I just read a post on Facebook in which a young man was bemoaning the coming a new year. Hopelessly he declared, "Each year is worse than the one before." Then he said defiantly, "Come on 2010."
Wow, what an empty sounding attitude. That was contrasted for me the other day when a friend told me about his father being diagnosed with cancer at age 64, but living into his nineties without treatments or surgery. The key was an attitude that said he was going to make the most of every day and live as healthy as possible. He chose to be happy and healthy and depend on God to sustain him.
Unfortunately, the young man said he had made a new friend in Jack Daniels and that would get him into the new year. This is a Christian young man who has forgotten that his hope is in Christ, not anything of this world. That is why Scripture exhorts us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author AND finisher of our faith." With that Scripture I have great hope to be like the 90 year old father and not the young man headed for an early grave.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Gift Giving
One of the reasons we celebrate Christmas is to be reminded of the great Gift the Father gave us in His Son. As I prepare for Christmas this year, I'm focusing on another Gift given to us.
Jesus prepares us for this gift in John 16:7 and Luke records the delivery in Acts 2:1-4. Take a minute and read these verses of Scripture for yourself. What an incredible gift they received that day. It was truly "Christmas" in Jerusalem.
The truth is that the same Gift is given to us. How sad, when we refuse delivery of the Gift or simply tuck it away in a dark corner.
Jesus prepares us for this gift in John 16:7 and Luke records the delivery in Acts 2:1-4. Take a minute and read these verses of Scripture for yourself. What an incredible gift they received that day. It was truly "Christmas" in Jerusalem.
The truth is that the same Gift is given to us. How sad, when we refuse delivery of the Gift or simply tuck it away in a dark corner.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Prosperity of the Wicked
Psalm 73 is one of many Psalms in which the apparent prosperity of the "wicked" is addressed. In verse 3 the author even confesses that he was envious of the wicked who are boastful and prosperous. It is not the prosperity that makes one wicked. It is the lack of character.
Verse 6 speaks of their pride and violence. Their arrogance causes them to speak wickedly and even set their mouth against heaven and earth in verses 8 & 9. Most highly successful people are cold hearted and focused only on their own goals. Jeremiah saw this when he said to God, "You are in their mouth, but far from their mind" [literally, secret place of the heart - their soul] (Jer. 12:2).
This was a mystery to Asaph, author of Psalm 73, until he entered the sanctuary of God, His intimate presence. Then it was like the blinders fell off and he saw that instead of being at peace and ease the wicked are on a slippery slope to destruction and filled with terrors (vv. 18-19). By contrast he says in verse 26, "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." He grieved over the wicked and his own ignorance, but quickly turned to the joy and peace of worshipping God.
Verse 6 speaks of their pride and violence. Their arrogance causes them to speak wickedly and even set their mouth against heaven and earth in verses 8 & 9. Most highly successful people are cold hearted and focused only on their own goals. Jeremiah saw this when he said to God, "You are in their mouth, but far from their mind" [literally, secret place of the heart - their soul] (Jer. 12:2).
This was a mystery to Asaph, author of Psalm 73, until he entered the sanctuary of God, His intimate presence. Then it was like the blinders fell off and he saw that instead of being at peace and ease the wicked are on a slippery slope to destruction and filled with terrors (vv. 18-19). By contrast he says in verse 26, "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." He grieved over the wicked and his own ignorance, but quickly turned to the joy and peace of worshipping God.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
When the Church is THE Church
I always turn to the end of the 2nd chapter of Acts to get a picture of what the Biblical Church ought to be doing. As Peter testified and encouraged people to be saved from the perverse generation in which they lived, thousands believed in Christ, were baptized and were added to the body of believers (verses 40-41).
The Holy Spirit was given for us to be empowered to be witnesses of Him [testify] (Acts 1:8). If we used this power correctly, thousands would turn to Him as "both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). This resulted in "signs and wonders" through the gifts of the Spirit (v. 43), but the purpose of the spirit was empowerment to be a witness. It was not to bring people to church, but to bring them to Jesus. Then the Church went to work.
As the Church gathered, they learned the Apostles teaching [discipleship], had fellowship [true sharing/"bonding"], ate together, prayed, met each others financial needs, and praised God [worship] (verses 42-47). I find the hardest part being in the financial area. It is hard to give away something that is so hard to get and so necessary for ourselves and family - especially in difficult economic times. I heard about it happening at Church of LIFE this last Sunday, as people gave after the offering to meet the needs of a young family.
It was "the Church of LIFE being THE Church."
The Holy Spirit was given for us to be empowered to be witnesses of Him [testify] (Acts 1:8). If we used this power correctly, thousands would turn to Him as "both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). This resulted in "signs and wonders" through the gifts of the Spirit (v. 43), but the purpose of the spirit was empowerment to be a witness. It was not to bring people to church, but to bring them to Jesus. Then the Church went to work.
As the Church gathered, they learned the Apostles teaching [discipleship], had fellowship [true sharing/"bonding"], ate together, prayed, met each others financial needs, and praised God [worship] (verses 42-47). I find the hardest part being in the financial area. It is hard to give away something that is so hard to get and so necessary for ourselves and family - especially in difficult economic times. I heard about it happening at Church of LIFE this last Sunday, as people gave after the offering to meet the needs of a young family.
It was "the Church of LIFE being THE Church."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Whom do you SEEK and SEE?
This week I've had conversations, thoughts, dreams and confirming Scripture about a real concern of mine. The concern is about the fact that very few Christians look beyond people (family, friends, pastors, Christian teachers, etc.) for help with their problems. In a dream I was directed to Psalm 9 and focused on verses 9&10: The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed. A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for you, Lord, have not forsaken those WHO SEEK YOU.
