Monday, November 27, 2006
Shepherd
. Jesus says “I am the Good Shepherd.” John 10: 11. I have found that shepherds in Jesus time were looked down upon. They were continually in the field with their sheep and could not keep the rules of the orthodox, hand washing, ceremonial cleansing and stated hours of prayer. I have heard them called the homeless of their day. They did the hardest most time consuming work for the smallest of pay. Society did not think much of them but yet scripture, Old and New, is full of their example. I find comfort that Jesus identifies himself with the most humble of people. The shepherds may not have been able to keep the rules of the orthodox, but they spent their time with a strong awareness of God. Whenever they slept under the stars and were caught in the elements of nature, they, more than others were aware of God’s presence. I am reminded of the story of Christ birth. When God announced the birth of his son he did not announce it to the wealthy or the powerful. He did not announce it to Caesar. He did not announce it to Herod. He did not announce it the orthodox, Scribes and Pharisees. He did not announce it to the wise. The Magi had to study, search, and seek, but God split the skies open with angels who said to the humble shepherds, He’s over there! Be last of all. Be servant of all. Sit in the last chair.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Stone
Each Christian knows and loves Jesus in a way that no other Christian does. Each relationship is special and unique. This relationship will last through all eternity. You love and know God in a way that I and all other Christians do not. Yes that’s right even those who are in prominent positions in the church, pastors and teachers.
In Matthew chapter 26 the story is told of the woman who came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and she poured it on his head. The disciples who were with Jesus were angry that she wasted the money that bought this perfume and did not use it on the poor. Jesus reply? “The poor you will always have with you but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in her memory”. Think about this, the ones whom Jesus had chosen to spread the gospel around the world, the ones who were close to Jesus and been following him for three years did not understand that he was going to Jerusalem to be crucified, buried and raised. This simple woman did but they did not.
Later in chapter 26 Jesus tells the disciples to make preparations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He tells them; “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house”. This unnamed man knew what the appointed time meant, but even at The Lord’s Supper the disciples were arguing over who would be first in heaven and questioning Jesus on where he was going and why they could not follow. Jesus closest disciples Peter, James and John still did not understand even though Jesus had been telling them since Peter’s confession of Christ at Caesarea Philippi. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priest and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Matthew 16: 21. They did not understand but there were others who did.
Yes we look up to and honor those who care and minister to us as we should, but please realize that your relationship with Jesus is just as special. You know Jesus in ways that none of us do. “To him who overcomes, I will give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it”. Revelation 2: 17. For all of eternity you will have a name known only by God and you!! Through all of eternity your relationship with God will not only be corporate but personal, one to one. You love and understand God in ways that I never will, and we will have eternity to try and teach each other about our wonderful Sovereign Lord God, Jesus Christ.
In Matthew chapter 26 the story is told of the woman who came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and she poured it on his head. The disciples who were with Jesus were angry that she wasted the money that bought this perfume and did not use it on the poor. Jesus reply? “The poor you will always have with you but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in her memory”. Think about this, the ones whom Jesus had chosen to spread the gospel around the world, the ones who were close to Jesus and been following him for three years did not understand that he was going to Jerusalem to be crucified, buried and raised. This simple woman did but they did not.
Later in chapter 26 Jesus tells the disciples to make preparations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He tells them; “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house”. This unnamed man knew what the appointed time meant, but even at The Lord’s Supper the disciples were arguing over who would be first in heaven and questioning Jesus on where he was going and why they could not follow. Jesus closest disciples Peter, James and John still did not understand even though Jesus had been telling them since Peter’s confession of Christ at Caesarea Philippi. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priest and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Matthew 16: 21. They did not understand but there were others who did.
Yes we look up to and honor those who care and minister to us as we should, but please realize that your relationship with Jesus is just as special. You know Jesus in ways that none of us do. “To him who overcomes, I will give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it”. Revelation 2: 17. For all of eternity you will have a name known only by God and you!! Through all of eternity your relationship with God will not only be corporate but personal, one to one. You love and understand God in ways that I never will, and we will have eternity to try and teach each other about our wonderful Sovereign Lord God, Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Freedom
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude vs. 4. (ESV)
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2: 20-23. (ESV)
These are extremes. They were part of the early Church and they are with us today. John and Jude fought against those who would trade upon the grace of God to live a life gratifying any of their desires. The elderly disciple John would write that “anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God.” 2John: 9. (Message). The Apostle Paul was in a continual battle against those who would want to place burdens, rules and regulations on the Church to secure a place of control. Paul would say that “they want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and directions, making them feel important.” Galatians 4:17. (Message). You can find Churches that are close to one extreme or the other. Most of the arguing we have among ourselves as Christians is because our doctrines lean toward one or the other. To be honest I find this battle rages inside me. So what is the answer? Jude tells us to “carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love. Keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life.” Jude vs. 20-21. (Message). Spend time in personal communion with God. Read Scripture and practice the freedom of living deeply in Christ. We are free to imitate Jesus. We are free to be the person He wants us to be. We are free to walk with Him. We are free to talk with Him. When you commune with Christ wherever it may be, the living room, bedroom, outdoors or anywhere, heaven and earth become one, the seen and the unseen. Christ is all that matters and He lives in us. What a glorious time.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18. (ESV)
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2: 20-23. (ESV)
