The Tucson tragedy of last Saturday fills the news. A loner who apparently lost touch with reality shot 20 people, 6 of whom died, including a sweet child. As happens with all of these tragedies, the blame game is being played out in the public square. Some point at the guy’s parents who failed. The Dems tried to make it about over-heated political rhetoric from the Repubs that drove the murderer to his desperation. Others have decried the lack of strict gun laws that let him buy a deadly weapon. What I know is that God weeps along with us. At the root of this tragedy is the same evil that causes a billion people to lie down in sorrow each night!
Evil is real, friend. We ignore it to our peril. When we fail to name sin and evil for what it is, when we think it can be defeated with more laws, more spending on government programs, more education or economic opportunity, we are only kidding ourselves. It is the Gospel of Christ that changes individual people from sinners to saints, and it is those saints who bring the rule of Christ to this world, pushing back the borders of evil with the power of the Spirit who fills us with love. If we turn the Church of Jesus Christ into a “bless-me” holy huddle, a kind of religious country club where we can be isolated from the ugly realities of the world, we are failing and are saying to our world, though perhaps unknowingly and unconsciously, “Go to Hell!”
In recent years, many have rejected the old militant songs like “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Too war-like, they say. Perhaps we need a refresher course in Jesus’ words that are quite clear about the true nature of our mission – the defeat of evil by the establishment of His reign. His kingdom is one of love; but it is not a ‘soft lights, violin music’ kind of love! It’s a bold love that advances against evil. We don’t attack people. That’s wrong. We bring Light to dark places, we love the unlovely, we sacrifice Self to serve the least, the lost, and the lonely that they might come to know the One who cares for their soul. We teach a Biblical world view that runs directly counter to the materialism that shapes the thoughts of most. By telling The Story that we learn in the Scripture, we defeat the sensuality that is the spirit of the age. Where Christians do the work of Christ, evil is curbed.
Take time to re-read these familiar words. I pray that they will create a sense of mission in us, that the Church of Jesus Christ will renew her commitment to the true work of building His Kingdom, defeating the powers of evil.
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." (Matthew 7:15-20, NLT)
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27, NLT)
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NLT)
______________
Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banners go!
At the sign of triumph,
Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver
At the shouts of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the Saints have trod.
We are not divided,
All one body we:
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of Hell can never
'Gainst the church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise,
And that cannot fail.
Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!
Onward Christian Soldiers
Baring-Gould, Sabine / Sullivan, Arthur Seymour
© Public Domain
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
And Joseph wept . . .
Forgiveness is a precious gift and one that brings joy to both the forgiver and the forgiven. There are not many choices we can make that will return as rich a reward to us as the choice to release others with forgiveness. Holding a grudge requires constant investment of emotional energy and locks us into a fixed state that prevents growth. No wonder Jesus urges us to forgive those who trespass against us.
A Christian who has been forgiven by his Heavenly Father must likewise forgive if he would live in the fullness of grace that is offered by the Lord to him. That is why the Word urges us to "never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink." (Romans 12:19-20, NLT)
In the story of Joseph, there is a sad footnote about forgiveness. He brought his whole family, including the brothers who had treated him so terribly in his youth, to Egypt. After 17 years, Jacob died. Even though Joseph had been kind to them, showing no inclination towards revenge, those men lived in fear that he had not truly forgiven them. The Bible says they cooked up a lie and went to their now powerful brother. “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?" (Genesis 50:16-19, NLT)
Lacking the godly heart of their brother, these men acted to protect themselves. Their failure to understand or accept Joseph’s forgiveness does not provoke him. Instead we read that ‘he broke down and wept.’ He felt sorry for the brothers who were still locked into a prison of fear and guilt by their failure to receive forgiveness and to forgive themselves! He shows us the true heart of a forgiver when he says that final justice belongs to God!
Disciple, are you hanging onto a grudge?
Are you trapped by some old debt, unwilling to either extend forgiveness or to receive it?
It’s time to change that. In Christ, we find complete forgiveness of our sins. The Word says, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:10-12, NIV) Knowing that kind of mercy and grace, we are then enabled to release those who have sinned against us into His hands, fully forgiving them. Will you? It’s a great gift to others and to ourselves!
Here’s a word from the Word. Receive it with faith and live in the joy promised. "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25, NLT)
_______________
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Johnston, Julia H. / Towner, Daniel Brink
© Public Domain
A Christian who has been forgiven by his Heavenly Father must likewise forgive if he would live in the fullness of grace that is offered by the Lord to him. That is why the Word urges us to "never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink." (Romans 12:19-20, NLT)
In the story of Joseph, there is a sad footnote about forgiveness. He brought his whole family, including the brothers who had treated him so terribly in his youth, to Egypt. After 17 years, Jacob died. Even though Joseph had been kind to them, showing no inclination towards revenge, those men lived in fear that he had not truly forgiven them. The Bible says they cooked up a lie and went to their now powerful brother. “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?" (Genesis 50:16-19, NLT)
Lacking the godly heart of their brother, these men acted to protect themselves. Their failure to understand or accept Joseph’s forgiveness does not provoke him. Instead we read that ‘he broke down and wept.’ He felt sorry for the brothers who were still locked into a prison of fear and guilt by their failure to receive forgiveness and to forgive themselves! He shows us the true heart of a forgiver when he says that final justice belongs to God!
Disciple, are you hanging onto a grudge?
Are you trapped by some old debt, unwilling to either extend forgiveness or to receive it?
It’s time to change that. In Christ, we find complete forgiveness of our sins. The Word says, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:10-12, NIV) Knowing that kind of mercy and grace, we are then enabled to release those who have sinned against us into His hands, fully forgiving them. Will you? It’s a great gift to others and to ourselves!
Here’s a word from the Word. Receive it with faith and live in the joy promised. "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25, NLT)
_______________
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Johnston, Julia H. / Towner, Daniel Brink
© Public Domain
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Human nature is persistent.
“Pastor, pray that …” and what follows is often a request for some change in life. I should not say this, but often my prayer is tinged with a suspicion that nothing will come of our entreaty. Why? Do I doubt God’s power? Not at all. The Spirit of God does transform the human heart, but not without some cooperation on our part. What produces my doubt is the knowledge that many people want God to do a magic trick for them. They seek to own the treasure of faith and/or character without any effort on their part. In those moments I feel like the alchemists of old of whom kings demanded lead turned into gold!
In the story of Joseph there is a little line that made me smile as I read it today. After his glorious reunion with his brothers, after the Pharaoh loaded them up with money and an invitation to come back and live on the ‘best of all Egypt,’ Joseph sent them away with this caution: as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” (Genesis 45:24, NIV) Their actions over the previous several months as he had tested them revealed they were still selfish, sinful men!
They had grown older but they had not matured into wise men spiritually! How sad, but too often true of so many of us. Joseph, by contrast, had lived through terrible testing, the kind of experiences that destroy most people, and emerged with a stellar character, amazing wisdom, and deep faith.
Disciple are you just growing older in the faith or are you growing deeper and stronger, too? A long record of church attendance is no indicator of spiritual maturity. Are you still dealing with the same sins and habits that you wrestled with 20 years ago? Are you still crying out to God for a magic trick of deliverance, instead of working with Him for deep transformation of character into a person of steady faith, integrity, and humility?
The twin rails of spiritual change are prayer and practical choices! Without the intervention of Christ and the power of the Spirit, we remain in our sin, slaves- the Bible says – of a sinful nature that cannot change! So pray and accept the freedom provided by Jesus. And then, make the choices necessary. “Choose today whom you will serve,” was the challenge put before God’s people by an old man named Joshua whose life was a model of faithfulness for them.
Meditate for a few moments on this passage. Then, let God defeat the persistence of sin in your nature revealing the nature of Christ in you.
"Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5, NLT)
___________
Change my heart, oh God,
Make it ever true.
Change my heart, oh God,
May I be like You.
You are the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me,
This is what I pray.
Change My Heart Oh God
Espinosa, Eddie
© 1982 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
In the story of Joseph there is a little line that made me smile as I read it today. After his glorious reunion with his brothers, after the Pharaoh loaded them up with money and an invitation to come back and live on the ‘best of all Egypt,’ Joseph sent them away with this caution: as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” (Genesis 45:24, NIV) Their actions over the previous several months as he had tested them revealed they were still selfish, sinful men!
They had grown older but they had not matured into wise men spiritually! How sad, but too often true of so many of us. Joseph, by contrast, had lived through terrible testing, the kind of experiences that destroy most people, and emerged with a stellar character, amazing wisdom, and deep faith.
