Here's another thought provoking post about Halloween and the Christian.
http://www.prophezine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=676%3A10-reasons-i-kissed-halloween-goodbye&catid=41%3Atop-headlines
The author gives ten reasons with biblical support. Essentially, she argues that Christianity and Evil can't be mixed together - in any form. Halloween is clearly a celebration of evil, even if we try to sugar coat it with nice costumes and harvest parties.
In her introduction she compares it to her having a sexual encounter with someone other than her husband, just one night a year. Surely he wouldn't mind, would he?
Surely, God didn't mind when the Israelites prayed to Him and to Baal, did He?
The previous article that I posted about this topic proposed redeeming the holiday, because the neighborhood would be out on the streets. An interesting concept.
But would we argue that we should go to a rock concert, because there are people there? Or hang out in the bars to witness?
Would we want to encourage others in their macabre acts, just because we want to have fun? Even if we aren't making light of death and evil, because we aren't dressing up as witches, vampires or ax murderers, aren't we encouraging that by not taking a stand against the evil?
If we argue that we're just having fun, why is that argument not valid when a group of teens butchers cats or rapes a woman, just for fun?
I think I'd rather be on the side of God's Word and keep away from Satan and his celebrations.
I'm staying home tonight.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Destruction of Jerusalem
Often we hear or read the phrase "the destruction of Jerusalem" and don't really grasp what that was like. Jeremiah describes it vividly in Lamentations, the book of mourning over the destruction of Jerusalem.
It was an awful sight, reflecting God's anger at sin.
Here are a few examples from the first two chapters:
The city is empty and lonely (1:1).
Her friends have become her enemies (v 2).
No resting place. Overtaken by enemies (v 3).
The roads to Zion mourn. Her priests groan (v 4).
Her children are captives (v 5).
The majesty is gone. The princes wander about (v 6).
The temple and its treasuries have been desecrated (v 10).
The people search for food (v 11).
The mighty men were rejected by the Lord (v 15).
No comfort can be found (v 16-17).
The young men and women are captives (v 18).
Priests and elders perished in the city from hunger (v 19).
The strongholds have been destroyed (2:2).
The temple is in ruins (v 6-8).
The gates are destroyed (v 9).
Elders and young women are in mourning (v 10).
Infants and babies faint in the streets (v 11).
Hunger overtakes the children (v 12).
Enemies pass by and mock (v 15-16).
Young and old, men and women lie dead in the streets (v 21).
All because they refused to turn from their sin. they refused to listen to God's Word, so God punished them. His wrath was poured out in judgment.
Reading this makes me thankful that I am not under God's wrath. I am certainly not any better than the people of Jerusalem.
But the blood of Christ has removed the wrath of God (John 3:16-18).
It was an awful sight, reflecting God's anger at sin.
Here are a few examples from the first two chapters:
The city is empty and lonely (1:1).
Her friends have become her enemies (v 2).
No resting place. Overtaken by enemies (v 3).
The roads to Zion mourn. Her priests groan (v 4).
Her children are captives (v 5).
The majesty is gone. The princes wander about (v 6).
The temple and its treasuries have been desecrated (v 10).
The people search for food (v 11).
The mighty men were rejected by the Lord (v 15).
No comfort can be found (v 16-17).
The young men and women are captives (v 18).
Priests and elders perished in the city from hunger (v 19).
The strongholds have been destroyed (2:2).
The temple is in ruins (v 6-8).
The gates are destroyed (v 9).
Elders and young women are in mourning (v 10).
Infants and babies faint in the streets (v 11).
Hunger overtakes the children (v 12).
Enemies pass by and mock (v 15-16).
Young and old, men and women lie dead in the streets (v 21).
All because they refused to turn from their sin. they refused to listen to God's Word, so God punished them. His wrath was poured out in judgment.
Reading this makes me thankful that I am not under God's wrath. I am certainly not any better than the people of Jerusalem.
But the blood of Christ has removed the wrath of God (John 3:16-18).
Monday, October 28, 2013
Faith can Grow
When we read the account of Abraham in Genesis, it seems that he is a failure in the area of faith.
God commanded him to leave his family behind in Ur. But he takes his father and nephew with him.
Rather than staying in the Promised Land, he leaves in the time of famine.
To save his life, he lies about his wife, saying she is his sister.
Two times he came up with a plan for an heir. The first time wanting to name his servant an heir. The second time committing adultery with Sarah's servant.
He doesn't seem to be a man of faith at all. God places tests before him and each time he fails.