Then I saw it again in a study of Deuteronomy (31:6) in which Moses addresses Israel, God's people: "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. he will not leave you nor forsake you." Moses did not say he, Joshua, or anyone else would be with them. In fact, people will disappoint, leave and otherwise forsake you, but not the Lord God. In verse 3 he had said that the Lord would also go before them, then Joshua. People are very important and God's instruments and ministers to point us to Him, but we must not put them in God's place.
Let's be sure we are looking beyond people, even Godly people, to seek and see God Himself!!
Then I saw it again in a study of Deuteronomy (31:6) in which Moses addresses Israel, God's people: "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. he will not leave you nor forsake you." Moses did not say he, Joshua, or anyone else would be with them. In fact, people will disappoint, leave and otherwise forsake you, but not the Lord God. In verse 3 he had said that the Lord would also go before them, then Joshua. People are very important and God's instruments and ministers to point us to Him, but we must not put them in God's place.
Let's be sure we are looking beyond people, even Godly people, to seek and see God Himself!!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Individuals in the Body of Christ
Recently, I've set in meetings about accomplishing expansion of the Kingdom of God through planting new churches. There is always interesting discussion about defining when you have a church. We've come up with some pretty good lists, but there is still an element that may be unanswerable.
It has to do with individual commitment. I realize this is always a problem because we are dealing with people, and each one is an individual that expresses himself/herself differently. Yet, there is one thing that keeps coming up - a "hunger," "deep desire," "need," "desperation," or someting that says one wants ongoing, sincere, 24/7 relationship with the Lord and is commited to it.
This cannot be measured by attendance at meetings, money given, or amount of activity. It truly is something of the heart that is found in the depth of true "friends" that are willing to lay down their lives for one another (John 15).
It has to do with individual commitment. I realize this is always a problem because we are dealing with people, and each one is an individual that expresses himself/herself differently. Yet, there is one thing that keeps coming up - a "hunger," "deep desire," "need," "desperation," or someting that says one wants ongoing, sincere, 24/7 relationship with the Lord and is commited to it.
This cannot be measured by attendance at meetings, money given, or amount of activity. It truly is something of the heart that is found in the depth of true "friends" that are willing to lay down their lives for one another (John 15).
Friday, June 26, 2009
Proverbs 3:31-35, God's Secret Counsel
When I read these last verses of Prov. 3, it would be easy to judge others, but they make me judge myself. I could easily proclaim judgment on the wicked, but I find myself looking at the wickedness in my flesh.
I am driven to the second part of verse 32 that says, "His (God's) secret counsel is with the upright." My only hope for "uprightness" is in the secret counsel of God, which can only be found through intimate relationship with Him. It is what Adam had walking in the Garden with Him before the rebellion. It is what Paul calls for in Romans 12:2, to know the "perfect will of God."
God's "perfect will" is shown in verse 1 of Romans 12. It is that we have intimate relationship with Him through the sacrifice of our body and "service" to Him, which is worship, not religious activity directed toward men.
My hope is to seek His secret counsel through intimate relationship. I must go now and be with Him!
I am driven to the second part of verse 32 that says, "His (God's) secret counsel is with the upright." My only hope for "uprightness" is in the secret counsel of God, which can only be found through intimate relationship with Him. It is what Adam had walking in the Garden with Him before the rebellion. It is what Paul calls for in Romans 12:2, to know the "perfect will of God."
God's "perfect will" is shown in verse 1 of Romans 12. It is that we have intimate relationship with Him through the sacrifice of our body and "service" to Him, which is worship, not religious activity directed toward men.
My hope is to seek His secret counsel through intimate relationship. I must go now and be with Him!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Proverbs 3:27-30, It's really about us
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus gave two. He said the first is loving God with our whole being and the second is loving our neighbor, "as we love ourselves." This proverb directly address the 2nd, which cannot be accomplished without the first.
Withholding good, delaying payment, devising evil against our neighbor and "striving without a cause" are all actions that are taken when we do not love our neighbor. Doing any (or all) of these things puts us at odds with the Father, with peole and even with ourselves. When Jesus added "as we love ourselves," He indicated a very deep truth. We can only do for others what we already have within ourselves.
Doing evil against another is rooted in the evil we really feel we deserve for ourselves. For me, the best one word definition of love is acceptance. For a Christian, loving ourselves is not accepting who we have always been but accepting who we are in Christ - a new creation, recreated in the image of Christ Himself. So, fulfilling this proverb and Jesus statement is really about us and how we accept ourselves, not about others.
Withholding good, delaying payment, devising evil against our neighbor and "striving without a cause" are all actions that are taken when we do not love our neighbor. Doing any (or all) of these things puts us at odds with the Father, with peole and even with ourselves. When Jesus added "as we love ourselves," He indicated a very deep truth. We can only do for others what we already have within ourselves.
Doing evil against another is rooted in the evil we really feel we deserve for ourselves. For me, the best one word definition of love is acceptance. For a Christian, loving ourselves is not accepting who we have always been but accepting who we are in Christ - a new creation, recreated in the image of Christ Himself. So, fulfilling this proverb and Jesus statement is really about us and how we accept ourselves, not about others.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Proverbs 3:21-26, Sweet Dreams
This section of Proverbs 3 is a key to peace that will allow restful sleep.
As I read v. 21, I realized why the Lord had directed me to Matt. 6:22-23 just minutes before. This is such a key to peace and rest - watching what you watch. Jesus warns that the eye is the lamp of the body. When we focus on, or even watch, disturbing things, our body is disturbed and even becomes sick. The disturbing focus may even be on something like the news, not something "immoral and indecent." I remember on 911 watching the same scenes over and over as planes crashed into the World Trade Center and people ran for their lives. The images didn't change, but the sickening feeling just got deeper and deeper.