These are extremes. They were part of the early Church and they are with us today. John and Jude fought against those who would trade upon the grace of God to live a life gratifying any of their desires. The elderly disciple John would write that “anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God.” 2John: 9. (Message). The Apostle Paul was in a continual battle against those who would want to place burdens, rules and regulations on the Church to secure a place of control. Paul would say that “they want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and directions, making them feel important.” Galatians 4:17. (Message). You can find Churches that are close to one extreme or the other. Most of the arguing we have among ourselves as Christians is because our doctrines lean toward one or the other. To be honest I find this battle rages inside me. So what is the answer? Jude tells us to “carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love. Keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life.” Jude vs. 20-21. (Message). Spend time in personal communion with God. Read Scripture and practice the freedom of living deeply in Christ. We are free to imitate Jesus. We are free to be the person He wants us to be. We are free to walk with Him. We are free to talk with Him. When you commune with Christ wherever it may be, the living room, bedroom, outdoors or anywhere, heaven and earth become one, the seen and the unseen. Christ is all that matters and He lives in us. What a glorious time.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18. (ESV)
Monday, October 30, 2006
Communion
“And they heard the sound of The Lord God walking in the garden…” Genesis 3: 8. (NASB)
“Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the son’s of Israel; and they beheld God, and they ate and drank.” Exodus 24: 9-11. (NASB)
These are a few verses that tell of times when Heaven and Earth were one, the seen and the unseen. God walks and talks with man. God even dines with men. I like these verses for they show what God wants from us. He wants us to be with Him. Heaven and Earth, the seen and the unseen, united together. In the garden, sin and rebellion separated man from God. On the mountain top the elders of Israel enjoyed God for a short time but again sin and rebellion separated them from the Eternal One. Once off the mountain top Israel turned from the living God and worshiped a man made god of gold. In the very first chapter of Ephesians we read how God had us in mind long before the foundations of the world were created. He has always wanted us to be with Him, eternally with Him in fellowship. God wants us to be with Him so much that He gave His own son to accomplish it. God became man, God came to earth physically. In the first chapter of 1st John, the elderly disciple speaks for all the first generation Christians who were with Jesus. John writes, “That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched…The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it.” 1 John 1: 1-2. (NIV) That first generation of Christians also walked, talked and dined with God. My motive for this post is simple. It is the same as John’s motive for writing 1 John. “We’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. We want you to enjoy this too.” 1 John 1: 3-4. (The Message)
“Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the son’s of Israel; and they beheld God, and they ate and drank.” Exodus 24: 9-11. (NASB)
These are a few verses that tell of times when Heaven and Earth were one, the seen and the unseen. God walks and talks with man. God even dines with men. I like these verses for they show what God wants from us. He wants us to be with Him. Heaven and Earth, the seen and the unseen, united together. In the garden, sin and rebellion separated man from God. On the mountain top the elders of Israel enjoyed God for a short time but again sin and rebellion separated them from the Eternal One. Once off the mountain top Israel turned from the living God and worshiped a man made god of gold. In the very first chapter of Ephesians we read how God had us in mind long before the foundations of the world were created. He has always wanted us to be with Him, eternally with Him in fellowship. God wants us to be with Him so much that He gave His own son to accomplish it. God became man, God came to earth physically. In the first chapter of 1st John, the elderly disciple speaks for all the first generation Christians who were with Jesus. John writes, “That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched…The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it.” 1 John 1: 1-2. (NIV) That first generation of Christians also walked, talked and dined with God. My motive for this post is simple. It is the same as John’s motive for writing 1 John. “We’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. We want you to enjoy this too.” 1 John 1: 3-4. (The Message)
Monday, October 23, 2006
Last
Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35. Simple verse isn’t it. Straight forward, clear, and understandable. So why do we want to rush past it and move on? In the previous verses the disciples are arguing among themselves who is the greatest follower of Jesus. Can’t you just imagine the thoughts going through the disciples minds as the argument unfolds? Peter may have been thinking about how Jesus had said to him “On this rock I will build My Church.” John or any of the other disciples might have been thinking that they were better than Peter because didn’t Jesus call him Satan? Isn’t that just like you and me to remember the good things we have done and only the shortcomings of others? Thoughts like these occur in all of our minds. But Jesus sets the disciples and us straight. If anyone wants to be great he must be last of all and servant of all.
Jesus also taught a parable on this that is very practical for us at our places of worship. And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them…, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor…But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place… Luke 14: 7&10. Where is the last place at Church? Usually the jobs that no one else wants to do. These are jobs where there will be no recognition. Every church has different needs so the last seat may differ from church to church. One of the great benefits of these jobs is that you won’t be fighting anyone else for the seat. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29&30. No struggling for position here. But the greatest benefit and I know of none better is that Jesus will think your great.
Jesus also taught a parable on this that is very practical for us at our places of worship. And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them…, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor…But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place… Luke 14: 7&10. Where is the last place at Church? Usually the jobs that no one else wants to do. These are jobs where there will be no recognition. Every church has different needs so the last seat may differ from church to church. One of the great benefits of these jobs is that you won’t be fighting anyone else for the seat. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29&30. No struggling for position here. But the greatest benefit and I know of none better is that Jesus will think your great.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Bling
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. Proverbs 1: 8-9. Each week I have my son memorize a proverb. I show him which one and then we discuss it. For Garrett this verse will be important to him when he is not with us. Yes it is important that he listen to his parents but more importantly that he remembers what we have taught.
As I began to think about this proverb, I wondered what did my parents teach me that is like jewelry, what makes me look good, what makes me stand out? One of the shiniest pieces of jewelry that was given to me was honesty. Do not lie. Tell the truth. In a world where there are so many who stretch the truth about themselves in order to be significant, simple honesty in a person is beautiful. Good sportsmanship is something that I have not always done but was stubbornly taught in our household. Win or lose we are to be gracious, good character is to remain intact. The character of the individual is more important than winning. I remember at one of my little league baseball games I struck out and then hit the ground with the bat. I knew after I had done it that I would be spanked. I was not, but after the parental reprimand I knew I would not get off so easy next time. Today some would say my actions on the field shows virtue. To them hating to lose and a strong desire to win is what’s most important. The young child who throws a tantrum after a loss at tic tac toe would agree with them.