Disciple are you just growing older in the faith or are you growing deeper and stronger, too? A long record of church attendance is no indicator of spiritual maturity. Are you still dealing with the same sins and habits that you wrestled with 20 years ago? Are you still crying out to God for a magic trick of deliverance, instead of working with Him for deep transformation of character into a person of steady faith, integrity, and humility?
The twin rails of spiritual change are prayer and practical choices! Without the intervention of Christ and the power of the Spirit, we remain in our sin, slaves- the Bible says – of a sinful nature that cannot change! So pray and accept the freedom provided by Jesus. And then, make the choices necessary. “Choose today whom you will serve,” was the challenge put before God’s people by an old man named Joshua whose life was a model of faithfulness for them.
Meditate for a few moments on this passage. Then, let God defeat the persistence of sin in your nature revealing the nature of Christ in you.
"Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5, NLT)
___________
Change my heart, oh God,
Make it ever true.
Change my heart, oh God,
May I be like You.
You are the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me,
This is what I pray.
Change My Heart Oh God
Espinosa, Eddie
© 1982 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
He sent me here!
The Lord can use even the unjust actions of evil people to accomplish His purposes in our lives. I believe that whole-heartedly, but living it out can be such a challenge. My natural response when someone takes advantage of me, or when they accuse me unfairly, or when they fail to keep the promise to me is to rise up in self-defense. If the situation is critical enough I might even start to grumble about what seems like the Lord’s failure to ‘take care of me.’
Many years ago, an egotistical, power hungry man I’ll just call Will entered the congregation I was pastoring. He challenged my teaching, worked hard to gather a following, and created all kinds of problems in the church. I prayed earnestly about how to preserve the flock from his harm. Finally the Lord spoke into my heart about some repentance that needed to happen in my own life with the promise that when I obeyed, He would take care of Will! I did, and He did!
Was God the author of Will’s sinfulness? Not at all, but He was using him to reveal a flaw in me. Once I was aligned to His plan, I could see clearly how to proceed and saw His provision for my situation at the time.
Joseph, the patriarch whose story is told in the latter part of Genesis, was cruelly treated by his brothers, rejected because he was prideful and favored by their father, Jacob. When they found an opportunity to be rid of their little brother, they sold him into slavery and he was carried off to Egypt. Years later, Joseph had become the Prime Minister of the empire and his brothers found themselves in his court. When they finally realized that the powerful man standing before them was the brother they sent to a living death, they trembled, waiting for retaliation. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping." (Genesis 45:4-6, NIV) God was working, all the time, in every situation.
Have others broken your heart, blocked your way, sinned against God and harmed you?
Are you ready to respond with hatred?
Are you tempted to abandon the Lord’s will and do your own thing to even the score?
Don’t do it!
Take a lesson from Joseph and do the right thing even in the most trying of circumstances. "Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon." (Psalm 37:5-6, The Message) That’s not fatalism. That is true faith that waits on the Lord.
In time, you will see, like Joseph (though he waited two decades!) that God is greater, that His purposes prevail, that He is Lord of all.
Here’s a word from the Word. Pray it today! Learn it, own it, live it.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,
who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare." (Psalm 40:1-5, NIV)
Many years ago, an egotistical, power hungry man I’ll just call Will entered the congregation I was pastoring. He challenged my teaching, worked hard to gather a following, and created all kinds of problems in the church. I prayed earnestly about how to preserve the flock from his harm. Finally the Lord spoke into my heart about some repentance that needed to happen in my own life with the promise that when I obeyed, He would take care of Will! I did, and He did!
Was God the author of Will’s sinfulness? Not at all, but He was using him to reveal a flaw in me. Once I was aligned to His plan, I could see clearly how to proceed and saw His provision for my situation at the time.
Joseph, the patriarch whose story is told in the latter part of Genesis, was cruelly treated by his brothers, rejected because he was prideful and favored by their father, Jacob. When they found an opportunity to be rid of their little brother, they sold him into slavery and he was carried off to Egypt. Years later, Joseph had become the Prime Minister of the empire and his brothers found themselves in his court. When they finally realized that the powerful man standing before them was the brother they sent to a living death, they trembled, waiting for retaliation. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping." (Genesis 45:4-6, NIV) God was working, all the time, in every situation.
Have others broken your heart, blocked your way, sinned against God and harmed you?
Are you ready to respond with hatred?
Are you tempted to abandon the Lord’s will and do your own thing to even the score?
Don’t do it!
Take a lesson from Joseph and do the right thing even in the most trying of circumstances. "Open up before God, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon." (Psalm 37:5-6, The Message) That’s not fatalism. That is true faith that waits on the Lord.
In time, you will see, like Joseph (though he waited two decades!) that God is greater, that His purposes prevail, that He is Lord of all.
Here’s a word from the Word. Pray it today! Learn it, own it, live it.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,
who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare." (Psalm 40:1-5, NIV)
Monday, January 10, 2011
I love you, Bev!
Today we mark our 36th wedding anniversary. Bev is the best thing that ever happened to me, my best friend, my partner. We share a ministry calling, four great kids, a ton ‘o memories, and love for Christ Jesus. We were just kids when we married - 19 and 20 years of age – but from the first we gave ourselves to Him first, and that has been the key to the endurance of our love. We know firsthand the truth that "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." (Ecclesiastes 4:9, KJV) "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12, KJV)
We sailed some rough waters over these years. Bev endured living with a head-strong young husband who mistaken thought that being head of the home gave him the divine right of a king! A year and a half into our marriage, she followed me, without complaint, across the country in pursuit of my dreams of changing the world, and today our Wyoming chapter, as we call it, is one of our treasured shared experiences! I waded through a decade of emotional upheaval as Bev struggled with the stresses of being 'Mommy' to four energetic kids. Of course, like most young husbands, I overflowed with compassion and empathy. (OK, I just lied!)
As we entered the second decade of our marriage a major change in career plans and financial situation left me fighting with depression. Bev stood alongside of me through it all, and was my most faithful advocate before the Lord. All four of our children were teenagers at the same time. To those who are parents, need I say more? Our innate styles of parenting were so different, we spent as much feuding with each other as we did guiding our kids, or so it seemed at the time. But, today we are friends with them all and proud of the people they have become.
The truth is I would not be who I am today with her. Our lives are completely interdependent, both of us stronger together than we could possibly be apart. So, here we stand at #36- so very thankful for the faithful care of the One who has led us all this way! I confess that sometimes I wonder what lies ahead in this thing called – life! Through it all, we have loved and laughed as our love grew mature. Yet, still it sparkles with the same kind of passion and excitement we felt as two kids. I love Bev today in ways that were incomprehensible to me 36 years ago.
Happy Anniversary, Bev – I love you!
______________________________
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10-12, NLT)
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." (Proverbs 31:25-31, NLT)
We sailed some rough waters over these years. Bev endured living with a head-strong young husband who mistaken thought that being head of the home gave him the divine right of a king! A year and a half into our marriage, she followed me, without complaint, across the country in pursuit of my dreams of changing the world, and today our Wyoming chapter, as we call it, is one of our treasured shared experiences! I waded through a decade of emotional upheaval as Bev struggled with the stresses of being 'Mommy' to four energetic kids. Of course, like most young husbands, I overflowed with compassion and empathy. (OK, I just lied!)
As we entered the second decade of our marriage a major change in career plans and financial situation left me fighting with depression. Bev stood alongside of me through it all, and was my most faithful advocate before the Lord. All four of our children were teenagers at the same time. To those who are parents, need I say more? Our innate styles of parenting were so different, we spent as much feuding with each other as we did guiding our kids, or so it seemed at the time. But, today we are friends with them all and proud of the people they have become.
The truth is I would not be who I am today with her. Our lives are completely interdependent, both of us stronger together than we could possibly be apart. So, here we stand at #36- so very thankful for the faithful care of the One who has led us all this way! I confess that sometimes I wonder what lies ahead in this thing called – life! Through it all, we have loved and laughed as our love grew mature. Yet, still it sparkles with the same kind of passion and excitement we felt as two kids. I love Bev today in ways that were incomprehensible to me 36 years ago.
Happy Anniversary, Bev – I love you!
______________________________
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10-12, NLT)
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." (Proverbs 31:25-31, NLT)
Friday, January 07, 2011
Part of an unseen reality!
It is easy to make fun of Christianity if you’re on the outside looking in. I’m not talking about the obviously kooky people who sometimes hang around church or even about those who are mentally unbalanced who seize Christian jargon and add it to their confused grasp of reality. Ordinary Christians, those who are sincere, are easy targets for mockers. What sense does it make to forgive others? It’s much more natural to ‘make’m pay!’ How logical is it to contribute to the needs of the poor? Just take care of yourself and your family and forget ‘em! Studying an ancient collection of writings and letting the words in them become a guide for living in the 21st century is … well, you’re getting my point, I hope.
