I just love reading the Psalms. You can tell real people with real anguish, real joy, real frustrations, real sin, real faith, real reverence wrote these. Many are attributed to David during the years he was fleeing Saul's wrath.
One of the things that struck me yesterday and today as I read Psalm 3 & 4 is the exclamation marks. David prayed with intensity. Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
David was like a drowning man screaming out for help. David says God, strike them; break their teeth. David also says he has joy in God and that he sleeps well because he is not afraid. But he always asks with strong language for God to intervene with strong action on his behalf.
Sometimes I think my prayers, and the prayers of many Christians, are too...what? Acquiescent? We often approach God as if we don't want to bother Him with our need. And we end by saying "Your will be done" when we probably should be more like David, crying aloud - HELP ME!!
I need a job! I need healing! My marriage is in trouble! My boss ridicules my faith! HELP ME!!
Reading the Psalms invigorates me. David was a man of action, worshiping a God of action. David EXPECTED God to be a God of action. I think my expectations of God are often too small and that's why I fail to cry aloud to the Lord and that may be why I don't see action when I need it.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Did God Do That?
Over the past several years, the world has experienced natural disasters again and again and again. I may be wrong but it seems to me the numbers and frequency are going up. Earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards.
There were terrible tornadoes last weekend all across the southern US with nearly 300 dead. As I watched the news reports I heard one woman say - it was God's will. And another, speaking of her survival, said lots of prayers went up and thank God He was listening.
I don't presume to be smart enough or theological enough to understand all the implications but I know these types of remarks always create a tension in me. I believe absolutely that God is sovereign over all the universe. I believe nothing happens without His knowledge.
Yet I also believe that Satan is the prince of this world. Defeated at the cross but not yet out of business. I believe creation is under the curse of sin, longing for the day when perfection will again be the rule.
So I guess the real question for me is what constitutes God's will and what constitutes God's permission and is there really a difference. I don't know why God doesn't intervene or why He allows all sorts of evil to run rampant. I guess it's really not MY business. I just need to believe that God is who He says He is and that His plan for this world and my life specifically are in good hands...and I don't mean an insurance company.
So I guess my conclusion is I'm not sure it even matters if I contemplate these things because true understanding may not come until after I am no longer part of this world.
There were terrible tornadoes last weekend all across the southern US with nearly 300 dead. As I watched the news reports I heard one woman say - it was God's will. And another, speaking of her survival, said lots of prayers went up and thank God He was listening.
I don't presume to be smart enough or theological enough to understand all the implications but I know these types of remarks always create a tension in me. I believe absolutely that God is sovereign over all the universe. I believe nothing happens without His knowledge.
Yet I also believe that Satan is the prince of this world. Defeated at the cross but not yet out of business. I believe creation is under the curse of sin, longing for the day when perfection will again be the rule.
So I guess the real question for me is what constitutes God's will and what constitutes God's permission and is there really a difference. I don't know why God doesn't intervene or why He allows all sorts of evil to run rampant. I guess it's really not MY business. I just need to believe that God is who He says He is and that His plan for this world and my life specifically are in good hands...and I don't mean an insurance company.
So I guess my conclusion is I'm not sure it even matters if I contemplate these things because true understanding may not come until after I am no longer part of this world.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Meditation
When I hear people talk about meditation, I think of those who practice Yoga or other Eastern religions. I've even heard people say one should clear the mind of all thought to reflect on your inner being.
In a sense I guess that is even what Christians should do to meditate. However, my inner being, because of my relationship with Jesus, is the Holy Spirit, part of the Trinity of the living God...Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So I could never clear my mind of all thought and I certainly wouldn't reflect on ME but on the living God, Creator of heaven and earth.
I started thinking about this as I read Psalm 1 today. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seats of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night." (vs 1-2)
As I was typing this I noticed the progression of the downfall of man who does not delight in the law of the Lord. First he seeks counsel from unbelievers, then he begins to go where the sinners go, then finally he is counted as one of the family of scoffers as he joins in their scoffing. But that is not what I had on my mind...
The blessed man, or woman, meditates on the law of God day and night. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am not under the law but under grace. However God, as my Father, expects me to live a life that brings glory and honor to His name. I can not do that on my own. Unless I know how to live such a life which comes from meditating on, not only the law, but the whole counsel of God found throughout the Bible I will fall way short of bringing glory and honor to God.
Reading God's word is not to be a cursory activity that I do to be obedient. But because God's word is alive and is truth, it has power. So thinking deeply, seriously, contemplatively (which is meditation) about what God says, changes my life by changing my thoughts, my desires, my purposes, my relationships - every aspect of who I am.
Day and night means constantly to me. Reading God's word and thinking about what it means is not just a Sunday thing to do. It should permeate my life so that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, I am doing it all for the glory of God.
In a sense I guess that is even what Christians should do to meditate. However, my inner being, because of my relationship with Jesus, is the Holy Spirit, part of the Trinity of the living God...Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So I could never clear my mind of all thought and I certainly wouldn't reflect on ME but on the living God, Creator of heaven and earth.
I started thinking about this as I read Psalm 1 today. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seats of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night." (vs 1-2)
As I was typing this I noticed the progression of the downfall of man who does not delight in the law of the Lord. First he seeks counsel from unbelievers, then he begins to go where the sinners go, then finally he is counted as one of the family of scoffers as he joins in their scoffing. But that is not what I had on my mind...
The blessed man, or woman, meditates on the law of God day and night. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am not under the law but under grace. However God, as my Father, expects me to live a life that brings glory and honor to His name. I can not do that on my own. Unless I know how to live such a life which comes from meditating on, not only the law, but the whole counsel of God found throughout the Bible I will fall way short of bringing glory and honor to God.
Reading God's word is not to be a cursory activity that I do to be obedient. But because God's word is alive and is truth, it has power. So thinking deeply, seriously, contemplatively (which is meditation) about what God says, changes my life by changing my thoughts, my desires, my purposes, my relationships - every aspect of who I am.
Day and night means constantly to me. Reading God's word and thinking about what it means is not just a Sunday thing to do. It should permeate my life so that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, I am doing it all for the glory of God.
Monday, April 25, 2011
One Changed Life
I speak a lot about the huge numbers of people and salvations NewSpring Church has. But it is not the mass of numbers that is important. It is one changed life. EACH person has the potential to make a difference in the lives of others.