This passage parallels Ps. 91 in speaking of the safety of our walk so that we do not stumble or get caught in the snare of the enemy. When we know our steps are ordered (Ps. 37:23-24) and protected we can lie down and have "sweet dreams" and restful sleep.
Of course, we must remember that Ps. 91 begins with dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. We must get into His presence and stay there.
As I read v. 21, I realized why the Lord had directed me to Matt. 6:22-23 just minutes before. This is such a key to peace and rest - watching what you watch. Jesus warns that the eye is the lamp of the body. When we focus on, or even watch, disturbing things, our body is disturbed and even becomes sick. The disturbing focus may even be on something like the news, not something "immoral and indecent." I remember on 911 watching the same scenes over and over as planes crashed into the World Trade Center and people ran for their lives. The images didn't change, but the sickening feeling just got deeper and deeper.
This passage parallels Ps. 91 in speaking of the safety of our walk so that we do not stumble or get caught in the snare of the enemy. When we know our steps are ordered (Ps. 37:23-24) and protected we can lie down and have "sweet dreams" and restful sleep.
Of course, we must remember that Ps. 91 begins with dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. We must get into His presence and stay there.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Proverbs 3:13-18, Wisdom
A key word throughout Proverbs is wisdom. Wisdom is more than an abstraction or even the wisdom of God made available to us. Rather than being referred to as "it" wisdom usually has a personal pronoun, "she." Wisdom is alive and comes with relationship with the Lord.
In these verses wisdom produces happiness, understanding, length of days, riches, honor, pleasantness, and peace. These are the kinds of things that are also seen in the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22. They certainly are more precious than silver, gold or rubies.
Recently, I've been made aware of people who are trying to produce these things through a machine, which they say will actually give you love, peace and joy. Jesus said there would be those who proclaimed to be "Christ," the deliverer who give love, peace and joy. We are seeing that done boldly and with great deception. These are only found in a permanent way through relationship with God through Jesus, the only true Christ.
Proverbs 3:18 says that wisdom is a "tree of life" and we are happy when we hold on to her. Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15) and we can only maintain life and produce fruit by abiding in Him. Centuries before Jesus walked the earth the same thing was said in this proverb.
In these verses wisdom produces happiness, understanding, length of days, riches, honor, pleasantness, and peace. These are the kinds of things that are also seen in the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22. They certainly are more precious than silver, gold or rubies.
Recently, I've been made aware of people who are trying to produce these things through a machine, which they say will actually give you love, peace and joy. Jesus said there would be those who proclaimed to be "Christ," the deliverer who give love, peace and joy. We are seeing that done boldly and with great deception. These are only found in a permanent way through relationship with God through Jesus, the only true Christ.
Proverbs 3:18 says that wisdom is a "tree of life" and we are happy when we hold on to her. Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15) and we can only maintain life and produce fruit by abiding in Him. Centuries before Jesus walked the earth the same thing was said in this proverb.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Proverbs 3:11-12
This proverb is quoted several times in the Scripture because of its importance for understanding the nature of God's love. In Hebrews (12:6) we are told that we have forgotten this exhortation that we must accept in order for God to deal with us as legitimate sons. Jesus says in Rev. 3:19 that He chastens and rebukes and we are to be zealous and repent. To me that says we are to be excited about His rebuke and chastening because it leads to repentance and freedom.
Several weeks ago Joseph began praise and worship with Psalm 92:7 and made a great application of what the Lord had said to him, as he meditated on this verse. It is not just about the wicked prospering and God then destroying them forever. It is also about Him bringing up the iniquity in us so that He can destroy it. WOW, what a beautiful perspective on the Love of God. He will bring up what we despise about ourselves in order to get rid of it. That is uncomfortable and even embarrassing. It will feel like chastening and rebuke, but it will produce the freedom that Jesus came to give.
Thank You for Your awesome love, Lord!!
Several weeks ago Joseph began praise and worship with Psalm 92:7 and made a great application of what the Lord had said to him, as he meditated on this verse. It is not just about the wicked prospering and God then destroying them forever. It is also about Him bringing up the iniquity in us so that He can destroy it. WOW, what a beautiful perspective on the Love of God. He will bring up what we despise about ourselves in order to get rid of it. That is uncomfortable and even embarrassing. It will feel like chastening and rebuke, but it will produce the freedom that Jesus came to give.
Thank You for Your awesome love, Lord!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Proverbs 3:9-10, Giving
The greatest way to "honor the Lord with your possessions" is to acknowledge that all of your possessions are His. When I became a "slave of Christ," I gave up all of my possessions. Actually, it put me in the position that God intended from the beginning that I would be a steward of His creation and take dominion on His behalf.
I get to enjoy the benefits of His possessions AND must seek Him for proper management of His creation. It causes me to seek Him more. It produces great joy to give away the firstfruits and allows for fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham in which we are blessed in order to be a blessing. Moreover, giving is at the core of God's nature. He gave His Spirit in creating man. He gave His Son in redeeming man. Not only does the Bible say, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" but also Jesus said we should give before we should expect to receive (Luke 6:38).
In keeping with the theme of Proverbs 3, the right heart is essential. If I give only to receive, I have the wrong heart. Giving is God's heart and I give because it is my heart, too.
I get to enjoy the benefits of His possessions AND must seek Him for proper management of His creation. It causes me to seek Him more. It produces great joy to give away the firstfruits and allows for fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham in which we are blessed in order to be a blessing. Moreover, giving is at the core of God's nature. He gave His Spirit in creating man. He gave His Son in redeeming man. Not only does the Bible say, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" but also Jesus said we should give before we should expect to receive (Luke 6:38).
