This morning I am reflecting on Paul's letter to the Colossians, and most of the second chapter. Paul is encouraging freedom and grace towards one another. Here are the verses I am looking at - Colossians 2:2-3,6-8,16-17,20-23 NIV:
[2] "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
[6] "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, [7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. [8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
[16] "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [17] These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."
[20] "Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: [21] “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? [22] These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. [23] Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."
My good friend and I were talking about these very things yesterday morning, how we like to keep score, how we like to focus on tasks rather than relationship. I know in the past I have meditated on how we are uncomfortable with allowing people to operate in a relational paradigm concerning their faith, ourselves included. We want rules and lists and tasks so that we can "judge" our progress. We like things that are nice and neat, and lists are that. We think we could enjoy a life of checking off things to do, events to attend, and such. However, the invitation of the Lord is to relationship. Each of us is invited in the same way and each of us should have our own unique expression of relationship with the Lord, as He is the Lord of our lives.
Our temptation is to put together a list of things, a calendar of events, a schedule and a chart and then use that to judge our progress rather than entering into the give and take of relational contexts. Relationships take time, effort and communication! Relationships require participation of both parties, and growth and change. Relationships mature over time and increase in depth of insight and understanding of one another. In our relationship with the Lord, these are all true.
In our relationship with the Lord, as we allow Him to speak into us and call us forward in personal growth so that we can become more like Him, the Lord will bring up things to consider, opportunities for change, and invitations to embrace. For each of us those things will be unique as to where we are in relationship, and unique to our own growth and maturity individually. He might invite me to step away from social media for a while as He speaks into me, others He might encourage to reach out to those in need, still others might be invited to spend more time in prayer. No one thing is better than another, and each is crafted by the Lord to lead us to our next step in growth and maturity in Him.
Continuing that line of thought, there are those that are invited to embrace singleness, others are called to marriage; some invited to embrace to voluntary poverty, others to extravagant giving from their wealth; some are invited to service in full-time ministry, others to ministry in the workplace; some are led to prayer and intercession, others to evangelism and outreaches. Somehow we can slide into thinking we can rank or "judge" the different calls and invitations and think of some as more important, or more favored than others! We want to compare, to "judge", and that is what Paul discourages here.
I have been a part of several ministries that proclaimed the "high" calling, as if their particular ministry or way of life was better than most others. They appealed to our desire to do great things in our fervor and love, and while each was excellent, they were embracing a form of spiritual pride, and that is always dangerous. In this particular letter Paul is addressing some of the "high-callings" of that time, those that wanted to add to the Gospel, those that said there were rules for special days, or fasts, or even ascetic life in the desert and that these were better than other ways of life! He was addressing in particular the false humility of a life of poverty and asceticism with a fasted life-style as an outward humbleness that hides an inner pride of being better than everyone else.
Our goal, each of us, should be to embrace relationship with the Lord as He leads us! We should encourage each other in our individual walks, and give grace to everyone else for the pursuit of the Lord as He uniquely draws them. We should assume that while many might have similar walks, that the Lord is equally Lord of other's lives, as He is of our own. We should allow Him to direct and guide, teach and discipline. We need to realize that He is working in all of our lives, as He promised He would. We need to embrace personal responsibility for our own lives, and learn not to "judge" others.
We would do well to embrace Paul's encouragement from the verses above - Col 2: 6-7 NIV: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Let us embrace gratitude for the invitation, for the life of blessings, and for the relationship! He is the reason we are here! He is the reason we have experienced salvation! He is the reason we have seen personal growth! He is the reason we are seen as righteous before the Father! It is His gifts of life and abilities that we enjoy everyday. It is His breath that fills us and moves through us!
So, let us continue to live our lives, rooted and built up in relationship with Him! Let us embrace His grace, and extend this same grace to everyone else! Let us embrace relationship as the only thing that matters, and stop keeping score! Let us entrust our walk and the walk of everyone else to the Lord, for He is the only one who is able to be Lord for everyone equally!
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Dealing With Selective Memory In Our Faith Walk
This morning I opened my bible and I read from where I had last left off in Exodus, and the following verse popped - Exodus 16:3 NIV: "The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
This is a great example of revisionist history - in the common mindset of the people. The Israelites seemed to forget that they were slaves in Egypt and had been crying to God to save them! They were mistreated and beaten and forced to work long hard hours by cruel task masters. Here are the verses from earlier in Exodus describing their situation - Exodus 1:8-9,11-14 NIV:
[8] "Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. [9] “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us."
[11] "So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. [12] But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites [13] and worked them ruthlessly. [14] They made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly."
- and -
Exodus 2:23-24 NIV
[23] "During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. [24] God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob."
I don't know about you, but this doesn't sound like sitting around pots of meat, eating all the meat they wanted! They were remembering the fact that the Egyptians fed them, but were forgetting that they did so so that they could work them ruthlessly! They were having selective memory and because of it they were accusing God of failing to provide for them. Here God had done exactly what they asked (freed them from their slavery in Egypt) and was leading them to the promised land, and all they could think of was how good they had it in Egypt!
I heard a great teaching by Bill Johnson a few years back talking about the testing that accompanies extreme obedience. He was talking about the way the Lord will sometimes allow time or difficulty to test our resolve in our trust in Him. Here is my blog entry on that day - http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2014/05/obeying-into-weakness.html
The point Bill was making was sometimes our obedience leads us into times of greater trusting, and even perceived weakness, before the final fulfillment of God's promise. In this case today, the Israelites cried out to God. He answered by mightily working on their behalf, and part of that transition included leading them through the desert, where food and water were scarce.
Rather than focus on the the great things God had done already, they only looked at was immediately in front of them! Instead of remembering the whole truth and being grateful, they chose to focus on the small (in reference to Slavery in Egypt) issue of being hungry! It was a legitimate issue, and God is faithful to provide! However, rather than stay in a place of trust and believing that God had provided so far and already worked miracles, and was sure to do so again, they started accusing God of failing them! They went immediately to the place of unbelief and accusation, spurred on by their less than perfect memories of how they got there!
This morning I am encouraged to remind myself of all the Lord has done in my life! I am encouraged to remember His mercy, His compassion, His faithfulness, His intervention in my life, His leading me, His connecting me, His miraculous provision and answers to prayer! I am encouraged to look at my thoughts and to repent of any unbelief or accusations I am making against Him, realizing that I am clearly not remembering the whole story!
Lord, I am so grateful for all that You have done, and are continuing to do in my life. I sometimes can't see how or where You are leading me, but I know that You are good, You are faithful and You love me!
Amen!
This is a great example of revisionist history - in the common mindset of the people. The Israelites seemed to forget that they were slaves in Egypt and had been crying to God to save them! They were mistreated and beaten and forced to work long hard hours by cruel task masters. Here are the verses from earlier in Exodus describing their situation - Exodus 1:8-9,11-14 NIV:
[8] "Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. [9] “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us."
[11] "So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. [12] But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites [13] and worked them ruthlessly. [14] They made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly."
- and -
Exodus 2:23-24 NIV
[23] "During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. [24] God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob."
I don't know about you, but this doesn't sound like sitting around pots of meat, eating all the meat they wanted! They were remembering the fact that the Egyptians fed them, but were forgetting that they did so so that they could work them ruthlessly! They were having selective memory and because of it they were accusing God of failing to provide for them. Here God had done exactly what they asked (freed them from their slavery in Egypt) and was leading them to the promised land, and all they could think of was how good they had it in Egypt!
I heard a great teaching by Bill Johnson a few years back talking about the testing that accompanies extreme obedience. He was talking about the way the Lord will sometimes allow time or difficulty to test our resolve in our trust in Him. Here is my blog entry on that day - http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2014/05/obeying-into-weakness.html
The point Bill was making was sometimes our obedience leads us into times of greater trusting, and even perceived weakness, before the final fulfillment of God's promise. In this case today, the Israelites cried out to God. He answered by mightily working on their behalf, and part of that transition included leading them through the desert, where food and water were scarce.
Rather than focus on the the great things God had done already, they only looked at was immediately in front of them! Instead of remembering the whole truth and being grateful, they chose to focus on the small (in reference to Slavery in Egypt) issue of being hungry! It was a legitimate issue, and God is faithful to provide! However, rather than stay in a place of trust and believing that God had provided so far and already worked miracles, and was sure to do so again, they started accusing God of failing them! They went immediately to the place of unbelief and accusation, spurred on by their less than perfect memories of how they got there!
This morning I am encouraged to remind myself of all the Lord has done in my life! I am encouraged to remember His mercy, His compassion, His faithfulness, His intervention in my life, His leading me, His connecting me, His miraculous provision and answers to prayer! I am encouraged to look at my thoughts and to repent of any unbelief or accusations I am making against Him, realizing that I am clearly not remembering the whole story!
Lord, I am so grateful for all that You have done, and are continuing to do in my life. I sometimes can't see how or where You are leading me, but I know that You are good, You are faithful and You love me!
Amen!
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Learning About God In Our Expereinces
This morning I have been reading from Exodus 16 & 17, and they are stories of the Lord's provision. He gave them Manna and Quail to eat (16) and provided them water where there wasn't any (17) and led them in victory by having Moses raise His arms with the Staff of the Lord, to the Lord and afterwards Moses built an altar and called it the Lord is my Banner (nace - something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail).
I was just reflecting on how the Lord provided food, water and victory over their enemies, all in basically one page. When they were marching through the desert, God provided everything they needed. Initially they were hungry, and complained. Then they were thirsty and complained and grumbled. It seems something never change, for that is exactly my response to difficulty that I encounter.
The Israelites were learning the character of God, learning to encounter Him in His provision and blessing! They were learning to obey His directions, recognizing that He was true to His Word. In these situations, they were able to increase their understanding and experience of Him. Without the difficulty, they wouldn't have understood His miraculous provision and blessings. They got into those situations because they were following God, but they didn't understand His purpose in revealing His supernatural provision as they were in need.
They were progressively learning about God, understanding His ways and experience seems to be the way they needed to learn. God had revealed Himself in many ways, but wanted them to know beyond a shadow of a doubt about His character. Maybe they should have been asking themselves, what is God going to show us about Himself in this place of need? Maybe, that should be my first question, rather than assuming God has abandoned me, or is displeased with me in some way, or complaining about how I didn't sign up for this!
Graham Cooke talks about how difficulty is always a door to provision in the Kingdom of God, and how we are well served by learning to rest in God. If we can embrace resting in God's faithfulness rather than complaining or grumbling or worry, what a difference we would see in our life! If we can learn to see things from His perspective, to look to His revelation and provision, knowing that He is going to teach us through experience, then we can cease our complaining and grumbling and follow His direction.
This morning I am encouraged to remember all the things that He has shown me through experience, and to lay claim to His promises, provision and blessings! He is a good God! He knows my needs before I even mention them! He will show Himself faithful!
Amen!
I was just reflecting on how the Lord provided food, water and victory over their enemies, all in basically one page. When they were marching through the desert, God provided everything they needed. Initially they were hungry, and complained. Then they were thirsty and complained and grumbled. It seems something never change, for that is exactly my response to difficulty that I encounter.
The Israelites were learning the character of God, learning to encounter Him in His provision and blessing! They were learning to obey His directions, recognizing that He was true to His Word. In these situations, they were able to increase their understanding and experience of Him. Without the difficulty, they wouldn't have understood His miraculous provision and blessings. They got into those situations because they were following God, but they didn't understand His purpose in revealing His supernatural provision as they were in need.
They were progressively learning about God, understanding His ways and experience seems to be the way they needed to learn. God had revealed Himself in many ways, but wanted them to know beyond a shadow of a doubt about His character. Maybe they should have been asking themselves, what is God going to show us about Himself in this place of need? Maybe, that should be my first question, rather than assuming God has abandoned me, or is displeased with me in some way, or complaining about how I didn't sign up for this!
Graham Cooke talks about how difficulty is always a door to provision in the Kingdom of God, and how we are well served by learning to rest in God. If we can embrace resting in God's faithfulness rather than complaining or grumbling or worry, what a difference we would see in our life! If we can learn to see things from His perspective, to look to His revelation and provision, knowing that He is going to teach us through experience, then we can cease our complaining and grumbling and follow His direction.
This morning I am encouraged to remember all the things that He has shown me through experience, and to lay claim to His promises, provision and blessings! He is a good God! He knows my needs before I even mention them! He will show Himself faithful!
Amen!
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Becoming "Like" Those We Are Called To
This morning, I am wanting to reflect on the following verses - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV:
[19] "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. [20] To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. [21] To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
My first thought and point of research is to consider Paul's saying that he makes himself a slave to everyone. For us the idea of being a slave has such a negative connotation. The Greek word douloo does mean slave, in bondage, but it can also mean to "give myself wholly to one's needs and service, make myself a bondman to him". A much better translation in my mind, would be to have Paul saying he has made himself a "bondman" to everyone. He was volunteering, and making a choice to serve. We see this mentality echoed in his next sentences, his choosing to be "like" a Jew, like one under the law, like one not under the law.
He actually takes this choice even further for the weak, and becomes weak for their sake. It takes great strength and courage to empty oneself and embrace weakness. He then goes on to say that He has "become all things to all people" so that He might save some. What a radically different approach this is to sharing Gospel, compared to our standard Sunday fare. For many churches, the invitation is to come to us and become like us and you can experience salvation! It seems that for many the idea of going to the lost and becoming "like" them as a precursor to sharing the Gospel is now a strange and unacceptable concept. We like to judge those who are lost, not become like them!
