The Father's Love

Last night I was reading from the book New Wineskins and he was quoting out of 1 John. I started reading that letter and saw a few excellent verses:

1 John 2:1-2 NIV
[1] "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father---Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. [2] He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

1 John 3:1 NIV
[1] "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him."

These three verses are so foundational.

Working in reverse order, the Father loves us, lavishes His love upon us and calls us His children! So, God is not angry with us. He doesn't hate us. He doesn't do bad things to us. He is not just waiting for us to sin that He might punish us. We are His dearly loved children and He delights in loving us. If we could hold onto this truth daily, our lives and thinking could be transformed. He desires for us to learn to walk in the truth of this statement.

Secondly, the most extreme and complete example of God's love us is the fact that He sent Jesus to be an atonement for us all. He has paid the price for our redemption, and sits at the Father's right hand speaking on our behalf as our advocate. As I write that, I am aware of the seemingly contradictory thinking when compared against my thoughts on 1 John 3:1, described above. The image of Jesus pleading our case before God the Father as a judge, who is waiting to strike us with judgement does not align with the revelation of the Father that Jesus showed us. It was the will of the Father that Jesus came to earth, and His perfect plan that set us all free, so why would he now be judging us? Instead of defending us, I imagine that Jesus and the Father are speaking of our purpose and potential and our forgiveness, which has already been extended to cover all our sins.

Yes Lord, help me to grasp the truth of these verses. I want to fully understand the reality of You love for me. I want to rest securely in these truths, and help others to understand them as well.

Humility In Relationship

Last evening I was reading from James and when I woke up, my thoughts went back to these verses.

James 4:6-10 NIV:
[6] "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [7] Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

As I was meditating on these verses, I realized that they must be put into context of relationship to be properly understood. In the verses previous to these, James is warning the people about being adulterous in their relationship towards God, by also loving or being friends with the world.

For me, if I read these verses, especially verses 8 and 9, and put them in context of my relationship with my wife, they are easier to understand. If I somehow have missed the mark in my relating to my sweetheart, somehow causing her pain, sorrow or grief, I am distraught rather than joyful or happy. I want to restore our relationship to its previous state, or to an even better state of intimacy and affection. If I come to her in humility, recognizing my fault or failure and asking forgiveness, I am received much differently than if I were to approach her believing myself to be right. Its humility to recognize that I need her in my life mover than I need to be right.

In the same way, we should approach our relationship with the Lord. The Father loves us just as He loved Jesus (JN 17;23). We should be reading these verses with a sense of how our actions can hurt the one that we love (Jesus). We should be constantly monitoring our relationship and working to increase our level of intimacy and affection. We should be willing to lay down those things in our life that get in the way of our relationship. Ultimately we need to recognize that our need for God in our lives, outweighs our desire to be right or in control.

Continuing my meditation, I recognize that washing our hands is a sign or our desire to purify ourselves of all the things that have happened or gone on in the past. We need to lay down past hurts, things that we did, said or thought, and pursue God. We need to put our past in the past, was our hands of it, and embrace God. I also find it interesting that James addresses people's hearts when they are double minded. This is because it is a heart issue, its about relationship. Double-mindedness means that someone is having equal thoughts and affections towards someone or something else. James encourages them to change the way they think and act (repentance), so that they might restore their relationships with the Lord.

Finally this is not something we should be doing out of duty or religious expression, but rather because we have genuine affection. We must open our hearts, and see our need for God outweighs our need to be right or in control. We need to understand that in humbling ourselves before God, we are bowing before one who loved us so much that He died for us. We can be confident that as we approach the Lord, He will draw near to us as well, for He desires relationship too.

Built Up In Love

This morning I am continuing my reading of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. What a great letter! Anyway, I am struck anew by the way the Lord builds His church, and brings it to maturity:

Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV
[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

[14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

We are meant to be equipped by Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to do works of service to aid in the building of the church. Maturity in the church looks like unity in the faith, knowledge of Jesus, and being like Him. Maturity allows us to be stable in our thinking, not tossed back and forth by the newest 'teaching' or 'revelation' or 'idea' that flows through the Body of Christ. Instead, we should be known for speaking the truth IN LOVE, because love is what helps the Body grow and build itself up.

