This time of year makes me pensive. I am usually pretty grumpy, too. It all generates from this "holiday" concept. The idea that suddenly, after Halloween (HALLOWEEN!), we start plotting a course for Thanksgiving so that the day after (and now the night of), we can spend a bunch of money we don't have on things we don't need. Then, inconceivably, it gets worse!.....THE MUSIC!!!! It gets really frustrating about the fiftieth time I hear "white Christmas" over a store speaker system.
"Jingle bells roasting over an open fire while we build a snowman in the meadow and the Grinch steals our presents".....It all just overwhelms the soul. And then I hit defcon 4 when I see the Christmas movies and commercialization start to ramp up. Really? walk past a movie theatre and look at the "Coming Attractions" posters and look at what kind of garbage is passed off as "Christmasy"....and worse yet, what kind of filth is opening on Christmas Day.
The nukes finally explode on the ringing bells that incessently and methodically grate on my conscience while walking into a Wal Mart. Truly, inexplicably, the vast majority of people become hearty philanthropists by clanking in three quarters in the little red bucket. These same buckets now have to have locks on them because some sleezeball stole what little was offered by the public. Unreal.
Alas, there is a shimmering sparkle of redeeming quality in this time of year: the reason for the celebration. I know, Jesus was probably born in September or October. I know, I know, the whole saturnalia thing and the pagan tree worship deal and the idolatry of "saint nick". But in the end, I usually sit back, sip some cider or hot chocolate, and remember that the greatest gift of all time was born in a humble manger. And contemplate His glorious splendor.........while watching my neighbors plastic reindeer melt in a raging blaze started by their holiday light fixture falling over into their bushes.
"Tis the Season!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Integrity of Need
Luke 7
19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
It has become apparent to me that, as a whole, there is a severe and common disconnect between the clergy of the modern church, and the society we are called to minister to. For years, there has been a constant bombardment of our minds and faith of an ideology of providence as the main factor in God's blessings. We are told from the pulpits of America that God wants to bless you. The overwhelming mentality is that if God is going to do that, it will be through our finances and increased influence that it brings. And yet, so many people are struggling to make ends meet each month. Joblessness, hopelessness, and poverty are creeping up more and more. The lower middle class is disenfranchised from a political system that spends more and more money providing fewer and fewer tangible answers. In the midst of these problems, it becomes difficult to pray, difficult to trust a God that seems to have abandoned us. And the pulpit offers only empty promises of breakthrough and a return on your investments into the Kingdom.
I think John must have felt like many do. He was the forerunner to the Messiah. He read the same Scriptures of a foretold conquest by Israel's Redeemer. He prophesied and pointed many towards the man He knew was going to fulfill those things. Hope had arrived in the form of a man from Galilee! But as he was preaching deliverance, John was taken captive. He had overstepped the boundaries of what sinful men would tolerate. He was captured and sentenced to death for the sake of telling the Truth without favor. And so, sitting in his dungeon cell, awaiting the onset of eternity, he begins to question. Is this what I get for giving my entire life over to God? Surely, I will get out of this, right? God wouldn't let me, his chosen vessel to straighten the pathway of the Deliverer, be murdered.......would He?
In a similar way, Job's wife told him to simply "curse God and die". But the Bible states that Job maintained his integrity. Job had a faith based on Who God is, not on what He does or doesn't do.
The church has made the same mistake that ancient Israel did; they equated earthly existence with heavenly promises. A man said recently that when the church preached about heaven, then people's lives on earth were better and they had a promise of eternal life. But when the church began preaching about earthly matters, then the lifestyle of the people was lessened to carnality and the hope of an eternal destiny was lost as well. Job was a righteous man, yet he lost it all in one fell swoop. The prophets, the mouthpieces of God, were killed and tortured. The apostles were martyred for the sake of their message. Indeed, Jesus Himself was crucified for His doctrine.
What made men and women, even in the early days of the 20th century pentecostal phenomenon, be willing to give their entire lives and families over to a cause to the degree of a willingness to die? Jesus answered John's question with a profound revelation. You see, John had read Isaiah 35. He knew the promises of the Savior. Jesus did not appeal to the emotions of John, He revealed the fulfillment of Scripture. The deep, undercurrent of all that we do must come from this same source.
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him!"
Too often we are fed emotionalized sermons that do nothing more than sensationalize the mundane and offer a false hope of earthly blessings. We must connect with the true purpose of our Faith, the true source of our Hope, and the true cause of our Love. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? Eternity, Heaven, Abundant Life. That is why we do what we do. The material blessings of God are only a minuscule shadow of the riches of His prepared place for His Bride. The present and complicated life we live must not hinder our view of His Truth. We walk by Faith and not by sight. We are sheep led to the slaughter. A weak and humble people who have chosen a life of struggle over a life of ease. We have placed our lot in the camp of the People of God. That means the world hates us. That means the devil fights us. That means Jesus died so that we can have a hope of eternity that surpasses all of the current predicaments we face.
Stephen looked up and saw Jesus, standing on the right hand of God. He was able to access the Heavenly Promise of resurrection while facing the earthly reality of a sinner's death. Lord, help us. Help the church. Help us to see that the integrity of our Faith leads to a joy that goes beyond the trials of this life. Restore your people to a mindset of the future promises, which enable us to keep our love intact through the most severe of circumstances.
Lord Jesus, help us to keep the integrity of Hope. Like Job, let us keep our integrity of faith when all around us are saying "why are they still holding out?". Lord, remind the church that your benefits are not earthly, but heavenly. Help us to fight the good fight of faith.
Hebrews 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
It has become apparent to me that, as a whole, there is a severe and common disconnect between the clergy of the modern church, and the society we are called to minister to. For years, there has been a constant bombardment of our minds and faith of an ideology of providence as the main factor in God's blessings. We are told from the pulpits of America that God wants to bless you. The overwhelming mentality is that if God is going to do that, it will be through our finances and increased influence that it brings. And yet, so many people are struggling to make ends meet each month. Joblessness, hopelessness, and poverty are creeping up more and more. The lower middle class is disenfranchised from a political system that spends more and more money providing fewer and fewer tangible answers. In the midst of these problems, it becomes difficult to pray, difficult to trust a God that seems to have abandoned us. And the pulpit offers only empty promises of breakthrough and a return on your investments into the Kingdom.
I think John must have felt like many do. He was the forerunner to the Messiah. He read the same Scriptures of a foretold conquest by Israel's Redeemer. He prophesied and pointed many towards the man He knew was going to fulfill those things. Hope had arrived in the form of a man from Galilee! But as he was preaching deliverance, John was taken captive. He had overstepped the boundaries of what sinful men would tolerate. He was captured and sentenced to death for the sake of telling the Truth without favor. And so, sitting in his dungeon cell, awaiting the onset of eternity, he begins to question. Is this what I get for giving my entire life over to God? Surely, I will get out of this, right? God wouldn't let me, his chosen vessel to straighten the pathway of the Deliverer, be murdered.......would He?
In a similar way, Job's wife told him to simply "curse God and die". But the Bible states that Job maintained his integrity. Job had a faith based on Who God is, not on what He does or doesn't do.
The church has made the same mistake that ancient Israel did; they equated earthly existence with heavenly promises. A man said recently that when the church preached about heaven, then people's lives on earth were better and they had a promise of eternal life. But when the church began preaching about earthly matters, then the lifestyle of the people was lessened to carnality and the hope of an eternal destiny was lost as well. Job was a righteous man, yet he lost it all in one fell swoop. The prophets, the mouthpieces of God, were killed and tortured. The apostles were martyred for the sake of their message. Indeed, Jesus Himself was crucified for His doctrine.
What made men and women, even in the early days of the 20th century pentecostal phenomenon, be willing to give their entire lives and families over to a cause to the degree of a willingness to die? Jesus answered John's question with a profound revelation. You see, John had read Isaiah 35. He knew the promises of the Savior. Jesus did not appeal to the emotions of John, He revealed the fulfillment of Scripture. The deep, undercurrent of all that we do must come from this same source.
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him!"
Too often we are fed emotionalized sermons that do nothing more than sensationalize the mundane and offer a false hope of earthly blessings. We must connect with the true purpose of our Faith, the true source of our Hope, and the true cause of our Love. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? Eternity, Heaven, Abundant Life. That is why we do what we do. The material blessings of God are only a minuscule shadow of the riches of His prepared place for His Bride. The present and complicated life we live must not hinder our view of His Truth. We walk by Faith and not by sight. We are sheep led to the slaughter. A weak and humble people who have chosen a life of struggle over a life of ease. We have placed our lot in the camp of the People of God. That means the world hates us. That means the devil fights us. That means Jesus died so that we can have a hope of eternity that surpasses all of the current predicaments we face.
Stephen looked up and saw Jesus, standing on the right hand of God. He was able to access the Heavenly Promise of resurrection while facing the earthly reality of a sinner's death. Lord, help us. Help the church. Help us to see that the integrity of our Faith leads to a joy that goes beyond the trials of this life. Restore your people to a mindset of the future promises, which enable us to keep our love intact through the most severe of circumstances.
