in ministry who's never been broken.' His words were meant as grace to me....He gets it. None of us ever went looking for brokenness, but it came to find us anyway, with all its intense lessons on pain and heartache and suffering." (A Beautiful Offering) If you really want to know Jesus, you will let Him lead you through places that break you. If you’re intent on staying on the ‘Hallelujah side,’ always smiling, never willing to walk with Him into the dark where all you can do is cling to His hand; you will never know the depths of His grace and mercy.
Strangely enough, sometimes that intimacy with Jesus begins to take shape in our worst failures! David knew the Lord God and wrote beautiful songs (Psalms) about Him. But, only later in his life, after he had fallen flat on his face, disgraced himself and failed God in the most miserable ways, did he discover something of the mercy and grace of the Lord. Psalm 51 reflects his brokenness, his longing, and his realization of the steadfast love of the Lord. He came to see that all the Psalm-singing and sacrifices were no substitute for a heart of worship. "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:16-17, NIV) Don’t misunderstand my point here. Nobody should go out and sin in some huge way thinking it leads to God! As the author I quoted above says we don’t have to go looking for brokenness. If we live authentic, God-seeking lives, it will find us in this sin-filled world.
Do you want to know the real Jesus?
I doubt you’ll find much of Him in most churches today. They’re too focused on keeping things light and happy, on helping people find the American dream, at covering over the pain of life. His sorrow, indeed- the Cross – while talked about is not loved all that much. More likely you will find Him in the cancer wing of the hospital, in the heart of the one who has struggled to trust Him through huge disappointment, in the person who has been rejected, or in that one who has learned to walk faithfully with Him in obscure places.
Let me leave you with that same passage from The Message - "Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. " (Psalm 51:16-17)
_________________
Jesus on the radio, Jesus on a late night show,
Jesus in a dream, looking all serene.
Jesus on a steeple, Jesus in the Gallup poll,
Jesus has His very own brand of rock and roll!
Watched Him on the silver screen,
Bought the action figurine,
But Jesus is the only name that makes you flinch.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the mystery
Of the real Jesus.
Jesus started something new,
Jesus coined a phrase or two,
Jesus split the line at the turning point of time.
Jesus sparked a controversy,
Jesus known for His mercy gave a man his sight,
Jesus isn't white!
Jesus loves the children, holds the lambs,
Jesus prays a lot,
Jesus has distinguishing marks on His hands,
If anybody walks behind the Good Shepherd,
If anybody holds the hands that heal lepers,
And if you recognize the eyes that see forever,
Please- Jesus Jesus!
Oh, can anybody show me Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory the real Jesus.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh let Your love unveil the glory,
Of the real Jesus the real Jesus.
The Real Jesus
© 2006 Centricity Music Publishing
Germain and Martel Publishing
(Admin. by Centricity Music Publishing)
Jason Germain
Marc Martel
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, December 13, 2010
Who’s in charge here?
Someone said, "I don't pray much because I believe God has already decided what will happen." His sincerity was unquestioned. He missed what the Holy Scripture teaches about the importance of prayer. Jesus Himself said, "Be always on the watch, and pray." (Luke 21:36, NIV) Yes, we must pray! Paul urges us to “Pray without ceasing!” By contrast to that apathetic Christian, the prayers of others reveal a mistaken understanding of God's vast power and wisdom. They have no assurance that He is sufficient for their needs. We must pray because in our prayers God's work is done and our lives are changed. Our prayer need not be desperate or fearful. God promises even to supply the faith to pray.
I have great convictions about the 'sovereignty' of God- that all things are governed and happen ultimately according to His purposes. Yet, I am equally convinced that our day to day decisions have real and lasting consequences, for which we will be held accountable. The Bible offers plenty of evidence that both ideas are true. How can that be since they seem to contradict each other? This debate has occupied great minds for a long time, and I cannot resolve the differences in these few lines. My aim, in this CoffeeBreak is to encourage us to faith-filled and constant prayer that is focused on the sufficiency of Christ Jesus, the Lord.
In the book of Daniel, a king who has encountered the power of God says- “I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop him or challenge him, saying, “What do you mean by doing these things'" (Daniel 4:34-35, NLT) That is wonderfully true! God does what He pleases because of His omniscience and omnipotence. That is a comforting thought and gives those who trust in Him great assurance.
Yet we are not puppets dancing on the end of the Divine string! Joshua tells us to be responsible, to make the choices that allow the will of God to flourish in us and through us. He says, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness... serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:14-15, NIV) James cautions against blaming God or fate for choices that we make. "Remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires." (James 1:13-14, NLT)
All things that happen do so under the knowing mind of God, within His permissive will. And still, He somehow grants us the ability to choose. Our choices that have consequences, good and bad. The Biblical principle is called ‘sowing and reaping.’ We harvest from the seeds we plant in our day to day decisions. Exactly how God’s control and our willing and significant choices blend is a challenge to be best theologians!
Are you praying bold prayers that are an expression of your faith in God? Good!
When you pray, are you fearful and pleading, because you mistakenly think that your passion is the key to receiving an answer to prayer? Then, I urge you to re-examine whether your faith is in God or in faith itself! Prayer that is submitted to the power and will of God is marked by confidence, and truly does change us and our world as we learn to agree with Him and bring ourselves into alignment with Him. So, "since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NIV)
___________________________
Let Your Glory Fall
Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of Your promise,
The church in victory.
Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up and fight.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.
Author: Ruis, David
Copyright: 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music
Services)
I have great convictions about the 'sovereignty' of God- that all things are governed and happen ultimately according to His purposes. Yet, I am equally convinced that our day to day decisions have real and lasting consequences, for which we will be held accountable. The Bible offers plenty of evidence that both ideas are true. How can that be since they seem to contradict each other? This debate has occupied great minds for a long time, and I cannot resolve the differences in these few lines. My aim, in this CoffeeBreak is to encourage us to faith-filled and constant prayer that is focused on the sufficiency of Christ Jesus, the Lord.
In the book of Daniel, a king who has encountered the power of God says- “I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop him or challenge him, saying, “What do you mean by doing these things'" (Daniel 4:34-35, NLT) That is wonderfully true! God does what He pleases because of His omniscience and omnipotence. That is a comforting thought and gives those who trust in Him great assurance.
Yet we are not puppets dancing on the end of the Divine string! Joshua tells us to be responsible, to make the choices that allow the will of God to flourish in us and through us. He says, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness... serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:14-15, NIV) James cautions against blaming God or fate for choices that we make. "Remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires." (James 1:13-14, NLT)
All things that happen do so under the knowing mind of God, within His permissive will. And still, He somehow grants us the ability to choose. Our choices that have consequences, good and bad. The Biblical principle is called ‘sowing and reaping.’ We harvest from the seeds we plant in our day to day decisions. Exactly how God’s control and our willing and significant choices blend is a challenge to be best theologians!
Are you praying bold prayers that are an expression of your faith in God? Good!
When you pray, are you fearful and pleading, because you mistakenly think that your passion is the key to receiving an answer to prayer? Then, I urge you to re-examine whether your faith is in God or in faith itself! Prayer that is submitted to the power and will of God is marked by confidence, and truly does change us and our world as we learn to agree with Him and bring ourselves into alignment with Him. So, "since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NIV)
___________________________
Let Your Glory Fall
Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of Your promise,
The church in victory.
Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up and fight.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.
Author: Ruis, David
Copyright: 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music
Services)
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