\But, for those who know Christ and in whom lives the Spirit of God, the secret of a rich, full life is found in forgiveness, generosity, and the principles of the Word. What is foolishness to those without the Spirit is the wisdom of God to those who know and love Him. But why do Christians make such choices? It goes beyond a lifestyle choice. They are not just ‘trying to be religious.’ In Christ, they are made entirely new, a different kind of person, with a undeniable reality though they are part of a world unseen with human eyes.
I am not big on the word ‘mystical,’ but it’s the one I will use. I cannot explain how a person once consumed by selfishness, or once held in the grip of lust or greed or addiction, or full of hatred can be transformed into a loving, gentle, pure person – but I have seen it happen, again and again, when that person acknowledges his spiritual bankruptcy, his total inability to live in a way that is good or pure; and then invites Christ Jesus to be his Savior, a mystical transformation begins. It’s real! Jesus likened the change to the growth of a seed. It germinates hidden away in the soil, but in time produces a visible crop that is many times larger than the first seed!
So, the question for you, reader is this – are you merely religious, or is there an undeniable reality about your faith in Christ? Pay no attention to the mockers. They stood at the Cross of Christ and have stood on the periphery of the Church for two millennia. Sometimes their mockery points out hypocrisy and is deserved. However, often their derision is rooted in their ignorance of Who Jesus is and what He can do in those who love and serve Him.
Let me leave you with a word from the Word. "God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. … And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:25-28, NLT)
___________________
Lord, the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us;
Set us free by the truth You now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence.
From the shadows into Your radiance;
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness;
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirror'd here, may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine.
Fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze.
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word,
Lord, and let there be light.
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Kendrick, Graham
© 1987 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
\But, for those who know Christ and in whom lives the Spirit of God, the secret of a rich, full life is found in forgiveness, generosity, and the principles of the Word. What is foolishness to those without the Spirit is the wisdom of God to those who know and love Him. But why do Christians make such choices? It goes beyond a lifestyle choice. They are not just ‘trying to be religious.’ In Christ, they are made entirely new, a different kind of person, with a undeniable reality though they are part of a world unseen with human eyes.
I am not big on the word ‘mystical,’ but it’s the one I will use. I cannot explain how a person once consumed by selfishness, or once held in the grip of lust or greed or addiction, or full of hatred can be transformed into a loving, gentle, pure person – but I have seen it happen, again and again, when that person acknowledges his spiritual bankruptcy, his total inability to live in a way that is good or pure; and then invites Christ Jesus to be his Savior, a mystical transformation begins. It’s real! Jesus likened the change to the growth of a seed. It germinates hidden away in the soil, but in time produces a visible crop that is many times larger than the first seed!
So, the question for you, reader is this – are you merely religious, or is there an undeniable reality about your faith in Christ? Pay no attention to the mockers. They stood at the Cross of Christ and have stood on the periphery of the Church for two millennia. Sometimes their mockery points out hypocrisy and is deserved. However, often their derision is rooted in their ignorance of Who Jesus is and what He can do in those who love and serve Him.
Let me leave you with a word from the Word. "God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. … And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:25-28, NLT)
___________________
Lord, the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us;
Set us free by the truth You now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence.
From the shadows into Your radiance;
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness;
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirror'd here, may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine.
Fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze.
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word,
Lord, and let there be light.
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Kendrick, Graham
© 1987 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Authentic Christianity 4 – Unimpeachable Integrity
My Dad often reminisced about the days (50+ years ago) when he was in business and closed large deals on a handshake. He bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of livestock without written contracts or lawyers. His word was good enough, backed by his reputation of integrity. I miss those days! When Bev and I bought our home, we signed a stack of documents that was at least 2 inches tall, just for one sale. Even our church has to have a lawyer on retainer to help us negotiate our way through a society that now insists on every transaction being signed, notarized, and doubly witnessed.
The late Ray Stedman says that the fourth mark of the authentic Christian is an unimpeachable integrity that comes from knowing our lives are open to God’s eyes that miss nothing. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Are your daily actions sincere? That word comes from a Latin phrase, "sine cera" which means 'without wax.' Seems that it came from the potters and sculptors of the ancient world. If you had spent time molding and firing a pot only to discover cracks that marred its usefulness, you could quickly make the pot marketable by heating some wax and pressing it into the cracks before finishing the item. Goofed on an expensive block of marble? Mix a little marble dust into some wax and cover your mistake. Initially, no one would know that the item was flawed. However, craftsman who was in business for the long haul, who wanted repeat customers, advertised that his products were 'sine cera!' - without wax.
Authentic Christians are not content with superficial words, with shallow devotions, and unexamined motives. They are passionate about being the same in secret as they are in church, about making sure that what they do aligns with what they claim to believe. They allow the Spirit of God to use the powerful Word to surgically correct the flaws in character, so that they are people of integrity – the same all the way through! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
Integrity allows the disciple to live transparently, a liberating fact. He does not need two vocabularies- one for church and one for work. He does not worry about anyone accessing his computer’s browsing history. He never needs to worry that he is in a place where he thinks - “I hope no one sees me here.” When he is going through struggles and/or temptation, he has no need to pretend to be better than he is and freely asks for support and advice. He is a person of integrity – the same inside and out; not perfect, but honest to man and God.
Here’s a word from the Word. In it, we are directed to act consistently with our prayers, to make the choices that reflect our beliefs. Remembering, believing is more than thinking something is true. It is acting in a way that is consistent with our faith.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8, NIV) If we lack integrity, saying we believe one thing, but living as though we believe another, we are robbed of the steady, stable life promised to those who live wholly holy before the Lord.
______________
Father in Heaven,
I live in a word of image and impression.
I am tempted to take my cue from the culture,
to pretend and to ‘dress up’ to hide my insecurities and my sins.
Help me to be a man of integrity-
Honest before You and those with whom I live.
Thank You for the wonderful promise that
You know me best and love me most!
Let me know the security that comes from Your
amazing grace; and from that rock,
learn to live without fear, sincerely –
A life of integrity that honors You.
In Jesus’ Name – Amen.
The late Ray Stedman says that the fourth mark of the authentic Christian is an unimpeachable integrity that comes from knowing our lives are open to God’s eyes that miss nothing. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Are your daily actions sincere? That word comes from a Latin phrase, "sine cera" which means 'without wax.' Seems that it came from the potters and sculptors of the ancient world. If you had spent time molding and firing a pot only to discover cracks that marred its usefulness, you could quickly make the pot marketable by heating some wax and pressing it into the cracks before finishing the item. Goofed on an expensive block of marble? Mix a little marble dust into some wax and cover your mistake. Initially, no one would know that the item was flawed. However, craftsman who was in business for the long haul, who wanted repeat customers, advertised that his products were 'sine cera!' - without wax.
Authentic Christians are not content with superficial words, with shallow devotions, and unexamined motives. They are passionate about being the same in secret as they are in church, about making sure that what they do aligns with what they claim to believe. They allow the Spirit of God to use the powerful Word to surgically correct the flaws in character, so that they are people of integrity – the same all the way through! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
Integrity allows the disciple to live transparently, a liberating fact. He does not need two vocabularies- one for church and one for work. He does not worry about anyone accessing his computer’s browsing history. He never needs to worry that he is in a place where he thinks - “I hope no one sees me here.” When he is going through struggles and/or temptation, he has no need to pretend to be better than he is and freely asks for support and advice. He is a person of integrity – the same inside and out; not perfect, but honest to man and God.
Here’s a word from the Word. In it, we are directed to act consistently with our prayers, to make the choices that reflect our beliefs. Remembering, believing is more than thinking something is true. It is acting in a way that is consistent with our faith.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8, NIV) If we lack integrity, saying we believe one thing, but living as though we believe another, we are robbed of the steady, stable life promised to those who live wholly holy before the Lord.
______________
Father in Heaven,
I live in a word of image and impression.
I am tempted to take my cue from the culture,
to pretend and to ‘dress up’ to hide my insecurities and my sins.
Help me to be a man of integrity-
Honest before You and those with whom I live.
Thank You for the wonderful promise that
You know me best and love me most!
Let me know the security that comes from Your
amazing grace; and from that rock,
learn to live without fear, sincerely –
A life of integrity that honors You.