Lord Jesus, help us to keep the integrity of Hope. Like Job, let us keep our integrity of faith when all around us are saying "why are they still holding out?". Lord, remind the church that your benefits are not earthly, but heavenly. Help us to fight the good fight of faith.
Hebrews 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Grace and Judgment
Recently, the question of imputed (or accounted) righteousness versus imparted (or practiced) righteousness was brought to my attention. Which is more important? To be called righteous or to actually BE righteous? The answer is both! Without be called righteous, we will not receive what we need in order to BECOME righteous! You can't get good to get God! But when you get the true God, you should follow Him and become transformed into His image, which is always Good.
What a wondrous and glorious subject! The issue of imputed Grace and righteousness is one that can be highly misunderstood. Yet, once conceived in the mind of the hearer, can never be forgotten. It is the singular fact of propitiation that causes the lost, weary, frustrated and fatigued to become refreshed and worshipful of the Great God who supplied it.
However two issues that stick out are 1) The question of exactly when Grace became available. My opinion is that Grace began before time existed in the plan and mind of our Creator. The sacrifices of the OT and the journey of Israel were all contingent upon Grace's eventuality of manifestation. This Grace appeared on the Cross at Jesus' death when the veil was torn in two and thus was significant of the newly available entrance by sinful men into the Presence of a Holy and Just God. The mere fact that it was not fully understood by the church at large begs the question of why Ananias and Sapphira received their harsh punishment. My opinion is that they had a greater revelation of Jesus than we do today, having been either part of the first wave of disciples after the Day f Pentecost, or very close in sequence to it. They knew the disciples first hand and were recipients of great revelation of the demonstrable power of God. To whom much is given, much is required. As we seek God, we become accountable to the revelation He imparts to us.
And that leads me to subject # 2) The application of Grace which imparts righteousness in degrees, after it has been imputed in its fullness. This is where the issue of Ananias comes in. Having known first hand the power and magnificence of the risen Christ, he chose still to disobey and conceal his fault from God. The bible tells us to boldly approach the Throne of Grace. The faith in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice is the only way we, as sinners, could possibly overcome our fear of approaching God's Holy Throne. Grace empowers us to know our status as Mercy's subjects and to use that access to ask God for Grace's overcoming strength.This strength is now no longer imputed righteousness that is intended as a covering, but imparted righteousness that is intended for a practical and evident transformation from the old creature to the new. This is why we cannot judge one another or compare amongst ourselves. We are all in different areas of the metamorphic process.
The danger is that many, like Ananias, will forgo the impartation because they have received the imputation. This lacks faith (which is the means of justification through which Grace is complete) and requires God's Judgment of sin according to that lack of desire to please God. So, in conclusion, the covering of Grace is intended to grant us access to that which would transform us into a state of righteous practice rather than simply having righteous status. And as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, we should walk according to faith and the desire to be worthy of the calling of righteous His Blood applied to our undeserving souls.
What a wondrous and glorious subject! The issue of imputed Grace and righteousness is one that can be highly misunderstood. Yet, once conceived in the mind of the hearer, can never be forgotten. It is the singular fact of propitiation that causes the lost, weary, frustrated and fatigued to become refreshed and worshipful of the Great God who supplied it.
However two issues that stick out are 1) The question of exactly when Grace became available. My opinion is that Grace began before time existed in the plan and mind of our Creator. The sacrifices of the OT and the journey of Israel were all contingent upon Grace's eventuality of manifestation. This Grace appeared on the Cross at Jesus' death when the veil was torn in two and thus was significant of the newly available entrance by sinful men into the Presence of a Holy and Just God. The mere fact that it was not fully understood by the church at large begs the question of why Ananias and Sapphira received their harsh punishment. My opinion is that they had a greater revelation of Jesus than we do today, having been either part of the first wave of disciples after the Day f Pentecost, or very close in sequence to it. They knew the disciples first hand and were recipients of great revelation of the demonstrable power of God. To whom much is given, much is required. As we seek God, we become accountable to the revelation He imparts to us.
And that leads me to subject # 2) The application of Grace which imparts righteousness in degrees, after it has been imputed in its fullness. This is where the issue of Ananias comes in. Having known first hand the power and magnificence of the risen Christ, he chose still to disobey and conceal his fault from God. The bible tells us to boldly approach the Throne of Grace. The faith in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice is the only way we, as sinners, could possibly overcome our fear of approaching God's Holy Throne. Grace empowers us to know our status as Mercy's subjects and to use that access to ask God for Grace's overcoming strength.This strength is now no longer imputed righteousness that is intended as a covering, but imparted righteousness that is intended for a practical and evident transformation from the old creature to the new. This is why we cannot judge one another or compare amongst ourselves. We are all in different areas of the metamorphic process.
The danger is that many, like Ananias, will forgo the impartation because they have received the imputation. This lacks faith (which is the means of justification through which Grace is complete) and requires God's Judgment of sin according to that lack of desire to please God. So, in conclusion, the covering of Grace is intended to grant us access to that which would transform us into a state of righteous practice rather than simply having righteous status. And as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, we should walk according to faith and the desire to be worthy of the calling of righteous His Blood applied to our undeserving souls.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Why do good people suffer?
2 Corinthians 1
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
A friend of mine who is not in church asked me the other day, "Why does God let good people suffer?" It is a question asked a million times over by the human mind. In essence, it asks if God is truly as good and loving as Scripture proclaims. Why would a Father allow His children whom He loves (even the disobedient ones) to go through pain and agony? The answer, I believe is found in this simple principle: You never know how good God is until you need His Mercy and Grace.
Without a need, there is no seeking of a solution. Without a desperate circumstance, there is no savior required. Just like God allowed the children of Israel to fall into the hands of their neighbors time and time again, only to deliver them through a judge. They had to go through the bondage of Egypt in order to be willing to follow Moses. Abraham had to offer up Isaac before he could know that God was both Jireh (provider) and M'kadesh (Righteousness).
For the past couple of years, our family has gone through many difficult times. Money was short, food was scarce, clothes got tattered. We felt alone, isolated, forgotten, at times confused. We went through betrayal, disappointment, false accusations. We made mistakes, paid dearly for them, and were made to endure some very serious hardships. All the while, Jesus was faithful. Never did we actually go without. Never did we lose the things that are most valuable: our health, our family or our faith.
As we are now seeing God's Hand bringing us to the borders of our promised land once again, we are now more like the generation that followed Joshua than the one that followed Moses. We have more faith in God's ability to keep and secure us. We are ready to fight and possess the land. But in order for us to truly be able to walk in our destiny, we had to be tried and purified by the fire of difficult circumstances.
So it is in each of our lives. Sickness, poverty, slander, whatever.....it all comes for s purpose. When the comforter comes and delivers us out of our mud pit, we are able to walk in the manifestation of His Mercy, not just the revelation of its availability. Maybe a better way to put it is this: it is practice and not just theory.
So in the midst of your trials and tribulations, just remember that God will bring you out of your suffering, but you will know how to encourage others with your testimony afterwards! This is the reason for suffering: So God can show us His goodness through His deliverance!
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
A friend of mine who is not in church asked me the other day, "Why does God let good people suffer?" It is a question asked a million times over by the human mind. In essence, it asks if God is truly as good and loving as Scripture proclaims. Why would a Father allow His children whom He loves (even the disobedient ones) to go through pain and agony? The answer, I believe is found in this simple principle: You never know how good God is until you need His Mercy and Grace.
Without a need, there is no seeking of a solution. Without a desperate circumstance, there is no savior required. Just like God allowed the children of Israel to fall into the hands of their neighbors time and time again, only to deliver them through a judge. They had to go through the bondage of Egypt in order to be willing to follow Moses. Abraham had to offer up Isaac before he could know that God was both Jireh (provider) and M'kadesh (Righteousness).
For the past couple of years, our family has gone through many difficult times. Money was short, food was scarce, clothes got tattered. We felt alone, isolated, forgotten, at times confused. We went through betrayal, disappointment, false accusations. We made mistakes, paid dearly for them, and were made to endure some very serious hardships. All the while, Jesus was faithful. Never did we actually go without. Never did we lose the things that are most valuable: our health, our family or our faith.
As we are now seeing God's Hand bringing us to the borders of our promised land once again, we are now more like the generation that followed Joshua than the one that followed Moses. We have more faith in God's ability to keep and secure us. We are ready to fight and possess the land. But in order for us to truly be able to walk in our destiny, we had to be tried and purified by the fire of difficult circumstances.
So it is in each of our lives. Sickness, poverty, slander, whatever.....it all comes for s purpose. When the comforter comes and delivers us out of our mud pit, we are able to walk in the manifestation of His Mercy, not just the revelation of its availability. Maybe a better way to put it is this: it is practice and not just theory.
So in the midst of your trials and tribulations, just remember that God will bring you out of your suffering, but you will know how to encourage others with your testimony afterwards! This is the reason for suffering: So God can show us His goodness through His deliverance!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Jesus is all that matters when He's all you've got!
2 Kings 7
3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.
