This morning I have been reading from the book of the Prophet Hosea. This is such and interesting book, and one where the patience, mercy and faithfulness of the Lord is well demonstrated. The following two verses caught my attention this morning: Hosea 2:14-15 NIV
[14] “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. [15] There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt."
I find the seeming contradictions in these verses very thought provoking. In verse 14, the Lord speaks of leading Israel back into the wilderness to allure her. This would normally make no sense, as the wilderness is generally a place of hardship and need, loneliness and difficulty, confusion and lack of direction. The idea of the wilderness being a place of wooing, and where the Lord desires to speak tenderly to her just seems counterintuitive. Yet when we look at the life of Jesus, He was lead exactly there after receiving His baptism. Although there was hunger and thirst, He came out of the wilderness in the power of the Holy Spirit and with an intimate relationship with the Father. I believe the Lord uses the wilderness to strip away that which is distracting and nonessential, to draw one into the fullness of intimate relationship. In fact verse 16, (not copied above) speaks of transitioning one's relationship from servant to espoused with the Lord. Thus, we can look at the wilderness as a season of transition and increased intimacy. Also, once the time of the wilderness is over the Lord speaks of a season of blessing and inherited promise. In Exodus, He lead Israel out of the wilderness into the promised land. In verses 18-23 of this same chapter of Hosea the Lord promises to lead them into a place of blessing and plenty.
The second verse from above, verse 15, also is an interesting image. The valley of Achor, which means the valley of trouble, becomes a door of hope. Historically the valley of Achor was where they stoned Achan and his family, after he stole from the Lord shortly after they entered the promised land. The Lord had them name the valley, for the sin of the one man had brought trouble on them all as a people. Here the Lord says that this valley of trouble will become a door or gateway to hope. This means that they don't have to live there, but can move forward into something new, some new blessing or promise. The Lord does not require them to stay in that place forever, but is calling them out of that place to someplace new. This is such a helpful perspective, for the valley was named that for the people to remember not for the Lord. He is willing to forgive and lead us forward, and we need to be willing to move forward ourselves, to pass through the door or gate into hope.
So in summary today, whether we find ourselves in the wilderness or in a place of trouble, there is blessing and promise, hope and life on the other side! These are merely places of transition, where the Lord will reestablish relationship, intimacy, affection and hope. So let us not fear these times, or wallow in them, but continue to move forward with the Lord into the season of blessing. Here are the remaining verses from that chapter for further reflection:
Hosea 2:14-23 NIV:
[14] “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. [15] There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. [16] “In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master. ’ [17] I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. [18] In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety. [19] I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. [20] I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord. [21] “In that day I will respond,” declares the Lord---“I will respond to the skies, and they will respond to the earth; [22] and the earth will respond to the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, and they will respond to Jezreel. [23] I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one. ’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people, ’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God. ’ ”
Monday, December 29, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
This morning, I am reading from Luke 11:1-13. I had a couple of meditations on these verses back in July and was looking back over them. Here are the verses and the meditations.
[1] One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
[2] He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread. [4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ’ ”
[5] Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
[9] “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
These are such interesting verses as they relate to prayer, especially when we realize that this is Jesus teaching His followers how they should approach the Father, in prayer. Looking at His teaching on prayer with a fresh eye we see:
1. Focus on the Name of the Father, bringing Him Glory and honor, recognizing that there is no other God, and He is wholly worthy of our praise.
2. A calling forth of the Kingdom of God - one would expect this would then result in its demonstration (healing, signs & wonders, deliverance, etc.)
3. A call for blessing and provision, in a very practical sense. God is not just interested in our spiritual condition, but also our natural condition.
4. Asking for forgiveness for those wrongs we have committed in our relationship with Him, and a commitment to forgive others for those wrongs they have committed against us. "Freely you have received, so freely give." (Matt 10:8)
5. Asking Him to guide and direct us and keep us on the correct path, to protect us from the deception of the enemy, and unhealthy pursuits of the flesh and the world. The Greek word can be literally translated trial - with both a positive and negative context. The idea is either that the Lord is testing our character and His work in us, or they are specifically designed to lead us to walk away from God and His plans, and thus from the enemy, or both.
After finishing this brief teaching, it seems Jesus tells His followers to persevere in prayer, almost to the point of obnoxiousness (verses 5-8). This is where it gets interesting, for He is teaching His followers how to approach the Father. I think that sometimes we misunderstand these particular verses, because these verses are really to help us to understand the character of the Father, not teach us to persevere in asking, for He isn't anything like the friend Jesus mentions. Jesus is using the story of the friend, who won't help until you just keep banging on their door, to illustrate that the Father isn't anything like them. The real focus is the attitude we should come with when we go to the Father. The NIV translates it shameless audacity, other translations use the word persistence. I like shameless audacity, for that is how I see the Lord wants us approach Him in the confidence of knowing Him. There is no shame in recognizing and our admitting our need, nor in going to the one who can really meet my needs.
Next, the Lord goes us simple directions, ask, seek knock, depending on your particular need. He has established that the character of God is completely different than the character of man, and where a man might give us something if we ask many times, the Father will always. There's is no hesitancy, no waffling, no extensive questioning from the Father. There is no misunderstanding, no bait and switch, no shaming, no rejecting, just answering our need.
Our Father is so much more capable, so much more loving and so much more faithful than any person we have ever met, even the best earthly father. If we can received good things that we need from these types of people, who are sinful and limited at their best, how much more will our Father in Heaven, the one who created us, loves us and has a plan for us, give us exactly what we need. We don't need to be ashamed when we come to Him in our need, we don't need to fear His answer, we just need to ask, seek and knock, and He will deliver.
This is all related to the teaching on prayer, all to help us understand how to approach the Father in prayer. He loves us, and desires the best for us. Let us approach Him with shameless audacity, knowing that He is indeed that good and that faithful.
Continuing that meditation -
I had a very interesting time of insight on Luke 11, and had a bit more as I was thinking about it later, breaking the passage down and taking a different perspective about what is generally taught as the need to persevere in prayer. I am continuing on my thoughts around those verses - how I really think we have generally been focused on the wrong thing.
Luke 11:5-10 NIV
[5] "Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
[9] “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
So, Jesus has just finished teaching them to pray using something we call the "Lord's Prayer". To further clarify this teaching, He uses the example above. So I was thinking about why He used this specific example., and figured there must be some things that we often overlook if we always thought this next story was about persevering in prayer.
First, the assumption that Jesus makes is that you have a need. It is not a big need, but one that is based out of a desire to be hospitable. I was thinking about the fact that Jesus could have used any example of need, but chose to use this, one that is not critical, one that doesn't even involve our own needs. We wouldn't need the bread for ourselves, but for a visiting friend. However important the need, the attitude of the one asking is not even apologetic, and that is the point. There is an expectation, and understanding that this need is one that will be met, no apologies needed. It is as if this was a common need, and everyone understood that of course you would be given bread if you needed it. The timing is the only questionable thing.
Second, why would we go to any friend in the middle of the night for bread? The answer is actually pretty simple, its because we would know that he had bread! You wouldn't be wondering if he had bread, especially if it was the middle of the night and you just keep knocking. You kept knocking because you had no doubt that this person had bread. So your attitude is simply that you won't leave until he gives you what you want, and what you know he has available. You know that he will give you as much as you need, no doubt about.
Third, Jesus calls it shameless audacity that wins you the bread. That is exactly what I just described, no shame, no apologies in asking, and an absolute certainty that the bread would be provided. This is the real focus of what Jesus is talking about - the attitude of the one in need, not the attitude of the one with the bread. In other words, Jesus is giving us direction about our attitude, as we approach the Father - and calls it shameless audacity. We could just as easily call it expectant faith.
Fourth, I was just thinking that another similar example would be sitting at the table when your father is distributing the food and you hand him your plate. There would be no shame in handing him your plate because you know that he has food that he is giving out, and you are his son or daughter. You would not be ashamed of your hunger, its only natural, and you wouldn't be apologetic about asking for something that was a given. You would however be thankful for the food.
Fifth, I think Jesus was contrasting the heart of the one who was asked for the bread, and comparing him to the Father. The Father is in no way like this friend and He does not require perseverance, or incessant asking. He does not sleep, or grow weary, (Is 40:28) but is always watching over us ready to respond (PS 18:6; PS 34:15). So to contrast, if we need to continue knocking to get bread from the friend, in contrast the Father will respond immediately. If the man is in bed too tired to answer, in contrast the Father is waiting and listening and ready. If one persistent approach is required for the man, in contrast, we don't need to use that approach with the Father. Jesus was trying show us the Father's heart.
Finally, Jesus goes right from this story of going to friend in the middle of the night to telling us to ask, seek and knock. He is freshly applying the principles He just described, and simply calls us to approach the Father directly with our needs, whatever they may be. We should do so without shame, knowing that He has exactly what we need, and He loves to give us that very thing. Jesus doesn't add any qualifiers, or any conditions, and that is why I believe He was really talking about our heart condition and attitude toward the Father.
So let us be encouraged in prayer, in turning to the Father. Let us realize that He loves us and does not need to be convinced of our need, nor moved by our incessant asking. He will answer, will open the door and will direct us as we need. Let us repent for any wrong view we have of the Father and let us ask, seek and knock for what we need.
[1] One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
[2] He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread. [4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ’ ”
[5] Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
[9] “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
These are such interesting verses as they relate to prayer, especially when we realize that this is Jesus teaching His followers how they should approach the Father, in prayer. Looking at His teaching on prayer with a fresh eye we see:
1. Focus on the Name of the Father, bringing Him Glory and honor, recognizing that there is no other God, and He is wholly worthy of our praise.
2. A calling forth of the Kingdom of God - one would expect this would then result in its demonstration (healing, signs & wonders, deliverance, etc.)
3. A call for blessing and provision, in a very practical sense. God is not just interested in our spiritual condition, but also our natural condition.
4. Asking for forgiveness for those wrongs we have committed in our relationship with Him, and a commitment to forgive others for those wrongs they have committed against us. "Freely you have received, so freely give." (Matt 10:8)
5. Asking Him to guide and direct us and keep us on the correct path, to protect us from the deception of the enemy, and unhealthy pursuits of the flesh and the world. The Greek word can be literally translated trial - with both a positive and negative context. The idea is either that the Lord is testing our character and His work in us, or they are specifically designed to lead us to walk away from God and His plans, and thus from the enemy, or both.
