Reading Psalm 6 and the aftermath I experienced this morning in devotional reading has me think on this topic of deliverance. This is a term that I have wanted to forget for sometime now, mainly because of the connotation in which it took growing up in the Pentecostal church. It seemed all that one had to do to recive this deliverance is go to an altar, act like an idiot and have other people push you around a little. Now I have to insert here that I realize this I speak of many people hold dear. And if what I reference has merit to you, I mean no offense. But I think with the crass way of putting it, those who choose to read this understand the experience.
If in that instance, or after it, you felt better about your circumstances that was noted as deliverance. And then you would go home and fall and wait again until next Sunday, praying once again the Lord to take your burden away.
Whether or not this experience has been yours, I am quite sure we all share the experience of pain and anguish. Life has a way of doing this to us. It brings circumstances, relational problems, and many things that send a wrecking ball to what otherwise we call our "norm". It brings severe discomfort and and die-hard desire to exit the current state. It brings the atheist to say, "oh, God" and the agnostic to suddenly be sure there is something higher at work. We have all been in that place, and maybe some of us right now. So, in an attempt to bring solace, seek advice from this song of deliverance.
1) Be honest before God (6:1-3).
Lord, Im tired, in every part of my soul I am tired. God knows how you feel, there is no sense hiding it. Many times we are in this place of "our wit's end". We have deep despair and hurt. There is no antecdote to be said, no mantra to be repeated to bring relief. Even the Psalmist says, in paraphrase, "Lord will you even overlook my own shortcomings just long enough to be my strength? (v.1)" He must have hurt. God knows you are too. Just tell Him.
2) Make sure your motives are pure (6:4-5)
Why do you want "delivered"? Why is it necessary for you to leave your current state. Sometimes God has us in a place so that we may call to Him. We are not good at discomfort. We do not do suffering well. So much in fact that we have convinced ourselves that God would never allow it. But it is a recurring theme in scripture of the lives of those who belong to Him. Make sure your cry for deliverance isnt a cry caused by lack of endurance. Verse 4 says "deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love". The only right reason for God to "bring us out" is that so we may be examples of His great power.
3) Know that God will work (6:8-10)
There seems to be a great confidence in God's hearing and response even though he doesn't see it in this instance. Take notice of the element of despair in your life for a moment. Now ask yourself, "have I lost confidence in God to answer?" I know I have. I mean if you can't get something done right (and by right I mean when and how YOU want it) then do it yourself. I am wholly guilty of acting on God's behalf and giving up on God completely. This, above all is what can keep us in undude despair. I referenced Godly despair that is necessary, but surely there is a despair we bring to ourself when we take matters in our own hands. Any prayer of deliverance must be coupled with confidence that God hears and will act.
You know, perhaps this last part of the Psalm even holds the key to what true deliverance is. Maybe its not the absence of circumstances that bring despair, but rather the surety and confidence of God in the midst of those circumstances. There is no doubt life brings different things, but God never changes. I know you have heard this all before, but just as I, maybe your ears need deliverance to hear it again.
05 January 2011
Gimme Shelter
Psalm 2:12 "...Blessed are all who take REFUGE in Him.
I love the way God speaks to me through His Word. This morning I spent some time musing on this small ending passage of Psalm 2.
I have read this at least 100 times, the phrase about taking refuge in God. There are many references of God being our defense in the scriptures. He is our strong tower, the shield of Faith that quenches the fiery darts of the enemy, our refuge and strength. But of course, as many of us often do, I have read right over it with nothing more than a swift "amen", because that's what I have trained myself to do. But this is such a powerful truth and great promise. That we always have refuge or shelter.
I stand also with a loving rebuke today for the prayers of yesterday. I realized as I read this today just how much this truth of of refuge had escaped my radar of practical application. You see, and I think we can all relate, don't we get our need of refuge confused with rescue? Tis true I have spent most of my crying out to God times in seek of rescue. I want out of something. I want Him to remove the challenges and temptations that life offer in order that I may escape them unscathed. But as much as the idea of refuge is in the Bible, the idea of rescue not so much.
Take for instance the time Jesus says to Peter, "The enemy desires to have you so he can sift you like wheat...". What was the next thing Jesus said? He says, 'But I have prayed for you that your faith fails not." Bascially, Jesus claims, I am going to allow this to happen, but you can be sure that I am with you every step." That doesn't sound fair, and neither does the story of Job, or the fact that Jesus flat out tells us, "In this world you will have trouble..". But we can't ever forget to "take heart, for He has overcome the world".
As I begin to think a little further on the idea of refuge, the word "refugee" came to mind. A refugee is one who flees to a place or power to escape pain or persecution. Aren't all Christians indeed refugees in this world? Paul claims in Philippians 3 that "our citezenship is in Heaven". This is not our ultimate destination...so we find ourself in constant movement and in unsettled states. The closer we get to God, the more uncomfortable we will get. This world becomes more and more foregin to us. The worlds eratic behaviors become more and more repulsive. But instead of seeking "rescue" by the removal from it, we are to understand fully that God is our refuge in the middle of it. And that refuge is always there as the scripture claims, "God is our refuge and stength, and EVER PRESENT help in trouble."
I really do waste my time seeking rescue. If nothing else, praying for rescue represents a gross understanding of prayer itself...for prayer is our chief refuge in and of itself. Our glory that we experience as Christians must be founded in the idea of Godly refuge. The storms will roll, but there is an eternal place of shelter for those who belong to Him.
I love the way God speaks to me through His Word. This morning I spent some time musing on this small ending passage of Psalm 2.
I have read this at least 100 times, the phrase about taking refuge in God. There are many references of God being our defense in the scriptures. He is our strong tower, the shield of Faith that quenches the fiery darts of the enemy, our refuge and strength. But of course, as many of us often do, I have read right over it with nothing more than a swift "amen", because that's what I have trained myself to do. But this is such a powerful truth and great promise. That we always have refuge or shelter.
I stand also with a loving rebuke today for the prayers of yesterday. I realized as I read this today just how much this truth of of refuge had escaped my radar of practical application. You see, and I think we can all relate, don't we get our need of refuge confused with rescue? Tis true I have spent most of my crying out to God times in seek of rescue. I want out of something. I want Him to remove the challenges and temptations that life offer in order that I may escape them unscathed. But as much as the idea of refuge is in the Bible, the idea of rescue not so much.
Take for instance the time Jesus says to Peter, "The enemy desires to have you so he can sift you like wheat...". What was the next thing Jesus said? He says, 'But I have prayed for you that your faith fails not." Bascially, Jesus claims, I am going to allow this to happen, but you can be sure that I am with you every step." That doesn't sound fair, and neither does the story of Job, or the fact that Jesus flat out tells us, "In this world you will have trouble..". But we can't ever forget to "take heart, for He has overcome the world".
As I begin to think a little further on the idea of refuge, the word "refugee" came to mind. A refugee is one who flees to a place or power to escape pain or persecution. Aren't all Christians indeed refugees in this world? Paul claims in Philippians 3 that "our citezenship is in Heaven". This is not our ultimate destination...so we find ourself in constant movement and in unsettled states. The closer we get to God, the more uncomfortable we will get. This world becomes more and more foregin to us. The worlds eratic behaviors become more and more repulsive. But instead of seeking "rescue" by the removal from it, we are to understand fully that God is our refuge in the middle of it. And that refuge is always there as the scripture claims, "God is our refuge and stength, and EVER PRESENT help in trouble."
I really do waste my time seeking rescue. If nothing else, praying for rescue represents a gross understanding of prayer itself...for prayer is our chief refuge in and of itself. Our glory that we experience as Christians must be founded in the idea of Godly refuge. The storms will roll, but there is an eternal place of shelter for those who belong to Him.
Im Nothing But Im Not
Recently watched The Chronicles of Narnia latest film. This line from the movie will have me thinking for days. By far the best moment for me:
”What have you done, child? You wished yourself away and with it much more....You doubt your value. Don't run from who you are." -Aslan (The Voyage of the Dawn TreaderSo in my continued thinking I wanted to write this note sort of expounding on the depths of this lesson.
First off, all allegory in these stories are amazing. I will always believe that C.S. Lewis was one of the greatest minds that ever lived. This particular morsel of spiritual lesson just stuck out to me more than the others did.
I was researching some yesterday what I could find in way of different takes on this segment. I ran across something that was a little disturbing. It was a series of "devotions" based on the movie. Each devotion was taken from different dialogues and monologues in the movie, scripture referenced, and then explained into practical application. This particular line I am referencing was among them. Of course, in my humble opinion, I dont see how you could leave it out.
The title of the devotion was what disturbed me a little, and I think for most part it is the grossest misinterpretation of what I believe the author's intent was. The title of the devotion was, "Be Yourself".
My heart began to sink as I can just see this being preached and shared across the youth groups of America. "Be Yourself" is I beleive the most shallow viewpoint one could take, simply because of what it means in the culutre. Tis true, Aslan's line ends with, "Don't run from who you are," but that's really not the thrust of what the character (which apparently is the God-Figure or Christ-Type) is trying to convey. I think the more powerful part of it is wrapped around, "You doubt your value".
Value is the premise of thought here, or at least the platform I wish to discuss. I am a man of relatively low self-esteem. When you couple that with the teaching of scripture, the enemy loves playing mind games on the scripture's though that we are indeed nothing. We are merely a vapor, we can do nothing apart from Him, I die daily, He who finds life must lose himself...these things echo a dangerous reinforcement to one who already struggles with lack of personal value. Take one who feels like nothing, submit him to constant teaching that he is nothing, and what good can possibly come from that. Thank God for proper understanding that holds the rescue.
I can't believe the answer is to just "be yourself". In this case, self is dissapointed. In the movie, the self of Lucy wants to be somebody else. Self is dissallusioned and is guilty of the devalue we speak of. Culturally speaking, being yourself is reduced to a form of rebellion or revolution against the traditions of authority. It's an attitude of imma-be-me, and takes no consideration of others (which I think we can all agree is completely unChrist-like). And no matter how hard you try, you cant convince me the lesson here is to where knee-high striped socks and strange eye makeup despite those who look down on you. If the lesson is to "be yourself", this is misleading and ultimately dangerous. Chiefly, because it's Christless.
