tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7918199360090815732024-03-13T04:13:55.552-04:00A Heart to ServeFrom His Heart, To My Heart, To Your Heart.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-61102745250932148382014-08-11T12:48:00.002-04:002014-08-11T13:01:14.631-04:00What in the World is Going On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9DTW6ENrNGdB7sANfAwz8LPL6-I4At40JRPVEEhP8hdw6IDZccLCvx3lfQxHEyydZWhm8cKB1-i2U3MGSpbiNbDay-PJhiqy1s0lmJ_D2kykuOLHZ1sJZFvIIzLpR67kTDuG5Sma5p4/s1600/recent-world-events-to-impact-economy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9DTW6ENrNGdB7sANfAwz8LPL6-I4At40JRPVEEhP8hdw6IDZccLCvx3lfQxHEyydZWhm8cKB1-i2U3MGSpbiNbDay-PJhiqy1s0lmJ_D2kykuOLHZ1sJZFvIIzLpR67kTDuG5Sma5p4/s1600/recent-world-events-to-impact-economy.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
I don't consider myself to be an expert in eschatology by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, anyone who says they know the details of how the end times will unfold is most assuredly wrong. God has preserved an element of mystery while also providing enough detail for His people to be prepared. And so I look at what is happening in our world with great interest. As I do, I have so say that it seems as if (at a minimum) the stage is being set for our Savior's return. Let me give you a few reasons why I believe this is true.<br />
<ol>
<li><b>All Eyes on Israel</b> - Events in Israel continue to capture the headlines as the world increasingly criticizes the Jewish people in their defense against the terrorist attacks from Hamas. Multiple cease fires have been broken and each time Israel has been on the defensive from the barrage of rockets fired from Gaza behind their human shield of innocent women and children. And yet, the wave of antisemitism growing in our world is matched only by what was witnessed during the time Hitler's evil reign. It is right to pay attention to Israel because God is not yet finished with the covenant promise He made to His people. He will bless those who bless His people and He will curse those who curse them. In the end, it is the church who may be Israel's only friend. Keep your eyes on Israel.</li>
<li><b>An Alliance of Evil</b> - The growing alliance between Russian and Iran must not be ignored. This is a partnership that is unprecedented in history and yet the Bible promises it will be a major factor in the end times. The growing unrest in Ukraine and the atrocities of shooting down a commercial jet liner seem to hide behind the shadows. Despite the economic sanctions imposed by the west, Russia has been strengthened by an historic $20 billion oil deal with Iran to by pass the Western sanctions. Keep your eyes on this alliance.</li>
<li><b>Hidden Atrocities</b> - Also almost undetected is the bloody civil war in Syria that has left over 170,00 dead and millions of refugees fleeing for safety. The Islamic extremist group, know as ISIS, is sweeping through much of Iraq killing scores of Christians and other religious minorities. Their demands are simple, "Convert to Islam or Die!" Their brutal rampage includes the beheading of children, crucifying Christians and massacres of genocidal proportion. Keep your eyes on this growing evil.</li>
<li><b>Transition of Power</b> - In all this chaos, it has been to policy of the United States to keep their hands clean. Our passive approach to these world events was only slightly (and reluctantly) modified when President Obama recently gave permission to allow the US military to protect the interest of the United States in the southern region of Kurdistan if they had to. Our airstrikes seemed to have slowed the progression of the ISIS onslaught in the area but it's certainly not enough to remove the threat completely. The United States is equipping the Kurdish army, known as Peshmerga, to fight this battle on their own. This is of special interest from a biblical perspective because the ancestors of the Kurds are known in the Bible as the Medes. The Medes have a key role in destroying Babylon in the end times so keep your eye on Kurdistan.</li>
<li><b>The Silence of America</b> - One of the most nagging questions when considering the end time is the role of one of the most influential countries in the world, the United States of America. And yet, the Bible seems to be silent on the subject. It's as if we don't exist. And yet we are witnessing a time in history when America is increasingly losing respect and influence in foreign affairs. Our own economic crisis only compounds this problem. Perhaps we simply implode in an economic crisis that prevents us from making any meaningful impact in world events. No one knows, but keep your eyes on America.</li>
</ol>
Regardless of your agreement or difference of opinion on these matters, I hope we can all conclude, at the very least, that these events should cause us to pray. Brothers and sisters in Christ are being killed and persecuted and they should consistently occupy our minds and be the focus of our prayers. In addition, whether the Lord is returning in 3 months or in 3000 years, we should always stand ready for His arrival. The fields are white with harvest and until his return we are called to spread the good news of the Gospel as Ambassadors for Christ and Ministers of reconciliation. So be committed to your calling so that when Christ does return, He will find you faithful. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-60224479539964635612014-07-21T15:04:00.000-04:002014-07-21T15:04:53.601-04:00The Endurance of a Nation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu88aSqEGMGnFgQEJg-2n9x45QAy3GChal-3_AKeQFi4UVL0pbUsD8002KMJV8nylE_nRzfNINzyZiUXHUquB-PhMccl2O0g4H4NSPpiKYC0f14bjZVeoZbc3Uvf3Pj1FVoManrvhJI1g/s1600/978-1-4143-3624-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu88aSqEGMGnFgQEJg-2n9x45QAy3GChal-3_AKeQFi4UVL0pbUsD8002KMJV8nylE_nRzfNINzyZiUXHUquB-PhMccl2O0g4H4NSPpiKYC0f14bjZVeoZbc3Uvf3Pj1FVoManrvhJI1g/s320/978-1-4143-3624-4.jpg" /></a></div>I recently finished a book by Joel Rosenberg entitled, The Auschwitz Escape. I purchased the audio version of this novel so that I could listen to during my morning jog. Like most of this authors other titles, this novel is a work of historical fiction. Which simply means that although the characters in the story are fictional, many of the events are historically true. This particular account follows the life of a Jewish boy who was caught in the turmoil of Adolph Hitler’s rise to power during WWII. The details of his experience in the Nazi death camp in Aushwitz was deeply moving. As I finished the book this week, I was wiping tears from my face as I jogged through my neighborhood streets. It was a moving reminder of the plight of the Jewish people during such a tragic time in our history. And yet, it is just one of the stories involving God’s people. They suffered during their slavery to Egypt and the oppression of the Roman Empire. Even as we speak, the nation of Israel wakes up to a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. The rhetoric of Muslim leaders around the world is a call to completely “eliminate the Zionist regime”. And yet God made a covenant promise that protects the enemies of Israel from ever accomplishing this threat. He will one day restore the nation of Israel under the rule of Jesus as their Messiah and King. Until that day, may we pray for the nation of Israel to see the hope of their salvation in their Messiah today.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-69709141218197693202014-07-14T16:06:00.000-04:002014-07-14T16:06:41.799-04:00The Beauty of God's Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3PbNrH-pjlTJLsSg_kNaIkXGQYnLDYrhnmuKJyYlumuMgVURlfPaNBJgHAgsKj0q9ENUrQX_jnxZdg3Vb-ji9rs-x0dGidKlziLiM3jYWRKZMY-Bw08SjImipoKkFhZmyApMHgVcNJw/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3PbNrH-pjlTJLsSg_kNaIkXGQYnLDYrhnmuKJyYlumuMgVURlfPaNBJgHAgsKj0q9ENUrQX_jnxZdg3Vb-ji9rs-x0dGidKlziLiM3jYWRKZMY-Bw08SjImipoKkFhZmyApMHgVcNJw/s320/rain.jpg" /></a></div>Let’s talk about rain… that’s something near and dear to us here in West Texas. And let’s go back to where the process begins - the ocean. This is the place where water that ultimately falls on our crops must begin its journey. This is where the sun causes the water in the ocean to evaporate… a process by which water stops being water for a while so that it can go up and not down. It rises as a vapor until it forms a cloud. And once in the sky, the clouds actually begin to remove all the salt from the ocean water, because saltwater on our crops would kill them. Once purified, these tiny droplets of water begin to form around microscopic particles of sand. This cloud of water then travels hundreds of miles carrying billions of pounds of water. In fact, one square inch of rain, which falls on one square mile of farmland, would be almost about 2 million gallons, or 1.6 billion lbs of water. So billions of pounds of water ascend from the earth, traveling hundreds of miles in the sky, and then it all falls back to the earth with a gentle tap of a rain drop… giving life to the fields, to the animals, and to us.