After finishing this brief teaching, it seems Jesus tells His followers to persevere in prayer, almost to the point of obnoxiousness (verses 5-8). This is where it gets interesting, for He is teaching His followers how to approach the Father. I think that sometimes we misunderstand these particular verses, because these verses are really to help us to understand the character of the Father, not teach us to persevere in asking, for He isn't anything like the friend Jesus mentions. Jesus is using the story of the friend, who won't help until you just keep banging on their door, to illustrate that the Father isn't anything like them. The real focus is the attitude we should come with when we go to the Father. The NIV translates it shameless audacity, other translations use the word persistence. I like shameless audacity, for that is how I see the Lord wants us approach Him in the confidence of knowing Him. There is no shame in recognizing and our admitting our need, nor in going to the one who can really meet my needs.
Next, the Lord goes us simple directions, ask, seek knock, depending on your particular need. He has established that the character of God is completely different than the character of man, and where a man might give us something if we ask many times, the Father will always. There's is no hesitancy, no waffling, no extensive questioning from the Father. There is no misunderstanding, no bait and switch, no shaming, no rejecting, just answering our need.
Our Father is so much more capable, so much more loving and so much more faithful than any person we have ever met, even the best earthly father. If we can received good things that we need from these types of people, who are sinful and limited at their best, how much more will our Father in Heaven, the one who created us, loves us and has a plan for us, give us exactly what we need. We don't need to be ashamed when we come to Him in our need, we don't need to fear His answer, we just need to ask, seek and knock, and He will deliver.
This is all related to the teaching on prayer, all to help us understand how to approach the Father in prayer. He loves us, and desires the best for us. Let us approach Him with shameless audacity, knowing that He is indeed that good and that faithful.
Continuing that meditation -
I had a very interesting time of insight on Luke 11, and had a bit more as I was thinking about it later, breaking the passage down and taking a different perspective about what is generally taught as the need to persevere in prayer. I am continuing on my thoughts around those verses - how I really think we have generally been focused on the wrong thing.
Luke 11:5-10 NIV
[5] "Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
[9] “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
So, Jesus has just finished teaching them to pray using something we call the "Lord's Prayer". To further clarify this teaching, He uses the example above. So I was thinking about why He used this specific example., and figured there must be some things that we often overlook if we always thought this next story was about persevering in prayer.
First, the assumption that Jesus makes is that you have a need. It is not a big need, but one that is based out of a desire to be hospitable. I was thinking about the fact that Jesus could have used any example of need, but chose to use this, one that is not critical, one that doesn't even involve our own needs. We wouldn't need the bread for ourselves, but for a visiting friend. However important the need, the attitude of the one asking is not even apologetic, and that is the point. There is an expectation, and understanding that this need is one that will be met, no apologies needed. It is as if this was a common need, and everyone understood that of course you would be given bread if you needed it. The timing is the only questionable thing.
Second, why would we go to any friend in the middle of the night for bread? The answer is actually pretty simple, its because we would know that he had bread! You wouldn't be wondering if he had bread, especially if it was the middle of the night and you just keep knocking. You kept knocking because you had no doubt that this person had bread. So your attitude is simply that you won't leave until he gives you what you want, and what you know he has available. You know that he will give you as much as you need, no doubt about.
Third, Jesus calls it shameless audacity that wins you the bread. That is exactly what I just described, no shame, no apologies in asking, and an absolute certainty that the bread would be provided. This is the real focus of what Jesus is talking about - the attitude of the one in need, not the attitude of the one with the bread. In other words, Jesus is giving us direction about our attitude, as we approach the Father - and calls it shameless audacity. We could just as easily call it expectant faith.
Fourth, I was just thinking that another similar example would be sitting at the table when your father is distributing the food and you hand him your plate. There would be no shame in handing him your plate because you know that he has food that he is giving out, and you are his son or daughter. You would not be ashamed of your hunger, its only natural, and you wouldn't be apologetic about asking for something that was a given. You would however be thankful for the food.
Fifth, I think Jesus was contrasting the heart of the one who was asked for the bread, and comparing him to the Father. The Father is in no way like this friend and He does not require perseverance, or incessant asking. He does not sleep, or grow weary, (Is 40:28) but is always watching over us ready to respond (PS 18:6; PS 34:15). So to contrast, if we need to continue knocking to get bread from the friend, in contrast the Father will respond immediately. If the man is in bed too tired to answer, in contrast the Father is waiting and listening and ready. If one persistent approach is required for the man, in contrast, we don't need to use that approach with the Father. Jesus was trying show us the Father's heart.
Finally, Jesus goes right from this story of going to friend in the middle of the night to telling us to ask, seek and knock. He is freshly applying the principles He just described, and simply calls us to approach the Father directly with our needs, whatever they may be. We should do so without shame, knowing that He has exactly what we need, and He loves to give us that very thing. Jesus doesn't add any qualifiers, or any conditions, and that is why I believe He was really talking about our heart condition and attitude toward the Father.
So let us be encouraged in prayer, in turning to the Father. Let us realize that He loves us and does not need to be convinced of our need, nor moved by our incessant asking. He will answer, will open the door and will direct us as we need. Let us repent for any wrong view we have of the Father and let us ask, seek and knock for what we need.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Living to Bring Him Glory
This morning I felt like reading from 1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV:
[7] "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
So just a few comments on these verses. First, Peter wrote this letter most likely in the early 60's, shortly before his death. His perspective about the end of all things being near was very accurate for himself. Also it was only a few years later that the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and specifically the temple, so for the Jewish believer this was also quite true, as the end of the Temple and Jewish worship there and even the church in Jerusalem was soon to be seen. That being said, it is also a good perspective to have in our own lives, that we don't know our own timelines, and thus we should live with an expectation that our days could end soon, making the most of each day.
Second, the two primary things he calls the church to are prayer and loving one another deeply. I think that would be such a good thing if we could say of any church that they are a praying church and they love each other deeply! We are supposed to be known for our love for each other (John 13:35). Prayer is communication with God, so the combination of the two, communicating with God in intimate relationships, and loving each other deeply through strong relationships, speaks of a very relational church.
Third, Peter encourages them to use their gifts that they have received to serve one another. This is clearly speaking of the Spiritual giftings of the church, for he speaks of God's grace (gifts of unmerited favor) in its various forms. I think we can also include into this our natural gifts and blessings, for all come equally from the Lord, who is our provider. The call to serve one another without grumbling is really a direction to do away with selfishness. Why do we grumble, chiefly because we are looking at ourselves, rather than others! We are feeling deprived, neglected, shortchanged, overlooked, underpaid, etc.
Finally, we should strive to bring God glory in everything we do. We should be aware of how He wants to use us, trusting in Him to provide us direction and guidance. We should have an awareness that we are His representatives, and thus we should live our lives that way. Imagine how different our lives would be if everything we did was focused with the intent of bringing God glory.
So, I am encouraged today to be sober and alert, to pray and love deeply, to serve well and in all things to strive to bring Glory to His name. Amen Lord!
[7] "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
So just a few comments on these verses. First, Peter wrote this letter most likely in the early 60's, shortly before his death. His perspective about the end of all things being near was very accurate for himself. Also it was only a few years later that the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and specifically the temple, so for the Jewish believer this was also quite true, as the end of the Temple and Jewish worship there and even the church in Jerusalem was soon to be seen. That being said, it is also a good perspective to have in our own lives, that we don't know our own timelines, and thus we should live with an expectation that our days could end soon, making the most of each day.
Second, the two primary things he calls the church to are prayer and loving one another deeply. I think that would be such a good thing if we could say of any church that they are a praying church and they love each other deeply! We are supposed to be known for our love for each other (John 13:35). Prayer is communication with God, so the combination of the two, communicating with God in intimate relationships, and loving each other deeply through strong relationships, speaks of a very relational church.
Third, Peter encourages them to use their gifts that they have received to serve one another. This is clearly speaking of the Spiritual giftings of the church, for he speaks of God's grace (gifts of unmerited favor) in its various forms. I think we can also include into this our natural gifts and blessings, for all come equally from the Lord, who is our provider. The call to serve one another without grumbling is really a direction to do away with selfishness. Why do we grumble, chiefly because we are looking at ourselves, rather than others! We are feeling deprived, neglected, shortchanged, overlooked, underpaid, etc.
Finally, we should strive to bring God glory in everything we do. We should be aware of how He wants to use us, trusting in Him to provide us direction and guidance. We should have an awareness that we are His representatives, and thus we should live our lives that way. Imagine how different our lives would be if everything we did was focused with the intent of bringing God glory.
So, I am encouraged today to be sober and alert, to pray and love deeply, to serve well and in all things to strive to bring Glory to His name. Amen Lord!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Christmas: Immanuel and Incarnation
So as I was thinking about today being Christmas, two words popped into my head, Immanuel and Incarnation. They are both defined by the coming of Jesus that we celebrate today. Immanuel means "God with us" and comes from this prophetic message from Isaiah 7:14 NIV: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The absolute literal translation of that name is "with us is God". That is an astounding truth, and one that is true today and everyday since His birth. Jesus is the very Son of God present here on earth.
Incarnation means " the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ" Webster's dictionary. We celebrate the fact that Jesus, the very Son of God, came to earth and became just like us, flesh and blood, a man born of a woman. We celebrate the fact the He was fully God and fully man. In doing so, Jesus was able to take our place under the law, and fulfill all of its requirements. It is because He was fully man, that we are able celebrate salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. Paul writes of this in his letter to the Philippians 2:5b-11:
[5]..."Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death---even death on a cross! [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews also writes about Jesus becoming fully human - Hebrews 2:17 NIV: "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people."
We also celebrate the fact that Jesus was fully God, for now He sits in Heaven making intercession for us at the throne of God (Rom 8:34), and ultimately is the King over all (1 Cor. 15:24-27). He is our God, and yet He knows our state, our humanness, and has compassion for us all.
It truly is right to celebrate Jesus coming to earth. He is Immanuel. He is the incarnation of God! The best part is that this is not a historical event that we celebrate but rather the present reality, for Christ is alive and in our midst today! He is and will always be fully God and fully man!
Amen!
Incarnation means " the embodiment of a deity or spirit in some earthly form : the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ" Webster's dictionary. We celebrate the fact that Jesus, the very Son of God, came to earth and became just like us, flesh and blood, a man born of a woman. We celebrate the fact the He was fully God and fully man. In doing so, Jesus was able to take our place under the law, and fulfill all of its requirements. It is because He was fully man, that we are able celebrate salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. Paul writes of this in his letter to the Philippians 2:5b-11:
[5]..."Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death---even death on a cross! [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews also writes about Jesus becoming fully human - Hebrews 2:17 NIV: "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people."
We also celebrate the fact that Jesus was fully God, for now He sits in Heaven making intercession for us at the throne of God (Rom 8:34), and ultimately is the King over all (1 Cor. 15:24-27). He is our God, and yet He knows our state, our humanness, and has compassion for us all.
