Freedom vs. Religion

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

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

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

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

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

Amen!

Committed Marriage

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

Thieves & Brawlers In The Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our True Source of Hope

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

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

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

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

Do Unto Others With a Twist

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

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

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

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

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

When Waiting On God

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devoted to Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natural Actions, Spiritual Reactions

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

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

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

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

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

People of the New Covenant

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

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

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

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

Pursuing Our Dreams

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus Our Mediator

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

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

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

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

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

God Blesses, Provides and Restores

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rags to Riches

I read several different areas of the bible this morning, none of which really resonated with my spirit. Finally I turned to Paul's letter to Titus and saw these verses:

Titus 3:3-8 NIV

[3] "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

It is so good to be reminded of the mercy of God in my own life. For the reality is that I have been saved out of my former way of life and thinking, and set free by His mercy. It was His kindness and love that drew me to Him. He did wash me and cleanse me of my sins, and filled me with His life through the Holy Spirit. I have been justified by His grace, not through anything I have done, but rather through the application of His righteousness to my life. I have become an heir, through His invitation, which means I have access to the inheritance, the fortune of my Father.

What an awesome reality - we are saved from slavery and deep darkness, and invited into relationship and even become heirs! This is the stuff they write books about, make into movies, and we all share this experience. As Christians, we all have a 'rags to riches' story. 

Our lives, as Christians, are not meant to be drab and boring lives of passionless obedience. Rather we are called to live our lives full of gratitude, sharing the joy and love we experience, the wealth of our Father, and drawing others into the family, the Body of Christ. We are called to be lights in the darkness, full of hope and shining with God's glory.

Amen Lord!

Sowing Wind or Sowing Seed?

This morning I was reading from Hosea and this verse caught my attention:
Hosea 8:7 NIV. “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour...".

As I read that verse I was reminded of two verses from the New Testament:

2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

I did a quick search on all the times sowing and reaping were mentioned in the New Testament and they were mentioned 30+ times combined. Clearly sowing and reaping are important and apply to both the natural and to the spiritual as well. What one sows, is what one reaps. Period!

All around us are advertisements for products that try to take shortcuts on this well defined natural principle. I think the diet advertisements are the worst - 'lose weight without trying', 'eat all the same foods and still lose weight', etc. Results without action, or much action... and its just not true.

If I think about the original verse from Hosea, they were sowing wind...or in modern day language, 'all words but no action'. They said one thing and did another. The Lord however was calling them to account on that, and their empty words (wind) were going to reap a whirlwind.

Without getting into a discussion on judgement, I want to take this principle and apply it to my walk with the Lord. If I want to experience the fruit of intimacy with the Lord and healing and miracles as I represent His Kingdom authority around me, then I need to sow the correct 'seed' in my life.

I won't grow closer to the Lord, if I don't spend time with Him. Good intentions are not sufficient. This relationship, like all relationships takes time and effort. It takes times of communication, and interaction. It takes exposure to how one another thinks, etc. Thinking back on the early days of my relationship to my sweetheart, we spent countless hours just talking, getting to know how one another thought, etc. It is the same with the Lord, we need to spend time alone with Him to get to know Him for ourselves. If we only ever talk about getting close to God, but never spend anytime with Him, we are sowing wind only.

If I want to see God work through me in healing and miracles, than I need to be sowing the proper things in my life. I heard one pastor describe the process they used as developing the theology of healing, then developing the practice of praying for people regularly, then finally experiencing the fruit of seeing people healed when they prayed. They sowed the proper seed, and reaped accordingly. If we only ever talk about healing, but are not praying for people, we are sowing wind.

Lord, I pray that You will help us to move beyond sowing wind, or only words. Help us to start sowing actions (seed) that will result in real fruit in our lives. Help me to be willing to put in the effort required to see fruitfulness in my life.