My jewelry is not unique. I find that my brother and sisters have the exact same pieces. I was blessed with parents that had much of this type of wealth.
As I began to think about this proverb, I wondered what did my parents teach me that is like jewelry, what makes me look good, what makes me stand out? One of the shiniest pieces of jewelry that was given to me was honesty. Do not lie. Tell the truth. In a world where there are so many who stretch the truth about themselves in order to be significant, simple honesty in a person is beautiful. Good sportsmanship is something that I have not always done but was stubbornly taught in our household. Win or lose we are to be gracious, good character is to remain intact. The character of the individual is more important than winning. I remember at one of my little league baseball games I struck out and then hit the ground with the bat. I knew after I had done it that I would be spanked. I was not, but after the parental reprimand I knew I would not get off so easy next time. Today some would say my actions on the field shows virtue. To them hating to lose and a strong desire to win is what’s most important. The young child who throws a tantrum after a loss at tic tac toe would agree with them.
My jewelry is not unique. I find that my brother and sisters have the exact same pieces. I was blessed with parents that had much of this type of wealth.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Unchanging
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13: 8.
Since God is the same today as He has always been, God’s character in the Old Testament should match that of the New Testament. It seems that the difference between the Old and New Testaments is one of perspective. The Old focuses more on Israel and God’s dealing with the nations on Israel’s behalf. God protects Israel, from whom will come salvation for all nations and all men, Jesus Christ. The New Testament focuses on Christ life, death, and resurrection. It tells of the spread of the Gospel, the good news, the church. It is concerned with only one kingdom, the Kingdom of God.
In the Old Testament the relationships between God and the individuals who trust in Him are lovely. In the book of Genesis, I like the passages where God takes care of women who are in bad situations by no fault of their own. I love the verbs attributed to God. Sarah’s pregnant maidservant, Hagar, runs away. Sarah has become jealous and abusive because of the pregnancy. God is so gracious. In chapter 16 scripture states that God found Hagar, God heard Hagar, God answered Hagar. The Angel of God appeared to Hagar. God’s grace was so great that it gave Hagar strength to do what God wanted her to do, go back and put up with the abuse. Hagar was so amazed that she calls God the “God who sees me!” God was also gracious to Sarah for He fulfilled His promise to her and she in her old age became pregnant with Isaac.
Leah and Rachel were sisters married to the same man because of the deceit of their father. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Scripture states in chapter 29 that God realized Leah was unloved. God opened her womb. God saw her misery. God heard her prayers. God gave her sons. God is so compassionate, He didn’t stop there. In this rivalry both sides felt hurt, both sides felt pain. God was gracious to both. Rachel also had children from her maidservant and then herself. Rachel says of God, “He took my side, He vindicated me, He listened to me, He gave me a son, He remembered me, He rewarded me.” The God of the Old is the God of the New, the same love and the same gracious acts.
So Jacob sent word for Rachel and Leah to meet him out in the field where his flocks were. He said, “I notice that your father has changed toward me; he doesn’t treat me the same as before. But the God of my father hasn’t changed; He’s still with me.
Genesis 31: 4-5.
Since God is the same today as He has always been, God’s character in the Old Testament should match that of the New Testament. It seems that the difference between the Old and New Testaments is one of perspective. The Old focuses more on Israel and God’s dealing with the nations on Israel’s behalf. God protects Israel, from whom will come salvation for all nations and all men, Jesus Christ. The New Testament focuses on Christ life, death, and resurrection. It tells of the spread of the Gospel, the good news, the church. It is concerned with only one kingdom, the Kingdom of God.
In the Old Testament the relationships between God and the individuals who trust in Him are lovely. In the book of Genesis, I like the passages where God takes care of women who are in bad situations by no fault of their own. I love the verbs attributed to God. Sarah’s pregnant maidservant, Hagar, runs away. Sarah has become jealous and abusive because of the pregnancy. God is so gracious. In chapter 16 scripture states that God found Hagar, God heard Hagar, God answered Hagar. The Angel of God appeared to Hagar. God’s grace was so great that it gave Hagar strength to do what God wanted her to do, go back and put up with the abuse. Hagar was so amazed that she calls God the “God who sees me!” God was also gracious to Sarah for He fulfilled His promise to her and she in her old age became pregnant with Isaac.
Leah and Rachel were sisters married to the same man because of the deceit of their father. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Scripture states in chapter 29 that God realized Leah was unloved. God opened her womb. God saw her misery. God heard her prayers. God gave her sons. God is so compassionate, He didn’t stop there. In this rivalry both sides felt hurt, both sides felt pain. God was gracious to both. Rachel also had children from her maidservant and then herself. Rachel says of God, “He took my side, He vindicated me, He listened to me, He gave me a son, He remembered me, He rewarded me.” The God of the Old is the God of the New, the same love and the same gracious acts.
So Jacob sent word for Rachel and Leah to meet him out in the field where his flocks were. He said, “I notice that your father has changed toward me; he doesn’t treat me the same as before. But the God of my father hasn’t changed; He’s still with me.
Genesis 31: 4-5.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Inspiration
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” Revelation 12: 11. On my post, What is a Man Worth, I received a comment, “God died for me, would I do the same?” Good question. It is clear from the New Testament that we, if necessary, are to do just that, to be loyal to Christ even unto death. Eleven of the twelve disciples were martyred. In their deaths they gave the world one of the great proofs of the resurrection of Jesus. Men will not die for a hoax. They will not die for a lie. They saw the risen Lord and they died horrible, painful deaths in the confidence that they would be with Him.