It truly is right to celebrate Jesus coming to earth. He is Immanuel. He is the incarnation of God! The best part is that this is not a historical event that we celebrate but rather the present reality, for Christ is alive and in our midst today! He is and will always be fully God and fully man!
Amen!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Training and Transformation by the Holy Spirit
This morning I am reading from 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NIV:
[4] "Such confidence we have through Christ before God. [5] Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. [6] He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant---not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Here is another interesting verse from 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NIV:
[17] "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
So clearly the theme of my morning meditations continues around the Holy Spirit. In these few Verses, Paul introduces some of the roles of the Spirit. In the first set of verses he talks about how God has made him competent as a minister of the new covenant, of the Spirit. This actually a every interesting word play, for we often say it is the spirit of the agreement that is important, meaning the intentionality. In this case that would be partially true, for the intentions of the new covenant are essential and a key component of the Gospel. In this case however, we are talking about an individual, hence the capitalization of the word. The Holy Spirit is the giver of life, and represents perfectly the intentionality of the new covenant and is the one who makes Paul competent as a minister of it. So the Holy Spirit really is the Spirit of the new covenant.
A few days ago I used the analogy of a tutor/teacher, here again it fits nicely. The Holy Spirit is Paul's trainer in establishing his competence. It is not Paul's study of the letter, but his training by the Holy Spirit that makes him competent. The good news for us all is that we have the same teacher. We can all become competent ministers of the new covenant. I know that is certainly my prayer.
The second set of verses speak of the Holy Spirit bringing freedom and causing us to be transformed into His image by the glory of the Lord. What an awesome deal - the Holy Spirit comes and sets us free, brings us into the Kingdom of God, and then causes us to become like Christ as we mediate on His glory. He sets us free from the letter, bringing us life instead, life filled with freedom. As we meditate and contemplate on this glorious reality, and on the glory of Jesus, the Holy Spirit transforms us. The Greek word Paul uses is Metamorphoo, which literally means being transformed into another form. This same word was used when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain top. We are not meant to just be nicer people, but to be changed into new people who reflect God's Glory here on earth. Paul says that we ARE being transformed, clearly indicating this happens here, and not just in eternity.
Oh Lord, I pray that these realities would be affected in my life. I want to be trained to be a competent minister of the new covenant! I was to be transformed by Your Glory, so that I might reflect Your Glory here on earth! I want to be transformed, becoming a new man! I want to experience freedom and life, for You bring both Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for Your constant work in my life, making me more like You.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Building The Body Individually
This morning I am reading from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 14:26-33 NIV:
[26] "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these* must be done so that the church may be built up. [27] If anyone speaks in a tongue, two---or at the most three---should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. [28] If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
[29] Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. [30] And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. [31] For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. [32] The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. [33] For God is not a God of disorder but of peace---as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people."
* from 1984 translation.
I find these verses so interesting, especially if we compare them to how most churches work. In most churches there is a select individual, or maybe just a few who are ever allowed to speak. Yet the specific direction of Paul here is that everyone (each one) has something to share, and all of them "must be done so that the church may be built up". Wow! Do you get that significant paradigm difference, and what it is supposed to bring about - namely the building up of the church?!
The simple reality is that the church is made up of many members, and for it to be built up, each of those members must be strengthened individually. How can we be strengthened if we never have the chance to exercise the gifts in us? It takes exercise to strengthen and grow. It is time that the church wakes up and realizes that the church is made up of individuals, each with gifts and talents that the greater Body of Christ needs to be healthy and strong. We don't just need strong pastors and ministry leaders, but everyone, individually strong and growing. I pray that this understanding would permeate the Body of Christ. The Lord called each of us for a reason, and no one is insignificant! We need every sister and every brother strong and encouraged and walking in the fullness of their gifts, working together to build up the Body of Christ.
I know this would be messy and would require active pastoring and mentoring and that is exactly how the Body of Christ is supposed to work. Discipleship is exactly that, at an individual level. We need to have individual connectedness, individual relationships of trust and encouragement. The Body of Christ is made up of many members, each connected to the rest by relationships. Here is what Paul said earlier about the Body - 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV:
[12] "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
[15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
[21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
[27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Amen! Let us pray that the Lord bring revelation and a paradigm shift to the Body of Christ, that we might learn to value every individual for their uniqueness, their gifting and their purpose, not just their tithe and membership. Let us pray that the every member of the Body of Christ would be given the opportunity to learn about and exercise their gifts, taking their place in the Body. It is in this way that the Body will be built up and strengthened.
[26] "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these* must be done so that the church may be built up. [27] If anyone speaks in a tongue, two---or at the most three---should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. [28] If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
[29] Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. [30] And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. [31] For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. [32] The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. [33] For God is not a God of disorder but of peace---as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people."
* from 1984 translation.
I find these verses so interesting, especially if we compare them to how most churches work. In most churches there is a select individual, or maybe just a few who are ever allowed to speak. Yet the specific direction of Paul here is that everyone (each one) has something to share, and all of them "must be done so that the church may be built up". Wow! Do you get that significant paradigm difference, and what it is supposed to bring about - namely the building up of the church?!
The simple reality is that the church is made up of many members, and for it to be built up, each of those members must be strengthened individually. How can we be strengthened if we never have the chance to exercise the gifts in us? It takes exercise to strengthen and grow. It is time that the church wakes up and realizes that the church is made up of individuals, each with gifts and talents that the greater Body of Christ needs to be healthy and strong. We don't just need strong pastors and ministry leaders, but everyone, individually strong and growing. I pray that this understanding would permeate the Body of Christ. The Lord called each of us for a reason, and no one is insignificant! We need every sister and every brother strong and encouraged and walking in the fullness of their gifts, working together to build up the Body of Christ.
I know this would be messy and would require active pastoring and mentoring and that is exactly how the Body of Christ is supposed to work. Discipleship is exactly that, at an individual level. We need to have individual connectedness, individual relationships of trust and encouragement. The Body of Christ is made up of many members, each connected to the rest by relationships. Here is what Paul said earlier about the Body - 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV:
[12] "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
[15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
[21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
[27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Amen! Let us pray that the Lord bring revelation and a paradigm shift to the Body of Christ, that we might learn to value every individual for their uniqueness, their gifting and their purpose, not just their tithe and membership. Let us pray that the every member of the Body of Christ would be given the opportunity to learn about and exercise their gifts, taking their place in the Body. It is in this way that the Body will be built up and strengthened.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Hunger, Compassion and Action
This morning I am reading from Mark 8:1-9a NIV:
[1]"During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, [2] “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. [3] If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
[4] His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”
[5] “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
“Seven,” they replied.
[6] He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. [7] They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. [8] The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. [9] About four thousand were present..."
As I read this story this morning the first thing that hit my mind was the amazing ability the Lord has to turn very little into blessing for many! He is not worried about a small number of anything, for His touch, when empowered by the Holy Spirit, brings multiplication.
My second thought was that it was compassion for the hunger of people that was the impetus of the miracle. The people had been with Jesus for three days, experiencing His teaching, and just being in His presence. They apparently had brought enough food with them for a few days, but by the third day their own resources had run out. In spite of their lack of physical food they stayed with Him for they were hungry for the Word of God. He saw both hungers and was moved by what He saw. The Lord cares about our physical needs as well as our spiritual needs, and our hunger causes Him to respond out of compassion.
As I was just thinking about this, I thought in some ways this was similar to the miracles of manna and quail in the desert, where the Lord fed His people miraculously. He is not going to allow us to starve, nor even go hungry, if we turn to Him and wait on Him. He is faithful, merciful and compassionate, and to act any different would go against His character, as He has revealed it to us. One thing You can bet on is the unchanging nature and character of God. Our hunger, as a result of our following Him and longing for more, is basically His responsibility.
Looking back at the story of the nation of Israel being lead out into the wilderness by God, He promised to care for them, to take responsibility for their survival, and to feed them. Their hunger was His responsibility to fill, for they were there because of His leading. The shepherd and sheep analogy is very poignant here, for a shepherd has a responsibility to feed his sheep. They follow him where he leads them, and their food is his responsibility. Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:14) and is, thus, responsible to feed us and care for us.
Finally, He gave thanks for the seven loaves and few small fish. He didn't look to Heaven and blame the Father for the lack, but rather looked to the Father and thanked Him that they had anything at all. His thanks to the Father was the key that unlocked the provision of Heaven, and threw open the gates of Heaven's provision. The Lord loves thanksgiving and gratitude and really doesn't like complaining, grumbling and ungratefulness. As we learn to give thanks for that which the Lord has provided us, He will continue to pour forth blessing and provision.
So I am encouraged today to give thanks for everything that I have, even the smallest beginnings, for the Lord can bless anything with multiplication. I should learn to welcome my hunger as He leads me, for it is attractive to Him and causes His Spirit to rise up and fill me. He takes my hunger very seriously for He is my Good Shepherd.
In closing, I am reminded of these verses from Luke 11:9-13 NIV: “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
[11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Amen!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Blessing and Thanksgiving
This morning I felt like reading from the Prophet Malachi 3:6-12 NIV:
[6] “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. [7] Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
[8] “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. [9] You are under a curse---your whole nation---because you are robbing me. [10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty."
So first let me say this is not some give money or else preachy perspective. My focus in these verses is the goodness of God. We are not under the requirements of the Law any more, as Jesus fulfilled every requirement and initiated a New Covenant, which was established by His blood. Our primary command in this new covenant is to Love God and each other, which is not really that different than the Old Covenant. The real difference is that the New Covenant is concerned with individual relationship with God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant is relationship based, not works based. Our righteousness is established through relationship with Jesus, not through our own works. Thus, the requirements of works no longer apply as laws, rather the requirement is relationship.
That being said, we can still learn about the character of God in these verses from Malachi. The very first line, while it could be read as a threat, is actually a statement of His unchanging nature and mercy. God does not change, and that is the reason they are not destroyed. In other words, He would have to change His character to destroy His chosen people! Stop and think about that for a moment.
Instead, God desires relationship, for the invitation is to return to Him with affection, worship and attention, which sounds an awfully lot like relationship. He does not destroy them, but their actions do limit the level of blessing they experience, as they are not enjoying the benefits of relationship with Him. That is the cause of their malaise and unfruitfulness, the blessing of God is not being fully realized by their own choice. We do have free will, and God does honor our choices. If we want to go it alone, refusing His help, He will let us, even though He knows the results will not be pretty.
I am reminded of some verses in Jeremiah 17:5-6 NIV: "This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. [6] That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives."