So, about value. Denying ourself in the teachings of scripture has nothing to do at all with looking down on self in a depressive state. Losing yourself has nothing to do with running around with no identity, wondering why you even exist or why God even bothered to create you. We can never read scripture through the dangerous lens of low-self esteem. Rather, read it for what it says.
In losing self, we find true self that was designed to wrapped up in Christ. This is not a loss of identity but a discovery of it. Apart from Him we can do nothing, but this also is to read with Him we can do anything. After all, with God all things are possible. This gives us great purpose in our living. We are merely a vapor in time, but this increases our value by means of being very rare and all the more important. My life is limited editon, therefore of utmost value. I die daily, not in a sense of denying peronal imprtance, but in submitting myself to absolute importance. In proper perspective, who I am and what I do, aligned with He who created me can never be accidental or lack value. Yes, apart from Him I'm nothing, but in Him I'm everything. I'm nothing, but I'm not.
What have you done child?" The key word here is child. God says you are my child, what have you done in wishing yourself away. Who are you to doubt your value in the overall picture of life? It is by all means a loving reprimand. And perhaps to you is reading this as it was to me who viewed it. When you wish yourself away or to be somebody else, you wish everything good moment away with every bad. Every encouragement you have ever provided, every smile of yours that made somebody's day, even your very presence at times when you thought it meant nothing goes away with you. With you goes much more.
Don't ever doubt your value! But understand completely that your valuable because your a Child of God. He made no accident...you are no accident, and with you comes great purpose. Don't run from who you are is not to say, "Be Yourself"...rather it is to say, "Don't run from this reality and revelation." And that reality is that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Believe it, and live like it. You may be nothing, but you're so much more.
”What have you done, child? You wished yourself away and with it much more....You doubt your value. Don't run from who you are." -Aslan (The Voyage of the Dawn TreaderSo in my continued thinking I wanted to write this note sort of expounding on the depths of this lesson.
First off, all allegory in these stories are amazing. I will always believe that C.S. Lewis was one of the greatest minds that ever lived. This particular morsel of spiritual lesson just stuck out to me more than the others did.
I was researching some yesterday what I could find in way of different takes on this segment. I ran across something that was a little disturbing. It was a series of "devotions" based on the movie. Each devotion was taken from different dialogues and monologues in the movie, scripture referenced, and then explained into practical application. This particular line I am referencing was among them. Of course, in my humble opinion, I dont see how you could leave it out.
The title of the devotion was what disturbed me a little, and I think for most part it is the grossest misinterpretation of what I believe the author's intent was. The title of the devotion was, "Be Yourself".
My heart began to sink as I can just see this being preached and shared across the youth groups of America. "Be Yourself" is I beleive the most shallow viewpoint one could take, simply because of what it means in the culutre. Tis true, Aslan's line ends with, "Don't run from who you are," but that's really not the thrust of what the character (which apparently is the God-Figure or Christ-Type) is trying to convey. I think the more powerful part of it is wrapped around, "You doubt your value".
Value is the premise of thought here, or at least the platform I wish to discuss. I am a man of relatively low self-esteem. When you couple that with the teaching of scripture, the enemy loves playing mind games on the scripture's though that we are indeed nothing. We are merely a vapor, we can do nothing apart from Him, I die daily, He who finds life must lose himself...these things echo a dangerous reinforcement to one who already struggles with lack of personal value. Take one who feels like nothing, submit him to constant teaching that he is nothing, and what good can possibly come from that. Thank God for proper understanding that holds the rescue.
I can't believe the answer is to just "be yourself". In this case, self is dissapointed. In the movie, the self of Lucy wants to be somebody else. Self is dissallusioned and is guilty of the devalue we speak of. Culturally speaking, being yourself is reduced to a form of rebellion or revolution against the traditions of authority. It's an attitude of imma-be-me, and takes no consideration of others (which I think we can all agree is completely unChrist-like). And no matter how hard you try, you cant convince me the lesson here is to where knee-high striped socks and strange eye makeup despite those who look down on you. If the lesson is to "be yourself", this is misleading and ultimately dangerous. Chiefly, because it's Christless.
So, about value. Denying ourself in the teachings of scripture has nothing to do at all with looking down on self in a depressive state. Losing yourself has nothing to do with running around with no identity, wondering why you even exist or why God even bothered to create you. We can never read scripture through the dangerous lens of low-self esteem. Rather, read it for what it says.
In losing self, we find true self that was designed to wrapped up in Christ. This is not a loss of identity but a discovery of it. Apart from Him we can do nothing, but this also is to read with Him we can do anything. After all, with God all things are possible. This gives us great purpose in our living. We are merely a vapor in time, but this increases our value by means of being very rare and all the more important. My life is limited editon, therefore of utmost value. I die daily, not in a sense of denying peronal imprtance, but in submitting myself to absolute importance. In proper perspective, who I am and what I do, aligned with He who created me can never be accidental or lack value. Yes, apart from Him I'm nothing, but in Him I'm everything. I'm nothing, but I'm not.
What have you done child?" The key word here is child. God says you are my child, what have you done in wishing yourself away. Who are you to doubt your value in the overall picture of life? It is by all means a loving reprimand. And perhaps to you is reading this as it was to me who viewed it. When you wish yourself away or to be somebody else, you wish everything good moment away with every bad. Every encouragement you have ever provided, every smile of yours that made somebody's day, even your very presence at times when you thought it meant nothing goes away with you. With you goes much more.
Don't ever doubt your value! But understand completely that your valuable because your a Child of God. He made no accident...you are no accident, and with you comes great purpose. Don't run from who you are is not to say, "Be Yourself"...rather it is to say, "Don't run from this reality and revelation." And that reality is that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Believe it, and live like it. You may be nothing, but you're so much more.
Thanks Jim
I have a friend named Jim. Since the very first day we crossed paths I knew we would be great friends. This note, in a roundabout way, expresses my appreciation for that friendship.
I am what most people may call cynical. I have had no reservations with conforming to that title. There are several things in life I am cynical about, especially in the church, because the church is my life. I used to be just skeptical. But that skepticism was an ever growing snowball gaining momentum into full blown cynicism.
It was recently, wide open on Facebook, that I was challenged by my friend Jim in this arena of thought. Truth is, cynicism is used a lot in comedy, and some people love me for mine, but, as Jim pointed out, it is really a sense of detachment. I had started to see it this way somewhat but was still bent on the fact that all of my cynical sayings and attitudes were perfectly harmless and fine. And it was by this sharp rebuke from my friend that I am starting to see it differently.
Jim wasn't harsh, dont get me wrong. He simply made the statement, "Make sure your cynicism is pointed toward the right things." Jim provided me the deifintion, which I already knew, but sounded much different coming from him. Cynicism is a distrust in the integrity or motives of others. Somewhere along the way in life I had lost my sense of naivety. I would think at times that maybe trust cant be accomplished so easy. But I had really gotten to the place where I did not give myself a chance to trust. And that led to a lot of assuming. And that assuming has probably kept me from many blessings. It has, no doubt, probably locked me out of opportunities for enrichment, whether that be through reading or verbal exchange with another. I looked up the definition of cynicism and found that Jim, if he looked up the same one, was kind enough to leave off the first part. And here it is for I need to say it to self: Cynicism is "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity". Thanks Jim for leaving that be. But it all applies to my circumstance. And negative I never want to be.
I refuse to beat myself up about it. But I do plan on correcting it. I really want my life to be everything God intends. And I know enough that in order to be that, i need to remain open, despite even how the actions of others may try and dictate my outlook on them or others in their people group. I never want to miss a thing God has, i just don't. And thanks to Jim, I may not have to. Thanks Jim, for your words of compassion, and thanks for being my friend.
I am what most people may call cynical. I have had no reservations with conforming to that title. There are several things in life I am cynical about, especially in the church, because the church is my life. I used to be just skeptical. But that skepticism was an ever growing snowball gaining momentum into full blown cynicism.
It was recently, wide open on Facebook, that I was challenged by my friend Jim in this arena of thought. Truth is, cynicism is used a lot in comedy, and some people love me for mine, but, as Jim pointed out, it is really a sense of detachment. I had started to see it this way somewhat but was still bent on the fact that all of my cynical sayings and attitudes were perfectly harmless and fine. And it was by this sharp rebuke from my friend that I am starting to see it differently.
Jim wasn't harsh, dont get me wrong. He simply made the statement, "Make sure your cynicism is pointed toward the right things." Jim provided me the deifintion, which I already knew, but sounded much different coming from him. Cynicism is a distrust in the integrity or motives of others. Somewhere along the way in life I had lost my sense of naivety. I would think at times that maybe trust cant be accomplished so easy. But I had really gotten to the place where I did not give myself a chance to trust. And that led to a lot of assuming. And that assuming has probably kept me from many blessings. It has, no doubt, probably locked me out of opportunities for enrichment, whether that be through reading or verbal exchange with another. I looked up the definition of cynicism and found that Jim, if he looked up the same one, was kind enough to leave off the first part. And here it is for I need to say it to self: Cynicism is "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity". Thanks Jim for leaving that be. But it all applies to my circumstance. And negative I never want to be.
I refuse to beat myself up about it. But I do plan on correcting it. I really want my life to be everything God intends. And I know enough that in order to be that, i need to remain open, despite even how the actions of others may try and dictate my outlook on them or others in their people group. I never want to miss a thing God has, i just don't. And thanks to Jim, I may not have to. Thanks Jim, for your words of compassion, and thanks for being my friend.
The Great Debate
I have been doing quite a bit of study lately into the whole Calvinism vs. Arminianism theology debate. And I believe it or not, this note is in no way a quest for your thoughts on the subject. Not that you cant add them if you wish.
This is an endless debate whether you know it by name or not. Let me say the unpardonable phrase which I am certain you have heard in the church: "Once saved always saved". Now are you with me on how much of an issue this has caused?