I am not throwing out all the rest of Paul's teaching where he encouraged his audience to become like him, to follow the witness of Christ, to follow the Law of Christ, but rather am reflecting on Paul's conscious decision to reach the lost and get down (if I can say that without being demeaning) to their level! The fact that this discussion is within a chapter that starts out with Paul defending himself as an apostle, makes me think that people in the church were judging Paul for his freedom and the choices he was making to advance the Gospel. I don't think much has changed in the church these days, as I believe many would be quick to judge someone who was so conscious of their freedom, and who lived like those who had, what some would call, radical lifestyles (using a more common phrase for today) to become a witness to the lost in those lifestyles.
As an example, we might revel in those Christians who are tattooed and pierced, and think them a type of sensation, but become like them? We might like to minister to the poor, but would we want to become like them, moving out of our comfortable homes, selling our nice cars and living the life of the less fortunate, of the struggling? We might like to visit foreign countries on missions trips, but to actually move there and minister in their midst? All of these statements are challenging to my own comfort, and I am aware of my own struggle to even think this way.
At the same time, I don't want to over swing and think that this calling to some group that we are unlike is the calling of everyone! There are lost all around us, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, in our local stores and public venues. We don't have to strive to become like someone we are not, to win people to the Gospel, for people like us (who are lost) are all around us! We are called, each to the ministry field, but for many of us that field is immediately surrounding us, even our very families. Maybe our radical call is to just minister the Gospel to those who are already in our lives!
My main point of reflection this morning is simply this - we should not judge our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ who are different, who are reaching to different groups, different life-styles, different ethnic or societal groups. We are each responsible to follow the direction of the Lord, to extend the Gospel of Grace, and to love one another! We must not think ourselves better than someone else who looks or acts differently, for they might very well be following the Lord's specific directions and call! We also must be willing to go where the Lord leads us, understanding that He loves the lost and desires that all might come to Him in relationship and love. As Paul says in his letter to 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
Amen!
[19] "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. [20] To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. [21] To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
My first thought and point of research is to consider Paul's saying that he makes himself a slave to everyone. For us the idea of being a slave has such a negative connotation. The Greek word douloo does mean slave, in bondage, but it can also mean to "give myself wholly to one's needs and service, make myself a bondman to him". A much better translation in my mind, would be to have Paul saying he has made himself a "bondman" to everyone. He was volunteering, and making a choice to serve. We see this mentality echoed in his next sentences, his choosing to be "like" a Jew, like one under the law, like one not under the law.
He actually takes this choice even further for the weak, and becomes weak for their sake. It takes great strength and courage to empty oneself and embrace weakness. He then goes on to say that He has "become all things to all people" so that He might save some. What a radically different approach this is to sharing Gospel, compared to our standard Sunday fare. For many churches, the invitation is to come to us and become like us and you can experience salvation! It seems that for many the idea of going to the lost and becoming "like" them as a precursor to sharing the Gospel is now a strange and unacceptable concept. We like to judge those who are lost, not become like them!
I am not throwing out all the rest of Paul's teaching where he encouraged his audience to become like him, to follow the witness of Christ, to follow the Law of Christ, but rather am reflecting on Paul's conscious decision to reach the lost and get down (if I can say that without being demeaning) to their level! The fact that this discussion is within a chapter that starts out with Paul defending himself as an apostle, makes me think that people in the church were judging Paul for his freedom and the choices he was making to advance the Gospel. I don't think much has changed in the church these days, as I believe many would be quick to judge someone who was so conscious of their freedom, and who lived like those who had, what some would call, radical lifestyles (using a more common phrase for today) to become a witness to the lost in those lifestyles.
As an example, we might revel in those Christians who are tattooed and pierced, and think them a type of sensation, but become like them? We might like to minister to the poor, but would we want to become like them, moving out of our comfortable homes, selling our nice cars and living the life of the less fortunate, of the struggling? We might like to visit foreign countries on missions trips, but to actually move there and minister in their midst? All of these statements are challenging to my own comfort, and I am aware of my own struggle to even think this way.
At the same time, I don't want to over swing and think that this calling to some group that we are unlike is the calling of everyone! There are lost all around us, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, in our local stores and public venues. We don't have to strive to become like someone we are not, to win people to the Gospel, for people like us (who are lost) are all around us! We are called, each to the ministry field, but for many of us that field is immediately surrounding us, even our very families. Maybe our radical call is to just minister the Gospel to those who are already in our lives!
My main point of reflection this morning is simply this - we should not judge our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ who are different, who are reaching to different groups, different life-styles, different ethnic or societal groups. We are each responsible to follow the direction of the Lord, to extend the Gospel of Grace, and to love one another! We must not think ourselves better than someone else who looks or acts differently, for they might very well be following the Lord's specific directions and call! We also must be willing to go where the Lord leads us, understanding that He loves the lost and desires that all might come to Him in relationship and love. As Paul says in his letter to 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
Amen!
Friday, May 11, 2018
Encouragement When Things Go Bad!
This morning as I was opening my Bible, I was reminded of my last two reflections, one about the Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7) and the other about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles during Peter's visit to them (Acts 11). I was reminded of a couple of verses in chapter 11 that referenced back to the stoning of Stephen and the result o of the persecution that broke out after it. Here are the verses - Acts 11:19-21 NIV:
[19] "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. [20] Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. [21] The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."
And here is a description of the persecution breaking out from the earlier account, with verses immediately following his death - Acts 8:1-8 NIV:
[1] "And Saul approved of their killing him."
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. [2] Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. [3] But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison."
[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."
My reflection this morning was how God used a terrible situation and turned it into the spreading of the Gospel worldwide, for clearly before the stoning of Stephen the growth of the church was almost all Jerusalem centric, and focused solely on the Jews. There was a great effort underway by satan to try and destroy the church, and I am sure the thought was to kill the leaders, and squash this budding movement.
From the perspective of the believers, they were very afraid and they scattered immediately. Logistically this meant that thousands of believers scattered into the surrounding area of Judea and Samaria and even as far as Phonecia, Cyprus and Antioch, all of which had strong populations of Jews. If we just think about this from a mathematic perspective, according to Luke, the church went from being primarily Apostle lead, and spread to being almost 100% missionary!
We know from Acts 2 that there were about 120 followers in the upper room, and for this equation we can consider them Apostolic - by Acts 4 there were 5000 believers. So if we count the 120 as leaders and 5000 believers, the church was 2.4% leaders and 97.6% followers/believers. Once the persecution hit, those numbers immediately flipped and now the majority of believers were now preaching "the word wherever they went" and we see a completely different model for the spread of Christianity!
I am certainly not advocating persecution or disaster for the church, but what I am seeing is how impossible it is to stop the Holy Spirit! He will lead and guide and direct, and turn the worst situation into explosive growth and blessing! He is unaffected by the plans and efforts of man!
I am not overlooking the difficulty and struggle those that fled likely went through, for they were uprooting families and moving great distances in some cases. They were afraid and were being hunted by Saul and his colleagues. They were hard-pressed, but in the midst of all that, they saw God's plan and the Body of Christ expand and prosper. It was clearly not the plan of any man or leader, and yet the Holy Spirit stepped right in and took over! On top of that, He wouldn't settle for a spreading of the Good News among just the Jews, but directed them significantly to open the Gospel to the Gentiles!
The Holy Spirit was about something far greater than anyone likely understood for several years. It was in looking back upon the effects of the persecution that Luke was able to see the hand of God moving. Jesus had spoken prophetically about this and even given the Apostles the charge to go to all the world (Matt 28) but I am sure not a single one of them imagined the persecution following the killing of Stephen would be the enabling event. I am sure they likely had some plans for outreach and mission trips, and had some comfortable time-frames and plans, and instead we have persecution and scattering of the whole church!
So my encouragement this morning is to not worry about difficult situations or trouble caused by the plans of man! There is a path forward in the Holy Spirit that will take those difficult situations and circumstances and turn them into massive blessing and growth! I am also encouraged in my personal life to not worry so much, but to rather entrust myself to the Holy Spirit's guidance, direction and care! It might be difficult for a season, but God will be glorified and I will be blessed to see Him move in and through my life. So when things go bad, let us look to the Lord, believe in His ability to save and transform! Let us help one another and speak encouragement based on the history of God's faithfulness! Let us remember His promise that He will never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6)!
Amen!
[19] "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. [20] Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. [21] The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."
And here is a description of the persecution breaking out from the earlier account, with verses immediately following his death - Acts 8:1-8 NIV:
[1] "And Saul approved of their killing him."
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. [2] Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. [3] But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison."
[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."
My reflection this morning was how God used a terrible situation and turned it into the spreading of the Gospel worldwide, for clearly before the stoning of Stephen the growth of the church was almost all Jerusalem centric, and focused solely on the Jews. There was a great effort underway by satan to try and destroy the church, and I am sure the thought was to kill the leaders, and squash this budding movement.
From the perspective of the believers, they were very afraid and they scattered immediately. Logistically this meant that thousands of believers scattered into the surrounding area of Judea and Samaria and even as far as Phonecia, Cyprus and Antioch, all of which had strong populations of Jews. If we just think about this from a mathematic perspective, according to Luke, the church went from being primarily Apostle lead, and spread to being almost 100% missionary!
We know from Acts 2 that there were about 120 followers in the upper room, and for this equation we can consider them Apostolic - by Acts 4 there were 5000 believers. So if we count the 120 as leaders and 5000 believers, the church was 2.4% leaders and 97.6% followers/believers. Once the persecution hit, those numbers immediately flipped and now the majority of believers were now preaching "the word wherever they went" and we see a completely different model for the spread of Christianity!
I am certainly not advocating persecution or disaster for the church, but what I am seeing is how impossible it is to stop the Holy Spirit! He will lead and guide and direct, and turn the worst situation into explosive growth and blessing! He is unaffected by the plans and efforts of man!
I am not overlooking the difficulty and struggle those that fled likely went through, for they were uprooting families and moving great distances in some cases. They were afraid and were being hunted by Saul and his colleagues. They were hard-pressed, but in the midst of all that, they saw God's plan and the Body of Christ expand and prosper. It was clearly not the plan of any man or leader, and yet the Holy Spirit stepped right in and took over! On top of that, He wouldn't settle for a spreading of the Good News among just the Jews, but directed them significantly to open the Gospel to the Gentiles!
The Holy Spirit was about something far greater than anyone likely understood for several years. It was in looking back upon the effects of the persecution that Luke was able to see the hand of God moving. Jesus had spoken prophetically about this and even given the Apostles the charge to go to all the world (Matt 28) but I am sure not a single one of them imagined the persecution following the killing of Stephen would be the enabling event. I am sure they likely had some plans for outreach and mission trips, and had some comfortable time-frames and plans, and instead we have persecution and scattering of the whole church!
So my encouragement this morning is to not worry about difficult situations or trouble caused by the plans of man! There is a path forward in the Holy Spirit that will take those difficult situations and circumstances and turn them into massive blessing and growth! I am also encouraged in my personal life to not worry so much, but to rather entrust myself to the Holy Spirit's guidance, direction and care! It might be difficult for a season, but God will be glorified and I will be blessed to see Him move in and through my life. So when things go bad, let us look to the Lord, believe in His ability to save and transform! Let us help one another and speak encouragement based on the history of God's faithfulness! Let us remember His promise that He will never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6)!
Amen!
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Following the Move of the Holy Spirit
Recently I have been reflecting on several circumstances in my life and career that seem less than optimal, and I have been pushing into the Lord, knowing that in Him and through Him, I will gain perspective and understanding. I was reflecting on Paul's excellent encouragement from his letter to the Philippians 3:12-14 NIV:
[12] "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
I know that God is capable, that He is working and He has plans that are being worked out in my life. I am greatly encouraged to trust Him, and to embrace patience and intimacy with Him, while He works.
This morning, as I opened my Bible I felt like I should go back to the book of the Acts and spend some time reflecting on Peter's recounting of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised gentiles. It is so interesting how the Holy Spirit intervened and caused a significant change in understanding among the believers, but more importantly changed History for all of us who are not Jews.
After Peter finished his retelling of the whole situation, the believers decide that God apparently knows what He is doing - and that is where I am picking up my reflection this morning. Here are the verses - Acts 11:15-21 NIV:
[15] “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. [16] Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' [17] So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?”
[18] "When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
[19] "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. [20] Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. [21] The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."
This is all such an interesting account of one of the most significant occurrences in the early church. I really appreciate how Luke didn't mince words, but gave a clear recounting of the reaction and seeming inability to follow the lead and direction of the Holy Spirit. I am also very grateful for the corrective capabilities of the Holy Spirit. A couple of observations on these verses:
1) The Holy Spirit is fully capable of intervening in the life and practice of the church to bring correction, guidance and connect one to another.
2) There was a significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit, when Peter was speaking, that was evident to all and was a sign of the Holy Spirit's working!
3) This outpouring is tied closely with salvation and repentance, and seems to be missing these days, not due to lack of power on the Holy Spirit's part.
4) Even though the Jewish believers understood God's greater plan to include the Gentiles, after this retelling by Peter, they didn't apparently change their behaviour to match God's plan (see the end of verse 19) and God had to spur on some Cypriots and Cyreneans to actually start reaching out to the gentiles who were Greek. Both of these locations were primarily Greek, so for them they were going to like-speaking peoples.
5) God provided all the encouragement they needed in the form of conversions (note it was those that went to the Greeks in Antioch that saw the great number of converts, not the Jews who went to Antioch - If we can draw that conclusion from verses 19-21).
