Last night Bev and I got around to watching the first episode of "American Idol." Having a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is great. We watch what we want, when we want to, and zip through the commercial breaks. What an invention. Anyway, as we watched I saw, with new eyes, the contempt for persons that is so prevalent in our world. Admittedly some of the performers were totally without talent, amazingly self-deceived about their chances at becoming a national star. They warbled and wavered through horrible renditions of popular songs. Simon and company, in most cases, were not kind and gentle in making the contestants aware of their shortcomings! Those poor souls (yes, I know they knew what they were getting into) were devastated, broken by sarcasm and mockery. I found myself asking, why do we watch people treating those who are less fortunate with such contempt?
That thought triggered a time of reflection in my mind about times and places I have failed to show others the respect that God desires.
It happens quickly, easily! Words that mock another's weakness, that spread the story of another's dumb mistake, come quickly to our lips and we speak them - somehow feeling empowered even as we diminish the worth of others. Who needs to deal with the complex relationship of getting know people who are different if we just dismiss them with some demeaning remark? For example, many Americans find it hard to understand the world of Islam, so they just lump Muslims all into one group - 'terrorist' and make them the object of their hatred. It's done with politics. How convenient to throw all those who have a differing opinion about public policy into a big group labeled with a name like 'Looney Left,' or 'Religious Right!' Some men do it to their wives. Instead of interacting with them as the truly different and sometimes puzzling people they can be, they make jokes about women - jokes with a barb and a dose of contempt. I suppose women do it, too. Contempt takes away the personhood of another and makes it so much easier to avoid contact -yes, even to hate!
Jesus calls us to live without contempt! Even our criticism of others that is justified, is to be offered with the hope of correction, not the desire of destruction. The Lord wants to give us a new way of relating - taking away the 'us versus them,' that fills the world around us, replacing it with a true sense of community and connectedness. What a difference it would make in our tone, our words, our thoughts if we considered everyone around us a brother or sister. Right now you can treat me with contempt by thinking, "Jerry must be having an emotional crisis. Poor sap!" If you do that, you won't have to consider the challenge of loving others who are hard to relate to - the broken, bitter, and battered people that society has kicked off the curb!
But aren't some people deserving of contempt because of their actions?
Read this story from Jesus' life and then answer that question.
"Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them. The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?” “No one, Master.” “Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” (John 8:1-11, The Message)
Neither do I condemn you!
God give us eyes to see the true need in others, give us love that is willing to engage with the difficult, the broken, the ugly, the needy. As you have loved us and made us your 'treasure,' may we take that love to others, giving them a gift of dignity, respect - for Jesus sake. Amen.
___________________________
Sometimes it's hard for me to understand
Why we pull away from each other so easily,
Even though we're all walking the same road.
Yet we build dividing walls
Between our brothers and ourselves.
The day will come when we will be as one,
And with a mighty voice together,
We'll all proclaim
That Jesus, Jesus Christ is King.
It will echo through the earth;
It will shake the nations,
And the world will see,
See that-
You're my brother, you're my sister,
So take me by the hand.
Together we will work until He comes.
There's no foe that can defeat us
When we're walking side by side.
As long as there is love,
We will stand.
We Will Stand
Taff, Russ / Taff, Tori / Hollihan, James
© 1983 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Your focus - yesterday or tomorrow?
"That's just who I am. It's too late to change now." And with that, she dismissed hope and possibility; convinced that her past was the prologue to her future. But, she is wrong, dead wrong! Betty, (not her real name) has a story some would call colorful, others would more honestly call sinful. For a decade she's done what she wanted to do without much consideration of what it was costing all the people in her life. An intervention staged by her family and friends brought her to tears, and made her see her actions as others saw them. She likes to think she's just 'having fun.' But the circle of friends who confronted her, told her that her life of 'fun' was actually slow suicide- a sure course to loneliness, regret, and early death. Despite that, she will not even hope for change for she believes that who she is is unchangeable. She prefers her present rut to the challenge of becoming a new person.
Many people are like Betty, knowing that life ought to be different, knowing that they are hurting others, and realizing that they are headed for more pain. And yet, they plunge ahead because they cannot see an alternative to the way they are living. Some even know that they are not pleasing God, but they refuse to turn to Him. I am describing you? Have you made peace with some habit, some pattern in life, that is destructive? Are you making excuses for what you do? Are you, Believer, living far below your heritage as a child of God - because you are fearful of change?
God has made an intervention on your behalf. But unlike the interventions that are designed to make a person see their sins clearly, God has a different strategy to draw us to change. He does not just hold up a mirror to show us our past, He paints a picture of possibilities that exist if we will allow Him to begin the process of transformation through the salvation that is provided in Jesus Christ and the power that the Holy Spirit brings to us when He takes up residence in our lives!! Even more than a clear picture of yesterday, we need a vision of tomorrow that draws us to the Lord and His purpose for our lives, don't we? Proverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (KJV) In The Message, that passage reads - "If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." (Proverbs 29:18, The Message)
Remember Saul who became Paul? In his early years as a Pharisee, he hated Believers in Christ and worked to destroy the Gospel message and those who followed Jesus. But God, in amazing grace, met him on the road to Damascus. Saul believed that day and was changed. The transformation was so profound, he even took a new name! Had he lived in perpetual regret, he might have faded into obscurity, making tents in some Roman town, sorrowful 'til death for his persecution of those who loved the Lord. But, he didn't do that. Why? He tells us. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Paul was not looking back with regret, he was looking ahead in faith. That's the road to transformation!
Yes, we learn from the past - both positively and negatively. We understand that it cannot be erased here on this earth, but we need not let it determine our future. "In Christ, we become a new creation!" And don't let yourself think that is just a 'once and done deal' either. The transformation is ongoing. We grow deeper in the things of the Lord as He shows us new challenges, new places for service, and presents us with new opportunities.
Let's grow on!
________________
Father, I confess that change is difficult.
In the familiar there is a certain comfort.
I slide easily back into the habits and patterns of my past,
even when they are not pleasing in Your eyes.
So, I pray, first - forgive me, in Jesus' Name.
Wash me clean.
And, I ask for a vision of a new me.
Let me see a picture of the kind of person You want me to be,
and give me faith to own that vision,
to engage myself in the process of 'becoming...' -
an ongoing transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His holy Name. Amen.
Many people are like Betty, knowing that life ought to be different, knowing that they are hurting others, and realizing that they are headed for more pain. And yet, they plunge ahead because they cannot see an alternative to the way they are living. Some even know that they are not pleasing God, but they refuse to turn to Him. I am describing you? Have you made peace with some habit, some pattern in life, that is destructive? Are you making excuses for what you do? Are you, Believer, living far below your heritage as a child of God - because you are fearful of change?
God has made an intervention on your behalf. But unlike the interventions that are designed to make a person see their sins clearly, God has a different strategy to draw us to change. He does not just hold up a mirror to show us our past, He paints a picture of possibilities that exist if we will allow Him to begin the process of transformation through the salvation that is provided in Jesus Christ and the power that the Holy Spirit brings to us when He takes up residence in our lives!! Even more than a clear picture of yesterday, we need a vision of tomorrow that draws us to the Lord and His purpose for our lives, don't we? Proverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (KJV) In The Message, that passage reads - "If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." (Proverbs 29:18, The Message)
Remember Saul who became Paul? In his early years as a Pharisee, he hated Believers in Christ and worked to destroy the Gospel message and those who followed Jesus. But God, in amazing grace, met him on the road to Damascus. Saul believed that day and was changed. The transformation was so profound, he even took a new name! Had he lived in perpetual regret, he might have faded into obscurity, making tents in some Roman town, sorrowful 'til death for his persecution of those who loved the Lord. But, he didn't do that. Why? He tells us. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Paul was not looking back with regret, he was looking ahead in faith. That's the road to transformation!
Yes, we learn from the past - both positively and negatively. We understand that it cannot be erased here on this earth, but we need not let it determine our future. "In Christ, we become a new creation!" And don't let yourself think that is just a 'once and done deal' either. The transformation is ongoing. We grow deeper in the things of the Lord as He shows us new challenges, new places for service, and presents us with new opportunities.
Let's grow on!
________________
Father, I confess that change is difficult.
In the familiar there is a certain comfort.
I slide easily back into the habits and patterns of my past,
even when they are not pleasing in Your eyes.
So, I pray, first - forgive me, in Jesus' Name.
Wash me clean.
And, I ask for a vision of a new me.
Let me see a picture of the kind of person You want me to be,
and give me faith to own that vision,
to engage myself in the process of 'becoming...' -
an ongoing transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His holy Name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Fool's Gold
Determining the truly valuable from the cheap imitation can be difficult, at first glance, anyway. On the streets of New York, vendors spread out displays of watches on small tables, offering a 'Rolex' for a few dollars. A discriminating buyer knows that genuine Rolex watches are not sold by street vendors and cannot be owned for a few dollars! But, if you took those same 'Rolex' imitations and put them in a jewelry store, on black velvet displays, under the right kind of lighting - many people could be fooled into buying one. My point? When Hollywood sells us a line that the meaning of life can be found in food, drink, sex, pleasure, or consumerism - the lie is obvious, at least to those with even a scrap of maturity about them. But, when those same things are wrapped up, repackaged, and promulgated in the Church, seeing the lie is much more difficult!
And that is happening! We live in a 'me' culture. The 'good' life defined by a sense of personal happiness, which is obtained by having the ability to satisfy our desires - by having sex without rules, by eating whatever we want to eat, by buying whatever we want, by making others do our bidding. When the movies and music of our culture throw this philosophy of unrestricted self-expression at us, we can name the lie. But, when our church takes the same basic philosophy that says, "Your happiness is what is the most important thing in the world. God promises to make you happy." - many cannot discern the lie and buy it at the cost of their spiritual health!
Take marriage for example. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant, established by God at the dawn of Creation, to be honored by all. A man and woman pledge themselves irrevocably to each other, in the sight of God, until death parts them. (Yes, divorce exists - as a concession to our humanity, but it is not in the ideal plan of God. That's another discussion.) If a Believer understands the covenantal nature of marriage, he will not marry an unbeliever, even if she's tremendously attractive because without shared faith, he cannot fully become one with his wife. When tough times come to a marriage formed as a covenant, and they will, the husband and wife submit themselves to God and find a way to honor Him. A husband who wants to honor God in his marriage dies to himself and serves his wife with a Christ-like love. A wife who wants to honor God in her marriage, sets aside self-will and submits herself to her godly husband for the Lord's sake. But, how often is this taught in our churches? Not all that often! Instead, we are taught about being happy in marriage, about the joy of sex, about finding our highest potential as we are supported by our mate! The 'me' culture gets dressed up in churchy language, and few discern it. Of course, I believe that God wants every marriage to bring happiness, satisfying sex, and a greater sense of wholeness - but those are by-products of a God-honoring covenant, not the meaning of marriage! It's not a wonder that divorce is now as common among American Believers as it is among those those without faith. The lie has produced its fruit.
The purpose of my existence and yours, dear friend, is to know and love God as we serve Him in this world. He did not call us to Himself to make us rich, famous, or even necessarily happy. He called us to Himself that we might discover eternal life. As with my example from marriage, the life that is devoted to God, does ultimately find true joy and greater blessings, but not necessarily as defined by our present culture.
Jeremiah lamented that his people had traded the blessings of God for empty things. "...my people have traded my Glory for empty god-dreams and silly god-schemes. “Stand in shock, heavens, at what you see! Throw up your hands in disbelief—this can’t be!” God’s Decree. “My people have committed a compound sin: they’ve walked out on me, the fountain Of fresh flowing waters, and then dug cisterns— cisterns that leak, cisterns that are no better than sieves." (Jeremiah 2:11-13, The Message)
Show discernment, dear Believer.
Don't accept fool's gold of self-fulfillment in place of the true gold of the affirmation and approval of God. Pray for eyes that see the Truth. Learn to love the Lord, really love Him, not just for the 'blessings' the preachers of prosperity offer you, but for the joy of belonging to the God of Heaven and earth who is worthy of our worship.
“Come back, wandering children! I can heal your wanderlust!”
“We’re here! We’ve come back to you.
You’re our own true God!
All that popular religion was a cheap lie, duped crowds buying up the latest in gods.
We’re back!
Back to our true God, the salvation of Israel." (Jeremiah 3:22-23, The Message)
And that is happening! We live in a 'me' culture. The 'good' life defined by a sense of personal happiness, which is obtained by having the ability to satisfy our desires - by having sex without rules, by eating whatever we want to eat, by buying whatever we want, by making others do our bidding. When the movies and music of our culture throw this philosophy of unrestricted self-expression at us, we can name the lie. But, when our church takes the same basic philosophy that says, "Your happiness is what is the most important thing in the world. God promises to make you happy." - many cannot discern the lie and buy it at the cost of their spiritual health!
