Significance. It’s what ultimately drives most human beings to go farther, to reach higher, to try more. We long for significance in life. That’s another way to say we want to have a purpose and to make an impact on the world we live in.
Solomon wrote in great length of the efforts he went to in order to leave his mark on the world. He said in Ecclesiastes 2:4-5, “I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees.” His conclusion: Vanity!
But if simply “being noticed” is the end result in our search for significance, then we might find ourselves making major compromises to our standard we have.
Education opens doors of opportunities. Being educated also is a means to help communicate with others, even specializing in something that really has the power to impact others—and bring more significance to ourselves. A good education can help us work in harmony with God’s goal for mankind and our own search for significance.
The opposite can be true as well. When our “education” is more focused on things that go against our standard found in Christ, then we can find our self truly lost in the end.
Jesus had said in Matthew 16:25-26, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? ”
Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
Our education points us in the right direction and becomes the standard we live by. If we make Christ be the standard behind any kind of education we seek to gain, then we will find significance and peace.
Solomon said in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
Jesus modeled the level of involvement and the sacrifice and the determination it took to make a significant impact on the world without losing sight of God’s high standard. Make Christ’s ways part of your ways; you might find that others can find a way because of your choices today.
Friday, August 23, 2019
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Undivided
On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln used this passage from Matthew 12:25 in his campaign speech – “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe the government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.”
It’s not just the government. Any organized body of like-mindedness that becomes polarized on issues to the point of division, will not stand long. As we look out over the scope of our nation from the last decade or more, it doesn’t take much to see how divided we really are.
What’s it take to bring unity? Laws? Education? Prosperity? Thankfully Jesus modeled for us what it takes to bring unity, and ultimately peace, to a group of people. However, God’s way of bringing two halves together will be rejected by the world (John 15:18-25, John 1:6-13).
David said in Psalms 86:11-12, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore.” He recognizes what it would take to keep his kingdom together, he also recognized that it would take similar steps to keep any relationship together.
Teach me. Not just classroom learning. In fact, God does more show than tell (James 2:17-18). From Abraham to Joseph, from Moses to Elijah, and obviously in Jesus – God has shown us what He wants us to do.
Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Jesus taught all of these things, which ultimately defined His Way. A path that He invited people to “follow” Him regularly on.
When Jesus is our model, we have to walk and talk the way He did in order for us to achieve the kind of unity that only God can bring (John 17). It was Jesus’ truth that would set us free (John 8:32), not our own. It was Jesus’ guidance that would lead to eternal life, not our own (John 14:6).
But David highlights an important ingredient in the “following God” that leads to unity – “unite my heart to fear Your name”. The New American Standard Bible says to “give me an undivided heart…” James says in James 1:7-8 that the man who doubts God’s ways is a "...double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Double mindedness is thinking and acting in two different ways expecting the same result (Kelley’s definition). Jesus offered the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 the guidance that could have led him to achieve what David was praying for in Psalms 86; but he was a double-minded man. God wants our heart to want what He wants; and He wants all people to be saved because He loves them. It’s the love for our neighbor that proves to be the secret ingredient to unity – nationally, spiritually, and personally.
It’s not just the government. Any organized body of like-mindedness that becomes polarized on issues to the point of division, will not stand long. As we look out over the scope of our nation from the last decade or more, it doesn’t take much to see how divided we really are.
What’s it take to bring unity? Laws? Education? Prosperity? Thankfully Jesus modeled for us what it takes to bring unity, and ultimately peace, to a group of people. However, God’s way of bringing two halves together will be rejected by the world (John 15:18-25, John 1:6-13).
David said in Psalms 86:11-12, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore.” He recognizes what it would take to keep his kingdom together, he also recognized that it would take similar steps to keep any relationship together.
Teach me. Not just classroom learning. In fact, God does more show than tell (James 2:17-18). From Abraham to Joseph, from Moses to Elijah, and obviously in Jesus – God has shown us what He wants us to do.
Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Jesus taught all of these things, which ultimately defined His Way. A path that He invited people to “follow” Him regularly on.
When Jesus is our model, we have to walk and talk the way He did in order for us to achieve the kind of unity that only God can bring (John 17). It was Jesus’ truth that would set us free (John 8:32), not our own. It was Jesus’ guidance that would lead to eternal life, not our own (John 14:6).
But David highlights an important ingredient in the “following God” that leads to unity – “unite my heart to fear Your name”. The New American Standard Bible says to “give me an undivided heart…” James says in James 1:7-8 that the man who doubts God’s ways is a "...double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Double mindedness is thinking and acting in two different ways expecting the same result (Kelley’s definition). Jesus offered the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 the guidance that could have led him to achieve what David was praying for in Psalms 86; but he was a double-minded man. God wants our heart to want what He wants; and He wants all people to be saved because He loves them. It’s the love for our neighbor that proves to be the secret ingredient to unity – nationally, spiritually, and personally.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
The Words of God
In life, and especially in business, documentation is important. Whether it’s a written contract, receipt, instructions, etc., having things written down actually helps more than just the immediate people involved – it helps those who are interested in what’s being documented.
In the ancient Hebrew culture, nearly everything was passed down by oral traditions. But it wasn’t because God was opposed to the written word. After all, He inspired the writing of the bible we have. However, there was another reason that we could speculate on why He began His relationship with mankind (in the formal sense) in oral law.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph all had a unique relationship with God, where God spoke directly to them. But it wasn’t until Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to the Israelites that we have a written law. In fact, most biblical scholars and historians agree that Moses wrote the first five books (Torah) of the Old Testament.
But rather than just a collection of official documents and receipts, God still wanted something in these opportunities to talk about God to be present. Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
God’s plan was that we would build the relationship with other humans, sharing God’s will with each other. After all, He spent quality time walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the garden, basically sharing His heart with them.
Proverbs 10:31-32, “The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.”
Whether written or spoken, our words have the power to reveal God’s will; they have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to express love or hate. As followers of Christ, we have not only the privilege but the responsibility to encourage each other with God’s words – written or spoken.
In time, God began inspiring writers to write down the words of God for future generations to be encouraged. One benefit of having something written down is that you can look back on it and see that word of encouragement, instruction, even a word of rebuke.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
In the ancient Hebrew culture, nearly everything was passed down by oral traditions. But it wasn’t because God was opposed to the written word. After all, He inspired the writing of the bible we have. However, there was another reason that we could speculate on why He began His relationship with mankind (in the formal sense) in oral law.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph all had a unique relationship with God, where God spoke directly to them. But it wasn’t until Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to the Israelites that we have a written law. In fact, most biblical scholars and historians agree that Moses wrote the first five books (Torah) of the Old Testament.
But rather than just a collection of official documents and receipts, God still wanted something in these opportunities to talk about God to be present. Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
God’s plan was that we would build the relationship with other humans, sharing God’s will with each other. After all, He spent quality time walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the garden, basically sharing His heart with them.
Proverbs 10:31-32, “The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.”
Whether written or spoken, our words have the power to reveal God’s will; they have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to express love or hate. As followers of Christ, we have not only the privilege but the responsibility to encourage each other with God’s words – written or spoken.
In time, God began inspiring writers to write down the words of God for future generations to be encouraged. One benefit of having something written down is that you can look back on it and see that word of encouragement, instruction, even a word of rebuke.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Hero of Faith
What do the old Bible stories mean to you? Most of us have grown up hearing the stories of people like David and Goliath, Jonah and the whale, Daniel and the lion’s den, and Adam and Eve.
Have you pondered the lessons in those stories? Paul said in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
Moses told Joshua in Joshua 1:8-9, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This “law” of God was designed to be a guide to a new pattern of thinking. It would have been natural to be afraid to enter into a land you’ve never been in, because you’ve heard of the giants that lived there, their strong armies, or their fierce and brutal tactics against outsiders. Yet, God called Joshua to step across the Jordan river and go confront the enemy.
One lesson that seems obvious is that Joshua only had God’s word to go on concerning his success. Meanwhile, the world around him was telling him that these foreign people couldn't b beat. Even his own kinsmen said things like “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13:31). We can hear those same voices today all around us. We have to rise above the temptation to believe them, and instead Believe God!
Hebrews 13:5-6, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So, we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Jesus had to remind His closest followers of that fact as well. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you…” (John 14:1-2). Joshua’s example of trusting God throughout his conquest of Canaan, should serve as a lesson to us as well. Remember Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Have you pondered the lessons in those stories? Paul said in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
Moses told Joshua in Joshua 1:8-9, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This “law” of God was designed to be a guide to a new pattern of thinking. It would have been natural to be afraid to enter into a land you’ve never been in, because you’ve heard of the giants that lived there, their strong armies, or their fierce and brutal tactics against outsiders. Yet, God called Joshua to step across the Jordan river and go confront the enemy.
One lesson that seems obvious is that Joshua only had God’s word to go on concerning his success. Meanwhile, the world around him was telling him that these foreign people couldn't b beat. Even his own kinsmen said things like “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13:31). We can hear those same voices today all around us. We have to rise above the temptation to believe them, and instead Believe God!
Hebrews 13:5-6, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So, we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Jesus had to remind His closest followers of that fact as well. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you…” (John 14:1-2). Joshua’s example of trusting God throughout his conquest of Canaan, should serve as a lesson to us as well. Remember Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Freedom
What’s freedom really look like? The ability to do whatever you want? That sounds like freedom on one level, but as we dive deeper in our understanding of the concept of freedom, we realize there’s much more than doing whatever you want. In fact, freedom might have more to do with voluntarily doing what is good for other people.
Our nation has a rich heritage of the concept of freedom from that perspective. They risked a lot to help set the groundwork for a free nation. But what did that mean to them? Many of them were already wealthy, already had the option to “do as they wanted.” They realized what oppressive tyranny would do to the poor and the defenseless, and ultimately all people.