Now let’s turn from a rain drop to a tear drop. Tears are the lubrication system for the eyes. Inside each tear drop is a thin layer of oil that keeps water in your eye from evaporating. That’s important because tears give clarity to your vision… which is why you blink in order to see more clearly. And have you ever started crying when you cut onions? Do you know why? It’s because onions release a chemical that turns to sulfuric acid when it comes in contact with the eye. But those tears make that sulfuric acid harmless… and even though it stings, your tears are actually keeping you from going blind. In fact, each teardrop is filled with all kinds of antibacterial agents that fight infection in your eye every second of every day. Even tears that are released when you’re sad have a purpose. How many of you have actually felt better after a good cry when you’re sad? There’s a reason for that! The chemicals that accumulate in your body during times of stress are released in incredibly high concentration through your tears.
I give you these examples because I want you to see the deep complexity in the apparent simplicity of God’s design, because we are just scratching the surface. All we’re talking about is rain drops and tear drops. But even in them we see the miraculous beauty of God’s design guided by His infinite wisdom. You see, God understands how life is supposed to work because it was His idea to begin with. He wants us to live in the beauty of His design. And when we learn to walk in wisdom, guided by His Word and empowered by His Spirit, we experience more than we could ever ask or imagine. It is a profit that is greater than silver or gold and more precious than jewels. Nothing you desire could ever compare to the richness of who you are in Christ!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-88617489308903528662014-06-30T12:43:00.000-04:002014-06-30T12:43:12.583-04:00Celebrating Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO2sT3-um58albLTlo2epbbIE3vbRpHSVsjD-Q6n2doG39Is2Y-1BZi5UGKhcN4ZGALXjQobtT8DbCShPHfF9gqX_uFkS2tJhDbl-E_NT9hLY78knAaUH0SIKofloAV991CB60idQtCk/s1600/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO2sT3-um58albLTlo2epbbIE3vbRpHSVsjD-Q6n2doG39Is2Y-1BZi5UGKhcN4ZGALXjQobtT8DbCShPHfF9gqX_uFkS2tJhDbl-E_NT9hLY78knAaUH0SIKofloAV991CB60idQtCk/s320/freedom.jpg" /></a></div>
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence declaring America’s independence from Britain. It’s one of my favorite holidays because it is often filled with many of my favorite things: cookouts, family, friends and fireworks! It is a great celebration as we enjoy the freedom we have in our country that many in our world will never know. But actually, at Melonie Park Church, we began this celebration of freedom a week early... but in a different way. We celebrated the testimonies of changed lives through baptism. People spoke of the new freedom they found through faith in Jesus Christ. A freedom from the penalty of sin and the hope of a new life in Christ. I love the way Eugene Peterson portrays the picture baptism in The Message. He says, <blockquote>“That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace = a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism in the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of is raised into a light filled world by our Father so that we can see where we are going in our new grace-sovereign country.”</blockquote> As we celebrated the freedom we have in our country, always remember that this world is not our home. We live in a new life in a new land where grace reigns through faith in Jesus Christ. May your life tell the story of His redemption every single day!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-50082416995677541592014-05-26T11:18:00.000-04:002014-05-26T11:18:19.824-04:00Telling Your Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOGjLx5U8wx7p83VBrNH01xP6KCcsBKu8yWoDXF3lq1oXCqrRgAMdXCHd0U02CSNHcug77znXjH3JiaXDQK-D5RW09gHwBb2obdoWw_-103k2UjY4M0yqHH_b7TvD0LDyuRWRAO0ygBQ/s1600/memorial-day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOGjLx5U8wx7p83VBrNH01xP6KCcsBKu8yWoDXF3lq1oXCqrRgAMdXCHd0U02CSNHcug77znXjH3JiaXDQK-D5RW09gHwBb2obdoWw_-103k2UjY4M0yqHH_b7TvD0LDyuRWRAO0ygBQ/s320/memorial-day1.jpg" /></a></div>Memorials are an important part of God’s story in our lives and the Bible is filled with examples. God often uses these memorials to create a conversation that He expects to be passed down from one generation to the next. And this was particularly important for the ancient cultures who depended on their oral tradition as a primary means of communication. In fact, much of what they knew about God was based on the stories the children heard from their parents and relatives in their own social community. This is hard for us to appreciate in the digital age because we often don’t need other people to gain information. For example, if you want to know about a subject, all you have to do is “Google it”. As a result, we don’t often share our personal stories of how God is at work in our lives. In fact, I read a recent study that revealed 40% of church going Christian homes either rarely or never discussed spiritual matters as a family. It is the absence of these stories that can make God into a subject I might learn about instead of a person I get to know. That’s why I want to encourage the body of Christ to be committed to telling their story. We need to raise up the next generation of Christian disciples by teaching them how they might know the living God in a real and personal way as we have come to know Him ourselves. Take some time on this Memorial Day to consider how you might continue the tradition of men and women who have been faithful to tell their story.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-3416589992200751402014-05-08T15:17:00.001-04:002014-05-08T15:17:25.723-04:00The Hope of Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFxzyXErsXUIcHz81JHyGwD5ZIGzzWWzJMbD59zTrvtsosRazocTzoO5bLD3-cBynE-l65nRZk_kR_slmKYae5UCYlUPPtLs1FS1AbPWS7lMGfB7QRXlV5SE79B-m6CmvDAYAK2UZ0ew/s1600/rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFxzyXErsXUIcHz81JHyGwD5ZIGzzWWzJMbD59zTrvtsosRazocTzoO5bLD3-cBynE-l65nRZk_kR_slmKYae5UCYlUPPtLs1FS1AbPWS7lMGfB7QRXlV5SE79B-m6CmvDAYAK2UZ0ew/s320/rose.jpg" /></a></div>Well, I went to visit my friend Lisa this weekend, just like I encouraged others to do. It’s easy for me to give out advice that I am unwilling to follow and so I took the time to go and visit my sweet friend in the Lord. Lisa was up in her chair and she grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. She went on to explain (as she always does) how good God has been to her and what she has learned from listening to sermons and devotionals that she engages with most every day. Lisa spoke these words over the hum of a ventilator machine that was helping her breath. But that machine was the only reminder that Lisa was in poor health because her spirit is alive and well. During our conversation, she brought up the Easter message and told me, “I heard what you said brother Todd. Jesus is our only hope. I believe that.” Well of course she does. Unlike you and I, she isn’t distracted by the success of a career and the allure of riches. She doesn’t have a family or a marriage that is a security for her. Her health is failing and the promise of healing gives her no hope. Instead, she looks beyond this life and understands that the promise of hope is yet to come. Hope is <i>not </i>an emotion… hope is a person. About that time, I look over at her roommate Rose. Rose is paralyzed from the neck down and I have never seen her in any other position than lying motionless on her back. Mentally, she appears to be a bright person but a stroke has robbed her of her ability to speak. Although she can mouth the words, she cannot make the sounds. I try hard to understand what she says and so when I saw her trying to tell me something, I went up close to her face and watched her lips as she said, “I have that hope too.” Wow! What a humbling reminder. “If we are to hope in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” (1Cor 15:19) I can only pray that I can have the hope of Rose in both sickness and in health. A hope not limited to my present reality but in the promise of things that are yet to come. Hope is not an emotion... hope is a person. And that person is Jesus Christ. Thank you for the reminder Rose!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-33731844215598828412014-04-15T10:10:00.000-04:002014-04-15T10:10:33.401-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYcNrFsm1FYcfWlAJFPd-lxKfpFFMX8YxK5wOekMGiy-64LOwoyvpmh3PX_KX6sOohfnJsZCoxZlyMqp3MCWVQLZcz5WsG2l8MsHnp4wK_IQUYStHl0KUom0FzLDlGtP4-NGo5U565To/s1600/1-donkey-300x206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYcNrFsm1FYcfWlAJFPd-lxKfpFFMX8YxK5wOekMGiy-64LOwoyvpmh3PX_KX6sOohfnJsZCoxZlyMqp3MCWVQLZcz5WsG2l8MsHnp4wK_IQUYStHl0KUom0FzLDlGtP4-NGo5U565To/s320/1-donkey-300x206.jpg" /></a></div>Sunday was Palm Sunday. The day the crowds were ready to crown Jesus as king. <i> "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest."</i> This is the day they had been waiting for... the day Israel would be set free from the oppression of Roman rule... the day the promised Messiah would deliver his people and establish His kingdom on earth. The air was filled with anticipation, and as the night grew dark, the excitement refused to sleep. The next day, Jesus walks into the temple and what He observes makes His stomach turn. The same people who were ready to make Him king were now in the temple preparing their hearts for worship. But instead of bringing their own animals, those that were without spot or blemish, they simply bought one from the merchants in the temple courts. Of course, they weren't as good as the animals they had at home, but it sure was more convenient. And in the end, it allowed them to fulfill their religious obligation without a great deal of personal cost.