The apostle Paul was one person who met Jesus and helped change the entire world as he planted churches all over Asia and the Middle East.
Billy Graham is one person who decided in 1934, as a teenager, to attend Mordecai Ham's revival meetings near his home and there committed his life to Christ.
Elisabeth Elliot is one person who chose to forgive those who murdered her husband and his friends in 1956 and helped change a whole tribe of people in South America from head-hunters to Christ followers.
My pastor, Perry Noble, is one person who believed God was calling him to plant a church in 1996 and 3 years later, NewSpring Church was begun in a living room with 15 people.
My friend, Sherry, is one person (and NewSpring member) who invited her favorite waitress to a holiday service last year and got to witness her give her heart to Jesus.
One life at a time, Jesus makes a difference in the lives of people who then make a difference in the lives of others. We don't know which, if any, of the 713 salvations will be the next Billy Graham or Perry Noble. More likely she will be the next Sherry who invites her friend to church so she, too, can meet Jesus.
The apostle Paul was one person who met Jesus and helped change the entire world as he planted churches all over Asia and the Middle East.
Billy Graham is one person who decided in 1934, as a teenager, to attend Mordecai Ham's revival meetings near his home and there committed his life to Christ.
Elisabeth Elliot is one person who chose to forgive those who murdered her husband and his friends in 1956 and helped change a whole tribe of people in South America from head-hunters to Christ followers.
My pastor, Perry Noble, is one person who believed God was calling him to plant a church in 1996 and 3 years later, NewSpring Church was begun in a living room with 15 people.
My friend, Sherry, is one person (and NewSpring member) who invited her favorite waitress to a holiday service last year and got to witness her give her heart to Jesus.
One life at a time, Jesus makes a difference in the lives of people who then make a difference in the lives of others. We don't know which, if any, of the 713 salvations will be the next Billy Graham or Perry Noble. More likely she will be the next Sherry who invites her friend to church so she, too, can meet Jesus.
More Easter Thoughts
I'm still trying to get my mind around all God did at NewSpring during Easter. NewSpring had 24,286 adults, 4,252 children and 731 salvations across 5 campuses.
And yes, we keep those statistics because every number is a person. NewSpring volunteers encountered every one of them in some way: parking their car, welcoming them to NewSpring, checking in their children for KidSpring, handing them a bulletin & pin, helping them find a seat, answering their questions, talking to them after their decision to accept Christ - 1000's of volunteers across five campuses served in 23 total services to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this weekend.
But I'll be one of the first to say, it's not NewSpring but Jesus that makes the difference. It's Jesus who draws people; it's Jesus who changes lives; it's Jesus who gives hope and life. But people must want to be in a place where they can hear the gospel and then hear it in a way that makes sense to them. Because NewSpring is an exciting place to be week after week, our people invite, invite, invite - their families, their neighbors, their co-workers, their favorite waitress, their hairdresser and people come.
Sometimes church people (not NewSpringers) question if the salvations we see are "real". Only God sees and knows the heart but as one who talks to those who have made decisions, I believe they are real. Just like the two guys from Texas I mentioned in my last post. People might wonder if they just got caught up in the moment and didn't really get converted. Well, those two came back to church in Columbia on Sunday morning because they knew Jesus had done something in their lives. Also heard that a policemen who works security at one of our campuses (Anderson maybe) gave his heart to Jesus. Jesus can work in anyone, any time, any way HE wants to.
I was reading in Habakkuk this morning. Habakkuk says where are You, God? There's so much evil and You don't seem to be doing anything. But God says, "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." Many do NOT believe that God is doing a great work at NewSpring or places like Elevation Church in the Charlotte, NC area (19,000 in attendance and over 2,200 decisions for Christ!) and other churches who faithfully proclaim the gospel, lifting up the name of Jesus. The evidence is in the lives that are changed!
And yes, we keep those statistics because every number is a person. NewSpring volunteers encountered every one of them in some way: parking their car, welcoming them to NewSpring, checking in their children for KidSpring, handing them a bulletin & pin, helping them find a seat, answering their questions, talking to them after their decision to accept Christ - 1000's of volunteers across five campuses served in 23 total services to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this weekend.
But I'll be one of the first to say, it's not NewSpring but Jesus that makes the difference. It's Jesus who draws people; it's Jesus who changes lives; it's Jesus who gives hope and life. But people must want to be in a place where they can hear the gospel and then hear it in a way that makes sense to them. Because NewSpring is an exciting place to be week after week, our people invite, invite, invite - their families, their neighbors, their co-workers, their favorite waitress, their hairdresser and people come.
Sometimes church people (not NewSpringers) question if the salvations we see are "real". Only God sees and knows the heart but as one who talks to those who have made decisions, I believe they are real. Just like the two guys from Texas I mentioned in my last post. People might wonder if they just got caught up in the moment and didn't really get converted. Well, those two came back to church in Columbia on Sunday morning because they knew Jesus had done something in their lives. Also heard that a policemen who works security at one of our campuses (Anderson maybe) gave his heart to Jesus. Jesus can work in anyone, any time, any way HE wants to.
I was reading in Habakkuk this morning. Habakkuk says where are You, God? There's so much evil and You don't seem to be doing anything. But God says, "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." Many do NOT believe that God is doing a great work at NewSpring or places like Elevation Church in the Charlotte, NC area (19,000 in attendance and over 2,200 decisions for Christ!) and other churches who faithfully proclaim the gospel, lifting up the name of Jesus. The evidence is in the lives that are changed!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
An Easter Story
A brief story from NewSpring Church, Columbia Campus...two guys came to church Friday night and got saved. That's not unusual at NewSpring BUT these guys saw a bunch of policemen and thought it was a police checkpoint. (The police were actually just directing traffic because of the crowds at the church.)
So these two guys wanted desperately to avoid a checkpoint and turned into the parking lot of a place they could tell people were going to something. They didn't know it was a church or church service. Then the NewSpring parkers parked their car, the greeters welcomed them, and they were invited into the church to have a seat. They sat on the back row but stayed for the entire service and heard Perry preach a powerful gospel message. At the end of the service he asked people to pray to receive Christ and then stand to their feet if they had done that. Both these guys stood up because Jesus was at work in their hearts.
