29 June 2006
Stirring
My heart was stirred this morning when I read Psalm 147. I re-read some of the verses because they hit me so strongly. They seemed to jump off the page as if the Lord were saying, "This is it! This is what I'm doing!" Of special note is verse two, which says: "The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel." I just can't get this off my mind/heart. I think the Lord affirmed in me that He is rebuilding the Church (Jerusalem) and bringing back several people whose faith has been threatened, whose spirits have been in captivity for a long time. I believe He is initiating something unique that is bringing together the true believers in a movement of the Holy Spirit that purifies our trust in Christ and worship of the Father. I believe that He is strengthening our foundation and surrounding us with His strong protection (verse 13). I believe He is giving peace to those of us who long for Him (verse 14). Most importantly, I believe His movement is going to satisfy our hunger (verse 14). Many people in our physical churches attend weekly meetings and wonder if the Lord is as great as the Bible claims. If my stirring is truly coming from the Lord this morning (it is), then I believe He's about to show us that He's even greater than our interpretations. If anyone reads this and can interpret better what the Lord is showing me that He's about to do, please go for it.
28 June 2006
Strengthening Believers
The middle of Acts 18 (verses 23-24) say something very interesting about Paul. On his second missionary journey, Paul was doubtlessly excited about the possibility of bringing the Gospel to new people. He had seen some powerful things happen among people of Greece and Asia Minor during his first journey and must have itched to get out there again! The interesting thing that the verses say is that Paul stopped along the way to strengthen the believers.
This interests me because stopping to strengthen the believers likely took a lot of time from the missionary journey. There is no indication that Paul had any time constraints on the journey, but it seems logical that more time spent in new locations would result in new converts.
Could it be, then, that effective ministry is not only about evangelism? Sure, many of you are thinking how elementary this is. Yet, we often approach our ministries this way. I've been a member of more than one church whose philosophy was to reach all the unsaved for Christ. Once those people were reached, though, many of them have yet to experience true spiritual freedom in Christ! Many people assume they are now "saved" because they said a particular prayer with the right person somewhere and now attend church. Sure, they made an initial to place their hope in Christ. Salvation is more than a prayer and church attendance. Salvation can play into our daily lives, constantly drawing us into the likeness of Christ. We can experience complete cleansing as we live our new lives if salvation is a continual process. Otherwise, we get bogged down with questions like, "The Bible says all Christians are free of sin, but I still have struggles - what gives?"
A final note is necessary, too. Sometimes we acknowledge that strengthening the believers has great eternal value, but we long for people to come and strengthen us. That's normal, but we must allow God's grace to be sufficient for us. We must seek others to strengthen. We'll quickly find how strengthening other believers leaves us strong.
This interests me because stopping to strengthen the believers likely took a lot of time from the missionary journey. There is no indication that Paul had any time constraints on the journey, but it seems logical that more time spent in new locations would result in new converts.
Could it be, then, that effective ministry is not only about evangelism? Sure, many of you are thinking how elementary this is. Yet, we often approach our ministries this way. I've been a member of more than one church whose philosophy was to reach all the unsaved for Christ. Once those people were reached, though, many of them have yet to experience true spiritual freedom in Christ! Many people assume they are now "saved" because they said a particular prayer with the right person somewhere and now attend church. Sure, they made an initial to place their hope in Christ. Salvation is more than a prayer and church attendance. Salvation can play into our daily lives, constantly drawing us into the likeness of Christ. We can experience complete cleansing as we live our new lives if salvation is a continual process. Otherwise, we get bogged down with questions like, "The Bible says all Christians are free of sin, but I still have struggles - what gives?"
A final note is necessary, too. Sometimes we acknowledge that strengthening the believers has great eternal value, but we long for people to come and strengthen us. That's normal, but we must allow God's grace to be sufficient for us. We must seek others to strengthen. We'll quickly find how strengthening other believers leaves us strong.
27 June 2006
So Many Reasons to Praise
There are so many thigns to post about this morning, but my heart literally soared when I read Psalm 145 today. (If you're reading the Bible layout that I am, you will be blessed!) It seemed as though each phrase rings true in my life as it looks this morning. One of these days, Elizabeth, you or someone around you should really write a song about this one. (Actually, I've sung one, but it was a classical choral piece. I'm talking about a regular church worship song/hymn.)
The Lord is indeed great! I like how verse three says no one can measure His greatness. The KJV says that His greatness is unsearchable. I, for one, have tried on many occasions to search the Lord's greatness. I've tried to compare it to things we understand. This is fruitless, though. The Lord's greatness surpasses even the word "great" itself. Were I to list the Lord's mighty acts (verse four), it would take awhile. For good measure, here are a few:
1) Mom and Ron are here safely, enjoying Northern Maine.
2) The Lord opened many opportunities for us to talk about miracles and faith with them, and we've only been together less than 24 hours!
3) Natasha needed some clothes because her old ones were worn before we moved. Of those that weren't worn, the Lord prompted her to give some to the poor before we left Sussex. We aren't yet stable enough for a new wardrobe. The Lord still came through and provided several new garments from a lady in the church!
4) The Lord has opened a door of ministry for Natasha and me after her internship. Origianlly, I had no interest in the ministry. However, the Lord opened my eyes a few weeks ago. In some time with the Lord on Friday I sensed that this ministry is really our next step. Yesterday I received a call from a pastor asking us/me to come meet the selection committee and church. (Yeah, I know this is the first time most of you are hearing about this. Maybe some day I'll post the whole testimony. For now I'm sitting back and watching something God told me unfold before my very eyes.)
5) McKenzie got his spacer yesterday, and his confidence didn't seem shaken when I saw him.
6) Elizabeth's song on Sunday afternoon has ministered to me, giving words to an expression for which my heart has longed lately. There is no looking back for me!
7) Laura, Chris, Adam, and Pam are all in their respective ministries abroad. This is a great reason to miss friends!
8) Josh e-mailed me. I haven't e-mailed him back yet, but this is a brother with whom I feel connected, though we've rarely talked. He'll be on North America soon, and I'll be able to tell him what an encouragement he is to me.
9) The Lord doesn't have to follow normal immigration patterns. Jeremiah will be able to be married soon after all!
10) The Holy Spirit is moving among many churches with or without amazing music teams, with or without dynamic speakers, with or without programs. His signs and wonders are on the increase, as He shows the real Church (body of Christ) exactly who He really is!
Right, just a few. Ten didn't even scratch the surface! At least we'll have a lot to tell the next generation (verse four). Even when I'm not in my spiritual "A-game," the Lord is tender and gracious. We all know He's more than a tender Lord, but His anger and fury are NEVER separated from His love and mercy. How? Who knows? His greatness is immeasurable, remember? He ALWAYS keeps His promises. ALWAYS! He ALWAYS helps the fallen. ALWAYS! He is ALWAYS close to those who call on Him. ALWAYS! He ALWAYS protects those who love Him (with the safety Dr. Wilson preached about Sunday). ALWAYS!
That's why I can shout out with the psalmist: "I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!! MAY EVERYONE ON EARTH BLESS HIS HOLY NAME FOREVER AND EVER!!"
The Lord is indeed great! I like how verse three says no one can measure His greatness. The KJV says that His greatness is unsearchable. I, for one, have tried on many occasions to search the Lord's greatness. I've tried to compare it to things we understand. This is fruitless, though. The Lord's greatness surpasses even the word "great" itself. Were I to list the Lord's mighty acts (verse four), it would take awhile. For good measure, here are a few:
1) Mom and Ron are here safely, enjoying Northern Maine.
2) The Lord opened many opportunities for us to talk about miracles and faith with them, and we've only been together less than 24 hours!
3) Natasha needed some clothes because her old ones were worn before we moved. Of those that weren't worn, the Lord prompted her to give some to the poor before we left Sussex. We aren't yet stable enough for a new wardrobe. The Lord still came through and provided several new garments from a lady in the church!
4) The Lord has opened a door of ministry for Natasha and me after her internship. Origianlly, I had no interest in the ministry. However, the Lord opened my eyes a few weeks ago. In some time with the Lord on Friday I sensed that this ministry is really our next step. Yesterday I received a call from a pastor asking us/me to come meet the selection committee and church. (Yeah, I know this is the first time most of you are hearing about this. Maybe some day I'll post the whole testimony. For now I'm sitting back and watching something God told me unfold before my very eyes.)
5) McKenzie got his spacer yesterday, and his confidence didn't seem shaken when I saw him.
6) Elizabeth's song on Sunday afternoon has ministered to me, giving words to an expression for which my heart has longed lately. There is no looking back for me!
7) Laura, Chris, Adam, and Pam are all in their respective ministries abroad. This is a great reason to miss friends!
8) Josh e-mailed me. I haven't e-mailed him back yet, but this is a brother with whom I feel connected, though we've rarely talked. He'll be on North America soon, and I'll be able to tell him what an encouragement he is to me.