I find it interesting that speaking the truth in love is provided as a counter-point to being tossed back and forth by new teaching. It seems that the core message of love, and a motivation of love are some of the key distinguishing factors in determining what is good to listen too. Truth, coupled with love is what we need. So often we like to delivery truth coupled with judgement or warnings of dire consequences if teachings aren't followed. We call harshness hard-love. We preach messages that inspire fear of the coming judgement, yet John wrote that perfect love casts out fear (1 Jn 4:18).

We need to be known for our love for each other - that is what Jesus said (Jn 13:35} and commanded of us to do (Jn 15:17). Let us examine our lives and see whether we are building the Body up in love, whether we are loving one another, whether we are speaking truth in love, and whether we are secure in Jesus' love for us. I want to be mature in my walk, and see the Body of Christ attain to whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Amen!

God's Intimate Love For Us

Continuing my reading on love and compassion, I am reading out Paul's letter tot the Ephesians.

Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Yesterday in church we were discussing the reality of God's love for each of us, and the need a for a deep revelation of His love for us at a personal level. We weer singing a song during worship about how amazed we are by God's love. I think at times these are words we sing, but not really our experience. I think many of us walk around wondering if God really loves us, beyond the universal love that He has for all people. We have a hard time connecting to God on a very personal level. I am sure that few people could answer affirmatively that they know that God really likes them and just likes being around them.

I love listening too and reading the writings of Graham Cooke, as he is one of the best examples of someone who seems to walk in this intimate relationship with God, where he seems to know God's character, not because he read about it, but because he has encountered it. I love listening to him share, as it gives me hope that the same thing could be available to me.

Here Paul is writing about grasping how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. He talks about a love that surpasses all knowledge. That is what I am after. I don't want to experience a love of God, that is based on my knowledge of God, but rather want to know deep in my heart His love for me. I want a deep revelation of God's amazing love. I want to be able to share about God's love for me with the same authenticity authority that I can share about my wife's love for me. I want the deep sense of relationship where I can anticipate His thinking and actions, in the same way that I can my sweetheart. I want to know that the Lord loves me, and that He likes me and loves to be around me. I believe this is the type of intimacy that Jesus had with the Father while He ministered on the Earth, and because He demonstrated this its is possible for me to walk in it too.

Lord, like Paul, I pray that You might give us the power and revelation to understand Your incredible love for us, at a personal level. That we might fully grasp just how madly in love with us You are, and how much You like us. Lord, that this revelation would go far beyond knowledge and words, and strike to the very core of our hearts. It is because of love that You came to Earth (Jn 3:16-17) and I want to experience that reality fully in my life.

Compassion at Our Core

This morning I am focusing on Compassion as a character of God, and as a need in the Body of Christ. The Greek word that is translated Compassion is Splagchnizomai:

Definition 1. to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)

So in other words, being moved at the very core of ones body, deep down, unavoidable, and even gut-wrenching would be an appropriate term. This is not some light or casual observance, but something that literally causes your guts to move, or be deeply moved.

A few verses with short meditations:

Matthew 9:35-38 NIV
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Here Jesus is deeply moved when He saw the crowds of people following Him, desiring to know more about God, to be touched by Him. It caused Him to cry ut for more co-laborers.

Luke 15:17-18, 20 NIV
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [20] So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The father's deep love for his son, overcomes any need to punish, or chastise, but rather the father forgives him and welcomes him back with open arms. This a clear representation of how the Father looks at us.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Another linking of forgiveness and compassion. We must allow ourselves to love deeply, to embrace one another at a deep level, because that is where true forgiveness comes out of.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Finally , we are called to walk in compassion, wearing compassion like clothes, something is always present and part of me that people always encounter. We must learn to pursue these deep connections and learn to trust one another, so that our lives can be filled with a compassion and love. Compassion should lead us and guide us in our walking out our purpose and calling. Compassion should fuel our ministry. We are called to love each other like Jesus loved us.