Take marriage for example. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant, established by God at the dawn of Creation, to be honored by all. A man and woman pledge themselves irrevocably to each other, in the sight of God, until death parts them. (Yes, divorce exists - as a concession to our humanity, but it is not in the ideal plan of God. That's another discussion.) If a Believer understands the covenantal nature of marriage, he will not marry an unbeliever, even if she's tremendously attractive because without shared faith, he cannot fully become one with his wife. When tough times come to a marriage formed as a covenant, and they will, the husband and wife submit themselves to God and find a way to honor Him. A husband who wants to honor God in his marriage dies to himself and serves his wife with a Christ-like love. A wife who wants to honor God in her marriage, sets aside self-will and submits herself to her godly husband for the Lord's sake. But, how often is this taught in our churches? Not all that often! Instead, we are taught about being happy in marriage, about the joy of sex, about finding our highest potential as we are supported by our mate! The 'me' culture gets dressed up in churchy language, and few discern it. Of course, I believe that God wants every marriage to bring happiness, satisfying sex, and a greater sense of wholeness - but those are by-products of a God-honoring covenant, not the meaning of marriage! It's not a wonder that divorce is now as common among American Believers as it is among those those without faith. The lie has produced its fruit.
The purpose of my existence and yours, dear friend, is to know and love God as we serve Him in this world. He did not call us to Himself to make us rich, famous, or even necessarily happy. He called us to Himself that we might discover eternal life. As with my example from marriage, the life that is devoted to God, does ultimately find true joy and greater blessings, but not necessarily as defined by our present culture.
Jeremiah lamented that his people had traded the blessings of God for empty things. "...my people have traded my Glory for empty god-dreams and silly god-schemes. “Stand in shock, heavens, at what you see! Throw up your hands in disbelief—this can’t be!” God’s Decree. “My people have committed a compound sin: they’ve walked out on me, the fountain Of fresh flowing waters, and then dug cisterns— cisterns that leak, cisterns that are no better than sieves." (Jeremiah 2:11-13, The Message)
Show discernment, dear Believer.
Don't accept fool's gold of self-fulfillment in place of the true gold of the affirmation and approval of God. Pray for eyes that see the Truth. Learn to love the Lord, really love Him, not just for the 'blessings' the preachers of prosperity offer you, but for the joy of belonging to the God of Heaven and earth who is worthy of our worship.
“Come back, wandering children! I can heal your wanderlust!”
“We’re here! We’ve come back to you.
You’re our own true God!
All that popular religion was a cheap lie, duped crowds buying up the latest in gods.
We’re back!
Back to our true God, the salvation of Israel." (Jeremiah 3:22-23, The Message)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Support your local Pastor
Every pastor hears an old joke again and again - "Hey, must be nice to have a job where you work one day a week." That's not even close to the truth. Despite an appearance of being a relaxed lifestyle, full-time ministry is a demanding calling that can be hazardous to both health and family. A pastor is 'on call,' 24 hours a day. Every minister knows what it is to get a call during time off when a member of his flock is in dire need. He awakens in the middle of the night with the needs of his flock on his mind, and lifts them to God in prayer, at 2 am. He must move rapidly from emotional highs to lows; for example, celebrating a new birth and conducting a funeral during the same week. Sorrow makes its way to his door constantly as he's usually the first person called at death, marriage difficulty, tragedy, or times of serious illness. It may not seem that such work wears on him, but it does because he is not 'just a professional.' He really cares for his flock. He studies constantly so that when he stands before the congregation to preach he is able to provide spiritual nourishment. And, he must deliver a message every Sunday -regardless of his personal circumstances. And, he loves every minute of this life to which God has called him!
Until... he's attacked unfairly for the thousandth time, often at a moment when he's struggling to cope with some need in his own life. It's at that moment that some pastors, tragically, give up their service. Tony Campolo describes one of those 'hits' that can knock a pastor off his feet. "Only a pastor truly knows what it feels like to have yet another person call to tell you they're leaving the church- a person you love, a person you helped and served, a person who needed you, a person you now feel you need, and yet another person is going, leaving, abandoning, rejecting. . . People go, and they take a chunk of your heart with them. And of your morale." -Adventures in Missing the Point
So, how can you maximize your Pastor's effectiveness in ministry?
1. Pray for him, everyday.
Spiritual leaders are front-line targets in the battle that the Devil wages in this world against the work of God. We all know the devastation left behind when there is a moral failure in ministry. Some conclude that Christianity is a fraud. Others lose their ability to receive ministry because they think all preachers are like those whose sins were revealed. And even where there is no moral compromise, pastors know the attack of the Enemy through discouragement. Pray for your Pastor - that God will keep and protect him, that he will be disciplined and courageous, and that he will finish the race well.
2. Accept him and the spiritual gifts God has given to him.
Pastors are not all equally adept at all kinds of ministry service. Appreciate the unique strengths of your Pastor and encourage him in those areas where he is not as proficient. Understand that God has equipped him to minister in a way that will not be exactly like the ministry of your favorite TV preacher or the pastor who introduced you to Christ and who you still love like a father. He probably knows the gaps in his skills and giftings better than you do, but it will squander his strengths if those in the Body constantly press him to 'fix' those areas rather than focusing on what he can do best in God's service.
3. If you must criticize him, (and no pastor is above correction or criticism) do it honestly, directly, and person to person.
Every pastor deals with Mr. They Say in his church. By that I mean that we hear Mr. They quoted all the time. "Pastor, They say..." But he cannot respond to anonymous criticism because he has no context for it. He wonders, "Does it mean that a majority feels this way, or is this just the opinion of the same two people who are never satisfied with anything I do?" If you have an issue with your pastor, be mature about it. Don't play games, hinting at the difficulty. Make a time to sit with him and just tell him what you think, what you want, where you think he's missed the mark. If he's wise, he'll listen and evaluate. He may not share your perception. He may have an explanation for the decision with which you disagree. Realize, too, that it's not quite fair to get angry with him when you're angry at God! He can help you with your doubt or confusion when you don't understand why life is turning out a certain way, but it will be doubly difficult if you're attacking him.
4. Don't idolize or idealize him.
Pastors are just people who deal with kids who don't always do what they're taught, who have marriage struggles, who have up days and down days, who fight temptation - just like you. Yes, you should expect him to live what he teaches, but not perfectly. He is a sinner, too; and, like you, he is working out his salvation each day. If you make him into idol, you sin because only God is worthy of your worship and devotion. If you idealize him, thinking he's more or better than he is really is, you will be disappointed, and may mistakenly transfer your disappointment to Christ which would be tragic. When you put him on a pedestal, remember that you make his ability to minister to you all the more difficult. He teaches you best, not from some lofty place far removed, but as you watch him live a real life that demonstrates a living faith in a loving Lord.
Thanks for reading this today. I leave you with this word from the Word.
"Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.... Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?" (Hebrews 13:7, 17 The Message)
"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him." (1 Timothy 5:17-19, NLT)
Until... he's attacked unfairly for the thousandth time, often at a moment when he's struggling to cope with some need in his own life. It's at that moment that some pastors, tragically, give up their service. Tony Campolo describes one of those 'hits' that can knock a pastor off his feet. "Only a pastor truly knows what it feels like to have yet another person call to tell you they're leaving the church- a person you love, a person you helped and served, a person who needed you, a person you now feel you need, and yet another person is going, leaving, abandoning, rejecting. . . People go, and they take a chunk of your heart with them. And of your morale." -Adventures in Missing the Point
So, how can you maximize your Pastor's effectiveness in ministry?
1. Pray for him, everyday.
Spiritual leaders are front-line targets in the battle that the Devil wages in this world against the work of God. We all know the devastation left behind when there is a moral failure in ministry. Some conclude that Christianity is a fraud. Others lose their ability to receive ministry because they think all preachers are like those whose sins were revealed. And even where there is no moral compromise, pastors know the attack of the Enemy through discouragement. Pray for your Pastor - that God will keep and protect him, that he will be disciplined and courageous, and that he will finish the race well.
2. Accept him and the spiritual gifts God has given to him.
Pastors are not all equally adept at all kinds of ministry service. Appreciate the unique strengths of your Pastor and encourage him in those areas where he is not as proficient. Understand that God has equipped him to minister in a way that will not be exactly like the ministry of your favorite TV preacher or the pastor who introduced you to Christ and who you still love like a father. He probably knows the gaps in his skills and giftings better than you do, but it will squander his strengths if those in the Body constantly press him to 'fix' those areas rather than focusing on what he can do best in God's service.
3. If you must criticize him, (and no pastor is above correction or criticism) do it honestly, directly, and person to person.
Every pastor deals with Mr. They Say in his church. By that I mean that we hear Mr. They quoted all the time. "Pastor, They say..." But he cannot respond to anonymous criticism because he has no context for it. He wonders, "Does it mean that a majority feels this way, or is this just the opinion of the same two people who are never satisfied with anything I do?" If you have an issue with your pastor, be mature about it. Don't play games, hinting at the difficulty. Make a time to sit with him and just tell him what you think, what you want, where you think he's missed the mark. If he's wise, he'll listen and evaluate. He may not share your perception. He may have an explanation for the decision with which you disagree. Realize, too, that it's not quite fair to get angry with him when you're angry at God! He can help you with your doubt or confusion when you don't understand why life is turning out a certain way, but it will be doubly difficult if you're attacking him.
4. Don't idolize or idealize him.
Pastors are just people who deal with kids who don't always do what they're taught, who have marriage struggles, who have up days and down days, who fight temptation - just like you. Yes, you should expect him to live what he teaches, but not perfectly. He is a sinner, too; and, like you, he is working out his salvation each day. If you make him into idol, you sin because only God is worthy of your worship and devotion. If you idealize him, thinking he's more or better than he is really is, you will be disappointed, and may mistakenly transfer your disappointment to Christ which would be tragic. When you put him on a pedestal, remember that you make his ability to minister to you all the more difficult. He teaches you best, not from some lofty place far removed, but as you watch him live a real life that demonstrates a living faith in a loving Lord.
Thanks for reading this today. I leave you with this word from the Word.
"Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.... Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?" (Hebrews 13:7, 17 The Message)
"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him." (1 Timothy 5:17-19, NLT)
Monday, January 15, 2007
"Bid my anxious fears subside!"
Fear, not the 'you scared me half to death' kind of fear, but the gnawing anxiety that drives sleep away and creates a dread of tomorrow is something most of us experience. Sometimes anxiety is focused around a specific issue: something such as getting on an airplane or having a medical procedure done. A worse form of anxiety is a general fear of life, about things that we cannot control like aging, the economy, or environmental issues. The worst anxiety is that which is not connected, at least in any discernable way, to specific situations, and thus is much more resistant to relief. That kind of anxiety drives people to despair, into depression, and frequently is a cause of self-destructive behaviors- overeating, alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity among them.
Defeating anxiety includes becoming whole spiritually!
What can we do to chase away the terror?
First, accept your status as God's child. We are not orphans, scrabbling to deal with life, defensive and alone. The Bible says, "you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” (Romans 8:15, NLT) When we turn to Christ, in faith, and receive His gift of gracious love and forgiveness, God adopts us as His sons and daughters. Because of Jesus, we are loved. That truth is so healing, the Enemy of God and good does everything he is able to do to keep us from believing and receiving it. He attempts to keep us focused on our failures, hearing only the voices of our critics, seeing only the sorry and sad side of life. That is why when anxiety creeps up on us, we need to turn to the Word and to worship, praising God for His love. And, we need to personalize that love! "God loves me!" When we accept that, John tells us that "perfect love drives out fear!"
Second, talk about your anxiety with your Father. Fear grows in the dark! When we hide our dread and attempt to be big and brave, the ache of terror takes hold deep inside of us. So the wisdom of the Word is "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." (Philippians 4:6, The Message) When your anxious, tell the Lord about it. Find a Believer and let her pray with and for you. Make sure you connect with a person of authentic faith, not somebody whose experience of God is full of platitudes! We need brothers and sisters in the faith who know how to weep with us, and then having met us at the point of our need, can lift us up with sincere prayer into the Throne Room of God. This is one of the reasons that no Christian should attempt to live the Christian life alone. We need to provide cover for one another.
Third, evaluate the situation in ultimate terms. By that, I mean, take your fear and ask - What is the worst that could happen? What are my resources to deal with this? The Psalmist asks, "in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11, NIV) Again, this can be a solo exercise, but it is much more effective when there is a trusted friend who will listen, encourage, and keep your perspective on life in balance.
Fourth - do what's right! Pain, especially the emotional kind, makes us desperate for relief, doesn't it? If we feel trapped, we are more likely to try extreme measures to escape. When anxiety comes and threatens to move in and stay, we are tempted by things that offer us a quick release. Tragically, usually what gives short-term relief, produces long-term destruction. And so, we must tell ourselves to do the right thing- often, just because it is the right thing to do! Once again, the value of counselors and friends comes into play. When we share our temptations, they become less attractive. When we tell someone that we want to spend too much, quit our job, or have an affair - the very telling can help us to see the folly of the proposed 'solution' to our problem. Remember, you and I are not the victims of our temptations. As Believers, we are privileged to grab onto God's promise that He 'will never leave us nor forsake us.' And, He has promised to make a way for us to stand up in times of temptation. So, do what's right!
Are you anxious today? Don't let fear swallow you and destroy this day.
Take the offense and engage that anxiety with the steps outlined above. Pray for and accept the confidence of faith in God and live in it.
_______________________
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield;
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me thro' the swelling current,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
Williams, William / Fosdick, Harry E. / Hughes, John / William, Peter
© Public Domain
Defeating anxiety includes becoming whole spiritually!
What can we do to chase away the terror?