And by the way, they are not even from Columbia; they never heard of NewSpring. In fact they are not even from South Carolina. These men were on the road from Texas. Praise God for His amazing grace!
Haven't heard a total number of salvations this Easter but through Friday there were over 100. Greenville had its first two services yesterday, Saturday, and more that 30 people gave their lives to Jesus.
I thank God for bringing me to this church and allowing me to be part of what He is doing through NewSpring in South Carolina and beyond through our web services. Now to head back to Greenville for 3 more services on this beautiful Easter Sunday morning. He's alive! Hallelujah! Amen!
So these two guys wanted desperately to avoid a checkpoint and turned into the parking lot of a place they could tell people were going to something. They didn't know it was a church or church service. Then the NewSpring parkers parked their car, the greeters welcomed them, and they were invited into the church to have a seat. They sat on the back row but stayed for the entire service and heard Perry preach a powerful gospel message. At the end of the service he asked people to pray to receive Christ and then stand to their feet if they had done that. Both these guys stood up because Jesus was at work in their hearts.
And by the way, they are not even from Columbia; they never heard of NewSpring. In fact they are not even from South Carolina. These men were on the road from Texas. Praise God for His amazing grace!
Haven't heard a total number of salvations this Easter but through Friday there were over 100. Greenville had its first two services yesterday, Saturday, and more that 30 people gave their lives to Jesus.
I thank God for bringing me to this church and allowing me to be part of what He is doing through NewSpring in South Carolina and beyond through our web services. Now to head back to Greenville for 3 more services on this beautiful Easter Sunday morning. He's alive! Hallelujah! Amen!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
My Body Longs for You
So I'm still pondering Psalm 63. I actually like it when God gets hold of me through His word and I read something over and over as I let Him really speak to me.
As I was thinking about "my body longs for you" all sorts of longings came to mind. There was a time in my life when my body longed for a cigarette or alcohol or any type of drug induced high. There have been times when my body longed for sex. There are times now when my body longs for chocolate or some other scrumptious food. Although those longings are physical there are also strong mental things going on to create those physical longings.
As I thought about those physical longings, that can even be called addictions, I began to think about being addicted to God. That sounds so weird but its really not. And not I'm a "better" Christian than you because I love God more. But an intense longing to be with Him. To talk to Him. To recognize Him actively at work in my life. An addiction that causes me to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; to go and make disciples; to love my neighbors and my enemies; to be holy; to have deep faith.
I fall short in so many areas of living up to God's standards (thank You, Jesus, for covering my sin) but because I don't always have that intense longing for God, I am the loser. God has so much more He wants to do through me and for me and in me and I bypass opportunities to encounter God in miraculous ways because I am lazy or selfish or just plain sinful.
Give me a longing, Lord, to know You more. To appropriate the power of Your Spirit within me. Give me an addiction that can only be satisfied by Your presence in my life.
As I was thinking about "my body longs for you" all sorts of longings came to mind. There was a time in my life when my body longed for a cigarette or alcohol or any type of drug induced high. There have been times when my body longed for sex. There are times now when my body longs for chocolate or some other scrumptious food. Although those longings are physical there are also strong mental things going on to create those physical longings.
As I thought about those physical longings, that can even be called addictions, I began to think about being addicted to God. That sounds so weird but its really not. And not I'm a "better" Christian than you because I love God more. But an intense longing to be with Him. To talk to Him. To recognize Him actively at work in my life. An addiction that causes me to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; to go and make disciples; to love my neighbors and my enemies; to be holy; to have deep faith.
I fall short in so many areas of living up to God's standards (thank You, Jesus, for covering my sin) but because I don't always have that intense longing for God, I am the loser. God has so much more He wants to do through me and for me and in me and I bypass opportunities to encounter God in miraculous ways because I am lazy or selfish or just plain sinful.
Give me a longing, Lord, to know You more. To appropriate the power of Your Spirit within me. Give me an addiction that can only be satisfied by Your presence in my life.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Jesus
As I've been thinking about Jesus this week, I thought about how hard it must be NOT to believe in Jesus. When you think about it, it's pretty obvious there is something very unusual about Him.
Jesus was a "regular" Jewish boy who grew up to be a carpenter who became a Rabbi or teacher. There is no record of him being educated in any special way but He taught with an authority the people had never heard.
He never traveled out of His home country and never further than He could walk in a day but His influence is world-wide.
He only lived 33 years and only 3 of those in public preaching and teaching. He never wrote a book but His words still change lives. After 2000 years His influence on the lives of His followers has not diminished. And He gets new followers every day!
At the time of Jesus, Roman crucifixions claimed 1000s of lives. Yet when a cross is seen today, no one thinks of Rome but of Jesus or at least of Christianity. The cross is not the symbol of death but of hope.
As Savior, He saves from the penalty of sin. As King, He saves from the power of sin. No one else can do that; no one else can even claim to do that.
Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, whose sole purpose for being born was to die for the sins of the world.
Jesus was a "regular" Jewish boy who grew up to be a carpenter who became a Rabbi or teacher. There is no record of him being educated in any special way but He taught with an authority the people had never heard.
He never traveled out of His home country and never further than He could walk in a day but His influence is world-wide.
He only lived 33 years and only 3 of those in public preaching and teaching. He never wrote a book but His words still change lives. After 2000 years His influence on the lives of His followers has not diminished. And He gets new followers every day!
At the time of Jesus, Roman crucifixions claimed 1000s of lives. Yet when a cross is seen today, no one thinks of Rome but of Jesus or at least of Christianity. The cross is not the symbol of death but of hope.
As Savior, He saves from the penalty of sin. As King, He saves from the power of sin. No one else can do that; no one else can even claim to do that.
Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, whose sole purpose for being born was to die for the sins of the world.
The Resurrection
I bought the book, The Case for the Resurrection by Lee Strobel, downloaded on my e-reader to read while I was on my recent cruise. However, I did not read it. Instead I read a funny murder mystery about a killer on a cruise ship. I thought that highly appropriate since I was on a cruise ship!
Today as I was coming home from some errands I happened to hear Lee Strobel on Focus on the Family as he talked about the indisputable evidence for the resurrection and for Jesus being the Son of God.