Signs That Point To Him

This morning I decided to read some of Luke's Gospel and opened up to chapter 7, which is a great chapter, it includes the Centurion's servant, raising the widow's son, questions from John's disciples, and the women anointing Jesus feet with her tears. The verses that grabbed my attention were Luke 7:20-23:

[20] "When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” [21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. [23] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

I think this verse grabbed my attention because I think we need to understand that these signs that Jesus produced were the signs that indicated that He was the Messiah. They are also the signs of His Kingdom among us - see Matt 10:7-8. These signs are meant to be present on the earth as signs that point us towards Jesus as our Savior and King. The Kingdom of Jesus is supposed to be represented by power not just mere words - 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

If we are to properly represent the Kingdom of Jesus, we must learn to operate in the same signs and wonders that Jesus gave as evidence of His identity. There are many good sounding ideas, and theories, and other religions, but there is only One who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who has all authority and power. If that is who we serve, than His power and authority should be evident when we represent Him. That is how the world will know the difference between those who follow Jesus and all the other 'religions'.

Lord help us to open our minds and hearts to Your truth, that we are called to do the same works. You said, "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." John 14:11-12!

Amen!

Mercy Trumps Judgment

This morning I am reading from James 2 a couple of verses that are so important for us to remember.

James 2:12-13 NIV
[12] "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

The two sentences and verses really need to be read together, and understood together. The phrase 'not been merciful' from verse 13, is demonstrated by our speech and actions in verse 12. In other words when we are not merciful in our actions or words towards others, when we are quick to judge them by some set of rules other than the example of love shown us by Jesus, then we are not being merciful, and we set ourselves up to be judged by the Lord. This principle can be seen in Matt 18:21-35, Jesus parable about the unmerciful servant. We are called to treat each other the way the Lord treated us when we were still sinners, loving us, inviting us into relationship, forgiving our sins, etc. If Jesus calls us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, how much more should we be treating those around us in love and mercy.

I think there is an attitude in the church at times, that once a person gets saved they should now be following a set of Christian principles (laws) and their lives should be free of sin, right now. I don't see this modeled by Jesus, rather He was incredibly patient with the Apostles, who though they were making strides, were constantly demonstrating there own pride or misunderstanding of the ministry or mission of Jesus. He didn't judge them harshly, but rather corrected them in love, showed them a better way and continued in relationship with them. He was about creating a new paradigm of life and perspective and He realized that it takes time to change and see things in a new way. Even after He ascended the Apostles were still making mistakes, Peter was corrected by Paul for trying to apply the old law to new Christians (which is exactly what James is writing about here). Let us remember what we were once like, and give each other mercy and grace, and trust the Lord to complete the good work He is doing in each of us.

So let us consider our words and actions towards those in the Body of Christ, and those who haven't yet found their way home. Let us act and speak towards each other in the same way Jesus speaks and acts towards us. Let us extend mercy, compassion, forgiveness, relationship, love and peace to all we meet. A merciful church will always succeed over a judgmental church.

Finally, Paul said in his letter to the Romans, as he was addressing judgment in the church "..Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Rom 2:4. God is kind, tolerant (another word for forbearance) and patient so that we might be lead to repentance. This is true for those outside the church as well as those inside the church. Let mercy trump judgment in our lives, in our example, and in our dealings with others.

Looking at the Old with New Perspective

This morning I was briefly reading through Joshua chapters 7 & 8. In Chapter 7, God confronts the disobedience of Achan and in chapter 8 they deal with the city of Ai, and destroy it following God's directions. As I was reading this, I felt like the Lord gave me some perspective on how to interpret these chapters and put them in proper perspective.

1) These events took place under the old covenant, which was pointing towards the new covenant. The events and dealings of God with these people are not directly applicable to us, who live under the new covenant, but we learn from them.
2) Israel was in the process of learning to be a nation, they had spent 40 years in the desert, and were now entering the land that had been promised to them, and they were going to need to follow God's directions, for they weren't a warring nation, but had been slaves.
3) Obedience in all things was critical to their survival.
4) After Jericho, they thought they were the ones fighting and assumed God would bless them without actively listening to His counsel. God taught them their need for His direction.
5) Sin and disobedience affects the nation, but its the individual who bears responsibility. They were learning to be a nation who depended on one another, and individual weakness could affect them all.
6) They had been given a specific territory to extend their rule over - and they had to defeat the present inhabitants to take possession of the land.