But when it comes to offering Isaac as a sacrifice, his faith doesn't waver.
"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.' He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back" (Hebr 11:17-19).
Abraham remembered what God had promised. Isaac would be the chosen seed, the line of promise. So God had to have an alternate plan. If God wanted Isaac to be killed, God would have to raise him from the dead.
It took almost 40 years for Abraham to trust God, but he did learn. After years of trying to solve God's problems on his own, Abraham learned that God was big enough to solve His problems. All Abraham had to do was to obey.
There's hope for me then. I can learn to trust God. I have failed and probably will fail again. But God is big enough to keep His word.
God commanded him to leave his family behind in Ur. But he takes his father and nephew with him.
Rather than staying in the Promised Land, he leaves in the time of famine.
To save his life, he lies about his wife, saying she is his sister.
Two times he came up with a plan for an heir. The first time wanting to name his servant an heir. The second time committing adultery with Sarah's servant.
He doesn't seem to be a man of faith at all. God places tests before him and each time he fails.
But when it comes to offering Isaac as a sacrifice, his faith doesn't waver.
"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.' He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back" (Hebr 11:17-19).
Abraham remembered what God had promised. Isaac would be the chosen seed, the line of promise. So God had to have an alternate plan. If God wanted Isaac to be killed, God would have to raise him from the dead.
It took almost 40 years for Abraham to trust God, but he did learn. After years of trying to solve God's problems on his own, Abraham learned that God was big enough to solve His problems. All Abraham had to do was to obey.
There's hope for me then. I can learn to trust God. I have failed and probably will fail again. But God is big enough to keep His word.
Friday, October 25, 2013
What to do about Trick or Treating
I don't know. I think through this every year at this time. The last few years I've lived in the country, so it's not been an issue. I still live in the country, so I still won't have to deal with it.
This mom puts an interesting perspective on it: http://troublefacemom.com/2012/10/31/on-halloween/
Essentially, she's argues that it's the one night of the year that your neighbors will come to your door. So be hospitable. Games, treats, coffee, popcorn. Do what you can to be friendly and generous. Love your neighbors.
Turn on the lights and strike up a conversation.
Not such a bad idea.
This mom puts an interesting perspective on it: http://troublefacemom.com/2012/10/31/on-halloween/
Essentially, she's argues that it's the one night of the year that your neighbors will come to your door. So be hospitable. Games, treats, coffee, popcorn. Do what you can to be friendly and generous. Love your neighbors.
Turn on the lights and strike up a conversation.
Not such a bad idea.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Why don't they just listen for once?
Ever had one of those days with your kids? Or your students? Or your patients? Or your spouse?
No one seems to listen. And they end up making bad choices that lead to bad consequences.
Same thing happened to Jeremiah.
After decades of warning Judah to repent, then to surrender, Jerusalem was ransacked by the Babylonian army. The royal family was killed or deported. The temple was burned. The treasuries were looted. Only the poorest were left in the land. A servant state was established.
Just like Jeremiah had told them would happen.
So Jeremiah gets his choice and remains in Judah, rather than going to Babylon - or anywhere else he wanted to go.
After an insurrection, the remnant in the land comes to Jeremiah and says, "What should we do? Should we stay here, or go to Egypt? Whatever you tell us to do, we'll do it."
Jeremiah tells them to stay in the land, abide by the Babylonian laws and God would bless them.
"No way! Baruch put you up to that!"
So they took off to Egypt.
Really?
These were not men who had just heard about the destruction of Jerusalem. They had lived through the siege with its hunger and disease.
These were not men who had only heard about Jeremiah at fireside chats from their grandfathers. They had heard him preaching for decades, with his radical message and crazy object lessons.
But what he prophesied had come to pass.
And they still chose to disobey.
And drug Jeremiah with them.
When they get to Egypt, Jeremiah buries two stones and prophesies that Nebuchadnezzar would set up his tents above those stones.
And all those who disobeyed God would die in Egypt. They would be wiped out. No remnant. No escapees.
But wait. I'm just as bad as they are.
How many times has God warned me about the consequences of my sinful choices?
And yet I still choose to give in to temptations?
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Gal 6:7).
No one seems to listen. And they end up making bad choices that lead to bad consequences.
Same thing happened to Jeremiah.
After decades of warning Judah to repent, then to surrender, Jerusalem was ransacked by the Babylonian army. The royal family was killed or deported. The temple was burned. The treasuries were looted. Only the poorest were left in the land. A servant state was established.
Just like Jeremiah had told them would happen.