The Apostle Paul and most of his church planting companions were martyred, Barnabas, Silas, Aristarchus, Secundus, Sopater, Titus, Timothy, Gaius, John Mark, Aquila, and Luke. Thousands upon thousands of first and second generation Christians were executed because they would not proclaim Caesar as Lord. The early church father Polycarp while being led to his execution was asked to proclaim Caesar as Lord. He replied, “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” And as he waited to be burned alive he prayed, “I give thanks that You have counted me worthy of this day and this hour.”
Today in many countries, Christians risk their lives by professing faith in Christ. Anti- conversion laws have been written. Churches are burned, Christians beaten, arrested, taken away, imprisoned and yes some are being killed.
And so the question remains, am I; are you, willing to die for Him? Am I; are you, willing to remain loyal to Christ and give up living the comfortable way? If we can’t do the latter I doubt we can do the former. The truth of Revelation 12: 11 is if we remain loyal in our lifestyle and our deaths, if we choose loyalty to Christ and suffer we defeat the “great dragon, that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan who leads the whole world astray.” Revelation 12: 9.
Our Father, “deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
Pray for the persecuted Church.
The Apostle Paul and most of his church planting companions were martyred, Barnabas, Silas, Aristarchus, Secundus, Sopater, Titus, Timothy, Gaius, John Mark, Aquila, and Luke. Thousands upon thousands of first and second generation Christians were executed because they would not proclaim Caesar as Lord. The early church father Polycarp while being led to his execution was asked to proclaim Caesar as Lord. He replied, “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” And as he waited to be burned alive he prayed, “I give thanks that You have counted me worthy of this day and this hour.”
Today in many countries, Christians risk their lives by professing faith in Christ. Anti- conversion laws have been written. Churches are burned, Christians beaten, arrested, taken away, imprisoned and yes some are being killed.
And so the question remains, am I; are you, willing to die for Him? Am I; are you, willing to remain loyal to Christ and give up living the comfortable way? If we can’t do the latter I doubt we can do the former. The truth of Revelation 12: 11 is if we remain loyal in our lifestyle and our deaths, if we choose loyalty to Christ and suffer we defeat the “great dragon, that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan who leads the whole world astray.” Revelation 12: 9.
Our Father, “deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
Pray for the persecuted Church.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Wedding
Congratulations to my nephew Brandon and his beautiful bride Candace. They were married Saturday and I had the privilege to perform the wedding. The following is the bulk of the message.
Scripture states that “A man will leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh.” The Apostle Paul explains fuller by writing that “He who loves his own wife loves himself, for no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.” Brandon, Candice the two of you should be so close that the others best is your best. Brandon, if you love yourself you will love Candace. Candace if you love yourself you will love Brandon. Let me extend this thought further. Brandon if your friends love you they will love Candace. Candace if your friends love you they will love Brandon. For the two are now one. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.”
Scripture gives us a couple who demonstrate this idea of being one. They are a couple to imitate. Their names are Aquila and Priscilla. They are mentioned in Scripture only six times, but from those few verses we gain a wealth of information on how to have a strong, happy marriage, how to be one. They are never mention separately. Never just Aquila, never just Priscilla. Always Aquila and Priscilla together. And that’s how you should be known. Always Brandon and Candace, Candace and Brandon. Strive to let everyone at work and all places know who your spouse is. Be proud of them. Speak highly of them, because when you do, you speak highly of yourself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.” You will be as Aquila and Priscilla known always together as one.
Aquila and Priscilla did two things that make for a strong marriage. First they worked together. Scripture first mentions the couple in the city of Corinth where we are told they are tent makers. It was a Jewish custom for families whether rich or poor to teach their sons manual labor. Tent making was one of those vocations they taught. And so Aquila probably learned tent making from his father. Priscilla probably learned it from Aquila. Marriage is work. Both of you will be working and building your own tent. You will be building a home. Each of you will bring to this marriage skills and abilities that are vital for the building of it. Whether it is something useful like automotive maintenance, cooking a meal or writing a budget you will, at times, learn a new skill from the other. We don’t know if Priscilla enjoyed the skill of tent making but she learned it, because it was needed for her family. As you practice self sacrifice you will love each other more. You will meet each others needs without expecting anything in return. You will think the other more important than yourself, but if you love the other you love yourself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.”
The most important example from Aquila and Priscilla is that they worshiped together. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he sends them greetings from Aquila and Priscilla, together with the church in their house. Christ was at the very center of their home and their marriage. Let the worship of Christ and His work be at the very center of your marriage. Pray together at home. Read the New Testament together. Do not neglect gathering with other believers at your church, in the worship of God. The closer to Christ you become the closer you will be to each other. Do not neglect what scripture calls your spiritual act of worship. Become involved together at your church. Be active. You can be greeters at the door, pass out bulletins, teach a Sunday school, work the food pantry or the clothes closet, or sing in the choir. Find a place of service and serve together.
And so Brandon and Candace, as you leave your fathers and mothers and cling together, may you truly become one flesh, united in work, worship and love.
Scripture states that “A man will leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh.” The Apostle Paul explains fuller by writing that “He who loves his own wife loves himself, for no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.” Brandon, Candice the two of you should be so close that the others best is your best. Brandon, if you love yourself you will love Candace. Candace if you love yourself you will love Brandon. Let me extend this thought further. Brandon if your friends love you they will love Candace. Candace if your friends love you they will love Brandon. For the two are now one. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.”
Scripture gives us a couple who demonstrate this idea of being one. They are a couple to imitate. Their names are Aquila and Priscilla. They are mentioned in Scripture only six times, but from those few verses we gain a wealth of information on how to have a strong, happy marriage, how to be one. They are never mention separately. Never just Aquila, never just Priscilla. Always Aquila and Priscilla together. And that’s how you should be known. Always Brandon and Candace, Candace and Brandon. Strive to let everyone at work and all places know who your spouse is. Be proud of them. Speak highly of them, because when you do, you speak highly of yourself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.” You will be as Aquila and Priscilla known always together as one.
