My Very Life as Well

More at LeaveTheGate.com

2010-11-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

I love the blogspot format and interface.

If you are thinking of starting a blog, I highly recommend it.

Having said that, you'll find a good majority of my content at www.LeaveTheGate.com

I hope you click and join me there, too.

When Your Strength Doesn’t Matter

2010-06-09T10:02:00.000-04:00

The Philistines sought to find Samson’s strength, but their victory was assured when they exploited his weakness (Judges 16).

(click here to read more)

Yes, You Must Be Perfect. Kinda'.

2010-06-06T23:36:00.004-04:00

The Apostle Paul penned a number of scriptures that encourage us in pursuit of perfection (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:12). James had some things to say (James 1:4; James 3:2). Jesus talked about perfection, too.

(click here to read more)

Religion, the Killer

2010-06-04T11:37:00.000-04:00

Old Testament law was given to instruct us in the need for redemption and to begin our journey back to partnership with God. Blood became necessary. A precious and perfect sacrifice was necessary. It was a glorious demonstration of God's grace and His desire to redeem His creation.

But the religious leaders made it a business. THEY were the important ones. THEY were the holy ones. "If you want to be close to God," they seemed to say, "you must do it through us."

(click here to read more)

Crossing Over

2010-06-02T11:52:00.000-04:00

"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him."
Mark 4: 35-36

This is a familiar account that shows the magnificent freeing power of Jesus. It can be read in full at Mark 4:35 - 5:20.

(click here to read more)

Lies About You

2010-05-25T13:40:00.001-04:00

Defending one's self has become somewhat of a right.

Much of the time our words are used to create, correct, or restore our own public image. It can be difficult to resist the temptation to defend ourselves, to explain ourselves, or to return a barb.

(click here to read more)

Demosthenes Put Rocks in His Mouth. Should You?

2010-05-24T22:39:00.001-04:00

What does it mean to discipline one’s self?

It is an interesting relationship.
(click here to read more)

Why You Need an Ox

2010-05-20T10:11:00.001-04:00

Around my house we like to say, “you gotta’ break a few eggs to make an omelette”.

Solomon says it much better in Proverbs 14, verse 4…

“Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.”

(click here to read more)

4 Lethal Enemies to Effective Decision-making

2010-05-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

Whether you are contemplating an extreme course adjustment that effects the rest of your life, or you are just thinking about what to do today, you are involved in the process of decision-making. (click here to read more)

God in the Flesh

2010-05-13T15:01:00.000-04:00

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Can you hear the intensity of Paul’s voice here? Strong words like “pleading” and “imploring” reflect the passionate appeal of God for us to join Him in reconciling the world. (click here to read more)

Why God Won't Answer Your Prayer

2010-05-12T15:02:00.000-04:00

I believe that there are primarily two types of prayer that we can be sure God won’t answer: (click here to read more)

How You Can Bring Heaven to Earth

2010-05-06T14:46:00.001-04:00

“…having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19).

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)

Here, one Greek word, “parrhēsia”, is translated into two English words, “boldness” and “confidence“. (click here to read more)

Lend a Hand?

2010-05-06T05:46:00.000-04:00

I read that even the most introverted person will influence an average of 10,000 people in their lifetime. (click here to read more)

Can You Hear Me Now?

2010-05-04T11:19:00.000-04:00

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal" (v. 1).

The information/computer age has sounded a superabundance of facts. The "knowledge noise" has increased exponentially...

(click here to read more)

Faith and Uncertainty

2010-05-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

The Greatness of God in us demands our highest level of living, which means our faith progress is a vertical process.