Jesus, I pray that You would stir up deep compassion in Your church. I pray that like the Father, we can extend open arms of love and compassion to all we meet.

Paul's Preaching of the Gospel

This morning I have been reading from several sections of the Bible, Ezekiel, Acts, etc. I was interested in the primacy of Jesus in Paul's teaching - seen a bit in Acts 17.

Acts 17:1-4, 11-12 NIV
[1] "When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. [2] As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. [4] Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women."

[11] "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. [12] As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men."

What Paul preached was Jesus, the Messiah, who rose from the dead. This was his key message, wherever he went. In his early ministry he was primarily speaking to the Jews, and reasoning from the scriptures, they knew. But later in Athens, Paul had to change his message so that people unfamiliar with scripture could understand the good news as well. He still preached about Jesus, but had to build a foundation of understanding common to all.

In all locations, one of the things that Paul understood was that words were necessary to form the foundation of understanding, but the power of the Holy Spirit confirmed his words to the people. He writes of his short visit to Thessalonica in his letter to them:

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 NIV
[4] "For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, [5] because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."

He also wrote of a similar perspective in his letter to the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 2:4 NIV
[4] "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,..."

I guess this morning I am reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel message, and the delivery system God planned. Preach about Jesus, as our savior and demonstrate this reality through words and power. Lord, I pray that you would refresh Your gospel in our lives and help us to walk in Your power, to prove the validity of the Your Good News. You are our savior, and You can and will demonstrate this through Your power.

Humility in Ministry

I am reading from 2 Corinthians 12:6-7 NIV
[6] "Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, [7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me."

As I was reading these verses, I was reminded of why its so important to minimize the preaching of glorious experiences, especially spiritual ones. The danger, which Paul identifies, is that people begin to think more of someone than is warranted by what they do or say. I think this is so important for us to understand, that when someone is always talking about their spiritual experiences, there may be an effort on their part to puff up their image in our minds.

I find it interesting that Paul, although discussing the miracles and signs and wonders that he worked, never lists them or goes into detail. He simply says - "I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles." 2 Corinthians 12:12

I am certainly not against the recounting of healings and miracles, to build up our faith, and help us to recognize that God is active and present today. I think the true test of a ministry is the willingness to impart and share and give away that which they walk in. I think a ministry that is about the building up of the Body of Christ, wants nothing more than to see all those they come into contact with raised up and equipped to do the very same things. The question is whether the ministry or minister is trying to raise the water level of the church, or trying to demonstrate the fact that they are above the water level, and thus superior in some way.

Let us pray for humility and transparency in the church. Let us pray that the furthering of the Body of Christ would be the first and foremost goal for every minister and ministry.

Seeking Judgment?

This morning I thought I should read out of Jonah.

Jonah 3:10 - 4:2
[10] "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."

[1] "But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. [2] He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity."

When I read this, I think of the tendency of some Christian's, who are talking about God's judgement of America, to believe that God's judgement will somehow prove they are right. There is almost an eager anticipation of God's judgement, so that the people will turn back to the Lord. I think at times this type of thinking also invades the teaching about end-times we find in our churches.

My personal belief is that we should be crying out for mercy, and compassion, asking the Lord to relent, rather than judge. I am also so grateful that we live under the New Covenant, where Jesus paid the price for sin, and took the punishment upon himself. Rather than focusing on the last days and the judgments of God, we should instead be asking for more time, for more souls, for God to relent and have mercy and compassion on all those around us who are not yet saved. We shouldn't be angry with God when He doesn't judge, like Jonah was, but should rather rejoice that we have more time and a chance to reach more of the Lost.

Rather than praying for judgment to come and turn us back to God, we should be praying for God-fearing leaders who will stand by their beliefs and direct our laws and legislation back to the founding principles and values, which were based on a Christian mindset. We need to pray for a change of heart for those in the media who are so anti-Christian. Let us pray for a change of heart and true repentance to come upon our nation that is the result of God's kindness and mercy.