First, accept your status as God's child. We are not orphans, scrabbling to deal with life, defensive and alone. The Bible says, "you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” (Romans 8:15, NLT) When we turn to Christ, in faith, and receive His gift of gracious love and forgiveness, God adopts us as His sons and daughters. Because of Jesus, we are loved. That truth is so healing, the Enemy of God and good does everything he is able to do to keep us from believing and receiving it. He attempts to keep us focused on our failures, hearing only the voices of our critics, seeing only the sorry and sad side of life. That is why when anxiety creeps up on us, we need to turn to the Word and to worship, praising God for His love. And, we need to personalize that love! "God loves me!" When we accept that, John tells us that "perfect love drives out fear!"
Second, talk about your anxiety with your Father. Fear grows in the dark! When we hide our dread and attempt to be big and brave, the ache of terror takes hold deep inside of us. So the wisdom of the Word is "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." (Philippians 4:6, The Message) When your anxious, tell the Lord about it. Find a Believer and let her pray with and for you. Make sure you connect with a person of authentic faith, not somebody whose experience of God is full of platitudes! We need brothers and sisters in the faith who know how to weep with us, and then having met us at the point of our need, can lift us up with sincere prayer into the Throne Room of God. This is one of the reasons that no Christian should attempt to live the Christian life alone. We need to provide cover for one another.
Third, evaluate the situation in ultimate terms. By that, I mean, take your fear and ask - What is the worst that could happen? What are my resources to deal with this? The Psalmist asks, "in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11, NIV) Again, this can be a solo exercise, but it is much more effective when there is a trusted friend who will listen, encourage, and keep your perspective on life in balance.
Fourth - do what's right! Pain, especially the emotional kind, makes us desperate for relief, doesn't it? If we feel trapped, we are more likely to try extreme measures to escape. When anxiety comes and threatens to move in and stay, we are tempted by things that offer us a quick release. Tragically, usually what gives short-term relief, produces long-term destruction. And so, we must tell ourselves to do the right thing- often, just because it is the right thing to do! Once again, the value of counselors and friends comes into play. When we share our temptations, they become less attractive. When we tell someone that we want to spend too much, quit our job, or have an affair - the very telling can help us to see the folly of the proposed 'solution' to our problem. Remember, you and I are not the victims of our temptations. As Believers, we are privileged to grab onto God's promise that He 'will never leave us nor forsake us.' And, He has promised to make a way for us to stand up in times of temptation. So, do what's right!
Are you anxious today? Don't let fear swallow you and destroy this day.
Take the offense and engage that anxiety with the steps outlined above. Pray for and accept the confidence of faith in God and live in it.
_______________________
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield;
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me thro' the swelling current,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
Williams, William / Fosdick, Harry E. / Hughes, John / William, Peter
© Public Domain
Friday, January 12, 2007
God's own?
A comedy called City Slickers, (1991) about three guys who try to recover their male identity with a trip to a cattle ranch in the West, included a great performance by the late Jack Palance in the role of an old cowboy who cryptically told the guys that life was about finding the 'one thing' that is important. He never defined 'one thing,' which was part of the humor of the film. Funny or not, it is true. A life well lived has focus, has passion, and is shaped by purposeful pursuit of One! There are many ways to earn a living, many ways to find enjoyment in our world - but just One Person from whom we can gain 'life to the full.' I don't need to be cryptic. God, who made Himself known to us in the Man, Jesus Christ, is that One Person on whom a life of meaning is centered.
Some of you are thinking, "Jerry, are you implying we all have to become employees of the Church?" to find a meaningful life. No way! But, all Believers are ministers (servants) called to do the work of God. It does not matter if you are a medical doctor, a teacher, a carpenter, a mechanic, a full-time Mom, an engineer... OK, you got it, right? The Word says, "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, NLT) The passion of life, the 'one thing' is to know Christ and to make Him known. There are more ways to do that than I could explore in this TFTD, but we all start down that road by redefining the meaning of life to be about our relationship with God. We take Him from Sunday morning, from our private devotional thoughts, with us into the world. We learn to be in conversation with the Holy Spirit, all the time, everywhere, about everything!
It honors God if, when others think of us, the next thought is Jesus! When the mention of the name "Jerry Scott" is made, I hope that I have lived in such a way that one of descriptive phrases others would use about me is: "He is God's man!" No, not because I am especially pious. I'm not! No, not because I am a part of the professional clergy with the honorific title of "Rev." I've met quite a few "Revs." who earn their living in church work, but who I would not describe as belonging to God! Lord, help me to be different, I pray. I want other to think of Jesus because they see a deep and profound love for Him in my words and actions. I desire that it would be obvious that I live to know and serve Him. What and/or who we esteem and love is quickly evident. My friend Jake loves guitar music. You don't have to be with him long to realize that. My Dad loves kids, something you know within minutes of meeting him. What are you passionate about? Anything? Or are you just letting life drift by without digging in to find the joy of being passionate about something?
Know this. If you're passionate about God, not everyone will applaud! People who are passionate about something in life are hard to be around because they turn into fanatics. In the new movie, Freedom Writers, in which Hillary Swank, tells the story of Erin Gruwell, a young teacher who became passionate about reaching those urban kids that the educational system no longer cared about, we see that. Erin's life was defined by her love for those kids, to the extent that she took extra jobs so she could afford to buy them books and take them on trips. Her husband divorced her because he couldn't stand her intensity. The emptiness of his own life was made even more evident by the fullness she found in loving her students. (See it! It is worth the money. It's not a Christian film, but the story inspires.)
That's the way it ought to be in our lives in the way we love God. Love for Him, which finds expressions in so many ways, should be our central passion! Not everyone will appreciate the passion. Some will find us unpleasant to be around, not because we are preachy, but because the high quality of life we live for God makes their pursuit of money, sex, fame, or pleasure all the more evidently meaningless! Here's what the Word says about this. "... you died, (to self-centeredness) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory..." (Colossians 3:2-12, NIV)
Are you God's own?
"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:
Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)
Some of you are thinking, "Jerry, are you implying we all have to become employees of the Church?" to find a meaningful life. No way! But, all Believers are ministers (servants) called to do the work of God. It does not matter if you are a medical doctor, a teacher, a carpenter, a mechanic, a full-time Mom, an engineer... OK, you got it, right? The Word says, "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, NLT) The passion of life, the 'one thing' is to know Christ and to make Him known. There are more ways to do that than I could explore in this TFTD, but we all start down that road by redefining the meaning of life to be about our relationship with God. We take Him from Sunday morning, from our private devotional thoughts, with us into the world. We learn to be in conversation with the Holy Spirit, all the time, everywhere, about everything!
It honors God if, when others think of us, the next thought is Jesus! When the mention of the name "Jerry Scott" is made, I hope that I have lived in such a way that one of descriptive phrases others would use about me is: "He is God's man!" No, not because I am especially pious. I'm not! No, not because I am a part of the professional clergy with the honorific title of "Rev." I've met quite a few "Revs." who earn their living in church work, but who I would not describe as belonging to God! Lord, help me to be different, I pray. I want other to think of Jesus because they see a deep and profound love for Him in my words and actions. I desire that it would be obvious that I live to know and serve Him. What and/or who we esteem and love is quickly evident. My friend Jake loves guitar music. You don't have to be with him long to realize that. My Dad loves kids, something you know within minutes of meeting him. What are you passionate about? Anything? Or are you just letting life drift by without digging in to find the joy of being passionate about something?
Know this. If you're passionate about God, not everyone will applaud! People who are passionate about something in life are hard to be around because they turn into fanatics. In the new movie, Freedom Writers, in which Hillary Swank, tells the story of Erin Gruwell, a young teacher who became passionate about reaching those urban kids that the educational system no longer cared about, we see that. Erin's life was defined by her love for those kids, to the extent that she took extra jobs so she could afford to buy them books and take them on trips. Her husband divorced her because he couldn't stand her intensity. The emptiness of his own life was made even more evident by the fullness she found in loving her students. (See it! It is worth the money. It's not a Christian film, but the story inspires.)
That's the way it ought to be in our lives in the way we love God. Love for Him, which finds expressions in so many ways, should be our central passion! Not everyone will appreciate the passion. Some will find us unpleasant to be around, not because we are preachy, but because the high quality of life we live for God makes their pursuit of money, sex, fame, or pleasure all the more evidently meaningless! Here's what the Word says about this. "... you died, (to self-centeredness) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory..." (Colossians 3:2-12, NIV)
Are you God's own?
"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:
Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Letting go and letting God!
When I arrived at the jail where I conduct a Bible study each Wednesday morning, I asked the man who unlocked the room, "So, how many will be in study today?" "A big group," he answered, "they're sending you a group of female inmates today!" Immediately I felt the anger rising in me because I had not planned for this new development. I was looking forward to seeing the men that I usually taught. But, I quickly overcame my irritation and prayed that the Lord would let me help someone in the new group; which He did! A couple of the women in the study were keenly interested in the Word and professed faith in Christ. Once again, in a simple way, I was reminded that He is a sovereign God, that I need to 'get out of His way' and let Him lead. Perhaps you're thinking, "Well, duh, Pastor, we all know that." Ah, we do and we don't.
Our doctrine teaches us that God is in control. However, we have plans that we want to complete. Our agenda is often changed by unexpected events, by unforeseen developments, by 'accidents,' and such things. When that happens, Self may lead us into anger and we will fight to assert our will. Or, we may fall into despair, doubting God's goodness, struggling with faith as our life plan is re-written before our eyes as if by an unseen hand. It can be very hard to step back and faithfully say, "I am the Lord's servant, may He do with me as He chooses. Blessed be the Name of the Lord."
Do not read me wrongly today. I am not a fatalist. God has given us choices to make and made us partners with Him in His work. In a mystery that defies complete understanding and/or explanation, He declares two truths to us.
First, He says, "I rule the affairs of the world and know the smallest details of your life." The Word says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:16, NIV)
Second, He says, "Choose wisely in your life." Joshua calls on us to "Choose today whom you will serve. ... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, NLT) Philosophically, I cannot reconcile those two statements, but in faith, I accept them and live in the balance they provide.
I will not try to control my life with no reliance on God, for that leads me to folly of many kinds! The person who thinks himself the master of his fate is deluded, and everybody knows it but himself. He will become increasingly desperate when he is confronted with situations over which he has little or no control; in his frenzy concocting schemes that are more and more bizarre.
But, I will not abdicate my responsibility to step up to making decisions. The person who mistakenly concludes that he can do nothing to shape his life is foolish. He finds himself in many tight spots which are of his own making, the result of the failure to be prudent. Wisdom invites us to learn from her and promises, “Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from the Lord." (Proverbs 8:34-35, NLT)
Spend a few moments today in meditation on the following passage. Ask the Spirit to lead you to live in that secure place where God leads and you follow.
"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. ...
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ...
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:16-25, NLT)
_______________________
On God's holy Word I challenge you
To give to the Lord your life anew.
My friend, make your choice;
He waits for you
For this is the moment of truth.
Now walk with God
And He will be your dearest Friend
Where'er you go
In everything you do.
And may your life
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God
And He will walk with you.
Now Walk With God- Skillings, Otis
© 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company) CCLI License No. 810055
Our doctrine teaches us that God is in control. However, we have plans that we want to complete. Our agenda is often changed by unexpected events, by unforeseen developments, by 'accidents,' and such things. When that happens, Self may lead us into anger and we will fight to assert our will. Or, we may fall into despair, doubting God's goodness, struggling with faith as our life plan is re-written before our eyes as if by an unseen hand. It can be very hard to step back and faithfully say, "I am the Lord's servant, may He do with me as He chooses. Blessed be the Name of the Lord."
Do not read me wrongly today. I am not a fatalist. God has given us choices to make and made us partners with Him in His work. In a mystery that defies complete understanding and/or explanation, He declares two truths to us.
First, He says, "I rule the affairs of the world and know the smallest details of your life." The Word says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:16, NIV)
Second, He says, "Choose wisely in your life." Joshua calls on us to "Choose today whom you will serve. ... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, NLT) Philosophically, I cannot reconcile those two statements, but in faith, I accept them and live in the balance they provide.
I will not try to control my life with no reliance on God, for that leads me to folly of many kinds! The person who thinks himself the master of his fate is deluded, and everybody knows it but himself. He will become increasingly desperate when he is confronted with situations over which he has little or no control; in his frenzy concocting schemes that are more and more bizarre.
But, I will not abdicate my responsibility to step up to making decisions. The person who mistakenly concludes that he can do nothing to shape his life is foolish. He finds himself in many tight spots which are of his own making, the result of the failure to be prudent. Wisdom invites us to learn from her and promises, “Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from the Lord." (Proverbs 8:34-35, NLT)
Spend a few moments today in meditation on the following passage. Ask the Spirit to lead you to live in that secure place where God leads and you follow.
"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. ...
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ...
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:16-25, NLT)
_______________________
On God's holy Word I challenge you
To give to the Lord your life anew.
My friend, make your choice;
He waits for you
For this is the moment of truth.
Now walk with God
And He will be your dearest Friend
Where'er you go
In everything you do.
And may your life
Reflect His love to ev'ryone.
Now walk with God
And He will walk with you.
Now Walk With God- Skillings, Otis
© 1969 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company) CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Just to know His smile!