If we consider uncertainty as a wall that restricts our progress, we can view our faith as a ladder. In an intentional effort of our will resting on our absolute confidence in Him, we can lean our ladder of faith against uncertainty. Without engaging uncertainty our faith lays flat. (click here to read more)

The Purpose of a Thing

2010-04-29T11:40:00.000-04:00

Who better knows the purpose of a thing than the Very Creator of the thing?
I recently updated the RAM in my laptop. I don’t know where I found the courage, but I took off the bottom cover of my computer, yanked out a piece of plastic with a bunch of little blocky squares and dots on it, and replaced it with a piece of plastic that looked almost identical. Things seem to work better now. (click here to read more)

One Thing

2010-04-28T11:03:00.000-04:00

The extraordinary men of our time are not men that we define by the myriad of things that they accomplish in mediocrity, but by the one or two things at which they excel. They find their One Thing and give their all for it. (Click here to read more)

The Fearlessness of Divine Trust

2010-04-27T22:02:00.000-04:00

God, fully-aware that He had created man in an environment already occupied by his enemy, never warned Adam that the serpent was coming to deceive Eve.
Could it be that He had trusted Adam to do the right thing? (click here to read more)

How Can I...?

2010-04-27T11:49:00.000-04:00

God’s people were suffering under a siege, of sorts.

The Midianites, Amalekites and others had Gideon and the rest of the Israelites pinned up in the mountains, their frequent and plunderous raids driving God’s people to dens, caves, and strongholds.
Reeling from generations of on-again off-again roller-coaster service and non-service to God, the Israelites cried out for deliverance. God heard their cry and sent a prophet to the people and then sent an Angel of the Lord to Gideon . (click here to read more)

What Do These Stones Mean to You?

2010-04-22T11:18:00.000-04:00

When Israel crossed the Jordan under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 3) it was a significant landmark for the people of God. (click here to read more)

Team-Building

2010-04-19T14:16:00.001-04:00

Jesus built quite a team. His disciples (and, later, Paul and others) had a variety of strengths, but shared a common goal.

Many times we see organizations develop based on “like-kindedness”, but “like-mindedness” is a better environment for success. (click here to read more)

"There is Only One Mediator!"

2010-04-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was in court as part of a civil proceeding.

The bailiff asked the court to rise as the judge entered and took her seat at the bench. After a quick look around the courtroom at the lawyers, plaintiffs and defendants gathered to resolve disputes, she declared, “There is only one mediator!” (click here to read more)

His Power Saves You

2010-04-15T11:01:00.001-04:00

From Romans 1, "... I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..." .

I love that the Gospel is the only message we are commissioned to preach (Mark 16:15).
(click here to read more)

One Goes Free

2010-04-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

The principle of salvation is interwoven recurrent throughout the Bible as God established, through His Word and through faithful men and women, the spiritual laws that would set us free. (click here to read more)

A Soft Answer

2010-04-13T18:16:00.000-04:00

If we are going to offer ourselves as His ambassadors, we will get the opportunity to put His Word to the test. (click here to read more)

Win-Win

2010-04-12T20:49:00.000-04:00

In our hyper-competitive society it seems there is a leaning towards every-day transactions becoming a battle, or at least a contest, that will result in a winner and a loser. (click here to read more)

The Value of Trust

2010-04-08T17:24:00.000-04:00

God trusted Adam and Eve with His plan for taking back the Earth from an enemy that was here before they were.

Genesis tells us of a five-fold mandate and confirms that man has the Divine Nature to carry it out. He is, after all, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28).

(click here to read more)

What is that in your hand?

2010-04-07T16:52:00.000-04:00

The situation for the children of Israel was bleak. Over the course of 400 years of living in Egypt, God’s people had prospered to the extent that the king, who did not know Joseph and disregarded the way he had blessed Egypt by his interpretation of dreams and wise stewardship, was troubled by the Israelites.(click here to read more)

Book Review: Fearless by Max Lucado

2010-04-07T11:02:00.000-04:00

Max Lucado does a beautiful job of tip-toeing up to our fears and dismissing them.

His winsome writing style takes the boogy man away and lets us deal simply, and in faith, with the things that seem to have such a hold on our lives, using aptly-placed real-life stories of people just like us who overcame the same obstacles we face.