In keeping with the theme of Proverbs 3, the right heart is essential. If I give only to receive, I have the wrong heart. Giving is God's heart and I give because it is my heart, too.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Proverbs 3:5-8, Learning to Trust
It is so hard to learn to trust in the Lord with "all your heart." As circumstances arise in life, my flesh wants to take over and resolve conflicts, solve problems, or give my own answers to questions. As I practice, I pray I am gaining ground and "acknowledging the Lord in all my ways."
This is the third segment of Prov. 3 that calls on us to get things right in our heart. After all, it is the heart that the Lord searches (Jeremiah 17:10). The heart really is more important than the thoughts or the acts. Thoughts can be cast down and submitted to the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:5). If we act with the wrong heart, we are hypocritical (Jesus to the Pharisees). If we act with the right heart, I believe we will "receive our reward" from the Lord (Matthew 6:1-6).
Again, the promises/rewards are clear -"It will be health to your flesh and sttrength to your bones"- something I certainly need.
This is the third segment of Prov. 3 that calls on us to get things right in our heart. After all, it is the heart that the Lord searches (Jeremiah 17:10). The heart really is more important than the thoughts or the acts. Thoughts can be cast down and submitted to the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:5). If we act with the wrong heart, we are hypocritical (Jesus to the Pharisees). If we act with the right heart, I believe we will "receive our reward" from the Lord (Matthew 6:1-6).
Again, the promises/rewards are clear -"It will be health to your flesh and sttrength to your bones"- something I certainly need.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Proverbs 3:3-4
As Betty and I continue to meditate on and discuss Proverbs 3, we find a richness of God's love in verses 3 & 4.
To think of mercy and truth is to think of God's goodness toward us. He shows so much mercy that we don't even realize or think about. Betty says, "You cannot give what you do not have" (or realize that you have). So many of us fail to give mercy because we do not stop to think on how much of God's mercy we have. It "forsakes" us because we do not write it on our heart and keep it alive in our thoughts. Instead of being judgmental and harsh toward people, we should give mercy to them, but "we can only give what we have."
Truth always make me think of freedom, which Jesus said He came to give (Luke 4:18) and tells us that abiding in His word will give us the truth that will set us free (John 8:31-32). Not only does God give us mercy by not giving us what we deserve, but He also gives us freedom. What a God we serve!!!
The proverb says, "bind them around your neck," which reminds me of Jesus saying, "Take my yoke upon you" in Matthew 11:29. This proverb promises that we will find favor and high esteem with God and Man, and Jesus adds that we will find rest for our weary souls.
So many of us are weary trying to please God and man, when realizing the mercy and truth we already have will set us free from trying to earn what God has given us!!!
To think of mercy and truth is to think of God's goodness toward us. He shows so much mercy that we don't even realize or think about. Betty says, "You cannot give what you do not have" (or realize that you have). So many of us fail to give mercy because we do not stop to think on how much of God's mercy we have. It "forsakes" us because we do not write it on our heart and keep it alive in our thoughts. Instead of being judgmental and harsh toward people, we should give mercy to them, but "we can only give what we have."
Truth always make me think of freedom, which Jesus said He came to give (Luke 4:18) and tells us that abiding in His word will give us the truth that will set us free (John 8:31-32). Not only does God give us mercy by not giving us what we deserve, but He also gives us freedom. What a God we serve!!!
The proverb says, "bind them around your neck," which reminds me of Jesus saying, "Take my yoke upon you" in Matthew 11:29. This proverb promises that we will find favor and high esteem with God and Man, and Jesus adds that we will find rest for our weary souls.
So many of us are weary trying to please God and man, when realizing the mercy and truth we already have will set us free from trying to earn what God has given us!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Proverbs 3:1-2
Betty and I have been meditating on Proverbs 3 together this week. This is such a rich passage for our times.
Verse 1 is a reminder that we can get the "law" of God in our minds, but His commands are kept in our heart. Jesus commanded us to love as He loved (John 13:34). Without this command in our heart, we will become legalistic, judgmental, inflexible, Pharisees quoting "the word" and being without the love of God. I could even say, "Being without God," since He is love. We could become like those who do great things in the name of the Lord, but are not even known by Him (Matt. 7:21-23).
The promise of peace for keeping His commands in our heart is so essential for times filled with turmoil, uncertainty, ungodliness, lawlessness, and disasters. Times like those in which we live. Times Jesus said must come.
Verse 1 is a reminder that we can get the "law" of God in our minds, but His commands are kept in our heart. Jesus commanded us to love as He loved (John 13:34). Without this command in our heart, we will become legalistic, judgmental, inflexible, Pharisees quoting "the word" and being without the love of God. I could even say, "Being without God," since He is love. We could become like those who do great things in the name of the Lord, but are not even known by Him (Matt. 7:21-23).
The promise of peace for keeping His commands in our heart is so essential for times filled with turmoil, uncertainty, ungodliness, lawlessness, and disasters. Times like those in which we live. Times Jesus said must come.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
"Little Foxes Destroy the Vine"
For more than a week the Lord has had on my mind the fact that is mentioned in the "Song of Solomon" - "Little foxes destroy the vine" (3:15).
This morning I awoke with a start because of a dream in which I had observed children being abducted. I had been able to follow the abductors, but was seen and went home to change cars in order to continue following them. They were going to be in the same location, and I had enough time to accomplish the exchange. At the right moment I would have the ability to set them free.