Awards are everywhere - in the entertainment industry, in sports, where you work, at school. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted two new members yesterday - Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gwynn. Notably, they rejected Mark McGwire despite his homerun records, on the suspicion that he cheated with performance enhancing drugs. Last year, the Assemblies of God noted my 25 year anniversary of ordination to Christian ministry. I wear the pin denoting that milestone with some pride, hopefully the good kind of pride, not the arrogant kind! Not all awards have to be published or pinned, either. Drs. Trent and Smalley wrote a book to explain the importance of giving kids 'the blessing,' urging parents to pass along appropriate affirmation for their children. The way that a parent gives honor to his child is one of the biggest influences that shapes that child's sense of worth and purpose for the rest of his life. If a parent is dishonors his child, treating him with contempt and/or nagging criticism, he steals confidence and sets up that child to grow into an adult who will struggle with issues of inferiority. If she appropriately recognizes and encourages her child, she helps lay a foundation for good relationships and a sense of worth, enduring to the grave!
There is one reward that supersedes, by far, all others; the blessing of God!
How do we live in His blessing? How do we enjoy His affirmation?
Take a look at what the Word says,“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." That line comes from a passage in the book of Isaiah that reminds us that we cannot do anything for God that He could not do for Himself. We are not rewarded with His blessings because we enriched Him in anyway. To think that is absurd, and leads us into the Pharisaical folly of thinking that God is fortunate to have us on His team. Remember the story Jesus told about two men who went to pray? The self-righteous Pharisee asked nothing of God, only commending himself to God for all the good things he had done. The 'sinner' lowered his eyes and prayed only for mercy from God. Jesus said that only one man went home right with God and it wasn't the 'good guy.' (see Luke 18:10-12)
We cannot 'buy' God's approval, nor can we earn it. And yet, we must learn to live in it and there are choices we make which allow us to enjoy it.
Read this carefully. "This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man, and whoever offers a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense, like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations;" (Isaiah 66:1-3, NIV) Building temples and presenting offerings cannot replace a heart that loves God and a life that honors Him with obedience!
King Saul, who lived in rebellion, tried to buy God's favor with a thousand sacrifices, but God swept aside his offerings, the prophet Samuel declaring: "Do you think all God wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production." (1 Samuel 15:22, The Message)
Are you living in humility before God, allowing Him to lead you? Are you discovering His will, day by day, not necessarily as He writes it in the sky in mile-high letters, but in obedience in the little things? There is the place of blessing, the place where His smile warms our hearts and we know what it is to live with a sense of close fellowship.
In 1981, the movie, Chariots of Fire, told the story of Eric Liddell, a committed Christian who became an Olympic competitor, and later a missionary to China, who died in as a prisoner of the Japanese in WWII. There is a memorable line in that movie. Liddell confidently, yet humbly says, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." Nothing in the world can replace the sense that God takes pleasure from us as obedient children! If you're running from Him, resisting Him, complaining about Him - stop, turn in repentance, and humbly give yourself to Him. That does not guarantee that everything in your will magically turn out wonderful, that you will be spared all difficulty. It does allow you to know the smile of His blessed approval - and that, my friend, supersedes all other awards, any other achievement.
There is one reward that supersedes, by far, all others; the blessing of God!
How do we live in His blessing? How do we enjoy His affirmation?
Take a look at what the Word says,“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." That line comes from a passage in the book of Isaiah that reminds us that we cannot do anything for God that He could not do for Himself. We are not rewarded with His blessings because we enriched Him in anyway. To think that is absurd, and leads us into the Pharisaical folly of thinking that God is fortunate to have us on His team. Remember the story Jesus told about two men who went to pray? The self-righteous Pharisee asked nothing of God, only commending himself to God for all the good things he had done. The 'sinner' lowered his eyes and prayed only for mercy from God. Jesus said that only one man went home right with God and it wasn't the 'good guy.' (see Luke 18:10-12)
We cannot 'buy' God's approval, nor can we earn it. And yet, we must learn to live in it and there are choices we make which allow us to enjoy it.
Read this carefully. "This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man, and whoever offers a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense, like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations;" (Isaiah 66:1-3, NIV) Building temples and presenting offerings cannot replace a heart that loves God and a life that honors Him with obedience!
King Saul, who lived in rebellion, tried to buy God's favor with a thousand sacrifices, but God swept aside his offerings, the prophet Samuel declaring: "Do you think all God wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production." (1 Samuel 15:22, The Message)
Are you living in humility before God, allowing Him to lead you? Are you discovering His will, day by day, not necessarily as He writes it in the sky in mile-high letters, but in obedience in the little things? There is the place of blessing, the place where His smile warms our hearts and we know what it is to live with a sense of close fellowship.
In 1981, the movie, Chariots of Fire, told the story of Eric Liddell, a committed Christian who became an Olympic competitor, and later a missionary to China, who died in as a prisoner of the Japanese in WWII. There is a memorable line in that movie. Liddell confidently, yet humbly says, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." Nothing in the world can replace the sense that God takes pleasure from us as obedient children! If you're running from Him, resisting Him, complaining about Him - stop, turn in repentance, and humbly give yourself to Him. That does not guarantee that everything in your will magically turn out wonderful, that you will be spared all difficulty. It does allow you to know the smile of His blessed approval - and that, my friend, supersedes all other awards, any other achievement.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
"Valued because He said so"
Redeemed... as I meditated on that word, my mind drifted back a long time to when I first became aware of the concept. It was about S. and H. Green Stamps. When Mom shopped, she received sheets of green stamps in proportion to how much she spent. I had fun pasting them into little books. Yep, I licked 'em and got the glue on my tongue, but hey I was 7 or 8. When she collected enough little books full of stamps she could 'redeem' them for household items. That's all I remember, but I discovered that S. + H. company, the green stamp people, are still around only now they issue 'digital points.' Not nearly as much fun as books full of little green stamps, at least for a kid. The books filled with green stamps had no value until they were presented to the company who issued them and who put a value on them, a process they termed, redemption!
Have you been redeemed?
The question is an important one! Redemption is a theme throughout the Scripture. The Bible tells us that we are devalued by sin, that we are destined for the garbage heap of eternity, except for Divine redemption! "For thus says the Lord: “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money. ....Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. " (Isaiah 52:3, 9 NKJV) Our lives, destroyed by disobedience, are given eternal value, but not because we have done great thing to achieve world renown. We gain value because God, in mercy, found us, bought us from the Evil One to whom we had sold ourselves for meager price, and set His seal of ownership on us. Solely because of His mark, we who were once destined for destruction are now people of great worth. So Isaiah exults - God says, “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. .... that’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you." (Isaiah 43:1,4 The Message)
When we take hold of that truth, owning it by faith, we are changed. Despair gives way to hope. Striving gives way to contentment. We are less tempted to give ourselves to worthless pursuits because we are now owned by God, with a high and holy calling to serve Him as 'vessels of honor.' Yes, redemption makes us holy people- transforming us from slaves to free persons, from sinners into saints. Whatever we once were, we are no longer because Jesus Christ redeemed us from death.
Pray to know that Truth! Ponder it, meditate on it. Thank God for loving you when you were worthless, wasting your life.
It's my song today. I am joyful in it. I've been redeemed.
________________________
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell!
I know that the light of His presence,
With me doth continually dwell.
I think of my blessed Redeemer;
I think of Him all the day long.
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of song.
I know I shall see His beauty
The King, in whose law I delight,
Who lovingly gaurdeth my footsteps
And giveth me songs in the night.
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed
Crosby, Fanny J. / Butler, Aubrey L.
© 1966, 1967 Broadman Press ARR Distributed by Genevox Music Group
CCLI License No. 810055
Have you been redeemed?
The question is an important one! Redemption is a theme throughout the Scripture. The Bible tells us that we are devalued by sin, that we are destined for the garbage heap of eternity, except for Divine redemption! "For thus says the Lord: “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money. ....Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. " (Isaiah 52:3, 9 NKJV) Our lives, destroyed by disobedience, are given eternal value, but not because we have done great thing to achieve world renown. We gain value because God, in mercy, found us, bought us from the Evil One to whom we had sold ourselves for meager price, and set His seal of ownership on us. Solely because of His mark, we who were once destined for destruction are now people of great worth. So Isaiah exults - God says, “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. .... that’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you." (Isaiah 43:1,4 The Message)
When we take hold of that truth, owning it by faith, we are changed. Despair gives way to hope. Striving gives way to contentment. We are less tempted to give ourselves to worthless pursuits because we are now owned by God, with a high and holy calling to serve Him as 'vessels of honor.' Yes, redemption makes us holy people- transforming us from slaves to free persons, from sinners into saints. Whatever we once were, we are no longer because Jesus Christ redeemed us from death.
Pray to know that Truth! Ponder it, meditate on it. Thank God for loving you when you were worthless, wasting your life.
It's my song today. I am joyful in it. I've been redeemed.
________________________
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell!
I know that the light of His presence,
With me doth continually dwell.
I think of my blessed Redeemer;
I think of Him all the day long.
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of song.
I know I shall see His beauty
The King, in whose law I delight,
Who lovingly gaurdeth my footsteps
And giveth me songs in the night.
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
Redeemed
Crosby, Fanny J. / Butler, Aubrey L.
© 1966, 1967 Broadman Press ARR Distributed by Genevox Music Group
CCLI License No. 810055
Monday, January 08, 2007
Not 'me,' but 'we'
The world functions around power. Need to settle a political dispute? Line up the allies and pressure the errant state into compliance. If that fails, send in the army! Whether we realize it or not, American society functions as well as it does, in large part, because of power! Author Donald Miller observed that what makes America great is her justice system where the majority uses the courts and police to keep everybody in line! He's a cynic, to be sure. There are a lot of wonderful things about our nation that make her great besides her police force. Never the less, he's got a point. We live reasonably secure lives because we have empowered police to remove the bad guys from among us. Even on a personal level, we tend to use power to shape situations the way we want them to be. When there is a problem, we find the pressure point and lean on it to bring the other person around to our point of view.
But... you knew there was a 'but' coming soon, didn't you? ...Believers are instructed to focus away from power in their lives. The genuine relationships of the Church should not be based on power tactics. As a leader of a local church, I am both tempted and tested by the use of power. I am tempted to use whatever limited power I have to make people who live in my little sphere of influence 'get with the program.' I humbly admit that too often I have succumbed to that temptation when faced with a person who makes my life and ministry difficult. And I am tested, on a regular basis, by the power plays of individuals who become vocal critics hoping to force a change in me or church programs, who threaten to withhold financial support, or who 'boycott' the meetings of the church to get the attention of the board who they hope will lean on me for change.
Take a look at what the Scripture says about this. "Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people." (Ephesians 4:2-4, CEV)
Imagine living without resorting to power tactics, without threatening anyone, ever? That's what the Lord asks of us. It sounds so naive, but it what He desires from us. Our security and our personal happiness are not found in forcing our way or intimidation. They are found in giving away ourselves and becoming a part of God's work. "Be humble!" is not the prescription for worldly success. When I was young, my late uncle advised me about capturing attention and making my way in the world with this parody of a Bible verse, "He who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted!" But, Uncle Dean was wrong. God's way is humility, serving without notice and taking joy from the opportunities that God gives - great or small. The gentleness that the Lord asks of us is an expression of ultimate trust in Him! A gentle person is not lacking in backbone or courage, though he is often perceived in that way. He is a person of amazing courage who has set aside power and decided to seek a greater good than his own agenda or his own comfort.
I am heartened that the passage I quoted gives a nod to the difficulties of human relationships. "Patiently put up with each other!" lets me know that people will be people: cranky, headstrong, selfish, and immature. (Me, too, from time to time.) The church is not a utopian community where 'never is heard a discouraging word.' It is an imperfect community of people 'in process,' who are called to choose patience over power, where we move - together- toward the calling of God - s l o w l y - but steadily as the Spirit leads us. And we are told to "Love each other!"
We make much of love, but understand it so little. Love is reduced, so often, to a expression of the ephemeral expression of our emotions. Love, as portrayed in the New Testament, is a robust thing, a choice from which all other choices flow. The model for our love is the love of Christ - which caused Him to enter the world, to live as an ordinary Man, and to walk boldly to the Cross, where He died an excruciating death and allowed our sins to alienate Him from the Father. And, why? Because of love - for you, for me. The quality of His love, which compelled amazing sacrifice, is far removed from the syrupy emotionalism that we mistake for love in our Christian relationships, isn't it? We are barely willing to put up with another's irritating habits or quirks, to say nothing of actually living with them for 30 years, fully entering into their experience, and then dying for them!
I propose an experiment for us today. When tempted to use power to gain compliance from another, even in the little things of life, choose the way of humble and gentle love. Let love compel you to step boldly into the other person's life, even for a moment, and then ask the Holy Spirit, how He wants you to respond. It will lead you to some amazing, awkward, and perhaps even Christ-honoring moments. And it will surely please the Father.
__________________
Love Divine-- Wesley, Charles / Zundel, John
Love divine, all love excelling,
Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion;
Pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter ev'ry trembling heart.
Breathe, oh breathe, Thy loving Spirit
Into ev'ry troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver;
Let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in Thee:
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
© Public Domain
CCLI License No. 810055
But... you knew there was a 'but' coming soon, didn't you? ...Believers are instructed to focus away from power in their lives. The genuine relationships of the Church should not be based on power tactics. As a leader of a local church, I am both tempted and tested by the use of power. I am tempted to use whatever limited power I have to make people who live in my little sphere of influence 'get with the program.' I humbly admit that too often I have succumbed to that temptation when faced with a person who makes my life and ministry difficult. And I am tested, on a regular basis, by the power plays of individuals who become vocal critics hoping to force a change in me or church programs, who threaten to withhold financial support, or who 'boycott' the meetings of the church to get the attention of the board who they hope will lean on me for change.