Life is full of ups and downs. What starts out well can take a dramatic decline in an instant. What looks to be a failure can turn into a thriving success in the twinkling of an eye. The miraculous ability of God to step into a situation and create a new reality is what makes a life committed to Him so exhilarating. The four lepers saw a situation not unlike what many of us have faced. No real option for success. Staying the course would result in death. Returning to where they had once resided would likewise end up in destruction, as no options were available there either. The only chance for survival was to be bold. To call it bravery is a misnomer. More like a desperate act of self preservation. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. The bravest acts are committed by the most frightened soldiers.
Once in a while, if we are truly stretching our faith, we will find ourselves an island in life. Shark infested waters all around and no lifeboat to get us to safe land. What we do in these times of fear and uncertainty will most assuredly determine our destiny. The human inclination is generally to go with the safest know route. To call it faith by never moving. There is a season for remaining true to your post. There is also a moment in our lives when discretion is the better part of valor. If we do the same thing we've always done, we get the same results we've always gotten. True faith is when we get out of the boat as Peter did and step onto the water with Jesus.
The other safe road is going back to a place in life that we once knew. The lepers were from the city. No doubt they grew up there until their disease forced them into being marginalized. The unfortunate reality is, you can never go home again. Where you left is never where you return. Time and life and chance have a way of turning what used to be a refuge into nothing more than a death trap. Trying to recapture the past usually winds up in utter disappointment and a further depressing of the spirit. I have heard so many people say they wished things could get back to the way they used to be for them spiritually. That is impossible. You cannot recapture some former glory of yesterday. It is gone. Today is the day of salvation. Behold I will do a new thing, saith the Lord! Israel's biggest problem was that they were always trying to restore the past when what God was trying to do was reveal Himself in a new way to them.
Eventually, the four lepers looked at the only possibility of survival as what may have seemed like the most definite and doomed decision. A triumph was impossible to the naked eye. But luck favors the bold! God was able to deliver both the leperous men and the city through the decision they made to take a chance.
The point driven home to me today is that there are moments in life when you have no clear "winner" of choice. None will bring real solutions if the carnal man is what must produce it. We are without hope if we are without Jesus. I have to get to the point of understanding just how dependent on Him my life is. He will lead us through the valley of the shadow of death at times, just to teach us how to lean on Him. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The only thing that matters is Him, when He's the only solution to your problems.
3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.
Life is full of ups and downs. What starts out well can take a dramatic decline in an instant. What looks to be a failure can turn into a thriving success in the twinkling of an eye. The miraculous ability of God to step into a situation and create a new reality is what makes a life committed to Him so exhilarating. The four lepers saw a situation not unlike what many of us have faced. No real option for success. Staying the course would result in death. Returning to where they had once resided would likewise end up in destruction, as no options were available there either. The only chance for survival was to be bold. To call it bravery is a misnomer. More like a desperate act of self preservation. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. The bravest acts are committed by the most frightened soldiers.
Once in a while, if we are truly stretching our faith, we will find ourselves an island in life. Shark infested waters all around and no lifeboat to get us to safe land. What we do in these times of fear and uncertainty will most assuredly determine our destiny. The human inclination is generally to go with the safest know route. To call it faith by never moving. There is a season for remaining true to your post. There is also a moment in our lives when discretion is the better part of valor. If we do the same thing we've always done, we get the same results we've always gotten. True faith is when we get out of the boat as Peter did and step onto the water with Jesus.
The other safe road is going back to a place in life that we once knew. The lepers were from the city. No doubt they grew up there until their disease forced them into being marginalized. The unfortunate reality is, you can never go home again. Where you left is never where you return. Time and life and chance have a way of turning what used to be a refuge into nothing more than a death trap. Trying to recapture the past usually winds up in utter disappointment and a further depressing of the spirit. I have heard so many people say they wished things could get back to the way they used to be for them spiritually. That is impossible. You cannot recapture some former glory of yesterday. It is gone. Today is the day of salvation. Behold I will do a new thing, saith the Lord! Israel's biggest problem was that they were always trying to restore the past when what God was trying to do was reveal Himself in a new way to them.
Eventually, the four lepers looked at the only possibility of survival as what may have seemed like the most definite and doomed decision. A triumph was impossible to the naked eye. But luck favors the bold! God was able to deliver both the leperous men and the city through the decision they made to take a chance.
The point driven home to me today is that there are moments in life when you have no clear "winner" of choice. None will bring real solutions if the carnal man is what must produce it. We are without hope if we are without Jesus. I have to get to the point of understanding just how dependent on Him my life is. He will lead us through the valley of the shadow of death at times, just to teach us how to lean on Him. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The only thing that matters is Him, when He's the only solution to your problems.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Mortal Eyes and Spiritual Giants
1 Corinthians 13: 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
As life develops and grows, we have a tendency to evaluate our successes and failures based upon the reaction of those whom we respect. But there is a danger in looking to others for affirmation. No one can judge another man's servant, and if you are the servant of God, then only God knows the way which He has directed you to go. Asking others to affirm or validate your God-given ministry and function is precarious at best and futile at worst.
I recently spoke to a man whom I respect and who has a reputation as a leader and elder. My intention was to get some advice and insight into our circumstances from him. After a few minutes of trying to explain things and him asking questions, it dawned on me that there is no way for him to truly know what the issues are in our lives. We have been given a ministry by God, my friend, and man can only do so much to assist us. Peers and elders, even the most spiritual, are at best looking through mortal eyes at your dilemmas and desires. We have this principle of submission to others that must be addressed. I have written about authority and how we must be submitted to God's Word and humble enough to receive criticism well. But there is a difference between being accountable to other men of God for moral, ethical and financial transparency, and being subjected to the whims and opinions of how others see your decisions and journey. We cannot in good conscience hand our ministry into the possession of other men. We alone are accountable to God for its safe keeping.
The issue is of immaturity. Maturity is not based upon age, but on experience. What kind of experience is also very crucial. Someone who has never done what God has called you to do and doesn't understand your goals and dreams can only give so much assistance. Ultimately, the real spiritual giants are those of self confidence and self awareness. Jesus is the one who must be looked to for guidance and development. David slew Goliath by listening to God despite the mocking of men. Many examples are given where God directed a man contrary to carnal wisdom. Frank Bartleman, the Azusa Street pioneer, wrote "It is a great thing to be willing to be accounted as a failure by men in order to have something truly of God." Listen to God first and foremost. If God be for us, who can be against us?
As life develops and grows, we have a tendency to evaluate our successes and failures based upon the reaction of those whom we respect. But there is a danger in looking to others for affirmation. No one can judge another man's servant, and if you are the servant of God, then only God knows the way which He has directed you to go. Asking others to affirm or validate your God-given ministry and function is precarious at best and futile at worst.
I recently spoke to a man whom I respect and who has a reputation as a leader and elder. My intention was to get some advice and insight into our circumstances from him. After a few minutes of trying to explain things and him asking questions, it dawned on me that there is no way for him to truly know what the issues are in our lives. We have been given a ministry by God, my friend, and man can only do so much to assist us. Peers and elders, even the most spiritual, are at best looking through mortal eyes at your dilemmas and desires. We have this principle of submission to others that must be addressed. I have written about authority and how we must be submitted to God's Word and humble enough to receive criticism well. But there is a difference between being accountable to other men of God for moral, ethical and financial transparency, and being subjected to the whims and opinions of how others see your decisions and journey. We cannot in good conscience hand our ministry into the possession of other men. We alone are accountable to God for its safe keeping.
The issue is of immaturity. Maturity is not based upon age, but on experience. What kind of experience is also very crucial. Someone who has never done what God has called you to do and doesn't understand your goals and dreams can only give so much assistance. Ultimately, the real spiritual giants are those of self confidence and self awareness. Jesus is the one who must be looked to for guidance and development. David slew Goliath by listening to God despite the mocking of men. Many examples are given where God directed a man contrary to carnal wisdom. Frank Bartleman, the Azusa Street pioneer, wrote "It is a great thing to be willing to be accounted as a failure by men in order to have something truly of God." Listen to God first and foremost. If God be for us, who can be against us?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Jesus loves you and I'm working on it.
I've seen a lot of things recently that highlight the state of the Church in a somewhat negative way. Most of them stem from ministers and preachers who talk about Jesus and redemption, etc. but are very poor at applying those truths to people they don't personally like. I guess I am an idealist. Maybe even naive. I still expect mercy and forgiveness to salt our attitudes and conversations.
I have written a lot about sanctification and submission. But before those principles can be expected to be followed by the Church, we must first follow the more weighty issues of love and restoration. We can have all of the "good church" and teach all kinds of revelation and splice doctrine into a perfect presentation, but without love it is all just worthless drivel. I don't care how "holy" someone dresses or how worldly their appearance, at the core of their measure is how they love others.
We all have people in our lives that we just do not get along with. Personalities clash. Maybe even character flaws show up that we have trouble ignoring. What MUST happen is for us to pray about those whom we do not have a true affinity for. Jesus said to pray for our enemies. That is so contradictory to our nature. Being like Jesus is not made up solely of what we do outwardly. It is an inward state that expresses itself effortlessly in our lives. When there are people (especially in the church) that are hypocrites or mean spirited, we have to figure out how to not only tolerate them, but to love and serve them as we aim to be like Jesus.