In Jesus’ Name – Amen.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Authentic Christian 3 - Unforgettable Impact
When I think of a meaningless, vapid life two names come to mind: Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton. Both are pretty women whose faces are (or were) frequently in the news, but neither has made any kind of actual contribution to the world. Despite advantages of wealth and beauty, their lives appear to be wasted on frivolous pursuits of pleasure and lack substance. Many people are existing in that same kind of state though not to the notable extremes of Lohan and Paris. Forgettable people are adrift in the world, avoiding hard choices, watching TV late into the night, keeping themselves entertained, and making barely a trace as they pass through!
The late Ray Stedman says that the third mark of the authentic Christian is unforgettable impact that the Presence of Christ in us creates in this world. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
It is interesting that Paul chooses to illustrate the unforgettable impact of a genuine Christian’s life using fragrance, but he is right on with what we know about our sense of smell. Though many of are unaware of how we use our noses, what we smell and the memories we associate with certain scents evoke powerful emotions. We identify people, in part, by scent though most of us don’t consciously do it. We are attracted to some, repelled from others, by scent and not just powerful ones like perfumes or body odor, but the more subtle scents that are unique to each of us. Science suggests that memories of scents persist in our brain for years!
Paul says that as the authentic Christian moves through his world he gives off the smell of Jesus’ Presence! But not all find it a pleasant scent. Some are reminded only of their sin and their alienation from God. Others are reminded of the love of their Father! “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”
Are you living a life that is engaged with God, that wrestles with the tough issues of the world in which you walk, that is robust in faith? Does your Christianity cause you to break a sweat, figuratively speaking? Or, is what you call ‘being Christian’ a tame experience of sitting on a church pew, comforted by soothing words, promised Heaven at the end of a life that valued ease and pleasure above all else?
Pastor Stedman wrote: “Authentic Christianity leaves a lingering fragrance to God of Jesus Christ, no matter what--but to human beings, it is either a fragrance of death to death or of life to life. But what about phony Christianity? That's another matter altogether--it just a bad smell! You've certainly heard the only one-liner--"Old fishermen never die--they only smell that way." The same can be said for false Christianity. It never dies; it only smells that way.”
Get sweaty for God! Get so close to Jesus that His scent rubs off on you! Be authentic!
The late Ray Stedman says that the third mark of the authentic Christian is unforgettable impact that the Presence of Christ in us creates in this world. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
It is interesting that Paul chooses to illustrate the unforgettable impact of a genuine Christian’s life using fragrance, but he is right on with what we know about our sense of smell. Though many of are unaware of how we use our noses, what we smell and the memories we associate with certain scents evoke powerful emotions. We identify people, in part, by scent though most of us don’t consciously do it. We are attracted to some, repelled from others, by scent and not just powerful ones like perfumes or body odor, but the more subtle scents that are unique to each of us. Science suggests that memories of scents persist in our brain for years!
Paul says that as the authentic Christian moves through his world he gives off the smell of Jesus’ Presence! But not all find it a pleasant scent. Some are reminded only of their sin and their alienation from God. Others are reminded of the love of their Father! “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”
Are you living a life that is engaged with God, that wrestles with the tough issues of the world in which you walk, that is robust in faith? Does your Christianity cause you to break a sweat, figuratively speaking? Or, is what you call ‘being Christian’ a tame experience of sitting on a church pew, comforted by soothing words, promised Heaven at the end of a life that valued ease and pleasure above all else?
Pastor Stedman wrote: “Authentic Christianity leaves a lingering fragrance to God of Jesus Christ, no matter what--but to human beings, it is either a fragrance of death to death or of life to life. But what about phony Christianity? That's another matter altogether--it just a bad smell! You've certainly heard the only one-liner--"Old fishermen never die--they only smell that way." The same can be said for false Christianity. It never dies; it only smells that way.”
Get sweaty for God! Get so close to Jesus that His scent rubs off on you! Be authentic!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Authentic Christian 2 - Unvarying Success
Being 55 is not all that great, given the aches and the diminished stamina of aging. There is one thing however that is wonderful about this stage of life- experience! Situations that could flummox me when I was 30 don’t anymore. I’ve learned that God always has a plan, even when I don’t; that His purposes will prevail even when from my perspective I have hit a brick wall. Indeed, though it seems a cliché, I must say that the largest gains have come in times of greatest pain! I am not a fatalist for I know that my choices can both help and hinder the work of God’s kingdom. But, I am convinced that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, NLT)
The late Ray Stedman said that the second mark of the authentic Christian was unvarying success that comes to those who are led by Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Stedman writes, “We must remember that these high-sounding words of Paul's are not mere evangelical pep talk. They were not uttered by a well-paid, highly respected pastor to a well-dressed suburban congregation in a modern American mega-church. These words were not given to thrill and entertain the Sunday morning audience, but to embolden and encourage those who were literally risking their lives and their families' lives for the cause of Christ on a daily basis. These words were written by a man who bore on his body the wounds of a servant of Jesus.” Speaking out of his own experience, Paul encourages us to trust God ALL of the time, not just when things are going our way. He tells us to stay steady even when every circumstance would seem to indicate God has forgotten us. Writing of his trials, he says, "I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. … And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear." (Philippians 1:14, NLT)
Two thousand years of church history, even with some incredibly dark chapters of awful corruption, even with all the foibles and failures of men and their schemes, only proves that God is supreme and that His will stands. Personalize that today, disciple! As we stand on the edge of this new year, renew your faith. Surrender yourself to the will of the Lord and tell Him openly and often that you desire to be led by His hand. Then, trust Him to ‘lead in triumphal procession!’ That doesn’t mean that you’ll get rich, always enjoy ‘good luck,’ or even become famous! You will live a solid life of assurance, with a deep peace, a worthy life of integrity, that enjoys the trust of others, and the benediction of Heaven!
Take this incredible promise, a word from the Word, with you today.
"It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. … Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:13-18, NIV)
_____________
The late Ray Stedman said that the second mark of the authentic Christian was unvarying success that comes to those who are led by Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Stedman writes, “We must remember that these high-sounding words of Paul's are not mere evangelical pep talk. They were not uttered by a well-paid, highly respected pastor to a well-dressed suburban congregation in a modern American mega-church. These words were not given to thrill and entertain the Sunday morning audience, but to embolden and encourage those who were literally risking their lives and their families' lives for the cause of Christ on a daily basis. These words were written by a man who bore on his body the wounds of a servant of Jesus.” Speaking out of his own experience, Paul encourages us to trust God ALL of the time, not just when things are going our way. He tells us to stay steady even when every circumstance would seem to indicate God has forgotten us. Writing of his trials, he says, "I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. … And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear." (Philippians 1:14, NLT)
Two thousand years of church history, even with some incredibly dark chapters of awful corruption, even with all the foibles and failures of men and their schemes, only proves that God is supreme and that His will stands. Personalize that today, disciple! As we stand on the edge of this new year, renew your faith. Surrender yourself to the will of the Lord and tell Him openly and often that you desire to be led by His hand. Then, trust Him to ‘lead in triumphal procession!’ That doesn’t mean that you’ll get rich, always enjoy ‘good luck,’ or even become famous! You will live a solid life of assurance, with a deep peace, a worthy life of integrity, that enjoys the trust of others, and the benediction of Heaven!
Take this incredible promise, a word from the Word, with you today.
"It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. … Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:13-18, NIV)
_____________
Monday, January 03, 2011
Authentic Christian 1 - Unquenchable Optimism
The world we live in is full of difficulties and disappointments. Mom gets cancer. The person who heads the company makes an ill-advised decision that bankrupts it and costs us our job. Weeds grow in the lawn even in drought. It’s easy to get flabby and out of shape, hard to stay healthy and fit. The curse of sin is much in evidence! But, I am not in despair over it all. I have found the secret that motivates me to swim against the current, to work for a brighter day, to live purposefully where others may want to surrender to fate.
The late Ray Stedman, writing on the text I’m about to quote, said that one of the marks of the authentic Christian is his unquenchable optimism born of faith that makes it’s foundation the eternal promises of Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
“Thanks be to God, who always leads us.” Could there be greater reason for hope than that? Don’t misunderstand. An authentic Christian does not avoid dealing with reality, does not pretend that all is well. He sees the pain and suffering that sin and Satan stir up all around with injustice, disease, hatred, prejudice, greed and such things. And, he looks higher to see the hand of God working in his life and through his life. He is thankful, in faith, that God can transform even the most painful circumstances and use them to produce a Kingdom result.