Aquila and Priscilla did two things that make for a strong marriage. First they worked together. Scripture first mentions the couple in the city of Corinth where we are told they are tent makers. It was a Jewish custom for families whether rich or poor to teach their sons manual labor. Tent making was one of those vocations they taught. And so Aquila probably learned tent making from his father. Priscilla probably learned it from Aquila. Marriage is work. Both of you will be working and building your own tent. You will be building a home. Each of you will bring to this marriage skills and abilities that are vital for the building of it. Whether it is something useful like automotive maintenance, cooking a meal or writing a budget you will, at times, learn a new skill from the other. We don’t know if Priscilla enjoyed the skill of tent making but she learned it, because it was needed for her family. As you practice self sacrifice you will love each other more. You will meet each others needs without expecting anything in return. You will think the other more important than yourself, but if you love the other you love yourself. “For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes it and cherishes it.”
The most important example from Aquila and Priscilla is that they worshiped together. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he sends them greetings from Aquila and Priscilla, together with the church in their house. Christ was at the very center of their home and their marriage. Let the worship of Christ and His work be at the very center of your marriage. Pray together at home. Read the New Testament together. Do not neglect gathering with other believers at your church, in the worship of God. The closer to Christ you become the closer you will be to each other. Do not neglect what scripture calls your spiritual act of worship. Become involved together at your church. Be active. You can be greeters at the door, pass out bulletins, teach a Sunday school, work the food pantry or the clothes closet, or sing in the choir. Find a place of service and serve together.
And so Brandon and Candace, as you leave your fathers and mothers and cling together, may you truly become one flesh, united in work, worship and love.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
What's A Man Worth?
What's a man worth?
Does anyone know?
Is he measured by riches,
By friend or foe?
Can we tell by his virtues,
His station in life?
His accent? His color?
His peace, or his strife?
The length of his hair,
The shape of his nose,
His smile or his handshake
The cut of his clothes?
What's a man worth?
We turn to our Guide.
And Christ gives His answer,
"For each man I died."
Author unknown.
Does anyone know?
Is he measured by riches,
By friend or foe?
Can we tell by his virtues,
His station in life?
His accent? His color?
His peace, or his strife?
The length of his hair,
The shape of his nose,
His smile or his handshake
The cut of his clothes?
What's a man worth?
We turn to our Guide.
And Christ gives His answer,
"For each man I died."
Author unknown.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Rebel
We are to die to self and live for Christ. Andrew Murray says that mankind has fallen from life in God into a life of self -- a life of self- love, self- esteem, and self- seeking, a life concentrated on the perishing pleasures of the world. He calls this the kingdom of self. I like the term. Jesus calls us to the kingdom of God. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news. Mark 1: 15.” Repent? From what should we repent? From the kingdom of self, sin. All sin which includes greed, drunkenness, slander, stealing, envy, sexual immorality and so on comes from self. Repent from sin, stop living life the way you want to, and live it God’s way. And what is God’s way. Jesus is God’s way. Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me. John 14: 6. C. S. Lewis writes that “fallen man is not just imperfect, needing improvement; he is a rebel who must surrender his weapons. It is not that man is only a little less then he should be but that he actively rebelled against his very best, what he was intended to be.”
And what is the good news? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16. Repent and accept Jesus death on the cross as the punishment for your sin. Give up living life your way. Surrender and ask Jesus to forgive you for your sin and to come into your life and heart and lead you in the way you should go. That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10: 9. You will leave the kingdom of self and enter into the kingdom of God. You will be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ our King. There is nothing to fear from God. God is Love. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Though you are hostile toward God, he loves you. Though you resent God for spoiling your good times he loves you. Though you have ridiculed God and laughed at Jesus and all of his followers, he still loves you and pursues you. There is nothing that you have done that Jesus will not forgive. He was betrayed, rejected, beaten and scourged, abandoned, and crucified. Yet on the cross as the religious leaders mocked him saying,” He saved others but he can’t save himself, let him come down now from the cross. He trust in God let God rescue him now if he wants him, Matthew 27: 41-43”, what did Jesus do? He said Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23: 34.” We have done this and more and yet Jesus will forgive us.
Repent and believe the good news. Surrender and pray for forgiveness. Accept Jesus unfailing love for you and ask him into your heart and life. The kingdom of God is here please enter in.
And what is the good news? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16. Repent and accept Jesus death on the cross as the punishment for your sin. Give up living life your way. Surrender and ask Jesus to forgive you for your sin and to come into your life and heart and lead you in the way you should go. That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10: 9. You will leave the kingdom of self and enter into the kingdom of God. You will be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ our King. There is nothing to fear from God. God is Love. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Though you are hostile toward God, he loves you. Though you resent God for spoiling your good times he loves you. Though you have ridiculed God and laughed at Jesus and all of his followers, he still loves you and pursues you. There is nothing that you have done that Jesus will not forgive. He was betrayed, rejected, beaten and scourged, abandoned, and crucified. Yet on the cross as the religious leaders mocked him saying,” He saved others but he can’t save himself, let him come down now from the cross. He trust in God let God rescue him now if he wants him, Matthew 27: 41-43”, what did Jesus do? He said Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23: 34.” We have done this and more and yet Jesus will forgive us.