9) The Lord doesn't have to follow normal immigration patterns. Jeremiah will be able to be married soon after all!
10) The Holy Spirit is moving among many churches with or without amazing music teams, with or without dynamic speakers, with or without programs. His signs and wonders are on the increase, as He shows the real Church (body of Christ) exactly who He really is!
Right, just a few. Ten didn't even scratch the surface! At least we'll have a lot to tell the next generation (verse four). Even when I'm not in my spiritual "A-game," the Lord is tender and gracious. We all know He's more than a tender Lord, but His anger and fury are NEVER separated from His love and mercy. How? Who knows? His greatness is immeasurable, remember? He ALWAYS keeps His promises. ALWAYS! He ALWAYS helps the fallen. ALWAYS! He is ALWAYS close to those who call on Him. ALWAYS! He ALWAYS protects those who love Him (with the safety Dr. Wilson preached about Sunday). ALWAYS!
That's why I can shout out with the psalmist: "I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!! MAY EVERYONE ON EARTH BLESS HIS HOLY NAME FOREVER AND EVER!!"
26 June 2006
Unknown God
The concept of the "Unknown God" worshipped in ancient Athens (Acts 17:23) has always intrigued me. Athens was full of so many false gods and idols that it seemed the Unknown God was just another one of many gods. However, Paul picked up on the fact that it wasn't just another god. Somehow, in all their crude worship of their assortment of gods, the Athenians knew there was something more. This Unknown God was still there, worthy of worship, though no one knew why.
Paul helped the Athenians understand that the Unknown God is actually the real God. He was unknown to the Athenians because their worship was centered on ancient folklore and the discussion of new philosophies. Each false god that was worshipped represented an aspect of Greek culture or thought, but the Unknown God cannot be described or formed by human hands or imagination. Instead, this God is above all other gods in divine majesty. Yet, He knows us and loves us. His love sacrificed His only Son, and His power raised His Son back to life!
I cannot read this passage without thinking of so many lost people around the world. As Paul said in the passage, we humans all have our being in Him. It is through the Son that everything was created. Therefore, God is very near to every human on earth. Nature itself testifies to the Lord daily. Many of these cultures spend their time worshipping flase gods based on tradition, ideology, and (all too often) fear. Meanwhile, the Unknown God still waits patiently for the worship due Him. The Unknown God pursues all people, drawing hearts consistently to Himself. Reports by Jesus Film teams in Africa say that men and women have gathered to see the Jesus Film and have trusted Christ, exclaiming, "I just dreamed about that man last night!" This is only one of many ways the Unknown God is making Himself known to the world. May we be placed in circumstances to reveal the Unknown God to people all the time. It is a beautiful thing when the Unknown is revealed in blessing, honor, glory, power, peace, beauty, and love!
Paul helped the Athenians understand that the Unknown God is actually the real God. He was unknown to the Athenians because their worship was centered on ancient folklore and the discussion of new philosophies. Each false god that was worshipped represented an aspect of Greek culture or thought, but the Unknown God cannot be described or formed by human hands or imagination. Instead, this God is above all other gods in divine majesty. Yet, He knows us and loves us. His love sacrificed His only Son, and His power raised His Son back to life!
I cannot read this passage without thinking of so many lost people around the world. As Paul said in the passage, we humans all have our being in Him. It is through the Son that everything was created. Therefore, God is very near to every human on earth. Nature itself testifies to the Lord daily. Many of these cultures spend their time worshipping flase gods based on tradition, ideology, and (all too often) fear. Meanwhile, the Unknown God still waits patiently for the worship due Him. The Unknown God pursues all people, drawing hearts consistently to Himself. Reports by Jesus Film teams in Africa say that men and women have gathered to see the Jesus Film and have trusted Christ, exclaiming, "I just dreamed about that man last night!" This is only one of many ways the Unknown God is making Himself known to the world. May we be placed in circumstances to reveal the Unknown God to people all the time. It is a beautiful thing when the Unknown is revealed in blessing, honor, glory, power, peace, beauty, and love!
25 June 2006
How the Lord Responds to Attack
I noticed something new this morning in Acts 16. The story is very familiar. Paul and Silas enter a town in which a demonized fortune-teller tries to thwart the work of the Gospel. Paul commands the demon to leave the girl, and the men who own the the girl throw the town into an uproar over these unconventional Jews. The two are thrown in prison, but the Lord sends an earthquake to release the bonds. Paul and Silas are freed, but not before evangelizing the jailer and challenging the town authorities.
It's this last thing - how they challenged the town authorities - that strikes me. Think about it. Paul and Silas are in jail, but the Lord frees them. They stay there to minister to the jailer, who believes, and subsequently tells the men they can go. Do they go? NO! I wondered why not until the Lord showed me something pretty simple.
When attacked, the Lord never turns tail and runs. In the case of Paul and Silas, the attack wasn't really on the two ministers. After all, we don't fight against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers of darkness. What was going on behind the scenes was a showdown between God and the devil. The Holy Spirit's power released the fortune-teller from her demon, so the devil was mad. He used the evil men who owned the girl to attack God's servants, thinking he'd actually get to God in doing that. In response, God shook the place that was supposed to hold Paul and Silas captive, showing that He is still in ultimate control. For good measure, He even drew the jailer to Himself, showing the devil that God's love and power extends beyond His current servants. (In other words, He took one of the devil's former servants.) The devil was pretty sneaky when he gave opportunity for Paul and Silas to sneak out of the town by night. Again, God won the showdown. He made the town leaders (no doubt on the devil's side, since they so strongly opposed Christ's work) actually have to beg Paul and Silas to leave. They gave Paul and Silas respect and had to humble themselves. What we could never see with our eyes in that final exchange is that God essentially humbled the devil. The devil has no power to do anything to God or His servants of any lasting effect. The devil thinks he has the upper hand because he has a few politicians in his pocket. As usual, God undermined the devil then, and He'll do it today. Praise Him forever!!
It's this last thing - how they challenged the town authorities - that strikes me. Think about it. Paul and Silas are in jail, but the Lord frees them. They stay there to minister to the jailer, who believes, and subsequently tells the men they can go. Do they go? NO! I wondered why not until the Lord showed me something pretty simple.
When attacked, the Lord never turns tail and runs. In the case of Paul and Silas, the attack wasn't really on the two ministers. After all, we don't fight against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers of darkness. What was going on behind the scenes was a showdown between God and the devil. The Holy Spirit's power released the fortune-teller from her demon, so the devil was mad. He used the evil men who owned the girl to attack God's servants, thinking he'd actually get to God in doing that. In response, God shook the place that was supposed to hold Paul and Silas captive, showing that He is still in ultimate control. For good measure, He even drew the jailer to Himself, showing the devil that God's love and power extends beyond His current servants. (In other words, He took one of the devil's former servants.) The devil was pretty sneaky when he gave opportunity for Paul and Silas to sneak out of the town by night. Again, God won the showdown. He made the town leaders (no doubt on the devil's side, since they so strongly opposed Christ's work) actually have to beg Paul and Silas to leave. They gave Paul and Silas respect and had to humble themselves. What we could never see with our eyes in that final exchange is that God essentially humbled the devil. The devil has no power to do anything to God or His servants of any lasting effect. The devil thinks he has the upper hand because he has a few politicians in his pocket. As usual, God undermined the devil then, and He'll do it today. Praise Him forever!!
24 June 2006
Strong Statements
If one looks at major miracles recorded in the Bible, Elisha is arguably the most active prophet without his own biblical book. In 2 Kings 6 - 7 he makes an axe float, reveals a fiery army of the Lord to his servant, and gives the enemy's war secrets to Israel's king without ever speaking with the enemy or leaving his home! In chapter seven he makes a very bold statement, indicating the end of a famine that will leave Samaria with plenty before the end of a 24-hour period. Of course, the king's servant doesn't believe that and makes another bold statement: "That couldn't happen even if the Lord opened the heavens!"
It seems to me that if Elisha, who performed the Lord's miracles and was never wrong, declared the end of a famine, one should believe him. I won't criticise the king's servant too harshly because I've been known to focus too much on what I see physically before. However, we can't miss the strongest statement of all here - the Lord's statement.
The king's servant had good (earthly) reason not to believe Elisha. The Arameans had laid siege to Samaria, blocking off the city from its food source. Things were so severe that people were eating their own children! The Arameans camped outside Samaria day after day, awaiting the time when the Israelites all starved to death or rushed from the city to be killed in desperation. There was no escape at all. A harvest to cure that type of famine may take a couple of years!
The Lord promised what He promised, though, and Elisha was determined that God was right. He told the doubting servant, "You won't eat of the food God will provide." God's statement had been made, but it only got stronger. That night, the same invisble fiery army of the Lord rushed through the Aramean camp, causing them all to flee in fear and to leave behind an enormous plunder (found, ironically enough, by unclean lepers instead of soldiers). The people came and took the plunder the next day. There was so much food that the famine was indeed over!
