Secrets of the Extraordinary
Amos answered, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd... The Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'
Amos 7:14-15 NIV
I hate to sound like one of those cheesy self-help seminar speakers, but I believe that success rewards those who are prepared. Or I will say that if you want God to use you, put yourself in a position to be used. For instance, if you feel God wants you to open your home to people, keep it clean and in order. Or, if you feel that God wants you to teach, then you should study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15). Whatever it is that God has placed in your heart, pursue it with prayer, patience, wisdom, planning and tenacity. Be prepared for the thing God is calling you into.
These words may sound well for someone with a strong will, but you may be thinking that you are average at best, merely ordinary. But if you see yourself that way, you underestimate the power of our God! God regularly takes hold of the ordinary and does extraordinary things with them. He uses the seemingly common to confound the intelligent (I Corinthians 1:27). And Amos is just such a man. He is a commoner and by some people’s standards, he is a lowly man being a sheep herder and gardener. And God raised such a man to be a prophet.
Don’t worry about what you think you can do with your own power. If you know God wants you to do something, step out in faith. He will provide what you need to accomplish the task. Don’t worry about coming from the right family or a place of prominence or even the right school. Keep in mind that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). With God, no one comes “from the wrong side of the tracks”. If you place yourself in God's path and are solely at his mercy, He will use you on His own schedule to accomplish the extraordinary.
Come to think of it, I know for sure that there is one position we can assume that will allow God to use us. It is when we are on bended knee.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Don’t quit your day job
Don’t quit your day job
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36 NIV
On the outside, people seem to be pretty relaxed about it. But on the inside, I think there is a lot of turmoil. If there is a cataclysm on December 21st, they will say that those Mayan’s were very smart and that deep down, they always knew they were right. But if nothing happens, they will say that this is proof that all religions are false. Or I should say that for them, it will be one more nail in the coffin of Faith.
Not long ago there was a television personality that brought shame on Christians around the globe. He claimed to have done the math and crunched the numbers. He came up with a date and announced that the world would end on October 21st, 2011. I heard that people actually sold their homes in preparation for the Lord’s return (if the Lord was coming back, why would they need money from the sale of their homes?). As you can see, his prediction was erroneous. And as for the Mayan calendar date of 12/21/12, I say, “Don’t quit your day job.” When speaking of the real end of the age, Jesus says that no one knows the date or time. We are able to tell when the time is near, but we will not have specifics. I would say that one should not worry about doomsday predictions or when the world will end. It is better to think about when “YOUR” world ends, will you be ready?
I hear it all the time. People say that they are, “Good”. But being a good person isn’t good enough. People say that they “do good things.” But there aren’t enough good deeds you can accomplish to secure a place in Heaven. According to the Bible, nothing but the blood of Jesus is sufficient (Hebrews 10:4 & 10). So, ask yourself, “Am I ready to stand in front of God?” Don’t wait for another prediction or for a day that has not been promised, you need to decide today.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36 NIV
On the outside, people seem to be pretty relaxed about it. But on the inside, I think there is a lot of turmoil. If there is a cataclysm on December 21st, they will say that those Mayan’s were very smart and that deep down, they always knew they were right. But if nothing happens, they will say that this is proof that all religions are false. Or I should say that for them, it will be one more nail in the coffin of Faith.
Not long ago there was a television personality that brought shame on Christians around the globe. He claimed to have done the math and crunched the numbers. He came up with a date and announced that the world would end on October 21st, 2011. I heard that people actually sold their homes in preparation for the Lord’s return (if the Lord was coming back, why would they need money from the sale of their homes?). As you can see, his prediction was erroneous. And as for the Mayan calendar date of 12/21/12, I say, “Don’t quit your day job.” When speaking of the real end of the age, Jesus says that no one knows the date or time. We are able to tell when the time is near, but we will not have specifics. I would say that one should not worry about doomsday predictions or when the world will end. It is better to think about when “YOUR” world ends, will you be ready?
I hear it all the time. People say that they are, “Good”. But being a good person isn’t good enough. People say that they “do good things.” But there aren’t enough good deeds you can accomplish to secure a place in Heaven. According to the Bible, nothing but the blood of Jesus is sufficient (Hebrews 10:4 & 10). So, ask yourself, “Am I ready to stand in front of God?” Don’t wait for another prediction or for a day that has not been promised, you need to decide today.
Friday, December 14, 2012
I have plans for you
I have plans for you
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
It takes no imagination to see the fruition of the grand plans of mankind. One would only need to cast a gaze upon the towers of a big city or to use the smallest of electronic devices. We can hear the plans of musicians or look upon the plotted scrawling of artists. But not all plans are plotted out in benevolence. Malevolent plans brought enslaved Africans to American shores and yet another plan was poured out upon the Jews of Europe during WWII. Most everyone has a plan at work in some way...
I have heard the words, "God has a plan for you" so often that I fear I have lost count. But the repetition of the promise has not caused me to loose confidence in God's ability to design and guide my steps. Though, I admit that I sometimes circumstances push us to ask some hard questions. “Did God plan out our entire existence just to suffer?” - “Did He plan our pain and suffering for ecclesiastical fun?” – “Did He plan the joyous moments too? Did He plot out my specific path to righteousness?”
What plan could God have that would require the death of His son? What grand scheme is worth the pain, suffering and trouble? Let me dare to say that the answer is you. The answer is me. We are the impetus of God's grand plan! The chaos we experience isn’t the plan, peace is the plan. Evil is not God’s plan, the good is His plan. Anticipation and a great future are the ingredients of God’s plan and promise for us.
While you may hold reservations about the plans of mankind, rest assured that God’s plan for us is one where God and mankind both benefit for the good.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
It takes no imagination to see the fruition of the grand plans of mankind. One would only need to cast a gaze upon the towers of a big city or to use the smallest of electronic devices. We can hear the plans of musicians or look upon the plotted scrawling of artists. But not all plans are plotted out in benevolence. Malevolent plans brought enslaved Africans to American shores and yet another plan was poured out upon the Jews of Europe during WWII. Most everyone has a plan at work in some way...
I have heard the words, "God has a plan for you" so often that I fear I have lost count. But the repetition of the promise has not caused me to loose confidence in God's ability to design and guide my steps. Though, I admit that I sometimes circumstances push us to ask some hard questions. “Did God plan out our entire existence just to suffer?” - “Did He plan our pain and suffering for ecclesiastical fun?” – “Did He plan the joyous moments too? Did He plot out my specific path to righteousness?”
What plan could God have that would require the death of His son? What grand scheme is worth the pain, suffering and trouble? Let me dare to say that the answer is you. The answer is me. We are the impetus of God's grand plan! The chaos we experience isn’t the plan, peace is the plan. Evil is not God’s plan, the good is His plan. Anticipation and a great future are the ingredients of God’s plan and promise for us.
While you may hold reservations about the plans of mankind, rest assured that God’s plan for us is one where God and mankind both benefit for the good.
Friday, December 7, 2012
His Heart
His Heart
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Ezekiel 33:11 NIV
I think it is a misconception to think that God loves the believer more than the unbeliever. I think that our minds are still very much in tune with the idea that performance and position deserve special merit. We think that because of our position in Christ, we deserve more of God's love than "sinners". And nothing could be farther from the truth. God's love for "us" and "them" is the same. And dare I say that love for the lost overwhelms God to the point that He would leave the ninety-nine in search of the one.
Jesus said that he came to do the will of his father (John 6:38). And in light of those words, you can find the heart of God in the expressions and actions of Christ. Jesus said that he came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). I am not looking for the healthy, but the sick (Mark 2:17). And if you follow the actions of Christ to the end you would find not only healing, not only a cross for the removal of sin and not only a promise of resurrection, but you will uncover the nearness of Christ (Mark 28:20).
One of the things that I am learning to love most about God is that His love does not stop at acquiring the bad and turning them into His own. His love goes on to attract the wicked and the base of our society. I think that every thing that goes on in the heart of God has at its roots, the reconciliation of mankind to Himself.
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Ezekiel 33:11 NIV
I think it is a misconception to think that God loves the believer more than the unbeliever. I think that our minds are still very much in tune with the idea that performance and position deserve special merit. We think that because of our position in Christ, we deserve more of God's love than "sinners". And nothing could be farther from the truth. God's love for "us" and "them" is the same. And dare I say that love for the lost overwhelms God to the point that He would leave the ninety-nine in search of the one.
Jesus said that he came to do the will of his father (John 6:38). And in light of those words, you can find the heart of God in the expressions and actions of Christ. Jesus said that he came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). I am not looking for the healthy, but the sick (Mark 2:17). And if you follow the actions of Christ to the end you would find not only healing, not only a cross for the removal of sin and not only a promise of resurrection, but you will uncover the nearness of Christ (Mark 28:20).
One of the things that I am learning to love most about God is that His love does not stop at acquiring the bad and turning them into His own. His love goes on to attract the wicked and the base of our society. I think that every thing that goes on in the heart of God has at its roots, the reconciliation of mankind to Himself.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Think Soberly
Think Soberly
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3 NIV
The fool studies himself and comes to the conclusion that there is only good. The person that thinks of him or herself as “full of good” will look at the cross-work of Christ in bewilderment for it has no point or purpose for them. The fool speaks to him or her self and says that, "Faith is foolishness. I've no need for God. He does not exist (Psalm 14:1)." For them, faith is something to exploit, not to embrace. They take no pleasure in the things of God.
A person that believes in God, that is, has accepted Christ as Lord, is a person of wisdom. A man or woman of wisdom may examine themselves and err by only looking at the bad, the things that need work. Such judgment is most certainly inebriated by the thinking-ways of this world. A sound and sober self assessment must always consider the things that God will repair and that which has been imputed by Christ.
When a Christian examines his or her life, that person must always consider the position one holds in Christ. Or in other words, look at yourself with the perspective that God holds in His gaze. He looks at you and me and sees a son or a daughter that He loves. He sees living stones that remind Him of Christ. When He observes us he sees "the chosen ones", a royal priesthood and people of praise (1 Peter 2). We have been endowed with courage, understanding, power and right standing with God. And you can't ignore that which God has given.
When you make a sober self assessment, you will most certainly find something uncomfortable. But you will also find that God has begun a great work in you. And God always finishes what He starts!
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3 NIV
The fool studies himself and comes to the conclusion that there is only good. The person that thinks of him or herself as “full of good” will look at the cross-work of Christ in bewilderment for it has no point or purpose for them. The fool speaks to him or her self and says that, "Faith is foolishness. I've no need for God. He does not exist (Psalm 14:1)." For them, faith is something to exploit, not to embrace. They take no pleasure in the things of God.
A person that believes in God, that is, has accepted Christ as Lord, is a person of wisdom. A man or woman of wisdom may examine themselves and err by only looking at the bad, the things that need work. Such judgment is most certainly inebriated by the thinking-ways of this world. A sound and sober self assessment must always consider the things that God will repair and that which has been imputed by Christ.
When a Christian examines his or her life, that person must always consider the position one holds in Christ. Or in other words, look at yourself with the perspective that God holds in His gaze. He looks at you and me and sees a son or a daughter that He loves. He sees living stones that remind Him of Christ. When He observes us he sees "the chosen ones", a royal priesthood and people of praise (1 Peter 2). We have been endowed with courage, understanding, power and right standing with God. And you can't ignore that which God has given.
When you make a sober self assessment, you will most certainly find something uncomfortable. But you will also find that God has begun a great work in you. And God always finishes what He starts!
Friday, November 23, 2012
New ain't always better
New ain't always better
Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. I John 2:22 NIV
I didn't know it had a name. On the outskirts it looks like a place to build a bridge of peace and acceptance. At some level we probably need religious tolerance. But as I move from the outskirts and get closer to the center, what seemed idyllic takes on an enormous sense of spiritual poverty. I might even call it a place of modern day heresy, or apostasy... or both.
They call it Chrislam... I can barely write it; just the title sends shivers up my spine. If Christianity and Islam got together to have a kid, Chrislam would be their offspring. Chrislam is cloaked as a "God's love" movement. But underneath, it is more than an attempt to merge two religions; it is an attack on the most deeply held truth of The Faith. If you merge the two faiths, are the people that follow Islam going to take Christ as Savior and Lord? I sincerely doubt it. The only way to merge the two faiths is to remove Christ from the picture. And you would have to because the Jesus of the Bible draws a line between himself… and every one else. Jesus didn't say, "I am one of the ways, one of the many truths and one of the many ways to get life." Jesus never endorsed an alternate route to his dad. He always claimed to be the only way. What Jesus actually said was, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” (John 14:6)
Islam teaches that Jesus (among other things) was merely a great teacher. And that type of idea attempts to remove the deity of Christ and nullify Christianity. The only way to merge Christianity and Islam into a new religion is to deny Christ. And let me say that new ain't always better.
Consider the words of today's verse very carefully. These are strong words for sure, but reflect on them cautiously none the less. Today's verse says that if we deny Christ, we become antichrists. If one denies Christ, that person is a liar. And lastly, a denial of Christ is a denial of God Himself.
Without sound doctrine, we will fall away from the faith that God has delivered to us on the shoulders of Jesus. Without sound doctrine, Chrislam sounds like a pretty good idea.
Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. I John 2:22 NIV
I didn't know it had a name. On the outskirts it looks like a place to build a bridge of peace and acceptance. At some level we probably need religious tolerance. But as I move from the outskirts and get closer to the center, what seemed idyllic takes on an enormous sense of spiritual poverty. I might even call it a place of modern day heresy, or apostasy... or both.
They call it Chrislam... I can barely write it; just the title sends shivers up my spine. If Christianity and Islam got together to have a kid, Chrislam would be their offspring. Chrislam is cloaked as a "God's love" movement. But underneath, it is more than an attempt to merge two religions; it is an attack on the most deeply held truth of The Faith. If you merge the two faiths, are the people that follow Islam going to take Christ as Savior and Lord? I sincerely doubt it. The only way to merge the two faiths is to remove Christ from the picture. And you would have to because the Jesus of the Bible draws a line between himself… and every one else. Jesus didn't say, "I am one of the ways, one of the many truths and one of the many ways to get life." Jesus never endorsed an alternate route to his dad. He always claimed to be the only way. What Jesus actually said was, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” (John 14:6)
Islam teaches that Jesus (among other things) was merely a great teacher. And that type of idea attempts to remove the deity of Christ and nullify Christianity. The only way to merge Christianity and Islam into a new religion is to deny Christ. And let me say that new ain't always better.
Consider the words of today's verse very carefully. These are strong words for sure, but reflect on them cautiously none the less. Today's verse says that if we deny Christ, we become antichrists. If one denies Christ, that person is a liar. And lastly, a denial of Christ is a denial of God Himself.