Take a look at what the Scripture says about this. "Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people." (Ephesians 4:2-4, CEV)
Imagine living without resorting to power tactics, without threatening anyone, ever? That's what the Lord asks of us. It sounds so naive, but it what He desires from us. Our security and our personal happiness are not found in forcing our way or intimidation. They are found in giving away ourselves and becoming a part of God's work. "Be humble!" is not the prescription for worldly success. When I was young, my late uncle advised me about capturing attention and making my way in the world with this parody of a Bible verse, "He who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted!" But, Uncle Dean was wrong. God's way is humility, serving without notice and taking joy from the opportunities that God gives - great or small. The gentleness that the Lord asks of us is an expression of ultimate trust in Him! A gentle person is not lacking in backbone or courage, though he is often perceived in that way. He is a person of amazing courage who has set aside power and decided to seek a greater good than his own agenda or his own comfort.
I am heartened that the passage I quoted gives a nod to the difficulties of human relationships. "Patiently put up with each other!" lets me know that people will be people: cranky, headstrong, selfish, and immature. (Me, too, from time to time.) The church is not a utopian community where 'never is heard a discouraging word.' It is an imperfect community of people 'in process,' who are called to choose patience over power, where we move - together- toward the calling of God - s l o w l y - but steadily as the Spirit leads us. And we are told to "Love each other!"
We make much of love, but understand it so little. Love is reduced, so often, to a expression of the ephemeral expression of our emotions. Love, as portrayed in the New Testament, is a robust thing, a choice from which all other choices flow. The model for our love is the love of Christ - which caused Him to enter the world, to live as an ordinary Man, and to walk boldly to the Cross, where He died an excruciating death and allowed our sins to alienate Him from the Father. And, why? Because of love - for you, for me. The quality of His love, which compelled amazing sacrifice, is far removed from the syrupy emotionalism that we mistake for love in our Christian relationships, isn't it? We are barely willing to put up with another's irritating habits or quirks, to say nothing of actually living with them for 30 years, fully entering into their experience, and then dying for them!
I propose an experiment for us today. When tempted to use power to gain compliance from another, even in the little things of life, choose the way of humble and gentle love. Let love compel you to step boldly into the other person's life, even for a moment, and then ask the Holy Spirit, how He wants you to respond. It will lead you to some amazing, awkward, and perhaps even Christ-honoring moments. And it will surely please the Father.
__________________
Love Divine-- Wesley, Charles / Zundel, John
Love divine, all love excelling,
Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion;
Pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter ev'ry trembling heart.
Breathe, oh breathe, Thy loving Spirit
Into ev'ry troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver;
Let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation,
Perfectly restored in Thee:
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
© Public Domain
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, January 05, 2007
Truth and Compassion
I could not question the young preacher's sincerity about his desire to reach out to a group of needy people. He had met a group of Christian people who were homosexuals. As they told him about the persecution that they felt in many churches, his heart was touched. So, he went to his study and, after some time, decided to affirm the 'gay' lifestyle as acceptable, even to the extent of celebrating ceremonies of commitment for homosexual couples. He kept repeating this line, "God loves them, and I must love them, too." He's right on that point, the importance of loving people that God loves. But, he has misunderstood grace and made a mistake in discarding clear Scriptural teaching by affirming the 'rightness' of homosexual practice.
Knowing how to accept and love people and remain truthful about the sins in their lives is a tough line to draw properly whether it's a hot button social issue we're discussing or something as pedestrian as how we handle our money! There is always a tension between truth and compassion. 50 years ago the big issue among Believers was divorce. In most evangelical churches in the 1950's and 60's, if you were a divorced person, you could attend church, but forget about participating in ministry. A divorced person couldn't teach Sunday School, serve on the church board, or distribute Communion. But, over time, we re-examined the issue and realized that while God declares He hates divorce, He permits it because we live in an imperfect world where our best intentions and our actual experiences are sometimes miles apart! Most churches have come 'round to accepting people who have experienced the sorrow of divorce while still holding onto the importance of protecting the marriage covenant as the Bible teaches, but it took a long time to work it out the tension.
Truth and compassion are not enemies! The most loving thing we can do is tell the truth - to ourselves and to others. Where the Bible is clear, we cannot rewrite the standards of righteousness to fit our need to be compassionate. But, we cannot allow our fears to cause us to use the Bible like a Gospel gun, shooting down those who fail to meet the standard. Our presentation of Truth must always be redemptive, full of hope, gentle, and respectful. That is where I believe many Bible Believers run off the road! They fail to understand the brokenness that sin causes and beat up the sinner for their sin, instead of weeping with the sinner, hoping and praying for an opportunity to love them to wholeness.
Jesus told a story that is familiar, yet compelling. A man asked the Lord, "Who is my neighbor?" In other words, "Who does God expect me to care for and love?" "Jesus answered by telling a story.
“There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’
“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” " (Luke 10:30-37, The Message)
That's a story with profound implications for spiritual care of others! When we see somebody that Satan has beaten up, who has fallen into the grip of sin - big or small - our natural response is to stay away. We don't want to be contaminated, to be 'infected' with their sin, so we are tempted just go to the other side of the road, feigning blindness. If that is our response, we sin, too! We fail the person in need and we fail in our God-given mission. We perpetuate the 'us vs. them' mentality that Jesus condemned.
He chose a Samaritan as the hero for his story because Samaritans were despised as spiritually inferior, and they knew it! If we realize that the only difference between us and someone at the side of the road of life, bleeding from the Devil's attacks, is the grace of God, that we not inherently superior because we are not in that particular place, we will not approach the half-dead sinner with anything except compassion. We will find ourselves incapable of even thinking, "He made his bed, so let him lie in it! Stupid person!" Instead, we will realize - "But for the grace of God, it would be me lying there, broken and bleeding." And with a joyful heart we will put the broken person in our car and make sure they feel loved, cared for, and accepted.
When they know we care about them, really really care, we will have ample opportunities to talk about their spiritual needs and the cure for sin that is found in Jesus Christ. But their salvation ultimately is God's business, not ours. We are not Saviors! We are just people who were once broken, that God found and healed, and commissioned to go and find others who are laying beside the road.
But I also note that the Samaritan didn't lay down with the beaten man, saying, "Hey, fellow, what's it feel like to lay here on the road? Is it a great thing to be bleeding like that? I think I'll whack myself on the head so I can feel your pain and bleed with you." That's just nuts! He saw the man's real need was not somebody to bleed with him, but someone to pick him up and get help!
God help us to know how to reach out with the right combination of Truth and Compassion. May He keep us from becoming complacent in His love and failing to deal with our own sins, and also keep us from living neurotic and perfectionist lives, because we fail to receive amazing grace offered to us in Christ.
______________________
Jesus, thank you for loving me.
Help me to love others.
I need Your wisdom to balance truth with compassion.
Help! Amen
Knowing how to accept and love people and remain truthful about the sins in their lives is a tough line to draw properly whether it's a hot button social issue we're discussing or something as pedestrian as how we handle our money! There is always a tension between truth and compassion. 50 years ago the big issue among Believers was divorce. In most evangelical churches in the 1950's and 60's, if you were a divorced person, you could attend church, but forget about participating in ministry. A divorced person couldn't teach Sunday School, serve on the church board, or distribute Communion. But, over time, we re-examined the issue and realized that while God declares He hates divorce, He permits it because we live in an imperfect world where our best intentions and our actual experiences are sometimes miles apart! Most churches have come 'round to accepting people who have experienced the sorrow of divorce while still holding onto the importance of protecting the marriage covenant as the Bible teaches, but it took a long time to work it out the tension.
Truth and compassion are not enemies! The most loving thing we can do is tell the truth - to ourselves and to others. Where the Bible is clear, we cannot rewrite the standards of righteousness to fit our need to be compassionate. But, we cannot allow our fears to cause us to use the Bible like a Gospel gun, shooting down those who fail to meet the standard. Our presentation of Truth must always be redemptive, full of hope, gentle, and respectful. That is where I believe many Bible Believers run off the road! They fail to understand the brokenness that sin causes and beat up the sinner for their sin, instead of weeping with the sinner, hoping and praying for an opportunity to love them to wholeness.
Jesus told a story that is familiar, yet compelling. A man asked the Lord, "Who is my neighbor?" In other words, "Who does God expect me to care for and love?" "Jesus answered by telling a story.
“There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’
“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” " (Luke 10:30-37, The Message)
That's a story with profound implications for spiritual care of others! When we see somebody that Satan has beaten up, who has fallen into the grip of sin - big or small - our natural response is to stay away. We don't want to be contaminated, to be 'infected' with their sin, so we are tempted just go to the other side of the road, feigning blindness. If that is our response, we sin, too! We fail the person in need and we fail in our God-given mission. We perpetuate the 'us vs. them' mentality that Jesus condemned.
He chose a Samaritan as the hero for his story because Samaritans were despised as spiritually inferior, and they knew it! If we realize that the only difference between us and someone at the side of the road of life, bleeding from the Devil's attacks, is the grace of God, that we not inherently superior because we are not in that particular place, we will not approach the half-dead sinner with anything except compassion. We will find ourselves incapable of even thinking, "He made his bed, so let him lie in it! Stupid person!" Instead, we will realize - "But for the grace of God, it would be me lying there, broken and bleeding." And with a joyful heart we will put the broken person in our car and make sure they feel loved, cared for, and accepted.
When they know we care about them, really really care, we will have ample opportunities to talk about their spiritual needs and the cure for sin that is found in Jesus Christ. But their salvation ultimately is God's business, not ours. We are not Saviors! We are just people who were once broken, that God found and healed, and commissioned to go and find others who are laying beside the road.
But I also note that the Samaritan didn't lay down with the beaten man, saying, "Hey, fellow, what's it feel like to lay here on the road? Is it a great thing to be bleeding like that? I think I'll whack myself on the head so I can feel your pain and bleed with you." That's just nuts! He saw the man's real need was not somebody to bleed with him, but someone to pick him up and get help!
God help us to know how to reach out with the right combination of Truth and Compassion. May He keep us from becoming complacent in His love and failing to deal with our own sins, and also keep us from living neurotic and perfectionist lives, because we fail to receive amazing grace offered to us in Christ.
______________________
Jesus, thank you for loving me.
Help me to love others.
I need Your wisdom to balance truth with compassion.
Help! Amen
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Maturity- Being 'in charge' of Me
Are you living like a perpetual teenager with poor impulse control, unable or unwilling to choose the best path when there is no one 'in charge?' One of the frightening things about parenting a teenager is that he old enough to act somewhat independently, but usually is lacking the ability to monitor and regulate his own behavior. For example, when you hand him the keys to the car, you may be confident in his ability to operate the automobile's controls, but you're much less confident about his good judgment. Dr. Henry Cloud writes, "It is one thing to drive safely when you look in the rearview mirror and see a policeman. That is external feedback. It is another thing to drive safely when you're out on the road by yourself. That is maturity." (Integrity, Collins, 2006) Many Christians who ought to be mature in the Lord and capable of making choices that lead to a Christ-honoring life, are still in the grip of their emotions and impulses. Their appetites rage out of control. They appear to be unable to step up to the inconvenient, the unpleasant, or the difficult choices today that would lead them to a better life tomorrow.
I once thought that maturity would free me from making mistakes all together. But that did not factor in two important issues - that I do not always have all the facts I need to make a 'perfect' decision; and I am a sinful man who cannot always life above the temptations of this life because I am broken. I now know that maturity, emotional and intellectual, allows me to step outside of myself and see what I am doing or have done. Maturity causes me to correct my actions, bringing them in line with God's will and acceptable standards, without waiting for someone else to threaten punishment or to enforce the rules. When the mature person realizes that he has made a mistake, first; he owns his choice without shifting blame, and second; he proactively adjusts his actions to avoid compounding the error. Maturity doesn't mean, "I can do it all myself." It means, "I take charge of me and seek whatever resources I need to become the person that God wants me to be."
The Word challenges us to maturity.
"...be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
...we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ,
...Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.
Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ.
Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.
Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes." (Ephesians 4:13-23, NLT)
Do you see the keys to maturity that are revealed in that passage?
There is vision. Look at Christ. Study His life and measure yourself by Him! We won't grow up if we are content to use lesser standards.
There is truth. Know the truth, accept the truth, and relentlessly insist on living in the truth - even when it's not pleasant.
There is choice. Understand that there is right and there is wrong! Then choose. Note the strong action phrase, "throw off your old evil nature." If we want to grow up, we cannot just be passive, waiting for someone to do the hard work for us. We must take the old ways off like old dirty clothes and toss them aside in the trash!
Then the same passage says this - "...put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24, NIV) The Word is not telling us to 'put on' as in pretending to be someone we are not, as an actor 'puts on' a costume or makeup to change his appearance. Rather we are to take Christ and put the life He gives us in place in our life! We are called to take the steps necessary to change our behavior so that we are truly holy.
Here at the beginning of 2007, let me encourage you to 'grow up!' If you're making excuses for eating too much, having a mouth that is out of control, or failing to meet God's high expectations - Stop! Tell yourself, "I am 'in charge' of Me!" Prayerfully seek a new vision of who God wants you to be. Face the truth and allow others to hold a mirror up for you. And "put on" Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to practice the disciplines of grace that create openings into your soul where you are changed from the inside out.