Of Fathers...

This morning I am reading from 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NIV:
[11] "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, [12] encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."

I like these verses, especially in light of the celebration of Father's day yesterday. Although Paul is writing to the church, his points about how a father should care for his children is valid. As fathers, we should be encouraging our children, building them up in their gifts and abilities. We should be comforting them when they experience difficulty or struggle or anxiousness. Finally, we should be urging them on in the Lord. We should be speaking into their lives, calling them forward into the purposes of God, calling them forward to live their lives in a manner worthy of God, by helping them set priorities, and make decisions to pursue relationship with the Lord. Let us lead by example in all these ways.

Additionally, for those entrusted with pastoral responsibilities, let us pursue the same heart towards those in our care as we are encouraged by Paul. Let our words be encouraging, comforting, and strengthening. Let us lead by example, and urge one another forward in our calling.

Freedom vs. Religion

This morning I have been thinking about two important verses from John 8:32, 36 NIV:
[32] "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [36] "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

These are such important verses about our freedom! We are set free from the law by the Truth, and by the Son, from our service to the law and all its requirements. We are called to a place of freedom, why then do we take back the slavery of religion? As Paul discusses in His letter to the Galatians, we must not submit ourselves once again to the law, which was the basis of their religion.

Galatians 5:1, 4 NIV
[1] "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (The law)
[4] "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace."

What an important reflection for us. We must look at our lives and see if we are embracing Jesus, and the grace that is available in Him. Are we walking in the grace, or are we tying to be justified, or righteous through our own works, in accordance with some set of rules? We have been set free from all the requirements by Jesus. He died so that we didn't have to submit ourselves to the bonds of slavery, the requirements of the law. We must stand firm in our freedom!

We must not buy the lie that through some set of actions and right living we will be able to earn our way into relationship with God, or even into better relationship with God. We are His sons and daughters, beloved and free, from the moment we accept Jesus' sacrifice for our sins, and enter into relationship with Him. Our pursuit of Holy lives, becoming like Him, must be rooted in relationship and love for Him, not out of some set of rules we ascribe to according to the church of which we are members. We are not joining some religious army of holy people, but are joining a family, committed to loving one another. Let us spur one anther on towards freedom and love!

Amen!

Committed Marriage

We are doing our part to uphold the sacredness of Marriage.  27 years ago today, I married the love of my life, surrounded by friends and family.  It was an awesome start to an awesome life of togtherness!

Thieves & Brawlers In The Church

This morning I was reading in Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus, and I had an interesting insight. Here are the verses:

Ephesians 4:28-32 NIV
[28] "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."

[29] "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
[1] "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

As I was reading theses verses, especially 4:28, I realized that the reason Paul was writing this was because there were actually thieves who had become part of the church. There were people given to brawling, rage and anger too. This doesn't sound like the membership of most of our churches today, and I would dare say that if we knew that someone in our church was conducting themselves this way, we might be tempted to ask them to go someplace else.

Clearly, Paul is giving encouragement and direction to change and encouraging them to love each other, forgive each other, and grow together as the Body of Christ. But what I find interesting is the seeming lack of outrage and judgement towards these people. I believe that Paul had a healthy understanding of how to grow the church, and that was to invite the unchurched, unredeemed, and unholy to meet Jesus. He recognized that they would bring some of their previous lifestyles with them, and while encouraging them to lay that aside (Eph 4:22) and put on their new self, he knew that there would be issues to deal with, and he was fine with that.

I pray that we learn how to reach beyond the walls of our churches to the very people that Jesus died to save, the sinners, and invite them to meet their Savior. I pray that we get past our revulsion to our former ways of life, for we were all sinners too, and we welcome other sinners with open arms. I pray that churches all over would start to grow, not through the shifting of congregations, but through the lost becoming found, the sinners experiencing forgiveness, the sick becoming well, the hopeless being filled with hope, and the sorrowful being filled with joy. Amen Lord, grow Your Church!