Lee was an atheist and his wife an agnostic. She was befriended by a Christian woman in their condo building in Chicago who talked openly with her about Jesus. Eventually his wife became a Christian and eventually he went to church with her. Bill Hybels preached a message that day called Basic Christianity which thoroughly intrigued Lee. As the legal editor for The Chicago Tribune, he was known for skepticism so he set out to investigate what he had heard. The end of the story is he became a believer and received Jesus Christ into his life and was radically changed.
This statement is what perked up my ears today: the truth or falsity of all world religions comes down to just one key issue - did Jesus, or did He not, return from the dead? Why this question? Because Jesus claimed to be divine and His resurrection proves He is divine. Lee's conclusion of course is yes, Jesus did return from the dead. He gave 4 areas that he examined to come to that conclusion:
1. execution - no on anywhere disputes that Jesus really lived and Jesus was really executed
2. early reports of the resurrection - legends (which Lee thought this was) usually take 100's of years to develop but the church already had a creed about the resurrection about 25 years after the fact that Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3. empty tomb - no one disputes this; even the religious leaders of Jesus day admit that the tomb is empty
4. eyewitnesses - people who saw, spoke to, touched, ate with Jesus after the resurrection; the Biblical account. Although there are sources apart from the Bible to support the death and resurrection of Jesus, the eyewitness are undeniable, especially since their reports brought trouble to them. No court of law would disallow eyewitnesses.
I believe in this truth or I could not claim Jesus as my Savior but I want to know how to talk to those who do not believe so I'm definitely gonna have to read the book.
Today as I was coming home from some errands I happened to hear Lee Strobel on Focus on the Family as he talked about the indisputable evidence for the resurrection and for Jesus being the Son of God.
Lee was an atheist and his wife an agnostic. She was befriended by a Christian woman in their condo building in Chicago who talked openly with her about Jesus. Eventually his wife became a Christian and eventually he went to church with her. Bill Hybels preached a message that day called Basic Christianity which thoroughly intrigued Lee. As the legal editor for The Chicago Tribune, he was known for skepticism so he set out to investigate what he had heard. The end of the story is he became a believer and received Jesus Christ into his life and was radically changed.
This statement is what perked up my ears today: the truth or falsity of all world religions comes down to just one key issue - did Jesus, or did He not, return from the dead? Why this question? Because Jesus claimed to be divine and His resurrection proves He is divine. Lee's conclusion of course is yes, Jesus did return from the dead. He gave 4 areas that he examined to come to that conclusion:
1. execution - no on anywhere disputes that Jesus really lived and Jesus was really executed
2. early reports of the resurrection - legends (which Lee thought this was) usually take 100's of years to develop but the church already had a creed about the resurrection about 25 years after the fact that Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3. empty tomb - no one disputes this; even the religious leaders of Jesus day admit that the tomb is empty
4. eyewitnesses - people who saw, spoke to, touched, ate with Jesus after the resurrection; the Biblical account. Although there are sources apart from the Bible to support the death and resurrection of Jesus, the eyewitness are undeniable, especially since their reports brought trouble to them. No court of law would disallow eyewitnesses.
I believe in this truth or I could not claim Jesus as my Savior but I want to know how to talk to those who do not believe so I'm definitely gonna have to read the book.
My Soul Thirsts for You
When I woke up this morning Psalm 63 was running through my thoughts. So I got up and read it and really couldn't get much beyond the first verse because I kept coming back to it.
"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
And I was troubled in my spirit. God IS my God but that is so easy to say. Even people who don't have any particular kind of faith or belief will spout "O my god" when they encounter something unexpected. (The little "g" is intentional because I don't believe they are speaking to my God - the Creator of heaven and earth and the Father of my Lord.)
But earnestly seeking, thirsting, longing for God...is that characteristic of my life? I wish it were true of every day of my life but it is not. I read my Bible, I pray, I read books and blogs by Christian authors but that may not be EARNESTLY seeking; that is not necessarily thirsting and longing for GOD.
Maybe I'm just seeking knowledge about God rather than God Himself. Maybe I'm looking for a good feeling. Maybe I want the satisfaction of doing the right thing.
Make me thirsty, Lord. Give me a longing for You. Help me to seek YOU as a person - my Father, my Savior, my Lord. O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You, my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Amen
"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
And I was troubled in my spirit. God IS my God but that is so easy to say. Even people who don't have any particular kind of faith or belief will spout "O my god" when they encounter something unexpected. (The little "g" is intentional because I don't believe they are speaking to my God - the Creator of heaven and earth and the Father of my Lord.)
But earnestly seeking, thirsting, longing for God...is that characteristic of my life? I wish it were true of every day of my life but it is not. I read my Bible, I pray, I read books and blogs by Christian authors but that may not be EARNESTLY seeking; that is not necessarily thirsting and longing for GOD.
Maybe I'm just seeking knowledge about God rather than God Himself. Maybe I'm looking for a good feeling. Maybe I want the satisfaction of doing the right thing.
Make me thirsty, Lord. Give me a longing for You. Help me to seek YOU as a person - my Father, my Savior, my Lord. O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You, my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Amen
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Holy Week
I've been thinking a lot about this week and the price God was willing to pay for my sins. I can't even come up with an appropriate word for how great, how magnificent, how precious God's love is for me.
When I read about the betrayal - the selling of Jesus' life for money - by one of His closest companions; the denial, not once but 3 times, by another; the anguished prayer - Is there any other way?; the obedience - not My will but Yours; the trial; the mockery; the beatings; the crown of thorns; the journey up the hill; the nails; the spear; the pain; the weight of the sins He bore - my God, my God why have You forsaken Me? - I am overwhelmed with grief that I was part of that. MY sin nailed Jesus to the cross. MY sin cost Him so much pain. He was dead - in the tomb - because of MY sin!
But then I remember He said no one takes my life, I give it willingly. He also said "It is finished." He completed the mission God had given Him. And that tomb - it is empty!! Praise God, Jesus is ALIVE! Because He is alive, I, too, am alive. I am no longer dead in my sin because my sin has been forgiven. I never have to fear the wrath of God because Jesus paid it all - all the penalty that I should have paid.
