As I read through the Psalms, there is a lot of talk about enemies...the enemies of David or the enemies of Israel. For a long time I would sort of skip over the part about enemies thinking I don't have any real enemies. Not any people telling lies about me or trying to destroy me or coming at me with spears.
But then one day something clicked (don't you like it when God reveals something new to ya!) and I thought I DO have an enemy who is in fact telling lies about me and trying to destroy me and sends flaming arrows my way. His name is Satan or the devil or the evil one.
God tells me that Satan is a liar and the accuser of Christ followers. He also tells me Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy. This evil one also slings flaming darts at me.
So now when I read the Psalms I don't skim or skip over all the "beat up the enemy" stuff. Unlike David or the Israelites who were waiting on God to rout their enemies, God has already done that for me. I can read these passages knowing that my God has rescued me. His strength is sufficient. I am not waiting for some future event because my rescue has already occurred. Now I say thank You, Jesus, that You have already fought these battles for me. You have already defeated my greatest enemy. I am already victorious and do not have to fear the enemy because he has NO power over me.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Nothing Changes
Christians as a group seem to be at a loss when they are confronted by the sins of mankind. I don't know why we should think lost people would act any "better" in this day and age than in times past. Without Jesus Christ taking up residence in a person's life, nothing changes from generation to generation.
Granted there was a time in my childhood when there did not seem to be as much violence or perversion but that doesn't necessarily means it wasn't there. We just didn't hear about it as much or as often. The sins of man were not plastered all over the newspapers and the TV. There was no "Inside Edition" or "TMZ" to broadcast - in real time and living color - the downfall of Hollywood celebrities; no "live, breaking news" to tell us of the abuse of a child; no internet to entice us with instant anything.
But the Bible confirms for us that people never really change. Paul, in his writings in the first century after Jesus' resurrection, speaks of homosexuals, drunkards, murders, adulterers, prostitutes and other sins (like the acceptable church sin of gossip). You can go all the way back to Abraham, more than 2000 years before Jesus. The story of his nephew Lot is full of the perversions of men - and women. So much so that God sent His angels to save Lot before He destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Or even further back than that to the days of Noah. Or even further back than that to the Garden of Eden when man and woman decided to do what THEY wanted instead of what God said.
The Bible is full of stories of greed and lying and lust and murder and adultery and idolatry. Real people, real sins. But contrary to the signs by one church that shout "God hates you", God's love for us is so great, so perfect, so intense that He made a way for us to break loose from the chains of sin. He made a way for us to be cleansed from ALL unrighteousness. That way is Jesus Christ. That way is the way of suffering. That way is the way of the cross.
We should be offended by the sins of mankind but that should remind us that we were once lost as well. It should fill us with a desire to tell the Good News as often as we can, to shout GOD LOVES YOU, not God hates you. Even if we don't carry a sign to a rally our attitudes and actions toward the lost will shout one or the other - love or hate.
Granted there was a time in my childhood when there did not seem to be as much violence or perversion but that doesn't necessarily means it wasn't there. We just didn't hear about it as much or as often. The sins of man were not plastered all over the newspapers and the TV. There was no "Inside Edition" or "TMZ" to broadcast - in real time and living color - the downfall of Hollywood celebrities; no "live, breaking news" to tell us of the abuse of a child; no internet to entice us with instant anything.
But the Bible confirms for us that people never really change. Paul, in his writings in the first century after Jesus' resurrection, speaks of homosexuals, drunkards, murders, adulterers, prostitutes and other sins (like the acceptable church sin of gossip). You can go all the way back to Abraham, more than 2000 years before Jesus. The story of his nephew Lot is full of the perversions of men - and women. So much so that God sent His angels to save Lot before He destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Or even further back than that to the days of Noah. Or even further back than that to the Garden of Eden when man and woman decided to do what THEY wanted instead of what God said.
The Bible is full of stories of greed and lying and lust and murder and adultery and idolatry. Real people, real sins. But contrary to the signs by one church that shout "God hates you", God's love for us is so great, so perfect, so intense that He made a way for us to break loose from the chains of sin. He made a way for us to be cleansed from ALL unrighteousness. That way is Jesus Christ. That way is the way of suffering. That way is the way of the cross.
We should be offended by the sins of mankind but that should remind us that we were once lost as well. It should fill us with a desire to tell the Good News as often as we can, to shout GOD LOVES YOU, not God hates you. Even if we don't carry a sign to a rally our attitudes and actions toward the lost will shout one or the other - love or hate.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Freedom
Over this Memorial Day weekend we are reminded again of the sacrifices military men and women have made through out the years as they fought battles all around the world to help keep us free. Their time and energy, their family life, and in some cases their bodies and their very lives have been given up to protect our shores and our way of life.