Their reasons for rebelling against England wasn’t really for personal gain; as much as the fact that they truly believed that the loss of freedom was worse than death. We look to their words as inspirational today. Here are a few of them.
“You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve YOUR freedom. I hope you will make a good use of it.” - John Adams
“If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms.” - Samuel Adams
“They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security.” - Benjamin Franklin
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” - Nathan Hale
“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” - Alexander Hamilton
“It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.” - Patrick Henry
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” - Thomas Jefferson
“Nothing so strongly impels a man to regard the interests of his constituents, as the certainty of returning to the general mass of the people, from whence he was taken, where he must participate in their burdens.” - George Mason
“Those people who will not be ruled by God will be ruled by tyrants.” - William Penn
God compels us to live a life of FREEDOM that is really only made possible when we follow Christ’s example. Who will learn from our example?
Our nation has a rich heritage of the concept of freedom from that perspective. They risked a lot to help set the groundwork for a free nation. But what did that mean to them? Many of them were already wealthy, already had the option to “do as they wanted.” They realized what oppressive tyranny would do to the poor and the defenseless, and ultimately all people.
Their reasons for rebelling against England wasn’t really for personal gain; as much as the fact that they truly believed that the loss of freedom was worse than death. We look to their words as inspirational today. Here are a few of them.
“You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve YOUR freedom. I hope you will make a good use of it.” - John Adams
“If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms.” - Samuel Adams
“They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security.” - Benjamin Franklin
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” - Nathan Hale
“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” - Alexander Hamilton
“It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.” - Patrick Henry
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” - Thomas Jefferson
“Nothing so strongly impels a man to regard the interests of his constituents, as the certainty of returning to the general mass of the people, from whence he was taken, where he must participate in their burdens.” - George Mason
“Those people who will not be ruled by God will be ruled by tyrants.” - William Penn
God compels us to live a life of FREEDOM that is really only made possible when we follow Christ’s example. Who will learn from our example?
Friday, June 28, 2019
Wisdom Is Better Than Easy
Do you remember the "Easy Button" at Staples? When life throws a bunch of curve balls, wouldn’t it be nice to just hit the easy button? All of us would love to have something that would eliminate all tough things from our lives, but that isn’t reality
But God does share with us His wisdom which can see us through all the difficulties and stresses of life. As we conclude a brief explanation of the Wisdom Books of the Bible, I hope we can gain a better understanding of how God’s wisdom isn’t designed to tell you how to act, but to help guide you to a place where, by faith, you can see which way honors God by bringing peace to whatever you face.
Peace isn’t just a happy feeling, but rather contentment. Paul said in Philippians 4:11-14, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.”
That verse that is often interpreted misinterpreted, but it actually holds tremendous evidence of God’s wisdom. God’s ways are rarely safe, but they are fulfilling. They aren’t usually easy, but rewarding. God wants us to bless us, but not only with worldly things. In fact, at times the best blessings come when the worldly things are removed from our lives.
Jesus instructed the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” Was Jesus telling the truth? Was He only misleading a man who worked hard and perhaps was a good steward of what God had given him? NO. Jesus had also modeled for him, and for us, that giving up those things that seem like His blessings, but ultimately cloud our understanding of God’s wisdom and keep us from relying on God's strength. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He shall give you everything you need.” That’s real wisdom—to seek the King of the Universe and follow Him.
But God does share with us His wisdom which can see us through all the difficulties and stresses of life. As we conclude a brief explanation of the Wisdom Books of the Bible, I hope we can gain a better understanding of how God’s wisdom isn’t designed to tell you how to act, but to help guide you to a place where, by faith, you can see which way honors God by bringing peace to whatever you face.
Peace isn’t just a happy feeling, but rather contentment. Paul said in Philippians 4:11-14, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.”
That verse that is often interpreted misinterpreted, but it actually holds tremendous evidence of God’s wisdom. God’s ways are rarely safe, but they are fulfilling. They aren’t usually easy, but rewarding. God wants us to bless us, but not only with worldly things. In fact, at times the best blessings come when the worldly things are removed from our lives.
Jesus instructed the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” Was Jesus telling the truth? Was He only misleading a man who worked hard and perhaps was a good steward of what God had given him? NO. Jesus had also modeled for him, and for us, that giving up those things that seem like His blessings, but ultimately cloud our understanding of God’s wisdom and keep us from relying on God's strength. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He shall give you everything you need.” That’s real wisdom—to seek the King of the Universe and follow Him.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Hardships--A Glimpse of God's Wisdom
"Vanity! Vanity!” The famous words of the Preacher, Solomon. In his experiences, he discovered through all the different roads offered to a person in life that they all ended in death. So, ultimately nothing was really worth it. However, as followers of Christ, we do realize that there are blessings even in not-so-good things in life (Romans 8:28). But how could a person possibly think of a hardship as a glimpse into God’s wisdom?
(James 1:2-4)
Those are the kinds of answers we find in the books of wisdom found in the Bible: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Each of these books reflect a unique perspective on how God looks at the experiences in our lives that can draw us closer to him or that end up driving us away from him (James 4:7-8). Deep within them, there is a message that gives us confidence and power to face the trials ahead.
Just like James said to do in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
As we strive to better understand our purpose for being on Planet Earth, we quickly realize that it really isn’t about us, as much as we may want it to be – it’s not! Therefore, the words of God reflect what it is about and ultimately where I’ll find purpose and satisfaction in life.
Too many people chase after the things that only end in death. However, the things that God wants us to grasp through his wisdom, is that life is most fulfilling when lived to serve others. After all, Jesus did just that and therefore took away our need to fear death. Hebrews 2:14-15, “…[He] shared in [death], that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
In the same way, His eternal words reveal how His wisdom isn’t like the way of the world. God’s wisdom shows us how life is filled with dissatisfaction, BUT He gives us the words we need to see past those things – even the problem of death!
1 Corinthians 2:6-8, “We speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…”
Aim for His wisdom and trust that you’ll understand His will better, whether in good times or bad.
Those are the kinds of answers we find in the books of wisdom found in the Bible: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Each of these books reflect a unique perspective on how God looks at the experiences in our lives that can draw us closer to him or that end up driving us away from him (James 4:7-8). Deep within them, there is a message that gives us confidence and power to face the trials ahead.
Just like James said to do in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
As we strive to better understand our purpose for being on Planet Earth, we quickly realize that it really isn’t about us, as much as we may want it to be – it’s not! Therefore, the words of God reflect what it is about and ultimately where I’ll find purpose and satisfaction in life.
Too many people chase after the things that only end in death. However, the things that God wants us to grasp through his wisdom, is that life is most fulfilling when lived to serve others. After all, Jesus did just that and therefore took away our need to fear death. Hebrews 2:14-15, “…[He] shared in [death], that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
In the same way, His eternal words reveal how His wisdom isn’t like the way of the world. God’s wisdom shows us how life is filled with dissatisfaction, BUT He gives us the words we need to see past those things – even the problem of death!
1 Corinthians 2:6-8, “We speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…”
Aim for His wisdom and trust that you’ll understand His will better, whether in good times or bad.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Fatherly Wisdom
Our fathers’ have worn many different hats. Throughout life, he’s been our mentor, our coach, our hero, even “the bad guy.” Most of us realize he wasn’t really bad; he was just doing what we needed to become better people.
Hebrews 12:10-13, “Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So, take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak, and lame will not fall but become strong.”
It's said that mended bones and muscles actually grow to become stronger. Our weakest point can actually become our strongest. Jesus told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” The discipline and instructions of our fathers are what God uses to shape us into people that reflect His image and should help us be more eager to adopt His ways of thinking.
That’s why its so important that a father not “go beyond his authority” and “should not provoke their children to anger by the way they treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
It’s such a great responsibility to be a father. David gave some helpful advice in helping to keep a father (or anyone for that matter) in check. He said in Psalms 26:2, “Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.”
Perhaps David’s strong desire to be right before God influenced his son Solomon. Because he wrote several books that reveal the wisdom of God. In the first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs, he encourages his son to hold tightly to the teachings of their father and mother. Today, many people rely on the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, but the Wisdom books (as is sometimes called) contain several other opportunities to learn wisdom. Job, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes are also part of the collection of the books of wisdom.
Each book is written from a different perspective:
Proverbs (the overall benefits of living “right”),
Job (don’t give up on God when things don’t work out as they should),
and Ecclesiastes (fearing God is more valuable than chasing anything of the material world we live in).
Our father’s discipline trains us to know how and why to respect God’s directions. His example of patience and perseverance trains us to never quit, and his teaching and coaching helps to tie it all together and show us the blessing of wisdom.
Hebrews 12:10-13, “Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So, take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak, and lame will not fall but become strong.”
It's said that mended bones and muscles actually grow to become stronger. Our weakest point can actually become our strongest. Jesus told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” The discipline and instructions of our fathers are what God uses to shape us into people that reflect His image and should help us be more eager to adopt His ways of thinking.
That’s why its so important that a father not “go beyond his authority” and “should not provoke their children to anger by the way they treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
It’s such a great responsibility to be a father. David gave some helpful advice in helping to keep a father (or anyone for that matter) in check. He said in Psalms 26:2, “Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.”
Perhaps David’s strong desire to be right before God influenced his son Solomon. Because he wrote several books that reveal the wisdom of God. In the first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs, he encourages his son to hold tightly to the teachings of their father and mother. Today, many people rely on the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, but the Wisdom books (as is sometimes called) contain several other opportunities to learn wisdom. Job, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes are also part of the collection of the books of wisdom.
Each book is written from a different perspective:
Proverbs (the overall benefits of living “right”),
Job (don’t give up on God when things don’t work out as they should),
and Ecclesiastes (fearing God is more valuable than chasing anything of the material world we live in).