So how do I express how great that love is? The holy, sinless Son of God loves me so much that He would suffer ANYTHING so that His Father becomes my Father; so that my sins are covered by His righteousness and my relationship with God, broken by sin, is restored.
But the real question becomes - what do I do with that love? Am I willing to join in the sufferings of Christ so that others may also know His love and His forgiveness? Or am I going to sit silently in my contentment as most of the the world heads for Hell and an eternity separated from God? My response to those questions is my true expression of how great that love is.
When I read about the betrayal - the selling of Jesus' life for money - by one of His closest companions; the denial, not once but 3 times, by another; the anguished prayer - Is there any other way?; the obedience - not My will but Yours; the trial; the mockery; the beatings; the crown of thorns; the journey up the hill; the nails; the spear; the pain; the weight of the sins He bore - my God, my God why have You forsaken Me? - I am overwhelmed with grief that I was part of that. MY sin nailed Jesus to the cross. MY sin cost Him so much pain. He was dead - in the tomb - because of MY sin!
But then I remember He said no one takes my life, I give it willingly. He also said "It is finished." He completed the mission God had given Him. And that tomb - it is empty!! Praise God, Jesus is ALIVE! Because He is alive, I, too, am alive. I am no longer dead in my sin because my sin has been forgiven. I never have to fear the wrath of God because Jesus paid it all - all the penalty that I should have paid.
So how do I express how great that love is? The holy, sinless Son of God loves me so much that He would suffer ANYTHING so that His Father becomes my Father; so that my sins are covered by His righteousness and my relationship with God, broken by sin, is restored.
But the real question becomes - what do I do with that love? Am I willing to join in the sufferings of Christ so that others may also know His love and His forgiveness? Or am I going to sit silently in my contentment as most of the the world heads for Hell and an eternity separated from God? My response to those questions is my true expression of how great that love is.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Home Sweet Home
I've been home for a few days now but I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep. My roommate on the trip woke me up every night at least once and sometimes 2 or 3 times. She has bad dreams and becomes very vocal during her dreams shouting at the people who are trying to steal from her or hurt her. She's never been to a counselor to try to find out and/or deal with the "whys" of her dreams.
The weather on our trip was beautiful - no rain or rough seas, although it was pretty hot most afternoons. We had a great waiter in the main dining room who kept us laughing. He's headed home to Bali in mid-May and is really looking forward to seeing his family. We told him we might just show up on his doorstep.
One of the things I find most interesting about cruising is the great variety of nationalities on board the ship. Just in our dining room, 32 different nationalities were represented in the staff. Life aboard the ship for the workers is very hard. Their hours are long and the expectations are high but they make more money than they can make at home. The waiters work six months and get 2 months off then start another 6 months on a different ship. The higher ranking employees, like our maitre'd, are on the ship for 11 months before a break. Not nearly as glamorous a job as it might appear on the surface. I sure did appreciate all their hard work to make our trip a fun vacation.
And Rosie, my cat, survived the 5 days without me. So glad I didn't have to board her in a kennel while I was gone. I don't think she would have been as glad to see me if she hadn't been able to stay in her familiar surroundings while I was away.
Two couples in our group are retired and stay gone more than they stay home. I'm not there yet. I love to go away for awhile but I would much rather be here than anywhere else.
The weather on our trip was beautiful - no rain or rough seas, although it was pretty hot most afternoons. We had a great waiter in the main dining room who kept us laughing. He's headed home to Bali in mid-May and is really looking forward to seeing his family. We told him we might just show up on his doorstep.
One of the things I find most interesting about cruising is the great variety of nationalities on board the ship. Just in our dining room, 32 different nationalities were represented in the staff. Life aboard the ship for the workers is very hard. Their hours are long and the expectations are high but they make more money than they can make at home. The waiters work six months and get 2 months off then start another 6 months on a different ship. The higher ranking employees, like our maitre'd, are on the ship for 11 months before a break. Not nearly as glamorous a job as it might appear on the surface. I sure did appreciate all their hard work to make our trip a fun vacation.
And Rosie, my cat, survived the 5 days without me. So glad I didn't have to board her in a kennel while I was gone. I don't think she would have been as glad to see me if she hadn't been able to stay in her familiar surroundings while I was away.
Two couples in our group are retired and stay gone more than they stay home. I'm not there yet. I love to go away for awhile but I would much rather be here than anywhere else.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Vacation
I have gotten so far behind with my writing for the 21 day Bible reading plan I'm just gonna let the last four days go. I'm reading the passages but have just been too busy to write up my thoughts. And today I'm headed to the Bahamas for 5 days and will not even touch a computer except my e-reader.
I struggle with taking vacation that takes me away from church on Sunday because I miss my friends and the experience of gathering together as well as the teaching which always speaks to me in some profound way. It may be only a sentence but God always uses Perry, Clayton, Brad - whoever may be speaking - to awaken my heart to Him. The good thing for me, though, is I can catch the sermon when I get back home.
It will be good to spend time with friends I haven't seen in a couple of months as we cruise together and enjoy such a relaxed time with absolutely no agenda except finding a lounge chair by the pool.
I struggle with taking vacation that takes me away from church on Sunday because I miss my friends and the experience of gathering together as well as the teaching which always speaks to me in some profound way. It may be only a sentence but God always uses Perry, Clayton, Brad - whoever may be speaking - to awaken my heart to Him. The good thing for me, though, is I can catch the sermon when I get back home.
It will be good to spend time with friends I haven't seen in a couple of months as we cruise together and enjoy such a relaxed time with absolutely no agenda except finding a lounge chair by the pool.
Nate the Great!!
I am so excited to see God working in my grandson's life. When he gets in the car on Wednesday night after Fuse, he immediately starts telling me what the message was about. This past week he went on and on about how great his small group meeting was.
But what thrilled this grandma's heart more was as we talked, he remembered something from the sermon on Sunday and related it to what they were talking about in small group. I know adults that can't or don't do that - and he's only eleven. I thank God for opportunities to encourage his enthusiasm for the things of God and to pour truth into his life.