Jesus looked at the compromise that filled the temple and he knew it reflected the hearts of those who wanted to crown him as king. They liked the idea of worshiping God on their terms. They preferred a religion that minimized sacrifice and maximized benefit. They were all for Jesus when He did what they wanted Him to do. But when He began to turn over the tables in the temple, they just stood and stared. They began to realize that this might actually cost them something.
It was a subtle but important shift. Those who were ready to crown Jesus as king began to wonder if this was such a good idea. After all, they like the idea of Jesus as one who would conquer their enemies and give them a comfortable life, but they were not as excited about the idea of Him ruling over their heart as well. They preferred the idea of a customized Messiah that came with minimal cost and maximal benefit... and we are not all that different.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-63869170566962713412014-03-24T11:16:00.000-04:002014-03-24T11:16:24.613-04:00I'm Discouraged<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI39B0nAp6wXUX9lNQENQDUzVU9YhjvuqmAoni9AYMhkKVIcBWX1XUfjAP-csdtfGhOzUDA7YeDTlYn_X_c2M5g9xwg-AI2T5pvVl5274x7xIStio4ugqUUyJ3bUVU0NNJ9CJZyWu2RA/s1600/piano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI39B0nAp6wXUX9lNQENQDUzVU9YhjvuqmAoni9AYMhkKVIcBWX1XUfjAP-csdtfGhOzUDA7YeDTlYn_X_c2M5g9xwg-AI2T5pvVl5274x7xIStio4ugqUUyJ3bUVU0NNJ9CJZyWu2RA/s320/piano.jpg" /></a></div>I have not written in recent weeks because I just didn't feel like I had anything worth saying. To be honest, I've been discouraged. I've seen the evidence of the enemy's attacks in what seems like every direction I turn. I've stood at the graveside of young parents who had to bury a child that didn't live long enough to see the light of day. I've looked into the eyes of a wife who has been abandoned by her husband... I've seen the same look of pain in the eyes of a husband whose love has been repeated rejected by his wife. Our church had an intruder who broke in and stole instruments and equipment used by those who help lead worship on Sunday mornings. People I've discipled have walked away from the church and the list goes on and on. And then I turn on the TV and listen to Carl Sagan's mentor speak of the spiritual connection he feels with science in knowing that all living things are connected in a great web of life that originated for the spontaneous evolution of a single life giving cell. I see a Russian tyrant have his way in the world because everyone else is too impotent or too apathetic to do anything about it. It's discouraging! It's discouraging because it's times like these that it "feels like" the enemy is winning. Like he's gaining ground and we are losing hope. Now, intellectually I know that's not true. I'm a pastor for goodness sake and so I know all the right answers. But I'm also a human being and sometimes it just "feels like" the prince of this world is advancing at a greater rate than the kingdom of God.
And then God spoke to my heart as I prepared another sermon in our study of Nehemiah. Here you have a remnant of Jews, who are in the midst of a spiritual revival, trying to take steps of faith as they re-build the wall their enemies have destroyed. They are good people trying to do a good work for God. And yet, what does the enemy do? He shows up to mock the Jews and their miserable conditions. He belittles the work they are doing and threatens to terminate their progress by taking their life. As a result, the workers begin to crumble under the pressure. "The strength of the workers is failing and there is too much work to do. We are convinced that we will never be able to finish the wall."
I look at those workers and I see myself. I too easily listen to the lies of the enemy and start to believe they are true. After most Sundays, I go through a mild to moderate depression as the enemy whispers in my ear, "Boy, that was a lot of work but I'm not sure anyone was listening. Did you notice that person nodding off? Is what you have to say really making a difference? The church sure had a lot of empty seats. Maybe your mission is failing."
The enemy knows where it hurts and that's where he attacks. Like we see in Nehemiah, his goal is to discourage you enough that you will lost hope and quit. He speaks lies into those areas in your life where you struggle and doubt. It's like a person who stands over a piano and sings a note. Without touching the piano at all, the string that matches the note that is sung will begin to resonate. In the same way, Satan will speak a lie that will resonate in the areas where you struggle. For me, he tells me that I'm failing. That what I am doing is not making a difference. And if I'm not careful, I begin to believe this is true. I start to lose hope. And so as Nehemiah taught the Jews, I go to the Lord in prayer. I speak honestly about what is on my heart and I let the truth of His word speak louder in my life than any lie of the enemy. I crawl under the shelter of my God and know that He has gone before me. This battle belongs to Him. His is the victor, and when I belong to Him, His victory is my reward. I am more than a conqueror in Christ who saved me and set me free. I am an ambassador for Christ, a minister of reconciliation, and I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. That truth of the gospel is what informs every aspect of my life. For what Christ accomplished on the cross has not only transformed my life but it has given me a new and everlasting hope. And the hope of God does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. I will take up the full armor of God so that I will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. I cling to this truth, because He alone is my rock and my salvation. In Him I will not be greatly shaken!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-38585119757181758722014-02-19T11:35:00.000-05:002014-02-19T11:35:38.348-05:00Every Member a Missionary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhj3BPYoTXlY4rVSlGA38QXQmeSGlsAHbHhPEhyphenhyphen7eFocgYKGgw3DPMAfhbPTfrKgvd9PirTH0Y_sgWWpjoPLZMXDar9Mrkjb7EnKd1_AtAx1kE9HMAFg4xeCWaUlJjgAITWeW4vH3EHc/s1600/Garden+of+Eden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhj3BPYoTXlY4rVSlGA38QXQmeSGlsAHbHhPEhyphenhyphen7eFocgYKGgw3DPMAfhbPTfrKgvd9PirTH0Y_sgWWpjoPLZMXDar9Mrkjb7EnKd1_AtAx1kE9HMAFg4xeCWaUlJjgAITWeW4vH3EHc/s400/Garden+of+Eden.jpg" /></a></div>It’s all part of God’s original design. Man and woman, created in the image of God. Instructed by God to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth as stewards of His creation. God designed mankind to live in fellowship with Him and in loving unity with one another. His original plan would accomplish God's goal of filling the earth with the goodness of His presence through the blessing of walking in fellowship with Him. But sin changed all that. Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan to doubt God’s provision. They were convinced to live outside of God’s design, and at that moment, everything changed. Instead of seeking to walk with God, they hid from Him. Instead of encouraging one another they blamed each other for their own mistakes. And this same corruption of sin now resides in the heart of every descendant born from the seed of Adam. As Paul explains to the Romans, “There is none righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks for God. All have turned aside.” Sin brings death by separating us from what we were created to enjoy from the beginning—fellowship with God and unity with one another. Only the cross can change our hopeless condition. It is Jesus who restores what sin has destroyed. Only through faith in Him can we live according to our original design. Which includes the great commission given at the beginning of creation. The cross redeems the mission of filling the earth with the goodness of God’s presence as His Spirit now indwells the heart of every believer. Every member in the body of Christ is called to be a missionary who declares God’s redeeming love to the world!