Repent and believe the good news. Surrender and pray for forgiveness. Accept Jesus unfailing love for you and ask him into your heart and life. The kingdom of God is here please enter in.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Grace
Grace. If there is one word that I want to understand fully it is this one. I have experienced the grace of God, and yet I really do not know what grace is. How can I experience something and not know what it is? I feel like Paul, “I see in a mirror dimly.” With me there is the realization that I fully do not understand the grace and love that God bestows upon me. I am still so blind in so many areas concerning Christ, especially grace. I have looked up definitions of grace, but from the written page they come across coldly. In Vines Expository Dictionary the definition of grace is in part, favorable regard, loving-kindness and goodwill generally. Jesus while we were still at enmity with Him responded with grace. Even now despite the pride, selfishness, condescension, materialism, etc...etc...etc... which still exist within, Jesus treats me graciously. He has a favorable regard, loving-kindness, and goodwill toward me. Amazing. If I truly believe that God is gracious to me, despite myself, why the difficulty in being gracious toward others? Do I have a high regard for the inattentive waitress? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness for my co-worker who insults? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the person who may or may not be taking advantage of social services or am I just angry? Grace. Do I have a favorable regard for my supervisor? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness to my wife when we are at odds? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the brother or sister in Christ who seems always to hold a different opinion at Church business meetings? Grace. Grace is wonderful and easy to receive but sometimes difficult to give. May we choose to be gracious and pray for the strength.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” Romans 12: 14-17.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person.” Colossians 4: 6.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” Romans 12: 14-17.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person.” Colossians 4: 6.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Steadfast
“You will give him perfect peace whose mind is steadfast on You.” Isaiah 26: 3. I say this verse everyday. I want always, to keep my mind, my sight, on Christ no matter how difficult the circumstances. At present there is looming a situation that brings anxiety and I seek perfect peace by keeping my mind steadfast. The situation, though worrisome, is no greater than what most people have faced before and will face again. Life on earth is chaotic and Jesus will bring me through. In Matthew 14: 22-33, Jesus comes to the disciples with the storm, walking on the water. The wind and waves batter the boat just as chaos, turmoil and change batter our lives. We, as Peter, hear Christ say, “Take courage,” “Do not be afraid.” Peter shows us how we should respond. “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” If the storm is of God’s doing, the difficult circumstances are meant to bring us closer to Him. Peter got out of the boat. He acted courageously. As long as his gaze was on Jesus he walked on the waves. He conquered through Christ who strengthened him. When he became afraid, he focused more on the circumstances and sank. The situation overcame him. I can relate. Verse 31 is my favorite of the whole passage. “Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him.” I’m guessing it was a very powerful grip. It comforts me to know that in life’s storms I can come through walking above the waves, unafraid, with my mind steadfast on Jesus. If my faith falters and I look more at the problems of life instead of Christ, He will grab hold. A Hymnist wrote it best with these lyrics;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Question
As I read Mark’s Gospel, I wonder where I would be if I lived during the time that Jesus was on earth. What would I be doing, where would I fit into the narrative? Would I need, like Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, to be taken by the hand and lifted up in order to serve? Ch 1: 31. Would I be like the leper who came in need of cleansing? Ch 1: 40. Would I be as the four, who brought their friend to Christ, and would let nothing and no one, including a crowd stand in their way? Ch 2: 3-5. Would I, as Levi, leave my love for money and follow Jesus. Ch 2: 13-14. Would I be like the man who turned away from following, because of my many possessions? Ch 10: 17-22. Maybe I would be just one within the multitudes, part of the masses for whom Christ had great compassion. Ch 6: 34. Certainly I would have been one of those who followed Him but were not one of the chosen twelve. Ch 4: 10. Probably not. A shiver runs down my spine, for I know myself. When Jesus chose the twelve, I would have left in disappointment and possibly anger, thinking that Jesus plays favorites. Would I be like the men who asked Jesus to leave the area because he hurt business? Ch 5: 17. How I wish I was like the Gentile woman from Syrophenicia, who no matter how rudely treated kept her faith in Christ. Ch 7: 24-30. Am I like the twelve, jockeying for position of who would be the greatest when Christ came into His kingdom? Ch 9: 33-34. Do I want more recognition within my church, and would I argue with others to get it? Would I be like the Scribes and Pharisees, unable to give up my position? Who were unable to say, like John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease?” John 3: 30. It is so difficult to voluntarily sit in a lower chair. I am some of all, good and bad. So who would you be? Who are you most like?
Monday, August 14, 2006
Share
All Christians should want to bring others to Christ. As we begin to experience and delight in Him there should grow a desire to share Him. We live in a country where the majority of its citizens have already heard about Jesus. There are some who have not heard, from lack of attention or interest. Most, I believe, have heard and rejected Christ at some time. To speak for Him, can seem futile, a waste of time. Every excuse and reason is given why they cannot believe in Him.
They abandoned the God who made them, and rejected the Rock their Savior. Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you”? Deuteronomy 32: 4-6 & 15
We must not stop trying. How can we make our friends, family and co-workers realize the joy and peace of believing God by following Jesus if we do not tell them? Oh how I want them to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead so they will be saved (Romans 10: 9). How can we persuade them that Jesus brings peace even through trials, and that he gives hope for a glorious future. Our prayer should be the same as Paul’s.
Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan…pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him as I should”. Ephesians 6: 19- 20
Jesus also gave us a promise.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… Acts 1: 8
May we continually pray for our friends and acquaintances that they would accept Jesus and the Holy Spirit will give us courage and tell us what to say.
They abandoned the God who made them, and rejected the Rock their Savior. Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you”? Deuteronomy 32: 4-6 & 15
We must not stop trying. How can we make our friends, family and co-workers realize the joy and peace of believing God by following Jesus if we do not tell them? Oh how I want them to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead so they will be saved (Romans 10: 9). How can we persuade them that Jesus brings peace even through trials, and that he gives hope for a glorious future. Our prayer should be the same as Paul’s.
Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan…pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him as I should”. Ephesians 6: 19- 20
Jesus also gave us a promise.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… Acts 1: 8
May we continually pray for our friends and acquaintances that they would accept Jesus and the Holy Spirit will give us courage and tell us what to say.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Peacemaker
These are articles from the Daily Oklahoman. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan-Militant attacks killed four Canadian soldiers and wounded ten. BEIRUT, Lebanon- Israel and Hezbollah sharply intensified fighting Saturday with air strikes, rocket attacks and brutal ground fighting. BAGHDAD, Iraq- At least 21 were killed or found dead, most of them in the capital. And now for a rebuttal. “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all of my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” Isaiah 11: 6-9.
I so much would like to be around for Christ return. What a privilege. Better yet that He would return today. The above verse states that when the earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord there will be peace. No one will be hurt anymore. When Jesus returns, the wars will be over. Why does He delay His coming? Why must sin and strife and wars continue? Because He want’s all who will, to freely love and join with Him. When He returns the chance is gone. Now is the only guaranteed time that anyone has to trust in Him. In the meantime we who are Christians should do our best to increase the knowledge of Christ to all the world, to all peoples. Because when we do, we increase peace, one person at a time.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5: 9
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear…” Psalm 46: 9
I so much would like to be around for Christ return. What a privilege. Better yet that He would return today. The above verse states that when the earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord there will be peace. No one will be hurt anymore. When Jesus returns, the wars will be over. Why does He delay His coming? Why must sin and strife and wars continue? Because He want’s all who will, to freely love and join with Him. When He returns the chance is gone. Now is the only guaranteed time that anyone has to trust in Him. In the meantime we who are Christians should do our best to increase the knowledge of Christ to all the world, to all peoples. Because when we do, we increase peace, one person at a time.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5: 9
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear…” Psalm 46: 9
Monday, July 31, 2006
Devastated
One of the great theologians, Scarlett O’Hara, said in a time of great distress “tomorrow is another day.” If you don’t like receiving your theology from Scarlett how about from the Prophet Jeremiah? “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness,” Lamentations 3: 22-23. Jeremiah, unlike Scarlett, knew to hold on for the next day because he knew intimately God’s character. Jeremiah was a prophet that most did not want to hear. He did not fill large arenas. The popular false prophets told the citizens of Jerusalem what they wanted to hear. Jeremiah told them the uncomfortable truth. He brought God’s indictment against them. Their unrighteousness would bring punishment.
As he stood on a hillside overlooking the devastated war torn city, he wrote the great words “His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.” He wrote these words after seeing things that no human eyes should have to see. He wrote these words after being treated like no one should be treated. I don’t believe he had great joy in his heart when he wrote about God’s mercies. He was as devastated as the city. His laments are sorrowful and full of pain. “He had besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.” Lamentations 3: 5-7. Walled me down with chains, besieged and surrounded! Jeremiah is paralleling his life with that of Jerusalem’s. His life has been bitter because he obeyed God, Jerusalem’s because they disobeyed. But then he remembered God! He remembered God and it brought him hope. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,” Jeremiah 3: 21, 22. Jeremiah knew God, he trusted God, and he had experienced God. The words he wrote about God’s character were fact. God is merciful and that was enough for him to go on to the next day and the next.
We know more of God’s character than even Jeremiah. Jeremiah was looking ahead for the Messiah. We know, that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..” We know that God gave His son to a world of chaos, devastation, bitterness and chains. Jesus experienced it all and he conquered. He loved us so much he was tortured and slain for us. Devastation is all around us, tsunamis, hurricanes, wars and terrorist have layed waste to many lives. Maybe the devastation is as simple as, being hurt by those we love, or the loss of a job. But then we remember God and there is hope.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 35-39.
As he stood on a hillside overlooking the devastated war torn city, he wrote the great words “His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.” He wrote these words after seeing things that no human eyes should have to see. He wrote these words after being treated like no one should be treated. I don’t believe he had great joy in his heart when he wrote about God’s mercies. He was as devastated as the city. His laments are sorrowful and full of pain. “He had besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.” Lamentations 3: 5-7. Walled me down with chains, besieged and surrounded! Jeremiah is paralleling his life with that of Jerusalem’s. His life has been bitter because he obeyed God, Jerusalem’s because they disobeyed. But then he remembered God! He remembered God and it brought him hope. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,” Jeremiah 3: 21, 22. Jeremiah knew God, he trusted God, and he had experienced God. The words he wrote about God’s character were fact. God is merciful and that was enough for him to go on to the next day and the next.
We know more of God’s character than even Jeremiah. Jeremiah was looking ahead for the Messiah. We know, that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..” We know that God gave His son to a world of chaos, devastation, bitterness and chains. Jesus experienced it all and he conquered. He loved us so much he was tortured and slain for us. Devastation is all around us, tsunamis, hurricanes, wars and terrorist have layed waste to many lives. Maybe the devastation is as simple as, being hurt by those we love, or the loss of a job. But then we remember God and there is hope.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 35-39.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Mixture
I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted…. “Woe is me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6: 1&5. Someone told me this week that one sin is as bad as another. He spoke the truth and that is the great horror. There is a strange mix of joy, and horror in a relationship with God. The joy of being close and growing closer is very real but so is the horror of the awareness of sin and ugliness in my life. The closer my relationship to Jesus, the more I become aware, like Isaiah, of sin in myself and sin in the world.