Paul and Silas set a girl free from slavery to an evil spirit in Philippi. For their kindness, they were beaten, thrown into stocks in the inner dungeon, and left to groan. But, they sang instead, not silly songs that were meant to distract them from their plight, but hymns of thanksgiving to God that they trusted to work to make His plan known! And, the earth shook, the doors came open, the jailor was converted, becoming one of the founders of the church in that city. (Acts 16) That’s authentic Christianity that knows unquenchable optimism rooted in faith in the Lord.
What circumstance frustrates you today?
Is there someone who is resisting the purpose of God and trying to make you miserable?
Does the future look bleak?
Make the choice of an authentic Christian. Have faith in God! Sing a song that strengthens your hope in Him. Give up your need to define how the future must look and let Him lead you to a place unimaginable in human understanding. "No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, The Message) That is the place from which the authentic Christian gets his unquenchable optimism.
(Tomorrow – the second mark of the authentic Christian)
__________________________
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength
For each new day,
He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me,
And rivers in the desert will I see.
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain,
He will do something new today.
God Will Make A Way
Moen, Don
© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
The late Ray Stedman, writing on the text I’m about to quote, said that one of the marks of the authentic Christian is his unquenchable optimism born of faith that makes it’s foundation the eternal promises of Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
“Thanks be to God, who always leads us.” Could there be greater reason for hope than that? Don’t misunderstand. An authentic Christian does not avoid dealing with reality, does not pretend that all is well. He sees the pain and suffering that sin and Satan stir up all around with injustice, disease, hatred, prejudice, greed and such things. And, he looks higher to see the hand of God working in his life and through his life. He is thankful, in faith, that God can transform even the most painful circumstances and use them to produce a Kingdom result.
Paul and Silas set a girl free from slavery to an evil spirit in Philippi. For their kindness, they were beaten, thrown into stocks in the inner dungeon, and left to groan. But, they sang instead, not silly songs that were meant to distract them from their plight, but hymns of thanksgiving to God that they trusted to work to make His plan known! And, the earth shook, the doors came open, the jailor was converted, becoming one of the founders of the church in that city. (Acts 16) That’s authentic Christianity that knows unquenchable optimism rooted in faith in the Lord.
What circumstance frustrates you today?
Is there someone who is resisting the purpose of God and trying to make you miserable?
Does the future look bleak?
Make the choice of an authentic Christian. Have faith in God! Sing a song that strengthens your hope in Him. Give up your need to define how the future must look and let Him lead you to a place unimaginable in human understanding. "No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, The Message) That is the place from which the authentic Christian gets his unquenchable optimism.
(Tomorrow – the second mark of the authentic Christian)
__________________________
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength
For each new day,
He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me,
And rivers in the desert will I see.
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain,
He will do something new today.
God Will Make A Way
Moen, Don
© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, December 31, 2010
The Road to Peace
It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? The uncertainty that grips America only grows, it seems to me. The election in November indicated the fear that runs deep among us. In 2008, the mantra that drove a political earthquake was ‘change.’ Two years later, the people abruptly reversed course. Nobody is predicting good times for us any time soon. A decade of war has not produced any kind of security. If anything, the rumbling of the war machines has increased in volume.
Here on the edge of a brand new year, I want to take you to a promise that is a prescription for peace, a reminder for those who love God that He is greater than economic cycles, than men of evil intentions, than disease, than famine and drought. We can choose to live peacefully even in troubled times. No, we are NOT detached from this life, escaping to some retreat in the mountains or hiding in front of our television from the real world. We do not find our peace in denying what is going on around us or even in us. Our serenity comes from faith that is anchored in the eternal love of our Father.
The prince of prophets, Isaiah, who saw the Kingdom of God, who was moved by the Holy Spirit, gives us a word for a New Year.
"Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. …
Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. …
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." (Isaiah 35:3,5 8-10, NIV)
Here’s what I hold onto from that passage:
God comes to those who love Him.
God restores and renews.
God makes a Way, secure and blessed, for us to go Home!
That, disciple, is the road to peace.
Are you walking the highway of Holiness?
If so, then trust and be at peace.
If not, then take the on ramp through Christ and set your course for Zion, our eternal home!
_______________
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world
Of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord,
None but Thee.
When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er,
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
© Public Domain
Here on the edge of a brand new year, I want to take you to a promise that is a prescription for peace, a reminder for those who love God that He is greater than economic cycles, than men of evil intentions, than disease, than famine and drought. We can choose to live peacefully even in troubled times. No, we are NOT detached from this life, escaping to some retreat in the mountains or hiding in front of our television from the real world. We do not find our peace in denying what is going on around us or even in us. Our serenity comes from faith that is anchored in the eternal love of our Father.
The prince of prophets, Isaiah, who saw the Kingdom of God, who was moved by the Holy Spirit, gives us a word for a New Year.
"Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. …
Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. …
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." (Isaiah 35:3,5 8-10, NIV)
Here’s what I hold onto from that passage:
God comes to those who love Him.
God restores and renews.
God makes a Way, secure and blessed, for us to go Home!
That, disciple, is the road to peace.
Are you walking the highway of Holiness?
If so, then trust and be at peace.
If not, then take the on ramp through Christ and set your course for Zion, our eternal home!
_______________
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world
Of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord,
None but Thee.
When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er,
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
© Public Domain
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Dead or Alive?
He is a walking dead man. Truth is nothing to him, lying a way of life. He is a parasite who used people simply to survive. He craves acceptance but lives so self-centeredly that others turn away. He is an illustration of the Scripture: "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die...” and that death does not wait until they put a corpse in the ground! Here’s the rest of the story; … "but, if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:13-14, NIV) What joy to know that because of the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ, we who were once the walking dead, can be made alive, and not just survivors, but actually turned into noble people who are lovely and beautiful- children of God!
We are mistaken if we think knowing Christ and His salvation is only for Heaven. When we experience His grace and begin to live ‘in Him;’ informed by His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and part of His Community, the Church; we are changed. The Scripture trumpets the wonder of it all - "Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message)
Mere religion cannot accomplish this. Baptism and church membership cannot do what the Spirit does when He is invited into our hearts. There are many, many people who call themselves “Christian” who remain mean and miserable. How so? Perhaps by some effort they have curbed the grosser sins of human nature, but essentially they still the walking dead. When pressed, their true Self asserts control and, like a threatened dog, they snarl and snap to protect themselves. But, then there are those who have been converted, who are full of the Spirit. Because their very nature has been changed, they are full of light and love.
What is true of you?
Are you a walking dead man or a son of God?
It’s not a rhetorical question. It demands an answer, especially if you claim to be a follower of Christ. Look at the way you live. What is revealed about the true nature, the core person?
Here’s a word from the Word. Let the Spirit speak to you through it today and be converted – from death to life. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." (Romans 8:5-11, NLT)
_______________
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me;
Now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give;
Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me.
Souls in danger, look above;
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.
Love Lifted Me
Rowe, James / Smith, Howard E.
© Public Domain
We are mistaken if we think knowing Christ and His salvation is only for Heaven. When we experience His grace and begin to live ‘in Him;’ informed by His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and part of His Community, the Church; we are changed. The Scripture trumpets the wonder of it all - "Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message)
Mere religion cannot accomplish this. Baptism and church membership cannot do what the Spirit does when He is invited into our hearts. There are many, many people who call themselves “Christian” who remain mean and miserable. How so? Perhaps by some effort they have curbed the grosser sins of human nature, but essentially they still the walking dead. When pressed, their true Self asserts control and, like a threatened dog, they snarl and snap to protect themselves. But, then there are those who have been converted, who are full of the Spirit. Because their very nature has been changed, they are full of light and love.
What is true of you?
Are you a walking dead man or a son of God?
It’s not a rhetorical question. It demands an answer, especially if you claim to be a follower of Christ. Look at the way you live. What is revealed about the true nature, the core person?
Here’s a word from the Word. Let the Spirit speak to you through it today and be converted – from death to life. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." (Romans 8:5-11, NLT)
_______________
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me;
Now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give;
Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me.
Souls in danger, look above;
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.
Love Lifted Me
Rowe, James / Smith, Howard E.
© Public Domain
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Crosswinds and Course Corrections
One sunny afternoon, when I was a student pilot, I set off on a solo flight to an airport 140 miles due west. About a half hour into my flight, a check on maps revealed a disparity between where I thought I was and where I actually was located! In a few moments, I established that I was far from the course that I had planned to fly. My airplane was pointed in the right direction, but because I was a novice, I did not correct for the cross winds that were blowing me far south of my true course. If I had kept my flight charts open and checked them, the need to adjust my course would have been obvious early on.
It is possible to think you're making great progress while traveling in the wrong direction! At this year's end, we have the opportunity to check our progress in life. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions, make certain that we are 'on course.'