Our True Source of Hope

I was reading Psalm 33:16-22 this morning,

[16] "No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. [17] A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. [18] But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, [19] to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. [20] We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. [22] May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you."

I like these verses because they remind me where to place my hope. My hope is not in the things I surround myself with, not in my job, not n my abilities, not in the government, not in my family lineage, and not in my friends. Rather, my hope is in the Lord, the one who is my provider of all good things. I love the fact that He says that His eyes are on those that trust in Him for their hope, relying on His direction to steer them through life. I am grateful that He does not leave us to our own devices.

Lord, I thank You that You are our true source of hope!

Do Unto Others With a Twist

This morning I felt encouraged to read Matthew 7:7-12 NIV:

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [9] “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! [12] So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Yesterday, we were talking about how the Lord wants to touch people through us, whether through a kind word, a timely gift, encouragement, or even a word of knowledge or prayer for healing. We were discussing how sometimes its hard to get outside ourselves, and just connect with those around us. We discussed how operating in the presence of the Holy Spirit was so different than just stepping out in random evangelism. If we learn to operate in the Spirit, the Lord can allow us to have a significant impact on those we meet. I liken it to giving away the riches of the richest father on earth.

As I was reading the verses above, I was interested in how the verse in Matthew about doing unto others, follows the verses on a asking the Father for good things. I am convinced that we can and should read them together, as what we should be asking the Father for are things to give away to others, rather than always for ourselves. There is clearly a promise from the Father that if we ask, seek and knock, He will provide. So Lord, I ask that You would open up our lives with opportunities to minister Your goodness, mercy and compassion to those around us, loving people the way we would like to be loved. Bringing mercy, compassion, forgiveness and life to those we meet.

Yes, Lord use us to break into this world with Your love.

When Waiting On God

This morning I had an interesting reflection based on Psalm 77:

Psalm 77:6-15 NIV
[6] "I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: [7] “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? [8] Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? [9] Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? ”

[10] Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. [11] I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. [12] I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” [13] Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? [14] You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. [15] With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph."

The first four verses are dealing with the issue that God has not come, and not visited them with His power, and seems to have forgotten about them. I know this feeling and thinking well, as whenever difficult things happen, I am tempted to go down the path of believing that God doesn't love me, has forgotten about me or just doesn't care. I find myself thinking all the time about the thing that God hasn't done. It is a negative place that gets more painful with each passing day of unanswered prayer.

I believe the psalmist has it correct here. When he finds himself going down that path, He changes the way he thinks. Instead of thinking about what God hasn't done yet, he focuses instead on all the things hat God HAS done. God apparently likes it when His people remember all the things that He has done, because he commanded Is people to remember and recite those things, over and over. Knowing what God did in the past gives us hope and faith that He will once again act on our behalf.

The key take-away for me that I need to change the way I think when I start down the woe-is-me path. I need to start remembering those things God HAS already accomplished in my life. I need to become thankful, rather than give into disappointment, and frustration. The truth is that the Lord does love me, has good things planned for me, and is faithful to finish His work in me.

Devoted to Prayer

This morning I am reading from Colossians 4:2-6 NIV:

[2] "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [3] And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

I really like the simplicity of verse 2 - "devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful." What a simple yet significant sentence. The Greek word, here translated devote, is Proskartereo.

Definition
1. to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
2. to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
3. to continue all the time in a place
4. to persevere and not to faint
5. to show one's self courageous for
6. to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly

It has a rich meaning, all which point to a constant focus and activity. Elsewhere Paul encourages us to pray constantly (1 These 5:17). I think this is one of the great struggles we have in America - praying. I was raised Catholic, which was a great blessing, and one of the things I was taught was to pray. However, most of our prayers were pre-contructed prayers. I don't think that is what Paul is calling people to do here, reciting prayers all day long. Paul is addressing a group of Christians, who were citizens of the city of Colossae, not fellow priests or ministers, or monks or nuns, just normal citizens. So the question is how we can devote ourselves to prayer? Or maybe more realistically, how do we even start working prayer into our busy lives.