Our father’s discipline trains us to know how and why to respect God’s directions. His example of patience and perseverance trains us to never quit, and his teaching and coaching helps to tie it all together and show us the blessing of wisdom.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Forgiveness, Part Two
If you’re in a relationship with someone, it’s probably fair to say that you’ve had at least one moment of regret on how you treated that person. Even a healthy relationship will experience regrets, but it’s how you address those issues of conflict that make it a negative thing or a positive thing.
When it comes to our relationship with God, we’re the ones that repeatedly add moments of regrets. Although we may not always understand God’s involvement in our lives, we have faith that whatever He’s doing is intended to help us rather than hurt us. (Jeremiah 29:11, James 1:1-4, Romans 8:28)
But it’s our intentions that may be less than honorable. Thus, the reason we need forgiveness. Thankfully, Jesus came to make forgiveness possible. Colossians 2:13-14, “He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
By taking away our sins, He also opened up a practical guide to forgiving other people’s offenses against us. It doesn’t take a sociologist to realize how much a lack of forgiveness has caused permanent damage to so many relationships. Yet Jesus had every reason to NOT forgive the people who had rejected His gift of life, when they had Him crucified on the cross.
Instead the example He offered by His life serves as our motivation to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Forgiveness serves as one of the most difficult demonstrations of our faith. To swallow our pride and do as Paul said in Ephesians 4:2-3, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
There are numerous physical benefits to letting go of hard feelings, disagreements, and conflicts in the name of being a “peacemaker.” But first and foremost, there are great blessings in being called a Peacemaker, because... “they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
When it comes to our relationship with God, we’re the ones that repeatedly add moments of regrets. Although we may not always understand God’s involvement in our lives, we have faith that whatever He’s doing is intended to help us rather than hurt us. (Jeremiah 29:11, James 1:1-4, Romans 8:28)
But it’s our intentions that may be less than honorable. Thus, the reason we need forgiveness. Thankfully, Jesus came to make forgiveness possible. Colossians 2:13-14, “He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
By taking away our sins, He also opened up a practical guide to forgiving other people’s offenses against us. It doesn’t take a sociologist to realize how much a lack of forgiveness has caused permanent damage to so many relationships. Yet Jesus had every reason to NOT forgive the people who had rejected His gift of life, when they had Him crucified on the cross.
Instead the example He offered by His life serves as our motivation to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Forgiveness serves as one of the most difficult demonstrations of our faith. To swallow our pride and do as Paul said in Ephesians 4:2-3, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
There are numerous physical benefits to letting go of hard feelings, disagreements, and conflicts in the name of being a “peacemaker.” But first and foremost, there are great blessings in being called a Peacemaker, because... “they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
Friday, May 31, 2019
Forgiveness
In John 14:25-27 Jesus encourages His disciples with the promise of the coming Spirit to help them deal with life. They would encounter rejection, betrayal, hatred, fear, frustrations; thankfully, we’re offered the same comforting Spirit to help us along our journey, too.
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives I give to you….”
That’s the key for us as well--remembering all the things the Word has taught us when we find ourselves in our own state of frustration, rejection, betrayal, etc. Jesus’ words link us to God’s age-old promises: “The Lord goes with us, wherever we go” (Joshua 1:9); “Let those who fear the Lord now say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’ I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me…” (Psalms 118:4-7); “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalms 103:12).
God gives us the strength to continue walking in His path, living by His standards, and loving the way He does. But sometimes mustering up genuine compassion for those who have wronged us isn’t easy or natural. That’s why we have to trust in His process of being formed into His image.
In fact, the opposite of living according to His principles adds tremendous stress and unrest in our lives. Some psychologists recognize the physical damage that the failure to forgive does to our bodies and mind.
First of all, forgiveness is different from condoning, excusing, forgetting, even reconciling (even though this is an important step in bringing unity to a relationship). But the health benefits some professionals recognize are:
• Less anxiety, stress, and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Stronger immune system
• Improved heart health
• Higher self-esteem
It takes greater strength, wisdom, and faithfulness to seek forgiveness, even if the other party isn’t interested in it. In the same way, Jesus sought to rectify the separation between God and man, even before we cared to embrace it (Romans 5:8). Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Jesus gave us something to help us to be stronger spiritually and physically. Trust God’s ways over your own!
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives I give to you….”
That’s the key for us as well--remembering all the things the Word has taught us when we find ourselves in our own state of frustration, rejection, betrayal, etc. Jesus’ words link us to God’s age-old promises: “The Lord goes with us, wherever we go” (Joshua 1:9); “Let those who fear the Lord now say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’ I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me…” (Psalms 118:4-7); “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalms 103:12).
God gives us the strength to continue walking in His path, living by His standards, and loving the way He does. But sometimes mustering up genuine compassion for those who have wronged us isn’t easy or natural. That’s why we have to trust in His process of being formed into His image.
In fact, the opposite of living according to His principles adds tremendous stress and unrest in our lives. Some psychologists recognize the physical damage that the failure to forgive does to our bodies and mind.
First of all, forgiveness is different from condoning, excusing, forgetting, even reconciling (even though this is an important step in bringing unity to a relationship). But the health benefits some professionals recognize are:
• Less anxiety, stress, and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Stronger immune system
• Improved heart health
• Higher self-esteem
It takes greater strength, wisdom, and faithfulness to seek forgiveness, even if the other party isn’t interested in it. In the same way, Jesus sought to rectify the separation between God and man, even before we cared to embrace it (Romans 5:8). Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Jesus gave us something to help us to be stronger spiritually and physically. Trust God’s ways over your own!
Friday, May 24, 2019
What's the Catch?
“You’re cancer free!”
“We’re giving you a raise!”
“Congratulations!” These are all phrases that would be good news that we’d love to hear. How about “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of heaven” (Matthew 25:23)?
What makes that such great news? Because something I didn’t deserve was given to me. Something I had no hope of obtaining on my own was made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. When we really begin to realize the weight of our sin and the gift God gave us, that is what typically causes us to want to follow him. (Romans 6:23)
Regardless of what compelled us to follow him and trust in the words and instructions of Jesus, there’s a catch! Usually when someone says, "I have good news, but there’s a catch," that means it’s not as good as it sounds. However, in the case of the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, “the catch” isn’t bad or tricky.
It’s about sharing our good news with others and helping them see how that good news can be theirs, too! Many times, WE get in the way of that process. We let our ego, our pride, our fears, or our laziness dominate our responsibility to promote God’s gift to the world.
Perhaps for that reason Jesus said in Luke 9:23-26, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it…” And He tells some potential followers in Matthew 8:18-22 that the “Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” As a follower of Christ, we must be willing to sacrifice just like He was AND for the same reasons. He gave up all so that He could reach more people and be less encumbered by the things of the world.
Consider the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” We can look at this as a command (which we should), but we can also look at this as our opportunity to talk about the good news of God’s grace by sharing with others what makes the good news, our good news.
The book of Mark starts out with Jesus’ first words, “Follow me,” and they end with “Follow me.” Even though “follow me” may not be included in the Great Commission, we know this is exactly what Jesus devoted His life to doing – “follow me” in sharing the hope of eternal life.
Our biggest challenge as a church is to be faithful to the last words of Jesus’ earthly ministry. How far will we go to share our faith? Will we give into fear? Will we make excuses? Rather than focusing on how you might not do it perfectly, instead reflect on how God did something perfect in your imperfections by making eternal life possible.
“We’re giving you a raise!”
“Congratulations!” These are all phrases that would be good news that we’d love to hear. How about “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of heaven” (Matthew 25:23)?
What makes that such great news? Because something I didn’t deserve was given to me. Something I had no hope of obtaining on my own was made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. When we really begin to realize the weight of our sin and the gift God gave us, that is what typically causes us to want to follow him. (Romans 6:23)
Regardless of what compelled us to follow him and trust in the words and instructions of Jesus, there’s a catch! Usually when someone says, "I have good news, but there’s a catch," that means it’s not as good as it sounds. However, in the case of the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, “the catch” isn’t bad or tricky.
It’s about sharing our good news with others and helping them see how that good news can be theirs, too! Many times, WE get in the way of that process. We let our ego, our pride, our fears, or our laziness dominate our responsibility to promote God’s gift to the world.
Perhaps for that reason Jesus said in Luke 9:23-26, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it…” And He tells some potential followers in Matthew 8:18-22 that the “Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” As a follower of Christ, we must be willing to sacrifice just like He was AND for the same reasons. He gave up all so that He could reach more people and be less encumbered by the things of the world.
Consider the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” We can look at this as a command (which we should), but we can also look at this as our opportunity to talk about the good news of God’s grace by sharing with others what makes the good news, our good news.
The book of Mark starts out with Jesus’ first words, “Follow me,” and they end with “Follow me.” Even though “follow me” may not be included in the Great Commission, we know this is exactly what Jesus devoted His life to doing – “follow me” in sharing the hope of eternal life.
Our biggest challenge as a church is to be faithful to the last words of Jesus’ earthly ministry. How far will we go to share our faith? Will we give into fear? Will we make excuses? Rather than focusing on how you might not do it perfectly, instead reflect on how God did something perfect in your imperfections by making eternal life possible.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Happy Mother's Day!
In Mark 7 Jesus contrasts faithful service to God from the mockery many of the Pharisees had made it. He explains how their lack of willingness to sacrifice for their parents (for example) was a rejection of God’s will, and therefore it was in vain. (Mark 7:6-13) He uses the word Corban, which He defines as a gift for God. In the Hebrew, the word is Qorban, which has a lot to do with “closeness” and “a relative.” What God would have liked to see the children do for their parents is to be willing to sacrifice for them when they were in need.
A 17th Century theologian said, “Sacrifice is a part of life. It's supposed to be. It's not something to regret. It's something to aspire to.” There’s no higher honor than to sacrifice. This was what God wanted from the Israelites during the days of animal sacrifices, and it’s what He wants from us today. Romans 12:1, “…present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,” which is truly the way to worship him.