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Isaiah 6: 6-7. Ouch!! Sounds painful and it is. Once sin is seen it must be repented of and cut out. I have found that sometimes God uses people who are just like me to do the cutting. He has used other Gary’s who are arrogant, prideful, selfish and hurtful to cut out the arrogance, pride, selfishness and hurtfulness in me. Sometimes sin is a one time occurrence that once revealed can be forgiven by saying I’m sorry and never doing it again. More than I would like to admit, it is deeper than that and can only be taken care of with pain. “My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 11: 5-6. And there is joy! He loves us. He changes us. He helps us to become the human beings he always intended us to be. Oh what a mix! “ If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with a rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…Psalm 89: 30-35.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Almighty;
The whole earth if full of his
glory.” Isaiah 6: 3.
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the alter. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Isaiah 6: 6-7. Ouch!! Sounds painful and it is. Once sin is seen it must be repented of and cut out. I have found that sometimes God uses people who are just like me to do the cutting. He has used other Gary’s who are arrogant, prideful, selfish and hurtful to cut out the arrogance, pride, selfishness and hurtfulness in me. Sometimes sin is a one time occurrence that once revealed can be forgiven by saying I’m sorry and never doing it again. More than I would like to admit, it is deeper than that and can only be taken care of with pain. “My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 11: 5-6. And there is joy! He loves us. He changes us. He helps us to become the human beings he always intended us to be. Oh what a mix! “ If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with a rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness…Psalm 89: 30-35.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Almighty;
The whole earth if full of his
glory.” Isaiah 6: 3.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Confession
I have a confession to make. I struggled with last weeks post. Jesus tells the woman at the well that when you drink the living water which He gives, you will never thirst again, never. I was thirsty last week. There have been times that I read the Bible, pray, seek Christ and it seems He is not there. So why the difference between my experience and Scripture? There could be many reasons. I think the main reason is one of not being able to see the forest because of all the trees. For the woman at the well and all who do not know Christ, there is nowhere to turn when life is full of burdens and struggles. They must rely on themselves or other flawed human beings. They may simply try to ignore the problem and use anything to forget. But the problems remain.
For the Christian there is given a Helper, a Comforter, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Councilor, the Holy Spirit. “He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said. From his inner most being shall flow springs and rivers of living water. He was speaking here of the Spirit…” John 7: 38, 39. The Christian is also given the living water of God’s word. “His delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water…” Psalm 1: 2, 3.
I still don’t think I quite understand what Jesus meant by never thirsting but this I do know, If I’m swimming in a large body of fresh water I don’t need to ever go thirsty. Jesus provides the Spirit in abundance, “welling up, flowing, bubbling, continually within.” John 4:14. I pray for you and me as the Apostle Paul prayed, that we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ…according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3: 18, 19, 20. May we grow in Christ and come to the place where we will never thirst. May we comprehend, at all times, the enormity of His love.
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42: 7.
For the Christian there is given a Helper, a Comforter, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Councilor, the Holy Spirit. “He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said. From his inner most being shall flow springs and rivers of living water. He was speaking here of the Spirit…” John 7: 38, 39. The Christian is also given the living water of God’s word. “His delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water…” Psalm 1: 2, 3.
I still don’t think I quite understand what Jesus meant by never thirsting but this I do know, If I’m swimming in a large body of fresh water I don’t need to ever go thirsty. Jesus provides the Spirit in abundance, “welling up, flowing, bubbling, continually within.” John 4:14. I pray for you and me as the Apostle Paul prayed, that we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ…according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3: 18, 19, 20. May we grow in Christ and come to the place where we will never thirst. May we comprehend, at all times, the enormity of His love.
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42: 7.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Thirst
I look danger in the face and laugh. I click the next blog button on Blogspot. I never knew there were so many knitters. Seriously I now know more than ever that the world needs Christ. They need him badly. I share him when I can and post comments, praying that they will follow the comment back to my blog. One of the most common types of blog is what I call the Blog of Angst. They write to find themselves, to work out their disappointments and frustrations. There are thousands of them, and they are thirsty for meaning, purpose and joy in their lives.
Jesus has a gift for all the bloggers of angst. A gift of living water. If you ask Jesus, he will give it. Jesus says to all who ask “But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never be thirsty anymore. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) (continually) within him, unto eternal life.” John 4: 4 AMP. Jesus spoke these words originally to a woman at a well. A woman of angst. She was frustrated. She felt no doubt bitter disappointment over failure in five marriages. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was, his or hers. The result was the same. Five failed marriages and probably not much hope for the relationship she was in. She was thirsty.
Bloggers of angst, are you thirsty? The Psalmist writes that “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God the living God.” Psalm 42: 1-2. And who is this true living God? Jesus told the woman at the well and he tells you, “I Who now speak with you am He.” John 4: 26. Ask Jesus into you life. Believe, adhere to, trust in and rely on Him, and you will never, never thirst again.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread? And wages for what does not satisfy? Everyone who thirst, come to the waters. Isaiah 55: 2&1.
Jesus has a gift for all the bloggers of angst. A gift of living water. If you ask Jesus, he will give it. Jesus says to all who ask “But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never be thirsty anymore. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) (continually) within him, unto eternal life.” John 4: 4 AMP. Jesus spoke these words originally to a woman at a well. A woman of angst. She was frustrated. She felt no doubt bitter disappointment over failure in five marriages. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was, his or hers. The result was the same. Five failed marriages and probably not much hope for the relationship she was in. She was thirsty.
Bloggers of angst, are you thirsty? The Psalmist writes that “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God the living God.” Psalm 42: 1-2. And who is this true living God? Jesus told the woman at the well and he tells you, “I Who now speak with you am He.” John 4: 26. Ask Jesus into you life. Believe, adhere to, trust in and rely on Him, and you will never, never thirst again.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread? And wages for what does not satisfy? Everyone who thirst, come to the waters. Isaiah 55: 2&1.
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