First we need to understand that prayer is important, that prayer is beneficial, and that prayer is something we are all called to do, regardless of our occupation, age or status. Paul put no qualifiers on this statement, so he was addressing everyone in the church. Second, prayer is conversation with God, not just saying words to God, but actual conversation. Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father do, and only said what the Father wanted Him to say. To have this level of intimacy with the Father required constant communication. Jesus was demonstrating to us the life had relationship we are all called to have. I like to say that if Jesus did it, we are called to do that too. In fact Jesus said we are called to do even greater things. (John 14:12). So if Jesus prayed constantly, had a constant conversation with the Father, then we should too.

So, how do we start, or get better at prayer. I think the next two things Paul says here can help us - be watchful and thankful. All around us are people in need, and its a simple thing to ask the Lord to bless those we see in need. Next we can bring the person in need to mind and ask God how we should pray for them. This starts the conversation with Him. Like all conversations, its not one, if they other person never speaks, so expect the Lord to speak to you through ideas and thoughts that pop into you mind.

Next, by being thankful, we can also engage in a sort of running conversation with the Lord. Everything we see that is good in our life, just say Thank You to the Lord. For example, I thank the Lord pretty much every time I get in my car and it starts and works like it should. Prayer doesn't need to be a long drawn out dissertation. Simple thoughts, quick impressions, quick words work just fine. Often times when I am with my wife, I can just call her name and with a nod of my head in a certain direction, draw her into what I am seeing, and thinking, for we know each other so well. It can be like this with the Lord, just call His name when you see something awesome. Look around and see all the beautiful and awesome things we are surrounded by and start saying thank You. I am amazed how quickly my heart's affections are turned towards the Lord when I am thankful.

Finally prayer just takes practice, and constancy. It shouldn't be reserved for Sunday or meal times, but should be something that flows freely all day long, every day, as we are watchful and thankful. Let us be a people that pray. As we grow in prayer, we begin to learn what the Lord thinks about, how He speaks, and what He wants to do, the very things that Jesus showed us.

Natural Actions, Spiritual Reactions

I was reading out of 1 Peter 3:7-9 NIV
[7] "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. [8] Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

There were two things that I saw that made me stop and think.

1) At the end of verse 7, Peter says that our prayers can be hindered by our relationship with our spouses. The word Greek word here translated hindered,means cut in on, as in time or effectiveness. In other words, if we are not treating our wives (or husbands) with respect or kind consideration, our prayers could be ineffective. At the very least this could cause us to have less time to pray. Either way, its an interesting principle, and one we should be aware of, as we need to be aware that our personal relationships do affect our spiritual relationships.

2) According to Peter, there is a blessing we were meant to inherit that is related to how we treat those who are evil towards us. We are called to "repay evil with blessing". That sure doesn't sit well with my normal sense of pride or self-protectiveness, but there is a spiritual component to everything we do, and Peter is showing us one of them.

So in summary, treating our spouses with kindness and respect and consideration makes our prayers more effective, and repaying evil with blessing, opens the way for us to inherit a blessing. We are called in all situations to love, and this affects the spiritual reality, and opens the way for the Lord to bless us. So our natural actions bring about spiritual reactions.

People of the New Covenant

This morning I am reading from the Prophet Zephaniah. Its always interesting to me how the Lord guides my reading of His Word. I have been reading a book by Kris Vallaton and one of the statements he made, which I have heard before, is that under the new covenant, initiated by Christ Jesus, that there is no punishment. Here in Zephaniah we find reference to that very move of God.

Zephaniah 3:12-20 NIV
"But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the Lord. [13] They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid. ” [14] Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! [15] The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. [16] On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. [17] The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” [18] “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. [19] At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. [20] At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord."

In verse 15, he says "The Lord has taken away your punishment" and this whole section is clearly pointing to the time of Jesus visitation, and establishment of His Kingdom. In verse 17, he prophesies that the Lord, "in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." I find it interesting that He also prophesies about how the Lord will remove those who are caught up in a spirit of religion, caring more about rules and regulations and appointed feasts, then they do about their relationship with the Father.

