I was preaching on heaven and hell recently. As I spoke to the congregation, I said, "We are all going to die. In fact every breath we take is one step closer to the end."
I was taken aback when just then a man in the service began having a seizure. He was ok and later that week he joked about how he had that seizure at that point in the message. He was scared in the moment but later saw the humor in it.
Google the term "fear of death" and you will get 160,000,000 results.
160 Million!
Coping, ovecoming, medical labels...there is a ton of stuff on the topic. I get the sense that quite a few people out there must be afraid of dying. I know that over the years I've been one of them.
As a kid I was afraid of the dark, afraid of death and at times afraid of my own shadow! My fear of death was not so much the death itself but the possible pain involved in getting there. I was afraid of the suffering and misery, the long goodbye that is often associated with death. Even after I became a believer in Jesus Christ, I was worried about death. I have had panic attacks sitting in doctors offices, heart papatations while getting x-rays and near nervous breakdowns waiting for test results.
I admit it. I've been weak at times.
I know the Bible talks about fear. I quoted 2 Timothy 1:7 and Phillippians 4:6-7 until I was blue in the face. No matter what I did, fear would only be tamped down but for a moment.
I found Proverbs 12: 25 to be true. "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." I was being weighed down by my anxiety.
Yet today, I can testify that that fear is rapidly diminishing. I have grown more comfortable in my own mortality. Through prayer and God speaking through a friend and brother, I have been healed of that anxiety. I know I am going to die and I am ok with it. My eternal destination is one I long for more than dread.
My son CJ and I had a converations about heaven recently and listening to his child like faith, I found myself longing for the day I can spend eternity with no more pain, no more suffering, no more tears.
I get excited because I am literally dying to meet Jesus!
I came across this quote while reading a Civil War history book today:
"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave." - General "Stonewall" Jackson.
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Victory in Jesus!
Showing posts with label 1 Corinthians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Corinthians. Show all posts
10/1/15
7/25/15
Plowing Hope
"...That he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in
hope should be partaker of his hope." (1 Corinthians 9:10b)
I recently read this passage of Scripture, found in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 9:10, and it has been rattling around in my head ever since.
The thing that stand out to me is the word 'hope'. Plowing in hope. Threshing in hope. Partaking in hope. I love that word hope. Day after day I am reminded that without hope, we have nothing.
Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
I have been a believer for over 30 years and I have seen the Lord move in mighty ways. I have seen people rise off their sickbeds. I have seen instantaneous healing. I have seen unexplainable miracles. I know God is real. I know He is active, calling, wooing, seeking, saving and setting people free!
Even when life seems at it's worst, when I have moments of doubt, I go back to those milestones and my hope is renewed.
That hope stirs me, fills me and I am challenged to share that hope with others. Too often we dwell on our mistakes or have our mistakes continuously pointed out to us. The truth of the matter is we all sin. We all make mistakes. The Bible is very clear on that. It is also clear that we are called to love God and love our neighbor. We are called to share what Jesus Christ did on the cross. I will share hope, I will share truth in love, I will speak life. This world is not the end. I have a hope of eternity. That eternal hope causes me to rejoice today.
Suffering will one day end, pain will be no more. Life is more than it appears, God still moves today.
I can't worry about tomorrow. What comes will come. Today, today I will rejoice in hope! Tomorrow is a new day, and again I will rejoice in hope.
Live hope, breathe hope, speak hope and let the peace of Jesus Christ reign in your life forever!
I recently read this passage of Scripture, found in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 9:10, and it has been rattling around in my head ever since.
The thing that stand out to me is the word 'hope'. Plowing in hope. Threshing in hope. Partaking in hope. I love that word hope. Day after day I am reminded that without hope, we have nothing.
Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
I have been a believer for over 30 years and I have seen the Lord move in mighty ways. I have seen people rise off their sickbeds. I have seen instantaneous healing. I have seen unexplainable miracles. I know God is real. I know He is active, calling, wooing, seeking, saving and setting people free!
Even when life seems at it's worst, when I have moments of doubt, I go back to those milestones and my hope is renewed.
That hope stirs me, fills me and I am challenged to share that hope with others. Too often we dwell on our mistakes or have our mistakes continuously pointed out to us. The truth of the matter is we all sin. We all make mistakes. The Bible is very clear on that. It is also clear that we are called to love God and love our neighbor. We are called to share what Jesus Christ did on the cross. I will share hope, I will share truth in love, I will speak life. This world is not the end. I have a hope of eternity. That eternal hope causes me to rejoice today.
Suffering will one day end, pain will be no more. Life is more than it appears, God still moves today.
I can't worry about tomorrow. What comes will come. Today, today I will rejoice in hope! Tomorrow is a new day, and again I will rejoice in hope.
Live hope, breathe hope, speak hope and let the peace of Jesus Christ reign in your life forever!
6/1/15
From Shakespeare to Salvation
"And one man in his time plays many parts" - William Shakespeare's As You Like It, spoken by the melancholy Jaques in Act II Scene VII
This line is part of the All The World's A Stage monologue from within Shakespeare's play, As You Like It. I admit to being a Shakespeare fan. During high school I read his works for fun, not just as a school assignment. In fact I have his complete works on my shelf today.
This speech compares the world to a stage and life to a play, and lists the seven stages of a man's life: infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, old age and facing imminent death. It is also one of Shakespeare's most frequently quoted passages.
I have been an infant, schoolboy, lover and soldier...in the Salvation Army. Truth be told, my kids tell me I am old as well! In all seriousness though, over my lifetime I have played many roles. Son, father, husband, pastor, author, baker, student, teacher and friend just to name a few. Yet it is being a child of God that I find my utmost satisfaction.
The apostle Paul also talks about the stages of life in 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things."
Like Paul, when I was a child I spoke, thought and reasoned like a child. As I have aged, my speech, thoughts and reasoning have matured as well. Don't get me wrong, I am still a child at heart. However, when it comes to my faith...I have matured. I have run the gamut throughout my faith walk, ups and downs, highs and lows...and I have realized that the Gospel, for all it's richness and depth...is actually quite simple. At the end of the day...it's all about Jesus and what He did on the cross. By accepting His gift of salvation, i entered into the greatest role of my lifetime...child of the King!
This line is part of the All The World's A Stage monologue from within Shakespeare's play, As You Like It. I admit to being a Shakespeare fan. During high school I read his works for fun, not just as a school assignment. In fact I have his complete works on my shelf today.
This speech compares the world to a stage and life to a play, and lists the seven stages of a man's life: infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, old age and facing imminent death. It is also one of Shakespeare's most frequently quoted passages.
I have been an infant, schoolboy, lover and soldier...in the Salvation Army. Truth be told, my kids tell me I am old as well! In all seriousness though, over my lifetime I have played many roles. Son, father, husband, pastor, author, baker, student, teacher and friend just to name a few. Yet it is being a child of God that I find my utmost satisfaction.
The apostle Paul also talks about the stages of life in 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things."