My solemn prayer is for those who profess holiness to express it in their character more than they express it in their standards of dress. When Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for tithing mint and spices, He told them they neglected the more important issues of God's Law. Namely Mercy. He said they ought not to forsake what they had been doing, but to focus on the most important things. We don't have to neglect sanctification in order to love. Frankly, there is no such thing as sanctification without it. Let's have a revival of humble love and allow the love of God to rule in our hearts.
Jesus loves you and I'm working on it.
I have written a lot about sanctification and submission. But before those principles can be expected to be followed by the Church, we must first follow the more weighty issues of love and restoration. We can have all of the "good church" and teach all kinds of revelation and splice doctrine into a perfect presentation, but without love it is all just worthless drivel. I don't care how "holy" someone dresses or how worldly their appearance, at the core of their measure is how they love others.
We all have people in our lives that we just do not get along with. Personalities clash. Maybe even character flaws show up that we have trouble ignoring. What MUST happen is for us to pray about those whom we do not have a true affinity for. Jesus said to pray for our enemies. That is so contradictory to our nature. Being like Jesus is not made up solely of what we do outwardly. It is an inward state that expresses itself effortlessly in our lives. When there are people (especially in the church) that are hypocrites or mean spirited, we have to figure out how to not only tolerate them, but to love and serve them as we aim to be like Jesus.
My solemn prayer is for those who profess holiness to express it in their character more than they express it in their standards of dress. When Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for tithing mint and spices, He told them they neglected the more important issues of God's Law. Namely Mercy. He said they ought not to forsake what they had been doing, but to focus on the most important things. We don't have to neglect sanctification in order to love. Frankly, there is no such thing as sanctification without it. Let's have a revival of humble love and allow the love of God to rule in our hearts.
Jesus loves you and I'm working on it.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Knowledge and Mastery
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
A thought struck me recently; the differences (in most circumstances) between many of us has less to do with revelation of truths, but more to do with a complete application of them. I think in most cases that we all have a decent amount of revelation on the right and wrong, black and white, left and right. What I have come to believe is that knowledge itself is not the sticking point. The issue is "mastery".
Paul is talking about elite athletes in this section of Scripture. Drawing a comparison between how the life of an athlete is constrained for the cause of their performance. It isn't about knowing the rules of the game. It is about going beyond the rules and becoming greater than average. The very greatest of competitors will devote hours upon hours in the fine tuning of their craft. Countless repetitions train muscles and minds to react with little effort when the heat of battle arrives. They become instantly reactive, rather than needing to debate even for a split second. Baseballs seem to travel slower towards the finest hitters. Basketball rims seem as wide as the ocean to shooters that are "in the zone". Football players see the game slow down and become more like chess. The competition becomes an exercise in anticipation rather than reaction.
Many athletes hire personal chefs because they have dietary restrictions. Others have routines they follow so as to keep their minds sharp. All of this in order to obtain a title of G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time).
In the Christian arena, we generally understand the rules of the game. Salvation, prayer, giving, and the rest are principles that are conveyed by almost every pulpit in the land. But there are many who will say that just being in the game is enough. To use an analogy, they are glad to sign a minimum contract so that they can say "I played in the League!". But there are others who, for the sake of a Spiritual crown, choose to be "temperate" (or restricted) in their lifestyles. They are not satisfied with an "also ran" status. They are not content with average or acceptable. They are intent on being the greatest of disciples. But here is the rub: greatness with God requires the greatest restraint.
Luke 22
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
To this I say, Lord, help me to serve and to be humble. To restrict my own desires for yours. To become a master of these Truths and not just a man with head knowledge. God, help me to pay the price in order to be approved and not just accepted.
A thought struck me recently; the differences (in most circumstances) between many of us has less to do with revelation of truths, but more to do with a complete application of them. I think in most cases that we all have a decent amount of revelation on the right and wrong, black and white, left and right. What I have come to believe is that knowledge itself is not the sticking point. The issue is "mastery".
Paul is talking about elite athletes in this section of Scripture. Drawing a comparison between how the life of an athlete is constrained for the cause of their performance. It isn't about knowing the rules of the game. It is about going beyond the rules and becoming greater than average. The very greatest of competitors will devote hours upon hours in the fine tuning of their craft. Countless repetitions train muscles and minds to react with little effort when the heat of battle arrives. They become instantly reactive, rather than needing to debate even for a split second. Baseballs seem to travel slower towards the finest hitters. Basketball rims seem as wide as the ocean to shooters that are "in the zone". Football players see the game slow down and become more like chess. The competition becomes an exercise in anticipation rather than reaction.
Many athletes hire personal chefs because they have dietary restrictions. Others have routines they follow so as to keep their minds sharp. All of this in order to obtain a title of G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time).
In the Christian arena, we generally understand the rules of the game. Salvation, prayer, giving, and the rest are principles that are conveyed by almost every pulpit in the land. But there are many who will say that just being in the game is enough. To use an analogy, they are glad to sign a minimum contract so that they can say "I played in the League!". But there are others who, for the sake of a Spiritual crown, choose to be "temperate" (or restricted) in their lifestyles. They are not satisfied with an "also ran" status. They are not content with average or acceptable. They are intent on being the greatest of disciples. But here is the rub: greatness with God requires the greatest restraint.
Luke 22
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
To this I say, Lord, help me to serve and to be humble. To restrict my own desires for yours. To become a master of these Truths and not just a man with head knowledge. God, help me to pay the price in order to be approved and not just accepted.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Great Divide
Matthew 10
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
It is amazing to me that there are so many different views concerning the particulars of Christianity. Religion in general is such a personal subject, that we all get downright defensive about our beliefs and paradigms. I recently lost a friend due to these same principles. We just had major fundamental differences. Oil and water can't mix. Darkness and light can't coexist. Eventually, no matter how much affection one may have for a person, on the deepest level there will be a breakdown if there is not an agreement on important issues.
I have preached and taught that unity is what God truly blesses. He shows us that unity, whether godly or not, is a powerful force throughout Scripture. The tower of Babel, in the O.T. and the crowd shouting "Crucify Him!" in the N.T. come straight to mind. So unity cannot be the goal. Agreement with Scripture must be paramount in our hearts.
I have found that there is rarely, if ever, an argument in which both sides are right. There is almost always a correct view and an incorrect. No one wants to realize or acknowledge that they are the one who is wrong. So it winds up with a stalemate. Even though one may have proven a point, the other is unwilling to concede and remains belligerent. I think this is what Jesus was referring to in the Scripture above (which is a quotation from Micah 7:6). The Word of God is the only defender of Truth. We must base our entire world view upon the relevant Truths contained in it. But we are so stubborn naturally (at least I am) that we end up in an argument instead of an agreement with the Word.
My thought is, "Lord help me to allow your Word to govern my heart and mind". I don't want to argue my point against Scripture. At the same time, I don't want my relative experiences to taint what Scripture is truly saying. There is only one correct interpretation of Scripture. It is my job to discover and proclaim that. Not to shape "relative truth" , which is an oxymoron, around what I think is right.
Humility towards the Word of God is not just what divides friendships and families, it is what reconciles men to their God. Much more to say on this subject, but I'll save it for a later date. Be blessed!
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
It is amazing to me that there are so many different views concerning the particulars of Christianity. Religion in general is such a personal subject, that we all get downright defensive about our beliefs and paradigms. I recently lost a friend due to these same principles. We just had major fundamental differences. Oil and water can't mix. Darkness and light can't coexist. Eventually, no matter how much affection one may have for a person, on the deepest level there will be a breakdown if there is not an agreement on important issues.
I have preached and taught that unity is what God truly blesses. He shows us that unity, whether godly or not, is a powerful force throughout Scripture. The tower of Babel, in the O.T. and the crowd shouting "Crucify Him!" in the N.T. come straight to mind. So unity cannot be the goal. Agreement with Scripture must be paramount in our hearts.
I have found that there is rarely, if ever, an argument in which both sides are right. There is almost always a correct view and an incorrect. No one wants to realize or acknowledge that they are the one who is wrong. So it winds up with a stalemate. Even though one may have proven a point, the other is unwilling to concede and remains belligerent. I think this is what Jesus was referring to in the Scripture above (which is a quotation from Micah 7:6). The Word of God is the only defender of Truth. We must base our entire world view upon the relevant Truths contained in it. But we are so stubborn naturally (at least I am) that we end up in an argument instead of an agreement with the Word.
My thought is, "Lord help me to allow your Word to govern my heart and mind". I don't want to argue my point against Scripture. At the same time, I don't want my relative experiences to taint what Scripture is truly saying. There is only one correct interpretation of Scripture. It is my job to discover and proclaim that. Not to shape "relative truth" , which is an oxymoron, around what I think is right.