So Jeremiah gets his choice and remains in Judah, rather than going to Babylon - or anywhere else he wanted to go.
After an insurrection, the remnant in the land comes to Jeremiah and says, "What should we do? Should we stay here, or go to Egypt? Whatever you tell us to do, we'll do it."
Jeremiah tells them to stay in the land, abide by the Babylonian laws and God would bless them.
"No way! Baruch put you up to that!"
So they took off to Egypt.
Really?
These were not men who had just heard about the destruction of Jerusalem. They had lived through the siege with its hunger and disease.
These were not men who had only heard about Jeremiah at fireside chats from their grandfathers. They had heard him preaching for decades, with his radical message and crazy object lessons.
But what he prophesied had come to pass.
And they still chose to disobey.
And drug Jeremiah with them.
When they get to Egypt, Jeremiah buries two stones and prophesies that Nebuchadnezzar would set up his tents above those stones.
And all those who disobeyed God would die in Egypt. They would be wiped out. No remnant. No escapees.
But wait. I'm just as bad as they are.
How many times has God warned me about the consequences of my sinful choices?
And yet I still choose to give in to temptations?
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Gal 6:7).
Monday, October 21, 2013
Why bother having friends?
A couple of quotes from Sexual Sanity for Men by David White pgs 54-55 on Psalm 139:
Summary:
God created us for intimacy, a desire to be known and to know others. Only God knows us and He knows us thoroughly.
"But it (God's thorough knowledge of him) leads David to worship. Why? Because for David - who was no stranger to sexual sin - this profoundly demonstrates God's nearness, the depth of his intimacy with us. God knows every thought - not because he's keeping a tally for judgment day, but because he actually loves you that much! He's paying attention. You are truly that known and delighted in."
"David's confidence in God's goodness and mercy enables him to end his psalm by saying, 'Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!' (Psa 139:23-24). Understanding who God truly is and our relationship to him through Christ frees us to fearlessly pray this same prayer, confidently drawing near to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need (see Hebr 4:16)."
It's when we seek this level of intimacy anywhere else but with God that we run the risk of sinful choices. If I seek that level of intimacy with my spouse, parents, siblings, church members, or anyone else, I'll be disappointed. There's no way that they can know me the way that I want to be known. And I can't know them the way I want to know them. Relationships will disappoint and I'll be constantly looking for a new relationships.
So then it becomes a cycle of despair, because no relationship will satisfy. A time will be reached where there is no longer an attempt to build new relationships.
What's the point of trying any more? Better to be a recluse with no friends than to be constantly disappointed.
Why bother investing in others?
I'm not going to be satisfied in relationships. Others will not be satisfied in a relationship with me.
So the only reason to bother having a relationship has to be to point them to God, Who will satisfy their need for intimacy, right?
And the capstone is that God wants to be known and has given us all we need to know Him.
So, look at your friendships. Are you seeking to satisfy your need for intimacy through them, or pointing them God who will satisfy their need for intimacy?
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Fifty Promises to the Believer
I'm sure there are more, but since I turned 50 this week, here's a list of 50 promises:
- Forgiveness of sins 1 John 1:9
- Holy Spirit making intercession Rom 8:26
- Never leave you or forsake you Hebrews 13:5
- With you always Mt 20:28
- Confirmed to the end 1 Cor 1
- Eternal life John 10:28-29
- He will complete His work Phil 1;6
- God works to will and to do Phil 2;13
- No condemnation Rom 8;1
- Victory over sin Rom 8:13
- Salvation Rom 10:9-10
- Reward for perseverance Gal 6:9
- Peace of God Phil 4:6-7
- Peace with God Rom 5:1
- Supply all our needs Phil 4;19
- Answered prayer Matt 7:9-11
- Crown of life James 1;12
- Strength Phil 4:18
- Power, love and sound mind 2 Tim 1:7
- Eternal dwelling w/god Jn 14:2-3
- His return Jn 14:4
- Mercy and grace in time of need Hebr 4:16
- Rest Mt 11:28-29
- Everything we need to do good 2 cor 9:8
- Grace 2 Cor 12:9
- Guidance Prov 3:5-6
- Victory over spiritual powers 2 Cor 10;3-5
- God indwelling us 1 Jn 4:16
- Christ indwelling us Col 1:27
- Holy Spirit indwelling us Jn 16
- Sanctification 1 Cor 6:11
- God as Father 2 Cor 6:17-18
- Royal status 1 Pet 2:9
- Love from God Jn 17:23
- Eternal, incorruptible inheritance 1 Pt 1:3-4
- Comfort in affliction 2 cor 1:3-4
- Bearing our burdens Ps 68:19
- New creation 2 Cor 5:17
- Forgets our sins Hebr 8:12
- Constantly thinks about us Ps 139:17-18
- Name written in heaven Lk 10:20
- discipline Hebr 12:6
- Access to God in prayer Eph 3;12
- Seeing Christ Rev 22:4
- Becoming like Christ 1 Jn 3:2
- Rest Hebr 4:9-10
- Removal of fear 1 Jn 4:18
- Crown of righteousness 2 Tim 4:8
- In the presence of Christ at death 2 Cor 5:8
- Illumination of Scripture 2 Cor 2:14
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Solomon seems pretty cynical in Ecclesiastes. In his observations, like seems pointless.