Like Paul, when I was a child I spoke, thought and reasoned like a child. As I have aged, my speech, thoughts and reasoning have matured as well. Don't get me wrong, I am still a child at heart. However, when it comes to my faith...I have matured. I have run the gamut throughout my faith walk, ups and downs, highs and lows...and I have realized that the Gospel, for all it's richness and depth...is actually quite simple. At the end of the day...it's all about Jesus and what He did on the cross. By accepting His gift of salvation, i entered into the greatest role of my lifetime...child of the King!
3/2/15
This I Know
July 31, 1984.
This was the day I went forward at a vacation Bible school in East Tennessee, repented of my sins and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.
Like most new believers, I was filled with zeal and wanted to learn all I could about the Lord. I began reading my Bible fervently, attending every service and trying to be a good Christian.
I now know I was not properly discipled.
I began reading my Bible from the beginning. (That's where you start a book right?) I breezed through Genesis and Exodus, bogged down in Leviticus and gave up in Numbers. It took me awhile to get back on track. I finally had a fellow believer point me to the NT where I spent a season before eventually reading the whole Bible.
I had a huge fascination with end times theology and read everything I could get my hand on. I loved to debate (argue) the Bible and felt I had to defend God to the death! I even made sure to hand a Bible tract to a kid who was holding a switchblade to my throat...so that I could at least die a martyr!
Ah, youth....
Nearly 31 years since my life changing decision, I have come to learn that less is more. I have seen the highs and lows of faith. The good, the bad and the ugly. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with my faith. I no longer feel the need to debate every line of Scripture. In fact, I don't debate at all.
As I reflect over my relationship with the Lord, I find comfort and peace in who He is and who I am in Him.
After 31 years, this I know:
Prov. 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The first Scripture that really challenged me. I tried for too long to lean on my own understanding. Now, I know that I know nothing. I have found that as I lean on Him, look to Him, trust in Him...He truly does direct my path. From TN to TX, Russia to Croatia, the US to Canada, God has directed my path, my days, my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Jesus, Only Jesus - I remember hearing this quoted often by a man God used to impact my life. He often said it boiled down to just that. I used to think he was being so cliche. Now I know, I truly want Jesus, only Jesus!
Jesus Christ and Him Crucified - "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." This passage in 1 Cor. 2:2 has become more and more important to me. I don't care to debate how long it took God to create the Heavens and Earth. My opinion on when Jesus is coming back is just that, my opinion. What I am determined to know is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." The verse that changed my life. In my darkest days, God reached out to a man contemplating his own mortality, He broke through the darkness when suicide seemed like the only way out, and He taught me who I am in Him.
I'm not God - I am not called to judge. I no longer see the need to point out the stick in your eye while ignoring the log in mine. I now endeavor to speak truth in love and show the same grace and mercy that Jesus Christ has shown me.
The Two Greatest Commandments - Jesus is quoted in Matthew 22:36-40 as saying that the two greatest commandments in which are contained the whole law of God is to love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as we do our self! It really is that simple. We over complicate Christianity and Jesus boiled it down to this!
Jesus Loves Me - This I know. I can rest in that.
This was the day I went forward at a vacation Bible school in East Tennessee, repented of my sins and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.
Like most new believers, I was filled with zeal and wanted to learn all I could about the Lord. I began reading my Bible fervently, attending every service and trying to be a good Christian.
I now know I was not properly discipled.
I began reading my Bible from the beginning. (That's where you start a book right?) I breezed through Genesis and Exodus, bogged down in Leviticus and gave up in Numbers. It took me awhile to get back on track. I finally had a fellow believer point me to the NT where I spent a season before eventually reading the whole Bible.
I had a huge fascination with end times theology and read everything I could get my hand on. I loved to debate (argue) the Bible and felt I had to defend God to the death! I even made sure to hand a Bible tract to a kid who was holding a switchblade to my throat...so that I could at least die a martyr!
Ah, youth....
Nearly 31 years since my life changing decision, I have come to learn that less is more. I have seen the highs and lows of faith. The good, the bad and the ugly. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with my faith. I no longer feel the need to debate every line of Scripture. In fact, I don't debate at all.
As I reflect over my relationship with the Lord, I find comfort and peace in who He is and who I am in Him.
After 31 years, this I know:
Prov. 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The first Scripture that really challenged me. I tried for too long to lean on my own understanding. Now, I know that I know nothing. I have found that as I lean on Him, look to Him, trust in Him...He truly does direct my path. From TN to TX, Russia to Croatia, the US to Canada, God has directed my path, my days, my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Jesus, Only Jesus - I remember hearing this quoted often by a man God used to impact my life. He often said it boiled down to just that. I used to think he was being so cliche. Now I know, I truly want Jesus, only Jesus!
Jesus Christ and Him Crucified - "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." This passage in 1 Cor. 2:2 has become more and more important to me. I don't care to debate how long it took God to create the Heavens and Earth. My opinion on when Jesus is coming back is just that, my opinion. What I am determined to know is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." The verse that changed my life. In my darkest days, God reached out to a man contemplating his own mortality, He broke through the darkness when suicide seemed like the only way out, and He taught me who I am in Him.
I'm not God - I am not called to judge. I no longer see the need to point out the stick in your eye while ignoring the log in mine. I now endeavor to speak truth in love and show the same grace and mercy that Jesus Christ has shown me.
The Two Greatest Commandments - Jesus is quoted in Matthew 22:36-40 as saying that the two greatest commandments in which are contained the whole law of God is to love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as we do our self! It really is that simple. We over complicate Christianity and Jesus boiled it down to this!
Jesus Loves Me - This I know. I can rest in that.
10/1/14
Traveling Home
Occasionally I will hear snippets of words or phrases when my kids are playing or chatting and they just resonate with me. This past summer, the words spoken by my children had me thinking about eternity!
Not too long ago, my son was learning time and measurement. Holding his hands wide, he asked his sister if that was how long forever was. My daughter's response was, "You can't measure forever!" Truer words were never spoken.
When you think about eternity, it is hard to measure with our finite minds. As a pastor, I speak of heaven and hell...but I do not know if I convey eternity in the way that my daughter did that day. We live in a world of time and measure. When we think of spending eternity with God in heaven, I do not think our minds can conceive the true reality of it all. How do you measure the immeasurable? How do you quantify the unquantifiable? Eternity is a mystery we won't completely understand until we stand before the Father!
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
In fact, the Lord has set eternity in our hearts!
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
I think the joy is in the journey. Which can be a problem for me! I'm not a patient traveler. I enjoy the destination but not the journey there. I don't know why that is. I get in the car and I want to get to my destination. As we traveled on vacation this summer, my son kept asking how long it was to various destinations. As we talked about how long it would take to our next stop, he said, "No matter how long it takes, we will be there soon."
Life on this earth is fraught with problems. Some days it seems like you take 1 step forward and 3 steps back before getting hit by a bus. Perseverance is not a sexy word. It sounds hard and--well,--hard! My son's words reminded me that life is short. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. My journey will be coming to an end. I will be there sooner rather than later. I am traveling home!