But don't overlook the power of sins deception. Our enemy continues to offer His distractions that lure us away from our original design. Like the good and pleasing apple, there is no outward sign of corruption. In fact, what we see in front of us is often good for us and our family. It can be a delight to the eyes with promises of so much good to be gained. But we must listen closely for the hint of a hiss in anything that draws us away from dependance on God or distracts from the call to be His light to the world. Just because its good, doesn't mean it's from God. He created you with a purpose and the cross has redeemed you to live according to your original design. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-31561272491353086122014-01-30T12:12:00.002-05:002014-01-30T12:17:41.760-05:00Celebrate God's Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkDSL0A5QghLl9wk_TtMajJKzqRmTWBKtIxJKrMQPX5mze2nlpqdCnFGb4OQS9bzWhWs5OfLI97OsW4f7ux0-vEj3AjmrKnXOytRWE5rP_X-Aex-ykbp_zBczOGMp18fzMLEJBO44ZHc/s1600/grace_group-600x400.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkDSL0A5QghLl9wk_TtMajJKzqRmTWBKtIxJKrMQPX5mze2nlpqdCnFGb4OQS9bzWhWs5OfLI97OsW4f7ux0-vEj3AjmrKnXOytRWE5rP_X-Aex-ykbp_zBczOGMp18fzMLEJBO44ZHc/s320/grace_group-600x400.png" /></a></div>
The book of Nehemiah records an occasion when Ezra the priest stood before the people and read the Book of the Law. In hearing the words of the Lord, the people <i>"bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground." (Neh 8:6)</i> This is a response of a people who have been in captivity for 70 years. A people who have not heard God's Word, and for the most part, have not lived according to its truth. Their only right response is to worship the One they have all but forgotten. The passage goes on to explain how certain men were appointed to take what had been read and then go to the people to teach them what it means. Once again, <i>"they read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading." (Neh 8:8)</i> After doing this, the people have a completely different response. It says, <i>"the people wept as they heard the words of the Law." (Neh 8:9) </i> So why such a dramatically different response? First it was worship and then it was weeping. I think what we see is often reflected in our own life as well. We go through the routine of religious observance and find ourselves worshiping a God who is very far off. We stand before Him and exalt the holiness of His name but we don't always understand how what He says applies to our life. His truth becomes personal only when we draw near to the Lord and listen to what He says to our heart. A place where His holiness comes close enough to reveal our sin. This is where our worship turns to weeping because we are undone. Like Isaiah we proclaim, "I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips". But God's grace does not allow us to remain in this place. Ezra and Nehemiah know this to be true and so this is what they say to the people: <b><i><blockquote>"Go your way. Eat the fat and drink the sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to the Lord. And do not be grieved for the joy of the Lord is your strength."</blockquote></i></b>
They tell them to put aside their weeping and throw a party instead. Why? Because the grace of God is worth celebrating. We are to be strengthened by the joy of the Lord who's delight is in our redemption. He wants us to see our sin in the light of His forgiveness and grace. Because without drawing near, we continue to carry the burden of sin along with us. But God wants to set us free and give us a reason to celebrate.
<b><i>Lord, I want to draw near to you so that your Word becomes personal in my life. I want you to search me O God and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in your everlasting way. Set me free in the joy of your forgiveness and grace to the praise and glory of your great Name! Teach me to celebrate your grace.</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-88284428040893164842014-01-27T18:01:00.002-05:002014-01-27T18:01:52.115-05:00Rejoice in Suffering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ76xMItE1FvHyZZ-gSaHkJjAgzf5u4bU_mJ6ISPQ0Mr7GYruYN7yC7GV3fl3_ERqju9CPLEzY8DGafkSL_dpsDBW-Y-7AWi_v6XHxHaIJCS7mInQrNvrsf4wAKx8VMQQtXUNjXZYxzk/s1600/benefits_of_suffering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ76xMItE1FvHyZZ-gSaHkJjAgzf5u4bU_mJ6ISPQ0Mr7GYruYN7yC7GV3fl3_ERqju9CPLEzY8DGafkSL_dpsDBW-Y-7AWi_v6XHxHaIJCS7mInQrNvrsf4wAKx8VMQQtXUNjXZYxzk/s320/benefits_of_suffering.jpg" /></a></div>I'll admit, I don't get it. It's counterintuitive. This whole idea of rejoicing in times of suffering is difficult to grasp. I read the account of the apostles preaching in Jerusalem as "more than ever believers were being added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women." This turn of events and the attention being given to the saving message of the gospel was unacceptable to the religious leaders. So they took the apostles and threw them in jail. Only for them to be miraculously released to go right back to the temple in order to pick up where they left off last. Once again they were captured and brought before the religious council who forbid them to continue any more teaching in Jesus name. Peter, speaking on behalf of the others said, "We must obey God rather than men." In other words, you can forbid us if you want to but we will only do what the Lord has called us to do. In order for the religious leaders to put some teeth into their demands, they punished the apostles with a beating before sending them out. And the amazing thing is, as they walk away, skin bleeding and body bruised, the scripture says, <i><b><blockquote>"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." (Acts 5:41) </blockquote> </b></i>
As you read closely, you'll find that the apostles didn't rejoice in their beating. They didn't enjoy their physical suffering in a kind of sadistic euphoria. They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer <i>dishonor</i> for the name of Christ. They realized that the lashing they received was they same that was given to their Savior. After all, they (like Jesus) were not being punished for a crime. These religious leaders didn't have a problem with the apostles per se. They had a problem with their message. And so, in the end, they rejoiced because they knew that the message they were preaching was being heard. For many who were seeking a Savior, it was the good news of salvation. But for those who were doing just fine on their own, it was an irritable inconvenience to their preferred way of life. But in either case, it was confirmation for the apostles that the good news of salvation in Christ was heard and understood by all.
<i>Lord, I too desire to be in a place where I might rejoice when suffering dishonor for Your name. Where my life is so centered around your gospel that my reaction to circumstances is not judged by the presence or absence of pain, but instead, on the understanding of the message I am called to proclaim. I realize that some with respond with great joy, while others will lash out with hatred. But may I realize that the reaction, in both situations, is not based on me and what I have done. It is a response to your truth which is salvation to some and foolishness to others. In whatever I do (or not do), may it be for the glory of your name. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-41774020792971265882014-01-20T12:48:00.002-05:002014-01-21T18:02:03.074-05:00Practicing What You Preach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uoUb4Js7bRmrwdyzDBQrVDLUiKoutqqJhiWjj_rIjQojqFjgBsV5lkfqzyfm4pEE46iEMxffliW_E8h2irEqOlYfRLgKGXWZhkyCRNLsq0xfi0SpARueWcXYDtvWFWrmktfGAyk1kLY/s1600/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uoUb4Js7bRmrwdyzDBQrVDLUiKoutqqJhiWjj_rIjQojqFjgBsV5lkfqzyfm4pEE46iEMxffliW_E8h2irEqOlYfRLgKGXWZhkyCRNLsq0xfi0SpARueWcXYDtvWFWrmktfGAyk1kLY/s320/bible.jpg" /></a></div>Ezra was leading a spiritual revival among the people of Israel. By an edict from the ruling King of Persia, Israel was being released from their slavery in Babylon and allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of God. But all along the way, they were being ridiculed and attacked by enemies who were not pleased to see them return to the land. A land now occupied by those who did not believe in the one true God. Ezra knew that they had been given permission by the highest authority in the land, but that didn't mean that the people were going to make it easy on them along the way. And Ezra had made it known that God would be their true refuge and strength. But now it was time for that testimony to be put to the test. Ezra would be transporting priceless articles for the temple some 500 miles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He would be walking right through enemy territory carrying silver and gold, bowls and vessels that were certain to draw the attention of those who would be more than willing to lighten their load. But Ezra had a dilemma: He had made a claim to the king that was sure to be tested. Here is what he said:
<i><b><blockquote>For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horseman to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him." Ezra 8:22</blockquote></b></i>
In other words, we've got to practice what we preach if we really believe it is true. Either we trust God to be faithful or we look for other means to help us along the way. What a dilemma for Ezra that is equally as relevant in our lives today. Here we are in the Bible Belt of America and we can recite verse after verse of things we claim to be true. But what is our response when God calls us to practice what we preach? Namely, those impossible situations in life that may seem foolish from the world's perspective (kind of like walking into enemy territory with a buffet of priceless artifacts). For example, do we trust God's ability to redeem the marriage of an unfaithful but repentant spouse? Do we sacrifice an advancement in our career to pursue a life in ministry? Are we willing to trust that God can comfort those we love who suffer from an incurable disease? In the end, is there anything in my life that is just too big for Him to handle that would require me to go my own way. Or do I truly believe that He is faithful to carry me through?