The new covenant is the ultimate culmination of the Lord's desire to free us from our sins, to deal with us in mercy and compassion, and to enable us to shine forth with His Glory. He has taken our punishment upon Himself, paid the price for all our sins, set us free to be in relationship with the Father, as sons and daughters, and given us the Holy Spirit to live in us, empowering us and filling us with His Glory. We, the people of the new covenant, are meant to be a people who are blessed beyond all other people! We are supposed to be full of mercy and grace, at peace and at home in His Presence. He takes great delight in us!

Pursuing Our Dreams

This morning I have thinking about fulfilling dreams, and as I turned to the Bible, I thought I should read from James 2:14-17 NIV:

'What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

This morning as I was reading these verses, I thought about how the Lord gives us dreams, callings in our life. He has a plan for us, and usually these dreams and callings are meant to lead us toward the fulfillment of His plans and purposes for us! He is good and has good plans. The problem for many of us is that our dreams remain unfulfilled out of fear, or inaction.

Taking a bold step, I have replaced the word 'faith' with 'dreams', and 'deeds' with 'action' where necessary, in a few of the verses from above, as I think it also communicates the Lords heart for us!

My paraphrase would read like this - What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have dreams but takes no action... In the same way, a dream by itself, if t is not accompanied by action, is dead.

So my encouragement this morning is to take action to fulfill my dreams, to not just sit and wonder what life might be like, to not quake in fear at the unknown that might occur, but to take action and pursue that which lies deep in my heart and mind. I mean to press into those dreams, and pursue them with action.
Lord, give me hope and the courage to pursue those dreams, those callings You have placed in my life. Help us all to take action and follow our dreams.

Jesus Our Mediator

This morning I am reading from Hebrews 9:12-15 NIV:

"He (Jesus) did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. [13] The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. [14] How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

[15] For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance---now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."

I know I have read this before, about Jesus being the mediator of the new new covenant, but this morning a new thought struck me. Namely that Jesus is the mediator, because its His blood that was use to establish this NEW covenant. Its His blood that cleanses us and purchases forgiveness of sins. That is why He is the mediator, without Him, without His blood we don't have this new covenant. That is also why we are called to come to Jesus, to ask forgiveness, and have Him apply His blood to us, that we might join ourselves to this new covenant. We don't need to fear approaching Jesus, for He has paid for all sin, bit we DO need to approach Him, for it was His sacrifice alone that set us free. He is the mediator, the one who came to earth and becomes the way to the Father.

Thank You Lord, once again for Your sacrifice, and the invitation You extend to us all, to join in this new covenant of forgiveness of sins, freedom, and eternal life

God Blesses, Provides and Restores

This morning as I was praying and asking the Lord what I should read, and I felt led to these different verses:

2 Chronicles 31:4-10 NIV
He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. [5] As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. [6] The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps. [7] They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month. [8] When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the Lord and blessed his people Israel. [9] Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; [10] and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.”

Genesis 31:4-9 NIV
So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to come out to the fields where his flocks were. [5] He said to them, “I see that your father’s attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me. [6] You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength, [7] yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me. [8] If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young. [9] So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.

2 Kings 8:1-6 NIV
Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the Lord has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years.” [2] The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away and stayed in the land of the Philistines seven years. [3] At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to appeal to the king for her house and land. [4] The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, “Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done.” [5] Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” [6] The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now.”

I would say the common theme is the Lord's ability to bless and provide, even in difficult circumstances, or times when one is being treated unjustly. The Lord can and will provide for us, regardless of the circumstances. He can and will arrange circumstances to favor us, to bless us and to restore us. He desires to be our refuge and place of rest. He guides us and directs us. He is a God who delights in blessing His sons and daughters.

David knew God's character and so he prayed in Psalm 31:1-5 NIV
"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. [2] Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. [3] Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. [4] Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. [5] Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."