Many people say they are willing to sacrifice anything to be happy, but would they give something up to bless someone else? Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” And in Acts 20:35, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”
Perhaps it’s for this reason that we feel so compelled to honor our military, or our teachers, or our police and other servicemen. But as satisfying as sacrifice may END UP feeling, we don’t always feel that during the sacrifice.
This Mother’s Day, we honor our mothers for the continual sacrifices they make for others. They set the standard of genuine love, nurturing, compassion, and selflessness. The Bible has several examples of women who were willing to give up so much for those they loved. Hannah, in particular, gave the child she prayed for over to Eli the priest to serve God (1 Samuel 1-2). It might be hard to put ourselves in her shoes to understand giving up someone you waited so long to get, we can also realize that when we give our children over to God, then we are perhaps giving the greatest blessing of all to the ones we love – the Love of God! (John 3:16)
A 17th Century theologian said, “Sacrifice is a part of life. It's supposed to be. It's not something to regret. It's something to aspire to.” There’s no higher honor than to sacrifice. This was what God wanted from the Israelites during the days of animal sacrifices, and it’s what He wants from us today. Romans 12:1, “…present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,” which is truly the way to worship him.
Many people say they are willing to sacrifice anything to be happy, but would they give something up to bless someone else? Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” And in Acts 20:35, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”
Perhaps it’s for this reason that we feel so compelled to honor our military, or our teachers, or our police and other servicemen. But as satisfying as sacrifice may END UP feeling, we don’t always feel that during the sacrifice.
This Mother’s Day, we honor our mothers for the continual sacrifices they make for others. They set the standard of genuine love, nurturing, compassion, and selflessness. The Bible has several examples of women who were willing to give up so much for those they loved. Hannah, in particular, gave the child she prayed for over to Eli the priest to serve God (1 Samuel 1-2). It might be hard to put ourselves in her shoes to understand giving up someone you waited so long to get, we can also realize that when we give our children over to God, then we are perhaps giving the greatest blessing of all to the ones we love – the Love of God! (John 3:16)
Sunday, April 28, 2019
What is the soul?
What is the soul? Or maybe, who is the soul? Perhaps it's helpful to determine how the word has been defined by mankind. In the Wycliffe Bible Dictionary, the word for soul is defined as life, person, breath. The Hebrew word Nephesh is further described as the man himself, or we might say individual (as was a common old English usage of the word).
Although the usage of a word can drastically alter how we might describe it, however there are some words we don’t need to look up to understand – even if we don’t fully understand it.
When it comes to things we feel, we may not always understand how to describe the feeling, but we recognize it as something. Similarly, there is something within us that recognizes what our soul is regardless of how someone defines it. “We just know it deep within our soul.”
If Nephesh, soul, simply means life, then all living things have a soul. Is that important? Going back to Jesus’ summation of the scriptures in the iconic passage found in Matthew 22:37-39, we can see the importance our soul’s engagement into the things of God and things he created. He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
We are therefore commanded to love life (Nephesh). 1 Peter 3:8-12 describes how the soul should be part of our nature. “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Hopefully we can see why loving God with our whole soul is key to showing love towards others. As an introduction into the nature of our soul, perhaps focusing on how my love for all life will be what helps my soul to thrive and be the part of me that God delights in.
Although the usage of a word can drastically alter how we might describe it, however there are some words we don’t need to look up to understand – even if we don’t fully understand it.
When it comes to things we feel, we may not always understand how to describe the feeling, but we recognize it as something. Similarly, there is something within us that recognizes what our soul is regardless of how someone defines it. “We just know it deep within our soul.”
If Nephesh, soul, simply means life, then all living things have a soul. Is that important? Going back to Jesus’ summation of the scriptures in the iconic passage found in Matthew 22:37-39, we can see the importance our soul’s engagement into the things of God and things he created. He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
We are therefore commanded to love life (Nephesh). 1 Peter 3:8-12 describes how the soul should be part of our nature. “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Hopefully we can see why loving God with our whole soul is key to showing love towards others. As an introduction into the nature of our soul, perhaps focusing on how my love for all life will be what helps my soul to thrive and be the part of me that God delights in.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Our New Altar
Have you ever thought about the purpose of an altar? It is a sacred place for sacrifices and gifts offered up to God, and the word Altar just means “high.” Therefore, it was upon these authorized “high” places where people under Mosaic law would offer up animal sacrifices as a gift to God. But animal sacrifices went away because Jesus’ sacrifice was greater, and He was ushering a new time when our offering to God would have less to do with our guilt, and more to do with serving God through our love for others. Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
But it took Jesus dying. Hebrews 9:28, “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” He didn’t need to continue to offer Himself, because He was perfect! (Hebrews 10:1-18) But His sacrifice showed us a purer picture of God’s love, and that helps us know how to walk in a similar way. Ephesians 5:2, “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
It’s interesting to see how God used death as a way to help us show love towards one another. Jesus told His followers in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”
It’s clear throughout scriptures that sacrifices had a deeper meaning than just killing an animal and cooking it (read Malachi 1:6-13). The sin (moral infractions) and trespass (contractual breech) offerings were intended to be eaten by the family and friends of the one offering the gift to God. (Leviticus 6-7). So that, just as Jesus’ death brought life to our lives, the animal’s death brings fellowship to those participating in that sacrifice.
Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus is another thing that sets His sacrifice apart from the previous animal sacrifices – death wouldn’t stop Him! In the animal sacrifices, once it was totally eaten, it was finished. But Jesus is the lamb that never dies; therefore we never cease to feast on His grace and mercy. He served us so that we could better know how to serve each other forever. Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
His resurrection conquered sin and death once for all, and therefore those who trust in Christ (Matthew 7:21, Romans 5:1-5, John 14:15) will also share in His power over the grave. Remember the words of Paul to the Romans in Romans 12:1-2 and consider them instructions for our sacrifices today. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
But it took Jesus dying. Hebrews 9:28, “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” He didn’t need to continue to offer Himself, because He was perfect! (Hebrews 10:1-18) But His sacrifice showed us a purer picture of God’s love, and that helps us know how to walk in a similar way. Ephesians 5:2, “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
It’s interesting to see how God used death as a way to help us show love towards one another. Jesus told His followers in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”
It’s clear throughout scriptures that sacrifices had a deeper meaning than just killing an animal and cooking it (read Malachi 1:6-13). The sin (moral infractions) and trespass (contractual breech) offerings were intended to be eaten by the family and friends of the one offering the gift to God. (Leviticus 6-7). So that, just as Jesus’ death brought life to our lives, the animal’s death brings fellowship to those participating in that sacrifice.
Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus is another thing that sets His sacrifice apart from the previous animal sacrifices – death wouldn’t stop Him! In the animal sacrifices, once it was totally eaten, it was finished. But Jesus is the lamb that never dies; therefore we never cease to feast on His grace and mercy. He served us so that we could better know how to serve each other forever. Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
His resurrection conquered sin and death once for all, and therefore those who trust in Christ (Matthew 7:21, Romans 5:1-5, John 14:15) will also share in His power over the grave. Remember the words of Paul to the Romans in Romans 12:1-2 and consider them instructions for our sacrifices today. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Sacrifice
What is the purpose of sacrifice? Sacrifice is the offering of food, objects, or the lives of animals to a higher purpose as an act of worship. But what does God want? Bloody corpse? Death?
The Old Covenant (Testament) was inaugurated in Genesis 15:8-19, where God tells Abram of his inheritance that will come someday in the future. Abram’s job in the meantime was to trust God. The Old Testament, therefore, focuses on Abram’s descendants’ failure to fully trust God. In other words, mankind broke their end of the covenant.
What were they trusting God to do? To bring a new kingdom, a new land where their enemies would never harm them, where peace was the theme, where God could once more fellowship with them.
The sacrifices were necessary to connect man’s guilt to God’s promise. The promise could only be fulfilled by God’s faithfulness. Our righteousness wasn’t going to do it. But, every time they had to kill an innocent animal, it was supposed to remind them of that covenant: the animal had to die because of their failure to keep the covenant).
One of the interesting things about many of the animal sacrifices was that the animal had to be fully consumed before the third day (except the entrails and certain organs). But how could one family fully consume the animal? Some portions were easier to eat than others, but the way to do it was to join together with other friends and family to share in the meal provided by this sacrifice.
Although the animal died because of man’s sin, the result of the sacrifice brought people together sharing an important reminder-feast of God’s promises expressed in repentance and fellowship. God’s plan has always been to unite His children together for the purpose of close, meaningful relationship (like it was in the Garden).
But as Hebrews 10:4 says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Those were just a shadow of the real sacrifice that was to take place by the perfect man AS the perfect lamb to be slaughtered. Isaiah 53:5-7 prophetically describes Jesus this way, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter… (11) He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.”
Is there any doubt that God instituted animal sacrifices to show His people how terrible sin is? And Jesus, the Son of God, had to come down and fulfill our end of the covenant too. Take time to read Mark 11:1-11 to get a glimpse of the beginning phase of this ultimate sacrifice offered by Jesus, the Messiah. Then consider the importance of fellowship and repentance in what Jesus established in the church.
The Old Covenant (Testament) was inaugurated in Genesis 15:8-19, where God tells Abram of his inheritance that will come someday in the future. Abram’s job in the meantime was to trust God. The Old Testament, therefore, focuses on Abram’s descendants’ failure to fully trust God. In other words, mankind broke their end of the covenant.
What were they trusting God to do? To bring a new kingdom, a new land where their enemies would never harm them, where peace was the theme, where God could once more fellowship with them.
The sacrifices were necessary to connect man’s guilt to God’s promise. The promise could only be fulfilled by God’s faithfulness. Our righteousness wasn’t going to do it. But, every time they had to kill an innocent animal, it was supposed to remind them of that covenant: the animal had to die because of their failure to keep the covenant).