Work hard, invest wisely, do great things and you're still going to die like the lazy, poor wicked bum.
So what's the point?
Why bother working hard? Why not be lazy?
You work hard and are tire at the end of the day.
You save your money and your kids squander it when you die.
But his cynicism turns to encouragement.
"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toils - this is God's gift to man" (Eccl 3:12-13).
It's not about being rich or poor.
It's not about being well educated, or a high school dropout.
It's not even about being a hard worker or a lazy bum.
It's about doing what pleases God.
God has given us commands about caring for others.
He has given us the ability to be joyful by giving us purpose in life.
He provides for our physical needs.
He gives ut the ability to work.
All these things are gifts from God, so using them the way He desires, brings glory to Him.
It's fatalism that says, "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die."
But satisfaction: "Eat, drink and be merry, for God is good."
Work hard, invest wisely, do great things and you're still going to die like the lazy, poor wicked bum.
So what's the point?
Why bother working hard? Why not be lazy?
You work hard and are tire at the end of the day.
You save your money and your kids squander it when you die.
But his cynicism turns to encouragement.
"I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toils - this is God's gift to man" (Eccl 3:12-13).
It's not about being rich or poor.
It's not about being well educated, or a high school dropout.
It's not even about being a hard worker or a lazy bum.
It's about doing what pleases God.
God has given us commands about caring for others.
He has given us the ability to be joyful by giving us purpose in life.
He provides for our physical needs.
He gives ut the ability to work.
All these things are gifts from God, so using them the way He desires, brings glory to Him.
It's fatalism that says, "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die."
But satisfaction: "Eat, drink and be merry, for God is good."
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Praying for Deliverance
Seeing the massive Babylonian army approaching, King Zedekiah asked Jeremiah to pray to God that the Babylonians would retreat.
"...Perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all His wonderful deeds and will make him withdraw from us" (Jer 21:2).
God's response through Jeremiah was clear. He would deliver Jerusalem. He would gather their weapons.
But God's deliverance was not going to be a deliverance FROM the Babylonians, but TO the Babylonians.
God was turning against Jerusalem.
Everyone in the Holy City would die by sword, famine or pestilence. The only chance of survival was to surrender to the invading army.
That was not the answer the king was wanting to hear.
The sins of Jerusalem and Judah had been increasing for generations. Prophets had been warning them and they refused to repent.
God's answer to their prayers for deliverance was clear.
Deliverance into enemy hands was imminent.
No avoiding it.
No escape.
No miraculous interventions this time.
The lesson for us: rather than harboring sin and refusing to repent, deal with it. Confess and forsake sin, so that God will deliver and use you, rather than turn you over to defeat.
"...Perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all His wonderful deeds and will make him withdraw from us" (Jer 21:2).
God's response through Jeremiah was clear. He would deliver Jerusalem. He would gather their weapons.
But God's deliverance was not going to be a deliverance FROM the Babylonians, but TO the Babylonians.
God was turning against Jerusalem.
Everyone in the Holy City would die by sword, famine or pestilence. The only chance of survival was to surrender to the invading army.
That was not the answer the king was wanting to hear.
The sins of Jerusalem and Judah had been increasing for generations. Prophets had been warning them and they refused to repent.
God's answer to their prayers for deliverance was clear.
Deliverance into enemy hands was imminent.
No avoiding it.
No escape.
No miraculous interventions this time.
The lesson for us: rather than harboring sin and refusing to repent, deal with it. Confess and forsake sin, so that God will deliver and use you, rather than turn you over to defeat.
Friday, October 11, 2013
What to Look for When Shopping
Having worked in a furniture store for the last few years, I've noticed that many people look at the color of the fabric first.
"I want a blue chair."