<b><i>Lord, help me to live a life that truly trusts in you. Give me strength in those moments when my faith is put to the test. When I am called to practice what I preach. No matter what I face, help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to live out my faith in both word and deed as I proclaim: "You alone are my Rock and my salvation; my stronghold, and in You I will not be greatly shaken." (Ps62:2) </i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-83740154568433486692014-01-09T11:49:00.000-05:002014-01-09T11:49:13.699-05:00Living a Jet Ski Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ma0GhLtsriM6cJFopgpjHejothyphenhyphen3lgehQquNhrIYeNB7OscJiREOKN2kI93MqfSAq5CQIZMsKuZqBXSzwbUOzZmLXHZRF2ZlsWB49fJo5HxL-9E-B1loPtYypdJ6urT8oP-c-d0tsZI/s1600/waterproof-speakers-for-jet-ski2-300x201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ma0GhLtsriM6cJFopgpjHejothyphenhyphen3lgehQquNhrIYeNB7OscJiREOKN2kI93MqfSAq5CQIZMsKuZqBXSzwbUOzZmLXHZRF2ZlsWB49fJo5HxL-9E-B1loPtYypdJ6urT8oP-c-d0tsZI/s320/waterproof-speakers-for-jet-ski2-300x201.jpg" /></a></div>Every year I take a week of silence and solitude to pray, plan and prepare for what I will be teaching in the coming year. God has been so faithful to allow this to be such a profitable time for both me and the work of ministry at Melonie Park Church where I serve. But now that I've done this for a few years, I have learned to anticipate some predictable challenges. For example, I know I will need to work through the weight of loneliness that I feel most acutely when I wake up that first morning and no one is around. Right alongside the loneliness is the deafening sound of silence. Clocks ticking. The refrigerator coming to life with a steady hum and then holding its breath in silence. I've learned to anticipate the sense of panic when I look at what I have set out to do and become instantly overwhelmed with the certainty that there is no possible way to get it all done. These things I've learned to expect, but this year I encountered something new. Each day I woke up and began my work of praying, reading and studying. I stopped briefly to eat on occasion and continued my work until late at night. On average, I probably spent about 15 hours a day trying diligently to maximize the benefit of this time. But as the week went on, I realized that I was like a starving child seeking to satisfy his hunger by gorging on food recently delivered by the Red Cross. It was as if my soul had become so emaciated from the absence of silence and reflection that I felt compelled to greedily devour every waking moment. I even had trouble stopping to sleep at night in fear that I didn't consume enough time and would soon be returning home to live on the rations of a fast paced, sound bite, twitter feed, pace of life. I realized my soul was starving for the nourishment that can only be gained when I stop long enough to be still... bowing low to cup my hands into the spring of Living Water, where God alone can satisfy my soul.
Stepping away has caused me to recognize the effect of living in our fast paced world. As media theorist Marshall McLuhan pointed out in the 1960s (yes, 50 years ago): <i><blockquote>"Media are not just passive channels of information. They supply the stuff of thought, but they also shape the process of thought. And what the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. My mind now expects to take in information the way the Net distributes it: in a swiftly moving stream of particles. Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski."</blockquote></i>
That's the world we live in. And perhaps there is a method behind the madness of our highly fragmented information age. Maybe, just maybe, our enemy is behind the schemes of this world and His desire is to keep us moving so fast that we never really stop long enough to feast on the richness of God's love. Oh, we might wave as we zip by on our Jet Ski, but we no longer stop long enough to have a meaningful conversation. We don't go to the quiet place of prayer and reflection to nourish the deepest part of our soul. I think our enemy may be keeping us occupied while he is starving us to death.
<i><b><i>Lord, forgive me for falling into the enemy's trap. I'm sorry for ever believing that anything in life could possibly be more important than finding my rest in You. Teach me to slow down. Help me step away and be still before You. To listen... to reflect... to pray. I need You to speak words of life into my soul. To nourish me with Your Word... To patiently and lovingly lead me in Your everlasting way. You have my attention. I want to be all Yours. I'm listening now.</i></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-77683262592482536452013-12-30T11:23:00.000-05:002013-12-30T11:23:40.089-05:00The Light of God's Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaG10ZRDfG9r6TyTHNIi9fcGTo1UhtE5QfRfLIlTtw5bwFioQ8tGf5LxTaMCh9Us-CjcL_nwxU-eO7KFsWalK6Y_9omDHrtSWkUV46UH3QVtEJq-3oCQF3ydgFOLTOqMHcf6dM7KbWpDY/s1600/sunlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaG10ZRDfG9r6TyTHNIi9fcGTo1UhtE5QfRfLIlTtw5bwFioQ8tGf5LxTaMCh9Us-CjcL_nwxU-eO7KFsWalK6Y_9omDHrtSWkUV46UH3QVtEJq-3oCQF3ydgFOLTOqMHcf6dM7KbWpDY/s320/sunlight.jpg" /></a></div>I have been reading a book by Mark Buchanan entitled, <i>The Rest of God</i>. It has been a very good book that has reminded me of the restorative value of practicing a "sabbath rhythm" in our life. A pattern of drawing near to God in the midst of the busyness of our life so that He might speak those words of peace that bring stillness in the midst of the storm. Here is what God has put on my heart and what I would share with you as if writing to a friend.
As I was reading this morning, I thought of you again. What I read was important for me to hear on a personal level and I pray that it would be valuable for you as well. The author makes the point that that we often define who we are based on our past. But he goes on to say that our future shapes who we are as much as our past, and maybe more. He spoke of a young woman who came to him one day who “had a desolate past, a blighted landscape of childhood neglect and sexual abuse, and stemming from this, the many broken pieces of her own bad choices.” I could relate to this pastor as he confessed his own inability to know how to guide this woman to a place of healing. He was speechless. And then God put this on his heart and it is something that is on my heart for you as well. He said:
<i><blockquote>“And then God slipped me an insight, timely as manna dropped from the sky. He showed me that her past was beyond repair, at least on my watch. If there was any good thing there to salvage, I knew not how. But in the same instant God showed me she still had a future. And it was vast, unbroken, pristine, radiant. It was a pure promise: a glory that would be revealed to her, a glory that far outweighed her “light and momentary troubles” now, the glory of the One who was coming to redeem her and transform her (2Cor 4:17). Her past was a tragedy to lament. But her future was an epic to anticipate. Which is to say: what <i>will </i>happen matters more than what <i>has </i>happened.”</blockquote></i>
I, nor this pastor who writes, would intend to minimize the past as if it doesn’t matter. And yet, we see how easy it is to become so paralyzed by our past that we cannot see any hope for our future. But we, as a Christians, have the unique ability to know ourselves, not based on our past, but instead in the light of God’s future. He is a God of redemption that brings “beauty from ashes” and “remembers our sins no more”. I pray that as you pray, and consider and seek counsel of where to go from here that you not lose sight of what God can do if He is allowed to work through our past to create a new future. As the author says in closing his thoughts:
<i><blockquote>“Apart from a compelling vision of things unseen, our lives shrink to things as they are or things as they were. Is the problem you face right now, the family issue or business fiasco or church quarrel or financial dilemma, really as large as you’ve made it out to be? Seen from the perspective of eternity, does it not scale down to more modest proportions? It’s the same with your past. It’s easy to let the hurts and slights of yesterday, like an unruly child coloring on the walls, mar all your days. What would happen if instead we let our future loose with a roller and paint can? What if we let God create something new?”</blockquote></i>
I pray that you trust Him to do this in your life as well. I love you very much... and God loves you so much more!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-37751893146805917852013-12-28T09:53:00.000-05:002013-12-28T09:55:15.777-05:00Where Do You Turn?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_UNgXUtgfn6A91dYrbX4V1Tq8BcGr9F9DMU8gc59yPgaQaVKLDMHhnsR3pQ-mLiaOWjChuKfvDpBx0mqmaPawB8SBckzVp-4HBaPOFg1_8_g9EsE4oyNdsAS3UXFmOwziPpHyiFYYOE/s1600/Hans_Holbein_d._J._-_The_Arrogance_of_Rehoboam_-_WGA11598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_UNgXUtgfn6A91dYrbX4V1Tq8BcGr9F9DMU8gc59yPgaQaVKLDMHhnsR3pQ-mLiaOWjChuKfvDpBx0mqmaPawB8SBckzVp-4HBaPOFg1_8_g9EsE4oyNdsAS3UXFmOwziPpHyiFYYOE/s320/Hans_Holbein_d._J._-_The_Arrogance_of_Rehoboam_-_WGA11598.jpg" /></a></div>
As I read through 2Chronicles, I continue to be impressed by the repeated theme of trusting in the Lord. All throughout the history of the kings of Judah and Israel, you find a variety of methods that men employed in leading their people. For example, when Solomon's son, Rehoboam, came into power, he consulted with the elders of the city regarding important decisions of his rule. What a great first step! And yet, when he didn't like the answer they gave, he turned to his peers to find a response more aligned with his own desires. He chose to forsake the wisdom of experience and depended instead on the arrogance of his own opinion. Compare this to his grandson, Asa, who began his reign depending not on the opinions of man but on the promises of God. We see this trusting heart in his prayer:
<i><b><blockquote>“Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” So the LORD routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.” (2 Chronicles 14:11–12, NASB95)</blockquote></b></i>
And yet, over time, even Asa increasingly fell into the trap of trusting in himself. He grew confident in the comfort of peace and power. And so when another opportunity to trust in the Lord came his way, he chose to rely on his own ingenuity in solving the problem. Instead of seeking God, he sought the support of an enemy. Asa looked to the security of worldly alliances instead of putting his trust in the Lord. Somewhere along the way, Asa determined that he could do just as well on His own.