The new covenant application of these truths follows:
1) We have in Jesus the fulfillment of the old covenant and the law, and the establishment of the new covenant (Matt 26:28)- His life and example are the basis of this new covenant.
2) The establishment of the church, the Body of Christ was the new and continuing work. We need to learn to be a Body, and we need to follow the Holy Spirit's direction, to become one (John 16 -17)
3) Obedience to God is out of love and relationship (John 14:23), and still critical for our survival and growth, but there is now an internalization of the this new covenant, written on our hearts (Jer 31:33) and witnessed by our spirits, being united with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (John 14:25-26)
4) Our battle is not against mortal men, but against spirits and powers - and as such we must learn to put on His (Jesus') armor and stand in the truth. (Eph 6)
5) We are all one body and we are all affected by each other (1 Cor 12:26) but we are not judged or punished for the sins others (Acts 5) for the perfect sacrifice has already been made for the sins of all (Heb 10). We need each other in the Body of Christ, the way our bodies need every cell.
6) We have been given the whole world, to extend the Kingdom of Heaven into it, and bring all nations to Jesus (Matt 28:18-20) and our battle to do this is against the rulers and principalities of this present age (Eph 6:10), not each other.

Lord, Thank You for new perspectives and understanding. Help me to apply that which You show me into my daily life. Help me to understand the fullness of the Gospel, the Good News of salvation and life available to me.

A Distorted Gospel

This morning I am reading out of 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NIV:

[1] "Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. [2] Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. [3] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. [4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [5] For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."

- and -

1 John 4:9-10, 16-18 NIV
[9] "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

[16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] 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. [18] 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."

My meditation is on the distorted Gospel that is often preached today - one of fear of God's punishment for the sins of our country, our community. Paul spoke of making sure they did not distort the Gospel, but rather set it forth plainly, so that it displayed the light, the glory that is in Christ Jesus, who is the very image of God. John said it so very clearly - God is love, and proved it by sending His son, not to condemn and punish the world that was in sin, but rather as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." Our Gospel is supposed to be a Gospel (Good News) of God's love, not God's impending punishment for our sins. Jesus paid for our sins with His life - is there no value in His sacrifice any more?

The light of the Gospel must shine out from the church, and this light is the truth that God is love, and He has paid for our sins, and made a way for us to enter into relationship with Him as sons and daughters. There is life, power, freedom, hope and light available to us in Christ. He took the punishment for our sins upon Himself (Is 53:4-5). Let us not preach fear of punishment, for there is no fear in Love, and God's love is supposed to drive out fear, not create it. Let us be beacons of love in this dark and veiled world, preaching God's love, forgiveness of sins that have already been paid for, and hope.

Sharing In His Glory

This morning I felt like reading Paul's second letter to Thessalonia - 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."

I like these verses for a couple of reasons. First, its interesting to note who is doing the majority of work in the first sentence. God is making us worthy of His calling, and applying His power to our lives, to help us fulfill our desire for goodness, and make our deeds fruitful. Our activity is desiring to be good, and acting in faith. He is bringing the power to enable us to bear lasting fruit and has already made us worthy by Jesus' Body and Blood. This is good news, as He is doing the things we can't do on our own. Second, there is a glorification resulting from God's work in us, Jesus being glorified in us, and us in Him, because of Him, and through Him. It is all because of Jesus, but we get to participate in the Glory!

Going back to the story of the prodigal son I was reading yesterday, one of the things the older son didn't understand was this principle of sharing in the Glory of the Father (the celebration of goodness and access to the Father's treasures of food and wine, etc.). He thought by slaving away in obedience and hard work he would earn some little bit of recognition that he could share with his friends. The Father in love corrected him and said "‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." Luke 15:31. Its not because of our hard work or obedience, or anything else that we receive good things from God, but simply because we are in relationship with Him. That doesn't mean we don't serve the Lord, or work, or obey His word, but its out of thankfulness for what He has already given us, rather than to get something we want. The heart motivations are completely different.

Lord, I pray that Your power, You may bring to fruition all my desires for goodness and make my deeds, done in faith, bear fruit that lasts. Help me to understand Your desire to share Your abundance and Glory with me, because You love me.