Our store deals with several companies that have 1000 fabrics each. Color is the easiest thing to change. So we have to direct the customer to look at the quality of the chair. They have to sit down in the chair to see if it's comfortable for them. And then help them decide if it's a good value for them.
Then we can go to the color.
Unfortunately, many will look for a wife in the same way.
"I want a good looking one."
Do we stop to think how selfish that really is?
We want a wife who will look good. We are concerned about what others will think about us when they see us with her. We're concerned about the benefit that she will bring to us.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (Prov 31:30).
Like a chair, the beauty will fade. And she may not always be so charming after a 3 a.m. feeding for six nights in a row!
But if we are looking for someone who fears the Lord, who is walking and talking and living a life that pleases God, that will only improve over the years.
Don't look at the outside. That will change.
Look at her actions and words that reveal her heart.
Oh, and BTW: the same thing applies to women looking for a husband. Those stunning good looks and six-packs might get kind of droopy after 40!
"I want a blue chair."
Our store deals with several companies that have 1000 fabrics each. Color is the easiest thing to change. So we have to direct the customer to look at the quality of the chair. They have to sit down in the chair to see if it's comfortable for them. And then help them decide if it's a good value for them.
Then we can go to the color.
Unfortunately, many will look for a wife in the same way.
"I want a good looking one."
Do we stop to think how selfish that really is?
We want a wife who will look good. We are concerned about what others will think about us when they see us with her. We're concerned about the benefit that she will bring to us.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (Prov 31:30).
Like a chair, the beauty will fade. And she may not always be so charming after a 3 a.m. feeding for six nights in a row!
But if we are looking for someone who fears the Lord, who is walking and talking and living a life that pleases God, that will only improve over the years.
Don't look at the outside. That will change.
Look at her actions and words that reveal her heart.
Oh, and BTW: the same thing applies to women looking for a husband. Those stunning good looks and six-packs might get kind of droopy after 40!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Turn the World Upside Down
Trouble just seems to follow some people.
Like the Apostle Paul.
If you read through the account of his missionary endeavors, you find that he was often dragged before the city rulers.
Accused of teaching practices contrary to Jewish law and custom.
Accused of teaching practices contrary to Roman law and custom.
Worshiped as a god. Stoned and left for dead.
Beaten. Thrown in prison.
Having to be let out of town in a basket down the city walls. Escorted out of town after dark.
In some cities he was only there for a few weeks before he had created a disturbance.
Why?
He was preaching the message of the crucifixion.
Are we stirring up the cities where we live by preaching the gospel?
Have we chosen to end our evangelism with passing out tracts, holding fun fairs, and planting trees?
Have we decided that we're so comfortable in our homes and churches that we don't want to confront people with the gospel?
Have we not been transformed by the gospel?
Like the Apostle Paul.
If you read through the account of his missionary endeavors, you find that he was often dragged before the city rulers.
Accused of teaching practices contrary to Jewish law and custom.
Accused of teaching practices contrary to Roman law and custom.
Worshiped as a god. Stoned and left for dead.
Beaten. Thrown in prison.
Having to be let out of town in a basket down the city walls. Escorted out of town after dark.
In some cities he was only there for a few weeks before he had created a disturbance.
Why?
He was preaching the message of the crucifixion.
Are we stirring up the cities where we live by preaching the gospel?
Have we chosen to end our evangelism with passing out tracts, holding fun fairs, and planting trees?
Have we decided that we're so comfortable in our homes and churches that we don't want to confront people with the gospel?
Have we not been transformed by the gospel?
Monday, October 7, 2013
Godly Bragging
"Thus says the LORD, 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man boast in his might,
Let not the rich man boast in his riches,
But let him who boasts boast in this,
That he understands and knows me,
That I am the LORD who practices steadfast love,
Justice and righteousness in the earth.
For in these things I delight, declares the LORD'"
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
We all have stories that we like to tell. Places we've been. People we've seen. Skills we've accomplished. Things we've learned.
Sometimes those stories get more embellished as they get repeated. Though it's usually with good intention, it boils down to bragging, which easily turns to lying.
The Lord calls us to brag about knowing and understanding Him, not about ourselves.
Okay, so we've known that we need to tell the truth. We need to be humble.
But have we thought about the flipside?
Rather than talking about how great we are, we should be talking about how great God is.
To be able to talk about how great God is requires that we know how great He is.
When we begin to understand God, we realize that there is so much more about Him that we don't understand.
Which results in humility, recognizing how great He is and how little we are.