As for the doubting servant? He was trampled to death by the mob of people who rushed out of the city gate at the report of so much food.
(On a side note: It's interesting to me that the Lord didn't kill the Aramean army, but he let this doubter die. His mercy extended even to those who fought against His people, but the faithless servant lived no longer. Food for thought....)
It seems to me that if Elisha, who performed the Lord's miracles and was never wrong, declared the end of a famine, one should believe him. I won't criticise the king's servant too harshly because I've been known to focus too much on what I see physically before. However, we can't miss the strongest statement of all here - the Lord's statement.
The king's servant had good (earthly) reason not to believe Elisha. The Arameans had laid siege to Samaria, blocking off the city from its food source. Things were so severe that people were eating their own children! The Arameans camped outside Samaria day after day, awaiting the time when the Israelites all starved to death or rushed from the city to be killed in desperation. There was no escape at all. A harvest to cure that type of famine may take a couple of years!
The Lord promised what He promised, though, and Elisha was determined that God was right. He told the doubting servant, "You won't eat of the food God will provide." God's statement had been made, but it only got stronger. That night, the same invisble fiery army of the Lord rushed through the Aramean camp, causing them all to flee in fear and to leave behind an enormous plunder (found, ironically enough, by unclean lepers instead of soldiers). The people came and took the plunder the next day. There was so much food that the famine was indeed over!
As for the doubting servant? He was trampled to death by the mob of people who rushed out of the city gate at the report of so much food.
(On a side note: It's interesting to me that the Lord didn't kill the Aramean army, but he let this doubter die. His mercy extended even to those who fought against His people, but the faithless servant lived no longer. Food for thought....)
23 June 2006
No Control
Despite all my best efforts, it is almost impossible to control what I say. I've heard and believed that I should watch what I say, tame my tongue, or however you want to put it. Sometimes I do well. Usually I don't. Usually I end up saying things that are unnecessary, confusing, or even hurtful. When I get excited I often talk over people without realizing it.
Reading Psalm 141 this morning reminded me of my talking habits. David begins by asking the Lord to hurry to him, to heed his cry for help. Before he says anything else, he prays in verse 3, "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don't let me drift twoard evil...." He put it perfectly. What we say needs to be under control, lest we drift toward evil.
The rest of the psalm asks for help from David's enemies, but I don't think it's a mistake that David asked for the Lord's control over his speech before asking for anything else from the Lord. David and I are a lot alike in that neither of us has been able to watch what we say. If told to control our own tongues, both of us have fallen prey talking out of turn - or even simply for the sake of talking. Like David, my prayer is, "Take control of my what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." If my mouth, like the rest of me, is under the Lord's control, then the things I say won't threaten to drift me toward evil!
Lord, I've said it before, and I'll declare it anew today: I am yours. Especially my mouth. Take control of what I say. My efforts to watch my mouth are nothing unless you guard my lips. As I choose to follow you today, I trust in your power to keep words of life on my mouth, so that I can speak your truth to everyone I encounter.
Reading Psalm 141 this morning reminded me of my talking habits. David begins by asking the Lord to hurry to him, to heed his cry for help. Before he says anything else, he prays in verse 3, "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don't let me drift twoard evil...." He put it perfectly. What we say needs to be under control, lest we drift toward evil.
The rest of the psalm asks for help from David's enemies, but I don't think it's a mistake that David asked for the Lord's control over his speech before asking for anything else from the Lord. David and I are a lot alike in that neither of us has been able to watch what we say. If told to control our own tongues, both of us have fallen prey talking out of turn - or even simply for the sake of talking. Like David, my prayer is, "Take control of my what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." If my mouth, like the rest of me, is under the Lord's control, then the things I say won't threaten to drift me toward evil!
Lord, I've said it before, and I'll declare it anew today: I am yours. Especially my mouth. Take control of what I say. My efforts to watch my mouth are nothing unless you guard my lips. As I choose to follow you today, I trust in your power to keep words of life on my mouth, so that I can speak your truth to everyone I encounter.
22 June 2006
When Ministry Goes Wrong
Acts 14:8-28 has always been a horrifying (and a little funny) story to me. Imagine Paul and Barnabas, full of the Holy Spirit, doing ministry in Jesus's name. Paul heals someone in Christ's power, and the whole town shows up to worship Paul and Barnabas!
I've always wondered what really went wrong there. Was it simply something in the people? Was their faith so impure that they just assumed Paul and Barnabas were their native gods? Did Paul and Barnabas unwittingly encourage it? And how did the Jews from Iconium so quickly and easily win the hearts of the entire crowd, who turned from worshipping Paul to stoning him nearly to death?
It hits me, though, that this is likely not as abnormal as I think. My dad's former church, for example, wasn't worshipping him right before he left that church. Still, they thought he was great. The church was growing, and many of the people who came were there just to hear his "fabulous" preaching, which was rumored to be the best anywhere around. When mom left him and rumors started, the church was so quickly swayed by a small faction of the church against my dad (and now, stepmom). The church all but threw him out.
Take Ross DeMerchant a few years ago, too. He was the best thing that happened to youth in the Wesleyan denomination until he was discovered to be involved in an ethical nightmare. In his case, he did what he did, but it was remarkable to me that many people I know across the denomination were ready to remove him from the ministry and from Wesleyan memory forever.
When faced with people's pseudo-worship or outright disdain, may we remain stable in the consistency of God's truth like Paul and Barnabas did. The waves of human emotion and reaction will always be predictable. May we cling firmly to the Lord, our solid rock in our quest of oneness with the Father!
I've always wondered what really went wrong there. Was it simply something in the people? Was their faith so impure that they just assumed Paul and Barnabas were their native gods? Did Paul and Barnabas unwittingly encourage it? And how did the Jews from Iconium so quickly and easily win the hearts of the entire crowd, who turned from worshipping Paul to stoning him nearly to death?
It hits me, though, that this is likely not as abnormal as I think. My dad's former church, for example, wasn't worshipping him right before he left that church. Still, they thought he was great. The church was growing, and many of the people who came were there just to hear his "fabulous" preaching, which was rumored to be the best anywhere around. When mom left him and rumors started, the church was so quickly swayed by a small faction of the church against my dad (and now, stepmom). The church all but threw him out.
Take Ross DeMerchant a few years ago, too. He was the best thing that happened to youth in the Wesleyan denomination until he was discovered to be involved in an ethical nightmare. In his case, he did what he did, but it was remarkable to me that many people I know across the denomination were ready to remove him from the ministry and from Wesleyan memory forever.
When faced with people's pseudo-worship or outright disdain, may we remain stable in the consistency of God's truth like Paul and Barnabas did. The waves of human emotion and reaction will always be predictable. May we cling firmly to the Lord, our solid rock in our quest of oneness with the Father!
21 June 2006
More Experiential
Most of my posts lately have been about things coming directly from the Bible. This morning's post is more experiential. The most recent Engage meeting had us all split up into small groups to discuss a lot of Colossians 3. Our group was fired up at the concept of taking off the filthy rags of sinfulness and putting on the righteous robes of God's love. I had decided to put on God's love through literal motions. I did that Monday and had a great day spiritually. Yesterday I forgot about it and had a marginal day. I didn't recognize the presumable "coincidence" until I prayed this morning. I prayed today, putting on the cloak of God's love first. Then I put on the armor of God. It's remarkable how differently my spirit feels this morning! You don't have to tell me that Colossians 3 wasn't talking about literally taking off and putting on of garments. However, this tangible expression is making me think through that prayer literally. I strongly recommend it. (Thanks, Lor, for leading that great session!)
20 June 2006
Getting Serious About It
A couple of things struck me in Psalm 138 this morning. (I read the NLT.) It begins by offering the Lord thanks with all of one's heart, something I've heard a lot and strive to do. Immediately after that phrase, however, the psalmist talks about singing God's praise before the gods.
It seems to me that singing God's praise before the gods is much more serious than singing it before other people. First, singing praise before other people only requires us to say and do certain things in our praise. We often assess one another's commitment to worship by how engaged people appear to be. This judgment is folly. Even if a person claims to worship the Lord, people are fickle and will do a lot to please one another even though they don't care much about the Lord (see 1 Kings 22:19-25).
Second, singing praise before the gods essentially means singing praise before the very enemy of our souls. "The gods" refers to the myriad of false gods worshipped in the Bible (and today). None of them is God; they're all imitations, mostly made by human hands. It is the enemy of our souls that draws people into worship of the false gods. The enemy's aim is to take glory from God, if that were even possible. It's a serious commitment, then, to proclaim God's praise before the gods.
For most of us this doesn't mean destroying altars to Baal (or more contemporary false gods). For most of us it means giving glory to God in the face of those things that control us - addictions, habitual sins, and all of the encumbrances that hold us down. Whether the god has a specific name and form, the enemy of our souls knows whether we are glorifying the Lord or giving lip service. When we glorify the Lord in front of our enemy, we will be tried. Just remember that the Lord will work out His plans for your life and will not abandon those whose hearts are truly His (Psalm 138:8). Go out and declare God's praise before all people and the gods today!