Think that your life is going in the right direction because you're feeling good, having fun, and are self-satisfied? You need a better compass than that!
Nothing compares to the wisdom of the Scripture, the counsel of mature Believers, the guidance of the Spirit, and the practice of regular corporate worship for keeping our lives headed for Heaven, on course with the Lord’s plans. More than just doing 'good' things, a disciple is called to live in the purposes of God. Rick Warren coined the phrase, the "purpose driven life." Instead of letting life happen to us, reacting to situations that develop around us as we drift from day to day, that we learn what God desires of us, set our course, and fulfill His plans. Through the preacher Jeremiah God told His people who had let themselves fall far from their holy calling that He had not forgotten or forsaken them. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)
In order to find those plans and that promised destiny, we must commit ourselves to obedience and regular course corrections, asking:
"Am I making the choices God wants me to make or following my own desires?
Am I consistently doing what is right or taking the easy way of expedience?
Am I intentionally growing in character or drifting with the crowd and the current?"
The dawning of a New Year is good time for a course correction. Spend some time prayerfully about your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those choices you're making that need to be brought into line with the purposes of God. The Bible offers this sobering thought: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. … how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3, NIV)
Are you tolerating a habit in your life that you know is not pleasing to Him, determine today to change course. Don't wait until you're far from the Way! And know this, too; everyone of us, even those who make good God-honoring decisions from day to day, deals with crosswinds. Temptations threaten to blow us off course. Illness, job loss, and internal stress – plus many other factors beyond our control - bring storms that can blow us far from our intended destination in life if we’re just drifting along. If we are guided by the Spirit, they will not take us from His purposes!
Here's a word from the Word. There is wonderful promise for those who are steady, eyes fixed on the Lord. Let these ancient words speak to you today.
It is possible to think you're making great progress while traveling in the wrong direction! At this year's end, we have the opportunity to check our progress in life. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions, make certain that we are 'on course.'
Think that your life is going in the right direction because you're feeling good, having fun, and are self-satisfied? You need a better compass than that!
Nothing compares to the wisdom of the Scripture, the counsel of mature Believers, the guidance of the Spirit, and the practice of regular corporate worship for keeping our lives headed for Heaven, on course with the Lord’s plans. More than just doing 'good' things, a disciple is called to live in the purposes of God. Rick Warren coined the phrase, the "purpose driven life." Instead of letting life happen to us, reacting to situations that develop around us as we drift from day to day, that we learn what God desires of us, set our course, and fulfill His plans. Through the preacher Jeremiah God told His people who had let themselves fall far from their holy calling that He had not forgotten or forsaken them. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)
In order to find those plans and that promised destiny, we must commit ourselves to obedience and regular course corrections, asking:
"Am I making the choices God wants me to make or following my own desires?
Am I consistently doing what is right or taking the easy way of expedience?
Am I intentionally growing in character or drifting with the crowd and the current?"
The dawning of a New Year is good time for a course correction. Spend some time prayerfully about your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those choices you're making that need to be brought into line with the purposes of God. The Bible offers this sobering thought: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. … how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3, NIV)
Are you tolerating a habit in your life that you know is not pleasing to Him, determine today to change course. Don't wait until you're far from the Way! And know this, too; everyone of us, even those who make good God-honoring decisions from day to day, deals with crosswinds. Temptations threaten to blow us off course. Illness, job loss, and internal stress – plus many other factors beyond our control - bring storms that can blow us far from our intended destination in life if we’re just drifting along. If we are guided by the Spirit, they will not take us from His purposes!
Here's a word from the Word. There is wonderful promise for those who are steady, eyes fixed on the Lord. Let these ancient words speak to you today.
"You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.
_______________
Oh, lead me to the place
Where I can find You.
Oh, lead me to the place
Where You'll be.
Lead me to the cross
Where we first met,
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk.
Let me feel Your breath,
Let me know
You're here with me.
Oh Lead Me
Smith, Martin
© 1994 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. "
(Psalm 119:1-7, The Message)
_______________
Oh, lead me to the place
Where I can find You.
Oh, lead me to the place
Where You'll be.
Lead me to the cross
Where we first met,
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk.
Let me feel Your breath,
Let me know
You're here with me.
Oh Lead Me
Smith, Martin
© 1994 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Who’s looking? Who cares?
When it comes to way they dress, what they choose to eat and drink, or the kind of entertainment they seek - Christians often proclaim, “Well, I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me. I just try to please God.” I’ve said it, and probably so have you. While correct, it is not always the right choice. Taking into account how other people think about our faith is a part of our decision-making process that really does matter! We cannot be allow ourselves to become the slave of everybody’s opinions, or be content with merely looking good on the surface. But, we glorify God when we realize that how people see us practice our faith can invite them near to Him OR build walls that keep them from Him.
Paul took up a collection of money from the churches where he traveled that was designated to relieve the poverty of the Believers in Jerusalem. Note what he said about the importance of integrity. "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." (2 Corinthians 8:20-21, NIV) It’s an important consideration born of real love, not pride. Though we are free in Christ Jesus from religious regulation that others would lay on us as a condition of God’s acceptance, if we are loving people, we will not use our liberty in a way that distresses others.
On the other side of that coin, as we mature in Christ, we will stop throwing fits when another Christian acts in a way that violates our conscience. The realization that it is ultimately God that we both must please and to Whom we both will give account is a true mark of spiritual maturity. The same apostle who recognized his responsibility to act with open integrity also said "we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves." (Romans 14:7, NLT) "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too." (Romans 14:17-19, NLT) The key in all of this is serving Christ with humility and serving others with love! Our love for community will cause us to voluntarily surrender our insistence on self-expression.
Here’s a word from the Word to chew on today. "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”" (Romans 15:1-3, NLT)
From The Message, it reads like this: "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it." (Romans 15:1-3, The Message)
I am my brother’s keeper. Are you?
Paul took up a collection of money from the churches where he traveled that was designated to relieve the poverty of the Believers in Jerusalem. Note what he said about the importance of integrity. "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." (2 Corinthians 8:20-21, NIV) It’s an important consideration born of real love, not pride. Though we are free in Christ Jesus from religious regulation that others would lay on us as a condition of God’s acceptance, if we are loving people, we will not use our liberty in a way that distresses others.
On the other side of that coin, as we mature in Christ, we will stop throwing fits when another Christian acts in a way that violates our conscience. The realization that it is ultimately God that we both must please and to Whom we both will give account is a true mark of spiritual maturity. The same apostle who recognized his responsibility to act with open integrity also said "we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves." (Romans 14:7, NLT) "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too." (Romans 14:17-19, NLT) The key in all of this is serving Christ with humility and serving others with love! Our love for community will cause us to voluntarily surrender our insistence on self-expression.
Here’s a word from the Word to chew on today. "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”" (Romans 15:1-3, NLT)
From The Message, it reads like this: "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it." (Romans 15:1-3, The Message)
I am my brother’s keeper. Are you?
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Break out of the Bubble of Blessing
My life is full of good things; love of friends and family, faith that secures my soul, health, peace, being a citizen in a land of plenty! In contrast to my life, millions of people on this planet, find that each day is a desperate struggle merely to survive. Cruelty is a daily experience for those who are powerless. I am disturbed by knowing that thousands (perhaps millions?) of young girls who are exploited in sexual slavery because their poverty leaves them no options. I am tempted to turn my eyes from those who are mentally shattered, addicted, and living in darkness. I am aware that entire nations are held in virtual slavery by evil tyrants who steal the future and the wealth of their countrymen.
Do you know that suffering is real and it's not just 'over there, somewhere?' It may be just across the street or in your brother's house!
Do you know that there is an answer to human misery and that answer is celebrated this Season? Yes, it is Jesus Christ!
Christ Jesus defeated sin, taught us to live nobly and in love, and gives us hope. The reason my life is full of good things results directly from Him. My country's greatness, which provides me so many opportunities, resulted from the founder's respect for and love of Christian principles. (Sadly, we are in rapid decline as we reject that spiritual heritage.) My grandfathers, who were called by the Spirit and who found redemption from sin through salvation in Christ Jesus, created stable homes, freedom from addictions, and a solid work ethic. From that foundation I gained an advantage to enjoy prosperity. Yes, indeed, the Light shined in the darkness and I have benefited. The Word says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness." (John 1:4-5, NIV)
But, am I enriched only that I might live in comfort inside a bubble of blessings?
God forgive me if that is my choice! We who are 'in Christ' have an obligation to shine brightly, to stand up, to speak out, to share our blessings. We are Light-bearers, taking the Light we have in Him.