Without sound doctrine, we will fall away from the faith that God has delivered to us on the shoulders of Jesus. Without sound doctrine, Chrislam sounds like a pretty good idea.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Construction Site
Construction Site
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2a NLT
I was talking to my brother Jerome. We were talking about the transformation of the believer. One comment he made was that “We are all under construction.” Indeed I even thought at one time of having a t-shirt made that announced the same slogan. But it took some time and hard knocks to come to the reality that God was not finished with me yet.
At times I have gotten off kilter. I have considered my position with God and thought to myself, “I have arrived.” And in short time I’d loose my temper or experience physical pain or find myself in humbling circumstances. Then with severe clarity God would use these events to show me that I have so far to go. I could hear Him in my head saying that, “There is no time for laurel resting with me. All you’ve done is reap, the hard work has been done by others (John 4:38). Son, its time for you to begin the work I have set aside for you.” And God being the Master Architect that He is, He begins hauling away that which is not on His blueprint and building a new foundation with His Spirit.
While God continues His work, I sometimes wonder how much more I can take. I wonder if He keeps going, I won’t even be me any longer. And that may be His point and purpose. He intends to make me into something so grand, that I’ll simply need to wait and see the finished creation. God is changing you into something so amazing we can only wait in anticipation to see the end outcome.
We are both in the hands of the Master Builder and He is in process of building us into something great. The next time I see a believer struggling, I should remember that God is working on them. He is changing them into something that will bring Him glory. I need to remember that those who belong to Him are under construction.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2a NLT
I was talking to my brother Jerome. We were talking about the transformation of the believer. One comment he made was that “We are all under construction.” Indeed I even thought at one time of having a t-shirt made that announced the same slogan. But it took some time and hard knocks to come to the reality that God was not finished with me yet.
At times I have gotten off kilter. I have considered my position with God and thought to myself, “I have arrived.” And in short time I’d loose my temper or experience physical pain or find myself in humbling circumstances. Then with severe clarity God would use these events to show me that I have so far to go. I could hear Him in my head saying that, “There is no time for laurel resting with me. All you’ve done is reap, the hard work has been done by others (John 4:38). Son, its time for you to begin the work I have set aside for you.” And God being the Master Architect that He is, He begins hauling away that which is not on His blueprint and building a new foundation with His Spirit.
While God continues His work, I sometimes wonder how much more I can take. I wonder if He keeps going, I won’t even be me any longer. And that may be His point and purpose. He intends to make me into something so grand, that I’ll simply need to wait and see the finished creation. God is changing you into something so amazing we can only wait in anticipation to see the end outcome.
We are both in the hands of the Master Builder and He is in process of building us into something great. The next time I see a believer struggling, I should remember that God is working on them. He is changing them into something that will bring Him glory. I need to remember that those who belong to Him are under construction.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Free Street
Free Street
If the son makes you free, you are free indeed. John 8:36
I am on a new path. I have been on this street for some time, but the name has eluded me until recently. It is sort of like driving on a street and not knowing the name of the street until you come to a cross roads. There, at the intersection was a large sign that said "Free St".
In the past I have been tripped up, sort of lost on Legalism Ave. The more I tried to be good, the more I followed the rules, the worse I became. In short, trying to be good was killing me. When I was on Legalism Ave, I was miserable and I think I made everyone around me miserable too (God Bless my poor wife for what she has had to endure while living with me). I used the law to try and acquire freedom, but it didn't work. Legalism's power resides in its uncanny ability to point out failures. And all I did on Legalism Ave. was illuminate my sin and failures. I think it a good thing to have gotten acquainted with my sins. But thank goodness that Legalism came to a dead end. I had to choose one direction or the other. I could leave everything I learned and head towards Faithless Lane or embrace God, in spite of the troubles and head to Free St.
You know, the first stop on Free St. was a place named Acceptance. Before, I only knew the letter of the law and the harshness of judgment. But along came freedom... I was suddenly free to love God and be loved by Him. And God's love always lifts us to a place called Joy. But no one get's to Joy without having started with Christ, for he is where freedom begins.
If the son makes you free, you are free indeed. John 8:36
I am on a new path. I have been on this street for some time, but the name has eluded me until recently. It is sort of like driving on a street and not knowing the name of the street until you come to a cross roads. There, at the intersection was a large sign that said "Free St".
In the past I have been tripped up, sort of lost on Legalism Ave. The more I tried to be good, the more I followed the rules, the worse I became. In short, trying to be good was killing me. When I was on Legalism Ave, I was miserable and I think I made everyone around me miserable too (God Bless my poor wife for what she has had to endure while living with me). I used the law to try and acquire freedom, but it didn't work. Legalism's power resides in its uncanny ability to point out failures. And all I did on Legalism Ave. was illuminate my sin and failures. I think it a good thing to have gotten acquainted with my sins. But thank goodness that Legalism came to a dead end. I had to choose one direction or the other. I could leave everything I learned and head towards Faithless Lane or embrace God, in spite of the troubles and head to Free St.
You know, the first stop on Free St. was a place named Acceptance. Before, I only knew the letter of the law and the harshness of judgment. But along came freedom... I was suddenly free to love God and be loved by Him. And God's love always lifts us to a place called Joy. But no one get's to Joy without having started with Christ, for he is where freedom begins.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Believe
Believe
For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in him would have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NIV
One might think that believing is well enough, but it isn't. There is more to believing in Christ than mere cognizance, for even demons claim belief (James 2:19). I think we assume closeness with God just because we have learned about Him, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I can read all about a man, knowing the facts and accomplishments of his life. But if I have never met him, never spent significant time with him, how can I know the fine details of his identity? You need an ongoing personal encounter to know the truth.
Knowing Christ is sort of a labor of love. I need to wade through a multitude of misconceptions and lies that surround him before even getting a glimpse of the real Jesus. Foremost, I need to get over his outrageous claims; "Can he really rebuild the temple in three days? Is he really "from heaven" or just an illegitimate child?" Jesus' claims about himself are so radical that he is either a megalomaniac, crazy or... they are true. And when one finds that his claims are true, is that enough? I don't think it is.
Until you have added the essential ingredient, simply believing in him is useless. The missing ingredient is y.o.u. Until you have invested yourself into God, you will never know Him. I wonder how many people follow the sacraments, keep the law and speak the lingo and think they have God's approval? God could raise up stones to follow the law and offer platitudes. But what the Father really desires is you, all of you, the real you.
Just maybe, belief is when we place ourselves completely in God's hands, no matter the cost. At least, that is what Christ did, and I imagine God would expect nothing less from us... to fully believe.
For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in him would have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NIV
One might think that believing is well enough, but it isn't. There is more to believing in Christ than mere cognizance, for even demons claim belief (James 2:19). I think we assume closeness with God just because we have learned about Him, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I can read all about a man, knowing the facts and accomplishments of his life. But if I have never met him, never spent significant time with him, how can I know the fine details of his identity? You need an ongoing personal encounter to know the truth.
Knowing Christ is sort of a labor of love. I need to wade through a multitude of misconceptions and lies that surround him before even getting a glimpse of the real Jesus. Foremost, I need to get over his outrageous claims; "Can he really rebuild the temple in three days? Is he really "from heaven" or just an illegitimate child?" Jesus' claims about himself are so radical that he is either a megalomaniac, crazy or... they are true. And when one finds that his claims are true, is that enough? I don't think it is.
Until you have added the essential ingredient, simply believing in him is useless. The missing ingredient is y.o.u. Until you have invested yourself into God, you will never know Him. I wonder how many people follow the sacraments, keep the law and speak the lingo and think they have God's approval? God could raise up stones to follow the law and offer platitudes. But what the Father really desires is you, all of you, the real you.
Just maybe, belief is when we place ourselves completely in God's hands, no matter the cost. At least, that is what Christ did, and I imagine God would expect nothing less from us... to fully believe.
Believe
Believe
For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in him would have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NIV
One might think that believing is well enough, but it isn't. There is more to believing in Christ than mere cognizance, for even demons claim belief (James 2:19). I think we assume closeness with God just because we have learned about Him, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I can read all about a man, knowing the facts and accomplishments of his life. But if I have never met him, never spent significant time with him, how can I know the fine details of his identity? You need an ongoing personal encounter to know the truth.
Knowing Christ is sort of a labor of love. I need to wade through a multitude of misconceptions and lies that surround him before even getting a glimpse of the real Jesus. Foremost, I need to get over his outrageous claims; "Can he really rebuild the temple in three days? Is he really "from heaven" or just an illegitimate child?" Jesus' claims about himself are so radical that he is either a megalomaniac, crazy or... they are true. And when one finds that his claims are true, is that enough? I don't think it is.
Until you have added the essential ingredient, simply believing in him is useless. The missing ingredient is y.o.u. Until you have invested yourself into God, you will never know Him. I wonder how many people follow the sacraments, keep the law and speak the lingo and think they have God's approval? God could raise up stones to follow the law and offer platitudes. But what the Father really desires is you, all of you, the real you.
Just maybe, belief is when we place ourselves completely in God's hands, no matter the cost. At least, that is what Christ did, and I imagine God would expect nothing less from us... to fully believe.
For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in him would have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NIV
One might think that believing is well enough, but it isn't. There is more to believing in Christ than mere cognizance, for even demons claim belief (James 2:19). I think we assume closeness with God just because we have learned about Him, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I can read all about a man, knowing the facts and accomplishments of his life. But if I have never met him, never spent significant time with him, how can I know the fine details of his identity? You need an ongoing personal encounter to know the truth.
Knowing Christ is sort of a labor of love. I need to wade through a multitude of misconceptions and lies that surround him before even getting a glimpse of the real Jesus. Foremost, I need to get over his outrageous claims; "Can he really rebuild the temple in three days? Is he really "from heaven" or just an illegitimate child?" Jesus' claims about himself are so radical that he is either a megalomaniac, crazy or... they are true. And when one finds that his claims are true, is that enough? I don't think it is.
Until you have added the essential ingredient, simply believing in him is useless. The missing ingredient is y.o.u. Until you have invested yourself into God, you will never know Him. I wonder how many people follow the sacraments, keep the law and speak the lingo and think they have God's approval? God could raise up stones to follow the law and offer platitudes. But what the Father really desires is you, all of you, the real you.
Just maybe, belief is when we place ourselves completely in God's hands, no matter the cost. At least, that is what Christ did, and I imagine God would expect nothing less from us... to fully believe.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Big God
Big God
He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth - the Lord God Almighty is his name. Amos 4:13 NIV
If you can believe it, I occasionally forget about the mass of God. He is more expansive than my imagination can possibly conjure. In fact, God is so immense that it is truly a very difficult proposition to get my mind wrapped around the expanse of his being and thoughts.
God sometimes seems small in my mind. I know I have tried to shrink God down to size when my prayers consist mainly of my desires, even if my thoughts are for good. My mind attempts to shrink Him when my primary focus is on what I think His duty is towards me. Sometimes I think that God might be sort of a slacker, He may not be living up to His potential. And the only thing that will cause Him to do what is necessary is to “pray” Him into action... And this is the mind set of either a depraved person or a person that has forgotten the sheer size of God the Father. Consider this; we can't even process how much is on God's mind, much less the work of His hands or even the plans He has for us. In Psalm 139 the author says that if I tried to count His thoughts about me (just one person), they would outnumber the grains of sand! And the scripture goes on to rhetorically ask, "Who has given counsel to God?" (I Corinthians 2:16) In other words, do you have such a mind as to be able to give God advice?
The fact is that I can't think God's thoughts until I have the Spirit of God residing in me. I can't correctly approach the Father until I have entered His presence with praise and a right attitude. And I admit that after I have grasped a proper perspective, in my mind, God grows to something beyond infinity.
When we pray, we should take a moment to contemplate the reality of God. He is the one that makes mountains, creates wind and reveals His mind and heart to mankind. He is the one that knows where darkness and light lives and walks them home. He keeps a storehouse of snow, hail and lightning and knows if rain has a father (Job 38). And this great God has cast His eye and heart upon me... upon you.
He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth - the Lord God Almighty is his name. Amos 4:13 NIV
If you can believe it, I occasionally forget about the mass of God. He is more expansive than my imagination can possibly conjure. In fact, God is so immense that it is truly a very difficult proposition to get my mind wrapped around the expanse of his being and thoughts.
God sometimes seems small in my mind. I know I have tried to shrink God down to size when my prayers consist mainly of my desires, even if my thoughts are for good. My mind attempts to shrink Him when my primary focus is on what I think His duty is towards me. Sometimes I think that God might be sort of a slacker, He may not be living up to His potential. And the only thing that will cause Him to do what is necessary is to “pray” Him into action... And this is the mind set of either a depraved person or a person that has forgotten the sheer size of God the Father. Consider this; we can't even process how much is on God's mind, much less the work of His hands or even the plans He has for us. In Psalm 139 the author says that if I tried to count His thoughts about me (just one person), they would outnumber the grains of sand! And the scripture goes on to rhetorically ask, "Who has given counsel to God?" (I Corinthians 2:16) In other words, do you have such a mind as to be able to give God advice?
The fact is that I can't think God's thoughts until I have the Spirit of God residing in me. I can't correctly approach the Father until I have entered His presence with praise and a right attitude. And I admit that after I have grasped a proper perspective, in my mind, God grows to something beyond infinity.
When we pray, we should take a moment to contemplate the reality of God. He is the one that makes mountains, creates wind and reveals His mind and heart to mankind. He is the one that knows where darkness and light lives and walks them home. He keeps a storehouse of snow, hail and lightning and knows if rain has a father (Job 38). And this great God has cast His eye and heart upon me... upon you.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Deliverance
Deliverance
From the LORD comes deliverance. Psalms 3:8a NIV
Some may ask; “Where are the good deeds of the Lord?” You may be hard pressed to find them in days like these. You may look at the changing conditions of the world and think that God has forgotten His creation. You may examine your own circumstances and conclude that God is no longer interested in you.
I want to say with certainty that God will always make things better in this life, but I am cautious. I am careful because I have experienced unanswered prayers when I thought I needed God most. I know what it is like to struggle to maintain faith when there is no longer a reason to trust. Sometimes I think we look to God and expect Him to provide exactly what we request. And sometimes He does answer us in a way that is consistent with our expectations. But at other times, God’s plan and subsequent actions seem out of step with our needs and out of step with this world. And that should be the case. This world is not (and neither are we always) attuned to God. Who can know the mind of God in painful and destructive times? Who can see His plans clearly when we are twisting in pain, confusion and loss?
God’s plan is for deliverance. He has always intended to bring us out of this world of loss, disease and death. He is always, by the blood of Christ, bringing us into His world of direct contact, healing and life. And if you are leaving this world for His world, some loss is unavoidable. But what the Lord has for us will be worth whatever we lose in this world.