6) We should be willing to follow the move of the Holy Spirit, to listen to what He is saying and watch what He is doing, and join in!
7) The Lord is looking for those who will listen and obey!
8) The Lord will find a way to accomplish His will, even if we miss it. He may even bring in outsiders.
So this morning, I am encouraged that God is capable, and moving! I am encouraged that even if I miss what He is doing, I am not the only individual available to do His work. There is always an invitation, and encouragement to join in what God is doing! He can divinely move and connect us to others, even those with no previous connection. He will show His pleasure and hand through the pouring out of gifts and conversions!
Come Holy Spirit, move us and guide us and pour out Your power!
Amen!
[12] "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
I know that God is capable, that He is working and He has plans that are being worked out in my life. I am greatly encouraged to trust Him, and to embrace patience and intimacy with Him, while He works.
This morning, as I opened my Bible I felt like I should go back to the book of the Acts and spend some time reflecting on Peter's recounting of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised gentiles. It is so interesting how the Holy Spirit intervened and caused a significant change in understanding among the believers, but more importantly changed History for all of us who are not Jews.
After Peter finished his retelling of the whole situation, the believers decide that God apparently knows what He is doing - and that is where I am picking up my reflection this morning. Here are the verses - Acts 11:15-21 NIV:
[15] “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. [16] Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' [17] So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?”
[18] "When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
[19] "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. [20] Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. [21] The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."
This is all such an interesting account of one of the most significant occurrences in the early church. I really appreciate how Luke didn't mince words, but gave a clear recounting of the reaction and seeming inability to follow the lead and direction of the Holy Spirit. I am also very grateful for the corrective capabilities of the Holy Spirit. A couple of observations on these verses:
1) The Holy Spirit is fully capable of intervening in the life and practice of the church to bring correction, guidance and connect one to another.
2) There was a significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit, when Peter was speaking, that was evident to all and was a sign of the Holy Spirit's working!
3) This outpouring is tied closely with salvation and repentance, and seems to be missing these days, not due to lack of power on the Holy Spirit's part.
4) Even though the Jewish believers understood God's greater plan to include the Gentiles, after this retelling by Peter, they didn't apparently change their behaviour to match God's plan (see the end of verse 19) and God had to spur on some Cypriots and Cyreneans to actually start reaching out to the gentiles who were Greek. Both of these locations were primarily Greek, so for them they were going to like-speaking peoples.
5) God provided all the encouragement they needed in the form of conversions (note it was those that went to the Greeks in Antioch that saw the great number of converts, not the Jews who went to Antioch - If we can draw that conclusion from verses 19-21).
6) We should be willing to follow the move of the Holy Spirit, to listen to what He is saying and watch what He is doing, and join in!
7) The Lord is looking for those who will listen and obey!
8) The Lord will find a way to accomplish His will, even if we miss it. He may even bring in outsiders.
So this morning, I am encouraged that God is capable, and moving! I am encouraged that even if I miss what He is doing, I am not the only individual available to do His work. There is always an invitation, and encouragement to join in what God is doing! He can divinely move and connect us to others, even those with no previous connection. He will show His pleasure and hand through the pouring out of gifts and conversions!
Come Holy Spirit, move us and guide us and pour out Your power!
Amen!
Monday, May 7, 2018
Jesus Came to Save, Not to Judge
This morning I am reading from the twelfth chapter of John's Gospel. There is much that occurs in that chapter, but I am reflecting on the last few verses - John 12:44-50 NIV:
[44] "Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. [45] The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. [46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."
[47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
I have reflected on the theme of Jesus representing the Father many times, but it just never gets old. Here in verse 45 Jesus says that when we look at Him, we see the Father. We don't need to wonder what the Father is like, we can look at Jesus, at what is recorded about Him, to His words and actions and see the Father. His words, His actions, His compassion, His gentleness, His forgiveness, He mercy, His interest in the individual, His love for children, His healings, all are representative of the Father.
Secondly, Jesus says that He came into the world as a light. I am reminded of Ps 36, which I happened to be reflecting on yesterday.
Psalm 36:5-9 NIV:
[5] "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
[6] Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
[7] How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
[8] They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
[9] For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."
Yes, He brings illumination, and with that light, we see the Light of the Father. The light of life, the light of God, shines forth in Jesus, in His words and in His actions, and now in His church!
His next section is quite interesting in that He speaks about judgment, and His role. He clearly says that He came, not to judge, but to save! (Verse 47 above). Sometimes I think the church takes these few verses and mistakenly creates a hammer of judgment from the word of God, for Jesus says it is His words that will condemn them on the last day. Thus, we think we can hammer people with the Word, and threaten them with condemnation, in the hopes of saving them. We beat people with the Word, extracting rules and regulations, demanding they are obedient and telling them any faltering is potentially rewarded with eternal condemnation. We love the idea of His words being the judge, for we can make them into black and white rules for salvation or condemnation. We are so focused on judgment, we miss the first statement that Jesus made, namely that He came to save the world!
It is interesting, we can get so focused on one thing that we miss everything else. It is like when someone is speaking and they say something that reminds us of a memory we have, and instead of continuing to listen, we go off thinking about that memory. In this case Jesus is talking about relationship with Him, relationship with the Father, looking to Him and to His words and actions and seeing the Father. If we look at the scriptural record we see exactly how Jesus responded to sinners, to the lost, to the weary, to the unsaved. He was constantly inviting those (and us) into relationship, and it is only in that context that salvation and eternal life is received (John 17:3). In verse 47 above, Jesus speaks about hearing and keeping His words. The Greek word that is translated keep, could also have been translated treasures, guards, or protects. He is speaking about all that He has said previously and encouraging the people to guard and protect and treasure all those words. It is in embracing them, and choosing to repent, choosing to change, choosing to live differently, choosing relationship with Him, that Jesus is pointing to here, for that is exactly what He was just discussing.
As I look at the verses above I understand the following:
1) Jesus came to reveal the Father to us.
2) When we look at Jesus, we see the Father.
3) Jesus' life was meant to be a light to the world.
4) Now that we have seen the light (His life and example), we are given the opportunity to change, to embrace relationship with Him and the Father.
5) How we embrace (Keep) that invitation and example and choose to change, is significant.
6) Jesus came to bring revelation, and to offer salvation to the whole world (and that is the Father's heart as well).
7) Our lives will be examined on the last day, and the hope of the Father and Jesus is that we enter eternal life with them.
8) They have shown us the way, and it is our choice to follow or not, but it is always God's heart to save!
9) Jesus came to save, not to judge, and we should have that same heart.
Lord, my prayer is that we embrace Your heart more fully! That we might represent You, even as You represented the Father. We pray that we might be encouraged to keep, to protect, to embrace and treasure Your word and example, and that in doing so we might become more like you! We want to be a light, even as You are the Light!
Amen!
[44] "Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. [45] The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. [46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."
[47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
I have reflected on the theme of Jesus representing the Father many times, but it just never gets old. Here in verse 45 Jesus says that when we look at Him, we see the Father. We don't need to wonder what the Father is like, we can look at Jesus, at what is recorded about Him, to His words and actions and see the Father. His words, His actions, His compassion, His gentleness, His forgiveness, He mercy, His interest in the individual, His love for children, His healings, all are representative of the Father.
Secondly, Jesus says that He came into the world as a light. I am reminded of Ps 36, which I happened to be reflecting on yesterday.
Psalm 36:5-9 NIV:
[5] "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
[6] Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
[7] How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
[8] They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
[9] For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."
Yes, He brings illumination, and with that light, we see the Light of the Father. The light of life, the light of God, shines forth in Jesus, in His words and in His actions, and now in His church!
His next section is quite interesting in that He speaks about judgment, and His role. He clearly says that He came, not to judge, but to save! (Verse 47 above). Sometimes I think the church takes these few verses and mistakenly creates a hammer of judgment from the word of God, for Jesus says it is His words that will condemn them on the last day. Thus, we think we can hammer people with the Word, and threaten them with condemnation, in the hopes of saving them. We beat people with the Word, extracting rules and regulations, demanding they are obedient and telling them any faltering is potentially rewarded with eternal condemnation. We love the idea of His words being the judge, for we can make them into black and white rules for salvation or condemnation. We are so focused on judgment, we miss the first statement that Jesus made, namely that He came to save the world!
It is interesting, we can get so focused on one thing that we miss everything else. It is like when someone is speaking and they say something that reminds us of a memory we have, and instead of continuing to listen, we go off thinking about that memory. In this case Jesus is talking about relationship with Him, relationship with the Father, looking to Him and to His words and actions and seeing the Father. If we look at the scriptural record we see exactly how Jesus responded to sinners, to the lost, to the weary, to the unsaved. He was constantly inviting those (and us) into relationship, and it is only in that context that salvation and eternal life is received (John 17:3). In verse 47 above, Jesus speaks about hearing and keeping His words. The Greek word that is translated keep, could also have been translated treasures, guards, or protects. He is speaking about all that He has said previously and encouraging the people to guard and protect and treasure all those words. It is in embracing them, and choosing to repent, choosing to change, choosing to live differently, choosing relationship with Him, that Jesus is pointing to here, for that is exactly what He was just discussing.
As I look at the verses above I understand the following:
1) Jesus came to reveal the Father to us.
2) When we look at Jesus, we see the Father.
3) Jesus' life was meant to be a light to the world.
4) Now that we have seen the light (His life and example), we are given the opportunity to change, to embrace relationship with Him and the Father.
5) How we embrace (Keep) that invitation and example and choose to change, is significant.
6) Jesus came to bring revelation, and to offer salvation to the whole world (and that is the Father's heart as well).
7) Our lives will be examined on the last day, and the hope of the Father and Jesus is that we enter eternal life with them.
8) They have shown us the way, and it is our choice to follow or not, but it is always God's heart to save!
9) Jesus came to save, not to judge, and we should have that same heart.
Lord, my prayer is that we embrace Your heart more fully! That we might represent You, even as You represented the Father. We pray that we might be encouraged to keep, to protect, to embrace and treasure Your word and example, and that in doing so we might become more like you! We want to be a light, even as You are the Light!
Amen!
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
The Significance of Family
This morning I am reflecting on an interesting couple of verses that take place at the very end of Jesus' life. He is hanging on the cross and speaks to His mother Mary. Here are the verses - John 19:25-27 NIV:
[25] "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” [27] and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."
I had a reflection a few years ago about this verse, and how it was apparent that Mary's sister was John's mother. In asking John to take her into his home, He would be reuniting her with her sister, and there was something to be said for family connections - (my blog on this can be found at - http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/05/an-interesting-thoughti-wonder.html )
This morning, as then, I was thinking that it is a very interesting thing for Jesus to do, for scripture says that His brothers were also His followers (The Catholic Church does not believe that, but for this reflection it is not that signficant). He was the eldest son (or only son), and in many cultures the eldest son has responsibility for His mother if the father dies. In this case though, rather then direct his mother to live with one his brothers, He gives her to John. Also, John was likely the younger of himself and James, his brother, so I one would think maybe Jesus would have directed her to James. I guess though, practically it was John and the women present, none of the rest of His brothers or followers were present. Additionally, we know from Acts 12 that James was put to death by Herod (Acts 12:1-2), and know from other sources that John lived into his 90s. Thus, Jesus, in what is clearly one of His final acts, prophetically directs His mother into a safe house, where she would be at home and cared for, as she was a widow.
So why reflect on this set of verses? First I think it is significant that Jesus in His final minutes, looks to His mother and cares for her. As I have written many times before, Jesus only did and said what the Father told Him, and this fits that category. Mary is cared for deeply by Jesus, and by the Father, so much so that with almost His final breath, Jesus expresses that love. There is something very significant that His first breath was drawn in Mary's arms, and His last breath was drawn in her gaze! He honors her, loves her and cares for her! She was there at His very beginning and at His last breath, and it is very likely that she was present when He ascended into Heaven. Mary saw God's faithfulness, His Love and sacrifice at a level no one else could fathom. She held God's promises in her heart for 30 years as she watched Jesus in His quiet hiddenness, before His public ministry. She knew what the Father had planned and she provided the earthly care, and support Jesus needed! She didn't mess up the Father's plan, but rather she embraced it fully, gave her life to seeing it fulfilled, and despite the pain she must have experienced in watching her son's crucifixion, was there to the very end! She is worthy of our honor, and admiration!
Secondly, in these final acts we see God's blessing and provision for His family. In all the history of the Jewish people, family was significant, from the Abrahamic promise on down, it flows through family! In this age of independence and busyness, it is very important that we protect and care for our families, even our extended families (Cousins and such) for that is what Jesus demonstrated here. I am reminded of a few verses from Isaiah 58:6-9a NIV:
[6] “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter---when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."
God, through Isaiah, calls us to look to our own flesh and blood (end of verse 7) and here in John's Gospel we see Him modelling that, for He was her flesh and blood! I am reminded of the significance of my own mother, my own family, and my extended family! I know that my life, and my connectedness to them (my whole family) is part of God's appointed purpose and plan for me! In my pursuit of God, and my work, my interests, I must never lose sight of their significance!
Finally, I am just aware of the perfection of God's plan, His ability to honor and speak purpose and significance, and release blessing in the midst of one's darkest days! Imagine how Mary must have felt watching her son rise to prominence, understanding that He was the Messiah and yet watching Him be beaten and killed! I don't know that she fully understood all of God's plan, and to her this must have been absolutely crushing. Yet in the midst of that darkest moment, her Son speaks and shows His love and care for her! Wow! Let us never lose hope in our darkest moments, for we know that the voice of Jesus can penetrate and speak words of peace and direction! He loves us, we are part of His family, and he will never forsake us, nor will His will be thwarted!