Funny enough that's only one point of one side. There are acutally five points that are argued chiefly, each side holding a valid opinion with scripture they say backs their opinion to the fullest. Let me stop here and say that most people i meet cold care less about theology and dont think its necessary to grow in it. I think that's frightening even though they seem to be quite content in what knowledge their tradition alone has provided. And while I can't agree in any form with the choice of stagnancy, this note is not about slamming them either.
I personally love to bridge gaps. I find it thrilling as a pastor to preach in a way that brings people to God, people to people, and people to universal agreement. Call me a peacemaker if you will. I just love taking two sides of something and trying to reach an understanding that creates harmony and fruitfulness. I think we can agree to disagree and that what we debate over we do not have to divide over. This is the way i see it.
So in such foolish attempt to do such, I am writing to bring the staunch calvinist and die-hard arminiast together in faith. How arrogant I am.
It would be unfair if i did not say that both sides could possibly be wrong and there is a such thing as wrong theology. Think about it, if two people take opposing sides, one has to be wrong. We can't all be right. That's realtivism. And truth is by nature exclusive. So although I am attempting to take a unity measure here, i challenge you to take a dive into some form of theoloigical study. What you believe about God is the basis of your behavior toward Him. So I can't write this without challenging you to try and become a scholar of God's Word. Look at it this way, it can't hurt you.
How can I diminish this staunch dividing line of hardcore belief? I want to offer you one question as it pertains to your complete salvation: What does your heart say about Christ? I am not talking randomly but constantly. I think it fair to say there is a strong contingency that look around at the church, or even their own lives and say to themselves, "I dont know what I am looking for, but this cant possibly be it." And now let me re-emphasize with some other explanatory questions. How strong is the "call"? How stubborn is His grace in comparison to how many times you step out of line? Do you ever feel as if His power will not release you no matter how much you may even feel at times that you want out? If your life in Him has reached some sort of ho-hum could care less at times attitude, you then may have to face the fact that salvation is not yet yours (and this no matter what theology you claim). This "call" of God n Christ Jesus is so extremely potent and powerful that it refuses to let up, no matter the depth of man's depravity and utter sinfulness. It is unexplainable in the internal soul. If there is a physical attrubute, I would say it would be tears and the inability to speak. This great slavation is not a cruise control of morality and good works tempered with half-baked commitment to the cause. It's more of a "I cannot help but follow". It is the, "where else in the world can I go" revelation of the apostle Peter.
This has to be the life that both realms of theology seek. A life and call greater than that they can possibly make for themselves. The point is this, whether God chooses or we choose, no matter what we beleive on the origin of sin and capability of man, or whether not a man could "lose" his salvation could just possibly pale in comparison to how strongly Christ is holding us in our life by His grace; then that love so powerful it relentlessly calls us forward. Salvation, my friend, is that strong hand that pulls our face back towards holy affection when it even glances at another. It nit-picks even the smallest of error and begs us back into formation with His righteousness. Our flesh hates it, but our soul delights in it. It is just...that....powerful.
And this stronghold of Christ on the life of man must be what we all seek.
This is an endless debate whether you know it by name or not. Let me say the unpardonable phrase which I am certain you have heard in the church: "Once saved always saved". Now are you with me on how much of an issue this has caused?
Funny enough that's only one point of one side. There are acutally five points that are argued chiefly, each side holding a valid opinion with scripture they say backs their opinion to the fullest. Let me stop here and say that most people i meet cold care less about theology and dont think its necessary to grow in it. I think that's frightening even though they seem to be quite content in what knowledge their tradition alone has provided. And while I can't agree in any form with the choice of stagnancy, this note is not about slamming them either.
I personally love to bridge gaps. I find it thrilling as a pastor to preach in a way that brings people to God, people to people, and people to universal agreement. Call me a peacemaker if you will. I just love taking two sides of something and trying to reach an understanding that creates harmony and fruitfulness. I think we can agree to disagree and that what we debate over we do not have to divide over. This is the way i see it.
So in such foolish attempt to do such, I am writing to bring the staunch calvinist and die-hard arminiast together in faith. How arrogant I am.
It would be unfair if i did not say that both sides could possibly be wrong and there is a such thing as wrong theology. Think about it, if two people take opposing sides, one has to be wrong. We can't all be right. That's realtivism. And truth is by nature exclusive. So although I am attempting to take a unity measure here, i challenge you to take a dive into some form of theoloigical study. What you believe about God is the basis of your behavior toward Him. So I can't write this without challenging you to try and become a scholar of God's Word. Look at it this way, it can't hurt you.
How can I diminish this staunch dividing line of hardcore belief? I want to offer you one question as it pertains to your complete salvation: What does your heart say about Christ? I am not talking randomly but constantly. I think it fair to say there is a strong contingency that look around at the church, or even their own lives and say to themselves, "I dont know what I am looking for, but this cant possibly be it." And now let me re-emphasize with some other explanatory questions. How strong is the "call"? How stubborn is His grace in comparison to how many times you step out of line? Do you ever feel as if His power will not release you no matter how much you may even feel at times that you want out? If your life in Him has reached some sort of ho-hum could care less at times attitude, you then may have to face the fact that salvation is not yet yours (and this no matter what theology you claim). This "call" of God n Christ Jesus is so extremely potent and powerful that it refuses to let up, no matter the depth of man's depravity and utter sinfulness. It is unexplainable in the internal soul. If there is a physical attrubute, I would say it would be tears and the inability to speak. This great slavation is not a cruise control of morality and good works tempered with half-baked commitment to the cause. It's more of a "I cannot help but follow". It is the, "where else in the world can I go" revelation of the apostle Peter.
This has to be the life that both realms of theology seek. A life and call greater than that they can possibly make for themselves. The point is this, whether God chooses or we choose, no matter what we beleive on the origin of sin and capability of man, or whether not a man could "lose" his salvation could just possibly pale in comparison to how strongly Christ is holding us in our life by His grace; then that love so powerful it relentlessly calls us forward. Salvation, my friend, is that strong hand that pulls our face back towards holy affection when it even glances at another. It nit-picks even the smallest of error and begs us back into formation with His righteousness. Our flesh hates it, but our soul delights in it. It is just...that....powerful.
And this stronghold of Christ on the life of man must be what we all seek.
The Great Gain
1 Timothy 6:6 - Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.
Amy is the most content person I know. Me, not so much.
In my recent musings I have come to the conclusion that there is a lot to say about contentment and wonder why the subject doesn't grace our pulpits more. Now, CHANGE, that's a subject matter we can't seem to get over. And we talk about it so much that we have all forgotten how to be thankful for what is right in front of us, and this memory lapse in hopes of a better tomorrow with touch of disgust for the moment. If we are not careful the whole idea of wanting something else can become equally awful.
It's impossible to jump over the idea of Godliness. This should be the believer's first love and pursuit. However, Godliness in the human is hard to define, and it's a thin line between true Holy Spirit driven life and self-righteous religion. So in one's pursuit of godly living, contentment is key. Why? Because the contentment grants the believer a holy satisfaction at what God chooses to give and take away in the process itself.
There is not a single person that is in true pursuit of God that doesn't wrestle with dissatisfaction and holy discontent. I call it holy becasue the believer should want to progress in his or her walk. This is a good feeling of discontent, nonetheless, the scripture says that godliness with contentment is great gain, not godliness with discontent. It is important for us to realize that our yearnings for "something more" can easily cross over into unholy discontent, which leads to jealousy, bitterness, strife, and all sorts of ungodly comparsions with other believers. And, God forbid, it leads to us trying to manipulate God so that our ideals can be realized. Of course, none of us have ever seen that in the church, right?
So, are you truly content in your pursuit of godliness? Is this fearsome duo of character so alive in you that you can refer to it as great gain? This Thanksigivign I invite you to join me in taking a deep breath, enjoying every moment in an overflow of thanks to God for everything he has given. Give thanks for everything that is progressing in you. Sure, we all have a "long way to go". But my friends, we will all get there...if we learn to pursue in contentment and find this truly GREAT GAIN!
Amy is the most content person I know. Me, not so much.
In my recent musings I have come to the conclusion that there is a lot to say about contentment and wonder why the subject doesn't grace our pulpits more. Now, CHANGE, that's a subject matter we can't seem to get over. And we talk about it so much that we have all forgotten how to be thankful for what is right in front of us, and this memory lapse in hopes of a better tomorrow with touch of disgust for the moment. If we are not careful the whole idea of wanting something else can become equally awful.
It's impossible to jump over the idea of Godliness. This should be the believer's first love and pursuit. However, Godliness in the human is hard to define, and it's a thin line between true Holy Spirit driven life and self-righteous religion. So in one's pursuit of godly living, contentment is key. Why? Because the contentment grants the believer a holy satisfaction at what God chooses to give and take away in the process itself.
There is not a single person that is in true pursuit of God that doesn't wrestle with dissatisfaction and holy discontent. I call it holy becasue the believer should want to progress in his or her walk. This is a good feeling of discontent, nonetheless, the scripture says that godliness with contentment is great gain, not godliness with discontent. It is important for us to realize that our yearnings for "something more" can easily cross over into unholy discontent, which leads to jealousy, bitterness, strife, and all sorts of ungodly comparsions with other believers. And, God forbid, it leads to us trying to manipulate God so that our ideals can be realized. Of course, none of us have ever seen that in the church, right?
So, are you truly content in your pursuit of godliness? Is this fearsome duo of character so alive in you that you can refer to it as great gain? This Thanksigivign I invite you to join me in taking a deep breath, enjoying every moment in an overflow of thanks to God for everything he has given. Give thanks for everything that is progressing in you. Sure, we all have a "long way to go". But my friends, we will all get there...if we learn to pursue in contentment and find this truly GREAT GAIN!
Only God can help you now
I have some friends. I call them that because I embrace them as such. I started trying to help them not so long ago through a random encounter. From a church standpoint, there are always people who need some intervention. Mostly its provided with small monitary gift and send them on their way. After all, that's the only ting we can do for most. But then there are some that you feel perhaps God wants you to take an extra step toward. So you do, And these two are considered friends.