My Experience of God

This morning I started reading from Jeremiah 25, which is where God announces the 70 year of captivity, and where Jeremiah says he has been personally warning the people of Judah for 23 years. Turning the page, there is Jeremiah 28 where the false prophet Hananiah is proclaiming a completely different message, of hope and restoration, and one the people chose to listen too, despite Jeremiah's prophecy.

This got me thinking of the almost dueling nature of so many doom and judgement voices in the Body of Christ today, compared to the voices of Bill Johnson, Randy Clark, Chris Vallaton, Graham Cooke, and others, who see God moving in awesome ways, and focusing on the expansion of the Kingdom, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the coming worldwide outpouring.

It seems similar to the time of Jeremiah, in that you wonder who you should listen too? I find myself looking internally to the experience I have with the Lord, and how he deals with me. I think that has been one of the reasons I have never gone in big for the holiness or shepherding movements, as my own walk with the Lord, has been full of love and mercy, compassion and forgiveness, increasing intimacy and revelation, never the harsh judge or punishment I would deserve or experience if God was requiring me to walk in purity and perfect righteousness on my own.

I think of scripture as a continual revelation, and the culminating revelation of the nature of God is Jesus. He shows us personally what the Father is truly like, for He is doing and saying what the Father is saying. He has seen the Father and shown Him to us - Matthew 11:27 NIV:“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him".

I see Jesus loving sinners, calling sinners to repentance and relationship, working healing and miracles, signs and wonders, and extending mercy to those that are lost. I see Him fulfilling the harsh requirements of the law, and setting people free from the judgement of the law. I see Him confronting the 'religious' of His day who were leading people astray and not representing God (Matt 23 is a great example).

So the question for me, is what is the true message of God to me and our world today? What version of the Father should I be representing? My own thoughts are that I should show the world the Father that I know, and I see revealed by Jesus in the Gospels. I want the world to know the Love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the mercy and grace available in Jesus sacrifice, the application of His righteousness to our lives, the opportunity to have a deep and intimate relationship with the One who loves you more than anyone else, the power of the Holy Spirit working through us to heal, and break the power of the enemy.

I don't experience my relationship with the Lord as requiring me to be pure and righteous before He will show me His love. Rather, I have experienced His love and mercy while still a sinner. I find myself motivated to be like Jesus, because I have relationship with Him already, and I love Him and want to be like Him. Its not purity and righteousness first, so I can have relationship, but rather purity and righteousness because I have relationship and am motivated by love. Sin does not remove me from relationship, nor does it require punishment. Jesus chooses to correct me, lovingly, showing me the better path, that which helps me grow to be like Him. His correction is not harsh punishment, or severe discipline, the silent treatment, or time-out. When I have fallen short He is always there waiting with open arms, like the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20)!

Lord, help me to be like You! Help me to share You with those around me. Help me to be a witness of Your love, mercy, compassion and grace.

Integrity On Display

This morning I am reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians, and its a single verse that took great courage and humility to write - Philippians 4:9 NIV:"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

I was just thinking about the phrase "or seen in me" as it pertains to my life. I was wondering what others might see in my life and whether what they would see was worthy of imitation? Paul was able to look at his life and know that he had been a faithful witness not just in words, and active ministry, but when he was being observed in public or private, whether he knew it or not. His life had a single pursuit, and he was always pointing to Jesus, both in words and actions.

I know I am conscious of my witness, but I am certainly not to the point of being able to say - 'whatever you may have seen in me, put it into practice'. Lord, I pray that You will help me to have integrity in my words and actions, in public and in private, that my witness would be consistent, and pointing to You. I want to be the same man, whether at home, in public, in ministry, or out to eat with my family. I want to constantly give glory to You, to have integrity in all my ways.

Choked vs. Fruitfulness

This morning I opened my Bible to Mark 4:13-20 NIV:

[13] "Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? [14] The farmer sows the word. [15] Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. [16] Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. [17] But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. [18] Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; [19] but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. [20] Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop---some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

This morning I am aware of how often I am like the seed sown among thorns. The issue for this seed is not that it doesn't find root and grow, but that its unfruitful. The stalk of grain grows to maturity, but has almost no fruit to show for it. I think about how many things I am distracted by in my life, and my life is relatively simple, that cause my focus on the Lord to stray.