I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks as I imagine Mary in that situation, and God's astounding love and care for her! He loves and cares for me and you in exactly the same way! Wow, didn't see that one coming!
Thank You Lord for the blessing of my family, those who share my flesh and blood! Thank You for my parents! Thank You for the blessings that You have poured into my life through them! Thank You for Your encouragement this morning!
Amen!
[25] "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” [27] and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."
I had a reflection a few years ago about this verse, and how it was apparent that Mary's sister was John's mother. In asking John to take her into his home, He would be reuniting her with her sister, and there was something to be said for family connections - (my blog on this can be found at - http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/05/an-interesting-thoughti-wonder.html )
This morning, as then, I was thinking that it is a very interesting thing for Jesus to do, for scripture says that His brothers were also His followers (The Catholic Church does not believe that, but for this reflection it is not that signficant). He was the eldest son (or only son), and in many cultures the eldest son has responsibility for His mother if the father dies. In this case though, rather then direct his mother to live with one his brothers, He gives her to John. Also, John was likely the younger of himself and James, his brother, so I one would think maybe Jesus would have directed her to James. I guess though, practically it was John and the women present, none of the rest of His brothers or followers were present. Additionally, we know from Acts 12 that James was put to death by Herod (Acts 12:1-2), and know from other sources that John lived into his 90s. Thus, Jesus, in what is clearly one of His final acts, prophetically directs His mother into a safe house, where she would be at home and cared for, as she was a widow.
So why reflect on this set of verses? First I think it is significant that Jesus in His final minutes, looks to His mother and cares for her. As I have written many times before, Jesus only did and said what the Father told Him, and this fits that category. Mary is cared for deeply by Jesus, and by the Father, so much so that with almost His final breath, Jesus expresses that love. There is something very significant that His first breath was drawn in Mary's arms, and His last breath was drawn in her gaze! He honors her, loves her and cares for her! She was there at His very beginning and at His last breath, and it is very likely that she was present when He ascended into Heaven. Mary saw God's faithfulness, His Love and sacrifice at a level no one else could fathom. She held God's promises in her heart for 30 years as she watched Jesus in His quiet hiddenness, before His public ministry. She knew what the Father had planned and she provided the earthly care, and support Jesus needed! She didn't mess up the Father's plan, but rather she embraced it fully, gave her life to seeing it fulfilled, and despite the pain she must have experienced in watching her son's crucifixion, was there to the very end! She is worthy of our honor, and admiration!
Secondly, in these final acts we see God's blessing and provision for His family. In all the history of the Jewish people, family was significant, from the Abrahamic promise on down, it flows through family! In this age of independence and busyness, it is very important that we protect and care for our families, even our extended families (Cousins and such) for that is what Jesus demonstrated here. I am reminded of a few verses from Isaiah 58:6-9a NIV:
[6] “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter---when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."
God, through Isaiah, calls us to look to our own flesh and blood (end of verse 7) and here in John's Gospel we see Him modelling that, for He was her flesh and blood! I am reminded of the significance of my own mother, my own family, and my extended family! I know that my life, and my connectedness to them (my whole family) is part of God's appointed purpose and plan for me! In my pursuit of God, and my work, my interests, I must never lose sight of their significance!
Finally, I am just aware of the perfection of God's plan, His ability to honor and speak purpose and significance, and release blessing in the midst of one's darkest days! Imagine how Mary must have felt watching her son rise to prominence, understanding that He was the Messiah and yet watching Him be beaten and killed! I don't know that she fully understood all of God's plan, and to her this must have been absolutely crushing. Yet in the midst of that darkest moment, her Son speaks and shows His love and care for her! Wow! Let us never lose hope in our darkest moments, for we know that the voice of Jesus can penetrate and speak words of peace and direction! He loves us, we are part of His family, and he will never forsake us, nor will His will be thwarted!
I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks as I imagine Mary in that situation, and God's astounding love and care for her! He loves and cares for me and you in exactly the same way! Wow, didn't see that one coming!
Thank You Lord for the blessing of my family, those who share my flesh and blood! Thank You for my parents! Thank You for the blessings that You have poured into my life through them! Thank You for Your encouragement this morning!
Amen!
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Put Down Your Phone!
Yesterday I spent all my prayer time meditating on some verses from Mark 11, the story of Jesus cleansing the temple. Here are the verses - Mark 11:15-17 NIV:
[15] "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, [16] and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. [17] And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' ”
Like always I started digging into these verse, wanting to understand the circumstances, wanting to understand the scriptures Jesus was quoting, so I dug them up and started reflecting on them as well. They are Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. I wrote them out and was reflecting on what the Lord was saying in them, and His message was quite clear. He wants people to be able to come to Him in prayer, to experience Him, to experience His Presence, to receive the Blessing, to further their relationship! Jesus' actions and statement in Mark 11 are a good representation of how important our prayers and relationships are to Him! He doesn't want us distracted by business, by all the noise and worries, by everything other than Him. He is supposed to be the only focus of worship in the Temple, and as such also wants us to recognize that we are His focus.
The whole time I was reflecting and researching, I was also checking my email, responding to some texts, and some emails, some business, some personal. I was checking the news for a quick update, checking the weather, and several other things I normally do as I start my day! I was so distracted by the other stuff that I didn't have time to finish my reflection. At the end of my time, as I was putting away my bible and going to get ready for the day, I heard the Lord whisper something that really grabbed my attention. He said something like the following:
"Sam, the reflection was about My desire to have relationship with You! Put down Your phone! You were so busy with the reflection and all the other things, You missed what I was trying to say! I want to spend time with You!"
I immediately saw a picture in my mind of dinners where my honey and I will sit and talk, and then one of us will get a text or something and we will pul out the phone, basically ignoring the person we love, sitting across the table, to interact with the phone. As I saw that and reflected on how that makes me feel, I felt the Lord say,
"Yes, that is exactly how it feels for me! I want your focus, your interaction, your relationship. I desire you to be able to hear my voice, to experience my presence, and to interact with you, and it is hard to do when you are all distracted!"
It wasn't a harsh rebuke, just a gentle reminder of God's desire for relationship with me! I was quite surprised by my own think-headedness! Here the Lord was talking about our relationship and I was all business as usual, totally missing the point! Geeezzz! I think He actually thought it was a bit humorous, how oblivious I was to what He was actually saying!
Anyway, suffice it to say that I was very motivated today to put down my phone and just be with the Lord! He deserves all my attention! Lord, forgive me for my distractedness and taking our time so lightly.
I am also encouraged to put down my phone when I am with my honey, or my kids or family. They all deserve my full attention!
Amen and Amen!
[15] "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, [16] and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. [17] And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' ”
Like always I started digging into these verse, wanting to understand the circumstances, wanting to understand the scriptures Jesus was quoting, so I dug them up and started reflecting on them as well. They are Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. I wrote them out and was reflecting on what the Lord was saying in them, and His message was quite clear. He wants people to be able to come to Him in prayer, to experience Him, to experience His Presence, to receive the Blessing, to further their relationship! Jesus' actions and statement in Mark 11 are a good representation of how important our prayers and relationships are to Him! He doesn't want us distracted by business, by all the noise and worries, by everything other than Him. He is supposed to be the only focus of worship in the Temple, and as such also wants us to recognize that we are His focus.
The whole time I was reflecting and researching, I was also checking my email, responding to some texts, and some emails, some business, some personal. I was checking the news for a quick update, checking the weather, and several other things I normally do as I start my day! I was so distracted by the other stuff that I didn't have time to finish my reflection. At the end of my time, as I was putting away my bible and going to get ready for the day, I heard the Lord whisper something that really grabbed my attention. He said something like the following:
"Sam, the reflection was about My desire to have relationship with You! Put down Your phone! You were so busy with the reflection and all the other things, You missed what I was trying to say! I want to spend time with You!"
I immediately saw a picture in my mind of dinners where my honey and I will sit and talk, and then one of us will get a text or something and we will pul out the phone, basically ignoring the person we love, sitting across the table, to interact with the phone. As I saw that and reflected on how that makes me feel, I felt the Lord say,
"Yes, that is exactly how it feels for me! I want your focus, your interaction, your relationship. I desire you to be able to hear my voice, to experience my presence, and to interact with you, and it is hard to do when you are all distracted!"
It wasn't a harsh rebuke, just a gentle reminder of God's desire for relationship with me! I was quite surprised by my own think-headedness! Here the Lord was talking about our relationship and I was all business as usual, totally missing the point! Geeezzz! I think He actually thought it was a bit humorous, how oblivious I was to what He was actually saying!
Anyway, suffice it to say that I was very motivated today to put down my phone and just be with the Lord! He deserves all my attention! Lord, forgive me for my distractedness and taking our time so lightly.
I am also encouraged to put down my phone when I am with my honey, or my kids or family. They all deserve my full attention!
Amen and Amen!
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Testing of the Heart
This morning I felt led to read through Proverbs, chapter 17. Any one of those chapters are great to read, in little one thought bites, as every couple of lines are worth thinking about. This morning my highlighted text grabbed my attention, and it was Proverbs 17:3 NIV: "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart."
This always sounds good when I read it, but the reality of what it means should be both encouraging and somewhat frightening (at least it is to me). First the encouragement is that we are talking about things of significant value! Silver and Gold have been prized by pretty much every society since they were found! They made up the basis for individual wealth, and the financial foundations of many nations. The processes described (crucible and furnace) are methods of purifying the metals to increase the value of the metal. In both cases, as you melt the metal the impurities come to the surface, so that they can be removed. The purer the metal the higher the value of each bit! You only do this process if you are desirous of purity, and increasing the value! You only do this process if you want to burn away, or take away the impurities.
So, the encouragement is that the Lord considers our hearts valuable, and is desirous of helping us to remove the dross (impurities) fro our lives. He thinks we are worth the effort, and knows our true value and wants to reveal that true value to the all the world! We do not want to lose site of that fact! It is about our value and His desire for our purity of heart.
So obviously the scary part is the testing and revealing what dross there is in our lives! I don't think the Lord tests us for His sake, but rather tests us for our sake. I find that I am generally aware of my faults, but often times I find that I am unaware of certain things, completely blind to characteristics or ways of thinking that the Lord would like to remove. I find that heat in the form of stress relating to work, health, home-life, or finances will cause things to come to the surface in my life (like the Dross in the crucible) and thus I am able to see what there is, even if it was previously hidden from my knowledge or view. It is in the recognition of this stuff that we have the opportunity to repent and change. Repentance is like removing the dross from the silver.
It is interesting, if you heat up silver, which causes the dross to come to the surface, but don't remove the dross and then allow the silver to cool, the outside of the silver is marred by the dross, and is the first thing you would see when looking at the silver. You don't see the shiny silver, but rather the mottled dross. In the same way, I think there are times that I have endured some testing but not repented and changed. In those cases it seems like my faults are exposed and on public view for all to see, and that is exactly true (using this analogy). The Lord isn't about this to cause us pain or humiliation, but rather to allow us to free ourselves from those things that are damaging to our true value, our true identity. The purification process does both, it purifies and cleanses.
Finally, as I said previously, the purification process is really about testing for our sake. The Lord actually wants us to be encouraged by the progress we are making. In the school systems the youth are tested regularly, and the purpose is two-fold, to help them see there progress, and secondly to identify areas where additional instruction is required. We should be encouraged by the progress we are making in our pursuit of the Lord! We should be encouraged when the things that used to knock us down, now are not even speed bumps. We should be encouraged when the Lord graduates us to the next level. We should be encouraged that He does all of this because of our great value to Him! He loves us, wants us to understand our true identity and our worth in His eyes! He wants us to shine for all the world to see!
So my prayer and encouragement this morning is that I will be encouraged this day in the Lord's valuation of me! He thinks I am worth testing! Help me to recognize those things that need to change or be removed in my life!
Amen!
This always sounds good when I read it, but the reality of what it means should be both encouraging and somewhat frightening (at least it is to me). First the encouragement is that we are talking about things of significant value! Silver and Gold have been prized by pretty much every society since they were found! They made up the basis for individual wealth, and the financial foundations of many nations. The processes described (crucible and furnace) are methods of purifying the metals to increase the value of the metal. In both cases, as you melt the metal the impurities come to the surface, so that they can be removed. The purer the metal the higher the value of each bit! You only do this process if you are desirous of purity, and increasing the value! You only do this process if you want to burn away, or take away the impurities.
So, the encouragement is that the Lord considers our hearts valuable, and is desirous of helping us to remove the dross (impurities) fro our lives. He thinks we are worth the effort, and knows our true value and wants to reveal that true value to the all the world! We do not want to lose site of that fact! It is about our value and His desire for our purity of heart.
So obviously the scary part is the testing and revealing what dross there is in our lives! I don't think the Lord tests us for His sake, but rather tests us for our sake. I find that I am generally aware of my faults, but often times I find that I am unaware of certain things, completely blind to characteristics or ways of thinking that the Lord would like to remove. I find that heat in the form of stress relating to work, health, home-life, or finances will cause things to come to the surface in my life (like the Dross in the crucible) and thus I am able to see what there is, even if it was previously hidden from my knowledge or view. It is in the recognition of this stuff that we have the opportunity to repent and change. Repentance is like removing the dross from the silver.