Back to the verses from Malachi - God's revelation of His character is always true, and for that reason His statement in verse 10 is true for all of us, whether under the old or new covenant. If we believe God's statements about His desire to bring blessing and provision, and we return thanks to Him, in the form of tithes, for all that He has given us already, He will bless us! Period! Tithing is about thankfulness and the recognition that all we have comes from God. His heart is to bless us and provide for us, and He responds to our recognition of that fact with more blessing and provision. This is one of the crazy good realities of the character of God. He loves to bless and pour forth abundant provision, that is His character! In fact, He wants the whole world to see that this is His character, through us (verse 12).
So in this season of giving, let us not forget about giving thanks! Let us thank God for His abundant blessing and provision! Let us turn to Him and trust in Him, as He has revealed Himself. Let us pursue Him in relationship! I am reminded of the promise in Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. [8] They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Amen Lord!
[6] “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. [7] Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
[8] “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. [9] You are under a curse---your whole nation---because you are robbing me. [10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty."
So first let me say this is not some give money or else preachy perspective. My focus in these verses is the goodness of God. We are not under the requirements of the Law any more, as Jesus fulfilled every requirement and initiated a New Covenant, which was established by His blood. Our primary command in this new covenant is to Love God and each other, which is not really that different than the Old Covenant. The real difference is that the New Covenant is concerned with individual relationship with God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant is relationship based, not works based. Our righteousness is established through relationship with Jesus, not through our own works. Thus, the requirements of works no longer apply as laws, rather the requirement is relationship.
That being said, we can still learn about the character of God in these verses from Malachi. The very first line, while it could be read as a threat, is actually a statement of His unchanging nature and mercy. God does not change, and that is the reason they are not destroyed. In other words, He would have to change His character to destroy His chosen people! Stop and think about that for a moment.
Instead, God desires relationship, for the invitation is to return to Him with affection, worship and attention, which sounds an awfully lot like relationship. He does not destroy them, but their actions do limit the level of blessing they experience, as they are not enjoying the benefits of relationship with Him. That is the cause of their malaise and unfruitfulness, the blessing of God is not being fully realized by their own choice. We do have free will, and God does honor our choices. If we want to go it alone, refusing His help, He will let us, even though He knows the results will not be pretty.
I am reminded of some verses in Jeremiah 17:5-6 NIV: "This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. [6] That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives."
Back to the verses from Malachi - God's revelation of His character is always true, and for that reason His statement in verse 10 is true for all of us, whether under the old or new covenant. If we believe God's statements about His desire to bring blessing and provision, and we return thanks to Him, in the form of tithes, for all that He has given us already, He will bless us! Period! Tithing is about thankfulness and the recognition that all we have comes from God. His heart is to bless us and provide for us, and He responds to our recognition of that fact with more blessing and provision. This is one of the crazy good realities of the character of God. He loves to bless and pour forth abundant provision, that is His character! In fact, He wants the whole world to see that this is His character, through us (verse 12).
So in this season of giving, let us not forget about giving thanks! Let us thank God for His abundant blessing and provision! Let us turn to Him and trust in Him, as He has revealed Himself. Let us pursue Him in relationship! I am reminded of the promise in Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. [8] They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Amen Lord!
Friday, December 19, 2014
Living Triumphantly
This morning I am meditating on a few verses from Paul's letter to the Colossians 1:9-14 NIV:
[9] "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
First, let me say that I like Paul, because he writes these long, complex sentences, which is the way I write if I just start allowing my thoughts to flow. Its nice to know that we don't have to be perfect writers to convey the Gospel. Second, my apologies for the lack of logical flow to my flow of thought, as I often follow a train of thought and don't end up writing what I was thinking about in the first place. Oh well.
So as I start to deconstruct Paul's massive sentence, there are five main things he is praying for the Colossians to possess or experience through the Holy Spirit:
1. Knowledge of His will through the wisdom and knowledge the Holy Spirit brings
2. Bearing fruit in every good work (because they know His will)
3. Growing in Knowledge of Him
4. Being strengthened with power to help them endure and be patient
5. Giving joyful thanks
What a great list of things to pray for each other! He sure knows how to pack a bunch of good stuff into a single sentence. I was just thinking how this reads like a quick study on how to live triumphant lives, and what to pray for daily. As I look more closely at these things I am aware of how essential these are for all of us. We need to understand His will. Obedience is only possible if we understand His will. The good news is that He provides us the guide we need, in the person of the Holy Spirit. He is the very Spirit of God teaching us about His will. It is like your !math teacher is also your tutor. The very one who is asking us to follow His will is helping us to understand what that will is and giving us assistance in following it.
When we know His will we are able to bear much good fruit, and bring Him pleasure. That is an amazing statement Paul makes, that we can please Him (the Lord) in every way (verse 10). I mean, think about the fact that our obedience, knowing His will and doing it, bearing fruit or accomplishing the things He wants for us, pleases Him. Obedience doesn't deflect His wrath, it PLEASES Him. That is completely different than what is too often preached. God is not some sort of bi-polar individual who, if we do what He asks showers us with gifts, but if we don't beats the tar out of us. He is a loving, merciful, compassionate God. He is revealed by Jesus as a loving Father, not an angry punishing Father. Our lives should be lived to please God because He loves us, not lived trying to escape His wrath. Which type of Father would you prefer to be in relationship with?
Growing in knowledge of Him, means that we are better able to understand His heart and motives. Paul isn't speaking about head knowledge here, but rather intimate knowledge. The Greek word used is Epignosis and while it means precise knowledge, the roots for this word also are used to mean sexual intimacy. Paul is encouraging us to come to know God, as another person. We can get to know God. We can learn to understand His heart, His desires, the way He thinks, the way He acts, just as we can learn about anyone else. This is best accomplished through time in prayer, time alone with Him, just like anyone else.
We all need strength and power, and the Lord does provide exactly what we need. Paul is clearly speaking about strength and power in our inner man, not our physical bodies (although I certainly wouldn't mind that either). The simple reality is that as Christians we are supposed to have lives that are different than those who do not have God. The world is a foreign place for us, and we need strength and power to stand our ground, to hold onto His truth, and live our lives as a witness to our beliefs. God knows our human weakness, for He became fully man, and He has incredible patience and mercy for all of us. That being said, He would rather have us victorious rather than barely holding on, which is why He strengthens us with power. He wants us to be able to endure hardship, should we face it, and still bear His light.
Finally, having grateful hearts is so attractive and so healthy. We have so much to be thankful for, and when our perspective is gratitude, we are always looking st the positive realities, rather than the negative possibilities. We are called to revel in victory rather than worry about defeat. His salvation and redemption is available to us all, and for this alone we should never stop thanking Him. He blesses us abundantly, daily, and He is always pouring forth more. If we can grasp how good God is, we can live our lives from a fully different place, and with a completely different attitude. He writes about joyful thanksgiving, and that is truly the right heart and attitude the Lord invites us to demonstrate to the world.
In summary, I really need all these things in my life! Oh Lord, fill me up. We all need these things so let us pray for each other and ask the Lord to pour out His graces and blessings abundantly. Let us pursue this example of triumphant living.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Inclusion and Revelation
This morning I am reading out of Peter's first letter. He wrote the letter to the Christians scattered throughout what is now modern day Turkey. These were, by and large, people who believed the Gospel but had never seen Jesus, people who were converts from paganism. They were likely not of Jewish decent, and that is significant as it regards the passages I am thinking about this morning.
1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV:
[9] "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
The first line is very significant for these were previously only terms that God used for the Jews, sons and daughters of Abraham. They were the chosen people, the holy nation, God's special possession, meant to be a nation of priests. Here Peter is extending these very same titles to all Christians, and in this case former pagans. This is also echoed b Paul in his let!her to the Colossians 3:12. This verse describes the reality of the ingrafting that Paul speaks about in Romans 11. We have been included into the promises that God made to Abraham and his descendants. This really is good news, for the Lord demonstrated over and over again His affection and love and faithfulness to His people.
This inclusion of the gentiles and pagan converts is also one of things that was hidden by God, only to be revealed to the Church, and the Apostles (Eph 3:4-6). In Acts 10, Peter is directed by the Lord to go to Cornelius's house, and while He is preaching the Gospel, the Holy Spirit falls on all the people gathered there, all of whom were gentiles. This was amazing to Peter and his companions, and was so controversial that they had to defend their actions in front of the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11). According to some timelines of the Book of Acts, this occurred fully 10 years after Pentecost. In 10 years the church had only included Jewish believers. In 10 years they thought they had a developed a pretty clear sense of what God was saying and doing in their midst, and then POW! The Holy Spirit descends on gentiles! This really was am surprise to them all and that one event opened the door to the rest of the world for the Gospel to be proclaimed. Praise God!
Again, I am amazed at how the Apostles and who heard Jesus' commissioning, described in Matthew 28, could have misunderstood or forgotten His words. Here are the verses - Matthew 28:18-20 NIV: "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The simple reality is that sometimes what the Lord speaks and what we hear are different. We can only understand something within the context of what we have already learned or understood. In the defense of the Apostles, Jesus had made it clear several times that He was sent to the Jews, most notably in Matt 15:24 where He said He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel, when asked by a Cannanite women to heal her daughter. In Matthew 10:5, Jesus specifically told the Apostles, “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans." It was through this paradigm that they understood Jesus' command. They likely believed that they were called to Jews scattered in every nation, not literally all nations.
Anyway, this morning I am encouraged in two ways. First, to express my gratitude in being included in with the Jewish people in all the promises of God. It is wonderful to know that I am part of His chosen people, the people He has a set apart. Second, I am encouraged to look back on some of things I have heard the Lord say in the past. I believe that with my increased experience and knowledge of the Lord, I might understand things differently than I did before. I want to know and experience the fullness of all the Lord has planned for me, and purposed for me, and I want to make sure that I am not bing like noted by old paradigms. Lord, I pray that You would bring about revelation of anything I have missed or misunderstood in my past. I am so grateful that the Lord extends mercy to us all daily.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Miracles and Repentance
I was reading in Matthew's Gospel this morning and came across this interesting set of verses concerning signs and wonders. Here are the verses - Matthew 11:20-24 NIV:
[20] "Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. [24] But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Jesus points to the signs and wonders and miracles as the catalysts for repentance. They are meant to cause us to view ourselves against the reality of God, and His Kingdom of love. The right reaction to these miracles is repentance and salvation. The miracles that Jesus performed were an indication that He came from the Father, and proof that He was who He said He was. I am reminded of His statement in John 14:10-13 NIV: "Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. [11] Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
I again go back to the question of how we could think to (re)present Jesus to the world in any other way than He presented Himself. He came from the Father, and proved it through the signs and wonders that He accomplished. While good teaching and preaching is beneficial, it is supposed to be the signs and wonders that are the proof that what we say is true. In the same way as described by Jesus in the verses from Matthew, miracles are meant to draw people back to the Lord and cause them to change the mind and actions (repentance).