Scripture is clear that with God's blessing comes an obligation to share, not just because of pity, but to lift others, to help them find the same kind of opportunities we have known. Think carefully about this passage. "This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ." (2 Corinthians 9:10-13, The Message)
Here's the most amazing part of generosity- it prepares us to receive more! Ah, disciple, the love and grace of Christ when truly experienced cannot help but make us people of liberality and generosity of every kind. Jesus said it spills over beyond our material goods into our relationships: "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. ... Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:34-38, NLT)
May the Christ of Christmas fill you with peace, joy, hope, and love! And, may you in turn enrich others by sharing generously of that which you have been given.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
________________________
What Child is this, who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
What Child Is This
Dix, William Chatterton
© Public Domain
CoffeeBreak With The Word will be sent out after the holidays.
I will be taking time to enjoy my family and friends. Thank you for reading along.
Do you know that suffering is real and it's not just 'over there, somewhere?' It may be just across the street or in your brother's house!
Do you know that there is an answer to human misery and that answer is celebrated this Season? Yes, it is Jesus Christ!
Christ Jesus defeated sin, taught us to live nobly and in love, and gives us hope. The reason my life is full of good things results directly from Him. My country's greatness, which provides me so many opportunities, resulted from the founder's respect for and love of Christian principles. (Sadly, we are in rapid decline as we reject that spiritual heritage.) My grandfathers, who were called by the Spirit and who found redemption from sin through salvation in Christ Jesus, created stable homes, freedom from addictions, and a solid work ethic. From that foundation I gained an advantage to enjoy prosperity. Yes, indeed, the Light shined in the darkness and I have benefited. The Word says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness." (John 1:4-5, NIV)
But, am I enriched only that I might live in comfort inside a bubble of blessings?
God forgive me if that is my choice! We who are 'in Christ' have an obligation to shine brightly, to stand up, to speak out, to share our blessings. We are Light-bearers, taking the Light we have in Him.
Scripture is clear that with God's blessing comes an obligation to share, not just because of pity, but to lift others, to help them find the same kind of opportunities we have known. Think carefully about this passage. "This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ." (2 Corinthians 9:10-13, The Message)
Here's the most amazing part of generosity- it prepares us to receive more! Ah, disciple, the love and grace of Christ when truly experienced cannot help but make us people of liberality and generosity of every kind. Jesus said it spills over beyond our material goods into our relationships: "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. ... Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:34-38, NLT)
May the Christ of Christmas fill you with peace, joy, hope, and love! And, may you in turn enrich others by sharing generously of that which you have been given.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
________________________
What Child is this, who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
What Child Is This
Dix, William Chatterton
© Public Domain
CoffeeBreak With The Word will be sent out after the holidays.
I will be taking time to enjoy my family and friends. Thank you for reading along.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Let the Lord work
Two weeks ago, one of our heating units in our preschool building quit. After a couple of service calls, the tech declared the unit beyond repair. Replacement was estimated to be about $13,000! Like most churches, we’re running lean these days. It seemed prudent to get other estimates on the replacement, but time was stretched thin by other demands. I handed the situation to the Lord in prayer, somewhat desperately.
Sure, it’s not earth-shaking, but I know He’s concerned about those things that concern me! He brought a man to my attention who was willing to invest time to work on a solution to the problem. Chris brought in another tech he knew who delved a little deeper into the unit. Yesterday, Matt and Chris reported that it’s working, that it can be repaired and most likely will give us another 5 years of service for about $2000. Once again, the Lord taught me a lesson in simple faith and patience.
The Lord tells us “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Phil. 4:6 The Message) The invitation of the Lord is not to become childish, turning His promise into an excuse for apathy or failure to take responsibility. What He offers is counsel and care for us who are His beloved children! He offers to share our burden, to make a way through, around, under, or over our situation if we’ll walk faithfully with Him. The key to living in His care is faith that is active all of the time. If we ignore His counsel and walk willfully far from Him, we cannot expect that He will step in and remove the consequences of our sin or silliness.
However, when we are steady in faith, responsive to Him on a daily basis, and circumstances overtake us for which we lack resources, He is there. His solution may not be what we ask for or expect. When our heating unit went down and I prayed about it, what I expected was that He would send a donor to cover the expense! I had no idea that He was already working out another plan. What I knew from experience was that He had an answer for our need and I was willing (with some complaining, I admit) to trust Him even with this mundane problem.
What are you wrestling with today, disciple?
It may be much more significant in the scheme of things than a broken furnace! Maybe you have a heart that crushed with disappointment. He’s the healer of broken hearts. Maybe you’re confronted with temptation to sin that threatens ‘like a roaring lion.’ He’s the Deliverer who equips you with the soul armor of the Spirit. Perhaps you’re looking into the future without hope. He is our Hope- in life and death- the One who knows all our tomorrows!
As Advent draws to a close, bring to conscious memory the Incarnation, God becoming flesh. We are celebrating the fact that God stepped into His Creation, becoming a Man, named Jesus. He did not hold Himself apart. He entered into our world. “When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.” (Phil 2:7–8 The Message) He did this so that we could trust Him to be our Priest and Advocate. He takes away our sin and carries our burden, knowing our temptations and challenges.
Will you let the Lord work?
Here’s a word from the Word. It is great counsel. Believe it and live in the promise.
“Trust in the LORD and do good; …
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
(Psalm 37:3–6, NIV)
Sure, it’s not earth-shaking, but I know He’s concerned about those things that concern me! He brought a man to my attention who was willing to invest time to work on a solution to the problem. Chris brought in another tech he knew who delved a little deeper into the unit. Yesterday, Matt and Chris reported that it’s working, that it can be repaired and most likely will give us another 5 years of service for about $2000. Once again, the Lord taught me a lesson in simple faith and patience.
The Lord tells us “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Phil. 4:6 The Message) The invitation of the Lord is not to become childish, turning His promise into an excuse for apathy or failure to take responsibility. What He offers is counsel and care for us who are His beloved children! He offers to share our burden, to make a way through, around, under, or over our situation if we’ll walk faithfully with Him. The key to living in His care is faith that is active all of the time. If we ignore His counsel and walk willfully far from Him, we cannot expect that He will step in and remove the consequences of our sin or silliness.
However, when we are steady in faith, responsive to Him on a daily basis, and circumstances overtake us for which we lack resources, He is there. His solution may not be what we ask for or expect. When our heating unit went down and I prayed about it, what I expected was that He would send a donor to cover the expense! I had no idea that He was already working out another plan. What I knew from experience was that He had an answer for our need and I was willing (with some complaining, I admit) to trust Him even with this mundane problem.
What are you wrestling with today, disciple?
It may be much more significant in the scheme of things than a broken furnace! Maybe you have a heart that crushed with disappointment. He’s the healer of broken hearts. Maybe you’re confronted with temptation to sin that threatens ‘like a roaring lion.’ He’s the Deliverer who equips you with the soul armor of the Spirit. Perhaps you’re looking into the future without hope. He is our Hope- in life and death- the One who knows all our tomorrows!
As Advent draws to a close, bring to conscious memory the Incarnation, God becoming flesh. We are celebrating the fact that God stepped into His Creation, becoming a Man, named Jesus. He did not hold Himself apart. He entered into our world. “When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.” (Phil 2:7–8 The Message) He did this so that we could trust Him to be our Priest and Advocate. He takes away our sin and carries our burden, knowing our temptations and challenges.
Will you let the Lord work?
Here’s a word from the Word. It is great counsel. Believe it and live in the promise.
“Trust in the LORD and do good; …
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
(Psalm 37:3–6, NIV)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Pentathlon Christians
Most Christians work hard at something they call ‘balance.’ They carefully prioritize life: God first, family second, church third, work fourth … and in so doing find themselves in an impossible snare of conflicting responsibilities or seriously deficient in one way or another. If we try to neatly divide our days or weeks into time exclusively given to God, or family, or work, someone or something will be neglected.
Doug Sherman suggests a different model. He says that “the Christian life is similar to the pentathlon. The pentathlon requires the athlete to be proficient in five areas: pistol shooting, epee fencing, horseback riding, swimming, and running. It involves a wide range of skills and knowledge and requires a thoughtful strategy for training. The athlete’s training time must be carefully divided among the events, although some events will take longer than others to train for. The goal is to do well in all areas to win the prize.” (Your Work Matters to God, Navpress, 1990)
Everything we do; yes, all that we are, must be submitted to Jesus Christ! In that sense there is a first line priority. The Scripture commands that “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV) So, we cannot restrict our “God” to Sunday or times of personal meditation. He is Lord of our marriage, of our Facebook time, of our time at work, of our parenting. Similarly, we need to integrate all parts of our lives in a way that does not lead to conflict, but rather to wise choices of wholeness.