Both of my new friends have tainted pasts. It's hard to even dream of being in their position. The system doesn't seem fair and I even prayed once that God would just "give them a leg up". I was sucked into their story, and the more it unfolded I discovered just layer upon layer of unimagineable circumstances. I can only speculate that amount of hurt, rejection, heartbreak, and dissapointment that defines their life. And then it's even harder to help. We, like anyone else have limited resources. The church has limited resources. And when you try and help someone, you want to maximize what you have..you know, to really help them. We did everything we could think of to do. We drove them around to find jobs, wrtiing letters to the courts to prove their efforts to clean up, and of course some money for lodging. There was even a couple that gave them some groceries. They were embraced inside our fellowship for a short time. You always hope its enough and that you have done what you can do. God gives you confirmation that you have. In this particular situation, I even saw God perform a miracle. And they were doing quite well.
Then as it often works out, when "help" begins to fade and you begin to sit back and see how well people can stand. This is the part where you feel there was an endless resource, or that you could just quit your job and make this circumstance a full-time project. And over this time, we saw these people fade. They started showing up less and even calling less. They popped up about a month after the help faded and we helped them again. We assured them of our love and concern. I even tried to make contact with them in the dead space but to no avail.
But today, they popped up again. In the midst of trying to get their life straight they had both relapsed twice in one specific arena of struggle. Or at least that is all they have admitted...and that only on confrontation. The call today was disturbing and I knew at once it was another relapse. They were stranded, possibly on site or close to the area their habit returns them to. I was faced with the opportunity to "help" one more time. I didn't, well, not in the way requested.
I could go into all the reasons why but I won't. The fact that I didn't help brings all sorts of questions because just logistically I could have. But this time, as sure as I felt God tell me go further the first time, i felt Him say no this one. That seemed so harsh and so out of character. This almost comes across as rejection. I receieved some other calls close together and I decided that I would speak the only truth I could. I did. And I was cut off.
Only God can help them now, but in reality, He was the only one that could ever really help in the first place. Sometimes it's easy for us to try and be the hero. And i find that there is such a thin line in good Christian action and playing the Holy Spriit. I said earlier that the church has a lack of resources. And we do in from a carnal standpoint. But spiritually speaking we have the only endless supply in all of Heaven and earth. Our prayers can do more than "pick up the slack". I hope they find what they need most. I pray that they see what they need most. In all of their future requests for help, no matter to whom they are directed, I pray that the greater need chines through.
Both of my new friends have tainted pasts. It's hard to even dream of being in their position. The system doesn't seem fair and I even prayed once that God would just "give them a leg up". I was sucked into their story, and the more it unfolded I discovered just layer upon layer of unimagineable circumstances. I can only speculate that amount of hurt, rejection, heartbreak, and dissapointment that defines their life. And then it's even harder to help. We, like anyone else have limited resources. The church has limited resources. And when you try and help someone, you want to maximize what you have..you know, to really help them. We did everything we could think of to do. We drove them around to find jobs, wrtiing letters to the courts to prove their efforts to clean up, and of course some money for lodging. There was even a couple that gave them some groceries. They were embraced inside our fellowship for a short time. You always hope its enough and that you have done what you can do. God gives you confirmation that you have. In this particular situation, I even saw God perform a miracle. And they were doing quite well.
Then as it often works out, when "help" begins to fade and you begin to sit back and see how well people can stand. This is the part where you feel there was an endless resource, or that you could just quit your job and make this circumstance a full-time project. And over this time, we saw these people fade. They started showing up less and even calling less. They popped up about a month after the help faded and we helped them again. We assured them of our love and concern. I even tried to make contact with them in the dead space but to no avail.
But today, they popped up again. In the midst of trying to get their life straight they had both relapsed twice in one specific arena of struggle. Or at least that is all they have admitted...and that only on confrontation. The call today was disturbing and I knew at once it was another relapse. They were stranded, possibly on site or close to the area their habit returns them to. I was faced with the opportunity to "help" one more time. I didn't, well, not in the way requested.
I could go into all the reasons why but I won't. The fact that I didn't help brings all sorts of questions because just logistically I could have. But this time, as sure as I felt God tell me go further the first time, i felt Him say no this one. That seemed so harsh and so out of character. This almost comes across as rejection. I receieved some other calls close together and I decided that I would speak the only truth I could. I did. And I was cut off.
Only God can help them now, but in reality, He was the only one that could ever really help in the first place. Sometimes it's easy for us to try and be the hero. And i find that there is such a thin line in good Christian action and playing the Holy Spriit. I said earlier that the church has a lack of resources. And we do in from a carnal standpoint. But spiritually speaking we have the only endless supply in all of Heaven and earth. Our prayers can do more than "pick up the slack". I hope they find what they need most. I pray that they see what they need most. In all of their future requests for help, no matter to whom they are directed, I pray that the greater need chines through.
Blaming God
I have a sick child. He has been dignosed with RSV (that's basically bronchitis). He wont be sick long, but for the time being it's not easy to see him struggle to breathe, in and out of coughing attacks, and moving about with partially energetic stride. And I blame God. Well, candidly, at least that's how I felt last night.
There was this feeling overcome me that shames me to say being a Christian and especially a Pastoral figure. I wanted to take my son's place and wondered why we must suffer what his body is barely able to take. I took momentarliy in my solitary prayer a "gloves are off" approach to God. I did not care for God in that time and questions began to flood my mind. God did a work in my son last night by the result of prayer. And now, all I have to do is evaluate my behavior. And this is the conclusion...I still blame God.
I often muse on the idea of God being the easy scape goat and why He is quickest to get blame. There are a quite a few people around me in this world who seem to have a more excellent apporach to suffering. The que sara sara way of looking at things I am jealous of, having never been able to possess that attitude myself. I am wired quite differently. More so, I wonder why people who do not claim to know God seem to be better at handling suffering. But then I think, it's hard to blame someone you don't know very well. It is the one who pursues God most who usually ends up blaming Him most. After all, the ones closest to you are automoatically in line of vision, and are easy targets of pointed fingers.
So why do I blame God? There are certainly things about my life, and just life in general that serve as better objects of scrutiny. As man, there lies with me no right to question the Almighty. He is good. That is it. Why can't I accept that?
I probably starts with a giant misunderstanding of God's nature, or perhaps a misunderstanding of goodness. What are the qualifications for something, or even someone to be good? Who made this test that gives us the false answer that everything good must be pleasant and comforting to mankind? If you care enough to think about it, there are many good things that aren't pleasant. Take sickness, or at least it's uncomfortable symptoms. Is that not really my son's body learning to fight off infection, which is something that will make him stronger in the end? Take a life sentence in prison. Is this not really justness and fairness by a good judge who wishes for a life of crime to be halted? I encourage you to look at the all moments of pain and suffering in your life. What is the sum of all moments of grief? If we are honest I think we would all have to say learning. And now what has that learning made you? Well, something beautiful if you allowed it to. The only way sufferings, major or minor on whatever form of measuring tape you utilize, bring negative results is if you clam up and refuse to evaluate it from a big picture standpoint.
My son's sickness is minor compared to some thigns even great friends of mine are having to live today. I think about the much more difficult roads others are traveling in my prayers. But my prayers for all are the same. Please help them find you in this mess, God. And build their faith in this trial that would otherwise shake their faith. May every moment of suffering be a learning experience that equips us for the tomorrows and moments to come.
Life contains plenty of theses expereinces. And every one of them puts you through a trial by fre it seems. Gold always has to be refined through fire, and it seems we do to. There is not a single one of us that doesn't wish it to be different. But we don't seem to learn by blessing. So for every trial, every tinge of sickness and pain, and every moment that I feel alone...I blame God. For His hand of goodness continues to produce greatness at every turn.
There was this feeling overcome me that shames me to say being a Christian and especially a Pastoral figure. I wanted to take my son's place and wondered why we must suffer what his body is barely able to take. I took momentarliy in my solitary prayer a "gloves are off" approach to God. I did not care for God in that time and questions began to flood my mind. God did a work in my son last night by the result of prayer. And now, all I have to do is evaluate my behavior. And this is the conclusion...I still blame God.
I often muse on the idea of God being the easy scape goat and why He is quickest to get blame. There are a quite a few people around me in this world who seem to have a more excellent apporach to suffering. The que sara sara way of looking at things I am jealous of, having never been able to possess that attitude myself. I am wired quite differently. More so, I wonder why people who do not claim to know God seem to be better at handling suffering. But then I think, it's hard to blame someone you don't know very well. It is the one who pursues God most who usually ends up blaming Him most. After all, the ones closest to you are automoatically in line of vision, and are easy targets of pointed fingers.
So why do I blame God? There are certainly things about my life, and just life in general that serve as better objects of scrutiny. As man, there lies with me no right to question the Almighty. He is good. That is it. Why can't I accept that?
I probably starts with a giant misunderstanding of God's nature, or perhaps a misunderstanding of goodness. What are the qualifications for something, or even someone to be good? Who made this test that gives us the false answer that everything good must be pleasant and comforting to mankind? If you care enough to think about it, there are many good things that aren't pleasant. Take sickness, or at least it's uncomfortable symptoms. Is that not really my son's body learning to fight off infection, which is something that will make him stronger in the end? Take a life sentence in prison. Is this not really justness and fairness by a good judge who wishes for a life of crime to be halted? I encourage you to look at the all moments of pain and suffering in your life. What is the sum of all moments of grief? If we are honest I think we would all have to say learning. And now what has that learning made you? Well, something beautiful if you allowed it to. The only way sufferings, major or minor on whatever form of measuring tape you utilize, bring negative results is if you clam up and refuse to evaluate it from a big picture standpoint.
My son's sickness is minor compared to some thigns even great friends of mine are having to live today. I think about the much more difficult roads others are traveling in my prayers. But my prayers for all are the same. Please help them find you in this mess, God. And build their faith in this trial that would otherwise shake their faith. May every moment of suffering be a learning experience that equips us for the tomorrows and moments to come.
Life contains plenty of theses expereinces. And every one of them puts you through a trial by fre it seems. Gold always has to be refined through fire, and it seems we do to. There is not a single one of us that doesn't wish it to be different. But we don't seem to learn by blessing. So for every trial, every tinge of sickness and pain, and every moment that I feel alone...I blame God. For His hand of goodness continues to produce greatness at every turn.