As I said, the joy is in the journey. I have become more eternally focused. Not in a maudlin, depressed sort of way but in an excited-to-sit-at-the-feet-of-Jesus kind of way. I also want to see those around me take the same journey and travel home to the Father as well.
Traveling home...a road trip I can get excited about.
7/7/14
I'm Broken!
“I’m Broken.”
After sobbing for 20 minutes, these were the only words that I could say to express the way I was feeling. Broken. I knew it was a lie, yet it was how I was feeling at the moment. My wife, so wonderful through my long struggle with a head injury, continued to speak affirming words and prayed with me before we ended our phone call.
The day started off innocent enough, just going through the normal motions and doing my job. What precipitated this emotional upheaval was looking back. It has been 2 years since my 6th and most significant concussion. After 18 months I finally felt like I was getting back to my “normal” self. I was finally implementing all the tools I had been learning at the Brain Injury Association and had found a medicine that relieved some of my lingering post-concussion symptoms. I had a good month and then, bang, concussion # 7 arrived.
Discouraged, emotional, tired, frustrated and sad would be just a few of the words I would use to describe the way I felt afterwards. I thought I was finally hitting a stride, only to stumble and falter as I continued the race of recovery. I made the mistake in the midst of this emotional upheaval of looking back at things I had written and done last year. Where I thought I was doing well, I realize now I was not nearly as “recovered” as I had assumed. I more “maintained” than anything else at work. I made mistakes, simple mistakes that I should have caught, and began beating myself up.
As I returned to work, the Lord reminded me of a prayer I prayed a few years back. I had been studying the passage of Scripture where Jacob wrestles with the Lord. (Gen. 32:22-32) He came away with a blessing and a limp. I prayed that the Lord would take me deeper, whatever the cost and make me more dependent on Him. Shortly after that, I acquired concussion 6 and then 7. I have spent the last 2 years learning to cope and accept what has happened to me. I saw the blessings in my situation. Sarah and I had many a conversation about how God has used these concussions to change me for the better in my walk with Him and my relationships with others. I have become more contemplative, reflective and still, listening in ways I never have before. I have found a heart of compassion for those suffering with head injuries and mental health issues.
In all of that I have been blessed….but until recently, I ignored the limp. I knew it was there but I never really “grieved” over what happened. I have suffered a loss. I have a “limp” called an acquired brain injury. It hit me recently that I will, barring a healing from God, never be the same again. Yet in that grief, I also see how I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) Despite the loss, I am still a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:17) Yes I have lost much, but I have gained so much more. I can count all things as loss (Phil. 3:8) and look to Jesus Christ and Him crucified! (1 Cor. 2:2) I am honestly not ready to “rejoice” in my situation but I am ready to acknowledge God is still using, leading and guiding me. Darkness may last for a night but there truly is joy in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Night is ending and I see the cracks of dawn.
For now, I can rejoice in that.
After sobbing for 20 minutes, these were the only words that I could say to express the way I was feeling. Broken. I knew it was a lie, yet it was how I was feeling at the moment. My wife, so wonderful through my long struggle with a head injury, continued to speak affirming words and prayed with me before we ended our phone call.
The day started off innocent enough, just going through the normal motions and doing my job. What precipitated this emotional upheaval was looking back. It has been 2 years since my 6th and most significant concussion. After 18 months I finally felt like I was getting back to my “normal” self. I was finally implementing all the tools I had been learning at the Brain Injury Association and had found a medicine that relieved some of my lingering post-concussion symptoms. I had a good month and then, bang, concussion # 7 arrived.
Discouraged, emotional, tired, frustrated and sad would be just a few of the words I would use to describe the way I felt afterwards. I thought I was finally hitting a stride, only to stumble and falter as I continued the race of recovery. I made the mistake in the midst of this emotional upheaval of looking back at things I had written and done last year. Where I thought I was doing well, I realize now I was not nearly as “recovered” as I had assumed. I more “maintained” than anything else at work. I made mistakes, simple mistakes that I should have caught, and began beating myself up.
As I returned to work, the Lord reminded me of a prayer I prayed a few years back. I had been studying the passage of Scripture where Jacob wrestles with the Lord. (Gen. 32:22-32) He came away with a blessing and a limp. I prayed that the Lord would take me deeper, whatever the cost and make me more dependent on Him. Shortly after that, I acquired concussion 6 and then 7. I have spent the last 2 years learning to cope and accept what has happened to me. I saw the blessings in my situation. Sarah and I had many a conversation about how God has used these concussions to change me for the better in my walk with Him and my relationships with others. I have become more contemplative, reflective and still, listening in ways I never have before. I have found a heart of compassion for those suffering with head injuries and mental health issues.
In all of that I have been blessed….but until recently, I ignored the limp. I knew it was there but I never really “grieved” over what happened. I have suffered a loss. I have a “limp” called an acquired brain injury. It hit me recently that I will, barring a healing from God, never be the same again. Yet in that grief, I also see how I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) Despite the loss, I am still a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:17) Yes I have lost much, but I have gained so much more. I can count all things as loss (Phil. 3:8) and look to Jesus Christ and Him crucified! (1 Cor. 2:2) I am honestly not ready to “rejoice” in my situation but I am ready to acknowledge God is still using, leading and guiding me. Darkness may last for a night but there truly is joy in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Night is ending and I see the cracks of dawn.
For now, I can rejoice in that.
8/28/13
The Baby Mobile Illustration
I never put much thought into baby mobiles before. However, I was consulting with my friend at the Brain Injury Association (Where I am a client in good standing) and she used a baby mobile to talk about how brain injuries impact everyone in the family. Her point was that if you touch one of the pieces hanging down, all will move and sway. In that vein, my head injury has caused sway and movement in my family as we have all had to learn coping skills and balance in this new reality.
So what does that have to do with the Body of Christ?
I was reading 1 Corinthians the other day and came across this verse in chapter twelve:
"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26)
I was reminded of the baby mobile illustration when I read this.
Sin, that thing we try to hide from others, once revealed, (and let's be honest, it's always revealed), can cause others to suffer as well. What we do in secret can negatively impact not only us, but everyone around us. Even a "simple" lie complicates all of our relationships.
Sickness, pain, fear, you name it... can cause all around us to be shaken and rocked to our core.
The same holds true for positive things as well.
One person in a family becoming a Christian will cause people around them to contemplate their own relationships (or lack thereof) with Christ. Joy is contagious and as your spirits are lifted, you will also lift the spirits of those around you.
The choices we make can shake our foundations, sometimes to the very core. They can also change our lives and the lives of those around us.
I like Joshua's challenge to the people of Israel:
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
We all make choices; why not make a choice to live a life pleasing to God?
Then when those around us are moved, it will be for the glory of God!
7/20/13
I finally "GET" Paul
The Apostle Paul.
Greatest Missionary Ever!
A Learned Scholar.
Wrote the Majority of the New Testament.
Totally Unrelatable.