While at home, I saw a fire beginning in a house that was literally falling down. I called 911 for the fire department and noticed that the fire was already spreading to more houses on the block, but it was only on the exterior of the other houses. I waited for the firemen so I could help them identify which houses were on fire. They began putting out fires quickly. My window of opportunity to help the abducted children was closing rapidly and I was standing around helping firemen that didn't need my help.
I sensed there was a spiritual nature to this dream that related to the truth about "Little Foxes." As I thought it through, I saw the theme that had been on my heart about the verse from "Song of Solomon." We let little things get our attention, become the focus of our limited time resources, and draw us away from more important things. In Church we allow the 75% of people who are not going to bear fruit (Jesus' parable of the sower in Matt. 13) take our time so that we do not fulfill the call to "make disciples" (Matt. 28) and help people find life and freedom in Christ. There are so many "fires" that are just distractions and smoke screens the Body of Christ, as well as regular life. In life, this is like fictional TV shows or other meaningless activities we allow to take our time.
Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the banches (John 15). When the vine is destroyed , we are cut off from our life sources and cannot bear fruit ourselves. Furthermore, in Matt. 8:22 He said to a disciple who wanted to stop following Him until he could bury a dead person, "Let the dead bury the dead." Again, a situation we cannont change or help can take us away from following the Lord. Little foxes truly will destroy the vine.
This morning I awoke with a start because of a dream in which I had observed children being abducted. I had been able to follow the abductors, but was seen and went home to change cars in order to continue following them. They were going to be in the same location, and I had enough time to accomplish the exchange. At the right moment I would have the ability to set them free.
While at home, I saw a fire beginning in a house that was literally falling down. I called 911 for the fire department and noticed that the fire was already spreading to more houses on the block, but it was only on the exterior of the other houses. I waited for the firemen so I could help them identify which houses were on fire. They began putting out fires quickly. My window of opportunity to help the abducted children was closing rapidly and I was standing around helping firemen that didn't need my help.
I sensed there was a spiritual nature to this dream that related to the truth about "Little Foxes." As I thought it through, I saw the theme that had been on my heart about the verse from "Song of Solomon." We let little things get our attention, become the focus of our limited time resources, and draw us away from more important things. In Church we allow the 75% of people who are not going to bear fruit (Jesus' parable of the sower in Matt. 13) take our time so that we do not fulfill the call to "make disciples" (Matt. 28) and help people find life and freedom in Christ. There are so many "fires" that are just distractions and smoke screens the Body of Christ, as well as regular life. In life, this is like fictional TV shows or other meaningless activities we allow to take our time.
Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the banches (John 15). When the vine is destroyed , we are cut off from our life sources and cannot bear fruit ourselves. Furthermore, in Matt. 8:22 He said to a disciple who wanted to stop following Him until he could bury a dead person, "Let the dead bury the dead." Again, a situation we cannont change or help can take us away from following the Lord. Little foxes truly will destroy the vine.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Disciples of the Lord
Having just returned from a trip to Mexico, there is a lot stirring inside of me. While I was part of a team with the assignment of teaching about Five-Fold and Team Ministry, I think I'm the one that got the most out of it. Not that I learned a lot of new things, but having to dwell on the subject made me evaluate some of the things we ARE NOT doing well at the Church of LIFE.
For instance, we are not "making disciples" very well, which was the "Great Commission" of the Lord. Rather than focusing on discipling people in living by the word of God, we are hung up on solving petty problems that would be solved by a proper focus on the word and perhaps a little bit of specialty teaching/treaining. So..... back to the basics on making disciples, which involves being a disciple, discipling others, and releasing them to make disciples (of the Lord, not ourselves). A historical danger is that people begin to make disciples of themselves or a doctrine and become unbalanced, downright heretical, focused on a person other than Christ, or judgmental. We must keep the danger in mind and press forward with making disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For instance, we are not "making disciples" very well, which was the "Great Commission" of the Lord. Rather than focusing on discipling people in living by the word of God, we are hung up on solving petty problems that would be solved by a proper focus on the word and perhaps a little bit of specialty teaching/treaining. So..... back to the basics on making disciples, which involves being a disciple, discipling others, and releasing them to make disciples (of the Lord, not ourselves). A historical danger is that people begin to make disciples of themselves or a doctrine and become unbalanced, downright heretical, focused on a person other than Christ, or judgmental. We must keep the danger in mind and press forward with making disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Sent Out
Today I travel to Mexico for the privilege of teaching in Pastors' Conferences in Sumidero and Oaxaca. We will be with Jeff Kindrick in Cordoba. It is also a privilege to have been sent out and covered by the Church of LIFE and the Tuesday night Bible study group.
It is so important to be undercover and sent to wherever we go. So often we are uncovered, which makes us vulnerable both to the enemy and our own flesh. When we go without being sent, we are out of order and also vulnerable. Operating on our own is simply rebellion. If what we are doing is of the Lord, those who are spiritual will be supportive because they discern spiritually and are true brothers and sisters (1 Cor. 2:12-14).
I will miss my beloved wife terribly! It is such a joy and so fulfilling to walk together in the Lord and ministry. It has taken years to develop that, but it has been worth the work and wait. She has been patient with me!!!
It is so important to be undercover and sent to wherever we go. So often we are uncovered, which makes us vulnerable both to the enemy and our own flesh. When we go without being sent, we are out of order and also vulnerable. Operating on our own is simply rebellion. If what we are doing is of the Lord, those who are spiritual will be supportive because they discern spiritually and are true brothers and sisters (1 Cor. 2:12-14).