I am thankful that this book came into my hands at this time and look forward to the fruits of responding in faith, not fear.

Fearless can be purchased at amazon.com and most bookstores.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review.

The Path of the Just

2010-04-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

To think that I could have said to my then-Toddler sons (assuming I was wise enough to know), “You are going to be such-and-such when you grow up. That’s all for now,” is an outlandish thought. (click here to read more)

No Record of Wrongs

2010-04-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 13, often called “the love chapter”, is a favorite of many. I encourage you to click on the link and read this short but powerful chapter. (click here to read more)

The Meaning of Easter

2010-03-31T10:37:00.000-04:00

God established laws and principles to guide us in proper relationship with Him. That is what He is after – the restoration of fellowship. Violation of these laws and principles (sin) makes our relationship with Him impossible or, at best, meaningless. (click here to read more)

Risk

2010-03-24T16:35:00.000-04:00

If we choose a life of taking few risks, we actually run the greatest risk of all – that of not fulfilling the call that God has on our lives (Matthew 25:14-30). (click here to read more)

His Overture

2010-03-19T10:06:00.000-04:00

God is calling us, I believe, to be the most alive and fully-awake people on the planet. People who pursue our dreams, born of a destiny that He shaped when we were in our mother’s womb. (click here to read more)

Passion Points to Purpose

2010-03-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

Joshua saw the Promised Land, but had to wait 40 years to enter. His passion for seeing Canaan again, and the purpose that God had for him, sustained his life and he was able to see his purpose fulfilled. (click here to read more)

His Work, His Glory, Our Hands

2010-03-18T10:48:00.000-04:00

“Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:16-17)

What a privilege to be called into His service as He establishes the work of our hands! It is still remarkable to me that God uses us for His purposes. (click here to read more)

"Yes, But It Is Not I!"

2010-03-12T18:34:00.000-05:00

The story is told of Augustine, after his conversion, passing a former mistress on the street.

The mistress, in an attempt to lure him, said, "Augustine! It is I!".

Augustine's response, without even stopping, was, "Yes - but it is not I!" (click here to read more)

The Forgotten Question

2010-03-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho when the cry rose from the roadside, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Blind Bartimaeus knew He was near. (click here to read the rest of this post)

On Call

2010-03-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

Years ago, when my wife was an insurance adjuster, she would wear a pager. Remember those? (click here to read more)

What is My Duty to God?

2010-02-25T11:04:00.001-05:00

Our family recently joined a scouting troop and is enjoying the fellowship and tremendous character-building opportunities in this time-tested organization. (to read more, click here)

I've Got this Rebuke. What Do I Do With It?

2010-02-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

I read on Chip MacGregor's blog recently about a saying that the Scottish have. "Learn to unpack a rebuke."

What a beautifully simple way to express a complex thought! (To read more of this post, click here)

When to Trust in Riches

2010-02-23T08:39:00.003-05:00

I was reading Max Lucado's, Fearless, the other day when a practical thought of his brought clarity to a scripture with which we are all most familiar...
Paul wrote to Timothy, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17).

Lucado wrote, ""The United States economy endured ten recessions between 1948 and 2001...Every five years or so, the economy dumps its suitors and starts over. What would you think of a man who did the same with women?" (p. 111).

That really puts it in perspective. If we put our trust in riches, we are sure to be disappointed, and like the woman who continually chooses unfaithful men, we will be left wanting.

God is the Faithful One, put your hope in Him.

Q4U: In a troubled economy, do you struggle to keep your trust in Him?

An Open Door

2010-02-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

"See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it..." Revelation 3:8

I believe we are living in a time when the greatest conquests on the earth through the power of God's Holy Spirit are before us, as the most prepared people He has ever had.

There is, I am convinced, an open door before us...
But what will inspire us to move beyond the mind and heart clutter that keeps us fixed on this side of the door?