So let us not shy away from these signs and wonders, miracles and healings, rather let us press into the Lord for that which is our inheritance. We are meant to be His witnesses to the world, so let us press into the fullness of all the Lord wants us to experience in Him, that we might bear appropriate witness to Him. When we bear witness to Him, to His Glory, to His Kingdom, people will be drawn and will return to Him.
Amen Lord, we wait for You to reveal Yourself in power.
[20] "Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. [24] But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Jesus points to the signs and wonders and miracles as the catalysts for repentance. They are meant to cause us to view ourselves against the reality of God, and His Kingdom of love. The right reaction to these miracles is repentance and salvation. The miracles that Jesus performed were an indication that He came from the Father, and proof that He was who He said He was. I am reminded of His statement in John 14:10-13 NIV: "Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. [11] Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
I again go back to the question of how we could think to (re)present Jesus to the world in any other way than He presented Himself. He came from the Father, and proved it through the signs and wonders that He accomplished. While good teaching and preaching is beneficial, it is supposed to be the signs and wonders that are the proof that what we say is true. In the same way as described by Jesus in the verses from Matthew, miracles are meant to draw people back to the Lord and cause them to change the mind and actions (repentance).
So let us not shy away from these signs and wonders, miracles and healings, rather let us press into the Lord for that which is our inheritance. We are meant to be His witnesses to the world, so let us press into the fullness of all the Lord wants us to experience in Him, that we might bear appropriate witness to Him. When we bear witness to Him, to His Glory, to His Kingdom, people will be drawn and will return to Him.
Amen Lord, we wait for You to reveal Yourself in power.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Presenting Jesus Effectively
This morning I am reading from John 9:24-38 NIV:
[24] "A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
[25] He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
[26] Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”
[27] He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”
[28] Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! [29] We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”
[30] The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. [31] We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. [32] Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. [33] If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
[34] To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.
[35] Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
[36] “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
[37] Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
[38] Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him."
This story is remarkable for a couple of reasons. First, it is only at the very end that his man finds out who Jesus is, and actually experiences salvation. Prior to Jesus finding him again, he only knew he had received his sight and could only imagine that the person whom had healed him was from God. Jesus hadn't said that specifically and the man was just trying to understand how he had been healed. In spite of all the questioning and all the harassment that was heaped upon him, he refused to believe anything differently about the one who healed him.
Second, Jesus wasn't real worried about any proclamation of the Gospel, the healing was enough. The man was already convinced by his physical healing, and he just needed to know who Jesus was, and after being introduced the belief and worship was immediate.
To me this story underscores the importance of healing, signs, wonders and miracles in the spreading the Gospel. There is no better demonstration of the love of God than having one's life deeply impacted by experience. There was no amount of arguing that was going to convince the man who was healed that anyone other than God had healed him. That was the only possible explanation!
I pray for the renewed outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the church, that we would once again minister regularly with healing, miracles, signs and wonders. The world needs to see and understand that God loves all men and women, and is alive and touching lives. The church is meant to (re)present the Lord to the world, and when He walked the earth, this was how he ministered, how can we think to present Him in any other way? Come Lord and help us!
Friday, December 12, 2014
The Folly of Impatience
This morning I am continuing my reading from John's Gospel. The following verses have caught my attention this morning:
John 6:14-21 NIV:
[14] "After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” [15] Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
[16] When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, [17] where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. [18] A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. [19] When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. [20] But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” [21] Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
So my first thought on reading these verses was 'what were the disciples thinking, leaving Jesus and heading by boat to the other side?' I mean, really? Jesus goes up on the mountain, evening comes and they decide since Jesus hasn't come back down, lets get in a boat and ditch him? That is essentially what they did! No wonder they were frightened when they saw Him walking on the water towards them. I wonder if they didn't think they were in big trouble?
It is interesting that John was one of the guys in the boat and writing this story. He adds a very telling note in verse 21, that it was only after Jesus spoke to them that they were "willing" to let Him into the boat. In other words, prior to that moment they had been considering the alternative.
There are times that I get the strong impression that the Apostles were totally confused much of the time, and when Jesus isn't there to guide them, they totally fall off the path. This is one of those times. They apparently make bad decision after bad decision, until Jesus speaks and they come to their senses. I think it is actually pretty funny, and appreciate the humanness of them all. It helps me relate to them.
Actually as I meditate on this story, I would say this is the state I find myself in fairly regularly. I don't wait for the Lord. I make a bad decision, followed by a series of bad decisions, and find myself struggling trying to move forward. If I sense the Lord's presence I am afraid because I also know I didn't wait for His presence to guide me, or His will to become clear. Instead, in my humanness, I feel I can't wait another minute and make a decision, just so I can get moving. It might be that my circumstances are getting darker, the wind is blowing and I am not feeling comfortable, and these are my excuses. Or maybe I feel I need to be somewhere else, and I have been waiting too long on the Lord to move, so I just decide to head out. I have lots of excuses, but the result is generally the same - struggle and failure.
I am encouraged this morning that waiting on the Lord is the only thing to do in these situations. When He got in the boat, the winds calmed and immediately they were transported to their destination. They spent hours and tons of effort rowing those three or four miles. If they had waited for Jesus to come, their trip would have been effortless and immediate.
Oh Lord, help me to wait on You, no matter how dark my circumstances. You have the plan and the power to see my purpose fulfilled, and waiting for You to bring revelation is the best thing I can do at this moment. The good news is that You weren't angry with them, and You aren't angry with me if You find me somewhere struggling to move forward, having not waited for You. You will bring about Your plan and purpose, all I need to do is welcome back into my life and my decisions. It truly is folly to be impatient with You Lord.
That is good news Lord! Thank You!
John 6:14-21 NIV:
[14] "After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” [15] Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
[16] When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, [17] where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. [18] A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. [19] When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. [20] But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” [21] Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
So my first thought on reading these verses was 'what were the disciples thinking, leaving Jesus and heading by boat to the other side?' I mean, really? Jesus goes up on the mountain, evening comes and they decide since Jesus hasn't come back down, lets get in a boat and ditch him? That is essentially what they did! No wonder they were frightened when they saw Him walking on the water towards them. I wonder if they didn't think they were in big trouble?
It is interesting that John was one of the guys in the boat and writing this story. He adds a very telling note in verse 21, that it was only after Jesus spoke to them that they were "willing" to let Him into the boat. In other words, prior to that moment they had been considering the alternative.
There are times that I get the strong impression that the Apostles were totally confused much of the time, and when Jesus isn't there to guide them, they totally fall off the path. This is one of those times. They apparently make bad decision after bad decision, until Jesus speaks and they come to their senses. I think it is actually pretty funny, and appreciate the humanness of them all. It helps me relate to them.
Actually as I meditate on this story, I would say this is the state I find myself in fairly regularly. I don't wait for the Lord. I make a bad decision, followed by a series of bad decisions, and find myself struggling trying to move forward. If I sense the Lord's presence I am afraid because I also know I didn't wait for His presence to guide me, or His will to become clear. Instead, in my humanness, I feel I can't wait another minute and make a decision, just so I can get moving. It might be that my circumstances are getting darker, the wind is blowing and I am not feeling comfortable, and these are my excuses. Or maybe I feel I need to be somewhere else, and I have been waiting too long on the Lord to move, so I just decide to head out. I have lots of excuses, but the result is generally the same - struggle and failure.
I am encouraged this morning that waiting on the Lord is the only thing to do in these situations. When He got in the boat, the winds calmed and immediately they were transported to their destination. They spent hours and tons of effort rowing those three or four miles. If they had waited for Jesus to come, their trip would have been effortless and immediate.
Oh Lord, help me to wait on You, no matter how dark my circumstances. You have the plan and the power to see my purpose fulfilled, and waiting for You to bring revelation is the best thing I can do at this moment. The good news is that You weren't angry with them, and You aren't angry with me if You find me somewhere struggling to move forward, having not waited for You. You will bring about Your plan and purpose, all I need to do is welcome back into my life and my decisions. It truly is folly to be impatient with You Lord.
That is good news Lord! Thank You!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Doing What The Father IS Doing!
This morning I am continuing my reading from the Gospel of John. The verses that I am meditating on today are as follows - John 5:19-21 NIV:
[19] "Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. [20] For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. [21] For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it."
I find this an interesting description of how Jesus does the signs,wonders and healings. He basically just follows what the Father is doing. A while back I was thinking about the present activity of the Lord, and that we should be asking ourselves "what is Jesus doing?" Jesus describes the same exact perspective, one of looking to the Father and doing what He IS doing. He said it was because the Father loved Him that He showed Jesus what He was doing. So, the key point is that their intimate relationship was the impetus to Jesus ministry. He was so aware of the Father, so understood His heart, heard Him and saw Him so well, that He was able to follow the Father's lead.
The situation is exactly the same for us. It is our relationship wit the Lord, our intimacy with Him, that will lead us down paths of obedience that will result in healings, signs, wonders, etc. We need to ask the Lord to show us what He is doing, so that we can do the same thing. If the Lord invites us to this place, we must believe that He will lead us, guide us, and teach us how to see , hear and understand what He IS doing. We have received the Holy Spirit who will do exactly that - lead, guide and teach.
So let us press into the Lord, into relationship with Him, that we might come to understand what He is doing, and join Him in that very activity. He will "show us even greater works than these" (John 5:20b), so that we will all be amazed and give glory to Him! This is an awesome promise and one that Jesus extended to us in John 14:12-13 NIV: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Amen Lord, help us to see what You are doing!
[19] "Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. [20] For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. [21] For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it."
I find this an interesting description of how Jesus does the signs,wonders and healings. He basically just follows what the Father is doing. A while back I was thinking about the present activity of the Lord, and that we should be asking ourselves "what is Jesus doing?" Jesus describes the same exact perspective, one of looking to the Father and doing what He IS doing. He said it was because the Father loved Him that He showed Jesus what He was doing. So, the key point is that their intimate relationship was the impetus to Jesus ministry. He was so aware of the Father, so understood His heart, heard Him and saw Him so well, that He was able to follow the Father's lead.
The situation is exactly the same for us. It is our relationship wit the Lord, our intimacy with Him, that will lead us down paths of obedience that will result in healings, signs, wonders, etc. We need to ask the Lord to show us what He is doing, so that we can do the same thing. If the Lord invites us to this place, we must believe that He will lead us, guide us, and teach us how to see , hear and understand what He IS doing. We have received the Holy Spirit who will do exactly that - lead, guide and teach.
So let us press into the Lord, into relationship with Him, that we might come to understand what He is doing, and join Him in that very activity. He will "show us even greater works than these" (John 5:20b), so that we will all be amazed and give glory to Him! This is an awesome promise and one that Jesus extended to us in John 14:12-13 NIV: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Amen Lord, help us to see what You are doing!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
The Importance of Signs & Wonders
This morning I am reading from John 4:46-53 NIV:
[46] "Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. [47] When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
[48] “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
[49] The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
[50] “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. [51] While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. [52] When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” [53] Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed."