From the LORD comes deliverance. Psalms 3:8a NIV
Some may ask; “Where are the good deeds of the Lord?” You may be hard pressed to find them in days like these. You may look at the changing conditions of the world and think that God has forgotten His creation. You may examine your own circumstances and conclude that God is no longer interested in you.
I want to say with certainty that God will always make things better in this life, but I am cautious. I am careful because I have experienced unanswered prayers when I thought I needed God most. I know what it is like to struggle to maintain faith when there is no longer a reason to trust. Sometimes I think we look to God and expect Him to provide exactly what we request. And sometimes He does answer us in a way that is consistent with our expectations. But at other times, God’s plan and subsequent actions seem out of step with our needs and out of step with this world. And that should be the case. This world is not (and neither are we always) attuned to God. Who can know the mind of God in painful and destructive times? Who can see His plans clearly when we are twisting in pain, confusion and loss?
God’s plan is for deliverance. He has always intended to bring us out of this world of loss, disease and death. He is always, by the blood of Christ, bringing us into His world of direct contact, healing and life. And if you are leaving this world for His world, some loss is unavoidable. But what the Lord has for us will be worth whatever we lose in this world.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Getting Acquainted with God
Getting Acquainted with God
13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14
Sometimes I think we view the experience of life as a series of accomplishments or achievements. Later, we say of those things, "I've been there and done that." as if these achievements make up the whole of our value and identity. It is unfortunate that we bring this same attitude to our relationship with God. We want to look back on our time as believers with a sense of accomplishment instead of a sense of relationship.
When we look at our relationship with God only as a means to acquire stuff and accomplish tasks, our view of Him becomes artificial. We will ultimately try to make Him into something He isn’t. And that will lead to all sorts of hell.
The truth is, knowing God should be like a great adventure! In the adventure we get tossed around, experience the highs and lows and come out the other end with a fantastic story to tell, lessons learned and a nearness to God. If it is really God you are seeking, you should find a force to be reckoned with. You should find that God is fierce, untamable and madly in love with you. If you find that God is anything other then that, then it probably isn't God you've been experiencing.
13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14
Sometimes I think we view the experience of life as a series of accomplishments or achievements. Later, we say of those things, "I've been there and done that." as if these achievements make up the whole of our value and identity. It is unfortunate that we bring this same attitude to our relationship with God. We want to look back on our time as believers with a sense of accomplishment instead of a sense of relationship.
When we look at our relationship with God only as a means to acquire stuff and accomplish tasks, our view of Him becomes artificial. We will ultimately try to make Him into something He isn’t. And that will lead to all sorts of hell.
The truth is, knowing God should be like a great adventure! In the adventure we get tossed around, experience the highs and lows and come out the other end with a fantastic story to tell, lessons learned and a nearness to God. If it is really God you are seeking, you should find a force to be reckoned with. You should find that God is fierce, untamable and madly in love with you. If you find that God is anything other then that, then it probably isn't God you've been experiencing.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Life-Song
Life-Song
I will sing a new song to you, O God. Psalm 144:9 NIV
What life-song do you sing? For some, that may depend on the circumstances that they find themselves in. Some of life's challenges cause us to sing a dirge of lament. At other times, circumstances may indeed cause us to celebrate. But should we let our circumstances write the lyrics of our lives? You may not always have control over the circumstances you are in, but you always get to decide your response to those challenges. You can choose to lament, or you can sing praise.
A friend of mine named Bob Lewis once said that, "Whenever difficult things come into your life, consider it God's vote of confidence that you can handle it." In other words, God will not give you more than you can bear. And, if it has happened to you, God has also equipped you with the power to overcome.
I get the feeling that not only can we respond to bad with good (1 Thess 5:15 or 1 Peter 3:8-9), but we can respond with confidence. Not that we go out looking for bad or enjoy difficulty when it comes, but we can face the difficulties of life with the assurance that God will be with us. He will help us carry it to completion and make it work for good.
What life-song do you sing? Maybe, the one song you can sing in any circumstance, the one song that no circumstance or person can steal from you is the “Song of the Redeemed”. We have been purchased out of our sin and brought into a positive and close relationship with God. No one can take that away from you. Sing a new song to the Lord of praise and joy! You are no longer held down by the varieties of this life, but your life-song is one of the over-comer, the redeemed!
I will sing a new song to you, O God. Psalm 144:9 NIV
What life-song do you sing? For some, that may depend on the circumstances that they find themselves in. Some of life's challenges cause us to sing a dirge of lament. At other times, circumstances may indeed cause us to celebrate. But should we let our circumstances write the lyrics of our lives? You may not always have control over the circumstances you are in, but you always get to decide your response to those challenges. You can choose to lament, or you can sing praise.
A friend of mine named Bob Lewis once said that, "Whenever difficult things come into your life, consider it God's vote of confidence that you can handle it." In other words, God will not give you more than you can bear. And, if it has happened to you, God has also equipped you with the power to overcome.
I get the feeling that not only can we respond to bad with good (1 Thess 5:15 or 1 Peter 3:8-9), but we can respond with confidence. Not that we go out looking for bad or enjoy difficulty when it comes, but we can face the difficulties of life with the assurance that God will be with us. He will help us carry it to completion and make it work for good.
What life-song do you sing? Maybe, the one song you can sing in any circumstance, the one song that no circumstance or person can steal from you is the “Song of the Redeemed”. We have been purchased out of our sin and brought into a positive and close relationship with God. No one can take that away from you. Sing a new song to the Lord of praise and joy! You are no longer held down by the varieties of this life, but your life-song is one of the over-comer, the redeemed!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Love may not be enough
Love may not be enough
Love the Lord you God and keep his requirements, his decrees, and his commands always. Deuteronomy 11:1
Love is a powerful thing. It gets inside of us... changes us. Love compels us outside our safe zones and into the territory where great men and women dare to tread. We know that love is kind and void of envy, jealousy and pride. We know that love never fails. The L word is so powerful that one might be tempted to think that all you need is love. But they would be incredibly shortsighted.
Imagine a spouse that only expressed love in word, but never in deed. Now imagine if that spouse gambled away the family funds and acted promiscuously but always said, "I love you". Could you believe a man or woman like that? Ones actions must accompany their words and vice-versa, ones words must be in accord with their actions. Who can trust a man or woman who does not practice the messages of their own sermons? We call those sorts of people disillusioned hypocrites or plain old liars.
Jesus says that whoever has and obeys his commands is the one that loves him (John 14:21).
I think that Jesus is saying that a word without action is nothing more than lip service. My guess is that God is looking for people that not only say the words, but live the life. That combination, words and action, are the thing that change the world. Love may not be enough to change the world, but I but your actions coupled with love will do the trick.
Love the Lord you God and keep his requirements, his decrees, and his commands always. Deuteronomy 11:1
Love is a powerful thing. It gets inside of us... changes us. Love compels us outside our safe zones and into the territory where great men and women dare to tread. We know that love is kind and void of envy, jealousy and pride. We know that love never fails. The L word is so powerful that one might be tempted to think that all you need is love. But they would be incredibly shortsighted.
Imagine a spouse that only expressed love in word, but never in deed. Now imagine if that spouse gambled away the family funds and acted promiscuously but always said, "I love you". Could you believe a man or woman like that? Ones actions must accompany their words and vice-versa, ones words must be in accord with their actions. Who can trust a man or woman who does not practice the messages of their own sermons? We call those sorts of people disillusioned hypocrites or plain old liars.
Jesus says that whoever has and obeys his commands is the one that loves him (John 14:21).
I think that Jesus is saying that a word without action is nothing more than lip service. My guess is that God is looking for people that not only say the words, but live the life. That combination, words and action, are the thing that change the world. Love may not be enough to change the world, but I but your actions coupled with love will do the trick.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Beginning of Faith
Beginning of Faith
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3
I read an article in National Geographic about a 14,000 year old city named Göbekli Tepe located in Turkey. The scientist excavating the site has come to a new conclusion about why humans have built societies in ancient times. Previously, "Anthropologists have assumed that organized religion began as a way of salving tensions... in large societies." In other words, religion was a way to tame the masses. But now they think that a shared religion might be the reason humans have gathered to build society.
I think those scientist are right. A shared religion could be a great reason for hundreds of people to settle into one area. Religion might be a great way to calm the masses and establish a code of conduct, laws and ethics. For many, religion is a set of laws, agreed upon protocols and socially acceptable behaviors. Religion really is a product of humans, but Faith is a product of God. Faith predates religion. God gave us faith (a living and thriving relationship), which is only available in first hand communion with the Father. And that has nothing to do with religion.
Our faith in God is His gift to us. And our faith is nothing new; it is something that began before the foundations of the universe were even planted. It is something sure, reliable, time-tested and trustworthy. Faith in God is the thing that we live by, and it will be the thing that brings us home to God.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3
I read an article in National Geographic about a 14,000 year old city named Göbekli Tepe located in Turkey. The scientist excavating the site has come to a new conclusion about why humans have built societies in ancient times. Previously, "Anthropologists have assumed that organized religion began as a way of salving tensions... in large societies." In other words, religion was a way to tame the masses. But now they think that a shared religion might be the reason humans have gathered to build society.
I think those scientist are right. A shared religion could be a great reason for hundreds of people to settle into one area. Religion might be a great way to calm the masses and establish a code of conduct, laws and ethics. For many, religion is a set of laws, agreed upon protocols and socially acceptable behaviors. Religion really is a product of humans, but Faith is a product of God. Faith predates religion. God gave us faith (a living and thriving relationship), which is only available in first hand communion with the Father. And that has nothing to do with religion.
Our faith in God is His gift to us. And our faith is nothing new; it is something that began before the foundations of the universe were even planted. It is something sure, reliable, time-tested and trustworthy. Faith in God is the thing that we live by, and it will be the thing that brings us home to God.
Friday, September 14, 2012
A Dependable God
A Dependable God
"O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below-you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."
1 Kings 8:23 NIV
When I think of the state of our world, one word that comes to mind is uncertainty. There are moral failures in our world leaders. Scientists give weight to our unease with calculated predictions of impending disasters. And even in our churches, some seem to have been bewitched and have fallen away from sound doctrine and morality. The upheaval in this world is such that it seems there is nothing left that we can depend on, nothing we can grasp hold of for safety.
In these uncertain times, we need something dependable, firm in its convictions and unchanging. We need something that cannot be swayed by public opinion. And I suppose you already know I am speaking of God. But I am not speaking of the flimsy sort of "every man's" moldable God. I am not speaking of the God we can define, but of the one that defines us. In short, I am speaking of the God of scripture or some people call Him Jesus.
The writer speaks from his experience that God keeps his love covenant with those that continue wholeheartedly in His way. If government and church have failed you, God will not. If the people around you have failed, God does not fail. I remember making friends with a man named Gus. After a brief amount of time, Gus had become a believer. We prayed together and I stood with my friend as he faced some hard decisions in his life. Later Gus told me that I am someone he can depend on. At first I felt proud to be someone important in his life. But in short time God helped me to see my arrogance in accepting the complement... Later I told Gus that, "I am your friend and I will try my best to be there for you. But eventually, I will fail you. My human nature will be certain to do that. But be sure to place all of your trust in someone that will never fail you. Place your trust in God, he never fails."
"O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below-you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."
1 Kings 8:23 NIV
When I think of the state of our world, one word that comes to mind is uncertainty. There are moral failures in our world leaders. Scientists give weight to our unease with calculated predictions of impending disasters. And even in our churches, some seem to have been bewitched and have fallen away from sound doctrine and morality. The upheaval in this world is such that it seems there is nothing left that we can depend on, nothing we can grasp hold of for safety.
In these uncertain times, we need something dependable, firm in its convictions and unchanging. We need something that cannot be swayed by public opinion. And I suppose you already know I am speaking of God. But I am not speaking of the flimsy sort of "every man's" moldable God. I am not speaking of the God we can define, but of the one that defines us. In short, I am speaking of the God of scripture or some people call Him Jesus.
The writer speaks from his experience that God keeps his love covenant with those that continue wholeheartedly in His way. If government and church have failed you, God will not. If the people around you have failed, God does not fail. I remember making friends with a man named Gus. After a brief amount of time, Gus had become a believer. We prayed together and I stood with my friend as he faced some hard decisions in his life. Later Gus told me that I am someone he can depend on. At first I felt proud to be someone important in his life. But in short time God helped me to see my arrogance in accepting the complement... Later I told Gus that, "I am your friend and I will try my best to be there for you. But eventually, I will fail you. My human nature will be certain to do that. But be sure to place all of your trust in someone that will never fail you. Place your trust in God, he never fails."
Friday, September 7, 2012
A Faithful Promise
A Faithful Promise
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
If God is faithful to keep His promises, then why do troubles befall us believers? Does not God promise to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24)? Doesn't God relieve the pressure of temptation before it becomes too much to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13)? And doesn't God say that he will shower us with blessings (Ezekiel 34:26)? If these words are true then we can either question God's integrity or realize the truth; we have misunderstood the nature of godly protection, we don’t understand struggles in the faith and we have misconstrued godly blessing.
I think that we believers have a tendency to apply earthly consequences to God's spiritual promises. Maybe protection from falling isn’t a protection from physical struggles, but the ultimate fall is actually spiritual destruction. The real promise is that God will protect us from spiritual death. And as far as temptation, maybe we focus too closely on the lure to sin. Instead, we should search for the way to escape temptation* and in the process, find God's mercy. And what is the blessing that God wants to shower upon us? Is it a person, place or many things? Or, is the blessing that God longs to shower upon us is a one-on-one relationship? What He desires is for us to grasp the salvation we have in Christ Jesus. I believe the ultimate blessing is the daily attention we receive from the Trinity.
I think it is easier to hold onto the hope we have been promised when we know what the promise is. We will inevitably experience disappointment if we do not know what to expect from God. And more than anything else, He intends to protect our eternity. He even went to a cross to in order to secure that promise.
*The way out of temptation is to flee, as in run for the hills (1 Timothy 6:11)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
If God is faithful to keep His promises, then why do troubles befall us believers? Does not God promise to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24)? Doesn't God relieve the pressure of temptation before it becomes too much to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13)? And doesn't God say that he will shower us with blessings (Ezekiel 34:26)? If these words are true then we can either question God's integrity or realize the truth; we have misunderstood the nature of godly protection, we don’t understand struggles in the faith and we have misconstrued godly blessing.
I think that we believers have a tendency to apply earthly consequences to God's spiritual promises. Maybe protection from falling isn’t a protection from physical struggles, but the ultimate fall is actually spiritual destruction. The real promise is that God will protect us from spiritual death. And as far as temptation, maybe we focus too closely on the lure to sin. Instead, we should search for the way to escape temptation* and in the process, find God's mercy. And what is the blessing that God wants to shower upon us? Is it a person, place or many things? Or, is the blessing that God longs to shower upon us is a one-on-one relationship? What He desires is for us to grasp the salvation we have in Christ Jesus. I believe the ultimate blessing is the daily attention we receive from the Trinity.