<blockquote><i>
O Lord, please protect me from making the same mistake. May I always trust in you more than I trust myself. My I look to your Word instead of depending on the opinions of others. May I be content in your provision instead of building an alliance with the power of this world. May the story of the kings teach me to trust in you.</i></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-19705498333989279212013-12-19T14:56:00.000-05:002013-12-19T17:59:55.658-05:00It's What's In The Heart That Counts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZOwojEUGUXh1SdSmODMO61049CctxVtAkz3hv7J2_9NbkC0lntN5VaIAkwwDNhfYbz5D4deEg1VXy5c2k4YM5IMQye-5Y6HADcEaslg0W5P0xlgBbM7kDHgYQudeyFMeeRKfsyDnP2s/s1600/michelangelo_david_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZOwojEUGUXh1SdSmODMO61049CctxVtAkz3hv7J2_9NbkC0lntN5VaIAkwwDNhfYbz5D4deEg1VXy5c2k4YM5IMQye-5Y6HADcEaslg0W5P0xlgBbM7kDHgYQudeyFMeeRKfsyDnP2s/s320/michelangelo_david_head.jpg" /></a></div>Leaders have taken time to count their citizens all throughout history. The Romans took a census to determine taxation of its people. The American Constitution requires a census in order to ensure fair number of political representatives. But in scripture, when David took a census, it resulted in the judgment of God. 70,000 Israelites died as a result of his decision. The scripture even exposes Satan as the source behind this edict.
<blockquote><i><b>“Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.”” (1 Chronicles 21:1–2, ESV)</b></i></blockquote>
What's the big deal? David conducted a census of his people. Why is that so bad? It has happened many times before and many times since... so why is this situation unique? The answer may be found later in that same chapter when Joab fulfilled his commander's request.
<i><b><blockquote>“And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword.” (1 Chronicles 21:5, ESV)</blockquote></b></i>
David was counting for selfish reasons. After such great success on the battlefield, David wanted to number his fighting men in order to know just how strong he had become. But David should have know that the battle belongs to the Lord. He spoke of such conviction in one of his very own Psalms.
<i><b><blockquote>“Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:6–7, ESV)</blockquote></b></i>
But somewhere along the way, David let his faith get lazy. He began to attribute his success to himself. He listened to the whisper of the Evil One as he encouraged David to take pride in what he had done for the Lord.
But this was not about what David had done for the Lord... this is about what the Lord had done for David. The shepherd boy who stood before Goliath understood more of God's provision than did the man who had now become king. As David's son, Solomon, would one day write:
<i><b><blockquote>“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18, ESV)</blockquote></b></i>
How easy it is to get caught in the same trap. A trap where we pay more attention to our efforts than we do God's provision. More time charting our own course instead of learning to walk in God's will. It happens to all of us just like it happened to David. But somewhere along the line David learned his lesson. Late in his life, as he passed his rule over to his son, he took a census once again. But notice the difference.
<i><b><blockquote>“When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. David assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. The Levites, thirty years old and upward, were numbered, and the total was 38,000 men. “Twenty-four thousand of these,” David said, “shall have charge of the work in the house of the LORD, 6,000 shall be officers and judges, 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments that I have made for praise.”” (1 Chronicles 23:1–5, ESV)</blockquote></b></i>
The first time David counted, it was for pride... this time it is for praise. The first time David counted in order to bask in his own glory... and now he counts in order to give all the glory to God.
Like David, may we too learn to give praise our highest priority. May we be thankful in order to stay humble. Take some time this week to count your blessings. And when you're done, make sure you give God praise for all the good things He has done!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-43865331765097963982013-12-18T13:33:00.000-05:002013-12-18T13:33:47.715-05:00Let's Give It A Try<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvXZ98Op7JfDcxL9S_uYBN24a9Z4YHrTWPN4cwkR3oPpyQofxgXp_qmN9pRiFeljkF-3o4PHCKRgPLV2ducm73zg87Jltc5kDGr2zfo6513l2cM93XF5630Wl5-fVIvodTwDrSHcgeMo/s1600/journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvXZ98Op7JfDcxL9S_uYBN24a9Z4YHrTWPN4cwkR3oPpyQofxgXp_qmN9pRiFeljkF-3o4PHCKRgPLV2ducm73zg87Jltc5kDGr2zfo6513l2cM93XF5630Wl5-fVIvodTwDrSHcgeMo/s320/journal.jpg" /></a></div>
I had breakfast this morning with a long time friend. This is a kind of friend that you can see once a week or once a year and you can pick right up where you left off last. This friend also has the gift of encouragement. And when I say that, what I mean is that he speaks with such true sincerity and desire for your highest good. That's a gift! Well, this friend encouraged me to take more time to write. He knew that this was a passion for me and he also suggested that it just might be a blessing for others as well. Therefore, I just spent the last 2 hours trying to update and give my very old site a new look. It took me a long time because I have no idea what I am doing. (So for all the veterans out there, if you have suggestions, I'm all ears.)
But my intent in writing is simple. I simply desire to share the things that God has put on my heart in a way that it might be an encouragement to others. It is like my online journal - from His heart, to my heart, to yours.