But what thrilled this grandma's heart more was as we talked, he remembered something from the sermon on Sunday and related it to what they were talking about in small group. I know adults that can't or don't do that - and he's only eleven. I thank God for opportunities to encourage his enthusiasm for the things of God and to pour truth into his life.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 17 - 21 Day Bible Reading Plan
John 17:
"I do not ask for these only, but for those who will believe in me because of their word" (v.20) Jesus has just been praying for His disciples and then He prays for me! How amazing is that? I am one who believed because of the words of His disciples as I have read them 2000 years after the fact.
He is praying for unity among his disciples but part of Jesus' prayer was "not that You [Father] take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one." How many times do we isolate and insulate ourselves from the world so we have no chance to talk to unbelievers about the life and salvation found only in Jesus? Why do we get angry when lost people act like lost people? How many times do we reject the world because they don't meet our standards? But how can they...they are lost!!
So what kind of legacy am I leaving behind? Who am I influencing that will know Christ because of my words and actions? How am I being salt and light in the world?
James 1:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (v.2) This is a hard one. I don't know anyone who actually welcomes trials and especially not with joy. But according to James we should because it perfects our faith.
In the days when this was written, the trials involved beatings and loss of property and arrest and even death. Twenty-first century trials in America may be of a totally different type. They may not even be trials at all but they still cause us anxiety - not joy. Do I think my paycheck is more important than speaking up against wrong practices at work; am I willing to lose my job? Am I willing to risk ridicule or loss of friendship by speaking to the non-believer next door about Jesus? Or what about believing friends who may have slipped into a wrong lifestyle? Will I love them and try to lead them back or will I shun them and gossip about them?
There's a car commercial on TV now about a guy who is ashamed because he owns the worst car in the cul-de-sac, not the wonderful car his neighbor owns. Am I willing to own the "worst" or oldest or cheapest car if it means having no debt, no matter what the neighbors may think? What about that 15 year old who gets pregnant? What if she's my granddaughter? Can I count it joy too speak truth into that situation?
Upholding Jesus, standing firm in Truth should guide all my choices, all my decisions no matter how difficult and I should count it all joy that Jesus gives me the opportunity to bring glory to Him.
"I do not ask for these only, but for those who will believe in me because of their word" (v.20) Jesus has just been praying for His disciples and then He prays for me! How amazing is that? I am one who believed because of the words of His disciples as I have read them 2000 years after the fact.
He is praying for unity among his disciples but part of Jesus' prayer was "not that You [Father] take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one." How many times do we isolate and insulate ourselves from the world so we have no chance to talk to unbelievers about the life and salvation found only in Jesus? Why do we get angry when lost people act like lost people? How many times do we reject the world because they don't meet our standards? But how can they...they are lost!!
So what kind of legacy am I leaving behind? Who am I influencing that will know Christ because of my words and actions? How am I being salt and light in the world?
James 1:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (v.2) This is a hard one. I don't know anyone who actually welcomes trials and especially not with joy. But according to James we should because it perfects our faith.
In the days when this was written, the trials involved beatings and loss of property and arrest and even death. Twenty-first century trials in America may be of a totally different type. They may not even be trials at all but they still cause us anxiety - not joy. Do I think my paycheck is more important than speaking up against wrong practices at work; am I willing to lose my job? Am I willing to risk ridicule or loss of friendship by speaking to the non-believer next door about Jesus? Or what about believing friends who may have slipped into a wrong lifestyle? Will I love them and try to lead them back or will I shun them and gossip about them?
There's a car commercial on TV now about a guy who is ashamed because he owns the worst car in the cul-de-sac, not the wonderful car his neighbor owns. Am I willing to own the "worst" or oldest or cheapest car if it means having no debt, no matter what the neighbors may think? What about that 15 year old who gets pregnant? What if she's my granddaughter? Can I count it joy too speak truth into that situation?
Upholding Jesus, standing firm in Truth should guide all my choices, all my decisions no matter how difficult and I should count it all joy that Jesus gives me the opportunity to bring glory to Him.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Day 16 - 21 Day Bible Readying Plan
John 16:
"Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." (v.2) "I have said these things to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (v.33) This chapter begins with Jesus telling His disciples they will face severe persecution and ends with Jesus saying but you're gonna be OK. Because of Me and what I am about to do, the death I am about to die, you can face anything.
Saul, before he met Jesus and became the apostle Paul, is a good example of verse 2 in action. In our world today, there are those who think killing anyone who doesn't believe as they do is offering service to God. Jesus says they do these things because they know neither Him nor the Father. (v.3)
I don't think I will face that kind of persecution but it made me start thinking about killing the spirit as I remembered how, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus went straight from murder to anger and calling people fools as all making one liable for judgment. And it was not just any anger but anger directed toward "your brother" which I understand to mean my fellow Christian.
Maybe I am angry by what I heard or read or just think it's foolish but I need to be careful in voicing that opinion. I am not in a position to say God's revelation to me, my way of thinking, is God's only revelation. If it doesn't involve one of the non-negotiables such as the virgin birth or Jesus is the only way for salvation because of His death and His resurrection (there are a few more) we can just agree to disagree. God doesn't need me to defend Him. If He can create everything out of nothing, I'm quite confident He can defend Himself better than I can.
Mark 16:
"But go, tell His disciples AND PETER that He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see Him just as He told you." (v.7) The emphasis here is mine because I just love this. Even though Peter was the first to proclaim, "You are the Christ" Peter spoke up on other occasions and either said the wrong thing or actually brought rebuke on himself from Jesus. And of course he ended up denying Jesus three times as Jesus said he would. Peter had professed his willingness to die with Jesus but he chickened out.
So Peter was devastated and Jesus knew it. Jesus always looks at our hearts. He always knows when we are repentant and He always draws near to us so that we can be assured He will never leave us or forsake us. Just as He called Peter by name, He calls me by name when I have gone astray. I don't pursue God, He is always pursing me.
"Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." (v.2) "I have said these things to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (v.33) This chapter begins with Jesus telling His disciples they will face severe persecution and ends with Jesus saying but you're gonna be OK. Because of Me and what I am about to do, the death I am about to die, you can face anything.
Saul, before he met Jesus and became the apostle Paul, is a good example of verse 2 in action. In our world today, there are those who think killing anyone who doesn't believe as they do is offering service to God. Jesus says they do these things because they know neither Him nor the Father. (v.3)
I don't think I will face that kind of persecution but it made me start thinking about killing the spirit as I remembered how, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus went straight from murder to anger and calling people fools as all making one liable for judgment. And it was not just any anger but anger directed toward "your brother" which I understand to mean my fellow Christian.