Clutter like...

Moses had: “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Exodus 4:10

Gideon had: “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Judges 6:15

The Disciples had: "And they said to Him, 'We have here only five loaves and two fish.'” Matthew 14:17

The paralytic at the Bethesda Pool: “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up..." John 5:7

It seems that the things that discouraged these folks actually QUALIFIED them for God's intervention.

Look at it this way...

God has a welcome mat in front of this open door. It's called Grace. And there we wipe off the things that would hold us back and we go boldly - cleansed by His work - through the open door.

Q4U: Who do you most identify with when looking at what holds you back? Moses? Gideon? The paralytic? The disciples? Or someone else?

When Fear Sleeps In

2010-02-17T13:22:00.000-05:00

When we dream (awake or asleep) we go to a place that is just beyond reality.

It is there that God triumphs through us.

Just before awakening (or coming back to our senses) we are ushered back to our cell and fear patrols the hall, locking the gates, restricting each of us to our natural state....(click below to read more)

In these cells we "live". Not in cells deprived of luxury, but in cells that are stocked with the amenities that appease. Security, safety, certain and likely results. The stuff we like - our financial plan, our insurance, our cable, our facebook, our predictable outcomes.

What if, one day, fear slept in? What if the cell door was left unlocked and we could access the dream unrestricted by fear? Would we leave the cell?

I am a firm believer that Christ is the great liberator. Fear has no real power over us. We submit to fear willingly and for a reason:

It lets us live where we are. Without challenge. Without chance. Without the risk that accompanies change (and vice versa). But without a complete victory.

What are your dreams in Him? Take them to Him in prayer, absent the restrictions of fear. Is there not a cause?

Don't let fear restrict you. The gate IS unlocked. And there is One Who has gone before you to prove that He has, indeed, vanquished every foe.

Q4U: Are you living outside the cell?

Your Reasonable Service

2010-02-15T09:46:00.002-05:00

When Paul wrote to the Romans about their "reasonable service" I think it's safe to assume that he was not talking about Sunday morning at 11:00AM.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

Paul was talking about something much bigger than what we do around the world on Sunday mornings....

Certainly, our Sunday gatherings are an essential part of our service to God - the fellowship, corporate prayer corporate worship, and strategic oversight is valuable for the Body of Christ - but what if our Sunday gatherings became the least critical part of our Christian service, rather than the most?

I'm not saying we shouldn't gather in this way. We should! It's a beautiful thing!

But what if the rest of our lives were so full of His Presence and service to God that our Sunday mornings were a living celebration of His life in and through us the other 6 days.

When I read the New Testament, the really cool things (with the exception of the Day of Pentecost) happened outside the corporate gatherings. Our lives can be that way!

Let's be holy and acceptable to God - and not just on Sunday mornings.

Q4U: What difference do you think it would make if our lives OUT of church defined our faith more than our lives IN church?

Who Is Talking About You?

2010-02-09T12:21:00.003-05:00

Joseph needed someone to speak on his behalf as his jealous brothers conspired to kill him, an act which would rob him (and, eventually, a starving generation) of his God-favored destiny.

Reuben was that someone...

"But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, 'Let us not kill him.'" (Genesis 37:21).

There have been times in my life when I have had a "Reuben" - one who stands up for me even in my absence or in having been misunderstood or misrepresented. And there have been times when "brothers" cast me aside in my absence because there was no one willing to speak on my behalf.

While I am confident that having a Reuben is a real blessing, perhaps more important than having a Reuben is being a Reuben.

It is so easy to get drawn into gossip, lower-level group-think, or corrupt communication about someone when, clearly, jealousy is at the root. I've learned that the people who put down other people in front of me are likely to be the ones who put me down when I am not there.

The higher way is the Reuben way.

Q4U: Can you think of a time that you stood up for someone in their absence?

The Edge of Faith

2010-02-05T08:24:00.001-05:00

It's inspiring to look at the "heroes" of our faith and to see the great things they accomplished, bringing glory to God and making (our shared) history.