I just never got Paul.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy his writings and am currently walking through 1 Corinthians as part of my devotions. However, of all the people we read about in the Bible, I found Paul to be the one I related to the least. He always seemed to be on another level.
From the time of his conversion as recorded in Acts and through each of the books the Lord led him to write, I found Paul to be someone I could not relate to.
That is, until recently.
I was reading through 1 Cor. 2. In particular, I was reading verses1-5 which says, "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. (2) For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (3) And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, (4) and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
I know Paul had a thorn in the flesh. (2 Cor. 12:7) I also know he was not afraid to speak up, even confronting the Apostle Peter when he needed it. He butted heads with some and spoke out against sectarianism and legalism.
Sometimes you read the Word of God and things just click. While reading 1 Cor. 2:1-5, I always focused on verse 2. In fact I have quoted that verse often and made it my own determination as well. This time I was struck by verse three where Paul mentions how he came to the Corinthians...in weakness, fear and trembling.
There is an image of Paul I had not seen before. Weak, fearful and trembling. Now those were things I could relate to. He also said that his message was not in words of wisdom. All this was so that the people's faith would be in the power of God, NOT in the wisdom of men.
This passage encouraged me. Ever since my head injury, I have felt weak, fearful and trembling when sharing God's Word. To know that God used Paul DESPITE those feelings and grew the Corinthians' faith through His (God's) own power gives me renewed hope.
God can use anyone. He can use weak and fearful Paul. He can use me and He can use you!
Be encouraged.
Greatest Missionary Ever!
A Learned Scholar.
Wrote the Majority of the New Testament.
Totally Unrelatable.
I just never got Paul.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy his writings and am currently walking through 1 Corinthians as part of my devotions. However, of all the people we read about in the Bible, I found Paul to be the one I related to the least. He always seemed to be on another level.
From the time of his conversion as recorded in Acts and through each of the books the Lord led him to write, I found Paul to be someone I could not relate to.
That is, until recently.
I was reading through 1 Cor. 2. In particular, I was reading verses1-5 which says, "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. (2) For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (3) And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, (4) and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
I know Paul had a thorn in the flesh. (2 Cor. 12:7) I also know he was not afraid to speak up, even confronting the Apostle Peter when he needed it. He butted heads with some and spoke out against sectarianism and legalism.
Sometimes you read the Word of God and things just click. While reading 1 Cor. 2:1-5, I always focused on verse 2. In fact I have quoted that verse often and made it my own determination as well. This time I was struck by verse three where Paul mentions how he came to the Corinthians...in weakness, fear and trembling.
There is an image of Paul I had not seen before. Weak, fearful and trembling. Now those were things I could relate to. He also said that his message was not in words of wisdom. All this was so that the people's faith would be in the power of God, NOT in the wisdom of men.
This passage encouraged me. Ever since my head injury, I have felt weak, fearful and trembling when sharing God's Word. To know that God used Paul DESPITE those feelings and grew the Corinthians' faith through His (God's) own power gives me renewed hope.
God can use anyone. He can use weak and fearful Paul. He can use me and He can use you!
Be encouraged.
7/7/13
The Possibility of Peace
Peace!
Life has a way of wearing you down. The daily up and down grind can make you feel as if you are on a roller-coaster as you deal with physical, emotional and financial issues.
I was reading 1 Corinthians this week as part of my regular devotions. I didn't make it past the 3rd verse of the 1st chapter. That verse says, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 1:3) It's a wonderful greeting Paul gives in his letter and it got me thinking how great it would be if we greeted each other with grace and peace today! Peace seems to be lacking in so many lives, yet God is a God of comfort.
I looked up the word peace in the dictionary and I found two definitions of peace that resonated with me. The first one is a state of calm and quiet. The other is freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions.
Both are fitting descriptions.
A state of calm and quiet. Probably the thing we think of most when we think of peace is quiet. Just a chance to take a time to rest and relax. No worries, no distractions, just quiet. Jesus often went away with the Father for some alone time. Sometimes the crowds followed Him and sometimes He got alone but He never stopped setting aside time for rest.
How often do we set aside time for rest? There is always something to be done, someone who may need us, demands on our time. We give in to every whim of life. Why not set aside time to refresh?
Freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions. This definition is one I am struggling with the most. I can't just turn off my mind and rest. I lay in bed and the days activities run through my mind as I recall the good and the bad while planning the next day. I too often recall the hurts of life and the conflicting emotions that come up as I try to do what's right and yet so often do the wrong thing. (Romans 7:15)
So I come back to this greeting in 1 Corinthians. As I read this verse, I was also reminded of Psalm 23. Particularly I am drawn to the verse that says, "He leads us beside still waters."
There is truth in that verse. This past year has been an...interesting...one. I've taken some hits in unexpected ways, seen God bless me in others and through it all...through the worst of it...I can say that I know His peace. It is a peace that truly passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and yet it is undeniably His peace.
So my wish for you, my greeting, is that of 1 Cor. 1:3, grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Life has a way of wearing you down. The daily up and down grind can make you feel as if you are on a roller-coaster as you deal with physical, emotional and financial issues.
I was reading 1 Corinthians this week as part of my regular devotions. I didn't make it past the 3rd verse of the 1st chapter. That verse says, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 1:3) It's a wonderful greeting Paul gives in his letter and it got me thinking how great it would be if we greeted each other with grace and peace today! Peace seems to be lacking in so many lives, yet God is a God of comfort.
I looked up the word peace in the dictionary and I found two definitions of peace that resonated with me. The first one is a state of calm and quiet. The other is freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions.
Both are fitting descriptions.
A state of calm and quiet. Probably the thing we think of most when we think of peace is quiet. Just a chance to take a time to rest and relax. No worries, no distractions, just quiet. Jesus often went away with the Father for some alone time. Sometimes the crowds followed Him and sometimes He got alone but He never stopped setting aside time for rest.
How often do we set aside time for rest? There is always something to be done, someone who may need us, demands on our time. We give in to every whim of life. Why not set aside time to refresh?
Freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions. This definition is one I am struggling with the most. I can't just turn off my mind and rest. I lay in bed and the days activities run through my mind as I recall the good and the bad while planning the next day. I too often recall the hurts of life and the conflicting emotions that come up as I try to do what's right and yet so often do the wrong thing. (Romans 7:15)
So I come back to this greeting in 1 Corinthians. As I read this verse, I was also reminded of Psalm 23. Particularly I am drawn to the verse that says, "He leads us beside still waters."
There is truth in that verse. This past year has been an...interesting...one. I've taken some hits in unexpected ways, seen God bless me in others and through it all...through the worst of it...I can say that I know His peace. It is a peace that truly passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and yet it is undeniably His peace.
So my wish for you, my greeting, is that of 1 Cor. 1:3, grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
6/9/13
When Did I Start Growing Up?
I remember this commercial well as a kid growing up in Pennsylvania and later Tennessee. The catchy tune stuck with me and it was something I remember singing even into my early adult years.