Clutter (A Modern Day Psalm)
I am so disheartened by the clutter in following Christ. Whenever I read that his "yoke is easy and burden is light", I just don't know if I believe it. And how does such "easy and light" fit in the grand scheme of the persecution and worldy hatred toward Him and all his followers anyway? I seem to toggle back and forth between love and hate of this life that I've chosen, or perhaps that was chosen for me (depending on that never-ending theological debate).
If I am able to speak when I stand before God, I would say that I only have one real question. Why did you choose the mess that is humanity to spread your message of love? It is no doubt that his other creation alone would screw it up a whole lot less. It is much more serene, majestic, and tranquil than we are. The tree surely stands more sure of itself than we in our ever-shaky confidence. Your sky is more glorious, more awe-inspiring than any human oratory. I myself am above the poorest example of this message of hope. Hypocrisy reigns over every step I take and my ability to communicate truth to crowds only reinforces my insanity. As much I as I would love to lay blame on God for this mess, it is only that we have made it that forces us to lie in it. Oh how much louder we would preach your love if only you would cut out our tongues.
This pure and simple devotion to Christ is so cliuttered by denominational disunty and planned events instead of presence of God. But we continue to put our trust in these processes. All seems to be bondage yet I call people to it simultaneously, because although cluttered so, it remains the best option. How are we supposed to find you in this mess, God, especially when everything about us robs us of the right to even speak your Holy name? But I still seek to find you, find you so well that I have to tremble in fear and am completely unable to speak. Perhaps then, for the first time, I can somehow be so blinded by your light, that I don't have the ability to see myself stumble, and that I will not be so overwhlemed with the clutter.
If I am able to speak when I stand before God, I would say that I only have one real question. Why did you choose the mess that is humanity to spread your message of love? It is no doubt that his other creation alone would screw it up a whole lot less. It is much more serene, majestic, and tranquil than we are. The tree surely stands more sure of itself than we in our ever-shaky confidence. Your sky is more glorious, more awe-inspiring than any human oratory. I myself am above the poorest example of this message of hope. Hypocrisy reigns over every step I take and my ability to communicate truth to crowds only reinforces my insanity. As much I as I would love to lay blame on God for this mess, it is only that we have made it that forces us to lie in it. Oh how much louder we would preach your love if only you would cut out our tongues.
This pure and simple devotion to Christ is so cliuttered by denominational disunty and planned events instead of presence of God. But we continue to put our trust in these processes. All seems to be bondage yet I call people to it simultaneously, because although cluttered so, it remains the best option. How are we supposed to find you in this mess, God, especially when everything about us robs us of the right to even speak your Holy name? But I still seek to find you, find you so well that I have to tremble in fear and am completely unable to speak. Perhaps then, for the first time, I can somehow be so blinded by your light, that I don't have the ability to see myself stumble, and that I will not be so overwhlemed with the clutter.
Random Flows of Bitterness
James 3:11- "Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?"
Of course, read in context, the answer to this rhetorical question is "NO". And yet to this day I cannot seem to grasp the undeniable fact that I, as a spring of life, often do just that. One day, or maybe even counted in moments, is sweetness, and the next, bitterness. Speaking in terms of spiritual health, most would agree that of all the fresh water that may pour out of us, we all have random flows of bitterness as well. While we long to be endless bottles of Evian or Fiji, we resemble more a city resirvoir, which means it really just depends on the day what will come out of the faucet.
But it is no doubt that James is making the point that this really "just SHOULDN"T be". It's never a proud moment for those who belong to the family of God for this to take place. He cannot be saying it's not possible, after all, the whole text is based on the idea that it's happening. The text, like so many other texts, in scripture is calling the behavior into check. And that's what we have to do.
There are things about us...evil things to call them for what they are. In the words of Petra, "sometimes we feel like Jekyll and Hyde". There is an eternal struggle between flesh and spirit, both elements fighting to take control of our actions, thoughts, and conversation. We can be "doing well", pouring out fresh water words of encouragement, thinking on that which is good wen before we can even sometimes catch ourselves, pouring out bitter hate and living momentarily, sometimes even days with our minds in the gutter. Now. for a typical person this is life. But for us "peculiar people"...and I quote James, "my brothers, this should not be so". We should always not only be ware of such randomness, not even just keep it in check, but seek to destroy it. And as it is with water, it depends on the source.
What sources are you tapping into. I don't ever understand why I have to make it so difficult sometimes, but it's only ever about the source. I tap into Him, things go well and fresh water pours...I tap into other things, out comes the bitter. It may be as simple as garbage in garbage out after all. And as for the amount of the "freshness" or "bitterness", I guess then that depends on the frequency of the tap.
Let's altogether take more time to tap into the source. There are tons of dirty rivers. They're everywhere you look, available 24/7. But "There is a river, whose streams make glad the city of our God". Few may find it, but I remind you, it can be found.
Of course, read in context, the answer to this rhetorical question is "NO". And yet to this day I cannot seem to grasp the undeniable fact that I, as a spring of life, often do just that. One day, or maybe even counted in moments, is sweetness, and the next, bitterness. Speaking in terms of spiritual health, most would agree that of all the fresh water that may pour out of us, we all have random flows of bitterness as well. While we long to be endless bottles of Evian or Fiji, we resemble more a city resirvoir, which means it really just depends on the day what will come out of the faucet.
But it is no doubt that James is making the point that this really "just SHOULDN"T be". It's never a proud moment for those who belong to the family of God for this to take place. He cannot be saying it's not possible, after all, the whole text is based on the idea that it's happening. The text, like so many other texts, in scripture is calling the behavior into check. And that's what we have to do.
There are things about us...evil things to call them for what they are. In the words of Petra, "sometimes we feel like Jekyll and Hyde". There is an eternal struggle between flesh and spirit, both elements fighting to take control of our actions, thoughts, and conversation. We can be "doing well", pouring out fresh water words of encouragement, thinking on that which is good wen before we can even sometimes catch ourselves, pouring out bitter hate and living momentarily, sometimes even days with our minds in the gutter. Now. for a typical person this is life. But for us "peculiar people"...and I quote James, "my brothers, this should not be so". We should always not only be ware of such randomness, not even just keep it in check, but seek to destroy it. And as it is with water, it depends on the source.
What sources are you tapping into. I don't ever understand why I have to make it so difficult sometimes, but it's only ever about the source. I tap into Him, things go well and fresh water pours...I tap into other things, out comes the bitter. It may be as simple as garbage in garbage out after all. And as for the amount of the "freshness" or "bitterness", I guess then that depends on the frequency of the tap.
Let's altogether take more time to tap into the source. There are tons of dirty rivers. They're everywhere you look, available 24/7. But "There is a river, whose streams make glad the city of our God". Few may find it, but I remind you, it can be found.
Blessed Assurance
1 John 3:2-3:
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Among the hardest thing to do as a Christian is to remember. Think about the things that we often fail to remember. We don't ever seem to remember the effects of our disobedience. thus we often return to them, sometimes in greater capacities than before. It seems hard to remember the times when people help us, thus we stand with clinched fist, white-knuckle tight when it comes to our own opportunites to be generous. We often don't remember the time God brought us through a horrible disaster, thus we fail to thank him and be patient in our current ones. Truth be known, we oft forget the most powerful truth of all; we forget that Christ has set us free. This can only lead to returning to slavery of sin, and unfortunately the bonds of the law.
All of these "failures" are too often misinterpreted by the flesh. When we falter, we react in ways that must strike the Christ who set us free in the face once again. We find ourselves nailing self to a cross of condemnation, shame, and self-mockery. We return to a standard of legalism in desperate attempts to get back on God's good side. This usually results in making lofty and empty promises, and only opens up a new set of failures ahead, becuase if there is anything we all should know by know is that nobody is perfect. I always refer to this portion of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 13 "for now we see in a mirror dimly...now we know in part." This simply means something very powerful, that our best attempt at knowing perfect love will only be tainted while we are here.
So what are all these "failures" supposed to do. Well, it is no doubt that our temporary setbacks need confronting. Ignorance isn't the answer. So I believe the answer is at best two-fold.
1) Reminder of dependence. God desires not to shape a life for me independent of him. He wants me "in the vine" and connected through the glory of prayer. This whole idea that the God of the universe wants me is almost too overwhelming to accept. I would think it more simple, but maybe in a world of rejection this simplicity is hard to know. Nevertheless, it's the truth in simplest form. That's why Christ was sent.
2) The hope of Heaven. As referenced in the opening scriptural thought, this is where my mind lies currently. I just have to believe that wth all the rubbish this tmeporary body endures, with all the hurt, pain, and sorrow this life seems to have an endless supply of, and all of the grotesque sinful acts, that remain openly available to the masses that Heaven can't be far. What better use for the struggle of this world to give one hope for the next. Perhaps its time we start singing about it again, even if it means returning to hymns occasionally. We do live in a real world, we can never ignore that. There is work to do here that requires we be ever sober and vigilant. But we cannot ever fail to remember that our citezenship isn't here. Therefore the hope that drives us is that hope of the day when all things will become new, perfection will be restored, and there is no more anguish. Oh let us long for that day in hearts, driving us to continue in Him relentlessly toward bringing others to His feet.
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Among the hardest thing to do as a Christian is to remember. Think about the things that we often fail to remember. We don't ever seem to remember the effects of our disobedience. thus we often return to them, sometimes in greater capacities than before. It seems hard to remember the times when people help us, thus we stand with clinched fist, white-knuckle tight when it comes to our own opportunites to be generous. We often don't remember the time God brought us through a horrible disaster, thus we fail to thank him and be patient in our current ones. Truth be known, we oft forget the most powerful truth of all; we forget that Christ has set us free. This can only lead to returning to slavery of sin, and unfortunately the bonds of the law.
All of these "failures" are too often misinterpreted by the flesh. When we falter, we react in ways that must strike the Christ who set us free in the face once again. We find ourselves nailing self to a cross of condemnation, shame, and self-mockery. We return to a standard of legalism in desperate attempts to get back on God's good side. This usually results in making lofty and empty promises, and only opens up a new set of failures ahead, becuase if there is anything we all should know by know is that nobody is perfect. I always refer to this portion of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 13 "for now we see in a mirror dimly...now we know in part." This simply means something very powerful, that our best attempt at knowing perfect love will only be tainted while we are here.
