I’ll hold open the door for you

She was following me slowly using a cane, so I slowed down knowing that the entry could be a challenge for her. I pulled open the door for her, standing to one side; my actions were a wordless invitation, “Come on in.”  She looked at me and smiled. I nodded and followed her into the building. It was a simple moment... one of those little human interactions that enrich our lives.  

When I was a young man in a critical season of life, a man saw that I had come up against an obstacle. I was unsure of how to go ahead, feeling God’s call, but stymied by circumstances created in part by my own lack of wisdom and by men in authority who were intent on blocking my way. Dave saw past my youthfulness, my inexperience, my brash self-confidence, and he invited me ‘in.’  He held open a door of ministry opportunity, offering encouragement and correction, and I walked into the vocation to which I have given my life. 

I love this hope-filled passage in the Word:  “This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me." (Revelation 3:7-8, NLT)  Jesus has opportunities for you, for me, today! He is holding open doors and inviting us to ‘Come on in.”  We can enter into a place of forgiveness, experiencing restoration of the relationship with our Abba.  We can enter into a place where He strengthens, a place where He feeds us. We can enter into a place of service that produces life and wholeness for others, because we are filled with the Spirit. In short, He offers to "empower" us.

Empowered people are invited to move head, provided with resources, given an open door!  Those who have privilege, who enjoy status, who hold an office best use those things not by carving out a place for themselves, but by using what they have to help others climb the ladder of success.  Empowering others is just helping by holding open the door!

Disciple, God doesn't just point us in the right direction and hope we make it.  He empowers us. Paul, describing his efforts to empower others, says,  "I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me." (Colossians 1:29, NLT)   Did you note the interplay of empowerment and responsibility?  His willingness to work hard is coupled with Christ's mighty power.  The apostle accomplished amazing and wonderful things over 30 years of ministry in the Roman Empire.  He changed history!   He couldn't have done it without the Spirit's power, but God needed his mind, his hands and feet, and his voice. 

On this Monday morning, the Spirit is saying to us – “I have set before you an open door.”  If we stand there, waiting for Him to 'just do it;’ if we hope that some great thing will be done without any blood, sweat, or tears shed on your part, we will miss the opportunity. Others will outrun and out-perform us, while we are still standing outside.  Walk in! In faith, move on. All the while, pray fervently for the wisdom of God, the empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit in you and through you.  Expect and engage.  God says that He will create results that will far exceed what you even imagined to be possible.  He "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)

Need to beat a habit that hinders your holiness?  God empowers you!
Want to live as a person whose daily life honors Christ?  God empowers you!
Trying to love a miserable person?  God empowers you!
Need to forgive someone but find it so hard to get over your resentment?  God empowers you!
Called to be a parent raising Godly kids in a culture so hostile to spiritual things?  God empowers you!
A student headed into school again and wondering if you can remain faithful to Him? God empowers you!

So, here is a word from the Word. "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:16-17, NLT)

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Jesus Loves Me

I was lost I was in chainsThe world had a hold of meMy heart was a stone I was covered in shameWhen He came for me

 I couldn't run couldn't run from His presenceI couldn't run couldn't run from His arms 

Jesus He loves meHe loves me He is for meJesus how can it beHe loves me He is for me

 It was a fire deep in my soulI'll never be the sameI stepped out of the dark and into the lightWhen He called my name

 He holds the stars and He holds my heartWith healing hands that bear the scarsThe rugged cross where He died for meMy only hope my ev'rything

 Jesus He loves meHe loves me ohJesus how can it beHe loves me He is for me

 He loves me He loves meHe loves me He is for meMy God it's amazing ohJesus loves me

Ben Glover | Chris Tomlin | Reuben Morgan © 2014 9t One Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Ariose Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

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“It must be true. Angelina Jolie said so.”

Over dinner last night the guests at my table shared their experience with a large religious group that claims to be “Christian.” That ‘church’ preaches strong family values, encourages morality and hard work, and builds tight-knit communities. But, the heart of their ‘faith’ is not Christian at all. The cross is not seen as a place of grace, Jesus is not God come to us, the Savior. Yet, this group continues to dupe many into believing that they are a renewal of apostolic Christianity.  

 I ask you, are you orthodox in doctrine or have you, either because of lack of knowledge or direct intention, diluted the Gospel of Jesus Christ with silly superstitions, angel stories, or bizarre worship practices?  In a lifetime of Pastoral ministry I have observed trends, fads, and bad doctrines flow through the Church. Some issues correct themselves rather quickly. Thirty years ago, there were groups predicting the date of Jesus’ return. Their error was obvious when their dates came and went without His appearing!  Other errors have more staying power, taking root and hanging on. The preachers of the ‘prosperity gospel’ remain influential. Their message that God wants everyone with enough faith to be healthy and wealthy appeals to us, so we ignore the holes in that message.  

The current issue of syncretism (mixing religions) is a serious problem. Even “Spirit-filled” disciples are turning to strange doctrine and weird practices. Many are readily embracing the lie that ‘all roads lead to God.’ What allows people to adopt false teaching as true, to become deceived?

The sufficiency of the Scripture’s teaching for life and godliness has been diminished in favor of experience.

“What works for me” replaces “This is the Word of the Lord.”  In part this is a reflection of our highly individualistic culture.  Self-expression and personal happiness are highly valued, even to the point of rejecting the authority of God’s Word. 

And, then too, there is our celebrity culture.