I didn't just sing it, I tried to live it as well. I did not want to grow up. I loved being a child and tried to hold onto my childhood as long as possible.
As I reached adulthood, I became a fan of flea markets, yard sales and antique stores. Anyplace I could find retro toys and other items from my youth appealed to me. I may not have been able to afford them, but I sure got pleasure from these regular trips down memory lane.
The older I got, the more I seemed to embrace my childhood. I continued my baseball card collecting hobby, watched vintage cartoons and acted somewhat...immature at times. When my daughter came along, it gave me the chance to introduce her to some of things I enjoyed, so that I could somewhat selfishly enjoy them again. When my son came along, it gave me an excuse to walk down the boys toy aisle with him as opposed to doing so by myself.
Now there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying your childhood or being young at heart. There is also nothing wrong with growing up. I have heard whole sermons based on 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways."
Those sermons usually condemned immaturity, and not just spiritual immaturity.
I have to admit though, I liked being a kid at heart. I like collecting baseball cards, some superhero books and even the occasional toy from my youth.
However, over the last couple years, I have noticed some subtle changes. I still collect these items, but my mindset is changing.
Somehow I began thinking like an adult in other parts of my life.
I no longer feel the need to "argue" the Gospel. I want people to come to faith in Christ but see the value in balancing grace and truth in how I present the message of hope.
I am willing to die for what I believe, but what I believe is being refined to Jesus Christ and Him crucified. "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2)
I began embracing a new mindset in my interactions with others: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18)
Probably the biggest change, and one that has been coming along a bit more slowly, is a working out of James 1:19 where we are encouraged to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
One day, I looked in the mirror and saw grey hairs. People began telling me I had matured in my interactions and that they feel I have become more well-rounded. Somehow I began growing up.
It's actually not so bad. Don't get me wrong, you'll still see me in the toy aisle, and I will be buying baseball cards until my wife cuts out my allowance. However, you will also see a calmer me. Someone who is more relaxed in his faith and trusting more in the King of Kings.
If that is what it means to grow up, I am ready for it.
5/27/13
Why Men Cheat
Let me clear up any confusion about why men cheat.
Despite what some ministers and authors may tell you, the real reason men cheat can be boiled down to one, three letter word.
The reason: SIN
Let me give you some background to why I am writing about this.
Last week I came across a video clip of Pat Robertson answering a question on his show, the 700 Club. I will go ahead and post it here.
Now, as much as I disagree with Pat Robertson, he is not the first minister or author I have heard who has laid the blame for husbands cheating at the feet of the wife. I almost didn't post the video because I did not want o focus on Robertson himself, but on this viewpoint in general.
A few things come to mind when I hear this line of thinking that women should do more for their husbands so they won't stray.
First, it's not Scriptural. There is no Scriptural justification to the line of thinking that a man strays because the women is not keeping the "home fires burning." Let me point out a passage of Scripture that addresses why men cheat. It is found in the book of Genesis. Eve has believed the enemies lies and eats the fruit God forbid them to eat. Adam then CHOSE to eat that fruit as well. Adam made a choice. He CHOSE to disobey God.
Men, and women for that matter, cheat because they make a CHOICE to disobey God and to no longer stay faithful to their spouse. That choice to sin cannot be laid at anyone else's door.
Secondly, to blame the women for a husbands moral failure does a disservice to the victim. I wish more Christians would practice active listening instead of feeling the need to run off at the mouth and blame the victim of someone else's sinful choices.
Finally, by saying that men have a tendency to wander, as Pat Robertson implied, is just plain offensive. Not every man chooses or is tempted to sin in this way. However, we all (men and women) are tempted to sin.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
That way out is to turn to the Father! It is to run to the King of Kings, dig into His Word, and to pray without ceasing. Surround yourself with other believers and seek their prayers as well. When one is finding satisfaction in Christ, he won't need to search elsewhere for satisfaction.
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
The choice is yours.
Despite what some ministers and authors may tell you, the real reason men cheat can be boiled down to one, three letter word.
The reason: SIN
Let me give you some background to why I am writing about this.
Last week I came across a video clip of Pat Robertson answering a question on his show, the 700 Club. I will go ahead and post it here.
Now, as much as I disagree with Pat Robertson, he is not the first minister or author I have heard who has laid the blame for husbands cheating at the feet of the wife. I almost didn't post the video because I did not want o focus on Robertson himself, but on this viewpoint in general.
A few things come to mind when I hear this line of thinking that women should do more for their husbands so they won't stray.
First, it's not Scriptural. There is no Scriptural justification to the line of thinking that a man strays because the women is not keeping the "home fires burning." Let me point out a passage of Scripture that addresses why men cheat. It is found in the book of Genesis. Eve has believed the enemies lies and eats the fruit God forbid them to eat. Adam then CHOSE to eat that fruit as well. Adam made a choice. He CHOSE to disobey God.
Men, and women for that matter, cheat because they make a CHOICE to disobey God and to no longer stay faithful to their spouse. That choice to sin cannot be laid at anyone else's door.
Secondly, to blame the women for a husbands moral failure does a disservice to the victim. I wish more Christians would practice active listening instead of feeling the need to run off at the mouth and blame the victim of someone else's sinful choices.
Finally, by saying that men have a tendency to wander, as Pat Robertson implied, is just plain offensive. Not every man chooses or is tempted to sin in this way. However, we all (men and women) are tempted to sin.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
That way out is to turn to the Father! It is to run to the King of Kings, dig into His Word, and to pray without ceasing. Surround yourself with other believers and seek their prayers as well. When one is finding satisfaction in Christ, he won't need to search elsewhere for satisfaction.
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
The choice is yours.
8/1/12
The Chick-fil-A Controversy
I tend to stay out of "culture war" controversies here on my blog. I would rather focus on Jesus Christ then the latest trends that get people on both sides of an issue all fired up. However, recent comments that I have been reading on Facebook just got the juices flowing and I felt the need to weigh in.
I decided to post this AFTER the turnout by Christians and others who support Dan Cathy's recent comments on marriage, and BEFORE the planned Kiss-In by those in the LGBT community who disagree with those same comments.
First of all, setting aside the hoopla, let's look at the actual comments in question that were made in the Baptist Press: “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that."
That comment has grown and morphed into an internet juggernaut. I have seen postings from friends and others in the LGBT community tossing around words like "anti-gay, human rights and civil rights."
I have seen Christians and political conservatives toss around things like "free speech, pro-family and standing up for the Gospel."
Instead of calmly and rationally talking about matters, people got their hackles up on both sides...and the Chick-fil-A sandwich was caught in the middle. Protests were planned, supportive rallies were organized and people have used one mans comments on his personal beliefs to raise all kinds of support for whatever side of the "battle lines" they stood on.
I read the comments on Facebook where people have resorted to name calling, intolerance and immaturity. I see where Christians have tried to make support of Chick-fil-A and eating a chicken sandwich into a support for the Word of God itself. "Taking back marriage" has meant that you buy a chicken sandwich to prove you believe in God! I have seen comments where those in the LGBT community act like Christian boogeymen are out to get them.