It seems to me that singing God's praise before the gods is much more serious than singing it before other people. First, singing praise before other people only requires us to say and do certain things in our praise. We often assess one another's commitment to worship by how engaged people appear to be. This judgment is folly. Even if a person claims to worship the Lord, people are fickle and will do a lot to please one another even though they don't care much about the Lord (see 1 Kings 22:19-25).
Second, singing praise before the gods essentially means singing praise before the very enemy of our souls. "The gods" refers to the myriad of false gods worshipped in the Bible (and today). None of them is God; they're all imitations, mostly made by human hands. It is the enemy of our souls that draws people into worship of the false gods. The enemy's aim is to take glory from God, if that were even possible. It's a serious commitment, then, to proclaim God's praise before the gods.
For most of us this doesn't mean destroying altars to Baal (or more contemporary false gods). For most of us it means giving glory to God in the face of those things that control us - addictions, habitual sins, and all of the encumbrances that hold us down. Whether the god has a specific name and form, the enemy of our souls knows whether we are glorifying the Lord or giving lip service. When we glorify the Lord in front of our enemy, we will be tried. Just remember that the Lord will work out His plans for your life and will not abandon those whose hearts are truly His (Psalm 138:8). Go out and declare God's praise before all people and the gods today!
19 June 2006
Extreme Mercy
Sometimes the thought of God's mercy is overwhelming. It's commonly understood that God wants His followers to have clean hands and a pure heart. Psalm 15 is very clear that people with clean hands (blameless lives) and pure hearts are the only ones who may dwell in His presence. No amount of religious activities or strange practices are going to do anything to bring us closer to Him. It follows, then, that people without blameless lives and pure hearts are not honored by the Lord's presence.
King Ahab's problem in 1 Kings 29 is that his hands were unclean and his heart was impure. Verse 25 says that no one else in his time sold himself to evil like Ahab did. Ahab and Jezebel worshipped many other gods (and not the God at all), killed people to get what they wanted, threatened and killed God's prophets just for being God's prophets, and the list goes on. The Lord had it when Jezebel sent people to lie about Naboth so that the people would stone him. Then Ahab went and claimed Naboth's vineyard for himself, since Naboth wouldn't give in to the king's covetousness while he was alive.
I am no judge of people and won't say that Ahab and Jezebel deserved to die, but they were certainly a miserable lot whose hands were dirtier than the famed Lady MacBeth and whose hearts followed only evil. It's understandable that the Lord would send His prophet with such a foreboding message.
Interestingly, for the first time in his life and among the line of kings of Israel's history, Ahab repented. Truly repented. He fasted and mourned for the loss of his life at God's hands. Instead of trying to control God, he literally regretted his evil activities and humbled himself. God told Elijah that He noticed how Ahab humbled himself in repentance and would not destroy Ahab himself. His dynasty would still come to an end, but the Lord chose to honor Ahab.
Why would He do that? He'd do that because the Lord is incredibly merciful. He takes no joy in destroying people. He loved Ahab. The destruction of Ahab's dynasty was prophecied because evil would be destroyed with the dynasty. Yet, when Ahab turned from his wickedness, God had mercy on the man. This is good news for us. Many of us have lived lives with unclean hands and impure hearts. Even some of us who call ourselves Christians look in the mirror and know we have impurity in our hearts. We don't need to be afraid of God when we notice it; instead we need to acknowledge the impurity for what it is and repent. Repentance is not a magic trick to win God's favor, but His mercy (linked, of course, to His boundless, perfect, eternal love - see yesterday's post) endures forever. True repentance only comes out of a person who's humble enough to tear our clothing, put on burlap, fast, and mourn for our spiritual condition - metaphorically or physically. God will be merciful, giving you a new heart and washing you cleaner than newly fallen snow!
King Ahab's problem in 1 Kings 29 is that his hands were unclean and his heart was impure. Verse 25 says that no one else in his time sold himself to evil like Ahab did. Ahab and Jezebel worshipped many other gods (and not the God at all), killed people to get what they wanted, threatened and killed God's prophets just for being God's prophets, and the list goes on. The Lord had it when Jezebel sent people to lie about Naboth so that the people would stone him. Then Ahab went and claimed Naboth's vineyard for himself, since Naboth wouldn't give in to the king's covetousness while he was alive.
I am no judge of people and won't say that Ahab and Jezebel deserved to die, but they were certainly a miserable lot whose hands were dirtier than the famed Lady MacBeth and whose hearts followed only evil. It's understandable that the Lord would send His prophet with such a foreboding message.
Interestingly, for the first time in his life and among the line of kings of Israel's history, Ahab repented. Truly repented. He fasted and mourned for the loss of his life at God's hands. Instead of trying to control God, he literally regretted his evil activities and humbled himself. God told Elijah that He noticed how Ahab humbled himself in repentance and would not destroy Ahab himself. His dynasty would still come to an end, but the Lord chose to honor Ahab.
Why would He do that? He'd do that because the Lord is incredibly merciful. He takes no joy in destroying people. He loved Ahab. The destruction of Ahab's dynasty was prophecied because evil would be destroyed with the dynasty. Yet, when Ahab turned from his wickedness, God had mercy on the man. This is good news for us. Many of us have lived lives with unclean hands and impure hearts. Even some of us who call ourselves Christians look in the mirror and know we have impurity in our hearts. We don't need to be afraid of God when we notice it; instead we need to acknowledge the impurity for what it is and repent. Repentance is not a magic trick to win God's favor, but His mercy (linked, of course, to His boundless, perfect, eternal love - see yesterday's post) endures forever. True repentance only comes out of a person who's humble enough to tear our clothing, put on burlap, fast, and mourn for our spiritual condition - metaphorically or physically. God will be merciful, giving you a new heart and washing you cleaner than newly fallen snow!
18 June 2006
His Love Endures Forever
Psalm 136 has always stricken me as something different. The obvious reason is because every phrase is interrupted with the statement "His love endures forever." The more time I've spent with the Lord, the more moving this statement becomes. The Hebrew writer who originally penned Psalm 136 used the word "hesed" for "love." "Hesed" is an undying, faithful, merciful, gracious, boundless, perfect love that only God can express (this side of eternity, anyway). Once in prayer I read the whole psalm, but I changed the statement to "His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever." I may or may not have cried like a little girl for an hour or so.
Think about it: His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
Meditate on this awhile and try a couple of verses for yourself. For me it would be like this:
I responded to God's leading
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
And prepared for His ministry.
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
I met Natasha
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
And we are enjoying a fabulous marriage.
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
We have never needed a thing
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
And we're even able to bless others.
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
Now we're on Natasha's internship
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
With great expectations for changed hearts and lives to the glory of God!
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
This could continue for days, but you get the idea. His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever in everything we encounter! My prayer is that the love we're learning to have for Him will bless His name as we grow in an undying, boundless, perfect love relationship with Him!
Think about it: His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
Meditate on this awhile and try a couple of verses for yourself. For me it would be like this:
I responded to God's leading
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
And prepared for His ministry.
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
I met Natasha
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
And we are enjoying a fabulous marriage.
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
We have never needed a thing
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
And we're even able to bless others.
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
Now we're on Natasha's internship
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
With great expectations for changed hearts and lives to the glory of God!
His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever.
This could continue for days, but you get the idea. His undying, boundless, perfect love endures forever in everything we encounter! My prayer is that the love we're learning to have for Him will bless His name as we grow in an undying, boundless, perfect love relationship with Him!
17 June 2006
Something We Never Expected
I think I'm a lot like the Jewish Christians in Acts 11. After the conversion of Cornelius and his household, the Jewish Christians weren't very happy that Peter had spent time eating in the home of a Gentile. After all, no Jew would remain holy after eating with a Gentile, let alone being in one's home. Their faith in Christ was the fulfillment (not the abolishment) of their Jewish faith, so it only made sense to them that they should stay away from Gentiles. I would've been the same. There are several "proper" things about Christianity that, if challenged, would cause me to bring many things or people into question.
Of course, the Jewish believers began praising the Lord for changing the rules when they heard Peter's testimony. The Gentiles were baptized in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, just like the Jews. Instead of questioning how that could be or assuming that Peter was off his rocker, the Jewish Christians embraced the change they couldn't understand. They saw that repentance and the infilling of the Holy Spirit is a privilege of following Christ, not just a requirement for Jews who wanted to convert. They worshiped God for "changing" things. This is where I'm not so sure i'm like the Jewish Christians. I don't necessarily feel challenged on anything in my faith right now, but when I do, how will I respond?