I think it is easier to hold onto the hope we have been promised when we know what the promise is. We will inevitably experience disappointment if we do not know what to expect from God. And more than anything else, He intends to protect our eternity. He even went to a cross to in order to secure that promise.
*The way out of temptation is to flee, as in run for the hills (1 Timothy 6:11)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Love-Hate Relationship
Love-Hate Relationship
Josiah was eight years old when he became king... He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 22:1a-2a
Josiah was a bright light among the kings of Jerusalem. He became king at eight years old. When Josiah was around 18 years old the book of the Law was found (2 Kings 22:8). After hearing the word of God, Josiah instituted reforms that lead the nation back to following God. But for ten years he lived for God, but without the wisdom of scripture. For ten years he allowed spiritualism, paganism and male prostitution to reside right next to Judaism (actually they resided inside the temple - 2 Kings 23:7). Though Josiah loved God, he did so without the word of God. And without the word, the country was spiritually destitute and actually living against the Lord.
When we deny the word of God, we do it to our own peril. In proverbs 29:18 it says that where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. Revelation always comes from the word of God. When God's word has not been stored in your heart and mind, blessings will be hard to come by. Without the word, it is impossible to know the will of the Father.
I feel sad for the people that say that they "follow God in their own way" or they say that they "no longer need the word of God because of grace". The truth is that these types of people are either too lazy or too arrogant to seek God in wisdom and in truth. They may love God, but they live as if they hate Him. There should be a balance to our claims of love and the choices in our lives. How can I love God and live against His word? I have a question for you... Is a love-hate relationship with God any relationship at all?
Josiah was eight years old when he became king... He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 22:1a-2a
Josiah was a bright light among the kings of Jerusalem. He became king at eight years old. When Josiah was around 18 years old the book of the Law was found (2 Kings 22:8). After hearing the word of God, Josiah instituted reforms that lead the nation back to following God. But for ten years he lived for God, but without the wisdom of scripture. For ten years he allowed spiritualism, paganism and male prostitution to reside right next to Judaism (actually they resided inside the temple - 2 Kings 23:7). Though Josiah loved God, he did so without the word of God. And without the word, the country was spiritually destitute and actually living against the Lord.
When we deny the word of God, we do it to our own peril. In proverbs 29:18 it says that where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. Revelation always comes from the word of God. When God's word has not been stored in your heart and mind, blessings will be hard to come by. Without the word, it is impossible to know the will of the Father.
I feel sad for the people that say that they "follow God in their own way" or they say that they "no longer need the word of God because of grace". The truth is that these types of people are either too lazy or too arrogant to seek God in wisdom and in truth. They may love God, but they live as if they hate Him. There should be a balance to our claims of love and the choices in our lives. How can I love God and live against His word? I have a question for you... Is a love-hate relationship with God any relationship at all?
Friday, August 24, 2012
When evil looses
When evil looses
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NIV
I was discussing Bible scripture with a co-worker. He made mention that he used to be a police officer. When on duty, he said he always wore a flack jacket. And embroidered on the jacket was Romans 12:21. Immediately I thought of how he faced evil all day long. I thought about how he faced anything from minor traffic violations to more serious crimes. And in all of those experiences he made every effort to avoid letting evil seep into his being. He faced evil and held on to good and onto at least to some sense of morality.
You know, it seems perfectly natural to fight fire with fire. Many people even quote the Bible and say that a lost eye should result in a lost eye and that a broken tooth deserves a broken tooth. In some sense, I think that evil deserves a taste of its own medicine... But we who follow Christ, we walk by the Spirit not by imitating the ways of this world
(2 Corinthians 5:7). We believers follow a path that is well hidden by the sin-riddled ways of this planet. And, I fear that very few dare to tread this narrow godly path. Human nature screams that we repay evil with bigger, harder-hitting evil. The supernatural says that we should return good for evil. That idea seems a bit odd, but it isn't anything that God hasn’t already done for us. God dealt with the evil in us by giving the best good that He had... Himself.
When we pay out good for the evil we receive, we are following in the footsteps of Christ. When we send out good as payment for evil, we become a pipeline of God’s love and power in a world that is filled with sin. Turning the other cheek steals the power of evil, and evil will loose. Store up God’s word in your heart and mind. That is how we keep a reserve of God’s good to prevail over evil.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NIV
I was discussing Bible scripture with a co-worker. He made mention that he used to be a police officer. When on duty, he said he always wore a flack jacket. And embroidered on the jacket was Romans 12:21. Immediately I thought of how he faced evil all day long. I thought about how he faced anything from minor traffic violations to more serious crimes. And in all of those experiences he made every effort to avoid letting evil seep into his being. He faced evil and held on to good and onto at least to some sense of morality.
You know, it seems perfectly natural to fight fire with fire. Many people even quote the Bible and say that a lost eye should result in a lost eye and that a broken tooth deserves a broken tooth. In some sense, I think that evil deserves a taste of its own medicine... But we who follow Christ, we walk by the Spirit not by imitating the ways of this world
(2 Corinthians 5:7). We believers follow a path that is well hidden by the sin-riddled ways of this planet. And, I fear that very few dare to tread this narrow godly path. Human nature screams that we repay evil with bigger, harder-hitting evil. The supernatural says that we should return good for evil. That idea seems a bit odd, but it isn't anything that God hasn’t already done for us. God dealt with the evil in us by giving the best good that He had... Himself.
When we pay out good for the evil we receive, we are following in the footsteps of Christ. When we send out good as payment for evil, we become a pipeline of God’s love and power in a world that is filled with sin. Turning the other cheek steals the power of evil, and evil will loose. Store up God’s word in your heart and mind. That is how we keep a reserve of God’s good to prevail over evil.
Friday, August 17, 2012
When God Sings
When God Sings
The lord your God is with you, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17(a,b)
My wife has a preoccupation with lambs. She thinks they are cute. But when I see them I only think of lunch. Anyhow, Ursula gave me a birthday card one year. The cover displayed a cartoon of a lamb dancing at sunrise. On the inside the smiling lamb seemed to be hovering over the words, "The lord rejoices over you!" The first thought that came to mind was, "Nice sentiment, but I wish God would have really said that." I looked on the back of the card and it said Zephaniah 3:17.
Maybe you feel so low, so guilty that you figure God would never dance when He thinks of you. And if that is true, then like me, you would be wrong. The lord loves you without equivocation and indeed He celebrates when He thinks of you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you! No, I am not stuttering. I am repeating myself in the hope that you will believe me.
When we turn away from sin, it is cause for celebration in the heavens. And the lord is celebrating with a song, over you right now!
The lord your God is with you, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17(a,b)
My wife has a preoccupation with lambs. She thinks they are cute. But when I see them I only think of lunch. Anyhow, Ursula gave me a birthday card one year. The cover displayed a cartoon of a lamb dancing at sunrise. On the inside the smiling lamb seemed to be hovering over the words, "The lord rejoices over you!" The first thought that came to mind was, "Nice sentiment, but I wish God would have really said that." I looked on the back of the card and it said Zephaniah 3:17.
Maybe you feel so low, so guilty that you figure God would never dance when He thinks of you. And if that is true, then like me, you would be wrong. The lord loves you without equivocation and indeed He celebrates when He thinks of you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you! No, I am not stuttering. I am repeating myself in the hope that you will believe me.
When we turn away from sin, it is cause for celebration in the heavens. And the lord is celebrating with a song, over you right now!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Imitation is the best form of flattery
Imitation is the best form of flattery
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalms 139:13 NIV
I recently read that IBM has created an experimental computer chip. It is designed to imitate the structural and synaptic functions of the brain. They say that these new cognitive (thinking) computers would learn through experience, find correlations, create hypotheses, and remember the outcomes. Think of it this way, eventually your car will know how to drive you to work. Or maybe your television will know what your favorite shows are and record them for you. Imagine that your computer can do your taxes or act as a tutor for students. Maybe we are on the cusp of robotic helpers for the elderly and those with physical disabilities?
When scientists couldn't make a better computer chip, they turned to God's design. And what they have found in the master engineer's design is radically beyond their wildest imaginations. Their imitation of the brain seems to me the best form of flattery. In a way, it is an acknowledgment that God has created something brilliant, timeless and profound.
Now consider this, you are God’s brilliant design. You are leaps and bounds beyond the wildest of our imaginations. You are God's great idea! You are a radical design because you were created in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are His masterpiece! We were created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). When we live our lives according to God’s design and when we do the work He has planned for us, I think we pay the greatest compliment to the Lord.
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalms 139:13 NIV
I recently read that IBM has created an experimental computer chip. It is designed to imitate the structural and synaptic functions of the brain. They say that these new cognitive (thinking) computers would learn through experience, find correlations, create hypotheses, and remember the outcomes. Think of it this way, eventually your car will know how to drive you to work. Or maybe your television will know what your favorite shows are and record them for you. Imagine that your computer can do your taxes or act as a tutor for students. Maybe we are on the cusp of robotic helpers for the elderly and those with physical disabilities?
When scientists couldn't make a better computer chip, they turned to God's design. And what they have found in the master engineer's design is radically beyond their wildest imaginations. Their imitation of the brain seems to me the best form of flattery. In a way, it is an acknowledgment that God has created something brilliant, timeless and profound.
Now consider this, you are God’s brilliant design. You are leaps and bounds beyond the wildest of our imaginations. You are God's great idea! You are a radical design because you were created in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are His masterpiece! We were created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). When we live our lives according to God’s design and when we do the work He has planned for us, I think we pay the greatest compliment to the Lord.
Friday, August 3, 2012
I’ll keep this one
I’ll keep this one
All that the father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37 NIV
Sometimes I wonder how many more of my shenanigans God will endure. I seem to always be up to something. If it isn’t teasing and joking with friends, it is a phone prank or something worse.
I remember perfecting a voice impersonation of my grandmother. I did a test run on my brother Curtis. When I called, I was so convincing that all of my nieces and nephews took turns getting on the phone to say hello to grandma. When Curtis finally got to the phone it was all I could do to keep from laughing. We exchanged a few words and finally Curt asked, “Grandma, you sound like you have a cold?” I couldn’t hold the laughter in anymore. Curtis told me to never call his house again.
But then there are other things I have gotten myself into that weren’t so humorous. Decades ago I vandalized a car to “pay back” some people for causing my father some trouble. They paid me back by burning down my parent’s garage. By now you think that God may have finally tired of me. By now you would think that after a burned out garage, a torched car in that same fire and not being able to call my brother would be enough to calm me down…
Here’s the thing… we are all still under construction. Or as people in an old church I attended used to say, “God is not through with me yet.” As long as you want to stay with God, He won’t be getting rid of you any time soon. As long as you want to stay, even if you can’t call your brother or your car is a charred crisp, He will never push you away.
All that the father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37 NIV
Sometimes I wonder how many more of my shenanigans God will endure. I seem to always be up to something. If it isn’t teasing and joking with friends, it is a phone prank or something worse.
I remember perfecting a voice impersonation of my grandmother. I did a test run on my brother Curtis. When I called, I was so convincing that all of my nieces and nephews took turns getting on the phone to say hello to grandma. When Curtis finally got to the phone it was all I could do to keep from laughing. We exchanged a few words and finally Curt asked, “Grandma, you sound like you have a cold?” I couldn’t hold the laughter in anymore. Curtis told me to never call his house again.
But then there are other things I have gotten myself into that weren’t so humorous. Decades ago I vandalized a car to “pay back” some people for causing my father some trouble. They paid me back by burning down my parent’s garage. By now you think that God may have finally tired of me. By now you would think that after a burned out garage, a torched car in that same fire and not being able to call my brother would be enough to calm me down…
Here’s the thing… we are all still under construction. Or as people in an old church I attended used to say, “God is not through with me yet.” As long as you want to stay with God, He won’t be getting rid of you any time soon. As long as you want to stay, even if you can’t call your brother or your car is a charred crisp, He will never push you away.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Brownie Points
Brownie Points
After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness."
Deuteronomy 9:4 NIV
My wife gains the admiration of many people by serendipity. She doesn't exactly go and look for it, but she acquires their affection with food. One dinner or a dessert and she has scored major brownie points and secured that person’s most sincere allegiance. One taste of her food and in their eyes, she can do no wrong.
Do you think you have earned brownie points with God? Have you ever tried? I bet you have, I know I have. I think I am getting on God's good side when I put my check in the collection plate or when I spend my time in service to God and church. Spiritual shortsightedness makes me think that it is even possible to earn anything with God. I can't earn His love, I already have it. In fact, His love has been Crazy Glued all over me! There isn't anything that can separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39). I can't earn a right standing with God, Jesus already has that covered. In fact, we can't expect anything from God based on our own righteousness because we haven't any, outside that which has been given to us from Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 / 1 Corinthians 1:30).
We can't acquire any brownie points with God because there are none to be had. God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11 NIV). The Lord blesses us because of His justice and righteousness alone.
After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness."
Deuteronomy 9:4 NIV
My wife gains the admiration of many people by serendipity. She doesn't exactly go and look for it, but she acquires their affection with food. One dinner or a dessert and she has scored major brownie points and secured that person’s most sincere allegiance. One taste of her food and in their eyes, she can do no wrong.
Do you think you have earned brownie points with God? Have you ever tried? I bet you have, I know I have. I think I am getting on God's good side when I put my check in the collection plate or when I spend my time in service to God and church. Spiritual shortsightedness makes me think that it is even possible to earn anything with God. I can't earn His love, I already have it. In fact, His love has been Crazy Glued all over me! There isn't anything that can separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39). I can't earn a right standing with God, Jesus already has that covered. In fact, we can't expect anything from God based on our own righteousness because we haven't any, outside that which has been given to us from Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 / 1 Corinthians 1:30).
We can't acquire any brownie points with God because there are none to be had. God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11 NIV). The Lord blesses us because of His justice and righteousness alone.
Friday, July 20, 2012
I got what you need
I got what you need
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35
Jesus says that he has the necessities of life. Or, in other words, "I got what you need". But I wonder if some people think his message has lost its relevance. So many people live in plentiful circumstances. The things we need are readily obtainable. And the things we want are merely an Internet search and a click away. Frankly, most of us rarely expend much energy for the things we need. We glide through life with the attitude of, "We have got the needs covered. Hey Jesus, you got anything else?"
Jesus' offer seems out of step because our sense of values has gone awry. We want money; we prize the idea of a spouse and kids. These are the things we feel we need. And anything to the contrary seems inconsequential or superfluous. If Jesus seems outdated, then you may not have thought things through. A far-sighted person would have to consider one question: Do you think this life is all there is? Do you really feel there is no afterlife? I think that there is more to this life, than this life. I think we are "eternal-people". We have been designed for eternity. And how you enter eternity is entirely up to you.