Humility towards the Word of God is not just what divides friendships and families, it is what reconciles men to their God. Much more to say on this subject, but I'll save it for a later date. Be blessed!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The answer of a clean conscience
"Criticism is birthed from jealousy. Ignore it. Move forward." - Robert Martin
There are many many people who agree with this statement. They see those, who criticize and point out shortcomings, as enemies of their cause and detrimental to their overall attitude. The critic can't be right. To "judge" another is taboo and considered borderline heresy. But unless we are working within the Roman Catholic dogma of church authority, we should consider whether this is truly a good response to the critic or skeptic. If we are infallible and immune to mistakes, then there is no place for inspection. But if the Word of God is still the barometer of our lives, then quality control of our character and ministry should be welcomed.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. To bless them that persecute and spitefully use you. I believe He is trying to show us that every time someone examines you and wants to disrepute your name, it gives you an opportunity to respond with Grace.
Jesus didn't ignore the criticisms of men, He answered them with the Truth! If your critics are wrong, prove it. If they are right, admit it!
When Jesus was accused of being a drunkard, He didn't ignore it, He answered it. When Jesus was accused of being a devil, He didn't ignore it, He answered it! When He was accused of claiming to be the Son of God, He didn't deny it, He affirmed it. But He welcomed it, as well. Paul says in Philippians 1 that he rejoices whether Christ is preached in pretense or in truth. Because criticism, even if it is misguided, provides an opportunity for us to arise and shine. If someone wants to crucify you, then see it as a great way for the power of His resurrection to be shown!
The worst things we can do, in my opinion, is to ignore the criticisms of others. If they are seeing a flaw, then that is helpful if we are trying to be molded in His image. If they are seeing something that isn't there, they are persecuting you for righteousness and Jesus calls you blessed. Either way, you win!
A humble heart is the only way to accomplish this. Pride rejects the skepticism of others. A servant contemplates whether it is right or not and responds with either contrite repentance and acknowledgment of the failing, or the Grace of God shining forth to show His Glory. So the next time you hear that someone has criticized you, don't ignore it. Be accountable for who God called you to be and respond in the manner which befits a Servant of the Most High!
There are many many people who agree with this statement. They see those, who criticize and point out shortcomings, as enemies of their cause and detrimental to their overall attitude. The critic can't be right. To "judge" another is taboo and considered borderline heresy. But unless we are working within the Roman Catholic dogma of church authority, we should consider whether this is truly a good response to the critic or skeptic. If we are infallible and immune to mistakes, then there is no place for inspection. But if the Word of God is still the barometer of our lives, then quality control of our character and ministry should be welcomed.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. To bless them that persecute and spitefully use you. I believe He is trying to show us that every time someone examines you and wants to disrepute your name, it gives you an opportunity to respond with Grace.
Jesus didn't ignore the criticisms of men, He answered them with the Truth! If your critics are wrong, prove it. If they are right, admit it!
When Jesus was accused of being a drunkard, He didn't ignore it, He answered it. When Jesus was accused of being a devil, He didn't ignore it, He answered it! When He was accused of claiming to be the Son of God, He didn't deny it, He affirmed it. But He welcomed it, as well. Paul says in Philippians 1 that he rejoices whether Christ is preached in pretense or in truth. Because criticism, even if it is misguided, provides an opportunity for us to arise and shine. If someone wants to crucify you, then see it as a great way for the power of His resurrection to be shown!
The worst things we can do, in my opinion, is to ignore the criticisms of others. If they are seeing a flaw, then that is helpful if we are trying to be molded in His image. If they are seeing something that isn't there, they are persecuting you for righteousness and Jesus calls you blessed. Either way, you win!
A humble heart is the only way to accomplish this. Pride rejects the skepticism of others. A servant contemplates whether it is right or not and responds with either contrite repentance and acknowledgment of the failing, or the Grace of God shining forth to show His Glory. So the next time you hear that someone has criticized you, don't ignore it. Be accountable for who God called you to be and respond in the manner which befits a Servant of the Most High!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Randomness
- In light of my previous posts, I think holiness should first be about humility. What do you call it when the character of Christ is absent: dead religion.
- Why do so many consider church attendance to be the main factor in successful ministry? Mormons, JW's and Muslims all grow huge congregations. It takes more sincerity to be willing to stay small in order to stay authentic.
- I'm not saying we should be content with small, just don't think that the bigger the group that attends your church, the bigger God's blessings.
- To whom much is given, much is required......so if you've got a lot of money, you are accountable for how you spend it. And doubly so if you are a pastor.
- The real measure of a man's character is not adversity, but success. Can you handle it without becoming arrogant?
- My highest aim is to be like Jesus. He was rejected by the masses, why should I think myself different?
- Loneliness is a calling from God. Embrace it and you will embrace Him.
- Why do these two things seem mutually exclusive: Ministerial integrity and promotion within an organization. The higher you go, the less you seem to remember who you are.
- I want to grow a church the right way. That means I will probably have to do it slowly. Deep relationships aren't built overnight.
- When i think about our church, I want to ask myself "Could I be won by this church if I weren't already in church?"
- I don't ever want my congregation to think "What a man of God we serve!", I want them to think, "That man knows Jesus, I can too!"
Friday, March 25, 2011
Too Much is Never Enough
"...(N)ot of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
Lots of people like to point out that we are no longer under the law of Moses. That we are not held to the requirements of obedience and adherence to the demands of legalism is a point of great emphasis for the Christian community. I am grateful that the Grace and Mercy of Jesus has fulfilled the Law on my behalf and I can boldly approach the throne of Grace. However (you knew that was coming), I think that we shortchange ourselves and God Almighty by misapplying that Truth.
The Law, from a Jewish perspective, was intended to put limitations on the recompense for sin. Before the Law, there were no boundaries. If someone stole your camel, you could go and destroy his entire family and there was nothing to appeal to. Along came the Mosaic ordinance and it was stated "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". That meant that your punishment should fit the crime. Further instituted in the Law were provisions of sacrifice for sin. Now if you stole a camel, there was a certain penalty to be paid. The most egregious acts were given a more severe sentence than a minor offence.
Now comes Jesus, preaching and teaching the Kingdom of God in a new and profound way. His emphasis was not on the Law and its punitive aspects, but rather on the idea behind the Law that we should love God enough not to sin, and that should someone falter, there should be enough love for that individual to make the penalty equitable. He spoke of His words as "Spirit and Life". He came to not only give an insight into God's love for humanity, but also to provide a means to a higher level of understanding the relationship humanity should share with God.
Now it was not the limitations of the Law that should govern our hearts, but the possibilities of the Spirit! Not a poverty mindset of "If I do this bad thing, I will have to pay this price", but rather a Child-of-the-King mentality of "With God all things are possible".
Following the Spirit is actually a lot more demanding than following the Law. It means that you are no longer reading a writ for guidance, but that you are now seeking God continually to bestow His will upon you. The letter kills. Not because its requirements are evil, but because it doesn't give the power to fulfill itself. The Spirit gives life because it means you have partaken of that heavenly gift in order to not only avoid sin, but to fulfill the ultimate purposes of the Law's intent: A fuller, deeper relationship with our Creator.
Lots of people like to point out that we are no longer under the law of Moses. That we are not held to the requirements of obedience and adherence to the demands of legalism is a point of great emphasis for the Christian community. I am grateful that the Grace and Mercy of Jesus has fulfilled the Law on my behalf and I can boldly approach the throne of Grace. However (you knew that was coming), I think that we shortchange ourselves and God Almighty by misapplying that Truth.
The Law, from a Jewish perspective, was intended to put limitations on the recompense for sin. Before the Law, there were no boundaries. If someone stole your camel, you could go and destroy his entire family and there was nothing to appeal to. Along came the Mosaic ordinance and it was stated "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". That meant that your punishment should fit the crime. Further instituted in the Law were provisions of sacrifice for sin. Now if you stole a camel, there was a certain penalty to be paid. The most egregious acts were given a more severe sentence than a minor offence.
Now comes Jesus, preaching and teaching the Kingdom of God in a new and profound way. His emphasis was not on the Law and its punitive aspects, but rather on the idea behind the Law that we should love God enough not to sin, and that should someone falter, there should be enough love for that individual to make the penalty equitable. He spoke of His words as "Spirit and Life". He came to not only give an insight into God's love for humanity, but also to provide a means to a higher level of understanding the relationship humanity should share with God.
Now it was not the limitations of the Law that should govern our hearts, but the possibilities of the Spirit! Not a poverty mindset of "If I do this bad thing, I will have to pay this price", but rather a Child-of-the-King mentality of "With God all things are possible".
Following the Spirit is actually a lot more demanding than following the Law. It means that you are no longer reading a writ for guidance, but that you are now seeking God continually to bestow His will upon you. The letter kills. Not because its requirements are evil, but because it doesn't give the power to fulfill itself. The Spirit gives life because it means you have partaken of that heavenly gift in order to not only avoid sin, but to fulfill the ultimate purposes of the Law's intent: A fuller, deeper relationship with our Creator.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Giving Revival
"Justice will not be served until those that are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." - Benjamin Franklin
The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan have reminded me of just how powerful of a force human compassion can be. After Hurricane Katrina, Billions of dollars were sent in for the care and reconstruction of those that were affected. Every month pledges are fulfilled from around the world to help provide food, education and medical supplies to starving children and families in Africa. And yet, there is such a disparity between the American church and the American family, that each and every day there is a far greater need that remains under-served and unrecognized. I am thinking about the spiritual devastation that has wreaked havoc upon our society.