And it leads to a greater desire to know God.
If you want to be able to talk about God, you have to know about Him. If you want to brag about Him, talk about the amazing things that He has done and His greatness, you have to constantly be learning about Him.
The more we know, the more we can brag.
Let not the mighty man boast in his might,
Let not the rich man boast in his riches,
But let him who boasts boast in this,
That he understands and knows me,
That I am the LORD who practices steadfast love,
Justice and righteousness in the earth.
For in these things I delight, declares the LORD'"
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
We all have stories that we like to tell. Places we've been. People we've seen. Skills we've accomplished. Things we've learned.
Sometimes those stories get more embellished as they get repeated. Though it's usually with good intention, it boils down to bragging, which easily turns to lying.
The Lord calls us to brag about knowing and understanding Him, not about ourselves.
Okay, so we've known that we need to tell the truth. We need to be humble.
But have we thought about the flipside?
Rather than talking about how great we are, we should be talking about how great God is.
To be able to talk about how great God is requires that we know how great He is.
When we begin to understand God, we realize that there is so much more about Him that we don't understand.
Which results in humility, recognizing how great He is and how little we are.
And it leads to a greater desire to know God.
If you want to be able to talk about God, you have to know about Him. If you want to brag about Him, talk about the amazing things that He has done and His greatness, you have to constantly be learning about Him.
The more we know, the more we can brag.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
In Tenderness He Sought Me
The first song on Pandora this morning was this one, sung by George Beverly Shea.
What a great reminder of the love of Christ in bringing me into His presence for all eternity!
In tenderness He sought me,
Weary and sick with sin;
and on His shoulders brought me
Back to His fold again.
While angels in His presence sang
Until the courts of heaven rang.
Refrain
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,
Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold.
He washed the bleeding sin wounds,
And poured in oil and wine;
He whispered to assure me,
"I've found thee, thou art Mine;"
I never heard a sweeter voice;
It made my aching heart rejoice!
Refrain
He pointed to the nail prints,
For me His blood was shed,
A mocking crown so thorny
Was placed upon His head;
I wondered what He saw in me,
To suffer such deep agony.
Refrain
I'm sitting in His presence,
The sunshine of His face,
While with adoring wonder
His blessings I retrace.
It seems as if eternal days
Are far too short to sound His praise.
Refrain
So while the hours are passing,
All now is perfect rest,
I'm waiting for the morning,
The brightest and the best,
When He will call us to His side,
To be with Him, His spotless bride.
Refrain
What a great reminder of the love of Christ in bringing me into His presence for all eternity!
In tenderness He sought me,
Weary and sick with sin;
and on His shoulders brought me
Back to His fold again.
While angels in His presence sang
Until the courts of heaven rang.
Refrain
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,
Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold.
He washed the bleeding sin wounds,
And poured in oil and wine;
He whispered to assure me,
"I've found thee, thou art Mine;"
I never heard a sweeter voice;
It made my aching heart rejoice!
Refrain
He pointed to the nail prints,
For me His blood was shed,
A mocking crown so thorny
Was placed upon His head;
I wondered what He saw in me,
To suffer such deep agony.
Refrain
I'm sitting in His presence,
The sunshine of His face,
While with adoring wonder
His blessings I retrace.
It seems as if eternal days
Are far too short to sound His praise.
Refrain
So while the hours are passing,
All now is perfect rest,
I'm waiting for the morning,
The brightest and the best,
When He will call us to His side,
To be with Him, His spotless bride.
Refrain
Words: W. Spencer Walton, 1894.
Music: Adoniram J. Gordon, 1894
Friday, October 4, 2013
Fresh Water
A few years ago I was on a mountain hike with a friend. It was just a one-day trip, but we had our packs filled with food and water. The weather was perfect and the trail was not too challenging. The view at the top was gorgeous!
This was not a tourist hike with restaurants and snack shops along the way. We were the only ones on the trail that day.
We ate our lunch at the top, enjoyed the break and a drink of water. It satisfied for a while, but we still had to make it down the mountain.
On our way up, we had passed a small waterfall with cool, clear water. At that time, we rested there and rinsed off our hands and faces.
But the way back down was different. We knew that waterfall was there. And the water in our bottles was depleting. What was left was lukewarm.
About half-way down, our search for that cool, refreshing waterfall was our motivation. We were on the right trail and headed the right direction, but it seemed like it was further down the mountain than we remembered. Just around the next curve. Across that other path. Past that cliff.
It had to be there.
And it was.
We got there and began drinking from the waterfall. So refreshing! So cool!