I don't think that Jesus has lost his relevance, for we are still very much in need. You may not get what you want from God, but He always supplies what you need. And today, God is offering you The Way. Jesus says of himself that he is “The Way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
If I were you, I would reconsider what you need. Better yet, think about who you need.
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35
Jesus says that he has the necessities of life. Or, in other words, "I got what you need". But I wonder if some people think his message has lost its relevance. So many people live in plentiful circumstances. The things we need are readily obtainable. And the things we want are merely an Internet search and a click away. Frankly, most of us rarely expend much energy for the things we need. We glide through life with the attitude of, "We have got the needs covered. Hey Jesus, you got anything else?"
Jesus' offer seems out of step because our sense of values has gone awry. We want money; we prize the idea of a spouse and kids. These are the things we feel we need. And anything to the contrary seems inconsequential or superfluous. If Jesus seems outdated, then you may not have thought things through. A far-sighted person would have to consider one question: Do you think this life is all there is? Do you really feel there is no afterlife? I think that there is more to this life, than this life. I think we are "eternal-people". We have been designed for eternity. And how you enter eternity is entirely up to you.
I don't think that Jesus has lost his relevance, for we are still very much in need. You may not get what you want from God, but He always supplies what you need. And today, God is offering you The Way. Jesus says of himself that he is “The Way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
If I were you, I would reconsider what you need. Better yet, think about who you need.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Love may not be enough
Love may not be enough
Love the Lord you God and keep his requirements, his decrees, and his commands always. Deuteronomy 11:1
Love is a powerful thing. It gets inside of us... changes us. Love compels us outside our safe zones and into the territory where great men and women dare to tread. We know that love is kind and void of envy, jealousy and pride. We know that love never fails. The L word is so powerful that one might be tempted to think that all you need is love. But they would be incredibly shortsighted.
Imagine a spouse that only expressed love in word, but never in deed. Now imagine if that spouse gambled away the family funds and acted promiscuously but always said, "I love you". Could you believe a man or woman like that? Ones actions must accompany their words and vice-versa, ones words must be in accord with their actions. Who can trust a man or woman who does not practice the messages of their own sermons? We call those sorts of people disillusioned, hypocrites or plain old liars.
Jesus says that whoever has and obeys his commands is the one that loves him (John 14:21).
I think that Jesus is saying that a word without action is nothing more than lip service. My guess is that God is looking for people that not only say the words, but live the life. That combination of words and action are what change the world. Love may not be enough to change the world, but I but your actions coupled with love will do the trick.
Love the Lord you God and keep his requirements, his decrees, and his commands always. Deuteronomy 11:1
Love is a powerful thing. It gets inside of us... changes us. Love compels us outside our safe zones and into the territory where great men and women dare to tread. We know that love is kind and void of envy, jealousy and pride. We know that love never fails. The L word is so powerful that one might be tempted to think that all you need is love. But they would be incredibly shortsighted.
Imagine a spouse that only expressed love in word, but never in deed. Now imagine if that spouse gambled away the family funds and acted promiscuously but always said, "I love you". Could you believe a man or woman like that? Ones actions must accompany their words and vice-versa, ones words must be in accord with their actions. Who can trust a man or woman who does not practice the messages of their own sermons? We call those sorts of people disillusioned, hypocrites or plain old liars.
Jesus says that whoever has and obeys his commands is the one that loves him (John 14:21).
I think that Jesus is saying that a word without action is nothing more than lip service. My guess is that God is looking for people that not only say the words, but live the life. That combination of words and action are what change the world. Love may not be enough to change the world, but I but your actions coupled with love will do the trick.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Persevere Confidently
Persevere Confidently
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
It is a sad thing to live as if faith were the end outcome of the work of Christ. If you have grasped onto faith in God, then it is only the beginning. Think of it this way, no one is better at being you than you. You are God's masterpiece! The purpose of your faith is not only for family rights with God, but you were made alive in Christ to complete the good things he planned for you long ago (Ephesians 2:10). Your faith is not for comfort sake. Faith was never designed for our private consumption.
The steady passing of time can make us weary about doing God’s will. A bad experience makes us recoil from engaging in the work that God has planned for us. And troubles also sometimes make us forget who we belong too. But here is a very certain truth; if you have faith in God, you are among the chosen. Or another scripture calls us "Children of the promise" (Romans 9:8). We are the property of God and we have been entrusted with the good news of Christ. We have been chosen to be the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15) in a place of need. Where ever we go, we bring a hint of God with us. And if we believers are truly doing the work God has planned for us, then when at our best, we will act as signposts that point toward God.
What does our godly work do in this world? Well, I think that we slow the moral erosion of this world. We change the world with our private prayers. We transform the world with our financial gifts into ministries that speak truth. We bring salt and light into a tasteless deteriorating and dark planet. If you testify, keep the testimony alive. If you pray, keep praying. If you love the hurting, then keep loving. Whatever your gift, keep doing what you are doing for it is what God has called you to. Don't discard your gift because of confusion and disappointments. I know that this life can wear you down. But persevere confidently so you can gain the full reward that the Lord has promised.
We keep at it not only because of the reward, but because we love God. And using our gifts for His glory is the best type of praise we can offer Him.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
It is a sad thing to live as if faith were the end outcome of the work of Christ. If you have grasped onto faith in God, then it is only the beginning. Think of it this way, no one is better at being you than you. You are God's masterpiece! The purpose of your faith is not only for family rights with God, but you were made alive in Christ to complete the good things he planned for you long ago (Ephesians 2:10). Your faith is not for comfort sake. Faith was never designed for our private consumption.
The steady passing of time can make us weary about doing God’s will. A bad experience makes us recoil from engaging in the work that God has planned for us. And troubles also sometimes make us forget who we belong too. But here is a very certain truth; if you have faith in God, you are among the chosen. Or another scripture calls us "Children of the promise" (Romans 9:8). We are the property of God and we have been entrusted with the good news of Christ. We have been chosen to be the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15) in a place of need. Where ever we go, we bring a hint of God with us. And if we believers are truly doing the work God has planned for us, then when at our best, we will act as signposts that point toward God.
What does our godly work do in this world? Well, I think that we slow the moral erosion of this world. We change the world with our private prayers. We transform the world with our financial gifts into ministries that speak truth. We bring salt and light into a tasteless deteriorating and dark planet. If you testify, keep the testimony alive. If you pray, keep praying. If you love the hurting, then keep loving. Whatever your gift, keep doing what you are doing for it is what God has called you to. Don't discard your gift because of confusion and disappointments. I know that this life can wear you down. But persevere confidently so you can gain the full reward that the Lord has promised.
We keep at it not only because of the reward, but because we love God. And using our gifts for His glory is the best type of praise we can offer Him.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Is it the real thing or did you get it wholesale?
Is it the real thing or did you get it wholesale?
I want you to know brothers that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 NIV
Someone gave me a book of Psalms. Since every Bible I have contains the book of Psalms I resolved to pass it on to someone else. I gave the book to a friend at work. She briefly studied the cover and then studied me in a quizzical way. After a moment she handed the book back to me and said, "I am not a religious person." To which I responded, "Neither am I."
Some people think we believers were raised to follow religion. They think we were snatched away from rational thinking and reprogrammed to follow religious protocols. But I don't follow a religion. I am not and have never been brainwashed into religious fanaticism. Like Paul and probably like you, I got faith in God from God Himself.
I have seen some that have peddled their home-grown religion at wholesales prices. But there were many others that shared The Real-Thing with enthusiasm, love and intelligence. The first hardened my mind toward God. The second opened my mind to the reality of God. But I still needed my own experience of Him, my own Damascus Road experience, and He did not disappoint. I remember thinking one day that all of this god stuff was nonsense. And on the next day I caught myself believing, praying, seeking and finding God. And when God had a full grasp on me, He sent me to Christ for safe keeping. He placed me into hands that won't let me slip out (John 6:35).
If you truly believe in Christ, you didn't make it up and you didn't buy it wholesale from some other human. If you truly believe, then your faith is the genuine article and it came from the Lord. Real faith cannot be had from the religious discount bin. Real faith in God is not cheap, for the real thing came on the shoulders of Christ.
I want you to know brothers that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 NIV
Someone gave me a book of Psalms. Since every Bible I have contains the book of Psalms I resolved to pass it on to someone else. I gave the book to a friend at work. She briefly studied the cover and then studied me in a quizzical way. After a moment she handed the book back to me and said, "I am not a religious person." To which I responded, "Neither am I."
Some people think we believers were raised to follow religion. They think we were snatched away from rational thinking and reprogrammed to follow religious protocols. But I don't follow a religion. I am not and have never been brainwashed into religious fanaticism. Like Paul and probably like you, I got faith in God from God Himself.
I have seen some that have peddled their home-grown religion at wholesales prices. But there were many others that shared The Real-Thing with enthusiasm, love and intelligence. The first hardened my mind toward God. The second opened my mind to the reality of God. But I still needed my own experience of Him, my own Damascus Road experience, and He did not disappoint. I remember thinking one day that all of this god stuff was nonsense. And on the next day I caught myself believing, praying, seeking and finding God. And when God had a full grasp on me, He sent me to Christ for safe keeping. He placed me into hands that won't let me slip out (John 6:35).
If you truly believe in Christ, you didn't make it up and you didn't buy it wholesale from some other human. If you truly believe, then your faith is the genuine article and it came from the Lord. Real faith cannot be had from the religious discount bin. Real faith in God is not cheap, for the real thing came on the shoulders of Christ.
Friday, June 22, 2012
The Call
The Call
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
I think that most believers want to know God’s will for their life. We believers are overcome with gratitude for all that God has done. And we want to respond to that, we want to be pleasing to God. But there is a small hiccup, God speaks via His Word, and His Spirit. And we tend to listen by our ears and sometimes by our hearts. So maybe the real task at hand is to find the medium by which we can pick up on the Holy Spirit. And I wholeheartedly believe the medium by which the Spirit communicates most regularly is the word of God. The scripture is where we find what is acceptable and perfect.
One obstacle I have in hearing God is the expectation I have of Him. I try to anticipate His words, sort of getting a jumpstart on His will, and it never seems to work that way. My thinking of Him is so linear (Aristotelian) it just isn’t wide enough to anticipate what He is going to say or do. I sometimes sort of look at God’s will for me as a series of check boxes;
be kind-CHECK!
don’t curse – Working on it!
no smoking – CHECK!
no drinking – CHECK!
Okay, that’s 3 out of 4 that means I am living God’s will. Well probably not…. And that isn’t the way to follow God anyhow.
Maybe God’s will is something that can’t be predicted, planned or controlled. We have to submit to God and renew our minds by the word of God on a daily basis, to hear His will as he governs it. Today, He may ask one thing, and tomorrow something different. And if my mind has not been transformed by Him, I will miss out on living His will, His way for His purpose.
Maybe knowing and living God’s will has never been about following rules and keeping a busy calendar of religious events. Maybe, knowing and living God’s will has always been about communion with Him so often, that you are always at His disposal when He calls.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
I think that most believers want to know God’s will for their life. We believers are overcome with gratitude for all that God has done. And we want to respond to that, we want to be pleasing to God. But there is a small hiccup, God speaks via His Word, and His Spirit. And we tend to listen by our ears and sometimes by our hearts. So maybe the real task at hand is to find the medium by which we can pick up on the Holy Spirit. And I wholeheartedly believe the medium by which the Spirit communicates most regularly is the word of God. The scripture is where we find what is acceptable and perfect.
One obstacle I have in hearing God is the expectation I have of Him. I try to anticipate His words, sort of getting a jumpstart on His will, and it never seems to work that way. My thinking of Him is so linear (Aristotelian) it just isn’t wide enough to anticipate what He is going to say or do. I sometimes sort of look at God’s will for me as a series of check boxes;
be kind-CHECK!
don’t curse – Working on it!
no smoking – CHECK!
no drinking – CHECK!
Okay, that’s 3 out of 4 that means I am living God’s will. Well probably not…. And that isn’t the way to follow God anyhow.
Maybe God’s will is something that can’t be predicted, planned or controlled. We have to submit to God and renew our minds by the word of God on a daily basis, to hear His will as he governs it. Today, He may ask one thing, and tomorrow something different. And if my mind has not been transformed by Him, I will miss out on living His will, His way for His purpose.
Maybe knowing and living God’s will has never been about following rules and keeping a busy calendar of religious events. Maybe, knowing and living God’s will has always been about communion with Him so often, that you are always at His disposal when He calls.
Friday, June 15, 2012
All or Nothing
All or Nothing
Bring the whole offering into the storehouse Malachi 3:10
Over the years I have been bitter about giving to God. I have used lots of excuses to justify my worries and concerns. But the crux of the matter, at the root of those worries is a lack of trust. And what is more amazing is that in the face of a cloud of witnesses that testify to God’s love, charity, planning and power, I still sometimes continue to hold back.
I know this verse speaks of giving funds and that we can test God in this. But I wonder if we rob God in other ways than monetarily? Could it be that we are robbing God of the most valuable commodity in the universe, something worth dying for, and we don’t even know it? I think the truth is that we rob God of us!
When God speaks to us and we allow fear to drown out His voice, we may be stealing from God. When we ignore the whole truth of scripture, we may be acting as thieves. The fact is that God loved us so much that He died to buy us from our sin condition. His act on the cross purchased us away from the grip of the devil. And to ignore God’s act of love is just plain foolish. And what is the just punishment for ignoring God’s gift…? Spiritual death.
You are the offering that the Father desires. Bring the whole offering into the storehouse. Are you willing to offer it all or are you stealing from God?
Bring the whole offering into the storehouse Malachi 3:10
Over the years I have been bitter about giving to God. I have used lots of excuses to justify my worries and concerns. But the crux of the matter, at the root of those worries is a lack of trust. And what is more amazing is that in the face of a cloud of witnesses that testify to God’s love, charity, planning and power, I still sometimes continue to hold back.
I know this verse speaks of giving funds and that we can test God in this. But I wonder if we rob God in other ways than monetarily? Could it be that we are robbing God of the most valuable commodity in the universe, something worth dying for, and we don’t even know it? I think the truth is that we rob God of us!
When God speaks to us and we allow fear to drown out His voice, we may be stealing from God. When we ignore the whole truth of scripture, we may be acting as thieves. The fact is that God loved us so much that He died to buy us from our sin condition. His act on the cross purchased us away from the grip of the devil. And to ignore God’s act of love is just plain foolish. And what is the just punishment for ignoring God’s gift…? Spiritual death.