Maybe I am angry by what I heard or read or just think it's foolish but I need to be careful in voicing that opinion. I am not in a position to say God's revelation to me, my way of thinking, is God's only revelation. If it doesn't involve one of the non-negotiables such as the virgin birth or Jesus is the only way for salvation because of His death and His resurrection (there are a few more) we can just agree to disagree. God doesn't need me to defend Him. If He can create everything out of nothing, I'm quite confident He can defend Himself better than I can.
Mark 16:
"But go, tell His disciples AND PETER that He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see Him just as He told you." (v.7) The emphasis here is mine because I just love this. Even though Peter was the first to proclaim, "You are the Christ" Peter spoke up on other occasions and either said the wrong thing or actually brought rebuke on himself from Jesus. And of course he ended up denying Jesus three times as Jesus said he would. Peter had professed his willingness to die with Jesus but he chickened out.
So Peter was devastated and Jesus knew it. Jesus always looks at our hearts. He always knows when we are repentant and He always draws near to us so that we can be assured He will never leave us or forsake us. Just as He called Peter by name, He calls me by name when I have gone astray. I don't pursue God, He is always pursing me.
Jesus Is Not #1 in My Life
In his message yesterday as part of the Upgrade series at NewSpring Church, Clayton King said something that Perry has said before: Jesus doesn't want to be number one in my life. Clayton went on to say He wants to be the CENTER of my life so that my life revolves around Him.
I've been thinking about that since yesterday. Jesus is not part of some checklist where I put Him at the top so I can say, look Jesus, look everybody, Jesus is number one in my life:
1. Spend time with Jesus (read Bible, pray) - check
2. Do the laundry - check
3. Wash the car - check
4. Go to the grocery - check
My relationship with Jesus is just that, a relationship. Not an obligation to fulfill or something I do. It's a way of life, a partnership, a communication with each other - but always remembering that He is not my buddy (although He calls His disciples friends), He is King, He is Lord, He is God. Jesus is not number one in my life, He IS my life.
I've been thinking about that since yesterday. Jesus is not part of some checklist where I put Him at the top so I can say, look Jesus, look everybody, Jesus is number one in my life:
1. Spend time with Jesus (read Bible, pray) - check
2. Do the laundry - check
3. Wash the car - check
4. Go to the grocery - check
My relationship with Jesus is just that, a relationship. Not an obligation to fulfill or something I do. It's a way of life, a partnership, a communication with each other - but always remembering that He is not my buddy (although He calls His disciples friends), He is King, He is Lord, He is God. Jesus is not number one in my life, He IS my life.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Day 15 - 21 Day Bible Reading Plan
John 15:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (v.5) What does it mean to abide? It means to remain, continue, stay and doing those takes work on my part. It's not enough to read my Bible every now and then or go to church when I feel like it or have no other plans. And it's certainly not a Sunday morning ritual - where I go do the Jesus thing on Sunday and don't think about Him or His kingdom any more until next Sunday.
Of course some will say, I do all sorts of things that bring all sorts of good results but I probably don't do much "abiding". They would say my life is so busy I just don't have time for Jesus during the week. But Jesus said the time will come when many will say to Him, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name? And then [Jesus] will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.'" (Matthew 7:22-23)
My understanding of abiding in Christ is living life 24/7 in relationship with Jesus. Considering Him before I respond to a personal hurt or affront; considering Him before I spend my money; considering Him before I commit myself in a relationship; considering Him in what I watch or read; considering Him in how I use my time; considering Him in how I love people around me. Abiding means considering Jesus in all aspects of my life. Not in a legalistic sense but in a You are Lord of my life commitment. Then and only then will I bear much fruit that is acceptable to Jesus.
Mark 15:
"But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed." (v.5) Jesus has been brought before Pilate and all the Jews are telling this story and that to convince Pilate to execute Jesus. All Jesus has said has been agreement with Pilate that He is King of the Jews and so Jesus just stands there and Pilate is amazed. He had probably been used to people begging and pleading and saying whatever they needed to say in order to get a stay of execution. So when Jesus stood quietly, Pilate found it most unusual.
I can just imagine the quiet dignity of this man who allowed His enemies to spew their venom without any rebuttal or anger or malice. No twisting and struggling to try to break the bonds that held Him. No trying to run away. No begging for His life. And so Pilate capitulated to the demands of the Jews and Jesus was led away to be crucified.
Pilate was amazed at Jesus' silence, I am amazed that those in the middle of this conflict - Pilate, the Jewish elders, the soldiers - all thought they were in control of Jesus' fate that day. Little did they know that Jesus, the one who stood quietly before His accusers, was really the one in control. (John 10:17-18) By the way He lived and the way He died, "Truly, this man was the Son of God." (v.39)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (v.5) What does it mean to abide? It means to remain, continue, stay and doing those takes work on my part. It's not enough to read my Bible every now and then or go to church when I feel like it or have no other plans. And it's certainly not a Sunday morning ritual - where I go do the Jesus thing on Sunday and don't think about Him or His kingdom any more until next Sunday.
Of course some will say, I do all sorts of things that bring all sorts of good results but I probably don't do much "abiding". They would say my life is so busy I just don't have time for Jesus during the week. But Jesus said the time will come when many will say to Him, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name? And then [Jesus] will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.'" (Matthew 7:22-23)
My understanding of abiding in Christ is living life 24/7 in relationship with Jesus. Considering Him before I respond to a personal hurt or affront; considering Him before I spend my money; considering Him before I commit myself in a relationship; considering Him in what I watch or read; considering Him in how I use my time; considering Him in how I love people around me. Abiding means considering Jesus in all aspects of my life. Not in a legalistic sense but in a You are Lord of my life commitment. Then and only then will I bear much fruit that is acceptable to Jesus.
Mark 15:
"But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed." (v.5) Jesus has been brought before Pilate and all the Jews are telling this story and that to convince Pilate to execute Jesus. All Jesus has said has been agreement with Pilate that He is King of the Jews and so Jesus just stands there and Pilate is amazed. He had probably been used to people begging and pleading and saying whatever they needed to say in order to get a stay of execution. So when Jesus stood quietly, Pilate found it most unusual.