We dumped out the warm water from our bottles and filled it with the fresh water for the rest of our trek.
Which was better? The lukewarm tap water from the bottles, or the cool fresh water from the waterfall?
Obviously, the cool fresh water. It was still cool a couple of hours later when we came by it the second time. There was still plenty of it there. It's probably still flowing today with fresh cool water.
Read what God said to His People:
"Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
Be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD,
For my people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water"
(Jeremiah 2:12-13)
Rather than drinking from the cool, flowing waterfall, they chose to drink the lukewarm tap water.
We do the same. Every time we choose to search for satisfaction in anything other than God.
When we try to find fulfillment in our relationships, we're drinking lukewarm tap water.
When we try to find satisfaction in our job, we're drinking lukewarm tap water.
When we try to find satisfaction in our ministry, we're drinking lukewarm tap water.
We try to bottle up that satisfaction from a good day's work, or a healthy marriage, or a great day of fellowship.
But eventually, that satisfaction gets lukewarm and stale.
Rather than seeking satisfaction in other things, we need to find satisfaction in God, the cool, refreshing waterfall. He'll never get lukewarm. He'll never get stale. He'll never run out. He'll always satisfy.
And when we're satisfied with the cool water, we won't be disappointed.
This was not a tourist hike with restaurants and snack shops along the way. We were the only ones on the trail that day.
We ate our lunch at the top, enjoyed the break and a drink of water. It satisfied for a while, but we still had to make it down the mountain.
On our way up, we had passed a small waterfall with cool, clear water. At that time, we rested there and rinsed off our hands and faces.
But the way back down was different. We knew that waterfall was there. And the water in our bottles was depleting. What was left was lukewarm.
About half-way down, our search for that cool, refreshing waterfall was our motivation. We were on the right trail and headed the right direction, but it seemed like it was further down the mountain than we remembered. Just around the next curve. Across that other path. Past that cliff.
It had to be there.
And it was.
We got there and began drinking from the waterfall. So refreshing! So cool!
We dumped out the warm water from our bottles and filled it with the fresh water for the rest of our trek.
Which was better? The lukewarm tap water from the bottles, or the cool fresh water from the waterfall?
Obviously, the cool fresh water. It was still cool a couple of hours later when we came by it the second time. There was still plenty of it there. It's probably still flowing today with fresh cool water.
Read what God said to His People:
"Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
Be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD,
For my people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water"
(Jeremiah 2:12-13)
Rather than drinking from the cool, flowing waterfall, they chose to drink the lukewarm tap water.
We do the same. Every time we choose to search for satisfaction in anything other than God.
When we try to find fulfillment in our relationships, we're drinking lukewarm tap water.
When we try to find satisfaction in our job, we're drinking lukewarm tap water.
When we try to find satisfaction in our ministry, we're drinking lukewarm tap water.
We try to bottle up that satisfaction from a good day's work, or a healthy marriage, or a great day of fellowship.
But eventually, that satisfaction gets lukewarm and stale.
Rather than seeking satisfaction in other things, we need to find satisfaction in God, the cool, refreshing waterfall. He'll never get lukewarm. He'll never get stale. He'll never run out. He'll always satisfy.
And when we're satisfied with the cool water, we won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Busy Beavers Not Accepted
It's easy to equate busy-ness at church with spirituality. We say we don't do it, but we do.
Teach Sunday School.
Lead AWANA.
Attend Bible studies.
Organize events.
VBS crafts.
Camp counselor.
Deacon.
Pastor.
Janitor.
We have in our minds that the more spiritual we are, the more we will volunteer for service.
And those who volunteer for service are more spiritual.
God said just the opposite in Isaiah 66:3 -
"He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man;
he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck;
he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig's blood;
he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol.
These have chose their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations."
They were bringing all the right sacrifices, but God was comparing them to murderers, blasphemers and idolaters.
Why?
Because they were going their own way, enjoying their sin the rest of the time.
God was not impressed with their sacrifices. They were appalling to Him.
What does God desire?
"But this is the one to whom I will look:
He who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word" (2b).
God is not looking for busy beavers.
He's not interested in go-getters.
He is not impressed by a full church calendar.
50 years of ministry does not grab His attention.
God wants a humble spirit, not humble actions.
God wants a contrite spirit, broken over sin.
God wants a man who trembles at His word, not simply preaching it.
So are you doing what God wants, or what you want?
Teach Sunday School.
Lead AWANA.
Attend Bible studies.
Organize events.