I have been thinking much about the role of the Holy Spirit and how His power affects us, and is so essential to growing in faith and belief. He is a great example of how healing affected the beliefs of an entire family. When one gets healed by the Lord, the whole family is affected.
Secondly, in the past I have read Jesus' response to the man in verse 48, as a mild rebuke. Today I didn't get that impression, rather it seemed to me that Jesus was stating a simple fact. That which differentiated Jesus was exactly the fact that He worked signs and miracles, healings and deliverances. He was not a speaker of the word only, but demonstrated His authority and the reality of the Kingdom through signs and wonders.
He was speaking to a people who knew about God, they were Jews who had a familiarity with the Old Testament prophets and books. They knew about God, but they needed to be convinced that Jesus was who He said He was, and that was generally accomplished through the working of signs, wonders and miracles. Earlier in this chapter Jesus met the Samaritan women at the well and told her everything she had ever done (her words - In 4:39). This prophetic insight into her life was every bit as much of a sign as healing or deliverance. Again, many people believed in Jesus just on the strength of her testimony.
Jesus is simply stating the fact that they, as a people needed signs and wonders to be convinced that His words were true. In much the same way, I believe we all have this same need. Many of us have never seen God work in power and might. Many have not seen a healing or a miracle, and this is partly due to the fact that the church has for many years deemphasized this whole area, because it wasn't something they saw with regularity. Rather than pursuing the Lord for breakthrough in this area, they came up with theology to explain away the lack of signs and wonders. In america we are seeing a significant decline in the church and belief in general, and this is partly due to the fact that people are not convinced by words only approach.
I believe we must see again the signs and wonders, healing and miracles that the Lord desires to do. We must be able to show the world the truth of our beliefs, and that is best demonstrated by these types of actions, things that can not be accomplished in any other way. I have been blessed to see several miracles ad healings first hand, and because of them, I can never doubt the reality of God. So my encouragement this day is to continue to press into the Lord, a asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to open the way for healing, signs and wonders. Come Lord Jesus and demonstrate Your Sovereignty and Authority over all disease, sickness and deformity.
Amen Lord!
[46] "Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. [47] When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
[48] “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
[49] The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
[50] “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. [51] While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. [52] When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” [53] Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed."
I have been thinking much about the role of the Holy Spirit and how His power affects us, and is so essential to growing in faith and belief. He is a great example of how healing affected the beliefs of an entire family. When one gets healed by the Lord, the whole family is affected.
Secondly, in the past I have read Jesus' response to the man in verse 48, as a mild rebuke. Today I didn't get that impression, rather it seemed to me that Jesus was stating a simple fact. That which differentiated Jesus was exactly the fact that He worked signs and miracles, healings and deliverances. He was not a speaker of the word only, but demonstrated His authority and the reality of the Kingdom through signs and wonders.
He was speaking to a people who knew about God, they were Jews who had a familiarity with the Old Testament prophets and books. They knew about God, but they needed to be convinced that Jesus was who He said He was, and that was generally accomplished through the working of signs, wonders and miracles. Earlier in this chapter Jesus met the Samaritan women at the well and told her everything she had ever done (her words - In 4:39). This prophetic insight into her life was every bit as much of a sign as healing or deliverance. Again, many people believed in Jesus just on the strength of her testimony.
Jesus is simply stating the fact that they, as a people needed signs and wonders to be convinced that His words were true. In much the same way, I believe we all have this same need. Many of us have never seen God work in power and might. Many have not seen a healing or a miracle, and this is partly due to the fact that the church has for many years deemphasized this whole area, because it wasn't something they saw with regularity. Rather than pursuing the Lord for breakthrough in this area, they came up with theology to explain away the lack of signs and wonders. In america we are seeing a significant decline in the church and belief in general, and this is partly due to the fact that people are not convinced by words only approach.
I believe we must see again the signs and wonders, healing and miracles that the Lord desires to do. We must be able to show the world the truth of our beliefs, and that is best demonstrated by these types of actions, things that can not be accomplished in any other way. I have been blessed to see several miracles ad healings first hand, and because of them, I can never doubt the reality of God. So my encouragement this day is to continue to press into the Lord, a asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to open the way for healing, signs and wonders. Come Lord Jesus and demonstrate Your Sovereignty and Authority over all disease, sickness and deformity.
Amen Lord!
Sunday, December 7, 2014
A Kingdom of Power
This morning I have been reflecting on the subject of power as it pertains to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I was doing some context research and ran across two related sets of verses in Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. They are as follows -
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NIV:
[3] "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."
1 Corinthians 4:19-20 NIV:
[19] "But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. [20] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."
In these two verses Paul gives his reasoning for the need for the Power of God to be present in our ministry. Paul was a schooled Pharisee and could have expounded for months on the scriptures and the laws, and the related teachings that had been derived from the Law. Instead he chose to come to the people in Corinth in "weakness with great fear and trembling". Rather than using his persuasive words and fine sounding speech, he instead leaned into the Holy Spirit and allowed the Spirit to work through him. He didn't want people to rely on or put their faith in what he said, but rather in the demonstrated power of God.
In fact, Paul goes so far to say that it is the power of the Holy Spirit evident in one's ministry that is proof of their participation in the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is one of power, not mere talk! Imagine if we went to church today and rather than a fine sounding sermon the pastor just demonstrated the power of God being present to heal, by ministering healing to all who needed it. Would anyone walk away from that service unaware of the reality of the Kingdom of God? They might have internal arguments about whether what they saw was real, but they would be confronted by a new or different reality than what they were used to seeing. Anyone can talk, but it is God who proves what He is saying with power!
That is why it is so important that we press into the Lord and ask Him to pour forth His Holy Spirit upon us that we might be faithful witnesses to His power and majesty. As He said to the disciples in Acts 1:4-5, 8 NIV:
[4]...“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit....[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
It was only after the power of the Holy Spirit was released to the church that Jesus released them to ministry to the rest to the world. It was this indwelling power from God that enabled them to accomplish that which was impossible for them to do otherwise. They could have used persuasive words and told stories about Jesus, but it was the reality of the power of God that convinced them of Jesus' divinity and resurrection. Paul never lost sight of this critical foundation of the church and the Kingdom of God, and it would behoove us to maintain the same perspective.
Let us pray that the Lord would pour forth once again the Holy Spirit in such a way that His power is manifest in our lives and we become His witnesses unto the ends of the earth.
Amen!
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NIV:
[3] "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."
1 Corinthians 4:19-20 NIV:
[19] "But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. [20] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."
In these two verses Paul gives his reasoning for the need for the Power of God to be present in our ministry. Paul was a schooled Pharisee and could have expounded for months on the scriptures and the laws, and the related teachings that had been derived from the Law. Instead he chose to come to the people in Corinth in "weakness with great fear and trembling". Rather than using his persuasive words and fine sounding speech, he instead leaned into the Holy Spirit and allowed the Spirit to work through him. He didn't want people to rely on or put their faith in what he said, but rather in the demonstrated power of God.
In fact, Paul goes so far to say that it is the power of the Holy Spirit evident in one's ministry that is proof of their participation in the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is one of power, not mere talk! Imagine if we went to church today and rather than a fine sounding sermon the pastor just demonstrated the power of God being present to heal, by ministering healing to all who needed it. Would anyone walk away from that service unaware of the reality of the Kingdom of God? They might have internal arguments about whether what they saw was real, but they would be confronted by a new or different reality than what they were used to seeing. Anyone can talk, but it is God who proves what He is saying with power!
That is why it is so important that we press into the Lord and ask Him to pour forth His Holy Spirit upon us that we might be faithful witnesses to His power and majesty. As He said to the disciples in Acts 1:4-5, 8 NIV:
[4]...“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit....[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
It was only after the power of the Holy Spirit was released to the church that Jesus released them to ministry to the rest to the world. It was this indwelling power from God that enabled them to accomplish that which was impossible for them to do otherwise. They could have used persuasive words and told stories about Jesus, but it was the reality of the power of God that convinced them of Jesus' divinity and resurrection. Paul never lost sight of this critical foundation of the church and the Kingdom of God, and it would behoove us to maintain the same perspective.
Let us pray that the Lord would pour forth once again the Holy Spirit in such a way that His power is manifest in our lives and we become His witnesses unto the ends of the earth.
Amen!
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Our Sanctification, His Glorification!
This evening I am reading from Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. The verses I am focused on are as follows - 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NIV:
[11] "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. [12] We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
As I read these verses I am reminded of the teaching of St. Alphonsus De Liguori, a Catholic saint and teacher, called a doctor of the church because of his understanding and teaching of theology. He said that in all things God has two purposes. First, that all things if rightly understood and applied lead to our greater sanctification. Secondly, all things lead to the greater glorification of God. Our sanctification and His glorification. That is basically what Paul is saying here.
I like the fact that God is at work in my life, using His power to bring about my fruitfulness, encouraging me to goodness and faith. He desires my following after Him, and He doesn't just wait for me to accomplish this, but lends me a hand through His power present in my life. Again this strikes a similar theme, for His power present in my life is the Holy Spirit. He is present in me, helping me, encouraging me, working to help me desire goodness and faith-filled living.
He desires that His name would be glorified through our lives. That is actually a bit scary that He would actually let His name be associated with us. No matter how poorly we might represent Him, He has chosen this path and chooses to work in and through us as His primary representatives to the world. He does not leave us in our human weakness though, for He knows full well our human condition. He instead sends us Himself, in the form of the Holy Spirit , to live in each of us. That is just so amazing to me!
Paul knows that God is fully capable of doing exactly what he writes here, for God has done this very thing in his own life. Paul experienced the complete transformation of his life through the working of the power of God in his life. Paul experienced the miraculous, the amazing and the sovereignty of God at work in his own life. He was so transformed and affected by God's touch that he lived his life to glorify the name of Jesus. He was daily aided in this by the Holy Spirit working in and through him.
I am encouraged to ask the Lord for this same help and encouragement in my life. I need You to work in my life, through your power Lord. I want and need Your help to hear fruit through every good deed and act of faith. I want to bring You Glory Lord, that people might rightly ascribe glory to Your name. As I embrace You Lord, I will become more like You - sanctified.
Amen!
[11] "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. [12] We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
As I read these verses I am reminded of the teaching of St. Alphonsus De Liguori, a Catholic saint and teacher, called a doctor of the church because of his understanding and teaching of theology. He said that in all things God has two purposes. First, that all things if rightly understood and applied lead to our greater sanctification. Secondly, all things lead to the greater glorification of God. Our sanctification and His glorification. That is basically what Paul is saying here.