So what are all these "failures" supposed to do. Well, it is no doubt that our temporary setbacks need confronting. Ignorance isn't the answer. So I believe the answer is at best two-fold.
1) Reminder of dependence. God desires not to shape a life for me independent of him. He wants me "in the vine" and connected through the glory of prayer. This whole idea that the God of the universe wants me is almost too overwhelming to accept. I would think it more simple, but maybe in a world of rejection this simplicity is hard to know. Nevertheless, it's the truth in simplest form. That's why Christ was sent.
2) The hope of Heaven. As referenced in the opening scriptural thought, this is where my mind lies currently. I just have to believe that wth all the rubbish this tmeporary body endures, with all the hurt, pain, and sorrow this life seems to have an endless supply of, and all of the grotesque sinful acts, that remain openly available to the masses that Heaven can't be far. What better use for the struggle of this world to give one hope for the next. Perhaps its time we start singing about it again, even if it means returning to hymns occasionally. We do live in a real world, we can never ignore that. There is work to do here that requires we be ever sober and vigilant. But we cannot ever fail to remember that our citezenship isn't here. Therefore the hope that drives us is that hope of the day when all things will become new, perfection will be restored, and there is no more anguish. Oh let us long for that day in hearts, driving us to continue in Him relentlessly toward bringing others to His feet.
Despicable Me
Have you ever read something in the Bible you've read at least a million times and found something else that it says, teaching you something completely new? If you haven't, chances are you don't read the Bible much. Nevertheless, I had one of those experiences just a few moments ago that I would like to share.
Reading in Luke 6:27-36 Jesus talks about loving, giving, and doing good in the most radical way possible. In my own horrible attempt at summing up this passage, it says, "Whatever extremes people may go to treating you with disregard, it doesn't matter, they are worthy of the same love that God has showed you!"
If that's not convicting enough, there is a particular portion of it that totally threw me off. It's found in verse 35:
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil"
What I found of great interest was that last clause (i underlined it for you). The thought that I arrived to was in thinking on the list of activites given in the previous ten scriptures. And then I imagined actually being able to carry those out. Like most sermons, the listeners had to maybe begin putting themselves in that lifestyle, or at least thinking about it. Imagine if you were a radical giver, lover, and doer like Jesus describes here. Imagine how good that would feel. Imagine the blessing you would obtain in life. Imagine the example you would be to all believers everywhere. Oh the greatness and joy in that life. And we find ourself even now as we imagine, that is what we strive for. That walk of perfection. But then right as we swamp ourself with a picture of greatness, being called sons of the Most High, we are reminded it is only because God chooses to be kind "to the UNGRATEFUL and EVIL". Whoa!!!
You mean even if I "achieve" this level of radical giving, loving, lending, and doing that I am still ungrateful and evil? That doesn't sound fair. Yet that is almost verbatum what Jesus said, that if we do those things we will be called sons, because God is kind to UNGRATEFUL and EVIL people. He must have been talking about those we are acting towards. No, he is talking about the ones doing the acting!
In our best possible attempts to obey a list of "holy" action, we will never deserve God's favor. It will always be unmerited. I think about how often i long to live this perfect life that God will somehow be pleased with. If I only was "holy" more and "sinned" less. Not that there is ever any tolerance of unchecked sin with God, we also have to grasp that even if we were the picture of the most radical Christian on the planet, our acceptance with God will never be based on that. He loves and chooses us because He wants to and He is good. Always remember, "This is love: NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." Our best love and attempts at holiness will always be tainted at best. God loves you. Be thankful and really try and grasp today just how awesome, great, pure, and powerful that love is.
Reading in Luke 6:27-36 Jesus talks about loving, giving, and doing good in the most radical way possible. In my own horrible attempt at summing up this passage, it says, "Whatever extremes people may go to treating you with disregard, it doesn't matter, they are worthy of the same love that God has showed you!"
If that's not convicting enough, there is a particular portion of it that totally threw me off. It's found in verse 35:
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil"
What I found of great interest was that last clause (i underlined it for you). The thought that I arrived to was in thinking on the list of activites given in the previous ten scriptures. And then I imagined actually being able to carry those out. Like most sermons, the listeners had to maybe begin putting themselves in that lifestyle, or at least thinking about it. Imagine if you were a radical giver, lover, and doer like Jesus describes here. Imagine how good that would feel. Imagine the blessing you would obtain in life. Imagine the example you would be to all believers everywhere. Oh the greatness and joy in that life. And we find ourself even now as we imagine, that is what we strive for. That walk of perfection. But then right as we swamp ourself with a picture of greatness, being called sons of the Most High, we are reminded it is only because God chooses to be kind "to the UNGRATEFUL and EVIL". Whoa!!!
You mean even if I "achieve" this level of radical giving, loving, lending, and doing that I am still ungrateful and evil? That doesn't sound fair. Yet that is almost verbatum what Jesus said, that if we do those things we will be called sons, because God is kind to UNGRATEFUL and EVIL people. He must have been talking about those we are acting towards. No, he is talking about the ones doing the acting!
In our best possible attempts to obey a list of "holy" action, we will never deserve God's favor. It will always be unmerited. I think about how often i long to live this perfect life that God will somehow be pleased with. If I only was "holy" more and "sinned" less. Not that there is ever any tolerance of unchecked sin with God, we also have to grasp that even if we were the picture of the most radical Christian on the planet, our acceptance with God will never be based on that. He loves and chooses us because He wants to and He is good. Always remember, "This is love: NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." Our best love and attempts at holiness will always be tainted at best. God loves you. Be thankful and really try and grasp today just how awesome, great, pure, and powerful that love is.
Pushing and pulling (Romans 7 Remix)
Pushing and pulling at my soul, an endless fight
between spirit and flesh, grace and might.
I want to do well and I want to embrace
the gift of God's son and offer of grace.
But the more that I live the more that i find
my heart leans more to the stubborn kind.
Then before I can blink I find myself in
a web of deception, denial, and sin.
I would be better and feeling more free
if it weren't for this force at work at within me.
And it seems to grow stronger the more that I dare
to live in strong faith, it's always right there.
It's unrelenting grip on my soul and my mind
keeps me so out of balance and such in a bind
that I cannot keep focus upon what is right,
that freedom never comes through personal plight.
The pushing of bondage may never end
but the pulling of Grace is always a friend
that I find ever closer and there by my side
however the pushing shows up in strong tide.
The pushing and pulling of sin and grace
may cause a sometimes sluggish pace,
but the pushing of the sin law that weighs on the soul,
can never out shine the pulling I know.
This body of death that refuses to leave
is loosened by the grace on which I choose to cleave.
So I say to the pushing, "Fight 'til you bleed,"
becuase the pulling of grace is stronger in me,
and for every wound you inflict, the grace is a salve
that heals me with freedom I already have.
This grace that pulls me that came with high cost
proves never ending, the pushing has lost.
between spirit and flesh, grace and might.
I want to do well and I want to embrace
the gift of God's son and offer of grace.
But the more that I live the more that i find
my heart leans more to the stubborn kind.
Then before I can blink I find myself in
a web of deception, denial, and sin.
I would be better and feeling more free
if it weren't for this force at work at within me.
And it seems to grow stronger the more that I dare
to live in strong faith, it's always right there.
It's unrelenting grip on my soul and my mind
keeps me so out of balance and such in a bind
that I cannot keep focus upon what is right,
that freedom never comes through personal plight.
The pushing of bondage may never end
but the pulling of Grace is always a friend
that I find ever closer and there by my side
however the pushing shows up in strong tide.
The pushing and pulling of sin and grace
may cause a sometimes sluggish pace,
but the pushing of the sin law that weighs on the soul,
can never out shine the pulling I know.
This body of death that refuses to leave
is loosened by the grace on which I choose to cleave.
So I say to the pushing, "Fight 'til you bleed,"
becuase the pulling of grace is stronger in me,
and for every wound you inflict, the grace is a salve
that heals me with freedom I already have.
This grace that pulls me that came with high cost
proves never ending, the pushing has lost.
Sophies Prayer
My daughter was born with my brain. It refuses to let go of things as well as analyzes and photo-copies things to near perfection. If that sounds like bragging, believe me, it's more of a curse than a blessing at times.
The other night I was so proud of her as she wanted to respond to an altar call on her own. She told mom she wanted to go pray. I accompanied her, and when we knelt asked her what she wanted to pray about. She said she wanted to pray for Nanny and Papa and Grandma. I asked her why and she said, "cause Grandma's really old". Although funny on the outset, i marveled at her ability to relate old age and frailty to the need of prayer. Often, we as mature adults grow tired and weary at what we feel is overexposure to simple need, but as a child, she knew it as the initial response. Out of the mouths of babes...
There was something else that broke my heart as she prayed. I marvel again because the following was a part of her "freestyle" prayer that I allowed to her to quote. She prayed at the end, "and I pray that mommy and daddy never grow old." Where did that come from? Here is what I learn from Sophie's prayer:
1) Our built-in dependency. Sophie understands at her young age that if mommy and daddy grow old she will begin to lose us. Maybe i look to far into it, but why even bring old age up? Although she sees herself locked in 5-year old time, it is that time locj that is teaching her that she cant live without us. We are locked in time. We are locked in time and space that often abuses us and cramps our ability to grow. But instead of complaining about the time crunch, we should let it teach us the lesson it has already taught my daughter, we need God.
2) The hope of eternity. I began to think of how Sophie's prayer has really already been answered. Through Christ, we never really grow old. I will never forget this version of John 3:16 i read in the CEV Bible so long ago:
"God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die."
The former lesson had more to do with what Sophie knew that often look over. This second lesson has more to do with what i hope she learns, that she hasn't yet. God made us eternal in the beginning, and desires we return to that state. He has made that possible.
Sophie's prayer is a challenge to me and I thank her for it. She is perfect in more ways than one and in all the teachers I have ever listened to, her and my son continue to teach me the most. Thank you God for my children.