I look forward to starting up again and I pray that it might be a blessing for you as well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-68708099766847193502011-04-26T11:34:00.001-04:002011-04-26T11:39:29.803-04:00An Unconvincing Resurrection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXc6ScBKxmpiobPVGPTb9PMHSIzLwTWj4O2XrMA9T_gg3HzjqnGy_yOdwLKVaGjV9aoPI5ayg6gFFGKodSvH6Y9WfbyYWL5G4sdFPevR4BqzEwilu7ETy2xQE_8r1LXQcz8HJuxqlg-s/s1600/easter-empty-tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="293" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXc6ScBKxmpiobPVGPTb9PMHSIzLwTWj4O2XrMA9T_gg3HzjqnGy_yOdwLKVaGjV9aoPI5ayg6gFFGKodSvH6Y9WfbyYWL5G4sdFPevR4BqzEwilu7ETy2xQE_8r1LXQcz8HJuxqlg-s/s400/easter-empty-tomb.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In my devotional time this week, I read the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This parable describes a dialogue between two men who have died. The rich man who lived a selfish life by ignoring the needs of others was now begging mercy from the poor man whom he had refused to serve. It is an interesting account, but what caught my eye was the very last statement made by Abraham.<br />
The rich man, seeing that his plight was permanent, requested that someone warn his brothers who were still living so that they would not make the same mistake resulting in the same eternal torment. He justified the request by saying, <blockquote>"if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent." (Luke 16:30)</blockquote>In response, Abraham said to the Rich Man, <blockquote>"If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:31)</blockquote>Having just celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this past Sunday, this passage gave me pause. I thought about our message of hope that we have in Jesus Christ because of His victory over sin and death. I considered all the people who come to church for this special occasion that may never enter the doors of a church outside of this holiday. As a pastor, I think about the responsibility I feel to communicate with utmost clarity the message of salvation through faith in Christ alone. Like Lazarus, I want to believe that if people understand what Jesus did on the cross and the miracle of His rising from the dead...surely they will repent and believe.<br />
But then I am reminded, if we don't acknowledge the message of truth that speaks to our need for a Savior, the resurrection itself has no direct impact on our life. In other words, if we don't recognize our need for a Redeemer, we can hear the story a thousand times and never be changed. The life and death of Jesus Christ only matters when it becomes personal - when we understand what we lose without Him and what we gain because of Him. <i><b>We simply don't see the miracle unless we need the miracle.</b></i><br />
I believe we often experience the greatest work of God in our life at our greatest point of need. We are lifted up only when we bow in worship. God is opposed to the proud but He gives grace to the humble. <br />
<blockquote>“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ” (Hebrews 4:16, NASB95)</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-74017065762542081842011-04-11T10:02:00.000-04:002011-04-11T10:02:14.564-04:00Prayer of PraiseO Lord God,<br />
Teach me to know grace precedes, accompanies and follows my salvation,<br />
that it sustains the redeemed soul,<br />
that not one link of its chain can ever break.<br />
<br />
From Calvary’s cross wave upon wave of grace reaches me,<br />
deals with my sin,<br />
washes me clean,<br />
renews my heart,<br />
draws out my affection,<br />
kindles a flame in my soul,<br />
consecrates my every thought, word, work, <br />
teaches me thy immeasurable love.<br />
<br />
How great are my privileges in Christ Jesus!<br />
<br />
Without Him I stand far off, a stranger, an outcast; in Him I draw near and touch his kingly scepter.<br />
Without him I dare not lift my guilty eyes; in him I gaze upon my Father-God and friend.<br />
Without him I hide my lips in trembling shame; in him I open my mouth in petition and praise.<br />
Without him all is wrath and consuming fire; in him all is love, and the repose of my soul.<br />
Without him is gaping hell below me, and eternal anguish; in him its gates are barred to me by his precious blood.<br />
Without him darkness spreads its horrors in front; in him an eternity of glory is my boundless horizon.<br />
Without him all within me is terror and dismay; in him every accusation is charmed into joy and peace. <br />
Without him all things external call for my condemnation; in him they minister to my comfort, and are to be enjoyed with thanksgiving.<br />
Praise be to thee for grace, and for the unspeakable gift of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Arthur Bennett, The Valley of VisionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-23095895212107729612011-03-28T14:55:00.000-04:002011-03-28T14:55:23.525-04:00Living Life Outside the Sweet Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLdpREqXRxK3ANHIAONoYzTz9ajpHBMYVs5OmjXwI9egltunfnfoMjjw3bPnAGKIyQkko0VIIA55QpfF5lsH95hmjehX6t_GVfPumOXjuTj3jYihNtOZCJ0vQeVDuuwwEHEkOE5DYx78/s1600/Topps+House+Games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLdpREqXRxK3ANHIAONoYzTz9ajpHBMYVs5OmjXwI9egltunfnfoMjjw3bPnAGKIyQkko0VIIA55QpfF5lsH95hmjehX6t_GVfPumOXjuTj3jYihNtOZCJ0vQeVDuuwwEHEkOE5DYx78/s400/Topps+House+Games.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My family and I had the privilege to spend a week in Mexico with our very own tour guide, translator and babysitter all in one person. Meredith Hardy is quite a girl and she sure made our trip extra special by being there. But the time with Meredith also gave me a chance to get to know her heart a little bit more. And what I saw was a heart for the world and a desire to follow God wherever He might lead her. She remained in Mexico, in part, to see if that is a place He just might want her to be.<br />
This was so refreshing and somewhat unique in the conversations I have had with people her age. More often, I see her peers looking for that “sweet spot” where God uniquely places them in a career that perfectly matches their passion so they go to work every day knowing they are doing exactly what God wants them to do. It usually includes a comfortable salary with familiar surroundings, a house, 2 kids...you know the rest of the story. Somehow, this “sweet spot” lifestyle is equated with being in the center of God’s will. <br />
But what if God calls you to do something outside of the “sweet spot”? Something outside the familiar surroundings, comfortable salary or even outside your driving passion. Are you willing to live outside of the “sweet spot” if that happens to be the center of God’s will? Meredith reminded me how important it is to follow God, trusting His passion more than our own, and seeking His will for our life as the only “sweet spot” we should desire.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-1133190468445378552011-03-23T11:51:00.001-04:002011-03-23T11:56:33.524-04:00Writing on the Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV6XOlSRxaOjKKzDsdr3bjCftEPKOYGqkbRvrtTEQN7HuKB7JtOYOeGRq3tzatF-Ni7cek5DjofG0JXbVarzPINeW2LKWk-XK09XsHfoe5qiDT3KKuI7JfUeqUWHQcKC0lXi3zIvMwQA/s1600/View+from+Church+Roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV6XOlSRxaOjKKzDsdr3bjCftEPKOYGqkbRvrtTEQN7HuKB7JtOYOeGRq3tzatF-Ni7cek5DjofG0JXbVarzPINeW2LKWk-XK09XsHfoe5qiDT3KKuI7JfUeqUWHQcKC0lXi3zIvMwQA/s400/View+from+Church+Roof.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This morning, I read from Deuteronomy 8 as Moses recounted God's loving discipline of His people in order that He might "humble them" and "test them" so that "He might know what was in their heart." (v2) All the while, God continued to care for the Israelites with food to eat and water to drink. Moses reminds his people that even "their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell." (v4) <br />
As a result, the nation prospers. They multiply in both number and wealth. And so Moses warns them: "Beware lest you say in your heart 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth'. You shall remember the Lord your God is the one who gave you this wealth. And if you forget the Lord and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the Lord makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God." (vv 17,20)<br />
Having just returned from Mexico City, I couldn't help but consider these verses in the context of this trip. I look at the decay of the Mexican culture - the governmental corruption, the sexual immorality, the drug induced violence and the oppressive economic disparity - and I see a culture that has not obeyed the voice of the Lord. But then I look at my own country and I wonder, "Is this the writing on the wall? Are we on a path that perishes as we follow the pattern of spiritual decay of nations that have gone before us? Will our outcome not be the same if we too proclaim, "My power and my might have gotten me this wealth."? <br />
Please understand that this is not a political commentary or the platitudes of someone who believes that America is a Christian nation. For I do not. Moses even warned the nation of Israel, "Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them (your enemies) out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to the possess the land,' but it is because of the wickedness of those nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you." (9:4)<br />
This is an issue of God's kingdom work and the call of His people to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. The call for Christians to stand firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. (Phil 1:27) <br />
I am not one to predict the coming of the Lord but one thing I do know because of the testimony of scripture - the day of His return has been set. Therefore, today is one day closer to that day! And as we look at all the events on the world scene, I can't help but see the birth pains of His imminent return.<br />
May we hear the words of Moses as if He speaks them anew to us today: “Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. You shall therefore love the LORD your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always." (Deuteronomy 10:14, 20–21, 11:1 ESV)<br />
As followers of Jesus Christ, may we be that people. Especially in times like these...and even more as the day draws near.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-81457578513858242422011-02-21T10:52:00.002-05:002011-02-21T10:52:56.946-05:00Life of Christ Devotional - John 21:15-25<blockquote>When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. ” (John 21:15–25, NIV) </blockquote>I find it interesting that God inspires John to end his gospel with this interaction between Jesus and Peter. Interesting, and I believe, purposeful. <br />