I am so thankful for those who take up the challenge to put themselves in harm's way. There have been times when the call to arms was mandatory but other times as in this day, those who go, go willingly and voluntarily. So a very special debt of gratitude goes out to them.
But life even in America can be a life of slavery and a life devoid of freedom for those who do not surrender to Jesus Christ. Americans rant and rave about their rights...the right to choose abortion, the right to marry someone of the same sex, the right to push and shove their way to the top, the right to live any way they want to.
Our country was founded with a Bill of Rights for the people. But none of those makes a person free. The Bible says that those who "do their own thing" are actually living in slavery to lust and greed and a whole host of sins. Just because someone doesn't recognize their behavior as sin doesn't make it any less so. And sin entangles us in a web that we can't break out of on our own.
It is only in the cross of Christ and faith in Jesus that I find true freedom. Freedom to live life in the glow of God's love, knowing that the Creator of the universe is my daddy, my "Abba, Father." Freedom to have all the hurts and fears and emptiness and loneliness and greed and lust and anger and despair and...whatever bad thing has a grip on me, replaced with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
I am so thankful for those who take up the challenge to put themselves in harm's way. There have been times when the call to arms was mandatory but other times as in this day, those who go, go willingly and voluntarily. So a very special debt of gratitude goes out to them.
But life even in America can be a life of slavery and a life devoid of freedom for those who do not surrender to Jesus Christ. Americans rant and rave about their rights...the right to choose abortion, the right to marry someone of the same sex, the right to push and shove their way to the top, the right to live any way they want to.
Our country was founded with a Bill of Rights for the people. But none of those makes a person free. The Bible says that those who "do their own thing" are actually living in slavery to lust and greed and a whole host of sins. Just because someone doesn't recognize their behavior as sin doesn't make it any less so. And sin entangles us in a web that we can't break out of on our own.
It is only in the cross of Christ and faith in Jesus that I find true freedom. Freedom to live life in the glow of God's love, knowing that the Creator of the universe is my daddy, my "Abba, Father." Freedom to have all the hurts and fears and emptiness and loneliness and greed and lust and anger and despair and...whatever bad thing has a grip on me, replaced with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
FSKO 2011
My grandson got to go to his first FUSE Summer Kick Off on Wednesday night as part of the NewSpring student ministries. He is so pumped to be part of all that is happening there. This year was even bigger and better than last year!
More than 3100 students showed up - regular attenders and their friends - across 4 campuses and 469 of those were in Greenville. In all the fun and games and give aways, the message is always Jesus. NewSpring ALWAYS preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why else would anyone do anything through the church? Fun and games can be had in lots of places but only the Church has the message of Life. And new life was in abundance. Dan Lian preached from the prodigal son on God's love for us. One thing he said that stuck with me was if you could cut God's arm, He would bleed love. The visual I got was the spear piercing Jesus side as He hung on the cross and blood and water flowing out. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
I haven't seen the final numbers on salvations but I know it will be high. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of students all around South Carolina. I am so glad I am part of a church that places a high value on the next generation. If every kid that attends is impacted like my grandson, God will use the next generation in ways we can't even imagine now! And most exciting for me is to see what He does in the life of my grandson.
More than 3100 students showed up - regular attenders and their friends - across 4 campuses and 469 of those were in Greenville. In all the fun and games and give aways, the message is always Jesus. NewSpring ALWAYS preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why else would anyone do anything through the church? Fun and games can be had in lots of places but only the Church has the message of Life. And new life was in abundance. Dan Lian preached from the prodigal son on God's love for us. One thing he said that stuck with me was if you could cut God's arm, He would bleed love. The visual I got was the spear piercing Jesus side as He hung on the cross and blood and water flowing out. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
I haven't seen the final numbers on salvations but I know it will be high. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of students all around South Carolina. I am so glad I am part of a church that places a high value on the next generation. If every kid that attends is impacted like my grandson, God will use the next generation in ways we can't even imagine now! And most exciting for me is to see what He does in the life of my grandson.
Do I Trust God?
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid." Psalm 56:3-4
Can I honestly say I trust God? It's easy to trust when life is good. But what about when life is falling apart; when life no longer seems to make sense?