I can just imagine the quiet dignity of this man who allowed His enemies to spew their venom without any rebuttal or anger or malice. No twisting and struggling to try to break the bonds that held Him. No trying to run away. No begging for His life. And so Pilate capitulated to the demands of the Jews and Jesus was led away to be crucified.
Pilate was amazed at Jesus' silence, I am amazed that those in the middle of this conflict - Pilate, the Jewish elders, the soldiers - all thought they were in control of Jesus' fate that day. Little did they know that Jesus, the one who stood quietly before His accusers, was really the one in control. (John 10:17-18) By the way He lived and the way He died, "Truly, this man was the Son of God." (v.39)
Day 14 - 21 Day Bible Reading Plan
OK...so this is a day late; not late reading just late writing. Yesterday was crazy in this household but I wouldn't have it any other way.
John 14:
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. Whoever has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word" (v.15,21,23) When Jesus repeats something so many times in such a short space of time, I think I should take notice.
Some commandments are easy for me to keep - I don't murder, steal, commit adultery - or any those "big" sins. But do I love my enemies? Do I long for things when Jesus has clearly said nope? Do I respond promptly when He commands me to make changes in my life? When I left the church I had been in for 22 or so years, I had known for 2 years that God was asking me to leave. But I was content, serving in several capacities, had lots of friends...but I was disobedient. God's commandment was "Go!" My response was "No!" When I finally left, not knowing where I would end up, God allowed me to be part of something really amazing. I would have missed it, and lots of other God things that have happened, if I had continued to make my own decision about where I would go to church.
Keeping Jesus' commandments is more than running down the list of ten or picking out this verse or that verse and saying yep, I keep those. It is about a lifestyle of obedience in EVERY area of life.
Mark 14:
"And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.' And he broke down and wept." (v.72) When I sin against Jesus, I should always have the response Peter had...brokenness and sorrow.
Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him but His love for Peter never wavered. That should give me great confidence that Jesus will never turn away from me. He longs for His brothers and sisters to be in right relationship with God. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit is active in my life, not so I will feel condemned, but so I will feel loved and know that confession and repentance will bring me back to God and propel me forward to an even better relationship than before.
John 14:
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. Whoever has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word" (v.15,21,23) When Jesus repeats something so many times in such a short space of time, I think I should take notice.
Some commandments are easy for me to keep - I don't murder, steal, commit adultery - or any those "big" sins. But do I love my enemies? Do I long for things when Jesus has clearly said nope? Do I respond promptly when He commands me to make changes in my life? When I left the church I had been in for 22 or so years, I had known for 2 years that God was asking me to leave. But I was content, serving in several capacities, had lots of friends...but I was disobedient. God's commandment was "Go!" My response was "No!" When I finally left, not knowing where I would end up, God allowed me to be part of something really amazing. I would have missed it, and lots of other God things that have happened, if I had continued to make my own decision about where I would go to church.
Keeping Jesus' commandments is more than running down the list of ten or picking out this verse or that verse and saying yep, I keep those. It is about a lifestyle of obedience in EVERY area of life.
Mark 14:
"And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.' And he broke down and wept." (v.72) When I sin against Jesus, I should always have the response Peter had...brokenness and sorrow.
Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him but His love for Peter never wavered. That should give me great confidence that Jesus will never turn away from me. He longs for His brothers and sisters to be in right relationship with God. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit is active in my life, not so I will feel condemned, but so I will feel loved and know that confession and repentance will bring me back to God and propel me forward to an even better relationship than before.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Day 13 - 21 Day Bible Reading Plan
John 13:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (v.34-35)
Jesus gave this commandment to His disciples that they should love other disciples. This is not about loving those who don't yet follow Jesus. And Jesus did say this is a commandment so that means I need to strive to love those who are following Christ even if I disagree with them. That does not mean that I accept sin or heresy in the body of Christ but I do not find fault with someone who doesn't agree with me, especially on personal preference things, but also on interpretation of Scripture.
Public bickering is the worst and is not a good testimony of the love of Christ. Too often these disagreements are power struggles better suited for the boardrooms of corporate America than for God's house.
James MacDonald hosted a meeting yesterday called Elephant Room that my pastor participated in. The link to the summary post is here. Video will be available later but this was a discussion among pastors on various topics and they often disagreed but with grace and love. This is how the commandment to love one another should be lived out.
Mark 13:
"Therefore stay awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come..." (v.35) The disciples were marveling at the temple but Jesus said it would be destroyed. The disciples asked when and Jesus gave some signs of the times.
He told them specifically to be on guard because false christs and false prophets will come along to deceive people. How do I prevent being deceived? By knowing what God says and who Jesus Christ really is. How do I do that? By reading my Bible daily, sitting under biblical teaching, asking God for wisdom and discernment. If something is a blatant error it is easy to spot but when a touch of truth is mixed in, it can be hard for even the elect to recognize the deception.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (v.34-35)
Jesus gave this commandment to His disciples that they should love other disciples. This is not about loving those who don't yet follow Jesus. And Jesus did say this is a commandment so that means I need to strive to love those who are following Christ even if I disagree with them. That does not mean that I accept sin or heresy in the body of Christ but I do not find fault with someone who doesn't agree with me, especially on personal preference things, but also on interpretation of Scripture.
Public bickering is the worst and is not a good testimony of the love of Christ. Too often these disagreements are power struggles better suited for the boardrooms of corporate America than for God's house.
James MacDonald hosted a meeting yesterday called Elephant Room that my pastor participated in. The link to the summary post is here. Video will be available later but this was a discussion among pastors on various topics and they often disagreed but with grace and love. This is how the commandment to love one another should be lived out.
Mark 13:
"Therefore stay awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come..." (v.35) The disciples were marveling at the temple but Jesus said it would be destroyed. The disciples asked when and Jesus gave some signs of the times.
He told them specifically to be on guard because false christs and false prophets will come along to deceive people. How do I prevent being deceived? By knowing what God says and who Jesus Christ really is. How do I do that? By reading my Bible daily, sitting under biblical teaching, asking God for wisdom and discernment. If something is a blatant error it is easy to spot but when a touch of truth is mixed in, it can be hard for even the elect to recognize the deception.
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