Telethons are held to entice the viewing public to give for physical needs that are evident. But the church sits idly by and watches the very neighbors and community they live in get destroyed by sin and darkness. All the while I hear statements like, "All that preacher wants is my money" and "I wish that they wouldn't talk about giving so much". I have even heard people tell me they can't afford to tithe because they have to take care of themselves first. Apparently, their cable television, internet games and two car payments are much more important than supporting the work that not only cares for their family but also is reaching for their drug-addicted next-door-neighbors. There's nothing wrong with having nice things, but at what cost do we acquire them?
The love of money is truly the root of all evil. Until the church sees money as a tool for revival and not a blessing for consumption by our flesh, there will be starving souls that die of malnutrition. We, as people of God's Purpose, ought to be as outraged by the death of one sinner who has not heard the gospel of Grace and repentance through Jesus Name as we are when we see pictures of children with bloated stomaches. Every soul who enters eternity without the opportunity to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and be baptized in Jesus Name should send us weeping to our knees asking God for more time to reach the lost. Every spending decision we make must be seasoned with the question "Does this money have a higher purpose?"
Revival is a function of giving. "Some give by going, others go by giving" is the old mantra. But the American church is so spoiled by our decadence that we hardly know what sacrificial giving is. Lord, give us a heart for revival! Give us an outrage for the dying lost sinner. Instead of being outraged by his sin, let us be outraged by our own complacency. Instead of spending money on bigger conferences to benefit the church, let us put those resources into bigger social programs that give us an opportunity to share God's message with unredeemed. Sin abounds, but let our Grace much more abound!
2 Corinthians 9:15 calls it an unspeakable gift. The context of that chapter shows us that the gift is a result of giving. The gift is God's glory through the work supported by giving saints. That work produces thanks and longing by the people for the ministry of the Gospel. Tell me giving is overrated and I'll show you where in Scripture there is a direct link between the church's liberal giving and revival in their community.
MAY GOD GRANT US THE HEART FOR REVIVAL TO THE POINT THAT WE GIVE LIBERALLY
Amen.
The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan have reminded me of just how powerful of a force human compassion can be. After Hurricane Katrina, Billions of dollars were sent in for the care and reconstruction of those that were affected. Every month pledges are fulfilled from around the world to help provide food, education and medical supplies to starving children and families in Africa. And yet, there is such a disparity between the American church and the American family, that each and every day there is a far greater need that remains under-served and unrecognized. I am thinking about the spiritual devastation that has wreaked havoc upon our society.
Telethons are held to entice the viewing public to give for physical needs that are evident. But the church sits idly by and watches the very neighbors and community they live in get destroyed by sin and darkness. All the while I hear statements like, "All that preacher wants is my money" and "I wish that they wouldn't talk about giving so much". I have even heard people tell me they can't afford to tithe because they have to take care of themselves first. Apparently, their cable television, internet games and two car payments are much more important than supporting the work that not only cares for their family but also is reaching for their drug-addicted next-door-neighbors. There's nothing wrong with having nice things, but at what cost do we acquire them?
The love of money is truly the root of all evil. Until the church sees money as a tool for revival and not a blessing for consumption by our flesh, there will be starving souls that die of malnutrition. We, as people of God's Purpose, ought to be as outraged by the death of one sinner who has not heard the gospel of Grace and repentance through Jesus Name as we are when we see pictures of children with bloated stomaches. Every soul who enters eternity without the opportunity to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and be baptized in Jesus Name should send us weeping to our knees asking God for more time to reach the lost. Every spending decision we make must be seasoned with the question "Does this money have a higher purpose?"
Revival is a function of giving. "Some give by going, others go by giving" is the old mantra. But the American church is so spoiled by our decadence that we hardly know what sacrificial giving is. Lord, give us a heart for revival! Give us an outrage for the dying lost sinner. Instead of being outraged by his sin, let us be outraged by our own complacency. Instead of spending money on bigger conferences to benefit the church, let us put those resources into bigger social programs that give us an opportunity to share God's message with unredeemed. Sin abounds, but let our Grace much more abound!
2 Corinthians 9:15 calls it an unspeakable gift. The context of that chapter shows us that the gift is a result of giving. The gift is God's glory through the work supported by giving saints. That work produces thanks and longing by the people for the ministry of the Gospel. Tell me giving is overrated and I'll show you where in Scripture there is a direct link between the church's liberal giving and revival in their community.
MAY GOD GRANT US THE HEART FOR REVIVAL TO THE POINT THAT WE GIVE LIBERALLY
Amen.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
the Line - What you talkin' 'bout, Jesus - final installment
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."
- Jesus
To me, this verse has taken on such new meaning over the past year or so. I have fought against the abuse of authority and pastoral preeminence very strongly. However, I have come to the conclusion that while my intentions and mission were proper, my end result was off kilter. While establishing one truth (the spiritual authority of each believer), I neglected another (Authority flows through submission to those already established). I have been reluctant to take a position of authority in my own ministry because I didn't want to be guilty of egoism and self-exaltation. But my position as a pastor dictates that I be placed in that relational authority (albeit temporarily) until the proper principles can be understood and practiced by an individual on their own. In other words, my calling has a responsibility to becoming a father figure to those seeking a deeper relationship with God.
The Book of Galatians tells us that when we are young, we differ nothing from a slave. But when we become mature, we are masters of all. Read that message again. Paul isn't giving a carte blanche license to do anything we want. He is telling them that just obeying rules without a purpose is legalism and dead religion. But the Law is good and righteous. So what is the principle at hand? That we should follow after the Spirit of Christ. What made Christ so unique? It wasn't the miracles. It wasn't the just the doctrine. It was that He was and is the Word incarnate. Or, to put it another way, He was 100% obedient to the Spirit and Word of God.
This is the entire problem, in a nutshell: Most of us want power without perimeters. We want to see the influence of God outwardly without the influence of God inwardly. Standards of dress and conduct can be arbitrary. They can be inconsistent from one pastor to the next. But on the bottom rung of the ladder, there must be a principle of submission to authority in our lives, no matter what the particulars may be. When we give ourselves an authority, other than ourselves, we become submissive for the singular purpose of becoming more like Jesus. It is a fast of will that most never take part in. I am ready to join that fast. I hope that others will realize, as I have, that giving up the carnal for the sake of the spiritual is a good thing.
What is required is of less import than the reasons we do them. We are not made righteous by our actions, but our actions do display our heart's condition. I want to prove to myself that Jesus is Lord of my life. If that means obeying them that have the rule over me, then I believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. So bring on the pain, it's what makes us champions in the end!
The Book of Galatians tells us that when we are young, we differ nothing from a slave. But when we become mature, we are masters of all. Read that message again. Paul isn't giving a carte blanche license to do anything we want. He is telling them that just obeying rules without a purpose is legalism and dead religion. But the Law is good and righteous. So what is the principle at hand? That we should follow after the Spirit of Christ. What made Christ so unique? It wasn't the miracles. It wasn't the just the doctrine. It was that He was and is the Word incarnate. Or, to put it another way, He was 100% obedient to the Spirit and Word of God.
This is the entire problem, in a nutshell: Most of us want power without perimeters. We want to see the influence of God outwardly without the influence of God inwardly. Standards of dress and conduct can be arbitrary. They can be inconsistent from one pastor to the next. But on the bottom rung of the ladder, there must be a principle of submission to authority in our lives, no matter what the particulars may be. When we give ourselves an authority, other than ourselves, we become submissive for the singular purpose of becoming more like Jesus. It is a fast of will that most never take part in. I am ready to join that fast. I hope that others will realize, as I have, that giving up the carnal for the sake of the spiritual is a good thing.
What is required is of less import than the reasons we do them. We are not made righteous by our actions, but our actions do display our heart's condition. I want to prove to myself that Jesus is Lord of my life. If that means obeying them that have the rule over me, then I believe that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. So bring on the pain, it's what makes us champions in the end!
Monday, January 31, 2011
the Line - Can't we all just get along? - part 2
So, when I left off I was talking about the Yin and Yang struggle between the "Holiness" camp and the "Liberty" camp that has had me fluctuating back and forth.
I have friends who are seeing lives changed and hearts renewed, baptisms and Holy Ghost outpourings who don't teach anything but modesty. And I have been a part and have witnessed incredible moves of God in some of the strictest and rigid churches that are hard core pulpit pounders and won't even let their dogs wear studded collars. The point being, God doesn't look at the outward appearance in order to determine His relationship with someone. HE looks at the inward parts of a person. But it is impossible for us to know what someone's soul and spiritual status is. And that has been the greatest part of my journey toward revelation on this subject.
Outward sanctity has been a hot-button issue as long as it has been an issue. And it has at times been sold as a means to becoming righteous. "Wear this and it will seep into your insides all that separation you are exhibiting." You know, stop wearing pants, ladies, and you will start to become more submissive to your husbands. This kind of thinking is harmful at best and leads to Pharisee-type religion at worst. No one ever got closer to God by doing an outward act. This is legalism and it is wrong.