I like the fact that God is at work in my life, using His power to bring about my fruitfulness, encouraging me to goodness and faith. He desires my following after Him, and He doesn't just wait for me to accomplish this, but lends me a hand through His power present in my life. Again this strikes a similar theme, for His power present in my life is the Holy Spirit. He is present in me, helping me, encouraging me, working to help me desire goodness and faith-filled living.
He desires that His name would be glorified through our lives. That is actually a bit scary that He would actually let His name be associated with us. No matter how poorly we might represent Him, He has chosen this path and chooses to work in and through us as His primary representatives to the world. He does not leave us in our human weakness though, for He knows full well our human condition. He instead sends us Himself, in the form of the Holy Spirit , to live in each of us. That is just so amazing to me!
Paul knows that God is fully capable of doing exactly what he writes here, for God has done this very thing in his own life. Paul experienced the complete transformation of his life through the working of the power of God in his life. Paul experienced the miraculous, the amazing and the sovereignty of God at work in his own life. He was so transformed and affected by God's touch that he lived his life to glorify the name of Jesus. He was daily aided in this by the Holy Spirit working in and through him.
I am encouraged to ask the Lord for this same help and encouragement in my life. I need You to work in my life, through your power Lord. I want and need Your help to hear fruit through every good deed and act of faith. I want to bring You Glory Lord, that people might rightly ascribe glory to Your name. As I embrace You Lord, I will become more like You - sanctified.
Amen!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
A Gospel of Love and Salvation
Last evening I was reading from one of the early apostolic fathers, a text titled the Epistle to Diognetus. This was written in the between 150-225AD and was written to a Greek individual explaining the Gospel and Christians. It is very interesting reading for you get a bit more insight into the early church and what they understood the Gospel message to be. Here is a quote from the 7th chapter, verses 3-5.
He is speaking of Jesus being sent by the Father God. ..."But perhaps he sent him, as a man might suppose, to rule by tyranny, fear and terror? Certainly not! On the contrary, he sent him in gentleness and meekness, as a king might send his son who is a king; he sent him as God; he sent him as a man to men. When he sent him, he did so as one who saves by persuasion, not compulsion, for compulsion is no attribute of God. When he sent him, he did so as one calling, not pursuing; when he sent him, he did so as one loving, not judging."
These verses present Jesus as I understand Him and know Him. He does not rule and command based on fear or punishment, but rather through kindness, gentleness, persuasion, mercy and love. Sometimes I fear that we have lost this version of Jesus, as we preach holiness and purity which too often turns into religion, works and judgment. As bearers of the truth, we can slip into pride and proclaim judgment upon all who don't understand or embrace the truth that we know. The gospel should not instill fear, nor be forcefully extended, but rather be spread in love, gentleness and persuasion through our lives and love for one another. The church must not take on character traits that are not seen in Jesus.
The other day I was reflecting on becoming more Christ-like, and I was reminded of the WWJD bracelets, which were in fad several years ago. They ask a good question, "What would Jesus do?". While this is helpful in guiding our attitudes and behaviors, we are all called to represent Jesus as He is in the present. We can use historical knowledge of Christ to guide us, but He is alive and at work today, and desires to use us as His representatives. Might we better ask ourselves, "What does Jesus want to do right now?"
It is my belief that if we pursue Christ Jesus in this present moment and ask Him to guide us in action and attitude, that we will faithfully represent Him to our world. If we allow His voice to be heard in our life and we embrace His heart for the people around us, we will operate out of the same characteristics as He did - love, compassion, gentleness, kindness, mercy, grace, persuading and inviting.
Let us pray for the church to embrace and live out this Gospel of love and salvation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17 NIV). "This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." ( 1 John 4:17-19 NIV).
Amen!
He is speaking of Jesus being sent by the Father God. ..."But perhaps he sent him, as a man might suppose, to rule by tyranny, fear and terror? Certainly not! On the contrary, he sent him in gentleness and meekness, as a king might send his son who is a king; he sent him as God; he sent him as a man to men. When he sent him, he did so as one who saves by persuasion, not compulsion, for compulsion is no attribute of God. When he sent him, he did so as one calling, not pursuing; when he sent him, he did so as one loving, not judging."
These verses present Jesus as I understand Him and know Him. He does not rule and command based on fear or punishment, but rather through kindness, gentleness, persuasion, mercy and love. Sometimes I fear that we have lost this version of Jesus, as we preach holiness and purity which too often turns into religion, works and judgment. As bearers of the truth, we can slip into pride and proclaim judgment upon all who don't understand or embrace the truth that we know. The gospel should not instill fear, nor be forcefully extended, but rather be spread in love, gentleness and persuasion through our lives and love for one another. The church must not take on character traits that are not seen in Jesus.
The other day I was reflecting on becoming more Christ-like, and I was reminded of the WWJD bracelets, which were in fad several years ago. They ask a good question, "What would Jesus do?". While this is helpful in guiding our attitudes and behaviors, we are all called to represent Jesus as He is in the present. We can use historical knowledge of Christ to guide us, but He is alive and at work today, and desires to use us as His representatives. Might we better ask ourselves, "What does Jesus want to do right now?"
It is my belief that if we pursue Christ Jesus in this present moment and ask Him to guide us in action and attitude, that we will faithfully represent Him to our world. If we allow His voice to be heard in our life and we embrace His heart for the people around us, we will operate out of the same characteristics as He did - love, compassion, gentleness, kindness, mercy, grace, persuading and inviting.
Let us pray for the church to embrace and live out this Gospel of love and salvation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17 NIV). "This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." ( 1 John 4:17-19 NIV).
Amen!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Ambassadors of Relationship
This morning I am reading from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians 5:18-21 NIV:
[18] "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
I was thinking about this simple message that we are called to proclaim, that God wants people in relationship with Him. He wants us to be reconciled to Him, in other words restored to relationship and favor. He has made the way possible in Christ Jesus, and now calls us as ambassadors, those that are called and sent to represent this message to all we meet. That is it, that is the simple message of the Gospel - God loves you and wants a relationship with You and has removed any barrier that might exist between you and Him.
As ambassadors we are His official representative s. Here is the definition of ambassador to help us understand the significance of this role:
1 : an official envoy; especially : a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment
2 a : an authorized representative or messenger
We are God's official representative's whose message is reconciliation. Our message is not the rules or judgments, but rather reconciliation and the forgiveness of sins. We are called to invite the people we meet to be reconciled to God our Father.
It is interesting in the Greek the word is Presbeuo, and its first definition is someone who is older by birth, which is exactly the case for all of us. We have received our new birth in Christ, and now invite others into the same family, as an elder sibling. Paul uses the analogy of adoption in Romans 8:15,23, Ephesians 1:5, and Galatians 4:5 and in so doing is relating to this concept of being joined to a family. We are called to be ministers of reconciliation and adoption, inviting people to join this family, to enter into relationship with God the Father, who loves them. We speak with authority based on our experience as someone who has already experienced this reconciliation. Our official authorization is that - that we are already His adopted sons and daughters.
So let us be conscious of those around us who may not know the invitation exists from our Father. Let us be His ambassadors of the same message we received and believed, that He loves us and wants a relationship with us, and has made a way for us in Christ Jesus. He wants to adopt us all!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Choosing To Live Like Him
This morning I am reading from Paul's letter to the Colossians 3:5-8, 12-14 NIV:
[5] "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
[12] "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."
These verses offer up a very nice contrast of the worldly life and life as a Christian, as they pertain to pursuits and character. I find it interesting that Paul, in both cases, speaks as if these actions and character traits are ours to produce. We can allow the bad list, verses 5-8, to be in our lives or we can clothe ourselves with the Godly virtues listed in verses 12-14. The choices and the resulting fruit of those choices are ours to make and exhibit.
We can choose to put to death those things that belong to our earthly nature, and we can rid ourselves of the rest of the list. Paul is writing to the Colossians encouraging them to do so, which means that for some of those early Christians, they had not yet done so. They were saved and following Christ, yet there was residue of their previous lives as unsaved people pursuing whatever they wanted. Paul calls them to a life of imitating Christ, for none of these are found in Him.
There are those that think salvation is enough, and then that they can go on living life like the rest of the world, and that is not the case. To be Christian, we are called to be like Christ. We are called to dispose of those things that are not like Him, and take up those that are like Him. This is the part of working out our salvation that is our choice. We are given grace and power to change our lives, but the choice to change must be made by us. The outer parts of our lives, our words, actions and thoughts must be brought into alignment with the inner spiritual reality of our new life in Christ. We are responsible for our actions, our words and our thoughts. This is part of free will, we can choose salvation and we can choose how we will behave.
The good news is that if we are called to be like Christ, the help is there to do so. The Lord does not call us to an impossible task, but will rather show us the way as we embrace relationship with Him. That too is part of the requirement for all Christians, relationship with the Lord. We can't become like Him, if we don't know Him. We must know His words, but also His heart and character, and this is best accomplished through daily interaction. The amazing thing is that we are not interacting with a historical figure, but with the Lord who is alive and with us daily. He is completely aware of our world, our circumstances, our struggles and our weakness and because of this He is uniquely positioned to help us. He will guide us to the right decisions, but we must make those decisions. He will show us the right choice, but we must choose. He is like the ultimate life coach, for He will never forsake us, give up on us or get tired of us. If we make the wrong choice, He will not walk away, but will be there to help us with the next choice.
The second list of characteristics is exactly what I experience from the Lord in my relationship with Him. He is compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving and loving. He is never angry, rude, overpowering, harsh, sharp, condemning, hateful, or judgmental. Any time I turn to Him, He is welcoming and present, ready to help, ready to encourage, ready to show me the best path forward. There are many times that I don't bother to listen, or flat out choose to do the opposite, but He never changes His reaction to me. His mercies are truly new every morning, and even every minute. I have the opportunity to be like Him, and it is my choice whether I am, or not. Personally, I choose to try my best to be like Him every day, constantly ridding myself of anything that is not of Him, and choosing to clothe myself in those characteristics and heart attitudes that are like Him.
Ultimately, He desires that we unite ourselves to Him, so that the world might see Him in and through us. This is the best path, the one that will bear the most fruit and bring about the Kingdom realities here on earth. So let us be encouraged to choose today to live in union with Him, and show the world what the Lord is really like. We have the choice, let us choose wisely. Let us choose to live like Him.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
No Enemy Can Stand
This morning I am reading from Acts 9, which is the story of Paul's conversion. It really is an amazing story. Here are a few key verses - Acts 9:10-19 NIV:
[10] "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
[11] The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. [12] In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
[13] “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. [14] And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
[15] But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. [16] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
[17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord---Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here---has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, [19] and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus."