Hebrews 11, of course, is a great place to go to get a run-down of these folks.

In reviewing the list, what do these heroes have in common?

They acted on something on the leading edge of their faith, just beyond or perhaps way beyond, their own strength. They stepped out, up, or in to something that in their own strength would have been impossible. That is where God is glorified.
When we accomplish things for the Kingdom in our own strength we are recognized for our own strength, talent, or ability. We get the glory.

When we, by faith, accomplish things beyond our own strength, God is glorified.

Q4U: When did you last step into something beyond your own strength, and see God glorified?

An End to Religion

2010-02-03T11:24:00.006-05:00

The stage was set. The Old Testament priests had a stranglehold on the airway that breathed life into God's Covenant with His people.

"If you want to be close to God," they seemed to say, "you must do it through us."

Old Testament law was given to instruct us in the need for redemption and to begin our journey back to partnership with God. Blood became necessary. A precious and perfect sacrifice was necessary.

But the religious leaders made it a business. THEY were the important ones. THEY were the holy ones.

The ministry of Jesus required that He stand with one foot in the Old Covenant and one foot in the New to show us the way out of second-hand religious service into a living partnership with God.

We needed a Hero to deliver us from religious bondage into a victorious life full of the promises, purposes, and plans of God for His creation.

Our service to Him is alive with His breath - His Spirit in us. And WE show the way out of bondage as His partners in reclaiming His creation for His glory.

Q4U: Is your service to Him alive?

Who is Jesus for You?

2010-02-02T12:15:00.011-05:00

A facebook and personal friend recently asked me for a favor. She was assigned the task of asking a question of 5 people.

"Who is Jesus for you?" she asked. What a great question!

I started to write a canned response but felt led to search my heart.
I wrote, "He is the One Who ransomed me. I was far from my intended use, which led to my ab(normal)use. He sent me His Spirit, Who dwells in me, inspiring me and giving me reason to breathe. He is my Purpose. He is my all-in-all."

I posted the question and my response to my facebook page, asking others to respond.

I thought the responses were beautiful.

What's amazing to ponder is that the responses only begin to reveal His true majesty and beauty. At the same time, I believe that a glimpse through ones in which He lives can be as revealing as His Word. We are, after all, living epistles.

I thought I'd share the unedited responses. Feel free to add yours in a comment.

Adam D: He is Everlasting. He is abounding with grace. He takes imperfection (me) and continues to mold me, despite my short comings. He's mysterious and is not seen, but He has made himself too known to deny his existence. It is thanks to Him that I am acceptable, and all my good qualities come from Him.

Robert G: Hebrews 1:2-4

Doug Z: He's the anchor that I hold to in everything I face in life. He makes me understand that I am worse than I could ever possibly think, but more loved and valued than I could ever possibly imagine. He's the only thing that makes sense out of anything. Without Christ, the idea of a God is offensive. So He is my whole reason to believe in anything. It is His work that saves me, and not anything I do but put all my trust in Him. It is His love that gives me an identity, and everything else in the world pales in comparison. It is His beauty that drives me to worship, and it is His spirit that reminds me of my sonship, even when my heart condemns me.

Christina L: He is my King and Best Friend.

Emmanuel B: JESUS is my WAY,my TRUTH and my LIFE...

Bruce D: Simply put, Jesus is my IT! Why I am, what I do, why I do IT! ALL FOR HIM

Josiah L: the perfect example of the greatness of god within the simplicity of man. showing not only my difficulties but more (importantly) my potential.

Larry K: He overwhelm's me with Joy. I Love him and he loves me. And that is such a wonderful knowledge to have. Nothing can seperate us and everything else in life at sometime we will be seperated from

Susan W: My Saviour, my protector, my friend...