Here's the most interesting thing of all. The whole time I read Acts 11 I had this sneaking suspicion that we Christians are on the threshold of something like this. I have the impression that the Holy Spirit is going to move in such a way that we're going to be left having to choose to worship the Father in Jesus's name or to become stubborn. The stubborn first century Christians were Judaizers, people who tried to make everyone comply with Jewish laws before coming to Christ. These were also enemies of the Gospel in many respects. When the Holy Spirit sweeps across the continent and world with this new thing, I pray that my spirit will be quickened to respond in worship instead of antagonism.
Of course, the Jewish believers began praising the Lord for changing the rules when they heard Peter's testimony. The Gentiles were baptized in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, just like the Jews. Instead of questioning how that could be or assuming that Peter was off his rocker, the Jewish Christians embraced the change they couldn't understand. They saw that repentance and the infilling of the Holy Spirit is a privilege of following Christ, not just a requirement for Jews who wanted to convert. They worshiped God for "changing" things. This is where I'm not so sure i'm like the Jewish Christians. I don't necessarily feel challenged on anything in my faith right now, but when I do, how will I respond?
Here's the most interesting thing of all. The whole time I read Acts 11 I had this sneaking suspicion that we Christians are on the threshold of something like this. I have the impression that the Holy Spirit is going to move in such a way that we're going to be left having to choose to worship the Father in Jesus's name or to become stubborn. The stubborn first century Christians were Judaizers, people who tried to make everyone comply with Jewish laws before coming to Christ. These were also enemies of the Gospel in many respects. When the Holy Spirit sweeps across the continent and world with this new thing, I pray that my spirit will be quickened to respond in worship instead of antagonism.
16 June 2006
The Gift
I'm about to walk on thin ice with some people who read this blog. Nevertheless, today's blog is about the gift of tongues.
Frankly, I've never been 100% satisfied with any theological treatment of the gift of tongues that I've heard. I understand that there may well be excellent theologies about the gift out there, but I haven't heard one yet. The reason I'm so dissatisfied is because the theologies I've heard about the manifestation of the gift of tongues tend to seek rational explanation and often end in rules. For example, there are those Christians who believe that a person is only filled with the Spirit if she or he has spoken/speaks in tongues. There are also those who say it is a manifestation of the devil and ardently forbid it. Then, of course, there's the theology with which I'm most familiar, which explains away the mystery and discourages its practice at large.
I may never have had questions about the gift if it weren't for Cornelius. After all, the gift manifested in Acts 2 can easily be explained as a gift in which many people who spoke divers languages heard the same message simultaneously in their home tongue. Like 1 Cor 14 says, that manifestation of the gift of tongues would have been for the unbeliever. Thus, any public manifestation of an unknown language would require immediate interpretation, as Paul explains to the Corinthians. I get that, and I even agree.
What does a person do with Cornelius, then? When he and his family were filled with the Spirit, they spoke in tongues. This must have been a language unknown to Peter, the believers, and the people in Cornelius's house. Cornelius and Peter obviously spoke a common language (likely Greek), or they never would have been able to communicate in Acts 10, so he wasn't speaking Greek. They also weren't speaking Aramaic or Hebrew, as it's arguable that Peter and his Jewish comrades knew those languages. They also would have recognized Latin as the Roman language, even if they didn't understand it. Thus, the Gentile family was filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke in some unknown language, and were not shut down by the Christians who brought the message. Instead of quieting Cornelius and his family, they stood in awe that the Lord had moved so powerfully among the Gentiles.
Are we missing something in some of our North American evangelical churches? I do NOT puport that we go out seeking the gift of tongues as proof of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit is in you, then He will manifest His fruit and some gifts as He sees fit (Gal 5, 1 Cor 12). However, I'm familiar with many Wesleyans, Baptists, Methodists, and so on who are afraid of an unknown tongue because it supposedly takes us out of our right minds and into ecstatic expressions of worship.
1) Though we may think about ourselves according to Greek philisophical terms, we are all made up of our spirit, mind, will, emotions, and body. These elements are not really separated at all. All of those things are affected when one thing is affected. All of those things are involved in Christian worship. If our minds are engaged in worship, then so should our spirits, wills, emotions, and bodies be engaged in worship. If we're compartmentalizing ourselves in worship, then our worship is not an offering of ALL that we are. Compartmentalized worship leaves room for part of us not to be submitted to the Lord.
2) Again, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts as He sees fit. Apparently, He saw fit to give an unknown worship language to Cornelius and his family in Acts 10. Does that mean we should all rush around speaking unknown languages? Not necessarily. Neither, however, should we allow our own minds, wills, emotions, and bodies to decide how the Holy Spirit chooses to manifest Himself.
I may never understand Cornelius, and I may never speak in tongues publicly. I'm fine with both of those things. After time in the Word today, though, I'm left praying for an openness to the Lord for His real and effective work in me. If I'm shutting out the gift of tongues, what else am I shutting out? How open am I really, if I'm dictating how the Lord can or cannot move in me?
Okay, now that I've opened that can of worms.....
Frankly, I've never been 100% satisfied with any theological treatment of the gift of tongues that I've heard. I understand that there may well be excellent theologies about the gift out there, but I haven't heard one yet. The reason I'm so dissatisfied is because the theologies I've heard about the manifestation of the gift of tongues tend to seek rational explanation and often end in rules. For example, there are those Christians who believe that a person is only filled with the Spirit if she or he has spoken/speaks in tongues. There are also those who say it is a manifestation of the devil and ardently forbid it. Then, of course, there's the theology with which I'm most familiar, which explains away the mystery and discourages its practice at large.
I may never have had questions about the gift if it weren't for Cornelius. After all, the gift manifested in Acts 2 can easily be explained as a gift in which many people who spoke divers languages heard the same message simultaneously in their home tongue. Like 1 Cor 14 says, that manifestation of the gift of tongues would have been for the unbeliever. Thus, any public manifestation of an unknown language would require immediate interpretation, as Paul explains to the Corinthians. I get that, and I even agree.
What does a person do with Cornelius, then? When he and his family were filled with the Spirit, they spoke in tongues. This must have been a language unknown to Peter, the believers, and the people in Cornelius's house. Cornelius and Peter obviously spoke a common language (likely Greek), or they never would have been able to communicate in Acts 10, so he wasn't speaking Greek. They also weren't speaking Aramaic or Hebrew, as it's arguable that Peter and his Jewish comrades knew those languages. They also would have recognized Latin as the Roman language, even if they didn't understand it. Thus, the Gentile family was filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke in some unknown language, and were not shut down by the Christians who brought the message. Instead of quieting Cornelius and his family, they stood in awe that the Lord had moved so powerfully among the Gentiles.
Are we missing something in some of our North American evangelical churches? I do NOT puport that we go out seeking the gift of tongues as proof of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit is in you, then He will manifest His fruit and some gifts as He sees fit (Gal 5, 1 Cor 12). However, I'm familiar with many Wesleyans, Baptists, Methodists, and so on who are afraid of an unknown tongue because it supposedly takes us out of our right minds and into ecstatic expressions of worship.
1) Though we may think about ourselves according to Greek philisophical terms, we are all made up of our spirit, mind, will, emotions, and body. These elements are not really separated at all. All of those things are affected when one thing is affected. All of those things are involved in Christian worship. If our minds are engaged in worship, then so should our spirits, wills, emotions, and bodies be engaged in worship. If we're compartmentalizing ourselves in worship, then our worship is not an offering of ALL that we are. Compartmentalized worship leaves room for part of us not to be submitted to the Lord.
2) Again, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts as He sees fit. Apparently, He saw fit to give an unknown worship language to Cornelius and his family in Acts 10. Does that mean we should all rush around speaking unknown languages? Not necessarily. Neither, however, should we allow our own minds, wills, emotions, and bodies to decide how the Holy Spirit chooses to manifest Himself.
I may never understand Cornelius, and I may never speak in tongues publicly. I'm fine with both of those things. After time in the Word today, though, I'm left praying for an openness to the Lord for His real and effective work in me. If I'm shutting out the gift of tongues, what else am I shutting out? How open am I really, if I'm dictating how the Lord can or cannot move in me?
Okay, now that I've opened that can of worms.....
15 June 2006
God's Presence
Psalm 133 compares harmonious unity with some very beautiful things. Of course, those things are relatively obscure, too. For starters, the passage states that harmonious unity between brothers is like the oil used to anoint Aaron, the first priest of Israel. Remember that the oil used in that ceremony was representative of the presence of the Lord. When Aaron was anointed priest, the oil was the symbol God chose to use as a sign that His presence was in and upon Aaron. He wanted to make it clear that Aaron was His chosen spiritual leader. The oil that symbolized this honor ran down Aaron's hair, onto his beard, and onto his robe. That much oil was used as the Lord literally bathed Aaron in His presence.