Jesus said these things 'choke the word', and I think that is a very appropriate image. A plant is choked , or stunted, by lack of light, or lack of water. The light is God's word and presence in our lives. The water is the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. When I get distracted by other things, I spend less time in His word, and am less aware of the moving of the Spirit in my life. We can't expect that we will be fruitful if we are not being fed and watered constantly.

Looking at my yard, I am amazed at how quickly the ground dries and cracks, when I know that just a few days ago there was rain. I think my spirit is similar, in that it doesn't take very long for me to feel dry and parched, just a few days.

Lord, I want to be like the seed sown in good soil, plenty of sun, plenty of rain, and bearing much fruit. Help me to stay focused and keep pouring Your light and water into my life! I don't want to be choked, stunted or distracted. Help me to recognize those things in my life that are causing me to be choked or stunted, and help me to get rid of them so that I can bear much fruit.

God's Patience

This morning I am reflecting on some verses from Peter's second letter.


2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-9 NIV
[3] "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

[8] "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

I have always liked these verses from Peter, for they describe the Father's heart towards all. He is a loving Father, who wants to see all people come to repentance, who wants to see all enter into relationship with His Son, who wants to save all. This does not negate His final plan of Jesus' second coming and final judgement. We, who are short-sighted, can't fully understand this mercy and patience, so God in His mercy inspired Peter to write this, that we might understand.

The Father thinks generationally, throughout the ages. He thinks of nations and empires and great movements upon the earth, and has a plan that encompasses it all. We think the fullness of His words apply and will be fulfilled in our lifetimes, and in that we are greatly mistaken. His words certainly apply to our lives now, and there will be some level of fulfillment in our present days, but God's plans are perfect, and He has in His heart all people (billions and counting).

We need to stop trying to understand God's actions from our perspective and start praying to understand His actions from His perspective. We need to trust His words, look for His mercy, and apply His words to our lives daily. There will be a fullness of time when His plan reaches completion and there will be a day when Jesus comes again, and until that day occurs, no one will know what day it will be, no matter their level of knowledge or relationship with the Lord. We should look forward to that day, but embrace the days we have in His mercy, and pursue Him. As Peter says to end his second letter: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." ( 2 Peter 3:18 NIV)

Reality Check

This morning I am reading from Psalm 73:1-3, 16-18, 23-26 NIV:

[1] "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. [2] But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. [3] For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

[16] "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply [17] till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. [18] Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin."

[23] "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. [24] You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. [26] My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever".

This psalm is always such a good reminder of the eternal reality that exists. There are may times in my life when I have wondered if following the Lord is worth the effort, worth the struggle, and ultimately fulfilling. I look around at people with newer cars, nicer houses, seemingly better lives, and I think to myself that somehow I am missing out.

I remember it the first time I read this psalm. It was early in my walk with the Lord, and I was feeling particularly sorry for myself, thinking I should just chuck all this Christianity stuff and be like everyone else. I was reading through my Bible and read this verse, and immediately saw the fallacy of my thoughts. The eternal reality, as well as the life of blessing, and intimacy with the Lord, was much better than the alternative, I was just being blinded by my greed and desire.

Lord, thank You for Your blessing, love, life, faithfulness, mercy, compassion, provision, and guidance. Life with You is so much better than the alternative! Ultimately we inherit eternal life with You, which is far better than the other eternal reality.

God Knows Our Thoughts and Still Loves Us

This morning I am reading from Jeremiah 17, which has several significant passages and verses. I am looking specifically at the following this morning:

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV
[9] "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah's thought)
[10] “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (The Lord's Answer)

I added my own notes as I think the conversation occurred when Jeremiah was writing. In addition to the context of the conversation, I find that the Lord often works this way with me as well. I will have a thought or be thinking about a theme, and when I open my Bible, or sit in prayer, the Lord will directly respond to that which I had been thinking. The Lord not only knows our hearts and minds, but He knows our thoughts and is aware of them constantly. He wants us to understand the intimate knowledge He has of us, and His love for us, regardless of our sinful state.

I am reminded of Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 NIV
[1] "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. [2] You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. [3] You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. [4] Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely."