One of the interesting things about many of the animal sacrifices was that the animal had to be fully consumed before the third day (except the entrails and certain organs). But how could one family fully consume the animal? Some portions were easier to eat than others, but the way to do it was to join together with other friends and family to share in the meal provided by this sacrifice.
Although the animal died because of man’s sin, the result of the sacrifice brought people together sharing an important reminder-feast of God’s promises expressed in repentance and fellowship. God’s plan has always been to unite His children together for the purpose of close, meaningful relationship (like it was in the Garden).
But as Hebrews 10:4 says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Those were just a shadow of the real sacrifice that was to take place by the perfect man AS the perfect lamb to be slaughtered. Isaiah 53:5-7 prophetically describes Jesus this way, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter… (11) He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.”
Is there any doubt that God instituted animal sacrifices to show His people how terrible sin is? And Jesus, the Son of God, had to come down and fulfill our end of the covenant too. Take time to read Mark 11:1-11 to get a glimpse of the beginning phase of this ultimate sacrifice offered by Jesus, the Messiah. Then consider the importance of fellowship and repentance in what Jesus established in the church.
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Who Is God?
Who is God? What kind of answer do we expect to hear? When it comes to ourselves, we expect to hear things like: gender, ethnic background, personality, occupation, or religious affiliation. And each of these descriptions help us come up with an image of someone. However, God’s description is unique because His physical features are not really even comprehensible to us.
Human nature seeks long and hard to know more about the physical nature of God. First of all, is He real? Then, people start looking at what He looks like; much like the question some of the folks at Corinth were asking, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” But Paul pointed out in 1 Corinthians 15:40, “There are celestial bodies and there are terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.” In other words, don’t try to understand the physical attributes of God so much that you overlook the spiritual nature of God.
Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” The part of His nature that He has spent the most time describing is the part that shows what He’s doing to help us.
God said at the inauguration of His covenant with Abram, in Genesis 15:1, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I AM your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Since that time, God has continually shown us how much He is a shield to us, how much His life truly is our reward.
David wrote many songs recognizing God’s nature in various ways, like in 2 Samuel 22:3, “The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge…” Or in Psalms 3:3, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.”
All the way to the end of the Bible, after Jesus came to earth to offer Himself as a sacrifice, after the establishment of the church (the body of Christ), all the way to the end of the last book. Jesus says in Revelations 22:12-13, “Behold, I AM coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
In Exodus 3 God introduces himself to Moses as “I AM”, which ultimately has been defined as meaning the totally self-sufficient one, I AM able to provide for all needs (Psalms 50:8-15), I AM all powerful (Jeremiah 32:27), I AM loving-kindness (Psalms 117:2). It seems "I AM" is a perfect starting place to explore who God is and how He loves us.
Human nature seeks long and hard to know more about the physical nature of God. First of all, is He real? Then, people start looking at what He looks like; much like the question some of the folks at Corinth were asking, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” But Paul pointed out in 1 Corinthians 15:40, “There are celestial bodies and there are terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.” In other words, don’t try to understand the physical attributes of God so much that you overlook the spiritual nature of God.
Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” The part of His nature that He has spent the most time describing is the part that shows what He’s doing to help us.
God said at the inauguration of His covenant with Abram, in Genesis 15:1, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I AM your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Since that time, God has continually shown us how much He is a shield to us, how much His life truly is our reward.
David wrote many songs recognizing God’s nature in various ways, like in 2 Samuel 22:3, “The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge…” Or in Psalms 3:3, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.”
All the way to the end of the Bible, after Jesus came to earth to offer Himself as a sacrifice, after the establishment of the church (the body of Christ), all the way to the end of the last book. Jesus says in Revelations 22:12-13, “Behold, I AM coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
In Exodus 3 God introduces himself to Moses as “I AM”, which ultimately has been defined as meaning the totally self-sufficient one, I AM able to provide for all needs (Psalms 50:8-15), I AM all powerful (Jeremiah 32:27), I AM loving-kindness (Psalms 117:2). It seems "I AM" is a perfect starting place to explore who God is and how He loves us.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
The Way God Sees You
Corinthians 6:20, “...for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body.” (NLT)
It takes a lot of work to see yourself as God sees you. It’s easier to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You see how you don’t say the right thing or do as good in school as a friend does. You see how no matter how hard you practice, you aren’t as good as the other players on the team. All the comparisons can make you feel discouraged.
However, there is hope. Regardless of whether you say the most intelligent or clever things or make the winning point for your team, you have value to God. God paid a great price for you. You have value because God was willing to give everything He had to make a relationship with Him possible, and He's completely worth it.
So, if you have struggled with insecurities, failure, and low self-esteem, be encouraged. God doesn’t love you based on your ability; He loves you because he does. Because God loves you in such a wonderful way, it causes us to want to honor Him.
Romans 8:31-37, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (37) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (NLT)
It takes a lot of work to see yourself as God sees you. It’s easier to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You see how you don’t say the right thing or do as good in school as a friend does. You see how no matter how hard you practice, you aren’t as good as the other players on the team. All the comparisons can make you feel discouraged.
However, there is hope. Regardless of whether you say the most intelligent or clever things or make the winning point for your team, you have value to God. God paid a great price for you. You have value because God was willing to give everything He had to make a relationship with Him possible, and He's completely worth it.
So, if you have struggled with insecurities, failure, and low self-esteem, be encouraged. God doesn’t love you based on your ability; He loves you because he does. Because God loves you in such a wonderful way, it causes us to want to honor Him.
Romans 8:31-37, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (37) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (NLT)
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Are We Humble Enough?
The Bible has proven to be a great mystery for mankind. A glimpse into the mind of the one who created all. His story isn’t always pleasant to read; it's not always logical from a human standpoint, but it is a book that—to those who seriously meditate on it—is a powerful ray of hope. As one poet said, “The Holy Scriptures are like the veil that separates a beautiful paradise from a world of survival and pain. To those who venture into its pages will peak underneath to catch a glimpse of the glory of God.”
Yet, Scriptures are full of mysteries that will ONLY be revealed at God’s return. In the meantime, we strain to better understand God’s way of thinking and quickly realize that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). But that’s why we need to do as God tells the Israelites in Isaiah 1:18-20, “Come now, and let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.”
It’s in the reasoning together that we better understand what God is looking for in His followers, in His children, in His people. Scriptures reveal that what He’s looking for is not about self, it's not about greed, it's not about revenge, it's not about fear…but that He can cleanse us from all unrighteousness, from all of the internal turmoil that many of us struggle with daily.
An example of His paradoxical (seemingly contradictory) teaching is in Proverbs 11:24, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” But that’s just the beginning, because the deeper we get into who God is and what He wants to see in us, the more we see the genius and liberating nature of God. Think about who Jesus told the Apostles would be the greatest in the kingdom of God: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)! Time after time, Jesus turned the common way of thinking about relationships, faith, charity, and even God upside down. This mysterious telescope into the throne room of heaven reveals that humility is a key ingredient to being able to understand God’s nature (Philippians 2:5-11, James 4:6-10, Matthew 18:2-5).
Are we humble enough to meditate on God’s word to better see how to live, how to find purpose and meaning in life, how to succeed, and how to find peace? God “has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Yet, Scriptures are full of mysteries that will ONLY be revealed at God’s return. In the meantime, we strain to better understand God’s way of thinking and quickly realize that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). But that’s why we need to do as God tells the Israelites in Isaiah 1:18-20, “Come now, and let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.”
It’s in the reasoning together that we better understand what God is looking for in His followers, in His children, in His people. Scriptures reveal that what He’s looking for is not about self, it's not about greed, it's not about revenge, it's not about fear…but that He can cleanse us from all unrighteousness, from all of the internal turmoil that many of us struggle with daily.
An example of His paradoxical (seemingly contradictory) teaching is in Proverbs 11:24, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” But that’s just the beginning, because the deeper we get into who God is and what He wants to see in us, the more we see the genius and liberating nature of God. Think about who Jesus told the Apostles would be the greatest in the kingdom of God: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)! Time after time, Jesus turned the common way of thinking about relationships, faith, charity, and even God upside down. This mysterious telescope into the throne room of heaven reveals that humility is a key ingredient to being able to understand God’s nature (Philippians 2:5-11, James 4:6-10, Matthew 18:2-5).
Are we humble enough to meditate on God’s word to better see how to live, how to find purpose and meaning in life, how to succeed, and how to find peace? God “has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Passing the Torch
Every generation has a fear of passing the torch to the next generation because what they may, or may not, do with what they’ve been given. So, how does a “young person” view the future? One survey taken on Linked-in showed some of their fears about the future…
(1) Weak Connectivity. But it’s not just about WiFi. They are concerned about the growing number of people who struggle with weak connectivity in their relationship, or parents who have issues relating to their children. Or those waiting to find that special someone to connect with. Or people who feel alone and unconnected to community. Connection, or the lack of it, is a huge issue in our lives today.
(2) The annoying buffering symbol. The wait for something good to download can seem like an eternity, but you can look beyond YouTube or a stubborn website and see how the fear you’re only getting half a story and not seeing the full picture, because seeing the full picture explains so many things: it gives us perspective, understanding and meaning. The fact of “not being able to get to that” can be a real fear for folks.
(3) Low Battery is not only a smartphone or computer problem. It symbolizes the stress of limited resources, not enough money or time to do what you want to do in a day or in life, or lack of health or strength keeping you back. The worry about not having enough of what we need affects us, young people in the workforce, or looking to get into it, older retirees, and families with children. It’s even a problem for the governments. We want to do and accomplish so much but need the resources to be able to do it.
These fears may be real, but they shouldn’t keep us out of the game. Instead, we read godly instructions in God’s word like Psalms 119:9-10, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!” These, and many like it can help us find purpose and meaning in life and help us avoid chasing after things that don’t matter, or things that cloud our view of life.