It is interesting, if you heat up silver, which causes the dross to come to the surface, but don't remove the dross and then allow the silver to cool, the outside of the silver is marred by the dross, and is the first thing you would see when looking at the silver. You don't see the shiny silver, but rather the mottled dross. In the same way, I think there are times that I have endured some testing but not repented and changed. In those cases it seems like my faults are exposed and on public view for all to see, and that is exactly true (using this analogy). The Lord isn't about this to cause us pain or humiliation, but rather to allow us to free ourselves from those things that are damaging to our true value, our true identity. The purification process does both, it purifies and cleanses.
Finally, as I said previously, the purification process is really about testing for our sake. The Lord actually wants us to be encouraged by the progress we are making. In the school systems the youth are tested regularly, and the purpose is two-fold, to help them see there progress, and secondly to identify areas where additional instruction is required. We should be encouraged by the progress we are making in our pursuit of the Lord! We should be encouraged when the things that used to knock us down, now are not even speed bumps. We should be encouraged when the Lord graduates us to the next level. We should be encouraged that He does all of this because of our great value to Him! He loves us, wants us to understand our true identity and our worth in His eyes! He wants us to shine for all the world to see!
So my prayer and encouragement this morning is that I will be encouraged this day in the Lord's valuation of me! He thinks I am worth testing! Help me to recognize those things that need to change or be removed in my life!
Amen!
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Choosing What to Wear Today
This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Paul's letter to the Colossians 3:9-14 NIV:
[9] "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
[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."
There are several themes of significance in these verses, so I will work my way down the themes in the order they caught my attention. The first phrase that jumped out to me was that we are to "forgive as the Lord forgave you." That seems like such a simple statement, and yet it is much bigger than it appears. The Greek word used by Paul is "charizomai" and it means the following:
1) to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify
a) to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent
b) to grant forgiveness, to pardon
c) to give graciously, give freely, bestow
1) to forgive
2) graciously to restore one to another
3) to preserve for one a person in peril
I always fund it interesting when reading original Greek and seeing that the translation chosen is several sub-definitions down the list, as forgiveness is in this definition. I am not saying the definition is wrong, but I am saying there is likely more nuances to what Paul was saying that what we get from just reading the English translation. In this case the two meaning before forgiveness have to do with giving something good, being kind and gracious, even benevolent. The word translated greivance could also be translated complaint (which in my mind is a bit less legal sounding), and the encouragement is to be charizomai towards that person. So we could read that sentence, "Stand up and be kind and benevolent towards the one you have a complaint against. Treat them as well as Christ treated you!" That certainly sounds different then the ways it was translated, and I think it is accurate to the rest of what Paul is saying in these verses. He is calling us to get over our issues with each other, and to treat each other kindly (in the other verses).
As I was reflecting on this I was reminded of St. Therese of Lisieux and how she felt encouraged to treat one of the sisters that she just didn't like (whom she had several complaints against). Here is her reflection on that situation:
"A holy nun of our community annoyed me in all that she did; the devil must have had something to do with it, and he it was undoubtedly who made me see in her so many disagreeable points. I did not want to yield to my natural antipathy, for I remembered that charity ought to betray itself in deeds, and not exist merely in the feelings, so I set myself to do for this sister all I should do for the one I loved most. Every time I met her I prayed for her, and offered to God her virtues and merits. I felt that this was very pleasing to Our Lord, for there is no artist who is not gratified when his works are praised, and the Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the exterior, but, penetrating to the inner sanctuary He has chosen, admire its beauty."
"I did not rest satisfied with praying for this Sister, who gave me such occasions for self-mastery, I tried to render her as many services as I could, and when tempted to answer her sharply, I made haste to smile and change the subject, for the Imitation says: “It is more profitable to leave everyone to his way of thinking than to give way to contentious discourses.” And sometimes when the temptation was very severe, I would run like a deserter from the battlefield if I could do so without letting the Sister guess my inward struggle."
One day she said to me with a beaming face: “My dear Soeur Thérèse, tell me what attraction you find in me, for whenever we meet, you greet me with such a sweet smile.” Ah! What attracted me was Jesus hidden in the depths of her soul— Jesus who maketh sweet even that which is most bitter.:" (Excerpt from ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX: THE STORY OF A SOUL; St. Therese of Lisieux, MAGISTERIUM PRESS)
As I think about how the Lord treats me, in spite of my errors and sins, I find that this description by Therese, is accurate. He never treats me with disdain, never with reproach, but always with Love and mercy, compassion and forgiveness, faithfulness and gentleness. Could you imagine if we all treated those we have complaints against, in this manner? This is putting on love, choosing to love! This is such a great example of how love binds together, for rather than feeling judged or disliked, the nun actually felt that Therese had a special love for her!
Going back to Paul's earlier statements, we have taken off our old self and its practices and put on our new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of our creator! We are reminded that we are all one body now, there is no difference for we are all part of the body of Christ. Regardless of our opinions, our differences, our denomination we are all one in Christ Jesus! It is time for us to put off the old ways and practices and embrace that which we have in Christ, a completely new self!
Paul is using language that makes it sound like clothes, 'take off the old, put on the new' and we would be wise to listen to him. So much of our life is about choices we make, choices we embrace. In St. Therese's example, she could have chosen to feel justified in annoyance, or allowed the annoyance to become offense, but instead she CHOSE to treat the offensive one in a kind manner. She, with an act of will and thought, changed her garment from annoyance to kindness and love. I, in the same manner, can choose to live my life loving those around me, treating people with the same " compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" that Jesus shows me. I can choose to take off the old ways, and practices, and put on the new, which is much more agreeable! I know at the end of my days, I would prefer to be known for my compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, than for my correctness!
Lord, thank You for this gentle encouragement this morning! Help me to put on the new, and treat all my brothers and sisters, as You treat me! I want to choose what to wear today, and it is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience! That is a beautiful outfit, if I do say so!
Amen!
[9] "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
[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."
There are several themes of significance in these verses, so I will work my way down the themes in the order they caught my attention. The first phrase that jumped out to me was that we are to "forgive as the Lord forgave you." That seems like such a simple statement, and yet it is much bigger than it appears. The Greek word used by Paul is "charizomai" and it means the following:
1) to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify
a) to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent
b) to grant forgiveness, to pardon
c) to give graciously, give freely, bestow
1) to forgive
2) graciously to restore one to another
3) to preserve for one a person in peril
I always fund it interesting when reading original Greek and seeing that the translation chosen is several sub-definitions down the list, as forgiveness is in this definition. I am not saying the definition is wrong, but I am saying there is likely more nuances to what Paul was saying that what we get from just reading the English translation. In this case the two meaning before forgiveness have to do with giving something good, being kind and gracious, even benevolent. The word translated greivance could also be translated complaint (which in my mind is a bit less legal sounding), and the encouragement is to be charizomai towards that person. So we could read that sentence, "Stand up and be kind and benevolent towards the one you have a complaint against. Treat them as well as Christ treated you!" That certainly sounds different then the ways it was translated, and I think it is accurate to the rest of what Paul is saying in these verses. He is calling us to get over our issues with each other, and to treat each other kindly (in the other verses).
As I was reflecting on this I was reminded of St. Therese of Lisieux and how she felt encouraged to treat one of the sisters that she just didn't like (whom she had several complaints against). Here is her reflection on that situation:
"A holy nun of our community annoyed me in all that she did; the devil must have had something to do with it, and he it was undoubtedly who made me see in her so many disagreeable points. I did not want to yield to my natural antipathy, for I remembered that charity ought to betray itself in deeds, and not exist merely in the feelings, so I set myself to do for this sister all I should do for the one I loved most. Every time I met her I prayed for her, and offered to God her virtues and merits. I felt that this was very pleasing to Our Lord, for there is no artist who is not gratified when his works are praised, and the Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the exterior, but, penetrating to the inner sanctuary He has chosen, admire its beauty."
"I did not rest satisfied with praying for this Sister, who gave me such occasions for self-mastery, I tried to render her as many services as I could, and when tempted to answer her sharply, I made haste to smile and change the subject, for the Imitation says: “It is more profitable to leave everyone to his way of thinking than to give way to contentious discourses.” And sometimes when the temptation was very severe, I would run like a deserter from the battlefield if I could do so without letting the Sister guess my inward struggle."
One day she said to me with a beaming face: “My dear Soeur Thérèse, tell me what attraction you find in me, for whenever we meet, you greet me with such a sweet smile.” Ah! What attracted me was Jesus hidden in the depths of her soul— Jesus who maketh sweet even that which is most bitter.:" (Excerpt from ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX: THE STORY OF A SOUL; St. Therese of Lisieux, MAGISTERIUM PRESS)
As I think about how the Lord treats me, in spite of my errors and sins, I find that this description by Therese, is accurate. He never treats me with disdain, never with reproach, but always with Love and mercy, compassion and forgiveness, faithfulness and gentleness. Could you imagine if we all treated those we have complaints against, in this manner? This is putting on love, choosing to love! This is such a great example of how love binds together, for rather than feeling judged or disliked, the nun actually felt that Therese had a special love for her!
Going back to Paul's earlier statements, we have taken off our old self and its practices and put on our new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of our creator! We are reminded that we are all one body now, there is no difference for we are all part of the body of Christ. Regardless of our opinions, our differences, our denomination we are all one in Christ Jesus! It is time for us to put off the old ways and practices and embrace that which we have in Christ, a completely new self!
Paul is using language that makes it sound like clothes, 'take off the old, put on the new' and we would be wise to listen to him. So much of our life is about choices we make, choices we embrace. In St. Therese's example, she could have chosen to feel justified in annoyance, or allowed the annoyance to become offense, but instead she CHOSE to treat the offensive one in a kind manner. She, with an act of will and thought, changed her garment from annoyance to kindness and love. I, in the same manner, can choose to live my life loving those around me, treating people with the same " compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" that Jesus shows me. I can choose to take off the old ways, and practices, and put on the new, which is much more agreeable! I know at the end of my days, I would prefer to be known for my compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, than for my correctness!
Lord, thank You for this gentle encouragement this morning! Help me to put on the new, and treat all my brothers and sisters, as You treat me! I want to choose what to wear today, and it is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience! That is a beautiful outfit, if I do say so!
Amen!
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Turn and Listen!
This morning I am thinking and reflecting on a recurring theme from my most recent prayer times - "belief in action". I feel like the Lord is inviting me to look at my life and see where my actions don't line up with what I say I believe, and then to do something about that. It is an interesting exercise, and frankly not one I am excited to do.
That being said, I am always encouraged when the Lord leads me deeper into Him. He has a plan and purpose and I want to be able to hear Him say, "well done good and faithful servant." I know there is more for me, and I know He sees more in me and is calling it out of me. It is just sometimes painful to see where you actually are vs. where you think you are or where you want to be. However, I am encouraged, because He doesn't just call us forward, but He makes available all we need to move forward. Paul said it this way in his letter to the Romans 8:28-32 NIV:
[28] "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
[31] "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
And the author of the Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV:
[1] "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Thus, I am encouraged when He calls me forward, calling me deeper into Him, in His ways, plans and purposes. So this morning I am reflecting on some verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 5:8-10,14-16 NIV:
[8] "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord.
[14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
So, my question to consider is how to live as a child of the light, everyday, in every situation? Secondly, how do I practically "make the most of every opportunity"? These are very easy to say, not so easy to live out effectively, every day, in every situation. This is where the rubber meets the road and too often I find myself being less of a light and certainly not making the most of every opportunity.
I could live in defeat or shame because of my constant failure to live up to this high standard, or I could choose to embrace the gentle guidance of the Lord, and learn from Him as He guides me and teaches me. His encouragement isn't meant to bring judgment and condemnation, but rather encouragement and conviction. He knows I am capable of more and is calling me into that place, into that increase.
If you are like me, you can only focus on one or two things at a time (Usually I am only capable of one thing to focus on) and thus I believe my path forward is to ask the Lord for the one thing He wants me to focus on doing differently. I could look around me and try to emulate those people I see around me, and try to do the things I see them doing, but I have learned from experience that is not the best path forward. I find that I am too eager to make huge leaps and the Lord is after smaller steps.
As an example, if I were to go to a gym and start lifting weights, I wouldn't be satisfied with lower weights, I would want to try to lift as heavy a weight as I could, as quickly as I could! I would most likely hurt myself. That is why we have professional trainers at gyms, they know how to guide us down the path of incremental gains and strengthening all the body to support the increase. What I would want to achieve in 2 months, they would help me accomplish in maybe 6 months, but it would be real gain, not 2 weeks and an injury (which would be the likely result of my plan).
In the same way God knows me, and He knows how to move me forward in the most effective manor, with the maximum growth and the effectiveness. He is looking more at my obedience and less at my accomplishments. I am so worried about accomplishments, and He is just looking for me to look to Him, and follow Him. He doesn't need great accomplishments, He can multiply exponentially my small bits into something that is amazing (e.g. feeding 5000 with a few fish and loaves - Matt 14:15-20), what He needs is my obedience, my following Him and learning from Him.
So Lord, how can I be a light today? How can live as a child of the light? How can I make the most of the opportunities today? I can look to You and follow Your lead! I can work to remember to turn to You, and to listen to You! I can make that my small step - to turn to You, and listen, before acting or speaking! It seems small, but in Your Kingdom it can get me in line with Your efforts (power) and authority! My little loaves of obedience can in turn feed thousands.
Amen Lord! Help me to turn and listen today!