You are the offering that the Father desires. Bring the whole offering into the storehouse. Are you willing to offer it all or are you stealing from God?
Friday, June 8, 2012
Construction Site
Construction Site
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2a NLT
I was talking to my brother Jerome. We were talking about the transformation of the believer. One comment he made was that “We are all under construction.” Indeed I even thought at one time of having a t-shirt made that announced the same slogan. But it took some time and hard knocks to come to the reality that God was not finished with me yet.
At times I have gotten off kilter. I have considered my position with God and thought to myself, “I have arrived.” And in short time I’d loose my temper or experience physical pain or find myself in humbling circumstances. Then with severe clarity God would use these events to show me that I have so far to go. I could hear Him in my head saying that, “There is no time for laurel resting with me. All you’ve done is reap, the hard work has been done by others (John 4:38). Son, its time for you to begin the work I have set aside for you.” And God being the Master Architect that He is, He begins hauling away that which is not on His blueprint and building a new foundation with His Spirit.
While God continues His work, I sometimes wonder how much more I can take. I wonder if He keeps going, I won’t even be me any longer. And that may be His point and purpose. He intends to make me into something so grand, that I’ll simply need to wait and see the finished creation. God is changing you into something so amazing we can only wait in anticipation to see the end outcome.
We are both in the hands of the Master Builder and He is in process of building us into something great. The next time I see a believer struggling, I should remember that God is working on them. He is changing them into something that will bring Him glory. I need to remember that those who belong to Him are under construction.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2a NLT
I was talking to my brother Jerome. We were talking about the transformation of the believer. One comment he made was that “We are all under construction.” Indeed I even thought at one time of having a t-shirt made that announced the same slogan. But it took some time and hard knocks to come to the reality that God was not finished with me yet.
At times I have gotten off kilter. I have considered my position with God and thought to myself, “I have arrived.” And in short time I’d loose my temper or experience physical pain or find myself in humbling circumstances. Then with severe clarity God would use these events to show me that I have so far to go. I could hear Him in my head saying that, “There is no time for laurel resting with me. All you’ve done is reap, the hard work has been done by others (John 4:38). Son, its time for you to begin the work I have set aside for you.” And God being the Master Architect that He is, He begins hauling away that which is not on His blueprint and building a new foundation with His Spirit.
While God continues His work, I sometimes wonder how much more I can take. I wonder if He keeps going, I won’t even be me any longer. And that may be His point and purpose. He intends to make me into something so grand, that I’ll simply need to wait and see the finished creation. God is changing you into something so amazing we can only wait in anticipation to see the end outcome.
We are both in the hands of the Master Builder and He is in process of building us into something great. The next time I see a believer struggling, I should remember that God is working on them. He is changing them into something that will bring Him glory. I need to remember that those who belong to Him are under construction.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Finding the Father’s Way
Finding the Father’s Way
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 NIV
God builds up His ways into the minds of mankind by various means. God gave us Christ so we might have the right to call Him Father. He bestows righteousness on us from the cross, so that we might have good standing with the Father. God even imparts the Holy Spirit so that we may have direction and understanding. And not to be forgotten, God wrote it down on paper and upon the hearts of His children.
Man however, we seek to do well but sometimes unravel the work of Christ in men’s hearts. When we try to “help God along” we heap up rules and protocols on an already struggling fellow believer. We might say some thing like, “If you do this, I know God will keep His end of the bargain”. And God may have never offered such barter. Or we may say to someone, “If you follow these rules, you will be saved” and God may not have asked for anything other than to follow Christ. In our zeal, shouldn’t we let God speak for Himself? If we humble ourselves He may choose to speak through us indeed.
But if we seek the Lord, seek the righteousness that is only found in Christ and humble our minds, perhaps we too will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s return. Perhaps we will find that we have found the Fathers way.
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 NIV
God builds up His ways into the minds of mankind by various means. God gave us Christ so we might have the right to call Him Father. He bestows righteousness on us from the cross, so that we might have good standing with the Father. God even imparts the Holy Spirit so that we may have direction and understanding. And not to be forgotten, God wrote it down on paper and upon the hearts of His children.
Man however, we seek to do well but sometimes unravel the work of Christ in men’s hearts. When we try to “help God along” we heap up rules and protocols on an already struggling fellow believer. We might say some thing like, “If you do this, I know God will keep His end of the bargain”. And God may have never offered such barter. Or we may say to someone, “If you follow these rules, you will be saved” and God may not have asked for anything other than to follow Christ. In our zeal, shouldn’t we let God speak for Himself? If we humble ourselves He may choose to speak through us indeed.
But if we seek the Lord, seek the righteousness that is only found in Christ and humble our minds, perhaps we too will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s return. Perhaps we will find that we have found the Fathers way.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Think Soberly
Think Soberly
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3 NIV
The fool studies himself and comes to the conclusion that there is only good. The person that thinks of him or herself as full of good will look at the cross-work of Christ in bewilderment for it has no point or purpose for them. The fool speaks to him or her self and says that, "Faith is foolishness. I've no need for God. He does not exist (Psalm 14:1)." For them, faith is something to exploit, not to embrace. They take no pleasure in the things of God.
A person that believes in God, that is, has accepted Christ as Lord, is a person of wisdom. A man or woman of wisdom may examine themselves and err by only looking at the bad, the things that need work. Such judgment is most certainly inebriated by the thinking-ways of this world. A sound and sober self assessment must always consider the things that God will repair and that which has been imputed by Christ.
When a Christian examines his or her life, that person must always consider the position one holds in Christ. Or in other words, try to look at yourself the same way that God sees you. He looks at you and me and sees a son or a daughter that He loves. He sees living stones that remind Him of Christ. When He observes us he sees "the chosen ones", a royal priesthood and people of praise (1 Peter 2). We have been endowed with courage, understanding, power and right standing with God. And you can't ignore that which God has given.
When you make a sober self assessment, you will most certainly find something uncomfortable. But you will also find that God has begun a great work in you. And God always finishes what He starts!
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3 NIV
The fool studies himself and comes to the conclusion that there is only good. The person that thinks of him or herself as full of good will look at the cross-work of Christ in bewilderment for it has no point or purpose for them. The fool speaks to him or her self and says that, "Faith is foolishness. I've no need for God. He does not exist (Psalm 14:1)." For them, faith is something to exploit, not to embrace. They take no pleasure in the things of God.
A person that believes in God, that is, has accepted Christ as Lord, is a person of wisdom. A man or woman of wisdom may examine themselves and err by only looking at the bad, the things that need work. Such judgment is most certainly inebriated by the thinking-ways of this world. A sound and sober self assessment must always consider the things that God will repair and that which has been imputed by Christ.
When a Christian examines his or her life, that person must always consider the position one holds in Christ. Or in other words, try to look at yourself the same way that God sees you. He looks at you and me and sees a son or a daughter that He loves. He sees living stones that remind Him of Christ. When He observes us he sees "the chosen ones", a royal priesthood and people of praise (1 Peter 2). We have been endowed with courage, understanding, power and right standing with God. And you can't ignore that which God has given.
When you make a sober self assessment, you will most certainly find something uncomfortable. But you will also find that God has begun a great work in you. And God always finishes what He starts!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Dark Passenger
Dark Passenger
God sets the lonely in families... Psalm 67:6a NIV
I know of a person that suffered with depression for years. He took his own life a few months ago. I overheard a few friends discussing John (that isn't his real name). They remarked that, "John did the most selfish thing in the world. Didn't he think about his kids?" My other friend responded incredulously, "What an idiot! He killed himself because he was sad!"
I think my friends might have been justified in their anger, but they clearly did not understand that depression is a serious mental health issue to struggle with. I think all of us struggle with something. No matter if it is a besetting sin, an addiction, mental or physical health; we all have an affliction to struggle with… a dark passenger that travels with us. We all have that thing that tells us we would be better off dead or that we are unworthy in some way. And loneliness has a way of setting in when the dark passenger speaks its lies.
Take heart. God sees your condition and He plants us in the company of people that love us. In the family of God you get as many mothers as you can handle. In God's family you will get more bothers and sister than you can count. And most of all you get a Father whose love for you is unsurpassed. Believe me when I say that there is nothing (including your dark passenger) that can stop God from loving you!
God sets the lonely in families... Psalm 67:6a NIV
I know of a person that suffered with depression for years. He took his own life a few months ago. I overheard a few friends discussing John (that isn't his real name). They remarked that, "John did the most selfish thing in the world. Didn't he think about his kids?" My other friend responded incredulously, "What an idiot! He killed himself because he was sad!"
I think my friends might have been justified in their anger, but they clearly did not understand that depression is a serious mental health issue to struggle with. I think all of us struggle with something. No matter if it is a besetting sin, an addiction, mental or physical health; we all have an affliction to struggle with… a dark passenger that travels with us. We all have that thing that tells us we would be better off dead or that we are unworthy in some way. And loneliness has a way of setting in when the dark passenger speaks its lies.
Take heart. God sees your condition and He plants us in the company of people that love us. In the family of God you get as many mothers as you can handle. In God's family you will get more bothers and sister than you can count. And most of all you get a Father whose love for you is unsurpassed. Believe me when I say that there is nothing (including your dark passenger) that can stop God from loving you!
Friday, May 11, 2012
We're Still Here
We're Still Here
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36 NLT
I have come to a few conclusions... Either Harold Camping was over zealous for the Lord's return or he needed to boost ratings for his radio and television programs. Harold has crunched the numbers and checked his Bible verses to come to a May 21st 2011 world expiration date, but he is wrong. We are still here.
I wish Harold would have just read Matthew chapter 24. In this chapter Jesus explains certain events surrounding of the end of the world (or the end of the age). As a side note, I believe Jesus means the end of the way things operate; that is, no more sin in this world.
In Matthew 24:36 Jesus says, "No one knows about the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Then Jesus goes on in verses 38-42 to say that this end-time will come upon people by complete surprise. We will be going about our day, just like any other and WHAM! Jesus will have come back and snatched up his own in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52), which is about a billionth of a second. I think God has kept the return date a secret on purpose. If we all knew the date, we would plan our lives around that specific time. We would live life on our own terms until the last second, and then become believers (if that were possible). But with the date remaining a secret, we are compelled to look for God on a daily basis. We live out our lives with expectation that God could come at any moment. Our faith grows in such circumstances and our relationship with the Father is strengthened.
So don't worry about yesterday and tomorrow is a mystery. The only day we should focus on is today. Today is the gift that the Father has given. Today you can seek the Lord while He can still be found. Don't worry about when Jesus comes back; maybe consider when you will go to him?
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36 NLT
I have come to a few conclusions... Either Harold Camping was over zealous for the Lord's return or he needed to boost ratings for his radio and television programs. Harold has crunched the numbers and checked his Bible verses to come to a May 21st 2011 world expiration date, but he is wrong. We are still here.
I wish Harold would have just read Matthew chapter 24. In this chapter Jesus explains certain events surrounding of the end of the world (or the end of the age). As a side note, I believe Jesus means the end of the way things operate; that is, no more sin in this world.
In Matthew 24:36 Jesus says, "No one knows about the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Then Jesus goes on in verses 38-42 to say that this end-time will come upon people by complete surprise. We will be going about our day, just like any other and WHAM! Jesus will have come back and snatched up his own in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52), which is about a billionth of a second. I think God has kept the return date a secret on purpose. If we all knew the date, we would plan our lives around that specific time. We would live life on our own terms until the last second, and then become believers (if that were possible). But with the date remaining a secret, we are compelled to look for God on a daily basis. We live out our lives with expectation that God could come at any moment. Our faith grows in such circumstances and our relationship with the Father is strengthened.
So don't worry about yesterday and tomorrow is a mystery. The only day we should focus on is today. Today is the gift that the Father has given. Today you can seek the Lord while He can still be found. Don't worry about when Jesus comes back; maybe consider when you will go to him?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Finding the Father’s Way
Finding the Father’s Way
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 NIV
I think that the easiest and most difficult thing in the world is to follow God. God makes it possible (and sometimes) easy to follow him. God gave us Christ so that we have the right to call Him Father. He bestows righteousness on us from the cross, so that we have good standing with the Father. God even imparts the Holy Spirit so that we have direction and understanding. And not to be forgotten, God wrote it down on paper and upon the hearts of His children.
Man however, we seek to do well but sometimes unravel the work of Christ in men’s hearts. When we try to “help God along” we heap up rules and protocols on an already struggling fellow believer. We might say some thing like, “If you do this, I know God will keep His end of the bargain”. And God may have never offered such barter. Or we may say to someone, “If you follow these rules, you will be saved” and God may not have asked for anything other than to wholeheartedly follow Christ. In our zeal to help others, shouldn’t we let God speak for Himself? If we truly humble ourselves, He may choose to speak through us indeed.
But if we seek the Lord, seek the righteousness that is only found in Christ and humble our minds, perhaps we too will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s return. Perhaps we will find that we have found the Fathers way.
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 NIV
I think that the easiest and most difficult thing in the world is to follow God. God makes it possible (and sometimes) easy to follow him. God gave us Christ so that we have the right to call Him Father. He bestows righteousness on us from the cross, so that we have good standing with the Father. God even imparts the Holy Spirit so that we have direction and understanding. And not to be forgotten, God wrote it down on paper and upon the hearts of His children.
Man however, we seek to do well but sometimes unravel the work of Christ in men’s hearts. When we try to “help God along” we heap up rules and protocols on an already struggling fellow believer. We might say some thing like, “If you do this, I know God will keep His end of the bargain”. And God may have never offered such barter. Or we may say to someone, “If you follow these rules, you will be saved” and God may not have asked for anything other than to wholeheartedly follow Christ. In our zeal to help others, shouldn’t we let God speak for Himself? If we truly humble ourselves, He may choose to speak through us indeed.
But if we seek the Lord, seek the righteousness that is only found in Christ and humble our minds, perhaps we too will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s return. Perhaps we will find that we have found the Fathers way.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Make it count
Make it count
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14 NIV
I have been thinking about this verse. It has occurred to me that life is so short that it can easily be missed. Maybe a person can overlook the idea of “living” when there are so many responsibilities pressing in for our attention. Or maybe we forget to live vibrant lives when the days seem so dull that they roll into each other. And at the end of this life, I wonder if I will have made time for the things that have real value? Or, will I have slept through the whole of it?
I have this recurring dream that I have to speak at a funeral. And I always start off by mentioning that life is like a book. I tell people that our lives are filled with highs and lows, but what is the constant theme that runs through the pages of our lives? Is the ongoing theme one of addiction, a constant reliving of the past or maybe is it Christ?