The better our grasp on the reality of this life the more we can face tomorrow with confidence. 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
(1) Weak Connectivity. But it’s not just about WiFi. They are concerned about the growing number of people who struggle with weak connectivity in their relationship, or parents who have issues relating to their children. Or those waiting to find that special someone to connect with. Or people who feel alone and unconnected to community. Connection, or the lack of it, is a huge issue in our lives today.
(2) The annoying buffering symbol. The wait for something good to download can seem like an eternity, but you can look beyond YouTube or a stubborn website and see how the fear you’re only getting half a story and not seeing the full picture, because seeing the full picture explains so many things: it gives us perspective, understanding and meaning. The fact of “not being able to get to that” can be a real fear for folks.
(3) Low Battery is not only a smartphone or computer problem. It symbolizes the stress of limited resources, not enough money or time to do what you want to do in a day or in life, or lack of health or strength keeping you back. The worry about not having enough of what we need affects us, young people in the workforce, or looking to get into it, older retirees, and families with children. It’s even a problem for the governments. We want to do and accomplish so much but need the resources to be able to do it.
These fears may be real, but they shouldn’t keep us out of the game. Instead, we read godly instructions in God’s word like Psalms 119:9-10, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!” These, and many like it can help us find purpose and meaning in life and help us avoid chasing after things that don’t matter, or things that cloud our view of life.
The better our grasp on the reality of this life the more we can face tomorrow with confidence. 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Faith of Our Fathers
Frederick Faber was an Anglican priest and hymn writer that made many efforts to bridge the gap between the Catholic church and the Church of England (Anglican) during the mid-19th century.
His hope, in his poetry and songwriting, was to help express the Saxon thought to the Catholic church, and even broader goal was to influence the “church” to recognize how desperately people everywhere need to hear and understand the message of God’s power, love, and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7), and by doing so, highlighting the power of unity from the non-believer’s perspective.
As Jesus prayed in John 17:23 expressing the power of unity, “[I pray] that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Frederick was a devout Englishman and a loyalist to the English traditions, but he wanted his love for his tradition to positively influence his ever-changing world. His most famous hymn, Faith of Our Fathers, acknowledges the legacy of Catholic martyrs in England who had died since and during the time of Henry VIII.
While this may not have a lot of deep meaning to those living outside of the realm of Catholicism, it does show his efforts to “bridge the gap” between his generation and the previous ones. Perhaps, we could learn from his desire and ask the question, “What are some qualities about your generation that you feel others could learn from?”
Faith of Our Fathers
By Frederick Faber
Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children’s fate,
If they, like them should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
His hope, in his poetry and songwriting, was to help express the Saxon thought to the Catholic church, and even broader goal was to influence the “church” to recognize how desperately people everywhere need to hear and understand the message of God’s power, love, and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7), and by doing so, highlighting the power of unity from the non-believer’s perspective.
As Jesus prayed in John 17:23 expressing the power of unity, “[I pray] that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Frederick was a devout Englishman and a loyalist to the English traditions, but he wanted his love for his tradition to positively influence his ever-changing world. His most famous hymn, Faith of Our Fathers, acknowledges the legacy of Catholic martyrs in England who had died since and during the time of Henry VIII.
While this may not have a lot of deep meaning to those living outside of the realm of Catholicism, it does show his efforts to “bridge the gap” between his generation and the previous ones. Perhaps, we could learn from his desire and ask the question, “What are some qualities about your generation that you feel others could learn from?”
Faith of Our Fathers
By Frederick Faber
Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children’s fate,
If they, like them should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
Friday, March 15, 2019
The Beauty of God's Love
Throughout the centuries, people have gravitated towards a particular Psalm of David, and it's quite easily the most famous of the Psalms. I’m sure many folks reading this can quote Psalm 23, but have you ever wondered why this Psalm in particular? Plenty of Psalms reflect on the beauty of God or His kingdom, His mighty power or infinite love, so why this one? Perhaps it's because of the hope through trials that we can connect with it so strongly.
Psalms 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Jesus compared Himself to a good shepherd and reassured His followers that Satan could never pull them away from God, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." (John 10:29-30)
Some have used this verse to describe 'once saved always saved,' but when you look at it closely, He's not saying that we can't walk away from the sheep pin; He's saying Satan doesn't have power to force you out of it. God doesn't want anyone to perish, but He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The God we serve has the power to save, but He won't force you to be saved. Instead, He'll lead us by His love to quiet waters of refreshment, just like He offered living water to the woman at the well (John 4). When I drink from His well, when I eat the good food He has prepared for me, when I follow Him, I find amazing hope for the future.
Satan works diligently at trying to destroy that hope and cause us to abandon Christ. One powerful way he does that is through guilt, shame, embarrassment. Every time we give in to temptation and compromise our faith for some trick of the Devil, we can feel worthless before God. The beauty is God loves us more than we could ever know. The more we recognize that, the more compelling His guidance is to our life. And that brings amazing hope to our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
Psalms 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Jesus compared Himself to a good shepherd and reassured His followers that Satan could never pull them away from God, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." (John 10:29-30)
Some have used this verse to describe 'once saved always saved,' but when you look at it closely, He's not saying that we can't walk away from the sheep pin; He's saying Satan doesn't have power to force you out of it. God doesn't want anyone to perish, but He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The God we serve has the power to save, but He won't force you to be saved. Instead, He'll lead us by His love to quiet waters of refreshment, just like He offered living water to the woman at the well (John 4). When I drink from His well, when I eat the good food He has prepared for me, when I follow Him, I find amazing hope for the future.
Satan works diligently at trying to destroy that hope and cause us to abandon Christ. One powerful way he does that is through guilt, shame, embarrassment. Every time we give in to temptation and compromise our faith for some trick of the Devil, we can feel worthless before God. The beauty is God loves us more than we could ever know. The more we recognize that, the more compelling His guidance is to our life. And that brings amazing hope to our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
Sunday, March 10, 2019
God's Dumb Ways?
Sometimes God’s plans look a little…dumb. At least they don’t always make sense to us. As we look at the people He selected, to the places He took them, to the way He would save us—well, we wouldn’t do that! But God’s okay with our inability to comprehend His ways and ideas. Just as Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"
In fact, He may enjoy showing up in ways we never would have expected; as Habakkuk discovered in Habakkuk 1:5, "Look among the nations and watch—be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you."
We never would believe that the weakest, the smallest, the poorest, the least sophisticated would have what it takes to be the kind of people God would use to bring about an eternal change to the world, but He does. From Gideon to David, or Thomas to Zacchaeus, God has picked people to reveal His power and His nature.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe…."
Don’t ever mistake the silence of God on an issue that you think He should step up and take care of as a sign that He doesn’t exist or doesn’t care. But in those moments of silence, reflect on what many other people we read about in scriptures had to learn how to do: "Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalms 46:10).
Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
In fact, He may enjoy showing up in ways we never would have expected; as Habakkuk discovered in Habakkuk 1:5, "Look among the nations and watch—be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you."
We never would believe that the weakest, the smallest, the poorest, the least sophisticated would have what it takes to be the kind of people God would use to bring about an eternal change to the world, but He does. From Gideon to David, or Thomas to Zacchaeus, God has picked people to reveal His power and His nature.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe…."
Don’t ever mistake the silence of God on an issue that you think He should step up and take care of as a sign that He doesn’t exist or doesn’t care. But in those moments of silence, reflect on what many other people we read about in scriptures had to learn how to do: "Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalms 46:10).
Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Running with God
When I was a kid, I wanted to run because my dad started running. It wasn’t until junior high that I actually joined track and then cross country. Through the years I participated in lots of different style of races. However, the most exciting race was the first race I participated in with my kids. Back in 2013 when my daughter finished her first 5K, I was so proud of her. Since then, time and my knees don’t let me run quite as much as I want to, but I still try to get out there occasionally to do it with my kids. It’s a passion of mine that my children would share my love for running and working out.
I can’t help but think that God really likes to see His children take up running the race that He’s involved in – the race to save the world. John said in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that My children walk (or run) in truth.” (also 2 John 4).
Our journey with God here on earth is truly a race (Hebrews 12:1, 2 Timothy 4:7). A physical feat of persevering through the pain and frustrations of failures and setbacks. It doesn’t take long to realize how much sin trips us up, making it impossible to run perfectly. But God has given us His spirit to be our motivator and coach.
Galatians 5:16-17, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”
Our opponent in this race could really be ourselves. We allow doubt, fear, pride, lust, etc. get in the way of what we know is right and true. 2 Peter 3:3-4; 14, “Know this, that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation....” (14) ...beloved, looking forward to the Day of the Lord, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless….”
Unlike us, God won’t get tired or broken down in the race, but like us, He wants to encourage us to keep going, push through the setbacks, and to remember the goal, the purpose for our running.
Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Our focus may be the determining factor as to our faithfulness, our perseverance, and ultimately our growing love for God.
I can’t help but think that God really likes to see His children take up running the race that He’s involved in – the race to save the world. John said in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that My children walk (or run) in truth.” (also 2 John 4).
Our journey with God here on earth is truly a race (Hebrews 12:1, 2 Timothy 4:7). A physical feat of persevering through the pain and frustrations of failures and setbacks. It doesn’t take long to realize how much sin trips us up, making it impossible to run perfectly. But God has given us His spirit to be our motivator and coach.
Galatians 5:16-17, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”
Our opponent in this race could really be ourselves. We allow doubt, fear, pride, lust, etc. get in the way of what we know is right and true. 2 Peter 3:3-4; 14, “Know this, that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation....” (14) ...beloved, looking forward to the Day of the Lord, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless….”
Unlike us, God won’t get tired or broken down in the race, but like us, He wants to encourage us to keep going, push through the setbacks, and to remember the goal, the purpose for our running.
Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Our focus may be the determining factor as to our faithfulness, our perseverance, and ultimately our growing love for God.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Seeking God Builds Faith That Can Be Shared
Do you ever feel like you just don’t have a lot of opportunities to talk about
God with your friends? Or you don’t know what to say? The Bible is full of amazing stories of people just like you and me that were faced
with similar situations. They had their fair share of pressure from the culture
(Romans or Sanhedrin) to fears of hunger, disease, even death. They had
money problems, relationship problems, and legal problems. While we read
about their stories, the truth is we all have a similar story. Because we all deal
with problems like fear, lust, greed, anger, etc.
Recently I was teaching a Bible study on 1 Peter and we discussed how God had given them what they needed to be able to “be a light” even though they were going through plenty of hardship and persecution. They needed to be encouraged by God’s word to help them keep going. Although our troubles probably aren’t life-threatening, we still need to seek God.
Every time we seek God during a problem in life, we end up building our faith in God to see us through that particular problem. With that added knowledge and experience, we now have a story that is very personal and very applicable to how to live according to scriptures.
2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Our job is to “rightly divide” or “explain correctly” what the Bible (the word of truth) is revealing to us. In 1 Peter 1:12, Peter told the people scattered throughout Asia that the prophets of old were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who were willing to share God’s power working in their lives.
We have to realize that God’s word is applicable, or else we’ll begin to view it as some people view math as “something I’ll never use," and then we’ll categorize it away as worthless or obsolete. We know it is truly God’s word, and it has the power to save. Just as Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” (NLT)
Recently I was teaching a Bible study on 1 Peter and we discussed how God had given them what they needed to be able to “be a light” even though they were going through plenty of hardship and persecution. They needed to be encouraged by God’s word to help them keep going. Although our troubles probably aren’t life-threatening, we still need to seek God.
Every time we seek God during a problem in life, we end up building our faith in God to see us through that particular problem. With that added knowledge and experience, we now have a story that is very personal and very applicable to how to live according to scriptures.
2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Our job is to “rightly divide” or “explain correctly” what the Bible (the word of truth) is revealing to us. In 1 Peter 1:12, Peter told the people scattered throughout Asia that the prophets of old were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who were willing to share God’s power working in their lives.
We have to realize that God’s word is applicable, or else we’ll begin to view it as some people view math as “something I’ll never use," and then we’ll categorize it away as worthless or obsolete. We know it is truly God’s word, and it has the power to save. Just as Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” (NLT)
Friday, February 15, 2019
Where Can You Run To?
Where do you go when you’re in a place you don’t want to be? When you really messed up and did something, or said something you
know you shouldn’t have? God established a place that offered safety for a person that sinned and then came to their senses. We can read
about the Cities of Refuge in the book of Numbers. Moses instructed the people in Numbers 35:10, “When you cross the Jordan into the land
of Canaan, designate cities of refuge to which people can run to for safety if they’ve have killed someone accidentally. These cities will
be places of protection [from those seeking revenge].”
But where do you go when your sin is against the owner of the City of Refuge, or God himself? Much like Adam and Eve, we often tend to hide from God. In Psalms 139:1-8, David wrote a psalm describing God’s nature to our sin versus our response to our sin: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there….”
Perhaps our biggest enemy is when we find ourselves caught up in a spiritual place that we don’t want to be in, a sinful situation, is actually ourselves. We can be our biggest obstacle from receiving the unfathomable grace of God.
Peter reminded the “pilgrims of the Dispersion,” in 1 Peter 1:1 to put their hope in God’s amazing mercy and His incorruptible promises as our source of strength. And he later reminds them that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). This is another way God reveals His nature to us. Instead of revenge and justice, He prefers righteousness and mercy (2 Peter 3:9). This is what Nicodemus discovered about God’s nature in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
As we consider the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), try to consider what God wants us to do when we’ve been burdened by sin, when we’ve wandered far away from home, when we’ve turned our back on Him -- He wants us to run to His home, to His presence. The prodigal son found great peace in coming to the realization that in his father’s presence is where he needed to be.
But where do you go when your sin is against the owner of the City of Refuge, or God himself? Much like Adam and Eve, we often tend to hide from God. In Psalms 139:1-8, David wrote a psalm describing God’s nature to our sin versus our response to our sin: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there….”
Perhaps our biggest enemy is when we find ourselves caught up in a spiritual place that we don’t want to be in, a sinful situation, is actually ourselves. We can be our biggest obstacle from receiving the unfathomable grace of God.
Peter reminded the “pilgrims of the Dispersion,” in 1 Peter 1:1 to put their hope in God’s amazing mercy and His incorruptible promises as our source of strength. And he later reminds them that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). This is another way God reveals His nature to us. Instead of revenge and justice, He prefers righteousness and mercy (2 Peter 3:9). This is what Nicodemus discovered about God’s nature in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
As we consider the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), try to consider what God wants us to do when we’ve been burdened by sin, when we’ve wandered far away from home, when we’ve turned our back on Him -- He wants us to run to His home, to His presence. The prodigal son found great peace in coming to the realization that in his father’s presence is where he needed to be.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Marriage--The Evangelistic Tool
I recently read an article where a Christian woman was desperately encouraging Christian men to stop engaging in sexual sins, regardless of how difficult it may be to break away from, because it’s hurting the church and the message of salvation. Very true!
At the root, sexual sin is about acceptance, which is a very important reason these kinds of sins are so appealing. There are many people living in marriages where either spouse doesn’t really accept them; could this be the real issue?
In our ultra-materialistic world consumed with selfish ambition, its easy for anyone (male or female) to neglect those around them to pursue a narcissistic view of family, success, or fulfillment. And it's in that context where people aren’t willing to accept the faults, failures, or just differences of those associated with the image they hope to portray, even the closest person in their life – their spouse.
Probably seen best in 1 John 2:15-16, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world.”
Believe it or not, a person’s marriage speaks volumes about their faith. How well does he recognize the needs of his wife? How well does she recognize the needs of her husband? Even if those needs don’t even register on their own radar. Paul stated a key to our influence, and it’s best seen in the marriage relationship. Philippians 2:3-4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Our presentation of marriage to the public may be most recognizable by the use of our body language, which often shows other people whether or not there’s genuine respect for each other, an appreciation for each other, or if they’re accepted or not.
The world is hungry for acceptance, and God designed a unit that is the closest representation of our relationship with Him built within the concept of marriage. Christ is the groom, the church is His bride (Ephesians 5:22-30, Revelations 19:7-8, Matthew 25:1-13, Hosea); therefore, we should love Him with everything we have. When we do that (which happens to be part of the greatest command – Matthew 22:37-39), then our spouse will have the appropriate foundation for love and acceptance. Women, as much as men, fall into the trap of being lured away into worldly desires “that plunge them into ruin and destruction... [And those who long for them] have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
A Godly display of marriage is vital to a healthy image of the church. Therefore, we must see to it that we treat our spouse in a godly way, which will help the non-believer see how wonderful Christian relationship are.
At the root, sexual sin is about acceptance, which is a very important reason these kinds of sins are so appealing. There are many people living in marriages where either spouse doesn’t really accept them; could this be the real issue?
In our ultra-materialistic world consumed with selfish ambition, its easy for anyone (male or female) to neglect those around them to pursue a narcissistic view of family, success, or fulfillment. And it's in that context where people aren’t willing to accept the faults, failures, or just differences of those associated with the image they hope to portray, even the closest person in their life – their spouse.
Probably seen best in 1 John 2:15-16, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world.”
Believe it or not, a person’s marriage speaks volumes about their faith. How well does he recognize the needs of his wife? How well does she recognize the needs of her husband? Even if those needs don’t even register on their own radar. Paul stated a key to our influence, and it’s best seen in the marriage relationship. Philippians 2:3-4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Our presentation of marriage to the public may be most recognizable by the use of our body language, which often shows other people whether or not there’s genuine respect for each other, an appreciation for each other, or if they’re accepted or not.
The world is hungry for acceptance, and God designed a unit that is the closest representation of our relationship with Him built within the concept of marriage. Christ is the groom, the church is His bride (Ephesians 5:22-30, Revelations 19:7-8, Matthew 25:1-13, Hosea); therefore, we should love Him with everything we have. When we do that (which happens to be part of the greatest command – Matthew 22:37-39), then our spouse will have the appropriate foundation for love and acceptance. Women, as much as men, fall into the trap of being lured away into worldly desires “that plunge them into ruin and destruction... [And those who long for them] have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
A Godly display of marriage is vital to a healthy image of the church. Therefore, we must see to it that we treat our spouse in a godly way, which will help the non-believer see how wonderful Christian relationship are.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
God's Power Over Our Fears!
During the Great Depression, twenty-five percent of workers couldn’t find a job. Drought had ruined crops and farms. When people couldn’t afford to maintain their homes and livelihoods, they became homeless. During this time, fears became reality. In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address, he said something that would become a famous reminder to all those facing fears: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Fear can be paralyzing, and our fears aren’t easily shaken from our mind. Whatever the source of fear, when we let it overpower us, it becomes a prison without walls. But this is where God comes in to change the way we face our fears.
Many times our failures keep us from trusting in God’s successes. He has told us multiple times not to fear, to trust Him, and not to worry. Ultimately, God has shown us that our fears can actually be the place where we see God deliver on His promises most vividly.
God told Paul in response to his request to have the thorn in his flesh removed, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Paul realized God had been there beside him throughout all the many trials he’d experienced (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). That helped Paul understand “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Nearly every story we read about in the Scriptures was in many ways a fearful event filled with uncertainties, dangers, death, rejection, etc. And yet it’s God’s presence in those tough times that become our biggest opportunity to share the good news with others going through trials.
Hebrews 2:14-15, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
We never want bad things to happen, but we know God has made eternal promises to help us get through them, and that’s news worth sharing!
Fear can be paralyzing, and our fears aren’t easily shaken from our mind. Whatever the source of fear, when we let it overpower us, it becomes a prison without walls. But this is where God comes in to change the way we face our fears.