I will miss my beloved wife terribly! It is such a joy and so fulfilling to walk together in the Lord and ministry. It has taken years to develop that, but it has been worth the work and wait. She has been patient with me!!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Refuse to Forget
Our Tuesday night Bible study has begun a study of Deuteronomy after finishing Hebrews. As the book begins, Moses recounts some of the major events in the forty year journey back to the doorway of entering the "promised land."
The first time they were in position to go in and "possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers," they allowed fear to rob them of their blessing. Even though they had been reminded that God would go before them and fight for them "according to all He did in Egypt before your eyes." Moses commented in 1:32, "Yet, for all that, you did not beieve the Lord your God."
Our group began to share all the ways God has provided, protected and led us. There were some amazing and miraculous stories told. We committed ourselves to spend the week thinking of these events in our lives, thanking Him, and using them to move forward with faith rather than fear.
The first time they were in position to go in and "possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers," they allowed fear to rob them of their blessing. Even though they had been reminded that God would go before them and fight for them "according to all He did in Egypt before your eyes." Moses commented in 1:32, "Yet, for all that, you did not beieve the Lord your God."
Our group began to share all the ways God has provided, protected and led us. There were some amazing and miraculous stories told. We committed ourselves to spend the week thinking of these events in our lives, thanking Him, and using them to move forward with faith rather than fear.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Total Victory
When God sent His people into battle, He commanded total victory. The early chapters of Deuteronomy give several examples of this. Unfortunately, many of us fail to follow through to total victory. We are like Achan (Joshua 7) who kept something back rather than destroying it or turning it over to the Lord.
We do fight a scheming enemy (Ephesians 6) whose job description is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). We must gain total victory, or we will find ourselves fighting the same battles over and over. We must not hide (deny), ignore, or placate the enemy. We are to defeat Him with the sword of the Spirit (the Word by which we live and act) and accepting the victory that Jesus has already won in His death and resurrection.
We do fight a scheming enemy (Ephesians 6) whose job description is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). We must gain total victory, or we will find ourselves fighting the same battles over and over. We must not hide (deny), ignore, or placate the enemy. We are to defeat Him with the sword of the Spirit (the Word by which we live and act) and accepting the victory that Jesus has already won in His death and resurrection.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Short-Term Memory Is A Choice
As I get older, I find myself sometimes struggling to remember pretty simple things that happened in the recent past. I believe I was right when I told others who went before me that it is not a loss of memory or signs of age, but it is like a computer that needs to have some things deleted, be defragmented, and stop running so many programs at once.
But there is another issue of short-term memory that keeps popping up. It can be seen among the Children of Israel during their wilderness experience. It is a painful truth for all of us. Even though God had delivered them from Pharoah at the Red Sea, from hunger with manna, and from thirst by striking a rock, they seemed to have forgotten these miracles when it was time to enter the Promised Land. He had said He would go before them and fight to defeat the giant-like enemies. In Deut. 1:32 Moses sums it up with, "Yet, for all that (He did) you did not believe the Lord your God."
It should not be a struggle to move forward faithfully according to His directives, when we remember the ways that God has lead us and provided for us in the past. Short-term memory is a choice and I chose to remember all the ways God has lead, blessed, fought and provided for me over and over in the past. AND it is a day to move forward!
But there is another issue of short-term memory that keeps popping up. It can be seen among the Children of Israel during their wilderness experience. It is a painful truth for all of us. Even though God had delivered them from Pharoah at the Red Sea, from hunger with manna, and from thirst by striking a rock, they seemed to have forgotten these miracles when it was time to enter the Promised Land. He had said He would go before them and fight to defeat the giant-like enemies. In Deut. 1:32 Moses sums it up with, "Yet, for all that (He did) you did not believe the Lord your God."
It should not be a struggle to move forward faithfully according to His directives, when we remember the ways that God has lead us and provided for us in the past. Short-term memory is a choice and I chose to remember all the ways God has lead, blessed, fought and provided for me over and over in the past. AND it is a day to move forward!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Forty Years Ago
Today I began a new study of the book of Deuteronomy. One of the first things is a recounting of the fact that it took 40 years to make an 11 day journey. I stopped to think back 40 years ago. I was preparing to be ordained into the Gospel Ministry on May 12.
Over the last 40 years I have done a lot of ministry, but I wouldn't call it Gospel Ministry. Oh, it has been as a pastor/teacher in the church/ counselor/minister, but not always a Minister of the Gospel preaching the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God with His provision of entrance into that Kingdom and the absolute commitment to God as Lord/Master over every aspect of life. Only in recent years have I fully grasped the Lordship of Christ, even though I've preached it a lot longer than that.
There is incredible peace, freedom and hope in truly being in the Kingdom where He is King. I don't know how long He will allow me to preach the Gospel, but I pray I will take advantage of every day He gives me to do it.
Over the last 40 years I have done a lot of ministry, but I wouldn't call it Gospel Ministry. Oh, it has been as a pastor/teacher in the church/ counselor/minister, but not always a Minister of the Gospel preaching the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God with His provision of entrance into that Kingdom and the absolute commitment to God as Lord/Master over every aspect of life. Only in recent years have I fully grasped the Lordship of Christ, even though I've preached it a lot longer than that.
There is incredible peace, freedom and hope in truly being in the Kingdom where He is King. I don't know how long He will allow me to preach the Gospel, but I pray I will take advantage of every day He gives me to do it.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Commitment to the Lord
A year or so ago Ignace Augustin from Haiti made a comment that painted a picture of true commitment to the Lord that so many do not have. He was describing the total commitment that Haitians make because they are coming out of vodoo and darkness. Like Muslims and others they truly make a 100% commitment to the Lord that can cost them family, friends, jobs, and maybe even their lives. There is such a turnaround in their lives that they become a living picture of being a "new creation in Christ."