That being said, I am always encouraged when the Lord leads me deeper into Him. He has a plan and purpose and I want to be able to hear Him say, "well done good and faithful servant." I know there is more for me, and I know He sees more in me and is calling it out of me. It is just sometimes painful to see where you actually are vs. where you think you are or where you want to be. However, I am encouraged, because He doesn't just call us forward, but He makes available all we need to move forward. Paul said it this way in his letter to the Romans 8:28-32 NIV:
[28] "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
[31] "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
And the author of the Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV:
[1] "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Thus, I am encouraged when He calls me forward, calling me deeper into Him, in His ways, plans and purposes. So this morning I am reflecting on some verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 5:8-10,14-16 NIV:
[8] "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord.
[14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
So, my question to consider is how to live as a child of the light, everyday, in every situation? Secondly, how do I practically "make the most of every opportunity"? These are very easy to say, not so easy to live out effectively, every day, in every situation. This is where the rubber meets the road and too often I find myself being less of a light and certainly not making the most of every opportunity.
I could live in defeat or shame because of my constant failure to live up to this high standard, or I could choose to embrace the gentle guidance of the Lord, and learn from Him as He guides me and teaches me. His encouragement isn't meant to bring judgment and condemnation, but rather encouragement and conviction. He knows I am capable of more and is calling me into that place, into that increase.
If you are like me, you can only focus on one or two things at a time (Usually I am only capable of one thing to focus on) and thus I believe my path forward is to ask the Lord for the one thing He wants me to focus on doing differently. I could look around me and try to emulate those people I see around me, and try to do the things I see them doing, but I have learned from experience that is not the best path forward. I find that I am too eager to make huge leaps and the Lord is after smaller steps.
As an example, if I were to go to a gym and start lifting weights, I wouldn't be satisfied with lower weights, I would want to try to lift as heavy a weight as I could, as quickly as I could! I would most likely hurt myself. That is why we have professional trainers at gyms, they know how to guide us down the path of incremental gains and strengthening all the body to support the increase. What I would want to achieve in 2 months, they would help me accomplish in maybe 6 months, but it would be real gain, not 2 weeks and an injury (which would be the likely result of my plan).
In the same way God knows me, and He knows how to move me forward in the most effective manor, with the maximum growth and the effectiveness. He is looking more at my obedience and less at my accomplishments. I am so worried about accomplishments, and He is just looking for me to look to Him, and follow Him. He doesn't need great accomplishments, He can multiply exponentially my small bits into something that is amazing (e.g. feeding 5000 with a few fish and loaves - Matt 14:15-20), what He needs is my obedience, my following Him and learning from Him.
So Lord, how can I be a light today? How can live as a child of the light? How can I make the most of the opportunities today? I can look to You and follow Your lead! I can work to remember to turn to You, and to listen to You! I can make that my small step - to turn to You, and listen, before acting or speaking! It seems small, but in Your Kingdom it can get me in line with Your efforts (power) and authority! My little loaves of obedience can in turn feed thousands.
Amen Lord! Help me to turn and listen today!
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
An Honest Assessment
This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Matthew 10:5-13 NIV:
[5] "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. [6] Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. [7] As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
[9] “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts--- [10] no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. [11] Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. [12] As you enter the home, give it your greeting. [13] If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you."
I was just reading over these verses, which are quite familiar to me, and verse 12 and 13 grabbed my attention, so I stopped to consider them. It is an interesting thought, that the mere presence and pronounced blessing by one of Jesus' Apostles was significant, and worthy of such focus. On the other hand, they walked in the authority of Jesus, proclaiming and demonstrating the Kingdom of God present and thus were His representatives!
I know for sure that if Jesus came and stayed at a house, that His mere presence and His spoken blessing would have a positive impact on a household! Thus, we should not be surprised that the same is true for His representatives. I guess for me, the difference in my present world-view is that I believe they they had a legitimate, life-changing, miracle-working, dead-raising, leper-cleansing ministry, and when I look around myself today, I am struck by how few of us can say the same thing (myself included). I don't know that my presence or spoken blessing would have any affect on those I visit (just being honest). Based on these verses, my presence and blessing should be impactful, so the question for me is why am I not?
Personally, I think I take my representation of the Lord too lightly, and consider it as secondary (to my "real" job and occupation). I want to experience this type of ministry, and want to be a representative of the Lord with this type of life changing impact, and yet I don't really do that which is necessary. I am not pursuing the Lord and His ways as aggressively as I could. I am not filled with a sense of God's purpose over my life. I am a bit too comfortable, and a bit too bought into the Christian status-quo that I see around me. I am comfortable going to church, being a bit involved, even getting up most every day to pray, and somehow in my mind that is enough. Oh Lord, forgive me for my irreverence and faithlessness!
If I truthfully look at my life, and my actions, some things become clear. I don't daily expect that my life, my words and my presence, as Your representative, will make any difference in anyone's life. I don't act like I am the bearer of Good News to a needy world. I don't think of the invitation to eternal life, through relationship with Jesus, as something that I should be actively spreading. I make it through many a day with barely a thought (other than in the morning) about the Lord, His Kingdom, or salvation! I am sufficiently satisfied with my life and my comfort and my witness of being nice to people and loving to my family and somewhat active in church, as if that is all I have been called to do. Oh Lord, forgive me for my irreverence and faithlessness!
So, Lord, how do I change this? How do I move from where I am to where I think You want me to be? How do I rekindle that fire that once burned in my heart? How do I get out of my comfortable home, and off my comfortable couch and make a real difference in Your name? How do I learn to be a real representative of You? How do I learn to be a conduit for Your Holy Spirit, being obedient in word and action?
Lord, I want to be a light! Lord, I want to represent You and Your Kingdom effectively! I want my life to make a difference!
Help me, Oh Lord!
[5] "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. [6] Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. [7] As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
[9] “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts--- [10] no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. [11] Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. [12] As you enter the home, give it your greeting. [13] If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you."
I was just reading over these verses, which are quite familiar to me, and verse 12 and 13 grabbed my attention, so I stopped to consider them. It is an interesting thought, that the mere presence and pronounced blessing by one of Jesus' Apostles was significant, and worthy of such focus. On the other hand, they walked in the authority of Jesus, proclaiming and demonstrating the Kingdom of God present and thus were His representatives!
I know for sure that if Jesus came and stayed at a house, that His mere presence and His spoken blessing would have a positive impact on a household! Thus, we should not be surprised that the same is true for His representatives. I guess for me, the difference in my present world-view is that I believe they they had a legitimate, life-changing, miracle-working, dead-raising, leper-cleansing ministry, and when I look around myself today, I am struck by how few of us can say the same thing (myself included). I don't know that my presence or spoken blessing would have any affect on those I visit (just being honest). Based on these verses, my presence and blessing should be impactful, so the question for me is why am I not?
Personally, I think I take my representation of the Lord too lightly, and consider it as secondary (to my "real" job and occupation). I want to experience this type of ministry, and want to be a representative of the Lord with this type of life changing impact, and yet I don't really do that which is necessary. I am not pursuing the Lord and His ways as aggressively as I could. I am not filled with a sense of God's purpose over my life. I am a bit too comfortable, and a bit too bought into the Christian status-quo that I see around me. I am comfortable going to church, being a bit involved, even getting up most every day to pray, and somehow in my mind that is enough. Oh Lord, forgive me for my irreverence and faithlessness!
If I truthfully look at my life, and my actions, some things become clear. I don't daily expect that my life, my words and my presence, as Your representative, will make any difference in anyone's life. I don't act like I am the bearer of Good News to a needy world. I don't think of the invitation to eternal life, through relationship with Jesus, as something that I should be actively spreading. I make it through many a day with barely a thought (other than in the morning) about the Lord, His Kingdom, or salvation! I am sufficiently satisfied with my life and my comfort and my witness of being nice to people and loving to my family and somewhat active in church, as if that is all I have been called to do. Oh Lord, forgive me for my irreverence and faithlessness!
So, Lord, how do I change this? How do I move from where I am to where I think You want me to be? How do I rekindle that fire that once burned in my heart? How do I get out of my comfortable home, and off my comfortable couch and make a real difference in Your name? How do I learn to be a real representative of You? How do I learn to be a conduit for Your Holy Spirit, being obedient in word and action?
Lord, I want to be a light! Lord, I want to represent You and Your Kingdom effectively! I want my life to make a difference!
Help me, Oh Lord!
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Obscurity, Hiddeness, Humility and Human-ness
There is an interesting flow of thought this morning. I was thinking about my relative insignificance in the Kingdom of God (not in a poor little me attitude, but more in the sense of hiddeness). As I was reviewing my blog entries I noticed one that had come up when someone searched for "Does God Understand our Struggles?". It linked them to my Blog entry - (http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2014/06/jesus-understands-our-struggles.html)
I read that entry and then was looking in the list of entries from that month and there was an entry titled "Jesus of Nazareth (Its Important)" - ( http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2014/06/jesus-of-nazareth-its-important.html) and I read that entry. It was all about Jesus' humanity, and His emptying Himself to become like us (which was a similar theme to the one on God understanding our struggles). Then I felt like the Lord directed me to begin reading from John 7, and in this chapter there are several related themes.
First, Jesus specifically does not go up to the Festival even though His brothers encourage Him to go up to the Festival saying, "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”(John 7:4 NIV). Jesus wasn't looking for that public recognition, nor trying to increase it. He was just being obedient to the Father.
Later when He goes up to the Festival and starts teaching the people are amazed at His teaching, knowing that He was not trained. The people apparently knew enough about Him to realize that He was from Galilee, and not a trained Rabbi. John describes this in verse John 7:15 NIV: "The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Finally, it was specifically because the people knew where Jesus came from, Nazareth in Galilee, that they didn't think He was the Messiah. John records this in a couple of verses. Here is the first mention -
John 7:25-27 NIV: "At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? [26] Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? [27] But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”
And again -
John 7:40-42 NIV: "On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” [41] Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? [42] Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David's descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”
Thus, the very thing that Jesus embraced fully in becoming fully man (Phil 2:6-8) was a hindrance to people's belief that He was the Messiah. In this chapter in John, Jesus clearly indicates that He came from the Father in heaven (John 7: 16, 28-29), and many people thought He was the Messiah. Yet, because people knew where He came from, many were convinced that He couldn't be the Messiah. Thus, the quiet life of a carpenter, His very limited life prior to His public ministry was a stumbling block for many. The very thing that was required to fulfill God's plan was a problem for many He desired to save.
This is one of the reasons it takes faith to believe in Him. It just doesn't make human sense that God would come and become like us and allow Himself to be beaten, and crucified. We wouldn't have a hard time believing He was God if He came in His divinity, in His awesome power and authority as the son of God, riding on the clouds and shining so the whole world could see Him. We would be convinced immediately. Instead, He came as a man, from a small town in the backwoods area, was a carpenter and hidden from public view for 30 years.
However, Jesus didn't worry about the confusion or disagreements all this caused, and even spoke to them, probably even causing more confusion, for His answers required some level of faith to understand (as described above). Jesus seemed unaffected by all the controversy and continued on speaking and teaching, knowing that His purpose was to do exactly that.
So, this morning I am encouraged to pursue God's path for me, not worrying about recognition, or notice or public platform. Rather, I am happy to embrace the life of hiddeness and relative obscurity as God's plan and purpose for this time in my life. I am grateful that Jesus understands my situation exactly, and that in spite of all the years of quiet service and obedience, He was able to accomplish all the Father had for Him to do. God is just as capable today as He was and always will be! The Holy Spirit lives in me, and He worked mightily through Jesus, and through many down through the ages, and is capable to work through me too.
Thank You Lord for Your gentle encouragement and enlightenment!
I read that entry and then was looking in the list of entries from that month and there was an entry titled "Jesus of Nazareth (Its Important)" - ( http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2014/06/jesus-of-nazareth-its-important.html) and I read that entry. It was all about Jesus' humanity, and His emptying Himself to become like us (which was a similar theme to the one on God understanding our struggles). Then I felt like the Lord directed me to begin reading from John 7, and in this chapter there are several related themes.
First, Jesus specifically does not go up to the Festival even though His brothers encourage Him to go up to the Festival saying, "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”(John 7:4 NIV). Jesus wasn't looking for that public recognition, nor trying to increase it. He was just being obedient to the Father.
Later when He goes up to the Festival and starts teaching the people are amazed at His teaching, knowing that He was not trained. The people apparently knew enough about Him to realize that He was from Galilee, and not a trained Rabbi. John describes this in verse John 7:15 NIV: "The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Finally, it was specifically because the people knew where Jesus came from, Nazareth in Galilee, that they didn't think He was the Messiah. John records this in a couple of verses. Here is the first mention -
John 7:25-27 NIV: "At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? [26] Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? [27] But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”
And again -
John 7:40-42 NIV: "On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” [41] Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? [42] Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David's descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”
Thus, the very thing that Jesus embraced fully in becoming fully man (Phil 2:6-8) was a hindrance to people's belief that He was the Messiah. In this chapter in John, Jesus clearly indicates that He came from the Father in heaven (John 7: 16, 28-29), and many people thought He was the Messiah. Yet, because people knew where He came from, many were convinced that He couldn't be the Messiah. Thus, the quiet life of a carpenter, His very limited life prior to His public ministry was a stumbling block for many. The very thing that was required to fulfill God's plan was a problem for many He desired to save.