Secondly, harmonious unity is compared to dew from Mount Hermon that ends up on Mount Zion, where God pronounces everlasting life. The morning dew that settled in Zion was refreshing. Zion, of course, refers to that part of Jerusalem better known as the City of David - in the desert. The dew would come in the mornings to refresh the people, the plants, and life in general. Both Mount Hermon and Mount Zion were places of significant divine revelation in the Old Testament, the latter indicating the place where the Lord chose to settle among His people. The Lord pronounced HIs blessing in Zion, promising everlasting life to those who remember the spiritual significance of Zion. Zion almost always means God is here to give people everlasting life. (What a fitting prophecy of Jesus's ministry that declared everlasting life in Zion!)
It seems that Psalm 133 is saying that harmonious unity between brothers (and sisters, I imagine) communicates the very presence of God. Unity among spiritual brothers and sisters is a picture of God's presence that anoints His people for His good work. Unity among spiritual brothers and sisters is a picture of God's presence that refreshes His people, declaring the eternal life we'll live with Him. Perhaps these statements on unity explain how it is that people will know we are Christians when we love one another (John 13:35).
Secondly, harmonious unity is compared to dew from Mount Hermon that ends up on Mount Zion, where God pronounces everlasting life. The morning dew that settled in Zion was refreshing. Zion, of course, refers to that part of Jerusalem better known as the City of David - in the desert. The dew would come in the mornings to refresh the people, the plants, and life in general. Both Mount Hermon and Mount Zion were places of significant divine revelation in the Old Testament, the latter indicating the place where the Lord chose to settle among His people. The Lord pronounced HIs blessing in Zion, promising everlasting life to those who remember the spiritual significance of Zion. Zion almost always means God is here to give people everlasting life. (What a fitting prophecy of Jesus's ministry that declared everlasting life in Zion!)
It seems that Psalm 133 is saying that harmonious unity between brothers (and sisters, I imagine) communicates the very presence of God. Unity among spiritual brothers and sisters is a picture of God's presence that anoints His people for His good work. Unity among spiritual brothers and sisters is a picture of God's presence that refreshes His people, declaring the eternal life we'll live with Him. Perhaps these statements on unity explain how it is that people will know we are Christians when we love one another (John 13:35).
14 June 2006
Too Much Today
There's too much to write about this morning! I'll do my best not to go overboard.
The story of the man of God in 1 Kings 13 has never sat well with me. I decided to ask the Lord about it today. Why would He send a man of God with His message, show His power through the man of God, and punish Him for listening to the lies of the old prophet? Why would the man of God be held responsible for the old prophet tracking him down and bringing him into his home to disobey God's exact command? The Lord opened my eyes to something new today, though. The man of God had specific instructions from the Lord. He delivered the message to king Jeroboam, and the Lord's power was displayed. What was it in the second half of the Lord's message (not to eat or drink in Bethel) did the man of God not believe? The man of God ignored the Lord simply because the older prophet coaxed him. The nameless man of God was obviously hungry, and he was distracted that someone else could be a prophet in such an evil place. He wasn't following after God, even after God had proven Himself powerfully. That is why the man of God died. To let him live would have spoken as loud a message to the people of Bethel as splitting the pagan altar and shriveling the king's hand.
More briefly, read through Psalm 132 once or twice. It's almost too obvious to point out, but I am really blessed to read a prophetic psalm that clearly points to Jesus! Especially verse 17: "Here I will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light for my people." Praise the Lord!
The story of the man of God in 1 Kings 13 has never sat well with me. I decided to ask the Lord about it today. Why would He send a man of God with His message, show His power through the man of God, and punish Him for listening to the lies of the old prophet? Why would the man of God be held responsible for the old prophet tracking him down and bringing him into his home to disobey God's exact command? The Lord opened my eyes to something new today, though. The man of God had specific instructions from the Lord. He delivered the message to king Jeroboam, and the Lord's power was displayed. What was it in the second half of the Lord's message (not to eat or drink in Bethel) did the man of God not believe? The man of God ignored the Lord simply because the older prophet coaxed him. The nameless man of God was obviously hungry, and he was distracted that someone else could be a prophet in such an evil place. He wasn't following after God, even after God had proven Himself powerfully. That is why the man of God died. To let him live would have spoken as loud a message to the people of Bethel as splitting the pagan altar and shriveling the king's hand.
More briefly, read through Psalm 132 once or twice. It's almost too obvious to point out, but I am really blessed to read a prophetic psalm that clearly points to Jesus! Especially verse 17: "Here I will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light for my people." Praise the Lord!
13 June 2006
Thankful for Grace
I've had quite a bit to say about Solomon recently. His reign over ancient Israel was remarkable, as was his commitment to the Lord early in his life. What's shocking is the spiritual breakdown that occurred later in his life. Solomon continued to live according to his heart's desires, particularly with women. Several of his wives wouldn't worship the Lord, so he built altars to the false gods. Then, under the influence of his wives, he also worshipped the false gods.
The Lord is rightly indignant about this. After all, He appeared to Solomon twice!! Living for the lord becomes pretty intimidating when we think about Solomon, the wisest person to live, specially anointed by the Lord, having seen the Lord twice, who ended up chasing other gods. He still worshipped the real God, but God wants to be the only God/god worshipped. If Solomon, who had everything going for him, turned from the Lord, how can I stay faithful for the rest of my life? I have much less wisdom, and I have only come close to seeing the Lord once in a dream.
Grace. This is the answer. I'm not trying to talk Christian-ese here, either. We've all experienced grace in some way. God's grace, however, is a perfect grace that comes from His love. We couldn't find ourselves in circumstances of grace on our own. God gives us grace - grace to follow Him every day. Solomon had the opportunity to repent, but it's not recorded (in 1 Kings anyway) whether he did that. Solomon's son, from whom the Israelite nation would be taken away, also had a second chance. Rehoboam chose instead to listen to friends, so God's word through Ahijah the prophet stood firm. We get second chances, too. We get grace, too.
Incidentally, Trish, I think this speaks a lot to your beef with people who claim to be sanctified. I could very well be one of those people whom you've heard claim to be entirely sanctified. I could very well be one of those people whose pride (or something) has caused you to question that. Any type of work the Lord does in our lives is an action of grace. We don't become perfect at that point. I, for one, need the Lord daily. He constantly shows Himself to me, also revealing parts of myself that need pruning. We live in grace. It's that grace that enables us to claim in faith that God's work of grace is being completed.
The Lord is rightly indignant about this. After all, He appeared to Solomon twice!! Living for the lord becomes pretty intimidating when we think about Solomon, the wisest person to live, specially anointed by the Lord, having seen the Lord twice, who ended up chasing other gods. He still worshipped the real God, but God wants to be the only God/god worshipped. If Solomon, who had everything going for him, turned from the Lord, how can I stay faithful for the rest of my life? I have much less wisdom, and I have only come close to seeing the Lord once in a dream.
Grace. This is the answer. I'm not trying to talk Christian-ese here, either. We've all experienced grace in some way. God's grace, however, is a perfect grace that comes from His love. We couldn't find ourselves in circumstances of grace on our own. God gives us grace - grace to follow Him every day. Solomon had the opportunity to repent, but it's not recorded (in 1 Kings anyway) whether he did that. Solomon's son, from whom the Israelite nation would be taken away, also had a second chance. Rehoboam chose instead to listen to friends, so God's word through Ahijah the prophet stood firm. We get second chances, too. We get grace, too.
Incidentally, Trish, I think this speaks a lot to your beef with people who claim to be sanctified. I could very well be one of those people whom you've heard claim to be entirely sanctified. I could very well be one of those people whose pride (or something) has caused you to question that. Any type of work the Lord does in our lives is an action of grace. We don't become perfect at that point. I, for one, need the Lord daily. He constantly shows Himself to me, also revealing parts of myself that need pruning. We live in grace. It's that grace that enables us to claim in faith that God's work of grace is being completed.
12 June 2006
One Way We Learn to Fear
When I think of fearing the Lord, I tend to think about honoring and respecting Him for His greatness. I think of a service I was in once in which Steve DeNeff proclaimed the might and splendor of the King from various Scriptures like Isaiah 6 and excerpts from John's revelation. I think of His ever-presence, eternal knowledge, and boundless power.
Then comes Psalm 130:4, in which the psalmist writes that God offers forgiveness so that we might learn to fear Him. Think about that. Rather than keeping an eternal record of our wrongs, God's inexplicable love is behind an offer of forgiveness. In the face of God's wonder, His majesty, we begin to feel pretty small and unworthy of a relationship with Him. Yet, He knows us intimately and offers us pardon from our unworthy shortcomings. Indeed, He will redeem us from every kind of sin (Ps 130:8).
This knowledge - that God is far beyond our comprehension and ability to live well AND that He knows us and willingly pursues us for a lasting love relationship - inspires me to fear.
Then comes Psalm 130:4, in which the psalmist writes that God offers forgiveness so that we might learn to fear Him. Think about that. Rather than keeping an eternal record of our wrongs, God's inexplicable love is behind an offer of forgiveness. In the face of God's wonder, His majesty, we begin to feel pretty small and unworthy of a relationship with Him. Yet, He knows us intimately and offers us pardon from our unworthy shortcomings. Indeed, He will redeem us from every kind of sin (Ps 130:8).