The other night I was so proud of her as she wanted to respond to an altar call on her own. She told mom she wanted to go pray. I accompanied her, and when we knelt asked her what she wanted to pray about. She said she wanted to pray for Nanny and Papa and Grandma. I asked her why and she said, "cause Grandma's really old". Although funny on the outset, i marveled at her ability to relate old age and frailty to the need of prayer. Often, we as mature adults grow tired and weary at what we feel is overexposure to simple need, but as a child, she knew it as the initial response. Out of the mouths of babes...
There was something else that broke my heart as she prayed. I marvel again because the following was a part of her "freestyle" prayer that I allowed to her to quote. She prayed at the end, "and I pray that mommy and daddy never grow old." Where did that come from? Here is what I learn from Sophie's prayer:
1) Our built-in dependency. Sophie understands at her young age that if mommy and daddy grow old she will begin to lose us. Maybe i look to far into it, but why even bring old age up? Although she sees herself locked in 5-year old time, it is that time locj that is teaching her that she cant live without us. We are locked in time. We are locked in time and space that often abuses us and cramps our ability to grow. But instead of complaining about the time crunch, we should let it teach us the lesson it has already taught my daughter, we need God.
2) The hope of eternity. I began to think of how Sophie's prayer has really already been answered. Through Christ, we never really grow old. I will never forget this version of John 3:16 i read in the CEV Bible so long ago:
"God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die."
The former lesson had more to do with what Sophie knew that often look over. This second lesson has more to do with what i hope she learns, that she hasn't yet. God made us eternal in the beginning, and desires we return to that state. He has made that possible.
Sophie's prayer is a challenge to me and I thank her for it. She is perfect in more ways than one and in all the teachers I have ever listened to, her and my son continue to teach me the most. Thank you God for my children.
Sin Classic
Tonight in our Youth Series I am speaking on Laziness, and my mind keeps circling one single question: Am i making the best use of my time?
My thoughts run at random and seem rather unconnected as i muse tonight's topic. I find myself now thinking about sin, even more of what I like to call the classic sins. I am speaking of the one's the church has held over the head's of its people for many years now, namely drugs, sex, rock and roll, and gambling. We love speaking of these things, and being realistic, probably because as ministers we battle them ourself in one form or another.
This world is being eat alive by these even as we speak. While some in the emergent church movement tends to spend times addressing social sin, those of a traditonal flavor tend to lurk in the areas mentioned above still today. Oddly enough, some in both realms embrace the sins the other speaks out against. While the traditonalist cares less about global warming and environtmental care, the new movements are embracing social drinking, Hollywood, and gambling as past times. Each points their finger at the other and name brand with words like bigoted fundamentalist and liberal socialist. But as I muse the topic tonight and search the scriptures, i believe there to be question that could keep either classification from embracing anything harmful, whether it be personally or socially. That question is: Am I making the best use of my time? Consider the words of James in chapter 4:13-17:
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Whatever you may brand yourself (Christian, Disciple, Christ-Follower or whatever new-fangled name you find to tell us what you don't identify with) the call remains the same. That call is to make wise use of all of our time. Fact is, there is so much to do for the Christian that the standard person may not ever consider. I am not going to get into the argument with any whether the little things we may do are right or wrong. It's not the venue. I think if we do, we may prevent some hazards, but we will miss the overall point of being set free. Not to mention, the person seeking true wisdom will be guided into all truth. Our freedom is to bring freedom to others. And we will never do that as time wasters.
So I ask, "What are you doing today?" Could sin, in it's most classic form, not be so much doing wrong things, but not doing right things we are called to? Call it circular logic. but i think it's worth a thought.
My thoughts run at random and seem rather unconnected as i muse tonight's topic. I find myself now thinking about sin, even more of what I like to call the classic sins. I am speaking of the one's the church has held over the head's of its people for many years now, namely drugs, sex, rock and roll, and gambling. We love speaking of these things, and being realistic, probably because as ministers we battle them ourself in one form or another.
This world is being eat alive by these even as we speak. While some in the emergent church movement tends to spend times addressing social sin, those of a traditonal flavor tend to lurk in the areas mentioned above still today. Oddly enough, some in both realms embrace the sins the other speaks out against. While the traditonalist cares less about global warming and environtmental care, the new movements are embracing social drinking, Hollywood, and gambling as past times. Each points their finger at the other and name brand with words like bigoted fundamentalist and liberal socialist. But as I muse the topic tonight and search the scriptures, i believe there to be question that could keep either classification from embracing anything harmful, whether it be personally or socially. That question is: Am I making the best use of my time? Consider the words of James in chapter 4:13-17:
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Whatever you may brand yourself (Christian, Disciple, Christ-Follower or whatever new-fangled name you find to tell us what you don't identify with) the call remains the same. That call is to make wise use of all of our time. Fact is, there is so much to do for the Christian that the standard person may not ever consider. I am not going to get into the argument with any whether the little things we may do are right or wrong. It's not the venue. I think if we do, we may prevent some hazards, but we will miss the overall point of being set free. Not to mention, the person seeking true wisdom will be guided into all truth. Our freedom is to bring freedom to others. And we will never do that as time wasters.
So I ask, "What are you doing today?" Could sin, in it's most classic form, not be so much doing wrong things, but not doing right things we are called to? Call it circular logic. but i think it's worth a thought.
Rights and Priveliges
I am ever being awakened to the differences between American and global views of chrisitanity. I hope that never changes.
Today I was so encouraged by the book of Hebrews as I was reading. Hebrews is just a wonderful book that so elegantly lays the foundation of Christ and all that He is. I encourage to read this book if you haven't in a while.
I was particulary enlightened and enouraged as I read in chapter 9:11-12, "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come...he entered once and for all into the holy places but by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Wow! I began to muse on that which led me into the thought of what a privilege it is to be connected with God because (and only because) of what Christ did. I know that this is an already visited thought in principle, but too often we treat it like a right more than a priviliege. I have heard preachers say that the holy of holies was opened for us when the temple veil was torn. I don't think that's completely accurate in the sense that it is now open for business, as if we can enter to go in and out whenever we want. The scripture says that Christ entered it, which means he became our high priest. Our access to that sacred holy place, that place that struck fear into to the commoner in the Old Testamant, is still contingent upon the entrance of the priest on our behalf, and we only enter as a privilege because of what He has done. Thanks be to God for giving us such a great salvation, and shame be to us if we negelct to identify with Christ who made it, and still makes it possible (Hebrews 2:1-4 restated).
Sunday I am preaching on spiritual disciplines, and I began to record some of these thoughts in my preparation. When you speak of disciplines everyone gets that ill-feeling in their stomachs, like"God here we go again". That is largely in part of failing to see it all as a privilege. You see as of late, it has been treated as our right to do with God as we please. We will study him, pray to him, meditate on him just so long as he doesn't interfere with our other rights. But no, we have forgotten, that b/c of Christ, we have the privilege of God hearing us, gaining knoweldge of Him, and allowing our minds to be changed by Him. I never had the right, never will. Relationship with God has been made my priviliege, thanks be to him for all He has done.
Today I was so encouraged by the book of Hebrews as I was reading. Hebrews is just a wonderful book that so elegantly lays the foundation of Christ and all that He is. I encourage to read this book if you haven't in a while.
I was particulary enlightened and enouraged as I read in chapter 9:11-12, "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come...he entered once and for all into the holy places but by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Wow! I began to muse on that which led me into the thought of what a privilege it is to be connected with God because (and only because) of what Christ did. I know that this is an already visited thought in principle, but too often we treat it like a right more than a priviliege. I have heard preachers say that the holy of holies was opened for us when the temple veil was torn. I don't think that's completely accurate in the sense that it is now open for business, as if we can enter to go in and out whenever we want. The scripture says that Christ entered it, which means he became our high priest. Our access to that sacred holy place, that place that struck fear into to the commoner in the Old Testamant, is still contingent upon the entrance of the priest on our behalf, and we only enter as a privilege because of what He has done. Thanks be to God for giving us such a great salvation, and shame be to us if we negelct to identify with Christ who made it, and still makes it possible (Hebrews 2:1-4 restated).
Sunday I am preaching on spiritual disciplines, and I began to record some of these thoughts in my preparation. When you speak of disciplines everyone gets that ill-feeling in their stomachs, like"God here we go again". That is largely in part of failing to see it all as a privilege. You see as of late, it has been treated as our right to do with God as we please. We will study him, pray to him, meditate on him just so long as he doesn't interfere with our other rights. But no, we have forgotten, that b/c of Christ, we have the privilege of God hearing us, gaining knoweldge of Him, and allowing our minds to be changed by Him. I never had the right, never will. Relationship with God has been made my priviliege, thanks be to him for all He has done.
What I already know.
In my reading this morning, 1 Thessalonians, I was challenged with a thought coming from chapter 4:1-7. A brief synopsis and re-write in my own words would go comething like this:
"You are already doing things pretty well, just keep doing them right. You already know exactly what you are to be doing and how you are to behave because we taught you well. So, in essence, keep living in the way that separates you from everyone else, understanding that God has called you to do it and will be displeased if you stop"
Usually, things like we read in this portion come as a correction to behavior. People are engaged in it, therefore corrected by the apostles. But what strikes me hear, and throughout the book, is that Thessalonica seems to be a "good church". My challenge today in my own life is that even the best of us need to be ever reminded of God's holiness and calling.
Brass tacks: we are never beyond the temptation of evil. On a side note, i would say we are probably most vulnerable when things are going well. So next time you are sitting in a sermon, reading something devotionally, or in conversation with an "iron" friend and overcome with the attitude of "I already know that"; then stop and thank God for the reminder, and continure to live again what you already know you are capable of through His divine power. The best approach to life will always be, "God help me live it again today."
I challenge you to pray this occasionally: Lord, teach me nothing new, rather help me live in perfect obedience to what i already know.
"You are already doing things pretty well, just keep doing them right. You already know exactly what you are to be doing and how you are to behave because we taught you well. So, in essence, keep living in the way that separates you from everyone else, understanding that God has called you to do it and will be displeased if you stop"
Usually, things like we read in this portion come as a correction to behavior. People are engaged in it, therefore corrected by the apostles. But what strikes me hear, and throughout the book, is that Thessalonica seems to be a "good church". My challenge today in my own life is that even the best of us need to be ever reminded of God's holiness and calling.