The fact that someone can put on a great concert or move us with their skill in portraying a character in a movie does not mean they have anything authoritative to say about politics, climate science, or religious truth. Yet, we are regularly exposed to the opinions of celebrities whose words are treated as if they grow from years of study, deep spirituality, and/or great intelligence. Are they experts? Perhaps they are in their field but on others issues, not so much.  I do admire the passion of celebrity advocates for children’s right, climate change, and social responsibility. But, I do not give their words the same weight as those who have years wrestling with those issues!

The same celebrity worship happens in the Church. An athlete who comes to faith in Christ from a life full of dysfunction is too often put on the stage while he is still a baby Believer. He is presented as a role model before the water of his baptism has dried.  And, sadly, we are too often shocked when the pressure takes it toll and we find that our ‘hero’ is just an ordinary sinner like each of us.  Christian musicians often enjoy more influence in shaping theology than pastors, despite have a Scriptural depth and understanding that is frequently slim to non-existent. The result is shallow Christians with faith built on experience alone, their focus shifted from the Awesomeness of a Holy God to subjective feelings celebrated by the song writer.  Before you fire off an angry protest to me, please know that I am not saying that all Christian musicians are shallow! There are many who take the way of the Wesley brothers in 18^th century who wrote their amazing hymns of faith from the depths of the soul, shaped by lives dedicated equally to study of truth and excellence of their craft. Then, too, we cannot ignore the huge influence of media speakers whose words fill up books, who take the stage at conferences, using human interest stories to explain life to us. Frequently their message is without much Bible content or any theological anchors.

Then, too, some are ‘bored’ by steady, solid, and practical teaching of the Word. Novelty replaces truth. Fascination with demons, angels, and psychic phenomena replaces Discipleship and love for the Word of God.

Deep reverence for the Presence of Yahweh is insufficient. In God’s Name, all kinds of silliness has been invited into the Church disguised as the “move of the Spirit.” This is nothing new, but it is a growing trend. There are terrible consequences for the health of the Church. The Word speaks of this: "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NIV)  Discipleship is not about a great Sunday worship experience alone. It is about learning and doing the will of God so that our lives are marked by wholeness of mind, soul, and body in a way that honors our Creator.

Let’s love the Truth!
Seek out leaders whose lives show integrity.
Commit yourself to a church that is more than a ‘show,’ that is Word-centered even as it is innovative, looking for ways to bring the unchanging Truth to the culture in which we live.

We need not be misled by strange doctrine, duped by false teachers, or overcome by silly superstition.  Jesus promises that we will know the Truth and the Truth will set us free. 

Here is a word from the Word. May we be challenged to be people led by the Spirit and grounded in the revelation of Scripture.  This passage comes from Paul’s final word to a younger pastor. "Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:14-19, NIV)

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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."

Too good to be true

Everything he said was ‘just right.’ His stories were impressive, too. On the surface, he looked like an amazing man; accomplished, of deep faith, a servant of the Lord. I wanted to trust him but I could detect that there was a disconnect between the image and the reality, little cracks and inconsistencies in evidence. Over time, the truth emerged when the carefully constructed image crumbled. The professions of faith and love were replaced by angry accusations against others when situations did not turn out as he wanted. The man eventually moved on to a new town where he tried to impress a whole new group of people with his ‘spirituality.’  Later on I discovered it was a pattern in Sam’s (not real name) life. He moved frequently, leaving unpaid debts, broken promises, and disappointment.

Nobody’s perfect. It is a cliché that happens to be true! We need realize that and choose to be authentic about ourselves. Sam is a man who could be a productive Christian, useful to the Kingdom of God, if only he would be real and work through the struggles of life instead of trying to create a perfection that is not his to claim! But, apparently ‘real’ is too frightening for him, so he just keeps telling his stories, living the lie.

Amos, a spokesman for God in ancient Israel, saw the hypocrisy of the people.  They kept the feasts of the religious calendar. They gave their tithe to the Temple. They offered sacrifices and sang the songs of worship, but it was a façade.  The Lord, Who longed for their love, Who wanted them to know His love, grew angry with them and here was His challenge. "This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live; … You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine…. Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. … Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:4, 7, 11, 23-24, NIV)  What does the Lord say?  “Stop singing. Get real! Do what’s right!”

What joy we find when we come to know ourselves and come humbly, honestly, openly to our God. It is true that the One who knows us best, loves us most. He does not love us because we are smarter, taller, richer, or more beautiful than someone else. He does not love us because our faith is flawless or our song is sweet. He loves us because He is good. The scandal of grace, if you would call it that, is that when we get real, when we stop hiding and pretending, we find forgiveness.  More than that, we find the power to change, as we become friends of God, filled with His Spirit.

Grace is not an excuse to stay as we are; it is an invitation to enter the Presence of the Holy where we are transformed. The Word says He looks deep inside of us, reading even our motives, and invites us to bring ourselves, our broken places, our less than wonderful secrets, into the Throne Room of Heaven. And, what do we find? A loving Savior!  Pointing to those who lived behind their religion, the Spirit says, "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. 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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, 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 4:11-16, NIV)

Ask God to help you to be authentic; before Him, before the world, and with yourself - a person who has found grace and who gives grace, a sinner made whole who is a healer in a world desperately in need of restoration.  He makes the broken beautiful, the wounded whole, the sinner into a saint.

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Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy Blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy Promise, I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt.

Fightings and fears, within, without;

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind-

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Charlotte Elliott | William Batchelder Bradbury

© Words: Public Domain