My wife (Michaell H): My short answer is He is THE ONE. But since you asked me to elaborate....
Jesus is The One who knew me and loved me before I knew I was known and loved. He is The One who always watched over me when I thought I was on my own. He is The One who had an amazing plan for my life while I was wondering if anything about life was wonderful. He is The One who patiently waited until I saw and clearly understood that He is THE ONE. The One True Love, filled with grace and truth and love. The One Who forgives us and shows us how to forgive others. The One who loves us and shows us how to love others. He is the only One who takes away our trash and replaces it with His treasure. He is the Only One who healed the broken things inside my heart. The One who never fails me and never tires of me when I fail. He is The One who loves the lost and The Only One who can save them, that's Who Jesus is, and that's what He did for me.

Who is Jesus for you?

"Why This Waste?" - The Duty of Extravagance.

2010-01-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

I love the account in several of the Gospels of the woman - a sinner - who breaks an alabaster box of an expensive oil, anointing the head of Jesus.

The indignant disciples ask, "Why this waste?"

Jesus' response reveals both his tender awareness of the value of the gift to the woman and his consternation for the strict judgement made by His disciples.

Only He can determine the value of a thing. And what we count as either worthless or valuable is subject to His evaluation.

Here's the key: Develop a personal value system that you are willing to stray from under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

One element might be, "People are more important than things". I think this is what Jesus may have been saying, and it would do us well to say this, too.

Q4U: What personal values do you need to tweak so your life expresses more clearly that, "People are more important than things"?

Theology Without Meaning

2010-01-26T12:37:00.005-05:00

There are two languages through which our theology can be spoken, and one root language.

We can speak through our actions and by our fruit (Ever notice this is singular? One fruit, many manifestations.), but the root must be love.

With all that we know, and all that we've disciplined ourselves to practice in our evaluations of people or our behavior or our goals or our claims to what is right, if our theology - what we actually believe about God - is not communicated in our actions and with corresponding fruit in love, our theology has no meaning.

Q4U: What can you do - today - to clearly communicate what you believe about God through your actions and by your fruit?

The Path of the Just

2010-01-25T12:23:00.029-05:00

To think that I could have said to my sons (assuming they were old enough to understand my voice and I was wise enough to know), "You are going to be such-and-such when you grow up. That's all for now," is an outlandish thought.

The daily walk with them as we uncover, together, their talents and passions, likes and dislikes, failures and successes is, up to this point, one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

I love the discovery, the closeness, the figuring-it-out as I walk with them, loving them as best as I can. In the beginning they needed me desperately, and that need has grown into a wanting that forms the foundation of our love and the platform for our joy. We love being together.

To think that we want to have God tell us His ultimate will for our lives is just as outlandish.

Our daily walk with Him as He uncovers our talents and passions, likes and dislikes, failures and successes forms the foundation of our pleasure and joy in Him.

Don't get caught up in the final destination. The destination will take care of itself.

As we rely on His subtle but loving and constant direction through His Holy Spirit, we are building a wanting and reliance that develops the very best part of us - our dependence on Him. That is much better than knowing the destination.

Enjoy the journey, it's an ever-brightening path.

"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day."

Q4U: How do you deal with the desire to know the "end from the beginning'?

What Does Grant Desme Have to Do with You?

2010-01-22T16:44:00.001-05:00

Maybe you don't know who Grant Desme is. I didn't.

Apparently, he was a big-time, promising, up-and-coming baseball player who just announced he's leaving baseball to go into ministry. So why am I writing about sports the day after I wrote about a politician? And what does Grant Desme (or Scott Brown) have to do with you? Or me?
I'm interested in what interests people. Yesterday, Scott Brown was one of the most-searched terms on Google. Today it's Grant Desme.

They are both guys who are facing great change. And, like you and I, they will deal with the stresses of life in transition.

I suspect we'll hear more and more from Scott Brown throughout the coming years, and less and less about Grant Desme. But that will be no indicator of their satisfaction with life.

Here's the point...