This is one of the reasons it takes faith to believe in Him. It just doesn't make human sense that God would come and become like us and allow Himself to be beaten, and crucified. We wouldn't have a hard time believing He was God if He came in His divinity, in His awesome power and authority as the son of God, riding on the clouds and shining so the whole world could see Him. We would be convinced immediately. Instead, He came as a man, from a small town in the backwoods area, was a carpenter and hidden from public view for 30 years.
However, Jesus didn't worry about the confusion or disagreements all this caused, and even spoke to them, probably even causing more confusion, for His answers required some level of faith to understand (as described above). Jesus seemed unaffected by all the controversy and continued on speaking and teaching, knowing that His purpose was to do exactly that.
So, this morning I am encouraged to pursue God's path for me, not worrying about recognition, or notice or public platform. Rather, I am happy to embrace the life of hiddeness and relative obscurity as God's plan and purpose for this time in my life. I am grateful that Jesus understands my situation exactly, and that in spite of all the years of quiet service and obedience, He was able to accomplish all the Father had for Him to do. God is just as capable today as He was and always will be! The Holy Spirit lives in me, and He worked mightily through Jesus, and through many down through the ages, and is capable to work through me too.
Thank You Lord for Your gentle encouragement and enlightenment!
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Reflections on Acts 13
This morning I am reading from Acts, chapter thirteen. I find it helpful to read through Acts to get a better sense of how the Holy Spirit directed the growth of the church, and how He used Paul and others to spread the Gospel, often in the midst of persecution. This morning I am reflecting on Paul's experience in Pisidian Antioch.
Acts 13:42-52 NIV:
[42] "As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. [43] When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
[44] On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. [45] When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
[46] Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. [47] For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' ”
[48] When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
[49] The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. [50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. [51] So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."
A couple things stand out to me as I read these verses. First, the boldness of Paul and Barnabas. They were unaffected in their proclamation of the Gospel by the contradiction, by the efforts of the Jews, even by the persecution against them that was stirred up by the Jews. They knew that they were called and commissioned, and empowered to do that which they had been sent to do.
.
Second, the clear understanding they had of the basics of the Gospel. Their answer to the Jews in verse 45, "you do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life." was apparently a quick summary of the basis of their message of salvation. They came bearing the Truth that resulted in Eternal Life through salvation in Jesus Christ. This was an invitation into something that was unattainable for the common man, for neither Greek nor Roman mythology had many options for eternal life, unless you were a god, or blessed by a god. They both had Hades, the place where the dead were sent but that wasn't a hope. The Jews believed in the afterlife, but most Gentile beliefs present in this time and location didn't hold out hope for Eternal Life. Thus, this message of salvation through Christ Jesus into Eternal Life, into an experience of that life here and now, as evidenced by the signs and wonders that were provided through the power of Hoy Spirit, was proof that their message was true and caused it to stand out as a light to the Gentiles.
Third, the Gentiles, likely for some of the reasons I listed above, were receptive of the Word of the Lord, and honored it. In other words they received this message and believed. Paul and Barnabas were focused on them, not on the opposition. Their call and ministry was to seek and save the lost and they rejoiced when the Lost were saved!
Fourth, Paul and Barnabas were smart enough to move on when they were expelled, trusting God to continue His work in the people of Pisidian Antioch. They knew that their role was the proclamation of the Good News, they were wise enough to know that the Holy Spirit would continue to direct and guide those that came to salvation. They relied on the direction of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes that came in the form of a re-filling, as evidenced in verse 52. Luke writes that they were filled with joy AND with the Holy Spirit. There is nothing like the sweet embrace of the Holy Spirit when struggling through a tough time, or feeling like a failure in the task you thought you understood. God is fully in charge, and we need to learn to listen to Him and follow His lead. They left Pisidian Antioch and moved down the road to Iconium where the Lord gave them quite a bit of success, and confirmed their words - Acts 14:3 NIV: "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders." They understood that there were many people and many places that still were open to the Gospel and they moved on. They had a directive word to go to Pisidian Antioch and then the Lord gave them direction to move on to Iconium, and from Iconium they visited Lystra and Derbe, each time they moved was the result of persecution.
Fifth, God's plan could not be thwarted by the attacks and persecutions that were stirred up against them. God is so much bigger and has so many ways of working, and all of them are within His plan and power. As Jesus said, "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. [36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. (John 3: 35-36 NIV).
He also said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30 NIV).
What a great message of hope and salvation! What a wonderful Gospel! The Lord invites us into Eternal Life, and when He gives us Eternal Life, none can steal it away, none can thwart Him!
This morning I am encouraged by the witness of Paul and Barnabas, by their resilience, their boldness, their willingness to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. I am encouraged that the Lord's plan and purpose will be accomplished regardless of the efforts of the enemy and opposition! I am encouraged to entrust myelf into His care and direction in my pursuit of my calling, commission and purpose.
Amen!
Acts 13:42-52 NIV:
[42] "As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. [43] When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
[44] On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. [45] When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
[46] Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. [47] For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' ”
[48] When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
[49] The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. [50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. [51] So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."
A couple things stand out to me as I read these verses. First, the boldness of Paul and Barnabas. They were unaffected in their proclamation of the Gospel by the contradiction, by the efforts of the Jews, even by the persecution against them that was stirred up by the Jews. They knew that they were called and commissioned, and empowered to do that which they had been sent to do.
.
Second, the clear understanding they had of the basics of the Gospel. Their answer to the Jews in verse 45, "you do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life." was apparently a quick summary of the basis of their message of salvation. They came bearing the Truth that resulted in Eternal Life through salvation in Jesus Christ. This was an invitation into something that was unattainable for the common man, for neither Greek nor Roman mythology had many options for eternal life, unless you were a god, or blessed by a god. They both had Hades, the place where the dead were sent but that wasn't a hope. The Jews believed in the afterlife, but most Gentile beliefs present in this time and location didn't hold out hope for Eternal Life. Thus, this message of salvation through Christ Jesus into Eternal Life, into an experience of that life here and now, as evidenced by the signs and wonders that were provided through the power of Hoy Spirit, was proof that their message was true and caused it to stand out as a light to the Gentiles.
Third, the Gentiles, likely for some of the reasons I listed above, were receptive of the Word of the Lord, and honored it. In other words they received this message and believed. Paul and Barnabas were focused on them, not on the opposition. Their call and ministry was to seek and save the lost and they rejoiced when the Lost were saved!
Fourth, Paul and Barnabas were smart enough to move on when they were expelled, trusting God to continue His work in the people of Pisidian Antioch. They knew that their role was the proclamation of the Good News, they were wise enough to know that the Holy Spirit would continue to direct and guide those that came to salvation. They relied on the direction of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes that came in the form of a re-filling, as evidenced in verse 52. Luke writes that they were filled with joy AND with the Holy Spirit. There is nothing like the sweet embrace of the Holy Spirit when struggling through a tough time, or feeling like a failure in the task you thought you understood. God is fully in charge, and we need to learn to listen to Him and follow His lead. They left Pisidian Antioch and moved down the road to Iconium where the Lord gave them quite a bit of success, and confirmed their words - Acts 14:3 NIV: "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders." They understood that there were many people and many places that still were open to the Gospel and they moved on. They had a directive word to go to Pisidian Antioch and then the Lord gave them direction to move on to Iconium, and from Iconium they visited Lystra and Derbe, each time they moved was the result of persecution.
Fifth, God's plan could not be thwarted by the attacks and persecutions that were stirred up against them. God is so much bigger and has so many ways of working, and all of them are within His plan and power. As Jesus said, "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. [36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. (John 3: 35-36 NIV).
He also said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30 NIV).
What a great message of hope and salvation! What a wonderful Gospel! The Lord invites us into Eternal Life, and when He gives us Eternal Life, none can steal it away, none can thwart Him!
This morning I am encouraged by the witness of Paul and Barnabas, by their resilience, their boldness, their willingness to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. I am encouraged that the Lord's plan and purpose will be accomplished regardless of the efforts of the enemy and opposition! I am encouraged to entrust myelf into His care and direction in my pursuit of my calling, commission and purpose.
Amen!
Friday, April 6, 2018
Three Baptisms??
This morning I am reflecting on Acts 19, which is an interesting chapter that describes happening in Ephesus, in great detail. In fact I was tempted to spend some time on the story of the riot in Ephesus stirred up by Demetrius the silversmith, as so much of what Luke (the author of Acts) described sounds a bit like our present day uproars and rage over everything. However, I felt directed to instead focus my reflection on the first few verses instead. Here are the verses - Acts 19:1-7 NIV:
[1] "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
[3] So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John's baptism,” they replied.
[4] Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. [7] There were about twelve men in all."
I find this account quite interesting, for it tells us that John, and his message of repentance for sins had greater reach than one would think. I always thought of John's ministry really focused just on Jerusalem, Judea and the region around the Jordan river (See Matt 3:5). However, apparently his message was spread wide through the Jewish people scattered beyond Judea. It is interesting that Luke calls these men disciples, although they apparently didn't really know about Jesus, only John's call to repentance for sins. I am reminded that there was no recognized prophet of God for 300+ years, so when John came on the scene, clearly as a messenger from God, people noticed and the word spread! The Jews were hungry for a fresh revelation, and responded accordingly.
As I was reading this, I saw some similarities to a book I recently read by Harold Eberle, titled, "Thy Kingdom Come". He discuses the difference between the Gospel of Salvation and the Gospel of the Kingdom. Here is a quick excerpt from his Book:
"Jesus died for our sins, and if we accept Him as Savior, we will be saved and go to heaven when we die. This is commonly referred to as the “gospel of salvation.
”In coming pages, we will be focusing on the “gospel of the kingdom.” The word gospel simply means “good news.” So we are studying the differences between the good news of salvation and the good news of the kingdom.
Both the good news of salvation and the good news of the kingdom are true. Both are in the Bible. But important differences exist.
One of the differences is their foundation in the work of Jesus. The gospel of salvation is founded in the death of Jesus, while the gospel of the kingdom is founded in the death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Jesus."
It seems to me that the men Paul encountered were even pre-"Gospel of Salvation", having only embraced the repentance for sins, but not understanding there was salvation available as well. Paul, however, was a preacher of the Gospel of the Kingdom (See Acts 28:31), which included salvation, and also empowerment through the Holy Spirit. His first question wasn't about Jesus, but was instead about the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
I don't believe Paul was slighting Jesus here, only responding to what appeared to be good men whose lives reflected a baptism into a new way of life, so he assumed they had heard about Jesus. Once he realized the situation, He immediately proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus, and they were re-baptized in His name, and then were baptized (See Acts 1:5) a third time, this time by the Holy Spirit. Apparently God wasn't just satisfied with their baptism for salvation, but wanted them to be baptized by the power of the Holy Spirit as well. The fact is that we don't know these 12 men's names, nor anything about them, but we know that God wanted them to be full of the power of the Holy Spirit, and that was His plan and purpose.
My reflection, this morning, is that I want the fullness of what God desires for me. I am overjoyed by my salvation, however, I am also desirous of the power to live a changed life, not just go to Heaven. I think that for many of us, we can sometimes forget that our call isn't just heavenward, but rather to be a light to this world, continuing Jesus' ministry, which was ministry full of the power of the Holy Spirit (See Luke 4:14). We are called to be full of the power of the Holy Spirit, and that power working through us is an example of the Kingdom of God present on earth. My desire is to reflect the fullness of the Gospel of the Kingdom in my life.
I am also encouraged this morning that the empowering by Holy Spirit wasn't just a one-time event, but rather occurred over and over again, often to the same people. (See Acts 2:1-4; Acts 4:31; Acts 13:52) Lord, You know our need for Your Holy Spirit, this is Your plan and purpose for Your followers! I ask for a refreshing, an outpouring, a re-baptism that I might be empowered to live my life as a witness to the present Kingdom of God, and salvation through Jesus!
Amen!
[1] "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
[3] So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John's baptism,” they replied.
[4] Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. [7] There were about twelve men in all."
I find this account quite interesting, for it tells us that John, and his message of repentance for sins had greater reach than one would think. I always thought of John's ministry really focused just on Jerusalem, Judea and the region around the Jordan river (See Matt 3:5). However, apparently his message was spread wide through the Jewish people scattered beyond Judea. It is interesting that Luke calls these men disciples, although they apparently didn't really know about Jesus, only John's call to repentance for sins. I am reminded that there was no recognized prophet of God for 300+ years, so when John came on the scene, clearly as a messenger from God, people noticed and the word spread! The Jews were hungry for a fresh revelation, and responded accordingly.
As I was reading this, I saw some similarities to a book I recently read by Harold Eberle, titled, "Thy Kingdom Come". He discuses the difference between the Gospel of Salvation and the Gospel of the Kingdom. Here is a quick excerpt from his Book:
"Jesus died for our sins, and if we accept Him as Savior, we will be saved and go to heaven when we die. This is commonly referred to as the “gospel of salvation.
”In coming pages, we will be focusing on the “gospel of the kingdom.” The word gospel simply means “good news.” So we are studying the differences between the good news of salvation and the good news of the kingdom.
Both the good news of salvation and the good news of the kingdom are true. Both are in the Bible. But important differences exist.
One of the differences is their foundation in the work of Jesus. The gospel of salvation is founded in the death of Jesus, while the gospel of the kingdom is founded in the death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Jesus."