[23] "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

I love how aware David was of God's knowledge of him, and his ways. He also understood that God, although He could judge, chooses mercy time and time again. God understands that we are all sinners, that we all fail (Rom 3:23), that we don't understand His ways (Is 55:8-9) and He still loves us and calls us into relationship with Him (John 3:16-17).

If we pay attention, we will find that the Lord is constantly desiring to interact with us in our daily life, responding to our thoughts and prayers, leading us and guiding us. He really does know our hearts and minds, our thoughts and feelings, and He really does care. God is not just some judge sitting on a throne, waiting to judge us on a day of reckoning, but rather, as Jesus demonstrated, a Father whose love is beyond our comprehension, and a Father who knows us intimately and still chooses to love us and reach out to us constantly. Finally as Jesus said in John 14:23b: "...My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."

Revelation of the Father

This morning I was reading from Luke 10:21-24 NIV:
[21] "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. [22] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” [23] Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

My heart is focused on the end of verse 22, speaking about knowing the Father. One of my favorite authors, Bill Johnson, says that the primary purpose Jesus came to earth was to reveal the Father, and that is exactly what Jesus is speaking about here. He came to reveal what the Father is like, and men ( even Kings and Prophets) have sought this type of understanding for centuries before His arrival. What is amazing to me is how many people still do not know what the Father is like, when we have Jesus' example available for us to reflect on and learn from.

I know in my life I am often apt to take on someone's ( a friend or trusted acquaintance) opinion on somebody else, especially if it concerns a person I don't know. If they have an opinion of a person, I will often embrace that opinion, without ever knowing or trying to know that person. I have found that often times, I have a very different experience when I get to know someone personally, and often really like someone that friend doesn't like. My point being that its only in our direct experience that we can really get to know someone, and so often we let others, besides Jesus tell us what the Father is like. We must pursue understanding the Father ourselves, through the revelation of Jesus - for He and the Father are one.

That is why 'religion' is so troubling, for people come to think of the Father as the enforcer of rules, or code of conduct, and miss the fact that He is a loving, personable, merciful and giving Father. That is also why our witness is so critical, for others will look to us and make judgements about the Father and Jesus based on how we, as Christians, act and respond.

Lord, help me to know You more, and really understand You, so that I might faithfully represent You to those around me. Help me to meditate on the revelation of the Father in Jesus' life, and help me to choose to become like You!

A Basic Prescription

This morning I am reading from 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."

I love Paul's writings for He distills the message at times into basic truths, which he encloses in long sentences that you could think about for days, if not weeks. As an example, from the second half of verse 9 through the end of verse 12, Paul writes one sentence that could be the foundation for a life following Christ. His key points being:

1) Being filled with the knowledge of God's will through wisdom and understanding
2) After understanding God's will, living out our life in obedience to that will, because we love Him and want to please Him (God)
3) Which leads to a life that bears fruit in good works
4) Which leads to growing in our knowledge of the Lord - (back to point 1)
5) And being strengthened through His might that we might have great endurance and patience
6) And in all things, giving thanks to the Lord, for we have been welcomed into His Kingdom of Light and Life

Yep, a basic prescription for following the Lord everyday in our life. If I could walk these basic points out, I would be a long ways down the road in my desire to be like Jesus. Sometimes its nice to be reminded of the simplicity of our call to be His disciples. Lord, help me to remember the simple things, the basics of my life with You.

God Reigns Over All

This morning I felt led to read from Daniel 7:9-10, 13-18 NIV:
[9] “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. [10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

[15] “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. [16] I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: [17] ‘The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. [18] But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever---yes, for ever and ever.’

I love the Book of Daniel. I guess I love any book in the Old Testament that provides a good prophetic view of Jesus. Daniel, along with Isaiah, are two of my favorites. Daniel was written around 600BC. He effectively and accurately prophesied about reveal of the kingdom changes that would affect that world, the times of the Persian, Greek, and Roman domination. More importantly he also accurately prophesied about the coming of the 'Son of Man' who was given all authority and power - clearly looking forward to Jesus.

To put this in perspective, 600 years earlier than now would be 1513. Spain was a power, all Europe was ruled by Kings, America had just been discovered a few years earlier, England and Scotland were fighting each other, etc. Daniel's prophecy named the next four major powers and changes in authority, even the number of days each would stay in power, and the number of kings. Imagine having been given a prophetic picture in 1513 that would accurately foretell the major changes in power coming upon Europe. That is effectively what Daniel did, and his culminating vision was the coming of Jesus, which occurred 600 years later.