When I lose my job. When my spouse leaves. When my mom dies. When my child gets arrested. When the doctor says "cancer". When a lie is told about me. When a friend repeats a confidence. When someone takes credit for something I did or places blame for something I didn't do.
In all the circumstances of life, I must trust God. That does not mean that my circumstances will suddenly get better. It doesn't mean all my problems will disappear. It doesn't mean life will be all sweetness and light.
It does mean that God will never leave me. It does means that I can have peace in the midst of turmoil. It does mean that I will grow in my faith. It does mean that I will learn obedience through the suffering. It does mean I don't have to be afraid of what tomorrow might bring.
I don't know many people today, including me, who "consider it pure joy" when tough times come as James said. Or who recognize that the "thorn in my flesh" is there to make me more like Christ in humbleness. But if I really believe God loves me; if I really believe God works in every situation for His glory and my best; if I really believe my home is not here on earth but in heaven with my true Father, maybe I COULD face anything with joy and thankfulness.
My pastor often says something like if you can trust God with your eternity, surely you can trust him with your here and now - with my health and finances and relationships and all the days I have left on this planet. We are told repeatedly in Matthew 6 not to worry. Easier said than done but when done, oh what peace floods my soul.
Can I honestly say I trust God? It's easy to trust when life is good. But what about when life is falling apart; when life no longer seems to make sense?
When I lose my job. When my spouse leaves. When my mom dies. When my child gets arrested. When the doctor says "cancer". When a lie is told about me. When a friend repeats a confidence. When someone takes credit for something I did or places blame for something I didn't do.
In all the circumstances of life, I must trust God. That does not mean that my circumstances will suddenly get better. It doesn't mean all my problems will disappear. It doesn't mean life will be all sweetness and light.
It does mean that God will never leave me. It does means that I can have peace in the midst of turmoil. It does mean that I will grow in my faith. It does mean that I will learn obedience through the suffering. It does mean I don't have to be afraid of what tomorrow might bring.
I don't know many people today, including me, who "consider it pure joy" when tough times come as James said. Or who recognize that the "thorn in my flesh" is there to make me more like Christ in humbleness. But if I really believe God loves me; if I really believe God works in every situation for His glory and my best; if I really believe my home is not here on earth but in heaven with my true Father, maybe I COULD face anything with joy and thankfulness.
My pastor often says something like if you can trust God with your eternity, surely you can trust him with your here and now - with my health and finances and relationships and all the days I have left on this planet. We are told repeatedly in Matthew 6 not to worry. Easier said than done but when done, oh what peace floods my soul.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Traditions
As I was reading in Galatians this morning, Paul is reminding the people of Galatia that works of the law do not save. Even Peter was admonished by Paul when he behaved one way with the Gentiles but another when the Jews showed up. Wanted to live up to THEIR traditions!
Sometimes when I read those things I have a tendency to think why didn't they get it? Especially the Jews. But then I thought about the 1400 - 1500 years of the law that they had lived under and how hard it would be to give up all that tradition. Even though they had been looking for the Messiah, they didn't want a Messiah that actually changed their view of God or life or their position in society.
How like the church in America today! How many churches bicker over music styles or leadership styles or English translations of the Bible. How hard it is for some churches not to do things "the way we've always done them" even as the numbers in attendance dwindle. How cloaked in "holy huddles" are some churches that new people are not even wanted. How many churches steadfastly refuse to step into the 21st century by using technology to reach the next generation.
There is nothing wrong with traditions; we need to know our roots. And there is no gospel to preach except Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead. But if we hold to our irrelevant traditions at the expense of reaching a dying world with the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ, I do not believe we will hear "Well, done" when we stand before Him one day. Jesus turned the religious world on its head 2000 years ago and I see Him still working that way today.
Sometimes when I read those things I have a tendency to think why didn't they get it? Especially the Jews. But then I thought about the 1400 - 1500 years of the law that they had lived under and how hard it would be to give up all that tradition. Even though they had been looking for the Messiah, they didn't want a Messiah that actually changed their view of God or life or their position in society.
How like the church in America today! How many churches bicker over music styles or leadership styles or English translations of the Bible. How hard it is for some churches not to do things "the way we've always done them" even as the numbers in attendance dwindle. How cloaked in "holy huddles" are some churches that new people are not even wanted. How many churches steadfastly refuse to step into the 21st century by using technology to reach the next generation.
There is nothing wrong with traditions; we need to know our roots. And there is no gospel to preach except Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead. But if we hold to our irrelevant traditions at the expense of reaching a dying world with the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ, I do not believe we will hear "Well, done" when we stand before Him one day. Jesus turned the religious world on its head 2000 years ago and I see Him still working that way today.