It seems to me that the men Paul encountered were even pre-"Gospel of Salvation", having only embraced the repentance for sins, but not understanding there was salvation available as well. Paul, however, was a preacher of the Gospel of the Kingdom (See Acts 28:31), which included salvation, and also empowerment through the Holy Spirit. His first question wasn't about Jesus, but was instead about the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
I don't believe Paul was slighting Jesus here, only responding to what appeared to be good men whose lives reflected a baptism into a new way of life, so he assumed they had heard about Jesus. Once he realized the situation, He immediately proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus, and they were re-baptized in His name, and then were baptized (See Acts 1:5) a third time, this time by the Holy Spirit. Apparently God wasn't just satisfied with their baptism for salvation, but wanted them to be baptized by the power of the Holy Spirit as well. The fact is that we don't know these 12 men's names, nor anything about them, but we know that God wanted them to be full of the power of the Holy Spirit, and that was His plan and purpose.
My reflection, this morning, is that I want the fullness of what God desires for me. I am overjoyed by my salvation, however, I am also desirous of the power to live a changed life, not just go to Heaven. I think that for many of us, we can sometimes forget that our call isn't just heavenward, but rather to be a light to this world, continuing Jesus' ministry, which was ministry full of the power of the Holy Spirit (See Luke 4:14). We are called to be full of the power of the Holy Spirit, and that power working through us is an example of the Kingdom of God present on earth. My desire is to reflect the fullness of the Gospel of the Kingdom in my life.
I am also encouraged this morning that the empowering by Holy Spirit wasn't just a one-time event, but rather occurred over and over again, often to the same people. (See Acts 2:1-4; Acts 4:31; Acts 13:52) Lord, You know our need for Your Holy Spirit, this is Your plan and purpose for Your followers! I ask for a refreshing, an outpouring, a re-baptism that I might be empowered to live my life as a witness to the present Kingdom of God, and salvation through Jesus!
Amen!
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Decisions, Discernment and Sowing in Peace
This morning I have been reading the Letter from James, and reflecting on the third chapter. While most of this chapter has to do with taming the tongue, the last two verses are where my attention was drawn, and upon which I will turn my focus this morning. Here are the verses - James 3:17-18 NIV:
[17] "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
I was reflecting on these verses, and some thoughts I had previously written on how this list from James is good for discernment. My thought was that in the face of decisions, looking to this list as to how a decision lines up with the characteristics would guide one well in life. Here is a list of questions to ask oneself:
1) Is this decision based on pure motives?
2) Does it establish peace or preserve peace?
3) Is it considerate of others?
4) Is it reasonable (See below)?
5) Is it merciful?
6) Does it, or will it bear good fruit?
7) Is it a decision you can stand behind?
8) Is it a decision that is in line with your beliefs?
Note for number 4 above: The Greek word translated here as submissive could also be translated reasonable (NASB). We sometimes struggle with the word submissive, as it is seem as a weak word, but in this case the sense is that James is trying to convey is that we must be looking to others, and situations that are larger than ourselves and our perspective. The NASB translation has the list of characteristics as follows - "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." (James 3:17 NASB).
I am just encouraged reading this list. Applying these to one's life would certainly help you uncover God's wisdom for your situation. I know for me, it always is better if I stop and think before making significant decisions, and running through a list like this would help me see past my own selfish perspective.
Another thing that I have come across in my life are two or three similarly good choices, and needing to choose just one. In situations like that I definitely need God's wisdom and direction. In these cases I have often looked to peace in my heart to guide me. I will write down the pros and cons, and seek input from others, especially my family. I will look to scriptures and then if I am still unsure, I look to the peace in my heart. I will make a decision in my mind, and then sit on it for 2-3 days, allowing my heart to respond. I have found that usually one decision will enable my heart to be at peace, the other decision(s) will cause my heart to become less peaceful. I find that my own internally developed process is quite in-line with what James produced here.
Finally, James finishes his thoughts with an interesting statement about sowing in peace and reaping righteousness. One first reading this sounds like James is breaking the natural law of sowing and reaping (You can only reap what you sow). However, upon further analysis, it is the state of one's heart and mind that he is describing. The NASB translation seems to convey this a bit clearer - James 3:18 NASB: "And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
I find that anytime I sow in a place of anxiety or fear, I make bad decisions. He isn't talking about quick decisions, but rather sowing, which must relate to longer term fruitfulness. In this case - the seed whose fruit is righteousness can only mean relationship with Christ, for our righteousness is from Him alone (see Romans 3 & 4).
I believe that we can't argue a person into relationship with Christ; we can't scare him into relationship with Christ; we can't guilt someone into relationship with Christ. Our witness, to really be effective and bear fruit, must come out of our peace and rest in Him, and through our identity in Him.
We, who are at peace internally, who know God's love, acceptance, forgiveness, mercy, grace and compassion, are able to minister these things to others. We can bear witness to Him, through our peace in the midst of life's storms. We can bring peace with us into life's crazy and anxious situations and plant the seeds of relationship that lead to salvation, by which others attain righteousness through faith. Paul writes the following in his letter to the Colossians 4:5-6 NIV:
[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."
Paul also writes in his letter to the Philippians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let us look to the Lord for His guidance and wisdom. Let us embrace His peace, and reflect His peace to those around us! Let us be beacons of peace in these turbulent times! Let us walk in His light, and in relationship that we might sow seeds that lead to righteousness.
Amen!
[17] "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
I was reflecting on these verses, and some thoughts I had previously written on how this list from James is good for discernment. My thought was that in the face of decisions, looking to this list as to how a decision lines up with the characteristics would guide one well in life. Here is a list of questions to ask oneself:
1) Is this decision based on pure motives?
2) Does it establish peace or preserve peace?
3) Is it considerate of others?
4) Is it reasonable (See below)?
5) Is it merciful?
6) Does it, or will it bear good fruit?
7) Is it a decision you can stand behind?
8) Is it a decision that is in line with your beliefs?
Note for number 4 above: The Greek word translated here as submissive could also be translated reasonable (NASB). We sometimes struggle with the word submissive, as it is seem as a weak word, but in this case the sense is that James is trying to convey is that we must be looking to others, and situations that are larger than ourselves and our perspective. The NASB translation has the list of characteristics as follows - "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." (James 3:17 NASB).
I am just encouraged reading this list. Applying these to one's life would certainly help you uncover God's wisdom for your situation. I know for me, it always is better if I stop and think before making significant decisions, and running through a list like this would help me see past my own selfish perspective.
Another thing that I have come across in my life are two or three similarly good choices, and needing to choose just one. In situations like that I definitely need God's wisdom and direction. In these cases I have often looked to peace in my heart to guide me. I will write down the pros and cons, and seek input from others, especially my family. I will look to scriptures and then if I am still unsure, I look to the peace in my heart. I will make a decision in my mind, and then sit on it for 2-3 days, allowing my heart to respond. I have found that usually one decision will enable my heart to be at peace, the other decision(s) will cause my heart to become less peaceful. I find that my own internally developed process is quite in-line with what James produced here.
Finally, James finishes his thoughts with an interesting statement about sowing in peace and reaping righteousness. One first reading this sounds like James is breaking the natural law of sowing and reaping (You can only reap what you sow). However, upon further analysis, it is the state of one's heart and mind that he is describing. The NASB translation seems to convey this a bit clearer - James 3:18 NASB: "And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
I find that anytime I sow in a place of anxiety or fear, I make bad decisions. He isn't talking about quick decisions, but rather sowing, which must relate to longer term fruitfulness. In this case - the seed whose fruit is righteousness can only mean relationship with Christ, for our righteousness is from Him alone (see Romans 3 & 4).
I believe that we can't argue a person into relationship with Christ; we can't scare him into relationship with Christ; we can't guilt someone into relationship with Christ. Our witness, to really be effective and bear fruit, must come out of our peace and rest in Him, and through our identity in Him.
We, who are at peace internally, who know God's love, acceptance, forgiveness, mercy, grace and compassion, are able to minister these things to others. We can bear witness to Him, through our peace in the midst of life's storms. We can bring peace with us into life's crazy and anxious situations and plant the seeds of relationship that lead to salvation, by which others attain righteousness through faith. Paul writes the following in his letter to the Colossians 4:5-6 NIV:
[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."
Paul also writes in his letter to the Philippians 4:4-7 NIV:
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let us look to the Lord for His guidance and wisdom. Let us embrace His peace, and reflect His peace to those around us! Let us be beacons of peace in these turbulent times! Let us walk in His light, and in relationship that we might sow seeds that lead to righteousness.
Amen!
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Christ's Resurrection - The New Beginning
Today being Resurrection Sunday, I thought it made sense to study the Resurrection as it is presented to us in Scripture. As I looked up the word in my biblical index I was reminded that it was mentioned twelve times prior to Jesus' death, most often as a somewhat controversial belief that was present in the Jewish faith, and over which the Pharisees and Sadducees disagreed. This belief was based on passages in the books of Isaiah and Daniel, and was considered the resurrection of the righteous, which followed the coming of the Messiah. I think this is important to note, for the Jews had a foundational belief and paradigm for resurrection. That being said, I don't know that any of them comprehended what God intended to do.
Jesus gave us strong evidence that God had power over death, as He worked many miracles of raising the dead. In fact in His answer to John's disciples, He specifically mentions the dead being raised as a sign that He was the Messiah. Here are the verses from Matthew 11:2-6 NIV:
[2] When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples [3] to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
[4] Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: [5] 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. [6] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
As we continue to review the scriptures, we find that later in John's Gospel as that Jesus goes one step further, and proclaims that He is the resurrection! This conversation happened at the raising of Lazarus, and was between Jesus and Martha - John 11:23-26 NIV:
[23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
[24] Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
[25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha is affirming her belief in the resurrection of the righteous (the core Jewish Belief) and Jesus takes this moment to reveal to her that indeed He is the resurrection and the life! What an amazing statement! He goes on to prove that statement is true by calling Lazarus out of the grave on the fourth day after his death (John 11:39-43).
Looking at what Jesus said in His response to Martha, the Greek word that is translated resurrection is Anastasis, and it fundamentally means rising from the dead. Jesus also proclaimed that He was the life (Greek - Zoe) and that is defined as the life of every living soul. Jesus, in His divinity, which he had emptied Himself of (Philippians 2:5-8), was both, and it is here that we see Jesus revealing His true nature.
Thus, one of the core beliefs of the Jews is incarnate in Jesus, and yet they couldn't see or understand it. Even his closest followers couldn't really understand what Jesus meant when he kept referring to His impending death, and rising on the third day. Here is one example from the Gospel of Mark 9:31-32 NIV:
[31]..."because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” [32] But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. "
It was after Jesus rose that the Apostles understood what Jesus meant, and it is in this light that the Gospels and all the rest of the books of the new Testament are written. Paul writes that the Resurrection of Jesus was the core belief - 1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV: "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." It was Jesus' death and Resurrection that were essential in the forgiveness of our sins and our birth into eternal life. Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy (1 John 3:8) and sin and death are two of his primary works. In Jesus' death he conquered sin, in rising He conquered death. Paul writes about these two victories and their impact upon us in his letter to the Romans 6:5-10 NIV:
[5] "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--- [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin."
[8] "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. [10] The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God."
In a very real sense, when Jesus rose from the dead, we were united with Him, and now live with Him eternally! Of all the events in the history of the world the two with the most significant eternal consequences for us all are Jesus' death on the cross, and His resurrection, for these two things open the way for us to the Father and to eternal life. His death and Resurrection undo what was done in the Garden, and restore to us our original inheritance - relationship with the Father, and eternal life.
It is important to note that the story does not end here at Jesus' Resurrection, rather this is just the beginning. In fact, Jesus returned and then spent another 40 days on earth, meeting with His disciples and continued teaching them about the Kingdom that He had established (Acts 1:3). The Resurrection laid the way for His ascension into, and reign in Heaven. His ascension opened the way for the Father to send the Holy Spirit to us, to empower the Church and continue the full ministry of Jesus and accomplish the fulfillment of the great commission, and advancing of God's Kingdom here on earth. It is this advancing of God's kingdom that we are part of today!
Recently I was reading a book titled "Thy Kingdom Come" by Harold Eberle, and in it he described the significance of the Gospel of the Kingdom, not stopping with the Jesus' death and Resurrection. Here is a quote from his book:
"I am not saying that Christians who only know the gospel of salvation deny the resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Jesus. Of course, they believe these events happened, but they tend to think of the resurrection, ascension, and enthronement as secondary to the death of Jesus. They think of the resurrection as proof that Jesus is the Son of God. It is the stamp of authentication that the death of Jesus was truly valid. They tend to think of the ascension and enthronement as the Father’s rewards to the Son for having suffered the crucifixion. According to the gospel of salvation, the resurrection, ascension, and enthronement point back to the death of Jesus. The death is overwhelmingly seen as the most significant event and accomplishment of Jesus."
"In contrast, Christians who teach the gospel of the kingdom see the death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Jesus as each primary and essential for establishing the kingdom of God:
Through His death, Jesus took care of our sins.
When He resurrected, He conquered death.
As He ascended, He was raised above all authority.
When He was enthroned, He became King.
If any of these accomplishments had been left undone, the gospel of the kingdom would not be the gospel. It is not enough to realize that the cross is empty. We must understand what Jesus accomplished through His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement."
Thus, today we celebrate Jesus' Resurrection, and we recognize all that was accomplished by God on our behalf! We celebrate Jesus the first born from the dead into Eternal life! We celebrate the defeat of sin and death! We celebrate the victory of Christ's sinless, obedient life and death, and the Father's raising Him to life! We celebrate the fact that we died and rose with Christ! We celebrate the beginning of our eternal story!
Amen and Hallelujah!
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