For example, what we do to create an income stream is important! It isn’t fourth or fifth in some imaginary ladder of priorities. Should we allow our occupation to define us? No, but neither should we think that what we do for the company has no relevance to our Christianity or our family life. God has called us to whole lives where His Presence is made known equally in worship, in work, and socially. If we misuse work as a means of finding fulfillment and personal worth, our family will suffer. If we make our family life the idol that we worship, we will be unproductive employees and probably not very useful to the Lord in ministry. If we push worship to the top of the ladder, our children will rightly conclude that we love our church more than we love them.
Becoming a Christian who knows the importance of working hard, relating well to friends, worshipping whole-heartedly, and loving family may sound exhausting, but with time and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, we can learn to live wholly. This honors the Lord! Sherman offers this for our thoughts. “Accept God’s sovereignty over your life and over the time at your disposal. There is just enough time in every day to do what He wants. This does not mean you will accomplish everything you want to accomplish. It does mean that when your head touches the pillow at night you can feel settled in your spirit that you worked hard to honor God with the time and the responsibilities He gave you.”
The Bible says “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:1–2, NLT) Will you let Him make you into a pentathlon Christian, proficient in multiple areas, diligent and disciplined?
"Work is not always required of a man. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected." —George MacDonald
________________
Make my life a prayer to You,
I want to do what You want me to.
No empty words, no white lies;
No token prayers, no compromise.
I want to shine the light You gave
Through Your Son You sent to save us,
From ourselves and our despair,
It comforts me to know You're really there.
Well, I want to thank You now for being patient with me.
Oh, it's so hard to see when my eyes are on me!
I guess I'll have to trust and just believe what You say,
Oh, You're coming again, coming to take me away!
I want to die and let You give
Your life to me that I might live
And share the hope You gave to me
The love that set me free.
- Keith Green
Doug Sherman suggests a different model. He says that “the Christian life is similar to the pentathlon. The pentathlon requires the athlete to be proficient in five areas: pistol shooting, epee fencing, horseback riding, swimming, and running. It involves a wide range of skills and knowledge and requires a thoughtful strategy for training. The athlete’s training time must be carefully divided among the events, although some events will take longer than others to train for. The goal is to do well in all areas to win the prize.” (Your Work Matters to God, Navpress, 1990)
Everything we do; yes, all that we are, must be submitted to Jesus Christ! In that sense there is a first line priority. The Scripture commands that “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV) So, we cannot restrict our “God” to Sunday or times of personal meditation. He is Lord of our marriage, of our Facebook time, of our time at work, of our parenting. Similarly, we need to integrate all parts of our lives in a way that does not lead to conflict, but rather to wise choices of wholeness.
For example, what we do to create an income stream is important! It isn’t fourth or fifth in some imaginary ladder of priorities. Should we allow our occupation to define us? No, but neither should we think that what we do for the company has no relevance to our Christianity or our family life. God has called us to whole lives where His Presence is made known equally in worship, in work, and socially. If we misuse work as a means of finding fulfillment and personal worth, our family will suffer. If we make our family life the idol that we worship, we will be unproductive employees and probably not very useful to the Lord in ministry. If we push worship to the top of the ladder, our children will rightly conclude that we love our church more than we love them.
Becoming a Christian who knows the importance of working hard, relating well to friends, worshipping whole-heartedly, and loving family may sound exhausting, but with time and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, we can learn to live wholly. This honors the Lord! Sherman offers this for our thoughts. “Accept God’s sovereignty over your life and over the time at your disposal. There is just enough time in every day to do what He wants. This does not mean you will accomplish everything you want to accomplish. It does mean that when your head touches the pillow at night you can feel settled in your spirit that you worked hard to honor God with the time and the responsibilities He gave you.”
The Bible says “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:1–2, NLT) Will you let Him make you into a pentathlon Christian, proficient in multiple areas, diligent and disciplined?
"Work is not always required of a man. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected." —George MacDonald
________________
Make my life a prayer to You,
I want to do what You want me to.
No empty words, no white lies;
No token prayers, no compromise.
I want to shine the light You gave
Through Your Son You sent to save us,
From ourselves and our despair,
It comforts me to know You're really there.
Well, I want to thank You now for being patient with me.
Oh, it's so hard to see when my eyes are on me!
I guess I'll have to trust and just believe what You say,
Oh, You're coming again, coming to take me away!
I want to die and let You give
Your life to me that I might live
And share the hope You gave to me
The love that set me free.
- Keith Green
Monday, December 20, 2010
Believe!
Are you a Believer? To be a believer means that you have confidence in the truth or existence of something or someone. A mother of a 10 year old told me that her son is struggling with his belief in Santa Claus. He wants to hang onto the idea that there is a jolly old guy in a red suit who flies around dropping gifts into the homes of good kids, but…. well, you know, it harder all the time to remain convinced that the tale really could be true.
Do you struggle to hang onto your faith in Jesus Christ, trying hard to believe? Does the cruel world beat up on your faith? It is not a terrible thing to admit it! About the worse thing a person who wants to be a Believer can do is to just ‘try harder.’ An examined faith that lets go of immature understanding and settles on those things which are true becomes foundational to life. If Jesus remains the Sunday School figure of your childhood, the ‘magic man’ who makes all your troubles disappear, faith in Him will go the way of believing in old St. Nick! However, if you grow in the knowledge of Who He is and what He promises, faith will deepen, not diminish.
Faith does not grow simpler with maturity, but even in its complexity, it can grow stronger. The Bible says it is the work of godly, gifted Christians to work together until “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:13–15 (NIV)
I am a Believer! I am convinced by the Scripture, the flow of history, the beauty of universe, and my experience of His Presence that God exists and that Jesus Christ came to be my Savior. I know He holds me in His grip, not because I am good, nor because I am desirable – but because of His love. No, I cannot explain why the Lord allows some things happen, nor can I explain why some prayers appear to be answered more positively than others. But my faith is tested and I believe! Can I prove my faith is true and make it real to you? Yes and no. If you’re demanding that I produce the stones on which the Ten Commandments were etched by the finger of God or a lock of Jesus’ hair, I can’t prove a thing. If you’ll look at the life transformation that loving Him has produced in many people, if you’ll let me tell you the story of God’s love in my life, and if you will begin to learn The Story of God’s will and purposes from the Bible – then you will find reasons to believe.
Here’ a word from the Word. Take it with you today, Believer. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. … And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. … Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 11:1,6; 12:1 (NLT)
________________
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away.
Oh let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life's dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day;
Wipe sorrow's tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside!
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Palmer, Ray / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Do you struggle to hang onto your faith in Jesus Christ, trying hard to believe? Does the cruel world beat up on your faith? It is not a terrible thing to admit it! About the worse thing a person who wants to be a Believer can do is to just ‘try harder.’ An examined faith that lets go of immature understanding and settles on those things which are true becomes foundational to life. If Jesus remains the Sunday School figure of your childhood, the ‘magic man’ who makes all your troubles disappear, faith in Him will go the way of believing in old St. Nick! However, if you grow in the knowledge of Who He is and what He promises, faith will deepen, not diminish.
Faith does not grow simpler with maturity, but even in its complexity, it can grow stronger. The Bible says it is the work of godly, gifted Christians to work together until “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:13–15 (NIV)
I am a Believer! I am convinced by the Scripture, the flow of history, the beauty of universe, and my experience of His Presence that God exists and that Jesus Christ came to be my Savior. I know He holds me in His grip, not because I am good, nor because I am desirable – but because of His love. No, I cannot explain why the Lord allows some things happen, nor can I explain why some prayers appear to be answered more positively than others. But my faith is tested and I believe! Can I prove my faith is true and make it real to you? Yes and no. If you’re demanding that I produce the stones on which the Ten Commandments were etched by the finger of God or a lock of Jesus’ hair, I can’t prove a thing. If you’ll look at the life transformation that loving Him has produced in many people, if you’ll let me tell you the story of God’s love in my life, and if you will begin to learn The Story of God’s will and purposes from the Bible – then you will find reasons to believe.
Here’ a word from the Word. Take it with you today, Believer. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. … And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. … Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 11:1,6; 12:1 (NLT)
________________
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away.
Oh let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life's dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day;
Wipe sorrow's tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside!
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Palmer, Ray / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Friday, December 17, 2010
See you later, Aunt Jennie
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
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
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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