If you take stock of the pages of your life right now, what would come to the forefront? Would we the readers find adventure and excitement, would we find risk and danger? Think of it like this… Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. Faith in Christ is the stuff that has Kingdom Value! Not just believing, but sharing your faith may be the one thing that really counts.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14 NIV
I have been thinking about this verse. It has occurred to me that life is so short that it can easily be missed. Maybe a person can overlook the idea of “living” when there are so many responsibilities pressing in for our attention. Or maybe we forget to live vibrant lives when the days seem so dull that they roll into each other. And at the end of this life, I wonder if I will have made time for the things that have real value? Or, will I have slept through the whole of it?
I have this recurring dream that I have to speak at a funeral. And I always start off by mentioning that life is like a book. I tell people that our lives are filled with highs and lows, but what is the constant theme that runs through the pages of our lives? Is the ongoing theme one of addiction, a constant reliving of the past or maybe is it Christ?
If you take stock of the pages of your life right now, what would come to the forefront? Would we the readers find adventure and excitement, would we find risk and danger? Think of it like this… Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. Faith in Christ is the stuff that has Kingdom Value! Not just believing, but sharing your faith may be the one thing that really counts.
Friday, April 20, 2012
True Identity
True Identity
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit. Romans 8:16 NIV
Ursula and I decided to stop at a local diner for breakfast. I told Urs that I had recently come to recognize a few realities about my life. There are several, but the most profound is that I have no purpose outside the family of Christ. She asked what that meant. I further explained that my thoughts on suicide would have been carried out twenty-five years ago if I had not become a follower of Jesus. I make no sense outside of Christianity. In my mind, I am an odd extra piece that doesn’t fit into the rest of the puzzle. But with Jesus, I fit in.
Just then, a strange man walked up to me and said, “I think I am supposed to tell you that the Spirit of the Lord testifies about you. His spirit testifies with our spirit… We are in union with His Spirit… Bless you.”
Is it a coincidence that as I am speaking of God, of my purpose in the family of God that an unknown person would come to me and point out that indeed, I am part of God’s family?
I admit that I am still trying to make sense of the meeting and the gentleman’s words. But at least I can glean the message that God has prepared works for me and that I am His… Maybe Eugene Peterson can say it better, “God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.” Romans 8:16 The Message
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit. Romans 8:16 NIV
Ursula and I decided to stop at a local diner for breakfast. I told Urs that I had recently come to recognize a few realities about my life. There are several, but the most profound is that I have no purpose outside the family of Christ. She asked what that meant. I further explained that my thoughts on suicide would have been carried out twenty-five years ago if I had not become a follower of Jesus. I make no sense outside of Christianity. In my mind, I am an odd extra piece that doesn’t fit into the rest of the puzzle. But with Jesus, I fit in.
Just then, a strange man walked up to me and said, “I think I am supposed to tell you that the Spirit of the Lord testifies about you. His spirit testifies with our spirit… We are in union with His Spirit… Bless you.”
Is it a coincidence that as I am speaking of God, of my purpose in the family of God that an unknown person would come to me and point out that indeed, I am part of God’s family?
I admit that I am still trying to make sense of the meeting and the gentleman’s words. But at least I can glean the message that God has prepared works for me and that I am His… Maybe Eugene Peterson can say it better, “God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.” Romans 8:16 The Message
Friday, April 13, 2012
Nothing like Them
Nothing like Them
All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
Matthew 25:32-34 NLT
I recently went to a summer fair. There were a profusion of weavers, bee keepers and confectioners peddling their wears. I saw a peacock, some chicks, a sow and several other farm variety flora and fauna. I even saw sheepherders shear their sheep. We perused the other areas and at a quick glance I saw more of what at first looked like sheep to my untrained eyes. So I announced to my wife that there were more sheep, but she quickly corrected me that these were indeed goats. I compared the animal in front of me to the memory of the (Ursula referred to the recently shaven as naked) sheep. Their faces were of a similar shape and color, but the goats had longer ears, more sturdy legs and a taller and thinner body. Though they had a similar appearance at first glance, they were indeed very different creatures.
My friend Terry once quoted Matthew 25 and suggested that apparently, the goats and the sheep look about the same. And that Jesus will be able to tell the difference. Terry’s idea got me to wondering if sometimes Christians look like everyone else?
I think that we believers slip up and take on the appearance of non believers. And sometimes we slip up so often or so badly, that we may even forget our true identity in Christ. Like me, you may have come to the conclusion that no true follower of Christ could screw up so badly. But I ask you to take courage for God has not forgotten who you are and where you belong. God has placed you in the hands of Christ for safe keeping, and believe me, you can’t slip out (John 6:37). And at the appointed time, the Father will come for us, and relieve us of the failures and sin that seem to abound. If you have claimed Christ as savior, then you are one of God’s sheep. The thing we can’t see is that God has marked us as His Own. He has adopted us and no longer calls us servants, but calls us family. You are nothing like them; you are a child of the King! You might have made some mistakes, but you are nothing like them. You are in the family of the King!
All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.
Matthew 25:32-34 NLT
I recently went to a summer fair. There were a profusion of weavers, bee keepers and confectioners peddling their wears. I saw a peacock, some chicks, a sow and several other farm variety flora and fauna. I even saw sheepherders shear their sheep. We perused the other areas and at a quick glance I saw more of what at first looked like sheep to my untrained eyes. So I announced to my wife that there were more sheep, but she quickly corrected me that these were indeed goats. I compared the animal in front of me to the memory of the (Ursula referred to the recently shaven as naked) sheep. Their faces were of a similar shape and color, but the goats had longer ears, more sturdy legs and a taller and thinner body. Though they had a similar appearance at first glance, they were indeed very different creatures.
My friend Terry once quoted Matthew 25 and suggested that apparently, the goats and the sheep look about the same. And that Jesus will be able to tell the difference. Terry’s idea got me to wondering if sometimes Christians look like everyone else?
I think that we believers slip up and take on the appearance of non believers. And sometimes we slip up so often or so badly, that we may even forget our true identity in Christ. Like me, you may have come to the conclusion that no true follower of Christ could screw up so badly. But I ask you to take courage for God has not forgotten who you are and where you belong. God has placed you in the hands of Christ for safe keeping, and believe me, you can’t slip out (John 6:37). And at the appointed time, the Father will come for us, and relieve us of the failures and sin that seem to abound. If you have claimed Christ as savior, then you are one of God’s sheep. The thing we can’t see is that God has marked us as His Own. He has adopted us and no longer calls us servants, but calls us family. You are nothing like them; you are a child of the King! You might have made some mistakes, but you are nothing like them. You are in the family of the King!
Friday, April 6, 2012
An Incomplete Message
An Incomplete Message
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
"The Lord gave me a message, bro. I figured I should share it with you."
My brother Jerome had called. I told him to continue.
Jerome said that, "The Lord revealed to me that the statement "We live by faith" is an incomplete statement. We also live by the Word of God!" And my brother is right.
Consider that many people say that "We (believers) live by faith", but faith in what? Some people place their trust in their own abilities, in religious activities or the "goodness of mankind". But none of those things have the ability to do what only Christ can do. Scripture says that the only means of salvation is in Christ alone (Acts 4:12). So... what do you trust? Where does your faith lie? Is it a place of safety or of true trustworthiness?
If your faith has been placed upon anything other than the God, who has been revealed in Christ; than your faith is counterfeit. If you've placed your faith in anything other than God's Word, then you practice a Blind Faith indeed. Romans 10:17 says that, "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." In other words, you can't have a sound faith-life without your mind being deeply rooted in the word of God. If you have faith that resides outside the word of God, then in my opinion, your faith betrays you.
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
"The Lord gave me a message, bro. I figured I should share it with you."
My brother Jerome had called. I told him to continue.
Jerome said that, "The Lord revealed to me that the statement "We live by faith" is an incomplete statement. We also live by the Word of God!" And my brother is right.
Consider that many people say that "We (believers) live by faith", but faith in what? Some people place their trust in their own abilities, in religious activities or the "goodness of mankind". But none of those things have the ability to do what only Christ can do. Scripture says that the only means of salvation is in Christ alone (Acts 4:12). So... what do you trust? Where does your faith lie? Is it a place of safety or of true trustworthiness?
If your faith has been placed upon anything other than the God, who has been revealed in Christ; than your faith is counterfeit. If you've placed your faith in anything other than God's Word, then you practice a Blind Faith indeed. Romans 10:17 says that, "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." In other words, you can't have a sound faith-life without your mind being deeply rooted in the word of God. If you have faith that resides outside the word of God, then in my opinion, your faith betrays you.
Friday, March 30, 2012
When God Sings
When God Sings
The lord your God is with you, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17(a,b)
My wife has a preoccupation with lambs. She thinks they are cute. But when I see them I only think of lunch... Anyhow, Ursula gave me a birthday card one year. The cover displayed a cartoon of a lamb dancing at sunrise. On the inside the smiling lamb seemed to be hovering over the words, "The lord rejoices over you!" The first thought that came to mind was, "Nice sentiment, but I wish God would have said that for real." I looked on the back of the card and it showed that the words did indeed come from God in Zephaniah 3:17.
Maybe you feel so low, so guilty that you figure God would never dance when He thinks of you. And if that is true, then like me, you would be wrong. The lord loves you without equivocation and indeed He celebrates when He thinks of you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you! No, I am not stuttering. I am repeating myself in the hope that you will believe me.
When we turn away from sin, it is cause for celebration in the heavens. And the lord is celebrating with a song, over you right now!
The lord your God is with you, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17(a,b)
My wife has a preoccupation with lambs. She thinks they are cute. But when I see them I only think of lunch... Anyhow, Ursula gave me a birthday card one year. The cover displayed a cartoon of a lamb dancing at sunrise. On the inside the smiling lamb seemed to be hovering over the words, "The lord rejoices over you!" The first thought that came to mind was, "Nice sentiment, but I wish God would have said that for real." I looked on the back of the card and it showed that the words did indeed come from God in Zephaniah 3:17.
Maybe you feel so low, so guilty that you figure God would never dance when He thinks of you. And if that is true, then like me, you would be wrong. The lord loves you without equivocation and indeed He celebrates when He thinks of you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you. The lord loves you! No, I am not stuttering. I am repeating myself in the hope that you will believe me.
When we turn away from sin, it is cause for celebration in the heavens. And the lord is celebrating with a song, over you right now!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Path to the Blessed Life
Path to the Blessed Life Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 New International Version In my mind the path to the blessed life sort of looks likes the yellow brick road from the Wizard of Oz. My imagination presents a gold path that is lined with precious jewels. I imagine the occasional rest stop where I can pick up pocket sized blessings that will tide me over until the big blessings come. As I get nearer to the end of the journey, I can see a big welcome sign shaped like a hand with a pointing finger. The words on the sign are, "Acquire Blessings here". But the truth is that the path to the blessed life is paved with hopes not yet realized and with tears of others before us. You will leave a trail of your own hopes, sort of loaning out your faith to weary travelers. I like that Jesus says we can be blessed. I like that God sees our circumstance and makes accommodation for our varying conditions. But I don't like where I have to be to receive His blessings. I have to be hungry to be fed and I need to mourn to receive comfort. It seems we need to be emptied of something to receive God’s endowment. Have you ever noticed that Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is ours, but the other blessings are in keep for us? He says that we will receive comfort, our daily needs, mercy etcetera. Maybe Jesus is saying that in the life to come, He will dole out the stuff we need to overflowing. Or, maybe he is giving a warning; if you want the blessed life, you will need to mourn, to be hungry and to hope to reach the ultimate destination. And you know what’s funny? When we reach the “end of the road”, I think we will look back and see that instead of acquiring the blessed life, we were living it all along.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Looking For Trust In All the Wrong Places
Looking For Trust In All the Wrong Places
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31-33 New International Version
If you want to find godly trust, you have to look in the right places. When I find myself looking in the wrong places I find anything but a benevolent God.
Television news seems to portray God as an absentee landlord. In the newspaper God seems more like an untrustworthy scallywag that seeks to pilfer our joy and peace. Not long ago I spoke to a man about God. He felt that God should always say yes and as it seemed NO was the answer to a particular question; He summed God up as an ecclesiastical masochist that delights in our suffering. Looking for a trustworthy God in the midst of grief might be a mistake as well. In A Grief Observed, C.S Lewis said that when he lost his wife to cancer, he went running to God “in desperation only to find a door slammed in your face and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that, silence.” Does this sound like a God who can be trusted?
I think this verse gives us an unusual place to look for godly trust. Jesus gives us an example of nature. Maybe almost jokingly with a smile on his face, Jesus asks,
"When is the last time you saw a bird worry about where to find worms?" "When is the last time you saw grass embarrassed at its shabby attire?" Then I imagine Jesus comforting our worries, saying that if God cares for these, don’t you think He will take pride in you, care for you? Don’t be so preoccupied with 'getting' that you forget to respond to what God has already been giving. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. My dad will take care of you, and I'll see to it myself, one nail at a time."
Now this sounds like a God I can trust.
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31-33 New International Version
If you want to find godly trust, you have to look in the right places. When I find myself looking in the wrong places I find anything but a benevolent God.
Television news seems to portray God as an absentee landlord. In the newspaper God seems more like an untrustworthy scallywag that seeks to pilfer our joy and peace. Not long ago I spoke to a man about God. He felt that God should always say yes and as it seemed NO was the answer to a particular question; He summed God up as an ecclesiastical masochist that delights in our suffering. Looking for a trustworthy God in the midst of grief might be a mistake as well. In A Grief Observed, C.S Lewis said that when he lost his wife to cancer, he went running to God “in desperation only to find a door slammed in your face and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that, silence.” Does this sound like a God who can be trusted?
I think this verse gives us an unusual place to look for godly trust. Jesus gives us an example of nature. Maybe almost jokingly with a smile on his face, Jesus asks,
"When is the last time you saw a bird worry about where to find worms?" "When is the last time you saw grass embarrassed at its shabby attire?" Then I imagine Jesus comforting our worries, saying that if God cares for these, don’t you think He will take pride in you, care for you? Don’t be so preoccupied with 'getting' that you forget to respond to what God has already been giving. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. My dad will take care of you, and I'll see to it myself, one nail at a time."