I have this image in my mind of Jesus looking at the whole affair and weeping.
He is weeping because the LGBT community feel that Christians and by extension God, are filled with hate and anger towards them.
He is weeping because we as His children have failed to demonstrate His love, grace and mercy to those we disagree with.
He is weeping because His children put more emphasis on politics than prayer, protests than the poor and demonstrations than evangelism.
He is weeping because "religious" politics seem to have taken the place of relationship with HIM.
He is weeping because a chicken sandwich has nothing to do with SALVATION!
It's time for Christians to get back to knowing nothing except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified . (1 Cor. 2:2) It is time for all of us who claim to be His followers, to actually start following Him. He went into the streets and ate with the sinners, loved the unlovable, showed grace to those trapped in sin and pointed the way to the Father.
So instead of rallying around a chicken sandwich, let's rally around the Son of God!
I decided to post this AFTER the turnout by Christians and others who support Dan Cathy's recent comments on marriage, and BEFORE the planned Kiss-In by those in the LGBT community who disagree with those same comments.
First of all, setting aside the hoopla, let's look at the actual comments in question that were made in the Baptist Press: “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that."
That comment has grown and morphed into an internet juggernaut. I have seen postings from friends and others in the LGBT community tossing around words like "anti-gay, human rights and civil rights."
I have seen Christians and political conservatives toss around things like "free speech, pro-family and standing up for the Gospel."
Instead of calmly and rationally talking about matters, people got their hackles up on both sides...and the Chick-fil-A sandwich was caught in the middle. Protests were planned, supportive rallies were organized and people have used one mans comments on his personal beliefs to raise all kinds of support for whatever side of the "battle lines" they stood on.
I read the comments on Facebook where people have resorted to name calling, intolerance and immaturity. I see where Christians have tried to make support of Chick-fil-A and eating a chicken sandwich into a support for the Word of God itself. "Taking back marriage" has meant that you buy a chicken sandwich to prove you believe in God! I have seen comments where those in the LGBT community act like Christian boogeymen are out to get them.
I have this image in my mind of Jesus looking at the whole affair and weeping.
He is weeping because the LGBT community feel that Christians and by extension God, are filled with hate and anger towards them.
He is weeping because we as His children have failed to demonstrate His love, grace and mercy to those we disagree with.
He is weeping because His children put more emphasis on politics than prayer, protests than the poor and demonstrations than evangelism.
He is weeping because "religious" politics seem to have taken the place of relationship with HIM.
He is weeping because a chicken sandwich has nothing to do with SALVATION!
It's time for Christians to get back to knowing nothing except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified . (1 Cor. 2:2) It is time for all of us who claim to be His followers, to actually start following Him. He went into the streets and ate with the sinners, loved the unlovable, showed grace to those trapped in sin and pointed the way to the Father.
So instead of rallying around a chicken sandwich, let's rally around the Son of God!
12/23/11
The Bell - I KNow Who I Am
I was sent this in an email and really liked it so I thought I would share it with all of you. Merry Christmas!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17
.
THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3 :20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8: 31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph.. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?
8/12/11
5 More Questions With Andrew Farley
Welcome to 5 More Questions With.....
Today's Guest is Andrew Farley. Mr. Farley did an interview with me back in May 2010 about his book, The Naked Gospel, and has returned for a discussion about his most recent book, God Without Religion.
Andrew Farley is a senior pastor of Ecclesia. He serves as the Faculty Adviser for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and speaks to Christian Campus groups ad churches around the US and Canada. He is also an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at Texas Tech University.
He is also an author I highly recommend.
And now without further delay, on to the questions:
Hello Andrew,
1. Why should people read your new book, God Without Religion?
The most empowering truth we can ever encounter is that we possess all of Christ in every moment, no matter what. That's grace.
Grace isn't just for those who already feel burned out. Grace isn't just for when we've sinned. In God's grace, He equipped us with the powerful presence of Christ himself.
In this book, I'm presenting the radical, Scriptural truths that lead us to a place of dependency on Christ like never before. We’re designed to live from Christ, not merely for Him. But we have to shift our eyes off of our selves and our sins in order to live from Christ. God’s grace enables us to do that.
2. As in your previous book, you tackle topics that many churches would consider to be untouchable. In your new book you touch on the Law, pre-destination, communion, baptism, forgiveness, etc. How are people responding to this book?
It’s love it or hate it.
I basically get two kinds of email – the kind that says “God used this book to refocus my life back on Jesus” or another kind of email laced with anger, accusation, and name calling.
Fortunately, I’m surrounded by encouraging friends who remind me that not everyone will be happy with the idea of “God without religion.” And the book is doing really well – it has already hit three bestseller lists (on Amazon, Christian Booksellers Association, and The Washington Post). These are early signs that loads of people love Jesus but have been burned by the performance mentality of religion.
3. Throughout God Without Religion you seem to be point out the context the Scriptures were written in. Do you think, as believers, we tend to forget to read the context?
Absolutely. Whether it’s wrestling with eternal security in Hebrews, or faith and works in James, or some other theological concern, I’m finding that many of us have grown accustomed to looking at Scripture in tiny chunks, void of any context at all.
At my website, AndrewFarley.org, I dialogue with dozens of Christians from all over the globe every day, and I’d say that more than half of the Scriptural questions I receive can be answered simply by looking to context – the surrounding verses.
In my own study, I have to continually remember that, because I grew up with a lot of Scripture memory and recitation of single verses. I have to remember to slow down, read a paragraph or a page surrounding an idea, or even begin back at the beginning of an epistle.
Getting the bird’s eye view is essential.
Identity is everything. Galatians 6:15 says, “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.”
I’m going to live out who I believe I am. If I think I’m a dirty, rotten sinner at the core, then I’m going to live that out. If I believe I’m a forgiven, cleansed, righteous saint, I’m going to live that out. So which identity do we have?
Unfortunately, it seems like the popular answer to that question is “both.” Many Christians seem satisfied to live out a false duality as sinner and saint. We might think it’s humble to see ourselves as dirty, rotten sinners with wicked hearts before God. But true humility is saying the same as God says about us, no more and no less.
God says that we have become His righteousness. He claims to have given us a new heart, a new mind (the mind of Christ), a new spirit, and His own Spirit living within us. Given these claims, is it really humble (or accurate!) to think of ourselves as dirty sinners with wicked hearts that want to sin? No! Paul tells us that our old self died and that we became obedient from the heart.
Yes, we still commit sins when we are enticed by the flesh. But we aren’t dirty, ugly people. Jesus Christ changed our core when he recreated us for good works. In “God Without Religion,” I’m talking about the heart surgery God performed on us and why it matters for every moment of the day.
Identity is everything.
