Too Weak to Take Jericho?

Vital Christianity is not for the faint of heart!  George Wood, who heads the Assemblies of God, recounted the story of a missionary family who went to Burkina Faso decades ago. A young couple with a newborn baby boy, the Halls, took their call to Africa in an age of slow ships and limited communications. Once in the village to which they felt God was sending them, they struggled. Their little son fell ill and, after several days, died. A weak commitment might have allowed them to quit and take their broken hearts home, but instead they buried the child, and stayed! The people, almost all of whom had buried babies due to various illnesses, felt a new relationship with the missionaries. In 2011, more than a million people in that nation are part of the Assemblies of God ministries. Strength and courage planted a seed that God made grow. There is a myth that persists among Christians that the call of God always means He will part the waters, calm the tempest, and send the sun to shine. Many are convinced that living in the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the birthright of the children of God, creates a zone of exemption from hard times. This lie produces one of two terrible results. A devout Christian believing that lie who encounters difficulties may conclude that his faith is faulty and feel himself a failure; or worse, he may conclude that the promises of God are untrue and retreat from his high and holy calling into a life of fear. Jesus Christ commissions us to 'go into all the world' with the Good News of His salvation, planting the flag of His Kingdom, so to speak. Our advance was foreshadowed by the experience of the people of God who were called out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. As they came to the borders of Canaan for the second time, the Lord came to the man who had replaced Moses as head of the nation. The first message is this: "No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." (Joshua 1:5, NLT)  Does that not imply that they will just waltz in and take over?  But the next line warns of the pending battle to possess the Promise. The land would be theirs, but not without struggle! Again and again in the opening lines of Joshua, there is this command: "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them." (Joshua 1:6, NIV) The promise was secure, but taking possession demands a gutsy faith, a willingness to step into the water, to march around the city walls, to go to war against an entrenched enemy. It was costly but their victory assured. Disciple, there is a life of promise for us. There is a rich relationship with the Father, the power of the Spirit, and the love of Christ Jesus that is ours through faith. But, living in the promise, will not exempt us from tough times. Paul and Barnabas realized the need to be men of courageous faith and told the new Christians "to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times."  (Acts 14:21-22, The Message) Our victory is certain, but it may not look like the one we expected. The paradox of spiritual life is found in the Lord's word to Paul when he prayed to be released from a severe testing time the details of which we do not know. I urge you to meditate on this passage, which is our word from the Word today. It's a challenge to deeper faith requiring a submission to His will that only the courageous will choose. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV) We do our greatest work for the Kingdom of heaven when we have come to the end of our rope, given up on our clever schemes, and thrown ourselves in desperation on the promise of God. Perhaps today His will is to drive you into His arms, so 'be strong and courageous' and cross the Jordan to enter His Promised Land, knowing that no matter how fierce the battle, He holds your destiny secure in His hands. Are you ready to march on Jericho? Are you strong and courageous because you "know in Whom you have believed and that He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him against that Day?" Let's go! ______ Hungry, I come to You For I know You satisfy. I am empty, But I know Your love Does not run dry. And so I wait for You, So I wait for You. Broken, I run to You For Your arms are open wide. I am weary, But I know Your touch Restores my life. And so I wait for You, So I wait for You.   I'm falling on my knees Offering all of me. Jesus, You're all This heart is living for. Hungry Scott, Kathryn  © 1999 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by Mercy / Vineyard Publishing) CCLI License No. 810055

The Plot Resolves

Job asks a question we all ponder, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble… If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come." (Job 14:1, 14, NIV)  My life is a rich and wonderful one and yet I must still deal with pulling weeds that grow in the garden, resisting temptation that lures me from the pursuit of God, and a nagging sense of the futility of my existence. According to the Bible, our lives now, will find resolution and ultimate meaning in eternity. That does not suggest that we are to avoid the present reality with some escapist vision of Heaven. Instead, we need to connect with Heaven by faith now so that we live in God’s purpose, for His pleasure now.

I read a book during the evening that makes a winsome argument for Heaven, Heaven Is For Real. (Thomas Nelson Publisher, 2010) Todd Burpo, a pastor from Nebraska, tells the story of his little son, Colton, who had major surgery and nearly died. During the ordeal the little boy, just shy of 4 years of age, visited heaven. He met a sister his mother had miscarried before he was born, of whom he had never heard. He saw the timelessness of God’s plan unfold, the Throne of God, and discovered that “Jesus really loves children.”  It’s a simple story, one that defies our rationalism. It has become a bestseller. Does Colton Burpo’s story prove the existence of heaven? Of course not. Skeptics will find ways to explain the little guy’s words away. The faithful will find encouragement in them. For me, his stories about heaven just added a little ‘Aha’ to what I already believe based on the Bible’s testimony.

Disciple, keep Heaven in your heart! A strong hope of meeting Jesus face to face, the certainty that justice will prevail, the promise of a ‘room in the Father’s house,’ keeps us pointed in the right direction through sunshine and rain, blessings and misfortune.  The anemic Christianity of 21^st century results, at least in part, from our failure to remember that Heaven is our true home. I’m not the first to say that.  In the faith chapter, Hebrews 11, there is this summary statement about those who held onto hope. "Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted." (Hebrews 11:13-15, The Message)

Even more specific is the encouragement drawn from the life of Abraham, called the father of the faithful. "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:9-10, NIV)

We are often tempted to try to make a little heaven on earth, to carve out a place where sorrow cannot enter, where death and disappointment cannot touch us. For a time, we may appear to succeed! Our wealth gives us the ability to sustain the illusion of being a god for quite some time, but then comes the storm we cannot control that wreaks havoc. If we have hope only in this life, despair follows. If our hope is in Heaven, we are able to press on, and not simply with grim determination, but with true hope, real joy.  Is Heaven in your heart? Have you set your hope in Christ and His cross, thus becoming part eternity, even while you make the journey through this world?