This knowledge - that God is far beyond our comprehension and ability to live well AND that He knows us and willingly pursues us for a lasting love relationship - inspires me to fear.
Worship at the Temple
What do you think of the Temple dedication in 1 Kings 8?
I think at first glance it is easy for a person to misunderstand Solomon. After reading the chapters of the great cedars send down from Tyre, the extravagant carvings on the three-story Temple, and encasing everything/decorating in gold, one wonders if Solomon doesn't struggle with his riches. Maybe all his wealth is going to his head, making Him completely misunderstand who the Lord really is?
I'm going for a "no" on that one. Look more closely at the passage. Verse 5 indicates that there were so many animals sacrificed in worship that no one could count them all. Many times in his lofty prayer, Solomon asks the Lord to show His faithfulness to Israel again and again. He speaks about love of the Lord's decrees. He institutes a seven-day festival just to dedicate the Temple as he marveled that the eternal God who cannot be contained by the heavens would actually choose to dwell in the (relatively) humble Temple of Jerusalem.
Solomon wasn't caught up in riches (at least not at this point). Solomon was consumed with a zealous love for God. When was the last time I gave myself, my talents, my money, my dreams, my ambitions, my hopes, my longings, my secrets so much to the Lord that people couldn't recount all I had given? When was the last time I prayed for the Lord to reveal His faithfulness instead of praying for a new car? When was the last time I actually praised God for His decrees, declaring my willingness to obey His every word? When was the last time I threw a party to celebrate some awesome mystery of our Lord?
Perhaps if I spent less time judging Solomon (and modern-day Solomons whose extravagant worship and buildings seem a little "much") and more time drawing near to the Lord, then I might not be able to help myself but worship extravagantly because He would draw near to me.
I think at first glance it is easy for a person to misunderstand Solomon. After reading the chapters of the great cedars send down from Tyre, the extravagant carvings on the three-story Temple, and encasing everything/decorating in gold, one wonders if Solomon doesn't struggle with his riches. Maybe all his wealth is going to his head, making Him completely misunderstand who the Lord really is?
I'm going for a "no" on that one. Look more closely at the passage. Verse 5 indicates that there were so many animals sacrificed in worship that no one could count them all. Many times in his lofty prayer, Solomon asks the Lord to show His faithfulness to Israel again and again. He speaks about love of the Lord's decrees. He institutes a seven-day festival just to dedicate the Temple as he marveled that the eternal God who cannot be contained by the heavens would actually choose to dwell in the (relatively) humble Temple of Jerusalem.
Solomon wasn't caught up in riches (at least not at this point). Solomon was consumed with a zealous love for God. When was the last time I gave myself, my talents, my money, my dreams, my ambitions, my hopes, my longings, my secrets so much to the Lord that people couldn't recount all I had given? When was the last time I prayed for the Lord to reveal His faithfulness instead of praying for a new car? When was the last time I actually praised God for His decrees, declaring my willingness to obey His every word? When was the last time I threw a party to celebrate some awesome mystery of our Lord?
Perhaps if I spent less time judging Solomon (and modern-day Solomons whose extravagant worship and buildings seem a little "much") and more time drawing near to the Lord, then I might not be able to help myself but worship extravagantly because He would draw near to me.
10 June 2006
Two Things This Time
1) Proverbs 16:32 says that it is better for a person to have self-control than to conquer a city. Some days I think it's not only better to have self-control, but it's also harder. I've never tried conquering a city, but it's pretty easy to wield around my "power." It's pretty easy to become defensive, sending my quips back onto other people. It's pretty easy to make my problems about other people. It's pretty easy to judge people by assumptions, taking the offensive to bring them down. Yet, to control my defensive, biting, problematic, judgmental self is more difficult than I can write. How good it is to have God's grace and mercy! May His Holy Spirit continue to flow in me for the production of His fruit (Gal 5:22-23)!
2) The next verse says, "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." This is true for me for two reasons. First, I received some news this morning that leaves me with mixed emotions. A brother in Christ I was only getting to know passed away this weekend. I didn't know him well, but somehow I had a connection with him that has left me emotional all day. I'm comforted that He's eternally in the Lord's care in perfect glory, but my world is still a little shaken. Second, I am not so sure about our plans after Natasha's internship. We've contemplated staying put because the church is great. I've been accepted to continue my master's degree at MacDiv. I've also had the first encouraging and exciting conversation I've ever had with a pastor this week about worship ministry. Any of these directions will be a mental shift, and none was expected even three months ago. This verse is true because God is unpredictable. This verse is also true, reminding me that we can rest in His consistency. Bless Him forever!
2) The next verse says, "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." This is true for me for two reasons. First, I received some news this morning that leaves me with mixed emotions. A brother in Christ I was only getting to know passed away this weekend. I didn't know him well, but somehow I had a connection with him that has left me emotional all day. I'm comforted that He's eternally in the Lord's care in perfect glory, but my world is still a little shaken. Second, I am not so sure about our plans after Natasha's internship. We've contemplated staying put because the church is great. I've been accepted to continue my master's degree at MacDiv. I've also had the first encouraging and exciting conversation I've ever had with a pastor this week about worship ministry. Any of these directions will be a mental shift, and none was expected even three months ago. This verse is true because God is unpredictable. This verse is also true, reminding me that we can rest in His consistency. Bless Him forever!
09 June 2006
Making a House a Home
Have you ever been to a really beautiful home that the owners/renters obviously spent time putting together? Have you ever walked into a home like that, only to be surprised at the negative atmosphere of the place inside? I'll bet we can all think of examples of people we know with beautiful homes, cars, and things that still come up lacking. We all know at least one person who works like crazy trying to accomplish something, when the only thing they achieve is a new prescription at the doctor's office.
I'll never forget my first early morning flight from Saint John to Montreal. My ultimate destination was somewhere in the States, but many of the men and women aboard actually worked in Montreal and took the early charter flight regularly. I was literally one of two people on board not in a suit, tie, or dress. Many of the people around me had files, briefcases, and electronic equipment. A man sitting near me talked almost the whole flight about the home improvements he and his wife were doing. One got the impression, though, that their home improvements were only going to make the house look nicer. The marriage was tense, the children didn't care, and the man didn't necessarily like going home. His overall tone was that he had made it in his company, and he was doing it "for them." The trouble was that they "wanted more."
While some of the wants of his family were likely materialistic or greedy, one can't help but wonder when we stumble across Psalm 127. It states that home builders waste their time if the Lord isn't the One building the home. Guards and alarms are pointless if the Lord isn't the Protector of the family. Anxiety is what drives people to work uselessly, while the Lord is the Provider of the home in the first place. Jesus put it this way in several Gospel accounts: Consider the lilies of the field. They neither toil nor spin, yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed as one of these. If the Lord cares so much about lilies that are here today and will be thrown into the fire tomorrow, how much more does He care about you people that He loves?
What does it take to make a house a home? The Lord's ever-present blessing. Pray through your home, giving it to the Lord as His holy ground. Test Him in this. (This kind of a test is okay because it actually declares God's rightful place in your home.) If anyone is with me, you should testify.
I'll never forget my first early morning flight from Saint John to Montreal. My ultimate destination was somewhere in the States, but many of the men and women aboard actually worked in Montreal and took the early charter flight regularly. I was literally one of two people on board not in a suit, tie, or dress. Many of the people around me had files, briefcases, and electronic equipment. A man sitting near me talked almost the whole flight about the home improvements he and his wife were doing. One got the impression, though, that their home improvements were only going to make the house look nicer. The marriage was tense, the children didn't care, and the man didn't necessarily like going home. His overall tone was that he had made it in his company, and he was doing it "for them." The trouble was that they "wanted more."
While some of the wants of his family were likely materialistic or greedy, one can't help but wonder when we stumble across Psalm 127. It states that home builders waste their time if the Lord isn't the One building the home. Guards and alarms are pointless if the Lord isn't the Protector of the family. Anxiety is what drives people to work uselessly, while the Lord is the Provider of the home in the first place. Jesus put it this way in several Gospel accounts: Consider the lilies of the field. They neither toil nor spin, yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed as one of these. If the Lord cares so much about lilies that are here today and will be thrown into the fire tomorrow, how much more does He care about you people that He loves?
What does it take to make a house a home? The Lord's ever-present blessing. Pray through your home, giving it to the Lord as His holy ground. Test Him in this. (This kind of a test is okay because it actually declares God's rightful place in your home.) If anyone is with me, you should testify.
08 June 2006
It's Quite Normal
Having read through several blogs lately, I've discovered that I'm not the only one who occasionally looks in the mirror and thinks, "What in the world am I doing?" Serving the Lord can be a very daunting task. I wouldn't trade it for anything else (though I do work at Sears for the next six months). It's just that I regularly come to the point at which I think, "Lord, I'm glad this is on you and not me."