Recently I listened to a teaching by John MacArthur that reminded me of the true 100% commitment to Christ. He stated that most times the New Testament uses the term "bondservant" or servant, it is a mistranslation of the Greek word "doulos," which is slave. The mistranslation comes from the stigma attached to the word slave because of the autrocities of slavery. However, it is the biblical concept of true commitment to Christ, who is not a typical slave "owner," but is the Master who loves, provides for, honors, educates, protects and blesses His slaves.
It made me pull out my Greek resources and check everytime I see the word servant or bondservant. It also made me check my commitment to the Lord. MacArthur's message is called "Slaves of Christ."
Recently I listened to a teaching by John MacArthur that reminded me of the true 100% commitment to Christ. He stated that most times the New Testament uses the term "bondservant" or servant, it is a mistranslation of the Greek word "doulos," which is slave. The mistranslation comes from the stigma attached to the word slave because of the autrocities of slavery. However, it is the biblical concept of true commitment to Christ, who is not a typical slave "owner," but is the Master who loves, provides for, honors, educates, protects and blesses His slaves.
It made me pull out my Greek resources and check everytime I see the word servant or bondservant. It also made me check my commitment to the Lord. MacArthur's message is called "Slaves of Christ."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Standing Under a Spiritual Umbrella
During a worship time at a Master Builder's regional fellowship yesterday, I was led to Rom. 5:1-5 and prayed that we all would learn to "glory in tribulations" so that we would have perseverance, character and hope. This is predicated upon "the grace of God in which we stand" (v. 2).
In a time when a lot of people are struggling to have peace and hope there is a need to learn to celebrate (glory) in the midst of our struggles (tribulations). We celebrate the peace we have through Christ, the grace we have through faith, and the love of God through the Holy Spirit.
We are often missing an emphasis on the third element - receiving the Holy Spirit. He has been poured out, but so many have been standing in the rain under a big golf umbrella resisting what God is doing. He must be received in order to complete peace and hope. After all the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) includes love, joy and peace.
In a time when a lot of people are struggling to have peace and hope there is a need to learn to celebrate (glory) in the midst of our struggles (tribulations). We celebrate the peace we have through Christ, the grace we have through faith, and the love of God through the Holy Spirit.
We are often missing an emphasis on the third element - receiving the Holy Spirit. He has been poured out, but so many have been standing in the rain under a big golf umbrella resisting what God is doing. He must be received in order to complete peace and hope. After all the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) includes love, joy and peace.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Great Unifier
Paul's declaration in Galatians 3:26-29 has always meant so much to me about God loving the whole world and our heritage in Hebrew experience. It says:
For you are ALL sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The diversity of people is seen around the Passion. Barabbas, the convicted felon whose place Jesus took in crucifixion, has a name that indicates his family background. "Bar" means "son of" and "abba" means father. He was "the son of a father" not named because he probably wasn't known. Simon of Cyrene was from Northern Africa and could have easily been a black man who had the honor of carrying the cross of Christ. Joseph of Arimathea is thought to have been a part of the Jewish Sanhedrin, but is named as a rich disciple of Jesus.
There is a place for all of us as "sons of God through faith." As the Savior, Jesus is also the Great Unifier. Ancestry, race, criminal record, wealth, gender are all meaningless in the Kingdom of God.
For you are ALL sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The diversity of people is seen around the Passion. Barabbas, the convicted felon whose place Jesus took in crucifixion, has a name that indicates his family background. "Bar" means "son of" and "abba" means father. He was "the son of a father" not named because he probably wasn't known. Simon of Cyrene was from Northern Africa and could have easily been a black man who had the honor of carrying the cross of Christ. Joseph of Arimathea is thought to have been a part of the Jewish Sanhedrin, but is named as a rich disciple of Jesus.
There is a place for all of us as "sons of God through faith." As the Savior, Jesus is also the Great Unifier. Ancestry, race, criminal record, wealth, gender are all meaningless in the Kingdom of God.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
The Hebrew celebration of "The Feast of Unleavened Bread" involves taking all the "leaven" out of the house. While we understand "leaven" as yeast that makes bread rise, it is also representative of sin that "infects" our lives.
Today is "Good Friday" and I think I'll spend the day looking at things to take out of my life and take them to the cross of Christ asking forgiveness, freedom and new life.
Today is "Good Friday" and I think I'll spend the day looking at things to take out of my life and take them to the cross of Christ asking forgiveness, freedom and new life.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Day to Act Boldly
In reading the 25th chapter of Matthew there are two parables about the Kingdom that probably seem unfair on the surface to some people. The 5 foolish virgins missed out on the wedding because they were not properly prepared. The fact is that they had the example of 5 wise virgins, if they had chosen to follow it. The 5 wise virgins did their job and did not give up their responsibility to fulfill a purpose for the wedding by taking care of the foolish virgins. So many people miss out because they take responsibility for those who made foolish choices. We have a responsibility to act wisely, model it for others, and then fulfill our purpose without trying to carry lazy or foolish people who have access to the same truth we have.
In the parable of the talents the servants were given responsibility according to their ability. The Lord does not expect us to achieve beyond our abilities, but we do need to rise to the occasion for what He has placed within us and in our hands. Some would make the excuse that the man with the one talent did not risk losing it and at least returned it to the Master. I'm reminded that the first commandment in the Bible and the purpose of mankind is to "Be fruitful and multiply." This man operated in fear and was called lazy and wicked before being cast out of the presence of the Master into darkness. Jesus reminded us that a seed has to be planted and "die" before it can produce a harvest. Paul wrote to Timothy, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
Today is a day to go forth boldly, plant seeds, make investments and fear only the Lord!