Nate's Graduation
Well, an era has passed in Spartanburg City Schools. Nate is part of the last 6th grade at Pine Street School as the city school district changes the way they've always done school. Beginning next year District 7 will move 6th graders to the Junior High/Middle School level and shift 9th graders to the high school.
His graduation ceremony was long to say the least. I actually left before it ended having been there for 2 hours - for 6th graders!! There were awards in 7 different categories and one teacher, visual arts I think, gave out so many, I wondered if there was anyone who didn't get an award. Well, Nate didn't but that's OK.
The guest speaker was the football coach at the local college. He was great. He kept everyone's attention and had the kids participating in what he was saying. What struck a chord with me was his story of himself as a young man in Ohio working as a garbage collector. Although he didn't intend to always be a garbage man, he had plans and dreams, he was the best garbage man he could be. One day in a neighborhood on his route all the garbage cans had been knocked over. He picked up all the trash that had been scattered and put it in the hopper of the truck. Then he heard a crack and was struck by something. When he turned around he saw a boy, about 12 or 13, pulling a gun back in the window of his house. The police were called because the boy had shot him with a pellet gun. Mike, the coach, didn't press charges but wanted to know why the boy shot him. The boy said, "He's only a garbage man."
I thought about the times Nate had been upset because kids at his school made fun of him because his clothes weren't the right label or because of the brand of skateboard he had or because he didn't have a cell phone as a 2nd grader or because he doesn't have a Nook or an iPad or an iPhone now. The saddest part to me is the kids learn to consider what you have to be more important than who you are from their parents.
The coach went on to talk about what's inside is more important than how you look on the outside. He talked about God given gifts and talents and blessings on his life from his Savior. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Nate didn't get any awards, any pieces of paper, to say his teachers think he's special but that doesn't mean he's not special. Parents told his dad after a trip to Barrier Island a couple of months ago that Nate was one of the nicest kids on the trip, always polite, always going out of his way to include those who were not being included. His small group leader at church told me yesterday that Nate is the neatest kid he knows; he has a maturity and understanding of God's word and a hunger to know God that the other kids in the group don't have.
Nate's got plenty of stuff, just not the stuff that matters to his school mates. He might not have any awards for a scrapbook. But I would much, much, much rather Nate have character built on the word of God. I am so proud of Nate and can't wait to see what God has in store for him!
His graduation ceremony was long to say the least. I actually left before it ended having been there for 2 hours - for 6th graders!! There were awards in 7 different categories and one teacher, visual arts I think, gave out so many, I wondered if there was anyone who didn't get an award. Well, Nate didn't but that's OK.
The guest speaker was the football coach at the local college. He was great. He kept everyone's attention and had the kids participating in what he was saying. What struck a chord with me was his story of himself as a young man in Ohio working as a garbage collector. Although he didn't intend to always be a garbage man, he had plans and dreams, he was the best garbage man he could be. One day in a neighborhood on his route all the garbage cans had been knocked over. He picked up all the trash that had been scattered and put it in the hopper of the truck. Then he heard a crack and was struck by something. When he turned around he saw a boy, about 12 or 13, pulling a gun back in the window of his house. The police were called because the boy had shot him with a pellet gun. Mike, the coach, didn't press charges but wanted to know why the boy shot him. The boy said, "He's only a garbage man."
I thought about the times Nate had been upset because kids at his school made fun of him because his clothes weren't the right label or because of the brand of skateboard he had or because he didn't have a cell phone as a 2nd grader or because he doesn't have a Nook or an iPad or an iPhone now. The saddest part to me is the kids learn to consider what you have to be more important than who you are from their parents.
The coach went on to talk about what's inside is more important than how you look on the outside. He talked about God given gifts and talents and blessings on his life from his Savior. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Nate didn't get any awards, any pieces of paper, to say his teachers think he's special but that doesn't mean he's not special. Parents told his dad after a trip to Barrier Island a couple of months ago that Nate was one of the nicest kids on the trip, always polite, always going out of his way to include those who were not being included. His small group leader at church told me yesterday that Nate is the neatest kid he knows; he has a maturity and understanding of God's word and a hunger to know God that the other kids in the group don't have.
Nate's got plenty of stuff, just not the stuff that matters to his school mates. He might not have any awards for a scrapbook. But I would much, much, much rather Nate have character built on the word of God. I am so proud of Nate and can't wait to see what God has in store for him!
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