You can be encouraged with me, then, to think about Solomon. Solomon was the one king of Israel who truly had everything going for him, at least in the early years. He had famous wisdom, unimaginable wealth, and peaceful influence over the entire Near East. 1 Kings 4:34 states that ambassadors from nations far and wide would travel just to meet and listen to Solomon.
If we backtrack, we see Solomon as king in 1 Kings 3. He is new, but he's been king long enough to have a reputation for following in his father's footsteps. He's also been king long enough that his enemies are dead (see previous chapters) and that there is peace around him. Still, 1 Kings 3:7 records Solomon telling the Lord that he feels like an ignorant child when it comes to leading the Lord's people. Sure, he followed David's decrees and sacrificed to the Lord, but at least once he looked in the mirror and thought, "What am I doing? I can't lead these people!" So, of course, he asked for wisdom.
God loved it. Solomon didn't try to make up for his weaknesses, nor did he pick up "Leading from Your Strengths" and give 'er. He was plainly honest with the Lord. The Lord resultantly gave Solomon a new heart - one with wisdom and understanding (3:12). That new heart was what launched Solomon into leading Israel in a time of vast size, enormous wealth, great peace, and godly influence.
He's doing the same for us, isn't He? It doesn't matter whether you're leading a group of God's people congregationally or whether you're simply a Christian with the global influence experienced by any daughter or son of Abraham. He has given/will give us a new heart with which to lead. If you have that new heart, trust it. Pray the prayer of Psalm 31:4, "Into your hands I commit my spirit." If you don't have it, pray this anyway. AND BELIEVE IT!! Leading from His Strengths will get you much further, and even you will be shocked at the miracles God does through you.
You can be encouraged with me, then, to think about Solomon. Solomon was the one king of Israel who truly had everything going for him, at least in the early years. He had famous wisdom, unimaginable wealth, and peaceful influence over the entire Near East. 1 Kings 4:34 states that ambassadors from nations far and wide would travel just to meet and listen to Solomon.
If we backtrack, we see Solomon as king in 1 Kings 3. He is new, but he's been king long enough to have a reputation for following in his father's footsteps. He's also been king long enough that his enemies are dead (see previous chapters) and that there is peace around him. Still, 1 Kings 3:7 records Solomon telling the Lord that he feels like an ignorant child when it comes to leading the Lord's people. Sure, he followed David's decrees and sacrificed to the Lord, but at least once he looked in the mirror and thought, "What am I doing? I can't lead these people!" So, of course, he asked for wisdom.
God loved it. Solomon didn't try to make up for his weaknesses, nor did he pick up "Leading from Your Strengths" and give 'er. He was plainly honest with the Lord. The Lord resultantly gave Solomon a new heart - one with wisdom and understanding (3:12). That new heart was what launched Solomon into leading Israel in a time of vast size, enormous wealth, great peace, and godly influence.
He's doing the same for us, isn't He? It doesn't matter whether you're leading a group of God's people congregationally or whether you're simply a Christian with the global influence experienced by any daughter or son of Abraham. He has given/will give us a new heart with which to lead. If you have that new heart, trust it. Pray the prayer of Psalm 31:4, "Into your hands I commit my spirit." If you don't have it, pray this anyway. AND BELIEVE IT!! Leading from His Strengths will get you much further, and even you will be shocked at the miracles God does through you.
07 June 2006
God Never Forgets
As the troublesome period of the judges was coming to a close in early Israeli history, God appointed Eli as a priest and judge of Israel (1 Sam 1). Eli knew the Lord and was able to point young Samuel in His direction when necessary (1 Sam 3:8). Eli's sons, who were also priests, did not know the Lord (1 Sam 2:12). They continued sinning by seducing female workers in the tabernacle and stealing God's portion of the Hebrews' sacrifices. Eli knew about it and, by default, participated in the sons' sins as he refused to discipline his sons. That's why the Lord promised in 1 Sam 2:27ff. to remove Eli's family from the royal priesthood, not allowing any of his family members to live long or serve as priests. To confirm this, God's prophet predicted that the sons (Hophni and Phinehas) would die on the same day. They did in battle.
Now let's fast-forward to 1 Kings 2:21. Israeli history records the deaths of Hophni, Phinehas, Eli, and Ichabod's mother in 1 Sam 4. Though occasional characters pop up, the fulfillment of the prophecy above seems complete (or forgotten) until this 1 Kings passage. Abiathar the priest had been faithful to David for most of his reign. After David's death, however, Abiathar did not support David's choice to put Solomon on the throne. Solomon didn't murder Abiathar because of his faithfulness to David. However, he deposed Abiathar of his priestly duties. Check out 1 Kings 2:27, which indicates that this deposition was meant to fulfill the Lord's prophecy originally given to Eli at Shiloh.
We're talking about a VERY old prophecy that came when Samuel was just a boy, before he became a judge, before Eli died, before Saul was king, before David was king, before all the wars, and before Solomon was king. God never forgets, does he?
Why is this blessing me so much? It blesses me because one might ordinarily think that it's a small prophecy to fulfill after so many years had passed. I'm not sure that the majority of God's followers would notice had Zadok simply remained high priest with Abiathar on staff. That's just not how God works though. He says it and He does it.
If He does this in something that seems relatively insignificant to our salvation, what about the big things? What about His promise that He has already overcome the world? What about His promise that He's coming back to take us to the place He is preparing? What about His promise to keep us for eternity? We serve the God who doesn't forget things, small or big. We serve the God who has promised to draw all people to Himself, who is doing it, and who is making us completely new people who live in the freedom of life in the Kingdom of Heaven! Praise Him forever!
Now let's fast-forward to 1 Kings 2:21. Israeli history records the deaths of Hophni, Phinehas, Eli, and Ichabod's mother in 1 Sam 4. Though occasional characters pop up, the fulfillment of the prophecy above seems complete (or forgotten) until this 1 Kings passage. Abiathar the priest had been faithful to David for most of his reign. After David's death, however, Abiathar did not support David's choice to put Solomon on the throne. Solomon didn't murder Abiathar because of his faithfulness to David. However, he deposed Abiathar of his priestly duties. Check out 1 Kings 2:27, which indicates that this deposition was meant to fulfill the Lord's prophecy originally given to Eli at Shiloh.
We're talking about a VERY old prophecy that came when Samuel was just a boy, before he became a judge, before Eli died, before Saul was king, before David was king, before all the wars, and before Solomon was king. God never forgets, does he?
Why is this blessing me so much? It blesses me because one might ordinarily think that it's a small prophecy to fulfill after so many years had passed. I'm not sure that the majority of God's followers would notice had Zadok simply remained high priest with Abiathar on staff. That's just not how God works though. He says it and He does it.
If He does this in something that seems relatively insignificant to our salvation, what about the big things? What about His promise that He has already overcome the world? What about His promise that He's coming back to take us to the place He is preparing? What about His promise to keep us for eternity? We serve the God who doesn't forget things, small or big. We serve the God who has promised to draw all people to Himself, who is doing it, and who is making us completely new people who live in the freedom of life in the Kingdom of Heaven! Praise Him forever!
05 June 2006
Those Who Need to Understand This Will Indeed Understand It
I closed my eyes and saw light. It was strange, so I opened them again. The sun was out, but it wasn't shining through the front window. I closed my eyes again. There it was - the light. It got brighter and brighter as my eyes focused.
As my eyes focused I noticed a form on which the light was shining. I couldn't make out the form; it just looked like a rock. The light was so bright that it reflected off the surface of the rock.
As I focused on the rock-like figure I noticed that an arm of light formed out of the light itself and began moving across the figure. A thin layer of something flaked off the rocky figure when the arm pulled it. Underneath there was a dark gray color - until the light hit it.
Then another arm appeared and starting pulling off the large flakes from the figure. The two arms alternately pulled layers from the figure, exposing something dark. Still, every time the light hit the rock, it became light again. The shape and size of the rock-like figure never changed, but layers were being removed and replaced with light all the time.
I saw that on May 14.
As my eyes focused I noticed a form on which the light was shining. I couldn't make out the form; it just looked like a rock. The light was so bright that it reflected off the surface of the rock.
As I focused on the rock-like figure I noticed that an arm of light formed out of the light itself and began moving across the figure. A thin layer of something flaked off the rocky figure when the arm pulled it. Underneath there was a dark gray color - until the light hit it.
Then another arm appeared and starting pulling off the large flakes from the figure. The two arms alternately pulled layers from the figure, exposing something dark. Still, every time the light hit the rock, it became light again. The shape and size of the rock-like figure never changed, but layers were being removed and replaced with light all the time.
I saw that on May 14.
Finally
Natasha and I are finally settled. The move went well, thanks to a handful of people who were available at the right time. There's nothing like a relocation to get you offline for awhile. Anyway, we're surfacing again after a time without address or phone number. I'm not about to post them on this public blog, but you can e-mail us if you want to know more. :)
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