"So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; ... let's get on with it." (Hebrews 6:1, 3 The Message)
I once thought that maturity would free me from making mistakes all together. But that did not factor in two important issues - that I do not always have all the facts I need to make a 'perfect' decision; and I am a sinful man who cannot always life above the temptations of this life because I am broken. I now know that maturity, emotional and intellectual, allows me to step outside of myself and see what I am doing or have done. Maturity causes me to correct my actions, bringing them in line with God's will and acceptable standards, without waiting for someone else to threaten punishment or to enforce the rules. When the mature person realizes that he has made a mistake, first; he owns his choice without shifting blame, and second; he proactively adjusts his actions to avoid compounding the error. Maturity doesn't mean, "I can do it all myself." It means, "I take charge of me and seek whatever resources I need to become the person that God wants me to be."
The Word challenges us to maturity.
"...be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
...we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ,
...Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.
Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ.
Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.
Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes." (Ephesians 4:13-23, NLT)
Do you see the keys to maturity that are revealed in that passage?
There is vision. Look at Christ. Study His life and measure yourself by Him! We won't grow up if we are content to use lesser standards.
There is truth. Know the truth, accept the truth, and relentlessly insist on living in the truth - even when it's not pleasant.
There is choice. Understand that there is right and there is wrong! Then choose. Note the strong action phrase, "throw off your old evil nature." If we want to grow up, we cannot just be passive, waiting for someone to do the hard work for us. We must take the old ways off like old dirty clothes and toss them aside in the trash!
Then the same passage says this - "...put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24, NIV) The Word is not telling us to 'put on' as in pretending to be someone we are not, as an actor 'puts on' a costume or makeup to change his appearance. Rather we are to take Christ and put the life He gives us in place in our life! We are called to take the steps necessary to change our behavior so that we are truly holy.
Here at the beginning of 2007, let me encourage you to 'grow up!' If you're making excuses for eating too much, having a mouth that is out of control, or failing to meet God's high expectations - Stop! Tell yourself, "I am 'in charge' of Me!" Prayerfully seek a new vision of who God wants you to be. Face the truth and allow others to hold a mirror up for you. And "put on" Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to practice the disciplines of grace that create openings into your soul where you are changed from the inside out.
"So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; ... let's get on with it." (Hebrews 6:1, 3 The Message)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
"I thank God for you."
My e-mail's inbox had a special letter in it today. Dave has been a Believer for nearly 30 years. He has journeyed through various stages and been part of several churches in that span, but he wrote to express thanks for the solid spiritual foundation that was laid for him by the ministry of my Dad. "We have realized how blessed we were to have been part of the Washington Assembly of God back in those late 70’s early 80’s days. The solid teaching, gifts of the Spirit and what we learned about worship has carried us through difficult times over the years. We are very thankful that we had the privilege to sit under the ministry of your father." Most touching about the email, though, were the little things he remembered, like the day, only the 2nd Sunday he attended the church, when he asked my Dad where he could a Bible and Dad handed him his own nearly new, leather bound, study Bible - opening it and inscribing - “To my friend, David, may this be the light of your life. God Bless, Pastor Scott.” Dad doesn't just talk about being a Christian, he lives it. He is a Believer - everyday, everywhere, in big ways and small ways. Is he flawless? No, and neither am I. (I'm fairly certain you're not perfect yet, either.) But, he is consistent in his love for God and others. And after 72 years here on this planet, he's touched more lives than I know, by just being the man God wants him to be.
The Bible urges each one of us to "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." (Ephesians 4:1, NKJV) Our daily lives (that is what 'walk' means in that context) must be characterized by the Spirit's goodness, lived in a way that honors our Lord! A life that is worthy does not simply appear in the big moments, the grand gestures. It becomes evident over time in the ordinary kindness, the thoughtfulness, the selflessness that God desires of us. Know this, too; a worthy life is not calculated or forced. We live out of who we are at the core of our being. We will not live as a gracious, generous, Christ-honoring person if that is not who we really are in our core character. Jesus observed, "the mouth speaks what is in the heart."
Want to live a life worthy of the Lord, one that honors Jesus?
First, go the Cross and receive Christ, as Savior and Lord. Then, pray for a changed heart and begin to practice the spiritual disciplines that create channels into the core of your character for the inflow of the Holy Spirit's life-giving power. The person whose very heart is godly has integrity. This kind of integrity will bring honor to the Lord Jesus. Others will give thanks for us as the goodness of God splashes over into their lives. It is a life that of maturity, that knows self-regulation, and is lived 'on purpose.'
At the beginning of 2007, let me encourage you to join me on bended knee, humble before God, praying that He will pour out His grace - making us Believers who live without any gap between the faith we profess and our day to day deeds!
When others think of you, of the time they spent in your presence, let it be with thoughts of joy, of thankfulness to God for the ways your actions blessed them. "Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy." (Philippians 1:3-5, CEV)
________________________________
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove true
Every moment you live.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Make Me A Blessing
Author: Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
Copyright: Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
The Bible urges each one of us to "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." (Ephesians 4:1, NKJV) Our daily lives (that is what 'walk' means in that context) must be characterized by the Spirit's goodness, lived in a way that honors our Lord! A life that is worthy does not simply appear in the big moments, the grand gestures. It becomes evident over time in the ordinary kindness, the thoughtfulness, the selflessness that God desires of us. Know this, too; a worthy life is not calculated or forced. We live out of who we are at the core of our being. We will not live as a gracious, generous, Christ-honoring person if that is not who we really are in our core character. Jesus observed, "the mouth speaks what is in the heart."
Want to live a life worthy of the Lord, one that honors Jesus?
First, go the Cross and receive Christ, as Savior and Lord. Then, pray for a changed heart and begin to practice the spiritual disciplines that create channels into the core of your character for the inflow of the Holy Spirit's life-giving power. The person whose very heart is godly has integrity. This kind of integrity will bring honor to the Lord Jesus. Others will give thanks for us as the goodness of God splashes over into their lives. It is a life that of maturity, that knows self-regulation, and is lived 'on purpose.'
At the beginning of 2007, let me encourage you to join me on bended knee, humble before God, praying that He will pour out His grace - making us Believers who live without any gap between the faith we profess and our day to day deeds!
When others think of you, of the time they spent in your presence, let it be with thoughts of joy, of thankfulness to God for the ways your actions blessed them. "Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy." (Philippians 1:3-5, CEV)
________________________________
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow'r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove true
Every moment you live.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Make Me A Blessing
Author: Wilson, Ira B. / Schuler, George S.
Copyright: Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
You're so different from me!
My brothers and sisters gathered at my parent's home yesterday. What a group! There are 13 of us, including the adopted children, and despite having the same parents, we are different - very different. We have chosen different careers, live in different locations, and chose very different ways to distinguish ourselves. Our ages span almost 40 years, a full generation! When we get together it's so easy to just notice how different we are instead of what connects us, bonding us into a family. When we get together, we re-tell our stories, share a meal, and remind ourselves that despite our diversity, we are 'the Scott family.' It's an empowering experience.
All people associate in groups; and they conform to the group's norm, and they consciously and sometimes unconsciously exclude those who are 'non-conforming.' If you don't believe it, go to a place where you're the only one of a different race or skin color, or visit a tightly knit organization as an outsider who does not know the 'code.' That sense of discomfort you will inevitably feel comes both from inside yourself and from the exclusion communicated in subtle ways to you by those who are already in. Observe children in school and, in a short time, you will be able to determine who is 'in' and setting the group standard, who is 'out' eliminated from the circle, and the players who are trying hard to adopt the group's look in an attempt to move into the center of the group from the lonely edges. The conformity thing is not all bad. Admittedly, groups can become a means of exploitation, empowering those only interested in selfish gain, such as a street gang. But, groups can also be a means of creating trust, community, where synergy allows us to accomplish goals that would be way out of reach for any one person.
When difference is overly noticed, the inevitable result is discrimination and creation of structures of exclusion that perpetuate privilege for the 'insiders.' Those of us who follow Jesus Christ must not allow ourselves to become people who exclude, who create walls that divide the 'in' from the 'out.' It's so easy to do, because it is so natural to our humanity, and because it is so psychologically comforting to 'fit in' and then to close the door behind ourselves, shutting out those who would disturb the status quo. Our Lord said, “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family." (Matthew 5:9, The Message) We reach out to others and bring them 'in' because God reached out to us and brought us 'in.'
This is powerfully illustrated from the life of the first generation Church. The message of Christ was first adopted by Jews who accepted Jesus as their Messiah, but within a few years, first Peter and then Paul, were directed by the Holy Spirit to take the Good News of Jesus to those in the wider world. Many Jewish Believers resisted that, believing that the first covenant's religious laws (Sabbath rules, kosher dietary laws, and the rite of circumcision) had to be observed by anyone who wanted into the family of God.. In other words, they thought you had to become a Jew before you could become a Christian. But Paul, inspired by the Spirit, said that Jesus had a new plan - a plan to include those who were once excluded. Take a look - "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away (Gentiles) have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, (Jew and Gentile) thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." (Ephesians 2:13-18, NIV)
Those who would belong to God no longer celebrate their differences! They come together around the Cross of Christ, in the bond of the Spirit. Jew and Gentile, male and female, rich and poor, people of all races and colors - are invited into God's family.
We celebrate our new and amazing group described by Paul - "you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians—you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28, NLT)
Do you know any 'outsiders,' people who are alone?
Invite them in, extending a welcome, going the distance to bridge the gap. As you create trust and discover common ground, you will also create opportunities to share the love of Christ.
As a Christian, are you consciously focusing on the Cross and the Spirit that bind you to others who are in the family of God, or ...
are you falling into the natural (and sinful!) pattern of playing up the differences, creating division and disunity in the Church?
Be a peace-maker!
Build up the Body.
Create unity- for God's sake. And others will say, "I knew she was a real child of God!"
__________________________________
All people associate in groups; and they conform to the group's norm, and they consciously and sometimes unconsciously exclude those who are 'non-conforming.' If you don't believe it, go to a place where you're the only one of a different race or skin color, or visit a tightly knit organization as an outsider who does not know the 'code.' That sense of discomfort you will inevitably feel comes both from inside yourself and from the exclusion communicated in subtle ways to you by those who are already in. Observe children in school and, in a short time, you will be able to determine who is 'in' and setting the group standard, who is 'out' eliminated from the circle, and the players who are trying hard to adopt the group's look in an attempt to move into the center of the group from the lonely edges. The conformity thing is not all bad. Admittedly, groups can become a means of exploitation, empowering those only interested in selfish gain, such as a street gang. But, groups can also be a means of creating trust, community, where synergy allows us to accomplish goals that would be way out of reach for any one person.
When difference is overly noticed, the inevitable result is discrimination and creation of structures of exclusion that perpetuate privilege for the 'insiders.' Those of us who follow Jesus Christ must not allow ourselves to become people who exclude, who create walls that divide the 'in' from the 'out.' It's so easy to do, because it is so natural to our humanity, and because it is so psychologically comforting to 'fit in' and then to close the door behind ourselves, shutting out those who would disturb the status quo. Our Lord said, “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family." (Matthew 5:9, The Message) We reach out to others and bring them 'in' because God reached out to us and brought us 'in.'
This is powerfully illustrated from the life of the first generation Church. The message of Christ was first adopted by Jews who accepted Jesus as their Messiah, but within a few years, first Peter and then Paul, were directed by the Holy Spirit to take the Good News of Jesus to those in the wider world. Many Jewish Believers resisted that, believing that the first covenant's religious laws (Sabbath rules, kosher dietary laws, and the rite of circumcision) had to be observed by anyone who wanted into the family of God.. In other words, they thought you had to become a Jew before you could become a Christian. But Paul, inspired by the Spirit, said that Jesus had a new plan - a plan to include those who were once excluded. Take a look - "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away (Gentiles) have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, (Jew and Gentile) thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." (Ephesians 2:13-18, NIV)
Those who would belong to God no longer celebrate their differences! They come together around the Cross of Christ, in the bond of the Spirit. Jew and Gentile, male and female, rich and poor, people of all races and colors - are invited into God's family.
We celebrate our new and amazing group described by Paul - "you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians—you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28, NLT)
Do you know any 'outsiders,' people who are alone?
Invite them in, extending a welcome, going the distance to bridge the gap. As you create trust and discover common ground, you will also create opportunities to share the love of Christ.
As a Christian, are you consciously focusing on the Cross and the Spirit that bind you to others who are in the family of God, or ...
are you falling into the natural (and sinful!) pattern of playing up the differences, creating division and disunity in the Church?
Be a peace-maker!
Build up the Body.
Create unity- for God's sake. And others will say, "I knew she was a real child of God!"
__________________________________
Monday, January 01, 2007
Musing in the opening hours of 2007
More than a few of us somehow awakened this January 1,2007 with the assumption that this year would finally be the 'one' - the year that we get thinner, or richer, or married, or un-married, or that we'll fall in love, or that we will forgive that person who hurt us badly last year, or... well, come on - you're kind of hoping for something to get better this year, aren't you? Each of us hopes in one way or another. What better time to renew our dreams than right at the start of a new year? Truthfully, I am eager for 2007, but not because I'm running from something. I'm running to Someone! I enjoyed many blessings, big and small, in '06. My family is healthy and prosperous, my kids and grandkids all doing reasonably well, thank the Lord. Bev and I became homeowners last year. It's not a big deal in terms of the world, but it was a blessings to us. Our church agreed to sell us the parsonage so we could start to prepare in earnest for that time when we retire in 20 years. Yes, we're a little late, but better late than never, right? More significantly, I came to know the Lord in a fuller way - which, paradoxically, only increased my hunger for Him and my desire to share Him with others.