Also, not to be forgotten, is his vision of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is, and will always be victorious over the kingdoms of the earth. Jesus does reign in power and His Kingdom is established, and we (the holy people - made so by Jesus' sacrifice) will possess the Kingdom with Him (see above verse 18). It is good to be reminded that God does reign and He has been controlling the destiny of the world forever, and continues to control its destiny. He causes nations to rise and fall, kingdoms to be established and torn down, and through all of that He reigns supreme! All nations will worship Him, all peoples will bend their knee, He has all authority, glory and sovereignty. God reigns over all!

Its good to reminded of this on snowy days in May, when things seem all mixed up. :-)

Children and The Kingdom

This morning I opened my Bible to these verses out of Matthew 19:13-15 NIV:
[13] "Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. [14] Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” [15] When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there."

I have always liked the fact that Jesus loved children, and took time to interact with them personally. I was interested in verse 14 this morning, as the Kingdom of Heaven was the main focus of Jesus' ministry and message. The NIV translation takes a slightly different track than the literal translation of the Greek - here quoted from Greens Literal Translation: "But Jesus said, Allow the little children and do not prevent them to come to Me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."

Without getting all theological, the differences between "the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these", and "of such is the kingdom of Heaven" appears to be an issue of timing and ownership. When I read the NIV translation I get the feeling that Jesus is referring to their future inheritance, although its not explicit. When I read the original Greek, and Green's translation, it seems like Jesus says the Kingdom already includes these children. This present versus future participation is significant, especially in the eyes of the church.

Jesus says they are part of the Kingdom of Heaven already, so why do we treat children as Christians in training, but not full members of the church? At the time Jesus lived, children really were the lowest level socially, and I have heard many say that Jesus was addressing this issue here. In some ways many of our churches do the same very same thing, in separating the children out, not allowing them to experience the fullness of life of the church. Of course the fact that for many the life of the church consists of lengthy sermons, or worship that is lifeless, certainly doesn't make it attractive to children. However, I think that part of the message we send the children, when we separate them from the adults is that they aren't really a part of what God is doing, but some day they will be. I think we are too worried about the messiness and noise that occurs when the children are present, but Jesus didn't seem to mind.

I think we should take Jesus words seriously - "do not prevent them to come to Me". Let us work to include all, and encourage all to fully experience the fullness of our life as members of the Kingdom of God. Let us welcome the children and encourage the children, and see them as members. I go back in my mind to the daughters of Philip - Acts 21:8-9: "Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied." The actual word, here translated unmarried, means virgin - of marriageable age. I understand that marriageable age could mean very early teens, and here were four, all separated by at least a year in age, so doing basic math, the youngest could have been younger then 12. They were all recognized within the church as prophets, and as such must have had time to develop their gift, meaning the church recognized them, recognized their gifts at an early age and encouraged them as full members. I say Amen - let the church do the same, for the church is supposed to represent the Kingdom of Heaven.

Religion vs. Relationship

Matthew 19:16-22 NIV
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?” [17] “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” [18] “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, [19] honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” [20] “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” [21] Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [22] When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

I was thinking this morning about how we so often try to boil down our faith and religion into a list of do(s) and don't(s), basically a list of prescribed religious activities. We tend to be task orientated, and just want to know what we should do. The problem for us is that in the Lord's eyes it is all about relationship. I think the focus of those verses is not so much the wealth of the ruler, but the invitation that Jesus gave the man to come and follow Him, in other words to come and be in relationship with Jesus.

I often read through these verses and immediately think about the stuff I would need to sell, etc., and the real point is that the invitation is to be in relationship. Relationships, even with the Lord, take time and communication. Relationships are not about things we can do, lists we can check, etc. Relationships require heart to heart communication, time to just be, learning how one another thinks, acts, and feels. You can't get that in any great depth through just working down a list of things. Relationships require heart engagement.

Lord, help us to leave behind our lists and our do(s) and don't(s), our religious activity, and help us to enter fully into relationship with You.