Here’s a word from the Word. Believe Him, receive it! “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3, NIV)

_____________

It will be worth it all,

When we see Jesus.

Life's trials will seem so small,

When we see Christ.

One glimpse of His dear face,

All sorrow will erase.

So bravely run the race,

‘Till we see Christ.

When We See Christ

Rusthoi, Esther Kerr © 1940 Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)

CCLI License No. 810055

Bezalel's Blessing

I often feel incompetent. I stand in awe of the rapid changes in the world around me and question my ability to keep up and stay relevant. There is a recurring temptation to compare myself to others who are experiencing a different kind of success. That produces either envy or discouragement.  And I know this: those thoughts do not come from God! They are an upside down expression of pride, a focus on me instead of Him! Do those thoughts ever seek a place to take root in your thinking? Then, read on.

The people of the Lord, newly freed from Egyptian slavery, were learning to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses was directed to build a Tabernacle.  So, he issued a call for all those who were 'willing' to give from 'what they had' for the project. The people responded with overwhelming generosity until Moses had to send out word, "Do not bring anymore gifts! We have more than enough to complete this project!" But there is another part of the story that captivates me. Here it is. "Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship." (Exodus 35:29-33, NIV)

God gave the necessary skill, ability, and knowledge to Bezalel to design and train others to build this place of worship! God is still building His Church (not a building this time but a Body of people) and the Spirit is actively working to equip each one to fulfill their calling! "God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, The Message)

If you’re spending time comparing yourself to another, or gazing with longing on the opportunities given to someone else, or putting yourself down with the claim that you have nothing to offer, you – not the Devil – will cheat yourself out of the most amazing, wonderful thing in the world. What is that? Participating in the work of God to bring about the defeat of evil and the revelation of His goodness. It’s not our intelligence, charisma, or attractiveness that makes us ‘successful’ in holy work. It is obedience and faithfulness. God’s own Messiah, the Savior, was not a man that impressed others! Isaiah says of Him: "My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way." (Isaiah 53:2-4, NLT)

Jesus was overlooked, ignored, and thought to be ‘cursed of God’ and yet through His obedience, God saved the world! When you put yourself in the hands of God and say, “Lord, use me,” don’t look for recognition to affirm your calling. Look to the Spirit to equip. Let Him live in you, work through you.  Here’s a word from Word that is a key understanding. May it encourage you as it does me.

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ... So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:3, 10-11, NLT)

Let's go build the Temple! And, as we do, let's claim the Bezalel blessing -- 'skill, ability, and knowledge,' to complete the work honorably and for the glory of God.
______________________

Near the Edge!

In 2007 Bev and I drove up Pikes Peak, a 14K mountain just outside of Colorado Springs, CO.  At the bottom of the mountain the road is paved and lined with guardrails. About half way up the road becomes a gravel one, a leveled slice of dirt hugging the rocky slope! On one side the treeless rock slopes steeply upward. On the other only thin air; no trees, nothing between the car and disaster. Since I was the driver, Bev’s side of the car was on the outside, nearest the edge. She constantly urged me to move toward the center, but cars descending the mountain forced me closer to the edge; causing her to cling tightly to my arm.

Many Christians choose to live their spiritual life on the edge, and not in a good way. They walk as far from Christ as they feel they can without slipping away from Him completely. Rather than pursue close relationships with other Believers, using time and/or money in a way that reflects a deep devotion to God and His kingdom, they live a life of minimal commitment. To all appearances, their aim is to find some middle ground between discipleship and self-worship where they can feel secure in God’s grace, but enjoy life on their own terms. Why abuse the grace of Christ, ignoring the Spirit’s call to a life of reverence and holy devotion?

My favorite New Testament letter is the one that Paul sent to the Ephesian church. It is filled with assurances about God’s plans and love for us, about the abundance of His grace to cover our sin, about the power of the Spirit to raise us to new life. Those whose trust Christ to make them right with the Father, who live in His grace, are secure; not because they are ‘good enough’ but because His salvation is complete. I am so very thankful for that assurance.

But right alongside of those passages that focus on His lavish love; there is a call to leave the edge and move to the embrace of Christ. It comes in practical terms. Read the following slowly, prayerfully, your Abba telling you of His desire for your life:  "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us … among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”  

Then, there is this warning!  “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. … you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:1-14, NIV)

Let’s not confuse deep devotion with shallow religiosity. In the same way that a coat of paint on a rotten piece of wood does not make it sound, a thin veneer of pious acts does not make a holy Christian. True holiness comes from a love for Christ that goes to the core of our identity.

Are you trying to live near the edge, looking for a way to be part of the party while hanging onto your relationship with Christ Jesus? That’s a choice that only leads to misery. Here’s a word from the Word that will guide you from the edge. "Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity." (1 John 2:15-17, The Message)