I can imagine the surprise of the early church when the Lord chose Saul to be his "chosen instrument". He was one of the chief enemies of the church and was aggressively pursuing them, trying to destroy the church. If you ever wondered if the Lord was capable of taking care of His Church, this example should settle that concern. The Lord completely disarms Saul and turns him from being a bully to being a bulldog for Him. The Lord steals one of the enemies chiefs weapons against the church and converts him into one of the greatest evangelists to ever live. Awesome!
I also love the way the Lord confirmed His Word with supernatural acts and miracles. Here is a great example of how logic and knowledge of the Word was insufficient to bring about conversion, but a power encounter and supernatural occurrences completely convinced Saul and brought about his conversion. In Acts 26, Paul speaks about his upbringing and his pursuit of the church as follows - Acts 26:4-5, 9-11 NIV:
[4] “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. [5] They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.
[9] “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. [11] Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities."
Paul knew the word of God, had lived a life of righteousness according to the law, was zealous for God, but had totally missed the Good News. Paul must have been a member of the Synagogue in Jerusalem, and was likely present for many of the events that were recorded in the earlier chapters of Acts. He must have heard the proclamation of the Gospel, and certainly heard Stephen's discourse that is recorded in Acts 7. Despite all of this exposure and a trained knowledge of the prophets and the very prophesies Jesus fulfilled, Paul's heart was unmoved, and likely hardened further.
I take great encouragement that the Lord is fully capable of drawing anyone to himself and bringing about their conversion. There are several people that I know that have not received salvation yet, and for whom I am praying. This story gives me great hope for them. No matter how resistant to the Gospel, no matter how strong their mind and arguments against the Lord, He can intervene and convince them of their need for salvation. The one thing I need to do is be ready to do my part should the Lord ever call me like Ananias. The Lord does use us to confirm His words, to bring healing and work miracles, and we must be ready when we are given the opportunity.
Lord, we pray that You would intervene in the lives of those who have not yet understood their need for salvation or You. Break into their lives with signs and wonders and supernatural situations that they cannot argue away. Lord, we ask that You would convert all those that are attacking Your church, for none of Your enemies can stand against You! Thank You Lord!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Interruptions and Guidance
I was continuing my reading of the Acts of the Apostles this morning. I have always been intrigued by this story of Philip, and his supernatural experiences. Here are the verses - Acts 8:26-31, 34-40 NIV:
[26] "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road---the desert road---that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” [27] So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, [28] and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. [29] The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
[30] Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
[31] “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
[34] The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” [35] Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
[36] As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37]* And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”* [38] And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. [39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
[40] Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea."
There are a few very interesting things about this story, the first of which is the supernatural interactions that Philip has, first with an angel telling him where to go, followed by verse 40, where the Holy Spirit transports Philip some distance to a new town (the distance could be as far as 40 miles). I am reminded of Jesus comments about what is impossible to man is possible for God (Luke 18:27). For Star-Trek fans, this is an example of being teleported, but by the Spirit of God. My son and I were just talking about how awesome it would be if that were real, and then this morning I am reading about this very thing. It is clear the there are things that God is capable of doing that we haven't seen or heard of yet, and this is one of those events in that category. In the Catholic tradition of Saints, there are few Saints who have experienced similar things, so church history does bear witness to this event in Philip's life.
Secondly, this in only mention of Ethiopia in the NT, and it is believed that this Eunuch was responsible for the early evangelism of Ethiopia. The church there is one of the oldest Christian churches, and from what I understand they trace themselves back to this event, which would have happened roughly three years after Pentecost. I am encouraged by the moving and guiding of the Holy Spirit in encouraging Philip to meet this Eunuch, for clearly there was a plan in place by the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News to Ethiopia, and He caused this to occur by interrupting Philip and having him meet the man. These types of events could be classified as divine encounters, where two people are brought together unknowingly for the purposes of God. I have had several times where it was clear the Lord had me meet someone, completely unknown to me, that significantly changed my life or theirs. I like the fact that the Lord can intervene, and through one purposeful, but seemingly chance meeting affect the lives of a whole nation.
Finally, not losing sight of the fact that the Lord specifically intercepted the Ethiopian just as He was most open to the Gospel. I believe that even if the man had not been a vehicle of the evangelism of Ethiopia, the Lord still would have directed Philip to visit with him, as the Lord cares for each of us, and is intimately aware of our heart condition, and circumstances. This is one thing I know for sure, the Lord knows exactly what I am thinking and where I am and He can touch my life at exactly that spot. In this case the Ethiopian was reading from Is 53 the exact verses that prophetically spoke of Jesus, and it was at that exact moment that Philip ran up. This is just a beautiful example of how the Lord choreographs circumstances to His purposes. He is the God of perfect timing. There are many times I would like to know ahead of time about His perfect timing that He has planned, but invariably He is right on time, with exactly what is needed. I am so grateful for His faithfulness.
So today I am encouraged to be on the lookout for the guidance of the Lord in my life. I look to Him to arrange divine encounters, even to the point of interrupting my life and causing me to go somewhere I hadn't planned. The Lord cares for us all and He has the perfect interruption(s) planned for us all.
Amen!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Distraction Nor Persecution Stop The Lord
I was just reviewing my notes from yesterday and saw that Philips visit to Samaria was actually a fulfillment of Jesus' command and prophesy concerning their ministry after receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 NIV: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
And in Acts 8, we see Philip doing exactly that, going to Samaria. It is interesting that his visit there was the result of the persecution that followed the stoning of Stephen. Here are the verses to which I am referring - Acts 8:1, 4-8, 14-17 NIV:
[1]..."On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
[4] Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. [6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. [7] For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was great joy in that city.
[14] When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. [15] When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
I find it very interesting that this prophetic word and command of Jesus had not really been fulfilled yet before Acts 8. There is some disagreement as to when Stephen was stoned, which was the proceeding event that caused the persecution to begin. Many put this date about 3 years after Jesus' death. So apparently the apostles and all the disciples who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost had not yet really focused a missionary effort on Samaria, at least not that we are told. Not only that, but it wasn't even a voluntary move, so much as the result of their fleeing the persecution.
That makes me wonder why it took them so long, and why Samaria hadn't been visited yet. I can think of a couple of reasons. To start with the church in Jerusalem was almost instantly very successful after Pentecost. They added 3000 people that day alone. They had plenty of issues to keep on them busy, and they were working through them, and were likely quite distracted. They had to worry about feeding the people (Acts 6), the church was growing because of the miracles and signs and wonders (Acts 5), people were bringing them their wealth and they were distributing that to people as needed. Again we are talking about possibly thousands of people, so these tasks would be significant. The twelve were so busy they finally just had to devote themselves to full time teaching.
This whole situation gives me encouragement for a few reasons. First, even the apostles can get caught up in the success of something and lose sight of the the even bigger picture. Sometimes I am so focused on what is in front of me that I forget some of the other things the Lord has commanded me to do. I find myself easily distracted, but the Lord is faithful to see them completed.
Second, seemingly bad things like the stoning of Stephen and the persecution of the church fit perfectly into God's plans. These events which seem so disastrous, can be turned to God's glory if we will follow Him and continue to believe in His word. I can imagine there was plenty of concern for the livelihood of the church after the persecution began. I imagine there were plenty of doubters, plenty who were distracted at that time, yet the Holy Spirit prevailed and grew the church!
Finally, the strength and power produced by the Holy Spirit, through Philip was not reduced at all. He still was able to work miracles, healings and casting out of unclean spirits. When a place rejects the Lord, and His church, the place that rejects them loses the blessing that could be theirs, but the new location receives every bit as much of the ministry of and through the Holy Spirit.
So let us be encouraged if we find ourselves somewhere we hadn't planned, if we realize that we have forgotten some of the things that the Lord has commanded us or encouraged us to do. His word is faithful and will be fulfilled. All the works of the enemy will only cause the Lord's renown to grow greater still. Let us look for the Lord in the new situation or circumstances and ask Him to pour forth the Holy Spirit in might and power.
And in Acts 8, we see Philip doing exactly that, going to Samaria. It is interesting that his visit there was the result of the persecution that followed the stoning of Stephen. Here are the verses to which I am referring - Acts 8:1, 4-8, 14-17 NIV:
[1]..."On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
[4] Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. [6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. [7] For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was great joy in that city.
[14] When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. [15] When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
I find it very interesting that this prophetic word and command of Jesus had not really been fulfilled yet before Acts 8. There is some disagreement as to when Stephen was stoned, which was the proceeding event that caused the persecution to begin. Many put this date about 3 years after Jesus' death. So apparently the apostles and all the disciples who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost had not yet really focused a missionary effort on Samaria, at least not that we are told. Not only that, but it wasn't even a voluntary move, so much as the result of their fleeing the persecution.
That makes me wonder why it took them so long, and why Samaria hadn't been visited yet. I can think of a couple of reasons. To start with the church in Jerusalem was almost instantly very successful after Pentecost. They added 3000 people that day alone. They had plenty of issues to keep on them busy, and they were working through them, and were likely quite distracted. They had to worry about feeding the people (Acts 6), the church was growing because of the miracles and signs and wonders (Acts 5), people were bringing them their wealth and they were distributing that to people as needed. Again we are talking about possibly thousands of people, so these tasks would be significant. The twelve were so busy they finally just had to devote themselves to full time teaching.
This whole situation gives me encouragement for a few reasons. First, even the apostles can get caught up in the success of something and lose sight of the the even bigger picture. Sometimes I am so focused on what is in front of me that I forget some of the other things the Lord has commanded me to do. I find myself easily distracted, but the Lord is faithful to see them completed.
Second, seemingly bad things like the stoning of Stephen and the persecution of the church fit perfectly into God's plans. These events which seem so disastrous, can be turned to God's glory if we will follow Him and continue to believe in His word. I can imagine there was plenty of concern for the livelihood of the church after the persecution began. I imagine there were plenty of doubters, plenty who were distracted at that time, yet the Holy Spirit prevailed and grew the church!
Finally, the strength and power produced by the Holy Spirit, through Philip was not reduced at all. He still was able to work miracles, healings and casting out of unclean spirits. When a place rejects the Lord, and His church, the place that rejects them loses the blessing that could be theirs, but the new location receives every bit as much of the ministry of and through the Holy Spirit.
So let us be encouraged if we find ourselves somewhere we hadn't planned, if we realize that we have forgotten some of the things that the Lord has commanded us or encouraged us to do. His word is faithful and will be fulfilled. All the works of the enemy will only cause the Lord's renown to grow greater still. Let us look for the Lord in the new situation or circumstances and ask Him to pour forth the Holy Spirit in might and power.
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