Many times our failures keep us from trusting in God’s successes. He has told us multiple times not to fear, to trust Him, and not to worry. Ultimately, God has shown us that our fears can actually be the place where we see God deliver on His promises most vividly.
God told Paul in response to his request to have the thorn in his flesh removed, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Paul realized God had been there beside him throughout all the many trials he’d experienced (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). That helped Paul understand “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Nearly every story we read about in the Scriptures was in many ways a fearful event filled with uncertainties, dangers, death, rejection, etc. And yet it’s God’s presence in those tough times that become our biggest opportunity to share the good news with others going through trials.
Hebrews 2:14-15, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
We never want bad things to happen, but we know God has made eternal promises to help us get through them, and that’s news worth sharing!
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Glory Days
Have you ever heard the statement come from your grandparents, “Back in my day…”? For most of us, we enjoy reminiscing about our “glory days,” when we were in our prime, or when life was still new and uncharted for us. Something changes, though. At some point, we no longer tend to look at life with the same level of excitement and optimism.
Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:10-11, “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and profitable to those who see the sun.” The point is we have to recognize the opportunities of today, rather than the successes of yesterday. Learn from them (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:6) – but don’t dwell on them.
Throughout scripture we’re reminded to “keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart…” (Proverbs 6:20-22) Or other times, for example, in Proverbs 1:8, 3:1, 4:2; not to mention the instructions in Deuteronomy, Joshua, many of the prophets, and of course the New Testament. We can learn a lot from the previous generation. And the previous generation can learn a lot, and be reminded of a lot, by listening to the younger generations. Our more experienced brothers and sisters can us inspire and motivate the younger believers. And, in turn, the younger believers can encourage and uplift the more experienced followers.
There is never a time we cease learning about the will of God. In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon reminds us that there is "...a time to weep, and a time to laugh… A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones… A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away… A time to keep silence, and a time to speak….” We have to evaluate our own role and determine when it’s the appropriate time to be the student rather than the teacher or be the teacher rather than the student. All of us have something to share that makes the body of Christ stronger and better equipped for service in His kingdom and for His glory.
Aim at making the statement from 3 John 4 true for you: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:10-11, “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and profitable to those who see the sun.” The point is we have to recognize the opportunities of today, rather than the successes of yesterday. Learn from them (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:6) – but don’t dwell on them.
Throughout scripture we’re reminded to “keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart…” (Proverbs 6:20-22) Or other times, for example, in Proverbs 1:8, 3:1, 4:2; not to mention the instructions in Deuteronomy, Joshua, many of the prophets, and of course the New Testament. We can learn a lot from the previous generation. And the previous generation can learn a lot, and be reminded of a lot, by listening to the younger generations. Our more experienced brothers and sisters can us inspire and motivate the younger believers. And, in turn, the younger believers can encourage and uplift the more experienced followers.
There is never a time we cease learning about the will of God. In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon reminds us that there is "...a time to weep, and a time to laugh… A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones… A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away… A time to keep silence, and a time to speak….” We have to evaluate our own role and determine when it’s the appropriate time to be the student rather than the teacher or be the teacher rather than the student. All of us have something to share that makes the body of Christ stronger and better equipped for service in His kingdom and for His glory.
Aim at making the statement from 3 John 4 true for you: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Heartfelt Faithfulness
Have you ever considered the significance of the word faithfulness? It’s definitely one of the key foundations to receiving God’s grace (Revelations 2:10, Matthew 24:13). It’s almost exclusively religious in our culture; used most often relating to worship or marriage. But what if God had a deeper meaning behind
the concept of faithfulness?
In the Hebrew culture, it is customary to recite the Shema, or a special prayer of commitment. It comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and Jesus used it to summarize the entire law and the prophets in Matthew 22:37-39. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Basically, we should long for God and have a deep desire for his closeness. But, like most cultures, we want these three words (heart, soul, mind) to signify totally different parts of our existence. While there is some significance that God would state three words that are used interchangeably throughout the Bible to refer to people, it can end up causing confusion if we try to make these three words only vaguely related.
Of these words, probably soul receives the most mystical explanation. In the English and Greek (and other places), the word soul refers to the immortal part of us to be released at death. But in the Hebrew, the word Nephesh (Soul) really means the throat, kind of referring to life; or the total person.
When the Israelites complained about not having the kinds of food they used to have in Egypt, they used that word, “but now our whole being (soul) is dried up” (Numbers 11:6). Probably more well-known would be Psalms 42, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul (life) for You…”
Faithfulness was never intended to describe an obligation, but instead its meant to describe our desire to want to stay committed, an understanding of what this relationship means to us which equates a longing to have it. This is why Abram was considered “righteous” (Genesis 15:6), because his life was thirsty for what God wanted to share with him. After all, he was willing to wait 25 years for a promised son, then he was willing to sacrifice him – all for this relationship with God, a promised blessing from the Creator.
The more we view faithfulness as a condition of our heart, rather than a successful accomplishment of certain actions, the more we begin to see why faithfulness is such a huge criteria for God welcoming us into His home. He wants us to want to be there, and our persistence, eagerness, and loyalty to Him shows it.
In part, the Good News, has shown us how to love - God’s way, which is perfect and good. Or as John says in 1 John 4:9-11, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
In the Hebrew culture, it is customary to recite the Shema, or a special prayer of commitment. It comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and Jesus used it to summarize the entire law and the prophets in Matthew 22:37-39. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Basically, we should long for God and have a deep desire for his closeness. But, like most cultures, we want these three words (heart, soul, mind) to signify totally different parts of our existence. While there is some significance that God would state three words that are used interchangeably throughout the Bible to refer to people, it can end up causing confusion if we try to make these three words only vaguely related.
Of these words, probably soul receives the most mystical explanation. In the English and Greek (and other places), the word soul refers to the immortal part of us to be released at death. But in the Hebrew, the word Nephesh (Soul) really means the throat, kind of referring to life; or the total person.
When the Israelites complained about not having the kinds of food they used to have in Egypt, they used that word, “but now our whole being (soul) is dried up” (Numbers 11:6). Probably more well-known would be Psalms 42, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul (life) for You…”
Faithfulness was never intended to describe an obligation, but instead its meant to describe our desire to want to stay committed, an understanding of what this relationship means to us which equates a longing to have it. This is why Abram was considered “righteous” (Genesis 15:6), because his life was thirsty for what God wanted to share with him. After all, he was willing to wait 25 years for a promised son, then he was willing to sacrifice him – all for this relationship with God, a promised blessing from the Creator.
The more we view faithfulness as a condition of our heart, rather than a successful accomplishment of certain actions, the more we begin to see why faithfulness is such a huge criteria for God welcoming us into His home. He wants us to want to be there, and our persistence, eagerness, and loyalty to Him shows it.
In part, the Good News, has shown us how to love - God’s way, which is perfect and good. Or as John says in 1 John 4:9-11, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Sunday, January 13, 2019
How Do You Define Hope?
How do you define Hope? It’s a word that points towards the future, a word that can almost mentally lighten our load just thinking about the good things to come. It’s also a word that is illustrated and spoken about many times throughout the Scriptures.
From instances where God demonstrated His power to rescue and His promises to save, to messages from prophets reminding people of God’s words they had ignored or forgotten, to books of poetry that beautifully depict the blessings of hope. All of these point to God’s promises to make our life better than it is now. Or as 1 Corinthians 2:1-9 says as Paul reminds us of the wonderful mysteries of God that have been revealed through Jesus Christ and his willingness to give up the now because he trusted the later – God’s reward for faithfulness. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
David was a man “after God’s own heart,” and there is probably no better place to see his trust in God’s provisions and blessings than in the Psalms. The Psalms are praises to God, expressions of the raw human feelings about God’s guidance. Therefore, we can benefit a lot from reflecting on the Psalms as fuel for our hope.
Psalms 32:1-2, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”
Psalms 33:18-19, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.”
Those encouragements from scripture have been a constant source of hope for those who study and meditate on them. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter shared this hope with a crowd that could have easily been labeled hopeless. After all, they had killed the Son of God. But instead, Peter offers hope. He says in Acts 2:25-28 (Psalms 16:8-11), “‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover, my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence.’”
It was a prophecy about Christ, but for those who will trust in Christ, we too share in that same hope of resurrection (Philippians 3:10). The Word, which became flesh, brought hope because we now have a way to see past our own sin and guilt and shame and can reflect on the good things to come. “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.” – John 14:6.
From instances where God demonstrated His power to rescue and His promises to save, to messages from prophets reminding people of God’s words they had ignored or forgotten, to books of poetry that beautifully depict the blessings of hope. All of these point to God’s promises to make our life better than it is now. Or as 1 Corinthians 2:1-9 says as Paul reminds us of the wonderful mysteries of God that have been revealed through Jesus Christ and his willingness to give up the now because he trusted the later – God’s reward for faithfulness. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
David was a man “after God’s own heart,” and there is probably no better place to see his trust in God’s provisions and blessings than in the Psalms. The Psalms are praises to God, expressions of the raw human feelings about God’s guidance. Therefore, we can benefit a lot from reflecting on the Psalms as fuel for our hope.
Psalms 32:1-2, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”
Psalms 33:18-19, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.”
Those encouragements from scripture have been a constant source of hope for those who study and meditate on them. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter shared this hope with a crowd that could have easily been labeled hopeless. After all, they had killed the Son of God. But instead, Peter offers hope. He says in Acts 2:25-28 (Psalms 16:8-11), “‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover, my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence.’”
It was a prophecy about Christ, but for those who will trust in Christ, we too share in that same hope of resurrection (Philippians 3:10). The Word, which became flesh, brought hope because we now have a way to see past our own sin and guilt and shame and can reflect on the good things to come. “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.” – John 14:6.