However, the topic turns on one particular hinge: faith without works is dead. We are justified by our faith according to Paul's writings. But if we only talk about it, we are dead and cold according to James'. The entire concept of an outward holiness has been misconstrued and poorly communicated by the majority of folks I have heard talk about the subject. It is not about being rejected by God if we don't hold fast to certain ideals. It is about the salt losing its savor. We are to be lights in this dark world. But if we do not adhere to God's principles, then how are we to convince others that those principles are worthy of their acceptance?
It really has more to do with the buzz word "submission" than it does anything else. See, our faith causes us to submit to God's design. We trust God's Word and identify with its instructions. This causes us to become Righteous by imputed Grace. That Righteous standing then empowers us to become Holy through imparted authority. So, Righteousness is right standing with God, and Holiness is an expression of that position.
Okay, some of you are reading this saying to yourself "what does this have to do with salvation?" To which I say, "Plenty". Ananias and Sapphira were knocked down dead at Peter's feet because they lied to the Holy Ghost. Lots of folks lie to God every day. They cheat Him and steal from Him. But God was angry at those two in particular because they had a revelation that we don't have today. They had been around the upper room. They were first generation disciples. They were judged more harshly than we are today because they had more understanding of God's nature and power than we do. And that is another turning point: do we really want to know Jesus? If we want to know Him like we say we do, then we need to be ready to live by the revelation He gives us. I am convinced that some people stop searching for God in earnest because they find a revelation that they are afraid to live by and then stay where they are at spiritually. They have an outward relationship with God, but internally they know that God is struggling with them about a certain area. this is a miserable existence encapsulated in Scripture by Romans 7. Ultimately, God is transforming us into the image of His Son, the God -man. His flesh was COMPLETELY submitted to the Spirit of God.
"What you talkin' 'bout, Jesus?"..........................To Be continued................................
I have friends who are seeing lives changed and hearts renewed, baptisms and Holy Ghost outpourings who don't teach anything but modesty. And I have been a part and have witnessed incredible moves of God in some of the strictest and rigid churches that are hard core pulpit pounders and won't even let their dogs wear studded collars. The point being, God doesn't look at the outward appearance in order to determine His relationship with someone. HE looks at the inward parts of a person. But it is impossible for us to know what someone's soul and spiritual status is. And that has been the greatest part of my journey toward revelation on this subject.
Outward sanctity has been a hot-button issue as long as it has been an issue. And it has at times been sold as a means to becoming righteous. "Wear this and it will seep into your insides all that separation you are exhibiting." You know, stop wearing pants, ladies, and you will start to become more submissive to your husbands. This kind of thinking is harmful at best and leads to Pharisee-type religion at worst. No one ever got closer to God by doing an outward act. This is legalism and it is wrong.
However, the topic turns on one particular hinge: faith without works is dead. We are justified by our faith according to Paul's writings. But if we only talk about it, we are dead and cold according to James'. The entire concept of an outward holiness has been misconstrued and poorly communicated by the majority of folks I have heard talk about the subject. It is not about being rejected by God if we don't hold fast to certain ideals. It is about the salt losing its savor. We are to be lights in this dark world. But if we do not adhere to God's principles, then how are we to convince others that those principles are worthy of their acceptance?
It really has more to do with the buzz word "submission" than it does anything else. See, our faith causes us to submit to God's design. We trust God's Word and identify with its instructions. This causes us to become Righteous by imputed Grace. That Righteous standing then empowers us to become Holy through imparted authority. So, Righteousness is right standing with God, and Holiness is an expression of that position.
Okay, some of you are reading this saying to yourself "what does this have to do with salvation?" To which I say, "Plenty". Ananias and Sapphira were knocked down dead at Peter's feet because they lied to the Holy Ghost. Lots of folks lie to God every day. They cheat Him and steal from Him. But God was angry at those two in particular because they had a revelation that we don't have today. They had been around the upper room. They were first generation disciples. They were judged more harshly than we are today because they had more understanding of God's nature and power than we do. And that is another turning point: do we really want to know Jesus? If we want to know Him like we say we do, then we need to be ready to live by the revelation He gives us. I am convinced that some people stop searching for God in earnest because they find a revelation that they are afraid to live by and then stay where they are at spiritually. They have an outward relationship with God, but internally they know that God is struggling with them about a certain area. this is a miserable existence encapsulated in Scripture by Romans 7. Ultimately, God is transforming us into the image of His Son, the God -man. His flesh was COMPLETELY submitted to the Spirit of God.
"What you talkin' 'bout, Jesus?"..........................To Be continued................................
Saturday, January 29, 2011
What a Difference a Line Makes - part 1
"Because you're mine, I walk the line." - Johnny Cash
There is an old saying among country folks when referring to a young man and his beloved: "that boy better walk the line if he wants to marry her!" or "she'll be good for him. she'll make him walk the line."
It is always meant to convey that the young man had some growing up to do, and that he was courting a young lady that wouldn't go for just any old joker who tried to make nice with her. She had a self worth and respect that demanded a potential husband meet a higher level of maturity than boyhood dalliances and emotional interests. He was gonna have to be respectable and responsible if she was going to take on his name. So the potential beau had a choice to make: move on to maturity, or stay infantile and find another gal with less of a cache. Usually, the woman in the position of demanding such change was being pursued by multiple gentlemen. Thus, the beau must show the object of his affections his desire to become her heart's delight by changing his actions. Sometimes, that meant changing his appearance as well. Whatever the requirements, they were all well worth it because the man realized two very important things were happening. 1) He was becoming more attractive to her; and 2) she was helping him become the man he needed to be all along.
In our society, we have generally lost the perception of maturity. We are told from our youth that the ones who love us will accept us just the way we are. There is no need to change because if someone really loves you they will endorse you regardless of its consequences. Pee wee athletic teams no longer give trophies to the champions alone, now everybody gets a plaque that says "Good Job!", even if the team went 0-9. Honestly, how good of a job could they have done? What message are we sending with that type of action? "It's okay to be a loser as long as you get the same rewards as the ones who worked harder or had more talent"? Our kids are being taught that hard work is only for a few and that it is acceptable to be stagnant and useless, as long as someone else picks up the slack.
The church has taken on this mindset at times. I hear about and have spoken to many of my friends in the ministry on the subject of outward sanctification. Some have seen the hypocrisy of certain people who espouse the standards but either have "selective enforcement" or have character along the same lines of Jerry Springer. They have given up on the principles of outward "holiness" because it does not produce righteousness, as advertised. Others have rejected some and kept other of the afore mentioned standards, recognizing the benefits of certain admonitions but not endorsing the concepts as a whole.
For years I struggled with where I fit in with this cultural dilemma. I have never been one who jumps in with the crowd that screams aloud "without it you can't see God". This seems to be a misapplication of the writer's intended focus. He is speaking about the merits of a godly character, not an outward dress code. At the same time, I whole-heartedly accept the need for outward sanctity and a removal of harmful temptations from our lives. Those friends of mine that have abandoned teaching the need to dress differently as well as act differently are leaving out a very important fact: how we dress is an expression of who we want to be identified with to others. If I don't want to be confused for a gang banger, I shouldn't wear baggy clothes and colored bandannas. If I want to be identified with Scripture's teachings I should tailor my appearance to reflect its instructions on the subject. So I found myself for years pitting one side against the other in my head, wishing for a middle ground or just a ceasing of the war of words between the two factions.
"Can't we all just get along?".................To be Continued..............................
There is an old saying among country folks when referring to a young man and his beloved: "that boy better walk the line if he wants to marry her!" or "she'll be good for him. she'll make him walk the line."
It is always meant to convey that the young man had some growing up to do, and that he was courting a young lady that wouldn't go for just any old joker who tried to make nice with her. She had a self worth and respect that demanded a potential husband meet a higher level of maturity than boyhood dalliances and emotional interests. He was gonna have to be respectable and responsible if she was going to take on his name. So the potential beau had a choice to make: move on to maturity, or stay infantile and find another gal with less of a cache. Usually, the woman in the position of demanding such change was being pursued by multiple gentlemen. Thus, the beau must show the object of his affections his desire to become her heart's delight by changing his actions. Sometimes, that meant changing his appearance as well. Whatever the requirements, they were all well worth it because the man realized two very important things were happening. 1) He was becoming more attractive to her; and 2) she was helping him become the man he needed to be all along.
In our society, we have generally lost the perception of maturity. We are told from our youth that the ones who love us will accept us just the way we are. There is no need to change because if someone really loves you they will endorse you regardless of its consequences. Pee wee athletic teams no longer give trophies to the champions alone, now everybody gets a plaque that says "Good Job!", even if the team went 0-9. Honestly, how good of a job could they have done? What message are we sending with that type of action? "It's okay to be a loser as long as you get the same rewards as the ones who worked harder or had more talent"? Our kids are being taught that hard work is only for a few and that it is acceptable to be stagnant and useless, as long as someone else picks up the slack.
The church has taken on this mindset at times. I hear about and have spoken to many of my friends in the ministry on the subject of outward sanctification. Some have seen the hypocrisy of certain people who espouse the standards but either have "selective enforcement" or have character along the same lines of Jerry Springer. They have given up on the principles of outward "holiness" because it does not produce righteousness, as advertised. Others have rejected some and kept other of the afore mentioned standards, recognizing the benefits of certain admonitions but not endorsing the concepts as a whole.