It's not all joy and light, however. Spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally I am a work in progress! I like that old saying, "Be patient with me. God is not finished with me yet!" For you see, there are rooms in my heart house that need to be renovated by the Spirit of God. I pray He will enter them with His transforming grace in 2007. I hope for new victories in 2007 with faith that is founded on His promises and my experience of His amazing grace over the years. And, too, my heart continues to be broken by the death and suffering that millions endure in places like the Darfur region of the Sudan, Iraq, and North Korea. The plight of millions in our inner cities that are gripped by poverty and crime causes me to pray with urgency. I pray and hope that this new year will bring us some wise leaders who will join in the work of the Spirit of God in defeating dark, ugly demons that feed on human terror and agony!
Then, too, I hope for a change in the overall state of the Christian church in America, described so fittingly with Jesus' words to the ancient church in the city of Laodicea: "You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see." (Revelation 3:16-18, The Message) My prayer today is that the Lord will begin a work of renewal - and start with me! I want more than a temporary surge of spiritual fervor, more than comfort. I pray for real and lasting passion for the things of God, a passion that is paired with courage to live in His will regardless of the cost.
For what are you longing today?
Dream big. Hope for great things. Enlarge the vision that feeds your prayers. Don't just pray for a few more dollars in your pocket or for favor on the job. Yes, it's just fine to take those things to God in prayer, but ask the Spirit to help you to pray for the Kingdom to be established - in you and in this old world. James reminds us that "the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)
Happy New Year, friend.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power,
together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:16-21, NIV)
_____________________________
Father, I come to you this first day of this new year,
hopefully and prayerfully, asking that You will do a new work
in my heart and mind, a transformational work that makes me
fit for Your service, ready to be the person you want me to be.
I pray this hopefully remembering that You
defeated a giant using a teenage boy and his slingshot;
remembering that you called a young peasant woman
to bear Your Son and to bless this world;
remembering that you took an uneducated and unsophisticated fisherman named Simon
and filled Him with Your Spirit making him a rock in your Church,
and that You have him new name- Peter - that reflected the transformation!
So, I believe you can use me.
"Here I am, send me." is my hopeful prayer,
prayed in the Name of Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord -
of the world and of my life. Amen.
It's not all joy and light, however. Spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally I am a work in progress! I like that old saying, "Be patient with me. God is not finished with me yet!" For you see, there are rooms in my heart house that need to be renovated by the Spirit of God. I pray He will enter them with His transforming grace in 2007. I hope for new victories in 2007 with faith that is founded on His promises and my experience of His amazing grace over the years. And, too, my heart continues to be broken by the death and suffering that millions endure in places like the Darfur region of the Sudan, Iraq, and North Korea. The plight of millions in our inner cities that are gripped by poverty and crime causes me to pray with urgency. I pray and hope that this new year will bring us some wise leaders who will join in the work of the Spirit of God in defeating dark, ugly demons that feed on human terror and agony!
Then, too, I hope for a change in the overall state of the Christian church in America, described so fittingly with Jesus' words to the ancient church in the city of Laodicea: "You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see." (Revelation 3:16-18, The Message) My prayer today is that the Lord will begin a work of renewal - and start with me! I want more than a temporary surge of spiritual fervor, more than comfort. I pray for real and lasting passion for the things of God, a passion that is paired with courage to live in His will regardless of the cost.
For what are you longing today?
Dream big. Hope for great things. Enlarge the vision that feeds your prayers. Don't just pray for a few more dollars in your pocket or for favor on the job. Yes, it's just fine to take those things to God in prayer, but ask the Spirit to help you to pray for the Kingdom to be established - in you and in this old world. James reminds us that "the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)
Happy New Year, friend.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power,
together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:16-21, NIV)
_____________________________
Father, I come to you this first day of this new year,
hopefully and prayerfully, asking that You will do a new work
in my heart and mind, a transformational work that makes me
fit for Your service, ready to be the person you want me to be.
I pray this hopefully remembering that You
defeated a giant using a teenage boy and his slingshot;
remembering that you called a young peasant woman
to bear Your Son and to bless this world;
remembering that you took an uneducated and unsophisticated fisherman named Simon
and filled Him with Your Spirit making him a rock in your Church,
and that You have him new name- Peter - that reflected the transformation!
So, I believe you can use me.
"Here I am, send me." is my hopeful prayer,
prayed in the Name of Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord -
of the world and of my life. Amen.
Friday, December 22, 2006
And a Merry Christmas to all!
"Have a happy holiday, sir." the service attendant said as we closed the transaction, "and a Merry Christmas to you," I replied. "Merry Christmas!" he then said, with obvious enthusiasm. "Hey, guys, # 4 for Merry Christmas," he shouted to his co-workers in the shop with obvious glee. He then explained that the policy of the company forbade him to extned the traditional Christmas greeting to customers unless that customer said it first! The greeting was so rare, he said, that they were now keeping count. I was number four that week. The little exchange made me laugh. I guess all the noise that some people made about keeping Christ is Christmas is having some effect.
But, it isn't really a matter of words, is it? It's easy to wish somebody a Merry Christmas, but much more difficult to share the Christ of Christmas. A day after that incident in that auto service establishment, I went to our local county jail to conduct a service. Six men showed up and we sang Christmas carols together with gusto as I plunked out the tunes on my electric keyboard. We sounded nothing like the Mormon Tabernacle choir, to be sure, but we glorified God with worship. Emotion is off-limits for men who are behind bars, but there was a glint of tears in their eyes when we sang. We opened our Bibles to Romans and talked about the gift of God - eternal life - that Jesus Christ brought to us when He came to love us and to die for our sins. We were still having an animated discussion about God's love and our forgiveness when the officer knocked on the door to tell us that our time was up. It was much more than just a "Merry Christmas," and a wave! I had the opportunity to actually share the Christ of Christmas.
I sincerely hope that you will go beyond a cheery greeting, do more than share some brightly wrapped gifts with friends and family, in celebrating this wonderful Season. Don't settle for just a "Happy Holiday!" Make it a real "Merry Christmas," by remembering Jesus Christ and His love. Pull out your Bible on Christmas morning and ask your family if you can read them the story from the 2nd chapter of Luke's Gospel. Take a cue from Mary, the mother of Jesus, who heard the shepherd's report of angels in the sky, singing of a Messiah in a manger, and she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19, NIV)
Meditate on the amazing fact that the Lord of Creation stepped over the threshold of time and space to become a Baby, that He submitted Himself to life as we know it, being "tempted in every way as we are," (Hebrews 4:15) so He is able to be our Great High Priest now in God's Holy Presence, interceding for us. Remember that He was purposefully born to die - the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world (and mine; and yours!)
Make sure to include times of personal and corporate worship in your celebration, too. Bow before the King of Glory and offer Him, anew, your life. It is the only Gift that is fitting for Him.
And my prayer is that you will have a Joyous Christmas, fillled with the Presence of the Lord Christ, Jesus our Savior.
___________________________
The words of this carol are familiar, but as you read them today- really read them!
They are amazing, wonderful, and tell the story inside and out.
Hark The Herald Angels Sing-- Wesley, Charles / Mendelssohn, Felix
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Christ, by highest heav'n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail, the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Come, Desire of nations, come!
Fix in us Thy humble home.
Rise, the woman's conqu'ring seed,
Bruise in us the serpent's head;
Adam's likeness now efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place;
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
© Public Domain
But, it isn't really a matter of words, is it? It's easy to wish somebody a Merry Christmas, but much more difficult to share the Christ of Christmas. A day after that incident in that auto service establishment, I went to our local county jail to conduct a service. Six men showed up and we sang Christmas carols together with gusto as I plunked out the tunes on my electric keyboard. We sounded nothing like the Mormon Tabernacle choir, to be sure, but we glorified God with worship. Emotion is off-limits for men who are behind bars, but there was a glint of tears in their eyes when we sang. We opened our Bibles to Romans and talked about the gift of God - eternal life - that Jesus Christ brought to us when He came to love us and to die for our sins. We were still having an animated discussion about God's love and our forgiveness when the officer knocked on the door to tell us that our time was up. It was much more than just a "Merry Christmas," and a wave! I had the opportunity to actually share the Christ of Christmas.
I sincerely hope that you will go beyond a cheery greeting, do more than share some brightly wrapped gifts with friends and family, in celebrating this wonderful Season. Don't settle for just a "Happy Holiday!" Make it a real "Merry Christmas," by remembering Jesus Christ and His love. Pull out your Bible on Christmas morning and ask your family if you can read them the story from the 2nd chapter of Luke's Gospel. Take a cue from Mary, the mother of Jesus, who heard the shepherd's report of angels in the sky, singing of a Messiah in a manger, and she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19, NIV)
Meditate on the amazing fact that the Lord of Creation stepped over the threshold of time and space to become a Baby, that He submitted Himself to life as we know it, being "tempted in every way as we are," (Hebrews 4:15) so He is able to be our Great High Priest now in God's Holy Presence, interceding for us. Remember that He was purposefully born to die - the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world (and mine; and yours!)
Make sure to include times of personal and corporate worship in your celebration, too. Bow before the King of Glory and offer Him, anew, your life. It is the only Gift that is fitting for Him.
And my prayer is that you will have a Joyous Christmas, fillled with the Presence of the Lord Christ, Jesus our Savior.
___________________________
The words of this carol are familiar, but as you read them today- really read them!
They are amazing, wonderful, and tell the story inside and out.
Hark The Herald Angels Sing-- Wesley, Charles / Mendelssohn, Felix
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Christ, by highest heav'n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail, the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Come, Desire of nations, come!
Fix in us Thy humble home.
Rise, the woman's conqu'ring seed,
Bruise in us the serpent's head;
Adam's likeness now efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place;
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King."
© Public Domain
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
An Intentional Love
Dean pointed those of us gathered at the Men's Ministry group to John 13, where we read about Jesus washing the feet of His friends at the Last Supper. As we talked our way through the text, one thought was persistent in my mind. Jesus' actions that evening did not come from some surge of emotion at the realization that this was the last Passover He would celebrate with those 12 men. He was intentional, taking advantage of the moment to teach the the self-sacrificial quality of love that God desires in each one of us. "After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because it is true. And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet." (John 13:12-14, NLT) Dean helped to remember that Jesus also washing Judas' feet, a choice to serve the man who was about to betray Him to His enemies! Dan added that loving people out to do us wrong is possible only if we are acting in faith, honoring God with our actions, without any demand for a specific outcome.
I am asking myself, "Jerry, is your love intentional in that way? Do you choose to love, or wait for some stirring of sentiment before you act?" Serving others comes easily when they're nice, appreciative, and are capable of reciprocating my loving acts. But, what about those who are nasty, mean, selfish, and/or critical? Will I serve them with love on purpose? The questions are difficult because they reveal a very human trait in me that tends to love the lovely! Jesus puts it straight - "If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." (Luke 6:31-34, The Message)
During this Christmas time, there will be gathering that will likely bring you into contact with people at work who have tried to undermine you or who have been critical of you during the year. Are you going to 'play nice' and paste a smile over your hostility, or will you take the road of Jesus and serve them with intentional love? Extended families will gather. When you meet up with Aunt Emily, who has snubbed you too many times to count over the years, you will have an opportunity to be genuinely loving. Will you do it, for Jesus' sake?
Jesus could not have found washing the feet of those twelve men all that enjoyable! Come on, take off the rose-colored glasses and see the story for what it is. Dusty, sweaty, stinking feet of men who had walked through city streets where animals walked and emptied their bowels and bladders, where garbage was thrown.... yeah, there it is! That's where those feet had been. Now, He's holding them in His hands, washing the grime from them. No soft lighting, no violins playing the background. It isn't the movies, it is real life! His love was intentional, costly, and - best of all- life changing for those men, though not for all of them. John never forgot that moment and decades later wrote it down for us. Judas missed the lesson, went out and betrayed the Lord, and died at his own hand, filled with regrets.
Learn from Jesus. Love with intentional love, and yes, even love the unlovely.
-- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:43-45, NIV)
__________________
How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Townend, Stuart
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross.
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
© 1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
I am asking myself, "Jerry, is your love intentional in that way? Do you choose to love, or wait for some stirring of sentiment before you act?" Serving others comes easily when they're nice, appreciative, and are capable of reciprocating my loving acts. But, what about those who are nasty, mean, selfish, and/or critical? Will I serve them with love on purpose? The questions are difficult because they reveal a very human trait in me that tends to love the lovely! Jesus puts it straight - "If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." (Luke 6:31-34, The Message)
During this Christmas time, there will be gathering that will likely bring you into contact with people at work who have tried to undermine you or who have been critical of you during the year. Are you going to 'play nice' and paste a smile over your hostility, or will you take the road of Jesus and serve them with intentional love? Extended families will gather. When you meet up with Aunt Emily, who has snubbed you too many times to count over the years, you will have an opportunity to be genuinely loving. Will you do it, for Jesus' sake?