Brass tacks: we are never beyond the temptation of evil. On a side note, i would say we are probably most vulnerable when things are going well. So next time you are sitting in a sermon, reading something devotionally, or in conversation with an "iron" friend and overcome with the attitude of "I already know that"; then stop and thank God for the reminder, and continure to live again what you already know you are capable of through His divine power. The best approach to life will always be, "God help me live it again today."
I challenge you to pray this occasionally: Lord, teach me nothing new, rather help me live in perfect obedience to what i already know.
In the Morning
But I cry to you for help, O Lord;in the morning my prayer comes before you. -Psalm 88:13
What did you do this morning? How did your day start? For me, my whole day seems to be dictated by what I do in the morning. For some reason, a day starting with discipline turns out to be a very disciplined day, a day that starts rushed is a rushed day, a day starting with unrest continues with unrest. The morning is the start of something for all of us. How do we start?In a short overlook I discovered that there are roughly 205 references to the morning in the Bible. The more I looked at some of these I found that the morning, much like today, was a pivotal moment. The mornings of the Bible held discovery, deep decision, beginnings of journey, meditations, reflections; they even held strong turning points of life. People waited on the morning, wished for the morning and rejoiced in the morning. In the morning God was always found in both glorious and dreadful ways. Either way, in the mornings, man encountered God.
Every new day screams God! His mercies are new, hope is new. The morning itself puts everything behind us and wipes our slate clean. Whatever we didn't do is now a part of of our fading past in the light of the morning's newness. Even deep sorrow only endures for the night, but joy is found in the morning!May you find God every morning. Each day still provides us the opportunity for encounter. In the silence of the morning, He whispers His love and direction. What is He speaking? In the newness of every day He embraces us. Can we embrace His heart in return?
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. -Psalm 143:8
What did you do this morning? How did your day start? For me, my whole day seems to be dictated by what I do in the morning. For some reason, a day starting with discipline turns out to be a very disciplined day, a day that starts rushed is a rushed day, a day starting with unrest continues with unrest. The morning is the start of something for all of us. How do we start?In a short overlook I discovered that there are roughly 205 references to the morning in the Bible. The more I looked at some of these I found that the morning, much like today, was a pivotal moment. The mornings of the Bible held discovery, deep decision, beginnings of journey, meditations, reflections; they even held strong turning points of life. People waited on the morning, wished for the morning and rejoiced in the morning. In the morning God was always found in both glorious and dreadful ways. Either way, in the mornings, man encountered God.
Every new day screams God! His mercies are new, hope is new. The morning itself puts everything behind us and wipes our slate clean. Whatever we didn't do is now a part of of our fading past in the light of the morning's newness. Even deep sorrow only endures for the night, but joy is found in the morning!May you find God every morning. Each day still provides us the opportunity for encounter. In the silence of the morning, He whispers His love and direction. What is He speaking? In the newness of every day He embraces us. Can we embrace His heart in return?
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. -Psalm 143:8
What are you doing for God?
Ever heard that question? Better yet, ever heard that challenge..go and do something for God! If you are anything like me, you have always equated that with devotional living. I always thought that meant that I should expressly read my Bible more, pray, and fast more. If I would give myself to the spiritual disciplines, then I would doing what I could for the Lord. The problem is, folks, I have come to realize that none of that really impresses Him. I don't know why that has always been my reaction, but it has. Now, that being said, does any of the above mentioned help me know God better? Absolutely. Is it it useful and should it be habitual? No doubt. But when it comes to "serving" God, or "doing something" for God, things are in a different field. I recently was channel surfing when I heard a guy say, "The only way that human being can do something FOR God is by doing something for another person." I didnt agree with that at first, but I can see exactly what he was saying. The Bible says in Acts 17:25: "And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything...". We understand by that scripture that there is nothing human kind can give to God directly. He is the giver to human kind, and not the opposite. God needs nothing from us that would make Him any better. However, we can do for Him by living according to His heart and giving to others. I do not God any favors by inserting all spiritual discipline in my life. I simply do myself a great service, because it is through that that I know His heart and am better equipped to serve humanity. We have discussed this in the past few blogs, and I have no intention of beating a dead horse. If not for anyone else, this Christian, me, I have to find myself out the deadly trap of trying to brown nose God by all that I know through any given spiritual diiscipline. I have no idea what ever got me in the mode of trying to impress Him anyway, it must be my own selfishness and faulty interpretation of the information I was provided growing up. Nevertheless, I'm sick of it. Discipline yes, but let the end of such bring to me to the altar of human service, make me a responder to all those in need no matter the cost.
To and From
Matthew 9:16-17
There seems to be an awful lot of ministry concerns these days. I can't remeber the last time I fell asleep at night feeling 100% confident that I properly ministered to everyone in my path. I usually fee like a failure when it comes to ministry. Let's face it, how many "results" am I seeing these days? The job, well, I can do all of that blindfolded, but as far as making eternal differences perhaps that remains to be seen. Good ministry has never equaled powerful ministry, and in 2010 I desire to see the latter.
But where will this come from, and what is likely to change? I have the same students in the group, work with the same staff, and will be at the same church. I will live in the same house with the same family, and more than likely, keep my same friends. So if I want change, which we all seem to be begging so much of these days, I have to focus on the one element I am always in control of....ME. For me, 2010 will refocus from what I minister to, so that I can give great attention to what I am ministering from.
Get real, broken ministers lead broken ministries. And in all of my past focus on building ministry, I forget often to build my self. Who am I kidding; I neglect building myself. My well so often goes dry and ministry, as a result, gets reduced to my ability alone. God help us all! Just how do I ever think ministry that isn't spilling out of my own soul would possibly be useful for anything but lifeless rules and information. C.S. Lewis said, "Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil." And if I were in this to provide information alone that would be one thing, but I can't buy into the idea that's what I am supposed to be.
What if, instead of scrounging together orders of service and trying to figure out what will work next, what if before researching and purchasing the next popular small group curriculum from the hottest name in Christianity, that I just myself allowed God to work so much in me that it cannot help but spill out and exemplify his life-changing presence. Would that not be the better thing? Our churches and ministries will renew when the leaders renew. The state of Israel in the old testament declined greatly based on the spiritual conditions of the priests. So, this priest, this leader, desires to choose the "good thing" and make his way back to a life of Godly submission by spending a great deal of time at the feet of Jesus. I want to fall in love again and let that love be the basis of everything I "do". I end with this final quote from C.S. Lewis. Let it be the sum of my desire:
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
There seems to be an awful lot of ministry concerns these days. I can't remeber the last time I fell asleep at night feeling 100% confident that I properly ministered to everyone in my path. I usually fee like a failure when it comes to ministry. Let's face it, how many "results" am I seeing these days? The job, well, I can do all of that blindfolded, but as far as making eternal differences perhaps that remains to be seen. Good ministry has never equaled powerful ministry, and in 2010 I desire to see the latter.
But where will this come from, and what is likely to change? I have the same students in the group, work with the same staff, and will be at the same church. I will live in the same house with the same family, and more than likely, keep my same friends. So if I want change, which we all seem to be begging so much of these days, I have to focus on the one element I am always in control of....ME. For me, 2010 will refocus from what I minister to, so that I can give great attention to what I am ministering from.
Get real, broken ministers lead broken ministries. And in all of my past focus on building ministry, I forget often to build my self. Who am I kidding; I neglect building myself. My well so often goes dry and ministry, as a result, gets reduced to my ability alone. God help us all! Just how do I ever think ministry that isn't spilling out of my own soul would possibly be useful for anything but lifeless rules and information. C.S. Lewis said, "Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil." And if I were in this to provide information alone that would be one thing, but I can't buy into the idea that's what I am supposed to be.
What if, instead of scrounging together orders of service and trying to figure out what will work next, what if before researching and purchasing the next popular small group curriculum from the hottest name in Christianity, that I just myself allowed God to work so much in me that it cannot help but spill out and exemplify his life-changing presence. Would that not be the better thing? Our churches and ministries will renew when the leaders renew. The state of Israel in the old testament declined greatly based on the spiritual conditions of the priests. So, this priest, this leader, desires to choose the "good thing" and make his way back to a life of Godly submission by spending a great deal of time at the feet of Jesus. I want to fall in love again and let that love be the basis of everything I "do". I end with this final quote from C.S. Lewis. Let it be the sum of my desire:
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
Jesus Christ Superstar
Is anyone else sick of the fact that Jesus has become so disgustingly commercial? I recall a statement made some time ago by one of my ministry heroes. He was commenting on the fact that he went to see the Gaithers years ago for free and it was held in a small room and everyone sort of set on the floor. He proceeded to say that he had seen them recently and paid something like $18.00 a ticket to sit in a grand auditorium and hear the same music. He made this statement I will never forget, "Jesus has become big buisness!". You make a trip to the local Christian mega-mart and you see people turning the gospel into capital gain. The lines between capitalism and Christianity are becoming blurred if not dissapearing all together. I sincerely want to puke, like honestly get physically nautious whenever I see certain Christian apparel, twenty nine thousand bibles filled with commentary of our church-world celebrities vs. well-studied theological minds, and when I am overwhelmed with conference posters offering to sell me the key to ministry success. Maybe its a personality thing, but sometimes I feel that it's genuine righteous indignation. And when one speaks up about things, he/she finds a million amens, which tells that people have become resolute to sit, tolerate, and never let love and truth have its changing power that comes as a result of honest evaluation. Lord help us all. I can never say that I am not guilty of the same, or give the impression that I have the idea of perfect church and Christianity, I do, however feel like its time to stand up for certain things that are crucial as we enter what most believe to be the last days, no matter how unpopular they are. I am not a rebel, nor do I wish to cause dissension. I want to begin some critical conversation and find some solutions that will cause us to evaluate ourselves and our methods, so somehow we can find the most genuine faith possible and live it out in a most genuine way, a way that doesn't nausiate people (inside and outside) to the point of turning away.
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