VBS crafts.
Camp counselor.
Deacon.
Pastor.
Janitor.
We have in our minds that the more spiritual we are, the more we will volunteer for service.
And those who volunteer for service are more spiritual.
God said just the opposite in Isaiah 66:3 -
"He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man;
he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck;
he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig's blood;
he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol.
These have chose their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations."
They were bringing all the right sacrifices, but God was comparing them to murderers, blasphemers and idolaters.
Why?
Because they were going their own way, enjoying their sin the rest of the time.
God was not impressed with their sacrifices. They were appalling to Him.
What does God desire?
"But this is the one to whom I will look:
He who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word" (2b).
God is not looking for busy beavers.
He's not interested in go-getters.
He is not impressed by a full church calendar.
50 years of ministry does not grab His attention.
God wants a humble spirit, not humble actions.
God wants a contrite spirit, broken over sin.
God wants a man who trembles at His word, not simply preaching it.
So are you doing what God wants, or what you want?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Public Confession of Sin
Sometimes you come across a blog that's worth passing on:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2013/09/10/confession/
The author is not teaching that confession to one another brings about forgiveness, because that only comes from God. He's not promoting a priesthood with the power of absolution.
But he is encouraging the confession of sin to another believer (James 5:16) as a means to bring about restoration and spiritual growth.
For years I had put up a front, hiding certain sins from everyone around me. The wall was pretty sturdy and the relationships were pretty shallow.
As God worked on me, revealing that He alone could forgive and heal me, I learned that a beneficial part of that process was public confession. It was not easy and at the time I thought it unnecessary.
"Confession needs to be as wide as those offended," one of my professors often said. "It was a private sin, so why not keep the confession private?" had been my modus operandi for decades.
But my pastors encouraged and helped (i.e. gently forced). The sense of relief, the lifting of the burden and the knocking down of the walls were immediate. The healing and the growth began.
It's not been easy and there have been consequences which continue.
The author points out that we are afraid of public confession because of the ammunition that is placed in the hands of others when we admit our sins. It's true. It's going to happen. It's part of living in a world, a church and a family that are filled with sinners.
Just because it's hard, doesn't make it wrong.
What can you do to encourage a culture of confession in your church?
Confess your sins. Set an example. You probably shouldn't stand up every week in prayer meeting to confess all your sins to the congregation. But confessing to a close group within the church will set a pattern.
Accept the sinners. It's easy to rally around the cancer patients. It's easy to help those who lose their jobs. Those things get put in the prayer bulletin, and they should. But those who confess sins and those who admit failure in relationships need your support.
It's radical. It's seldom practiced. But it's biblical and needed.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2013/09/10/confession/
The author is not teaching that confession to one another brings about forgiveness, because that only comes from God. He's not promoting a priesthood with the power of absolution.
But he is encouraging the confession of sin to another believer (James 5:16) as a means to bring about restoration and spiritual growth.
For years I had put up a front, hiding certain sins from everyone around me. The wall was pretty sturdy and the relationships were pretty shallow.
As God worked on me, revealing that He alone could forgive and heal me, I learned that a beneficial part of that process was public confession. It was not easy and at the time I thought it unnecessary.
"Confession needs to be as wide as those offended," one of my professors often said. "It was a private sin, so why not keep the confession private?" had been my modus operandi for decades.
But my pastors encouraged and helped (i.e. gently forced). The sense of relief, the lifting of the burden and the knocking down of the walls were immediate. The healing and the growth began.
It's not been easy and there have been consequences which continue.
The author points out that we are afraid of public confession because of the ammunition that is placed in the hands of others when we admit our sins. It's true. It's going to happen. It's part of living in a world, a church and a family that are filled with sinners.
Just because it's hard, doesn't make it wrong.
What can you do to encourage a culture of confession in your church?
Confess your sins. Set an example. You probably shouldn't stand up every week in prayer meeting to confess all your sins to the congregation. But confessing to a close group within the church will set a pattern.
Accept the sinners. It's easy to rally around the cancer patients. It's easy to help those who lose their jobs. Those things get put in the prayer bulletin, and they should. But those who confess sins and those who admit failure in relationships need your support.
- Ask them specifically about those sins and relationships. Don't avoid the issues which have brought into the light. Asking shows concern.
- Don't spread rumors. Talk with them, not with others.
- Don't kick them when they're down. Support, not criticism.
- Shunning will not help those who are bold enough to admit that they need help. They need friends and support.
It's radical. It's seldom practiced. But it's biblical and needed.
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