Jesus could not have found washing the feet of those twelve men all that enjoyable! Come on, take off the rose-colored glasses and see the story for what it is. Dusty, sweaty, stinking feet of men who had walked through city streets where animals walked and emptied their bowels and bladders, where garbage was thrown.... yeah, there it is! That's where those feet had been. Now, He's holding them in His hands, washing the grime from them. No soft lighting, no violins playing the background. It isn't the movies, it is real life! His love was intentional, costly, and - best of all- life changing for those men, though not for all of them. John never forgot that moment and decades later wrote it down for us. Judas missed the lesson, went out and betrayed the Lord, and died at his own hand, filled with regrets.
Learn from Jesus. Love with intentional love, and yes, even love the unlovely.
-- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:43-45, NIV)
__________________
How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Townend, Stuart
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross.
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
© 1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music
(Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
"Two are better than one!"
I watch Survivor, the CBS TV series. The season which concluded this past Sunday evening was notable for the group dynamics. This season started with 20 or so people divided into ethnic groups: African American, Latin, Asian, and Caucasian. Over the 13 weeks those divisions broke down as people realized the need to work together. By mid-season there were four people - an African American woman, an Asian man., an Asian woman, and a Latin man - who had formed a working alliance that defeated a much stronger group of twice the size. The difference? Primarily it was the level of cooperation and trust. That foursome would not allow anyone or anything to divide them fro each other and it got them successfully to the end of the show.
Nothing can replace a friend! A movie is twice as funny when viewed in the company of a companion. A project does not seem half as difficult when an extra pair of hands is available. A walk in the evening is much more enjoyable when a friend walks with you sharing the time and conversing about life. Even worship takes on an entirely different dynamic at church compared to our private devotions. Sure I can sing, "How Great Thou Art" in my living room, alone, and the words are the same. But the song is much more majestic when lifted on the voices of a hundred people joined in praise of their God and the response of my soul is different, too. When a person becomes isolated, she is much more likely to have emotional and spiritual difficulties. Despair grows like a weed in the heart of the person who has withdrawn from others because of disappointment or pain. Sin flourishes when bitterness causes us to build walls of separation. We need each other. Having a friend is not just a luxury! Dr. Dan Allender writes: "Without human relationships to provide us with encouragement and home, the world seems dangerous, cold, and profitless - in a word, meaningless. This perception leads to deeper, chronic despair when we ... escape into lonely isolation." The Cry of the Soul, NavPress
I am convinced that one of America's greatest challenges in 2007 goes beyond terrorism, crime, or the state of the economy. We have a community crisis; a breakdown of human relationships that create trust, that cause us to sacrifice for another, that provide the web work of a truly great nation. In my work with a local congregation I am deeply concerned about the need to build connections between people who occupy the church house on Sunday. It is not enough to come together just to sing some songs and hear a sermon. A church that is creating strong, healthy Christian disciples is a place that encourages relationships. But that is becoming more and more challenging in a society that celebrates radical independence, where we spend most evenings in our house watching TV instead of engaged in some activity or service involving other people. Even teenagers who usually do things in groups, are increasingly relating to each other virtually using the Internet and online places such as My Space or Facebook.
Solomon, the wise, observed: "Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)
Because of the importance of relationships the Evil One works hard to divide people from each other. Conversely, God is love! Where God is truly invited, people are drawn together in close and self-sacrificing relationships! Don't confuse "God" with religion. Religion separates people. There are few things in the world as ugly as a church fight where all kinds of "God talk" is used to attack, destroy, and demean other people. Millions of people down through history have been killed in the name of God by other's who assumed they were superior because of their 'truth.'
The Truth is demonstrated in what we celebrate at Christmas - Emmanuel - "God with us!" Our Creator would not stand at a distance to observe us like some science experiment. He desired to know us, to be with us, to walk with us, to know us. Our disobedience had created a chasm, a break in relationship, which we could not bridge, but He did - by sending us His Son to live with us, to die for us, and to invite us back into the Family, with our debt settled at His expense.
Experience the love of God by receiving the Savior. Invite the Lord of Love to touch your heart, to convince you of His care for you. Trust Him - with the good, the bad, and the ugly of life. Allow Him to forgive you for your sins, to release you from the guilt of the past, and to give you a bright hope for the future. Find a community of Believers that is more than religious, real people who are working out the implications of loving God - individually and corporately. Join them! Might you be disappointed? No, you most certainly will, for we human beings are notorious for failing each other. It is in that moment that you have a choice - follow the Devil's road into isolation, division, and ultimately into despair; or follow the way of Christ Jesus, dying to self, and embracing the people around you with love.
Here's a word from the Word to ponder today. May it speak deeply to you and help you to build bridges to people, beginning this Holy Season.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:7-11, NIV)
Nothing can replace a friend! A movie is twice as funny when viewed in the company of a companion. A project does not seem half as difficult when an extra pair of hands is available. A walk in the evening is much more enjoyable when a friend walks with you sharing the time and conversing about life. Even worship takes on an entirely different dynamic at church compared to our private devotions. Sure I can sing, "How Great Thou Art" in my living room, alone, and the words are the same. But the song is much more majestic when lifted on the voices of a hundred people joined in praise of their God and the response of my soul is different, too. When a person becomes isolated, she is much more likely to have emotional and spiritual difficulties. Despair grows like a weed in the heart of the person who has withdrawn from others because of disappointment or pain. Sin flourishes when bitterness causes us to build walls of separation. We need each other. Having a friend is not just a luxury! Dr. Dan Allender writes: "Without human relationships to provide us with encouragement and home, the world seems dangerous, cold, and profitless - in a word, meaningless. This perception leads to deeper, chronic despair when we ... escape into lonely isolation." The Cry of the Soul, NavPress
I am convinced that one of America's greatest challenges in 2007 goes beyond terrorism, crime, or the state of the economy. We have a community crisis; a breakdown of human relationships that create trust, that cause us to sacrifice for another, that provide the web work of a truly great nation. In my work with a local congregation I am deeply concerned about the need to build connections between people who occupy the church house on Sunday. It is not enough to come together just to sing some songs and hear a sermon. A church that is creating strong, healthy Christian disciples is a place that encourages relationships. But that is becoming more and more challenging in a society that celebrates radical independence, where we spend most evenings in our house watching TV instead of engaged in some activity or service involving other people. Even teenagers who usually do things in groups, are increasingly relating to each other virtually using the Internet and online places such as My Space or Facebook.
Solomon, the wise, observed: "Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)
Because of the importance of relationships the Evil One works hard to divide people from each other. Conversely, God is love! Where God is truly invited, people are drawn together in close and self-sacrificing relationships! Don't confuse "God" with religion. Religion separates people. There are few things in the world as ugly as a church fight where all kinds of "God talk" is used to attack, destroy, and demean other people. Millions of people down through history have been killed in the name of God by other's who assumed they were superior because of their 'truth.'
The Truth is demonstrated in what we celebrate at Christmas - Emmanuel - "God with us!" Our Creator would not stand at a distance to observe us like some science experiment. He desired to know us, to be with us, to walk with us, to know us. Our disobedience had created a chasm, a break in relationship, which we could not bridge, but He did - by sending us His Son to live with us, to die for us, and to invite us back into the Family, with our debt settled at His expense.
Experience the love of God by receiving the Savior. Invite the Lord of Love to touch your heart, to convince you of His care for you. Trust Him - with the good, the bad, and the ugly of life. Allow Him to forgive you for your sins, to release you from the guilt of the past, and to give you a bright hope for the future. Find a community of Believers that is more than religious, real people who are working out the implications of loving God - individually and corporately. Join them! Might you be disappointed? No, you most certainly will, for we human beings are notorious for failing each other. It is in that moment that you have a choice - follow the Devil's road into isolation, division, and ultimately into despair; or follow the way of Christ Jesus, dying to self, and embracing the people around you with love.
Here's a word from the Word to ponder today. May it speak deeply to you and help you to build bridges to people, beginning this Holy Season.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:7-11, NIV)
Monday, December 18, 2006
"Good news of great joy"
I am praying for joy this Season; joy to the world! There's so much sadness all around. Maybe I am just more aware of this than most because of my calling as a pastor. Almost everyday people with crises, big and small, enter my life. So many are like the man I'll call Sam, who stopped by my office on Saturday. I was just getting ready to go home and I heard a tentative knock on the door. I looked up to see a middle-aged man with obvious distress on his face. I opened my office and invited him in. He sat and it took a moment for him to compose himself, tears brimming in his eyes, hands wringing. "How can I help you, friend?" I asked and waited. Finally, in a quiet voice, he said, "I'm mentally ill, alone, and broke." The way that he said it was less a statement than a challenge, as he implied, 'what can you do to help with those kinds of situations?' No, he wasn't belligerent; more like desperate, I'd say. We talked for a few moments and I think the fact that someone treated him kindly, actually listening, meant as much to Sam as anything else. I promised we could help him from the church's food pantry and gave him $20 from my discretionary fund before he left. Ours was, hopefully, a conversation that will continue, because I want Sam, and the millions who are living with quiet little dramas just like him, to find the lasting joy that Jesus alone can give.
Christmas brings us a story that creates the possibility of joy; "for all the people!" With this phrase, "I bring you good news of great joy," the angel reassured a group of frightened men, shepherds who were seeing the strangest sight ever there in the field outside of Bethlehem! Shepherds of that day were not anywhere near the top of heap of society. They were a rough lot, earthy men. They were likely illiterate, almost certainly not well versed in the prophetic texts, or even all that observant of the Law. But God choose to make His announcement to them. Accidentally? Did the angels get lost on their way to the home of the mayor of Bethlehem? No, of course not. God's desire was to bring all people - shepherds from the field - and wise men from the East - to worship the Savior. And in that worship, they found joy.
My prayerful goal this Season is to bring people the joy of Jesus. I hope I can provide a little happiness this year, with some appropriate gifts. I hope that our family celebration brings us some cheerful moments. But, even more important to me is the sharing of the lasting joy of the Lord with those whose lives I touch. People like Sam, the man who stopped by my office, need more than a cheery moment or $20! They need to know God's love. Those who are working through loneliness or illness or dealing with the limitations brought on by aging, or the devastation visited on their well-being by their sins or the those who have sinned against them, won't be 'fixed' by a present or a happy song. Only in God can the find a reason for real joy, a hope that is bigger than any set of circumstances in this world.
I invite you to join me in this mission! "Hey, Jerry, we're no angels." Right you are! But we are ambassadors, God said so. We have the awesome privilege of leading others to Him, sharing with them the Hope we have found. The Bible says,
"All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins.
God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them.
We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God. " (2 Corinthians 5:18-21, The Message)
Pray for opportunities to be a bringer of joy, a messenger of hope.
If you're reading this today and you do not have real joy (not to confused with transient happiness), let me point you to Jesus. He came to be our Savior, to close the gap between the Father and ourselves. He came to give us the gift of eternal life, which we can own now, while we wait for the Second Advent of our King. Tell Him your deepest need, yes, in your own words, your own way. Ask Him to help you. His answer may not come in the way you expect, but He will come to you. He promises!
_____________________________
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o'er the plains;
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be;
Which inspire your heav'nly song?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see,
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Angels We Have Heard On High
Chadwick, James / Barnes, Edward Shippen
© Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055
Christmas brings us a story that creates the possibility of joy; "for all the people!" With this phrase, "I bring you good news of great joy," the angel reassured a group of frightened men, shepherds who were seeing the strangest sight ever there in the field outside of Bethlehem! Shepherds of that day were not anywhere near the top of heap of society. They were a rough lot, earthy men. They were likely illiterate, almost certainly not well versed in the prophetic texts, or even all that observant of the Law. But God choose to make His announcement to them. Accidentally? Did the angels get lost on their way to the home of the mayor of Bethlehem? No, of course not. God's desire was to bring all people - shepherds from the field - and wise men from the East - to worship the Savior. And in that worship, they found joy.
My prayerful goal this Season is to bring people the joy of Jesus. I hope I can provide a little happiness this year, with some appropriate gifts. I hope that our family celebration brings us some cheerful moments. But, even more important to me is the sharing of the lasting joy of the Lord with those whose lives I touch. People like Sam, the man who stopped by my office, need more than a cheery moment or $20! They need to know God's love. Those who are working through loneliness or illness or dealing with the limitations brought on by aging, or the devastation visited on their well-being by their sins or the those who have sinned against them, won't be 'fixed' by a present or a happy song. Only in God can the find a reason for real joy, a hope that is bigger than any set of circumstances in this world.
I invite you to join me in this mission! "Hey, Jerry, we're no angels." Right you are! But we are ambassadors, God said so. We have the awesome privilege of leading others to Him, sharing with them the Hope we have found. The Bible says,
"All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins.
God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them.
We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. How? you say. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God. " (2 Corinthians 5:18-21, The Message)
Pray for opportunities to be a bringer of joy, a messenger of hope.
If you're reading this today and you do not have real joy (not to confused with transient happiness), let me point you to Jesus. He came to be our Savior, to close the gap between the Father and ourselves. He came to give us the gift of eternal life, which we can own now, while we wait for the Second Advent of our King. Tell Him your deepest need, yes, in your own words, your own way. Ask Him to help you. His answer may not come in the way you expect, but He will come to you. He promises!
_____________________________
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o'er the plains;
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be;
Which inspire your heav'nly song?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see,
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Angels We Have Heard On High
Chadwick, James / Barnes, Edward Shippen
© Public Domain CCLI License No. 810055
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