For years I struggled with where I fit in with this cultural dilemma. I have never been one who jumps in with the crowd that screams aloud "without it you can't see God". This seems to be a misapplication of the writer's intended focus. He is speaking about the merits of a godly character, not an outward dress code. At the same time, I whole-heartedly accept the need for outward sanctity and a removal of harmful temptations from our lives. Those friends of mine that have abandoned teaching the need to dress differently as well as act differently are leaving out a very important fact: how we dress is an expression of who we want to be identified with to others. If I don't want to be confused for a gang banger, I shouldn't wear baggy clothes and colored bandannas. If I want to be identified with Scripture's teachings I should tailor my appearance to reflect its instructions on the subject. So I found myself for years pitting one side against the other in my head, wishing for a middle ground or just a ceasing of the war of words between the two factions.
"Can't we all just get along?".................To be Continued..............................
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Too Legit to Quit
"I woke up this morning with my mind, staying on Jesus!"
I am anxiously awaiting a phone call this week to give directions to a family that wants to be baptized! We became acquainted with them through a Craigslist ad for a marquee sign they were trying to sell. They live almost 2 hours away from us and I have only been to their home twice. But they are HUNGRY for God and want nothing less than the biblical Truth. And they are very curious, although apprehensive, about the fact that there is more to the supernatural moving of God's Spirit.
It is hard when someone lives so far away. I am hoping to get them comfortable enough with the Holy Ghost and with the concept of pentecostalism that I can steer them towards a church in their area. I thought about just doing that to begin with, but they are so scared of "crazies" that they wouldn't have been open to attending a church that practices what we do. The other thought was, "I don't have the gas money to be driving four extra hours every other Sunday night." Although that is true (we are not even making enough to pay our church bills, much less put extra towards outreach), I cannot in good conscience stay at home when I know someone wants the Truth. It is what we are all called to do. Win souls and let Jesus take care of the rest. Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.
When there is a legitimate desire for God in a person, our highest calling is to teach them, no matter what the cost is to us. Helping one soul reach the point of Calvary, then leading them on to Resurrection through the Holy Ghost, is worth every penny the Lord has given me. Jesus help me to keep my mind on you and my eyes on the lost!
I am anxiously awaiting a phone call this week to give directions to a family that wants to be baptized! We became acquainted with them through a Craigslist ad for a marquee sign they were trying to sell. They live almost 2 hours away from us and I have only been to their home twice. But they are HUNGRY for God and want nothing less than the biblical Truth. And they are very curious, although apprehensive, about the fact that there is more to the supernatural moving of God's Spirit.
It is hard when someone lives so far away. I am hoping to get them comfortable enough with the Holy Ghost and with the concept of pentecostalism that I can steer them towards a church in their area. I thought about just doing that to begin with, but they are so scared of "crazies" that they wouldn't have been open to attending a church that practices what we do. The other thought was, "I don't have the gas money to be driving four extra hours every other Sunday night." Although that is true (we are not even making enough to pay our church bills, much less put extra towards outreach), I cannot in good conscience stay at home when I know someone wants the Truth. It is what we are all called to do. Win souls and let Jesus take care of the rest. Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.
When there is a legitimate desire for God in a person, our highest calling is to teach them, no matter what the cost is to us. Helping one soul reach the point of Calvary, then leading them on to Resurrection through the Holy Ghost, is worth every penny the Lord has given me. Jesus help me to keep my mind on you and my eyes on the lost!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Change: Who Needs It?
So, I've been thinkin'.........
- Why is it that most people would rather be comfortable than challenged?
- Isn't the greatness of America founded upon the willingness to go to great lengths to establish truth?
- Isn't the Church supposed to be the main resource for Truth?
- If left to our own devices, don't we always settle for less (unless urged forward by a challenge)?
- When did we lose our concept of God as a loving but strict father and exchange it for a view of Him as a Pothead hippie who just wants everyone to be happy?
- Isn't the great hope of the Gospel that we can become something greater?
- Didn't Jesus promise us suffering and not comfort?
- What's so great about our current condition that we are afraid to give it up?
- Just because Jesus visits His people doesn't mean He approves of us.
- I think sometimes He comes to our churches in an effort to show us what He is, so that we will understand how far from Him we are.
- The Church is supposed to be trying to become more like Jesus, not make Him more like us.
- Feeling the move of God in a church service is all most people want. But moving towards God in our character is what Jesus really wants, don't you think?
- We have turned our aim in our gatherings to "Let's have a move of God", and that has replaced the early church's mindset of "Let's move the people toward God".
- As far as I can tell, God already did what He needed to do to tear down the partition between Him and mankind. Now it's up to us to enter through the veil.
- Emotionalism has turned Pentecostals into a laughingstock. Maybe the unredeemed aren't mocking us because they are evil. Maybe they are mocking us because they recognize that we don't have much wisdom in our practices.
- When we stop trying to get God's attention and start letting Him get ours, I think we might do some things differently.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Staying Sane is Crazy Hard!
"I don't know karate, but I know karazy!" - James Brown
Sometimes, we just have to make a way for our own minds to be released from the burdens of an insane life. So, here goes nothing! I've wanted to try to start a blog for a while, but I just never pulled that trigger. Now, I feel like I gotta get what's in my head out in the open. If for no other reason than my own mental well being.
Thanks to Philip Helms (http://commonsenseinanonsensicalworld.blogspot.com/) for beating me to the punch and making me feel like I need to do this thing! I hope you enjoy/relate/don't think I'm an absolute wacko.
It seems that many people are feeling a certain positive vibe in the air about 2011. Last year was apparently challenging for many. I know that for my part there were unforeseen hurdles and at times an utterly shocking feeling of abandonment. There were times that I thought I understood how Urriah felt when David commanded Joab to have his men withdraw from him in the thick of the battle. Thanks be to God that by His Grace and Mercy we were able to make it this far. In my limited experience, it occurs to me that many of the most prominent and outstanding people I know went through something like a purging prior to their ultimate breakthrough of "success". We can only hope that pattern stays true in our lives. 2011 is marked as a year of new beginnings, more so than any other in my life.
I kind of needed the awful year that I just had, in order to finally be moved into a place of alteration and repentance. My wife and I have determined to take stock of every practice and habit and to do our best to remedy the inconsistencies that we let hang on for too long. It is a time to purge ourselves of unhealthy friends (I use the term loosely) and relationships. Some of this has been done for us. But yet others still need to be axed from the social interaction database. I find myself coming to the conclusion of a philosophical journey that has taken several years to accomplish, as well (more on that in later posts).
All in all, I am more optimistic and focused than I have been in previous times. My faith is reinforced by experiences now. And I know that whoever the Lord calls, He will equip. I was missing some faith, so I had to need some miracles in order to get some answers. That has provided me with a renewed passion to see the Church become what it can be (both locally and generally). I am also less fearful of rejection. If people rejected me when I was holding back and trying to play nice, then as Jack Nicholson once famously stated: "Wait'll they get a load of me!"
Stay tuned and buckle your seat belts, we may be headed for turbulent skies!!
Sometimes, we just have to make a way for our own minds to be released from the burdens of an insane life. So, here goes nothing! I've wanted to try to start a blog for a while, but I just never pulled that trigger. Now, I feel like I gotta get what's in my head out in the open. If for no other reason than my own mental well being.
Thanks to Philip Helms (http://commonsenseinanonsensicalworld.blogspot.com/) for beating me to the punch and making me feel like I need to do this thing! I hope you enjoy/relate/don't think I'm an absolute wacko.
It seems that many people are feeling a certain positive vibe in the air about 2011. Last year was apparently challenging for many. I know that for my part there were unforeseen hurdles and at times an utterly shocking feeling of abandonment. There were times that I thought I understood how Urriah felt when David commanded Joab to have his men withdraw from him in the thick of the battle. Thanks be to God that by His Grace and Mercy we were able to make it this far. In my limited experience, it occurs to me that many of the most prominent and outstanding people I know went through something like a purging prior to their ultimate breakthrough of "success". We can only hope that pattern stays true in our lives. 2011 is marked as a year of new beginnings, more so than any other in my life.
I kind of needed the awful year that I just had, in order to finally be moved into a place of alteration and repentance. My wife and I have determined to take stock of every practice and habit and to do our best to remedy the inconsistencies that we let hang on for too long. It is a time to purge ourselves of unhealthy friends (I use the term loosely) and relationships. Some of this has been done for us. But yet others still need to be axed from the social interaction database. I find myself coming to the conclusion of a philosophical journey that has taken several years to accomplish, as well (more on that in later posts).
All in all, I am more optimistic and focused than I have been in previous times. My faith is reinforced by experiences now. And I know that whoever the Lord calls, He will equip. I was missing some faith, so I had to need some miracles in order to get some answers. That has provided me with a renewed passion to see the Church become what it can be (both locally and generally). I am also less fearful of rejection. If people rejected me when I was holding back and trying to play nice, then as Jack Nicholson once famously stated: "Wait'll they get a load of me!"
Stay tuned and buckle your seat belts, we may be headed for turbulent skies!!
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