5. Would it be fair to say a major theme in your book is for believers to stop trying to gain something God has already granted you?Yeah, we’re asking for forgiveness as if God is going to zap us from Heaven with a new portion of forgiveness and cleansing. But the truth is that Jesus died once and it worked. His blood sacrifice means that we are forgiven people, “once for all,” as Hebrews put it. We don’t have to plead and beg for forgiveness. We Christians are forgiven people, period.
We’re waiting and hoping to get closer to God. We picture ourselves someday arriving at a place of intimacy with God, but we’re not there yet, we think. Well, the new covenant message is that we were united with Christ, raised and seated with Him, and we became “one spirit with Him”, 1 Corinthians says.
So how close is your Jesus?
Apparently, we are clean, and we are close. It’s time that we the church wake up to the reality of our birthright, the wealth of our inheritance that we already possess.
It’s time that we wake up to the reality of God, without religion.
Thank You so much Andrew!Thanks for the opportunity Rick!
Well there you go. I would encourage you to check out Andrew's website, AndrewFarley.org and if you haven't read it yet, pick up a copy of God Without Religion!
To see past 5 Questions guests see 5 questions page under the tab above.
11/12/10
Hitting the Reset Button
Reset - To set again.
I wrote a short piece about slowing down this past week and Paul Wilkinson, one of my favorite bloggers,, wrote a comment:
It has to do with that word I mentioned in the beginning of this post. RESET.
I think that most accurately describes where I am at in my faith walk right now. The Bible talks about working out our salvation daily with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12) That daily working out is what i am experiencing right now and it is taking me back to basics.
If my the baseline of my life is my relationship with God than right now I am not where I want to be. I see that I have gotten a bit distracted by "religion" and lost a bit of my daily communion with Him as I focus more on the "stuff" we tend to add to make our relationship with God more "palatable" (comfortable would be another word.)
So I am hitting the reset button on my faith. I am trying to "Seek first the Kingdom of God." (Matt. 6:33)
Actually right now my focus is more along the lines of 1 Corinthians 2:2, " For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
Like I said...back to basics.
Where are you at in your walk with God?
I might have to hit the reset button a few times...just so I don't lose focus.
I wrote a short piece about slowing down this past week and Paul Wilkinson, one of my favorite bloggers,, wrote a comment:
As my eyes defocused for a second reading this I noticed the great similarity between the word "rest" and the word "reset."He calls his blog Thinking Out Loud and, by doing that, God used Him to open up a whole other line of thought today.
It has to do with that word I mentioned in the beginning of this post. RESET.
I think that most accurately describes where I am at in my faith walk right now. The Bible talks about working out our salvation daily with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12) That daily working out is what i am experiencing right now and it is taking me back to basics.
If my the baseline of my life is my relationship with God than right now I am not where I want to be. I see that I have gotten a bit distracted by "religion" and lost a bit of my daily communion with Him as I focus more on the "stuff" we tend to add to make our relationship with God more "palatable" (comfortable would be another word.)
So I am hitting the reset button on my faith. I am trying to "Seek first the Kingdom of God." (Matt. 6:33)
Actually right now my focus is more along the lines of 1 Corinthians 2:2, " For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
Like I said...back to basics.
Where are you at in your walk with God?
I might have to hit the reset button a few times...just so I don't lose focus.
6/14/10
Blogapalooza - Hanna Apperson
Welcome to Blogapalooza.
I want you to meet some new people. I asked various friends and bloggers to share with you this month on my blog. So, all through the month of June I will feature different voices from around the world. Today I would like to introduce you to...
I want you to meet some new people. I asked various friends and bloggers to share with you this month on my blog. So, all through the month of June I will feature different voices from around the world. Today I would like to introduce you to...
My Daughter: Hanna Apperson
Hanna was born in 1998. She gave her life to the Lord at the age of 6 and has been growing in Christ ever since. She approached me with this devotional of her own accord recently and I wanted to share it with you.
LOVEHanna was born in 1998. She gave her life to the Lord at the age of 6 and has been growing in Christ ever since. She approached me with this devotional of her own accord recently and I wanted to share it with you.
--------------------------------------------------------
Love is patient,
Love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
It is not proud.
It is not rude,
It is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
Always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Cor. 13: 4-8
Love is patient, Love is kind, love is gentle, love is merciful...and these are but a few descriptions of God.
God is a wonderful God, and I personally would love it if I could radiate all of these things everyday, at the same time. However, I can't. For only our wonderful God can really do that. I can do some of these things however, because I do have God's love in my heart.
Love comes from God and, because He lives in me, I can love. Do you have love? If you do not, PLEASE just ask God for that love and you will have it to. He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that we could have love.
God is a wonderful God, and I personally would love it if I could radiate all of these things everyday, at the same time. However, I can't. For only our wonderful God can really do that. I can do some of these things however, because I do have God's love in my heart.
Love comes from God and, because He lives in me, I can love. Do you have love? If you do not, PLEASE just ask God for that love and you will have it to. He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that we could have love.
4/17/10
Bobcat Tales - Watch
WATCHFUL, a. Vigilant; attentive; careful to observe.
I remember when our bobcat stood watch one afternoon.
The story begins when my Mom was letting the cats in. Our dog, which had been outside, pushed his way into the house. Now normally this would not be a big deal. However, the dog had rolled in some things that my Mom did not want spread around the house. As she yelled at the dog to get out, our bobcat came into the room and began chasing the dog around the house. As they ran through the kitchen, dining room and into my parent's bedroom the bobcat was swiping at my dog continuously. Finally the dog ran under my parent's bed and the cat began standing guard.
For the next hour or so, every time the dog would try to come out from under the bed the bobcat would take a swipe at him. This continued until my Dad came home from work. When he came into the bedroom, the bobcat looked at him, let out a cry and left the room. My dad promptly removed the dog.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
As believers, we need to stand on guard as well. We need to be vigilant and when sin creeps in or comes towards our door we need to go on the offensive. We need to take the battle to the enemy and not give ground. However, there comes a time when we also need to look to the Father and repent. Maybe we fell, maybe we gave in "just a little". Whatever the case, we need to let the Father clean house and remove the offense.
I remember when our bobcat stood watch one afternoon.
The story begins when my Mom was letting the cats in. Our dog, which had been outside, pushed his way into the house. Now normally this would not be a big deal. However, the dog had rolled in some things that my Mom did not want spread around the house. As she yelled at the dog to get out, our bobcat came into the room and began chasing the dog around the house. As they ran through the kitchen, dining room and into my parent's bedroom the bobcat was swiping at my dog continuously. Finally the dog ran under my parent's bed and the cat began standing guard.
For the next hour or so, every time the dog would try to come out from under the bed the bobcat would take a swipe at him. This continued until my Dad came home from work. When he came into the bedroom, the bobcat looked at him, let out a cry and left the room. My dad promptly removed the dog.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
As believers, we need to stand on guard as well. We need to be vigilant and when sin creeps in or comes towards our door we need to go on the offensive. We need to take the battle to the enemy and not give ground. However, there comes a time when we also need to look to the Father and repent. Maybe we fell, maybe we gave in "just a little". Whatever the case, we need to let the Father clean house and remove the offense.