Claim YOUR purpose. You know, the one God gave you. Don't settle for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing, or best-paying. Ask the tough questions about who you are meant to be and what you are designed to do. Don't let someone else determine your worth or purpose. God created you. He knows what you were made for.

It matters.

And the transitions and stresses that accompany pursuing that purpose will be worth it - and come with a guarantee...

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you", says the LORD, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Go for it.

What Does Scott Brown Have to Do with You?

2010-01-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

It's an unusual blog title for me but, no matter what your political views, you can't escape the drama of this recent event.

It's newsy because it effects so many people and carries the David/Goliath underdog element. But what if it effected less people? How would that be different to Scott? Or you? I'm getting to my point...

What difference would it make to Scott Brown if very few people were affected by this event? If it was a small blip on the screen of so much other activity surrounding us?

To Scott Brown, it would be just as dramatic. National event or not, he and his family are facing tremendous change. They will be shopping for a house in a different city, meeting new people, adjusting their daily routines, encountering new stresses, and more. Many things will feel different to them. This gets lost in the story.

On this level, Scott Brown's story is not much different than ours.

I don't know of Scott's religious views, but when we accept God's right to move sovereignly in our lives, we can expect change. And, although we may not become a US Senator, we may face a move to a different city, new people, new routines, and new stresses. And OUR story is just as dramatic.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Guide, as we encounter and rest in the changes we face as Partners with God in Big Kingdom Business.

Q4U: When have you sensed the Presence of God in a dramatic change of your circumstances?

Not to Condemn, but to Save

2010-01-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

John 3:16 is quite possibly the best-known scripture in the Bible. But God has hidden, in John 3:17, a key for us in our walk as ministers of reconciliation.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him".

It is easy to be critical of or to condemn those who don't follow Him. That's our flesh nature. But He came to save. And our born-again nature as His partners in securing His creation for His glory should be evident in the way we deal with people. Jesus came to save the world. People.

Certainly we aren't to tolerate acts of sin and injustice - He didn't - but our first response should rise from an awareness of the need of the salvation of the person. If we can separate the person in need of salvation from the behavior in need of condemnation, we would be a more accurate reflection of Him.

Q4U: Can you think of a time that you separated the person from their behavior and were able to see reconciliation take place?

Fear of Change

2010-01-19T11:53:00.007-05:00

Sometimes we are afraid of a new thought or revelation because of the change it might require in our lives. How will this affect my family? My friendships? My career plans? My habits? My worship? My prayer life?

It does us good to read a scripture "again for the first time" without fear of it changing the way we think about God or about ourselves. That doesn't mean that change won't come. It means that we need not fear the change, since it comes from Him.

I have adopted this habit recently, stripping away my preconceptions and trusting in His love, not my religious inclinations, to keep me centered in His will. Our essential awareness of the love of God is a great counter to any fears we may face, after all "perfect love casts out fear".

Q4U: What verse, chapter, or book of the Bible has most changed you?

A Lamb in the House

2010-01-18T16:59:00.006-05:00

We read John Chapter 1 at our family breakfast devotional this morning and my wife reminded us of something she had heard.

It was customary for the people of God to bring the sacrificial lamb into the home to live for several days before it was presented to the priest as the perfect sacrifice. At that point it was the lamb that was judged, not the family.

Wow.

Put those two thoughts together.

Jesus, the Lamb of God, is One with Whom we are permitted to become familiar. He was judged, found perfect, and then was sacrificed in our place.

Q4U: What do you suppose we can do with our lives, in recognition of such grace?

Book Review - Obstacles Welcome

2010-01-12T11:43:00.004-05:00

With the threat of headlines and news stories that could cause the weak to cower, Ralph de la Vega's "Obstacles Welcome" is a worthy reminder of the possibilities that exist for those who will apply themselves and rise to the challenges that are sure to come.

His story is inspirational. Rising from life in the US as a Cuban immigrant to president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, he proves that the American dream is still alive, and that perseverance pays.