In the parable of the talents the servants were given responsibility according to their ability. The Lord does not expect us to achieve beyond our abilities, but we do need to rise to the occasion for what He has placed within us and in our hands. Some would make the excuse that the man with the one talent did not risk losing it and at least returned it to the Master. I'm reminded that the first commandment in the Bible and the purpose of mankind is to "Be fruitful and multiply." This man operated in fear and was called lazy and wicked before being cast out of the presence of the Master into darkness. Jesus reminded us that a seed has to be planted and "die" before it can produce a harvest. Paul wrote to Timothy, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
Today is a day to go forth boldly, plant seeds, make investments and fear only the Lord!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Online Tests
People are all the time taking online "tests" (seems to be especially popular on Facebook) to determine all sorts of things from interests to personality to where they ought to be to........
I ran across a test that caused me to do some real self-searching.
I was reading Matthew 23 in the Bible. In this chapter Jesus declares all sorts of "woes" to the Scribes and Pharisees, religious leaders of the day. I remember years ago (the 1980's) declaring that we in the modern church are the Scribes and Pharisees of our day.
I found myself doing a lot of self-examination, as I read through the various woes today. I found many that I have worked to overcome, some I still struggle with, and some a source of conviction. How important it is to spend more time "online" in the Bible and "online" in prayer in comparison to being "online" with the internet!!!!!
That is a modern day "woe to be heeded!"
I ran across a test that caused me to do some real self-searching.
I was reading Matthew 23 in the Bible. In this chapter Jesus declares all sorts of "woes" to the Scribes and Pharisees, religious leaders of the day. I remember years ago (the 1980's) declaring that we in the modern church are the Scribes and Pharisees of our day.
I found myself doing a lot of self-examination, as I read through the various woes today. I found many that I have worked to overcome, some I still struggle with, and some a source of conviction. How important it is to spend more time "online" in the Bible and "online" in prayer in comparison to being "online" with the internet!!!!!
That is a modern day "woe to be heeded!"
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A Significant Event
WOW!
It has been three months since I last posted to this blog. I started doing this for my own benefit to give me the discipline to write and do some journaling, but........
Anyway, one of the most significant things in my life happened last week. My 35 year old son, Jody, called to tell me about an experience he had that morning. In his Thursday morning Bible study group, he challenged someone who talked about being a "secret disciple" Jody said there is no such thing. If you are a disciple, it guides you as a way of life.
He based it on something he remembers when he was a youngster going to Vacation Bible School and I came to speak to his class as the pastor of the church. He said I taught them that "Faith" is belief plus action. I gave the example of believing a chair would hold you up but faith was actually sitting in the chair, thus putting belief into action and operating on faith. He said he remembers that everytime he hears the word "faith" and uses it to guide him, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul quoted, "The just shall live by faith."
Let's see all that Paul said in Romans 1:16-17:
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Thank you, Jody, for fulfilling my ministry and reminding me to "practice what I preach."
It has been three months since I last posted to this blog. I started doing this for my own benefit to give me the discipline to write and do some journaling, but........
Anyway, one of the most significant things in my life happened last week. My 35 year old son, Jody, called to tell me about an experience he had that morning. In his Thursday morning Bible study group, he challenged someone who talked about being a "secret disciple" Jody said there is no such thing. If you are a disciple, it guides you as a way of life.
He based it on something he remembers when he was a youngster going to Vacation Bible School and I came to speak to his class as the pastor of the church. He said I taught them that "Faith" is belief plus action. I gave the example of believing a chair would hold you up but faith was actually sitting in the chair, thus putting belief into action and operating on faith. He said he remembers that everytime he hears the word "faith" and uses it to guide him, as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul quoted, "The just shall live by faith."
Let's see all that Paul said in Romans 1:16-17:
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Thank you, Jody, for fulfilling my ministry and reminding me to "practice what I preach."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Fresh Love
Recently, I seem to have been involved in a lot of "theological" discussions about various doctrines, like the "Trinity," millenial views, doctrines of grace, end times, and cessation of the Gifts of the Spirit - just to name a few. I hear people passionately debate and genuinely question a wide variety of opinions. The great thing is that this usually drives people to the Bible. Unfortunately, they tend to make certain passages proof texts for their position and miss the balance of its entirety and life giving nature of its intent.
There is certainly a place for such discussion, but I'm always concerned when a doctrinal position becomes one's passion and purpose for ministry. As someone once said, "When one doctrine becomes 'The' doctrine, it is heresy." I sense that is behind Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. He says things like, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (1:31) and "I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (2:2).
In a time of turmoil and uncertainty with wars and economic crises filling the headlines, it is easy to be distracted by current events and discussions. We as Christians need to make sure first of all that we can say with Paul the one thing we know is Jesus Christ and the payment of redemption He made for us. I pray we will be drawn to the Bible for the purpose of knowing Him more deeply and then find ourselves "taken" with Him as one is with the focus of fresh love.
There is certainly a place for such discussion, but I'm always concerned when a doctrinal position becomes one's passion and purpose for ministry. As someone once said, "When one doctrine becomes 'The' doctrine, it is heresy." I sense that is behind Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. He says things like, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (1:31) and "I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (2:2).
In a time of turmoil and uncertainty with wars and economic crises filling the headlines, it is easy to be distracted by current events and discussions. We as Christians need to make sure first of all that we can say with Paul the one thing we know is Jesus Christ and the payment of redemption He made for us. I pray we will be drawn to the Bible for the purpose of knowing Him more deeply and then find ourselves "taken" with Him as one is with the focus of fresh love.
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