3/1/10
Just A Thought #39- The Trojan Horse
Most everyone has heard the legend of the Trojan Horse. If not here is a brief Wikipedia review:
In the best-known version, after a fruitless 10-year siege of Troy, the Greeks built a huge figure of a horse, inside which a select force of 30 men hid. The Greeks pretended to sail away, and the Trojans pulled the Horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek force crept out of the Horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army, which had sailed back under cover of night. The Greek army entered and destroyed the city of Troy, decisively ending the war.
Recently, I encountered a trojan horse via my computer. I received a notice in the form of a pop- up, which said my computer was infected with a virus and that I needed new virus protection to deal with it. I made the mistake of clicking cancel on this thing I thought was just an innocent pop- up, and the next day my computer had been infected. I could not open any programs except one browser. It had been infected with a fake antivirus program that was causing problems with my whole system. This thing came in while I was unaware, weakened my system and cut my effectiveness in half.
Sin is like that, too. You may think you are just innocently touching it and the next thing you know your whole system is infected. Sin weakens us, cuts our effectiveness, and leaves us feeling frustrated and worn out. I spent hours trying to fix this computer glitch. I am saddened to admit I don't spend that much time dealing with sin in my own life. I want to change that. When sin crops up I don't just want to repent, I want to get to the root and see it dug out, find out where I let the enemy get a foothold and deal with it.
The only way I could get my computer fixed was to open it in safe mode and restore it to an earlier point. The same thing holds true in my walk with God. When I stumble, I need to retreat to a safe place. That place is in the shadow of His wings! Psalm 57:1 says it best, "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."
In that safe place I can turn again to the Lord. I can repent and let Him restore me.
I can also make sure I have proper "virus" protection. I can remember the words of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (I could tell you what it says but wouldn't you enjoy looking it up?) and make sure I have on the full armor of God! (Ephesians 6:10-18)
So stay alert, stand on guard and stay in the Word. Take every thought captive and cling to the Father!
In the best-known version, after a fruitless 10-year siege of Troy, the Greeks built a huge figure of a horse, inside which a select force of 30 men hid. The Greeks pretended to sail away, and the Trojans pulled the Horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek force crept out of the Horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army, which had sailed back under cover of night. The Greek army entered and destroyed the city of Troy, decisively ending the war.
Recently, I encountered a trojan horse via my computer. I received a notice in the form of a pop- up, which said my computer was infected with a virus and that I needed new virus protection to deal with it. I made the mistake of clicking cancel on this thing I thought was just an innocent pop- up, and the next day my computer had been infected. I could not open any programs except one browser. It had been infected with a fake antivirus program that was causing problems with my whole system. This thing came in while I was unaware, weakened my system and cut my effectiveness in half.
Sin is like that, too. You may think you are just innocently touching it and the next thing you know your whole system is infected. Sin weakens us, cuts our effectiveness, and leaves us feeling frustrated and worn out. I spent hours trying to fix this computer glitch. I am saddened to admit I don't spend that much time dealing with sin in my own life. I want to change that. When sin crops up I don't just want to repent, I want to get to the root and see it dug out, find out where I let the enemy get a foothold and deal with it.
The only way I could get my computer fixed was to open it in safe mode and restore it to an earlier point. The same thing holds true in my walk with God. When I stumble, I need to retreat to a safe place. That place is in the shadow of His wings! Psalm 57:1 says it best, "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."
In that safe place I can turn again to the Lord. I can repent and let Him restore me.
I can also make sure I have proper "virus" protection. I can remember the words of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (I could tell you what it says but wouldn't you enjoy looking it up?) and make sure I have on the full armor of God! (Ephesians 6:10-18)
So stay alert, stand on guard and stay in the Word. Take every thought captive and cling to the Father!
11/18/09
Real Love Has to Stretch
Some of you, those of a certain age who also grew up in N. America, may remember Stretch Armstrong. This was a toy in the 70's. The toy was of a muscular man whose arms and legs could be stretched long distances. 
I was thinking about this toy recently when reviewing this Scripture on love: "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn't jealous. It doesn't sing its own praises. It isn't arrogant. It isn't rude. It doesn't think about itself. It isn't irritable. It doesn't keep track of wrongs. It isn't happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. Love never comes to an end. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
So this verse got me to thinking about real love. When I read this description of love I realized one thing. Real love has to stretch. You can say you love someone but if you are not willing to stretch with them, it's not love. A stretching love is patient when the other person irritates us. It is kind to our enemies, walks with our friends and holds no account of rights and wrongs.
Ask any married couple of 50+ years and they will tell you they had to choose to love. They had to stretch.
Jesus did as well. When He loved us enough to stretch out His arms and die how can we love those around us any less?
I was thinking about this toy recently when reviewing this Scripture on love: "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn't jealous. It doesn't sing its own praises. It isn't arrogant. It isn't rude. It doesn't think about itself. It isn't irritable. It doesn't keep track of wrongs. It isn't happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up. Love never comes to an end. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)So this verse got me to thinking about real love. When I read this description of love I realized one thing. Real love has to stretch. You can say you love someone but if you are not willing to stretch with them, it's not love. A stretching love is patient when the other person irritates us. It is kind to our enemies, walks with our friends and holds no account of rights and wrongs.
Ask any married couple of 50+ years and they will tell you they had to choose to love. They had to stretch.
Jesus did as well. When He loved us enough to stretch out His arms and die how can we love those around us any less?
9/27/09
Bloom Where You Are Planted
1 Thessalonian 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I have seen way too many dissatisfied Christians over the years. These believers are not happy where God currently has them and sadly, they are missing some great opportunities. I've been there myself. When God moved us home from the mission field I wanted to go back. By focusing on where I wanted to be instead of where I was, I missed many opportunities to share Jesus with those around me.
1 Cor. 12:17-18, "If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it."
Where does God have you now? It doesn't matter if you are in full-time ministry or not. God has you right where He wants you. Focus on Him and see what He wants you to do with what He has given you. Let God satisfy you in the here and now. Your situation may change in the future but you need to show faithfulness in the present. I have seen flowers that bloom transplanted to new locales, where they grow to be just as hearty as they were before.
Focus on Him and let Him use you where you are. Relax. He holds the future.
I have seen way too many dissatisfied Christians over the years. These believers are not happy where God currently has them and sadly, they are missing some great opportunities. I've been there myself. When God moved us home from the mission field I wanted to go back. By focusing on where I wanted to be instead of where I was, I missed many opportunities to share Jesus with those around me.
1 Cor. 12:17-18, "If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it."
Where does God have you now? It doesn't matter if you are in full-time ministry or not. God has you right where He wants you. Focus on Him and see what He wants you to do with what He has given you. Let God satisfy you in the here and now. Your situation may change in the future but you need to show faithfulness in the present. I have seen flowers that bloom transplanted to new locales, where they grow to be just as hearty as they were before.
Focus on Him and let Him use you where you are. Relax. He holds the future.
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