These are the last words that Jesus intends to have resonating in the heart of Peter for a very long time. And as we read them, they should resonate in our heart as well. For which one of us cannot relate to the pain that Peter feels? He walked with Christ. He confessed Him as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He witnessed His miracles and then in a moment of panic and despair, he denied that he ever knew Him.<br />
We do the same when we see our problems as too big for God to handle. When we know the right thing and choose to do the wrong thing. When we, like Peter, fail the Lord and flee from His presence. And it won’t happen just once - for we are prone to wander.<br />
But listen carefully to the words of Jesus. He speaks not with criticism, but with acceptance. Not with humiliation, but with love. He asks us to consider our response to Him in view of His great love for us. He doesn’t tell us to “try harder”, He calls us to find our identity in Him. Not our perfection, but His. <br />
This message of worth and value should resonate for a lifetime. God loves us not because of what we do (or don’t do) for Him. Our value is based on who we are in Him: Covered in grace, completely forgiven and deeply loved. Nothing we do, as a child of God, can diminish His sincere affection for us and it will not alter His promise of redemption and our glorious inheritance as God’s own possession.<br />
These are Jesus’ parting words that He intended for Peter to hold onto for a lifetime. As we read them, He intends the same in our life as well. You are not holding on to Him…He is holding on to you.<br />
To the praise of His glory!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-32657358460264305812011-02-14T09:38:00.003-05:002011-02-14T09:38:42.933-05:00Life of Christ Devotional - John 21:1-14<blockquote>“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (John 21:1–14, NIV)</blockquote>The last few days for the disciples have been a whirlwind. They walked into Jerusalem with Jesus in a triumphal entry. People lined the street and palm branches were laid at their feet as the jubilant crowd called out for Jesus to be their king. This was a glorious day and one the disciples had long anticipated. The Messiah has come and He will reign forevermore.<br />
But as soon as they crested the hill of rejoicing and entered the city of Jerusalem, they began a descent into a pit of despair. It began with treachery of Judas - a trusted friend and fellow disciple. His seed of deceit would being in a harvest of betrayal as the crowd who called out to have him crowned as a king now turned and demanded his crucifixion as a criminal. <br />
The disciples were lost in despair, Peter denied his association with Jesus and they all wondered what just happened as the One they believed to be their Savior now hung on a cross. His life had impacted so many but His death was not helpful to anyone…or was it.<br />
Three days after having kneeled at the cross, they now stood at an empty tomb. This was even more confusing to the disciples than the crucifixion. But then the resurrected Jesus appeared to them in the upper room and even Thomas was able to verify that Jesus would have the last word. He had risen from the grave trampling over death by death. <br />
But what now? There was silence in Jerusalem and the religious leaders walked proudly I the streets with a haughty smile. Peter couldn’t take it anymore and so he went to do what he knew best in hopes that he could get back to life as he once knew it. Something simple and predictable again. Fishing.<br />
He launched his boat onto the Sea of Galilee. He had not done this in the past 3 years but it all came back very naturally to him. Peter cast his nets, one after another, and pulled them into the boat. But like the emotion in his heart, they all came up empty.<br />
And then a voice called out from the shore with instructions for the fishermen in the boat. They did as the strange man suggested and the nets where filled with fish and their hearts overflowed with joy. The man on the shore was not a stranger…it was their Savior.<br />
He had not forgotten them after all. This was not the end of the story. In fact, as they sat and listened the risen Messiah, they would learn that it was only the beginning.<br />
We too reach those moments of despair, where life seems confusing and our expectations of our Savior don’t match our experience. We may even find solace in the routine – something simple and seemingly meaningless. And yet, that is where we find Him. Our nets are empty but He can make them full. Our life is aimless, but He gives us direction. Our circumstances seem desperate but His life gives us hope.<br />
Don’t just stand there! Jump out of the boat and go sit with your Savior. He is waiting for your fellowship and He is willing to feed your soul.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-60265838808281852592011-02-07T11:02:00.001-05:002011-02-07T11:02:54.312-05:00Life of Christ Devotional - John 20:19-31<blockquote>“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. ” (John 20:19–31, NIV) </blockquote>One thing to be sure, God knows the limitations of man. He understands our weaknesses and struggles. He recognizes our barriers to belief. And He has gone to great lengths, short of removing the necessity of faith, to give us every reason to believe. He appeared to the disciples, He gave Thomas hard physical evidence and He inspired the words of scripture for you and me. <br />
What you have in front of you was given to you with the stated purpose of writing these words so that <b>“you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name”.</b><br />
Now there is another reality not stated in this passage. As much as God would desire for you to believe, you also have an enemy whose goal is to prevent your understanding and experiencing this truth. <b>“Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1Pet 5:8) This adversary comes to “steal and kill and destroy”. (Jn 10:10) “He does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (Jn 8:44)</b><br />
This is the cosmic battle for your soul. God has given us truth and yet our adversary seeks to hide this truth with lies. But you need to know that no matter how hard he works, it is not possible for the devil to hide the glory of God. <b>“For the heavens declare the glory of God and the sky displays his handiwork. Day after day speaks out, night after night reveals His greatness.” (Ps 19:1-2) “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.” (Rom 1:20)</b><br />
So here is what this should tell us: The truth of God cannot be hidden! Even when our circumstances seem hopeless, the sunrise shouts the glory of God and demonstrates His faithfulness to all mankind. Even when everyone does what is right in his own eyes and selfishly determines that life can be lived without God, He still sends His Son to show us what we are missing. Satan is never allowed to get the upper hand. <b> “Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.” (1Jn 4:4)</b><br />
You are being pursued with a great affection. <b>“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” ( Jn 15:13)</b> . He understands our weaknesses and struggles. He recognizes our barriers to belief. And He has gone to great lengths, short of removing the necessity of faith, to give us every reason to believe. <br />
So look hard. Even in the deceit of Satan lies a kernel of truth. <b>“Know the truth and the truth with set you free.” (Jn 8:32) </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791819936009081573.post-67191201493158856312011-01-31T16:12:00.002-05:002011-01-31T16:12:24.502-05:00Life of Christ Devotional - John 20:1-18<blockquote><b>“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. ” (John 20:1–18, NIV) </b></blockquote>From the moment they laid Jesus in the cold stone cave, Mary Magdalene awaited the opportunity to fill the room with the fragrance of her love. It was a customary practice to place the spices on the body and the very least she could do for the one who had saved her life from the demons that had once plagued her. (Luke 8:2) She had to do something even though nothing she could do would accomplish what her heart ultimately longed for. This wasn’t about the spices…this was just one last opportunity for her to look upon the face of the one who loved her more deeply than any other. Jesus had saved her soul and she missed Him with all her heart.<br />
They placed Jesus in the tomb the day before the Sabbath. For Mary, the Sabbath became a day she thought would never end. She didn’t even wait for the sun to rise in the morning. She stepped into the darkness to make her way to the tomb, her heart growing with anticipation with every step she took. But when she arrived at the tomb, her steps were frozen with in a moment of unexplainable fear. Her heart pounded in her chest and ice cold blood coursed through her veins. The demons, who had once plagued her, now assumed their position and awaited the opportunity for hopelessness to open the door to her heart.<br />
She ran for the others as the enemy nipped at her heals. Tears dripped from her eyes, saliva dripped from their mouths. She alerted the disciples who arrived to find their worst fears confirmed. Jesus was gone. They left to find the others and now she was alone, once again, with darkness as her only companion. <br />
She had to see for herself. She looks into the empty tomb only to find the dark space filled with light. The brightness of the two angels filled the room and a ray of hope peaked into her soul. The demons stood silent as the deceit of their lies could not be spoken in the midst of God’s Truth. <br />
Mary recognizes a silhouette by the light of the divine beings. She assumes he is the gardener and the one most likely to have stolen her hope. But then He speaks and all He had to say was her name...”Mary.”<br />
It was the same voice who called her out of the demonic darkness of her past and unveiled a glorious light of salvation in her soul. The demons recognized it as well and now they were the ones scurrying away to herald the news of their doom. The light of Christ had restored her hope and Mary was once again protected by the power of the promise of God. <br />
Hope has risen from the grave and is alive in the hearts of His people. We are protected by His promises and the demons of deceit are made silent in the presence of His truth. Praise the Lord!!! He is alive for evermore!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942219108182406407noreply@blogger.com0