Now this sounds like a God I can trust.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Make it count
Make it count Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 NIV I have been thinking about this verse. It has occurred to me that life is so short that it can easily be missed. Maybe a person can overlook the idea of “living” when there are so many responsibilities. Maybe we forget to live vibrant lives when the days seem to roll into each other. And at the end of this life, I wonder if I will have made time for the things that have real value, Kingdom Value? I have this recurring dream that I have to speak at a funeral. And I always start off by mentioning that life is like a book. I tell people that our lives are filled with highs and lows, excitement and intrigue. But what is the constant theme that runs through those pages? Is the one constant some addiction, a constant reliving of the past or maybe it is Christ? If you take stock of the pages of your life right now, what would come to the forefront? Would we the readers find adventure and excitement, would we find risk and danger? Would we find that you have suffered grief in all kinds of trials? Think of it like this… Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. Now that’s the stuff that has Kingdom Value!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Finding the Father’s Way
Finding the Father’s Way Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3 NIV I think that the easiest and most difficult thing in the world is to follow God. God makes it possible (and sometimes) easy to follow him. God gave us Christ so we might have the right to call Him Father. He bestows righteousness on us from the cross, so that we might have good standing with the Father. God even imparts the Holy Spirit so that we may have direction and understanding. And not to be forgotten, God wrote it down on paper and upon the hearts of His children. Man however, we seek to do well but sometimes unravel the work of Christ in men’s hearts. When we try to “help God along” we heap up rules and protocols on an already struggling fellow believer. We might say some thing like, “If you do this, I know God will keep His end of the bargain”. And God may have never offered such barter. Or we may say to someone, “If you follow these rules, you will be saved” and God may not have asked for anything other than to follow Christ. In our zeal, shouldn’t we let God speak for Himself? If we humble ourselves He may choose to speak through us indeed. But if we seek the Lord, seek the righteousness that is only found in Christ and humble our minds, perhaps we too will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s return. Perhaps we will find that we have found the Fathers way.
Friday, February 24, 2012
True Identity
True Identity The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit. Romans 8:16 NIV Ursula and I decided to stop at a local diner for breakfast. I told Urs that I had recently come to recognize a few realities about my life. There are several, but the most profound is that I have no purpose outside the family of Christ. She asked what that meant. I further explained that my thoughts on suicide would have been carried out twenty-five years ago if I had not become a follower of Jesus. I make no sense outside of Christianity. In my mind, I am an odd extra piece that doesn’t fit into the rest of the puzzle. But with Jesus, I fit in. Just then, a strange man walked up to me and said, “I think I am supposed to tell you that the Spirit testifies with our spirit… to one another. Bless you.” Is it a coincidence that as I am speaking of God, of my purpose in the family of God that an unknown person would come to me and point out that indeed, I am part of God’s family? I admit that I am still trying to make sense of the meeting and the gentleman’s words. But at least I can glean the message that God has prepared works for me and that I am His… Maybe Eugene Peterson can say it better, “God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.” Romans 8:16 The Message
Friday, February 17, 2012
Like Babes
Like Babes If a person puts his trust in the Lord and follows obediently, he will experience the shepherding love of God. Psalm 23 paraphrase I remember seeing the first steps of my younger sister and many nieces and nephews. In each instance they shared the same procedure. Each one pulled themselves up on any nearby piece of furniture. They lifted their arms high as if being robbed at gun point, laughed and then wobbled towards their moms and dads. In that experience, I see that all children seem to be born with built-in trust. Without complex legal contracts or previous experience to teach them, they knew they could trust. They knew that the beckoning hands of parents and loved ones were going to catch them before they fell. But as we get older, trust takes on a new sense of being. We live in hard times... And life teaches us that trust is for the foolish and weak. Trust can make you a target for the unscrupulous. And it seems as if each downfall of human trust can cause us to question if God is any different. We start to wonder if God has any integrity (as if God should be judged by the behavior of people). Life's bumps and bruises teach us that trust is sort of unnatural, a luxury reserved for children. But Jesus says that the only way to enter the Kingdom is to be like one of these trusting little ones (Matthew 19:14). I think we are designed to trust. We are built to have confidence in God our Father. I am convinced that trust is normal, as long as it has been deposited in the right place. So, raise your arms high, laugh and stumble your way into the strong arms of God your Father. It is safe to trust the Lord.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Microwave Mentality
Microwave Mentality Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT When I became a believer, I tried to bring my “microwave mentality” into the faith. I wanted and expected that God would give me everything immediately. But faith in God does not work like microwave popcorn. Faith involves a hunger for God, boldness and tenacity. One would need to thirst for God like a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). And when we taste and see that God is good, I can tell you that nothing else will satisfy. I like the old saying, "You can't put the cart before the horse." There has to be an order to things. And this verse reveals that one cannot find the will of the Father until one has laid down his or her desire for worldly ways and picked up a penchant for God's ways. When we renew our minds through the word of God, with prayer and with fasting, we place ourselves in a position to be transformed by God. If we stick to God and allow him to change us, on His schedule, we gain clarity in regards to the Father's will. Believe me when I say His clock seems to work a bit slower than our own. But God isn’t slow as many might think. He is patiently working things out for our good, bringing us into maturity. There is no such thing as Instant Christianity. Faith in God is always an endurance race, never a sprint. In regards to faith, Paul said that he runs the race free of worldly entanglements and with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1). And Jesus said that those that persevere to the end, they will be saved (Matthew 24:13). If you let go of the "I want it now" sort of mentality and hang on to God just long enough, I think you will find what you are looking for, and more.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Think Before You Drink
Think Before You Drink Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NIV At church I saw a person that I hadn't seen in some time. The last time we had spoken it was over a year ago and it ended in a heated exchange. Yet, when I saw her, I did not hesitate to greet her. I was snubbed. She acted as though I was not even there. I proceeded on and found my seat in church. Sometime later she came into church and I decided to try to make contact once more. I gestured to her, waving “hello” and offering a vacant seat in my row. I was once again snubbed. She went to the opposite side of the church to find a better seat but ended up two chairs away from me as the other side was full. At the end of service, the communion elements (crackers and juice), were passed out. I silently wondered if she would consume them. I wondered how she could reverently take part in communion to remember an invisible dude named Jesus, but carry a grudge (or indifference) for a person sitting right next to her? I am aware that forgiveness is easier when the person is miles away (sort of a pseudo forgiveness because in most cases a change of heart has not happened). And I know it is a more difficult task to forgive when the person is right next to you. But I also know that the longer you hate, the easier it is to keep hating. Hate can survive so long that you can forget the true cause and conjure new reasons to keep the feud alive. When you dislike someone, it is easy to forget that God loves them. Maybe that is a bitter pill; God loves someone you hate. If God were smart like me, he would hate them too. But God incessantly shows His “differentness” (if that is a word). He forgives when there is no reason to forgive. He forgives because of who He is, not because of who we are. Well, she ate the cracker. I was shocked! I watched (if it were possible) her heart becoming more like stone. I watched her mind become dull (if that were possible too). I closed my eyes and asked God to forgive me if I was being arrogant, knowing that I had made an effort to live at peace with her. Then I asked God to help me remember the cross. I ate the cracker and drank the cup. When I opened my eyes she was gone. I have no clue as to whether she drank the cup or not...
Friday, January 27, 2012
Close
Close
You who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 NIV
I read about the hanging of several Jews in a concentration camp during WWII. One of those being executed was a small boy. While facing the condemned; one of the prisoners said to another, "We have been abandoned. Where is God now?" The floor dropped and the weight of each man on the ropes caused them to expire quickly. The small child was not heavy enough for a quick execution. While he struggled and kicked wildly, the other prisoner answered and said, "God is here with us, hanging from a rope."
You might think that God has abandoned you because of your present hardships. Illness and loss scream in the face of faith. Pain preaches that God is far away or that He is nonexistent. But only the fool would say in his heart that there is no God (Psalm 14:1). One cannot distantly judge God solely on his or her present circumstance. But it is an up close and thriving experience of God that enables us to trust Him, whether we are in trials or triumph.
I would say that God is close to us, close to you. No matter if you are trouble free or dangling at the end of a rope, God is here. And this proximity of God is the direct result of the shed blood of Christ. Without Christ, all one can do is keep his or her chin up and face the afterlife with uncertainty. But if you accept the blood of Christ, you are never alone in this life and you go to the afterlife with assurance and maybe even some anticipation. Ultimately, Christ gives us the choice we never had, a choice to be close to the Father.
You who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 NIV
I read about the hanging of several Jews in a concentration camp during WWII. One of those being executed was a small boy. While facing the condemned; one of the prisoners said to another, "We have been abandoned. Where is God now?" The floor dropped and the weight of each man on the ropes caused them to expire quickly. The small child was not heavy enough for a quick execution. While he struggled and kicked wildly, the other prisoner answered and said, "God is here with us, hanging from a rope."
You might think that God has abandoned you because of your present hardships. Illness and loss scream in the face of faith. Pain preaches that God is far away or that He is nonexistent. But only the fool would say in his heart that there is no God (Psalm 14:1). One cannot distantly judge God solely on his or her present circumstance. But it is an up close and thriving experience of God that enables us to trust Him, whether we are in trials or triumph.
I would say that God is close to us, close to you. No matter if you are trouble free or dangling at the end of a rope, God is here. And this proximity of God is the direct result of the shed blood of Christ. Without Christ, all one can do is keep his or her chin up and face the afterlife with uncertainty. But if you accept the blood of Christ, you are never alone in this life and you go to the afterlife with assurance and maybe even some anticipation. Ultimately, Christ gives us the choice we never had, a choice to be close to the Father.
Friday, January 20, 2012
KINGDOM COME
KINGDOM COME
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46
Most people never think of the Kingdom among us, they envision a time when we will go off to Heaven. We imagine a far away place that has gates of pearl and streets of gold. But I don't think that is the Kingdom Come. As unlikely as it might sound, maybe the kingdom came in the form of a child? And this child would grow to be a man laden with sorrow and familiar with suffering (Isaiah 53:3). And his suffering would serve as a bridge between God and any man or woman looking for redemption.
The Kingdom came heavily on the shoulders of Christ, but to what end? Some might suppose Christ came for our comfort, don't think so. Some say Christ came for us to obtain riches, I doubt it. Some say he came to remove the suffering of this world, and I would beg to differ. If Christ came to be beaten, bruised, pierced and murdered for us to be comfortable and rich, it would be a sad and superficial thing indeed. I don't think the Kingdom has come among us for you to acquire stuff, but to bring you into the family of God. I would say that the Kingdom has come... for you.
Think of it this way, the sacrifice of Christ is like God's open hand, extended to you. It does not matter what you've done, where you've been or where you are now. The Sacrifice covers everything wrong with us if you will let the Kingdom Come into your heart.
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46
Most people never think of the Kingdom among us, they envision a time when we will go off to Heaven. We imagine a far away place that has gates of pearl and streets of gold. But I don't think that is the Kingdom Come. As unlikely as it might sound, maybe the kingdom came in the form of a child? And this child would grow to be a man laden with sorrow and familiar with suffering (Isaiah 53:3). And his suffering would serve as a bridge between God and any man or woman looking for redemption.
The Kingdom came heavily on the shoulders of Christ, but to what end? Some might suppose Christ came for our comfort, don't think so. Some say Christ came for us to obtain riches, I doubt it. Some say he came to remove the suffering of this world, and I would beg to differ. If Christ came to be beaten, bruised, pierced and murdered for us to be comfortable and rich, it would be a sad and superficial thing indeed. I don't think the Kingdom has come among us for you to acquire stuff, but to bring you into the family of God. I would say that the Kingdom has come... for you.
Think of it this way, the sacrifice of Christ is like God's open hand, extended to you. It does not matter what you've done, where you've been or where you are now. The Sacrifice covers everything wrong with us if you will let the Kingdom Come into your heart.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Miracle
Miracle
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 NIV
I once asked my brother what he thought of when I said the word, “miracle.” Curtis said that a miracle is when, “human impossibility gives way to God's possibility.” I agree. We look for God's possibility when we face the fear of broken relationships, illness and loss. We want God to intervene on behalf of the unsaved and the hurting. And when the Father says yes, we get a boon to our faith! We give thanks for the one that remembered us in our pain.
As good as a "yes" moment feels, and God knows we need them; sometimes we need God to say "no". Without the refusal or delay, we won't grow. When God says "no" our perspective of Him is challenged, sort of stretched into more realistic proportions. If all we know of God is "yes", then we start to see Him as merely a genie. But a "no" answer forces us to either leave the faith or persevere and know God better than before.
When troubled times come upon us, it is important to remember that God might allow those times in order to reveal His purpose and power in our lives. I think true faith involves a willingness to cling to God even when we are disappointed. And I believe that is the miracle God wants to cultivate in us all.
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 NIV
I once asked my brother what he thought of when I said the word, “miracle.” Curtis said that a miracle is when, “human impossibility gives way to God's possibility.” I agree. We look for God's possibility when we face the fear of broken relationships, illness and loss. We want God to intervene on behalf of the unsaved and the hurting. And when the Father says yes, we get a boon to our faith! We give thanks for the one that remembered us in our pain.
As good as a "yes" moment feels, and God knows we need them; sometimes we need God to say "no". Without the refusal or delay, we won't grow. When God says "no" our perspective of Him is challenged, sort of stretched into more realistic proportions. If all we know of God is "yes", then we start to see Him as merely a genie. But a "no" answer forces us to either leave the faith or persevere and know God better than before.
When troubled times come upon us, it is important to remember that God might allow those times in order to reveal His purpose and power in our lives. I think true faith involves a willingness to cling to God even when we are disappointed. And I believe that is the miracle God wants to cultivate in us all.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Grace Alive
Grace Alive
For out of His abundance we have all received one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift heaped upon gift.
John 1:16 Amplified Bible (AMP)
I bear in mind the grace of Christ so as to imitate the same quality in my own life. I do this by extending grace to all, no matter the size of the offense or whether they are deserving. And if I think I am a man after God’s own heart for these things, I am deceiving myself, for this sort of grace is dead.
I believe that a living grace goes after the lowest, and into places no one else will go. If your grace only leads you to point out a place of sin, then your grace is dead. If your grace would call you to go inside a place of sin to bring back your brother or sister, then your grace is merely alive. But if you can bring your brother or sister back from sin and spare them your judgment and criticism, then your grace is thriving like that of Christ himself.
No one gives away something they do not posses. No one extends grace without having received it from On High. Grace is something you cannot have until you know you need it. And maybe we won’t even know we have it until we try to extend it to others, and that is when we are alive in Christ, when grace comes alive.
For out of His abundance we have all received one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift heaped upon gift.
John 1:16 Amplified Bible (AMP)
I bear in mind the grace of Christ so as to imitate the same quality in my own life. I do this by extending grace to all, no matter the size of the offense or whether they are deserving. And if I think I am a man after God’s own heart for these things, I am deceiving myself, for this sort of grace is dead.
I believe that a living grace goes after the lowest, and into places no one else will go. If your grace only leads you to point out a place of sin, then your grace is dead. If your grace would call you to go inside a place of sin to bring back your brother or sister, then your grace is merely alive. But if you can bring your brother or sister back from sin and spare them your judgment and criticism, then your grace is thriving like that of Christ himself.
No one gives away something they do not posses. No one extends grace without having received it from On High. Grace is something you cannot have until you know you need it. And maybe we won’t even know we have it until we try to extend it to others, and that is when we are alive in Christ, when grace comes alive.
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