The takeaway is that, hidden within each obstacle that threatens to hold us back, there is an opportunity that can alter our thinking and, in due time, our lives.

There is great advice for both the businessman and anyone who desires to pursue their dream.

The Best Teacher

2010-01-11T11:20:00.003-05:00

I saw an article in the newspaper over the weekend about the "Teacher of the Year Award".

It caused me to ponder from whom I am being best-taught right now.

I've heard that "experience is the best teacher", and certainly I can see how that can be true. But what about examples?

I've had many traditional teachers, in the positional sense, through college and graduate school and through years of sitting under ministers with a leaning towards the teaching gifts. But what of the examples that I've had the experience of learning from? I'm thinking of people who have gone before me or through something and been transparent enough to let me learn from their experience.

Ordinary people encountering tremendous challenges have inspired and taught me. My sons, in moments of humility or child-like faith, have taught me. My wife, in withholding her tongue or being amongst the best secret-holders when it comes to the confidence of a friend, has taught me. Undeclared mentors, in dealing with the burden of being misunderstood, have taught me and, of course, Jesus Himself has taught me.

Thank God for examples in your life, and make sure you are being a good one.

Can you think of a person who has taught you through their example?

The Love-Courage Connection

2010-01-05T12:00:00.003-05:00

There seems to be for so many of us a great gap between what we dream to do and what we engage ourselves in doing.

Recognizing that focusing on "doing" is a risky endeavor to begin with because, improperly balanced, it could displace the work of grace that was done for us, I move ahead nonetheless because I think that, in our culture of political-correctness and emphasis on non-judgementalism we are more at risk of abandoning the responsibility we have of actually walking out, in obedience, the "doing" part of our relationship of faith with our Creator than we are of abandoning our reliance on His Grace.

Perhaps we lack the courage to "do".

Where does courage come from?

If we start with an understanding of how loved we are by God, we can secure our trust in Him for His plans for us. Sufficient trust is the platform from which we can act in courage (and faith), knowing that He will carry us through what He has called us to do.

When we realize His love, we establish our trust. From trust in Him, courage for our call is easy.

Well, easier.

The Word Became Flesh

2010-01-04T12:02:00.003-05:00

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."

The pronouncement from the Apostle John (John 1:14), like many others in scripture, can become so familiar that it loses its significance.

The Word of God, part of the "Elohim" that created everything, became something else.

What else?

Some sort of angelic being with supernatural powers?

A mind-reading entity that could discern the very thoughts of men?

A healing potion that eradicated all disease?

A powerful weapon that reached into the spirit realm to annihilate all demonic influence?

No. Flesh. Like us.

And now the same spirit that inhabited the flesh of Jesus inhabits our flesh.

God chose the medium of flesh to present Himself to the world. And the same flesh that carries the supernatural powers of God to discern the thoughts of man, bring all manners of healing, and annihilate demonic influence can be the arms, hands, and mouthpiece of God to touch a lost world, manifesting His love and sharing the good news of His coming.

The Word became flesh and dwelt in Jesus. Now He dwells in us.

Book Review: "Primal" by Mark Batterson

2009-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love books that encourage folks to go beyond what they think is possible, and Mark Batterson's press into a deeper understanding of the core of our Christian walk is just one of those books.

In the same gutsy but friendly tone of his, "In A Pit with A Lion On A Snowy Day", and "Wild Goose Chase", Batterson encourages us to look beyond our supposed weaknesses and restrictions to the strength of the Great Commandment.

"Primal" is different because it doesn't build with more theories or a new set of practices, but digs down to the center of what really matters - the same "mattering" that Jesus laid out: To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

He addresses each of these sources of our love for God in the four sections of the book, intertwining natural and spiritual examples as well as giving us quite an impressive overview of the physical function of the brain - increasing our awe for Our Creator.

At this Primal core, what he refers to as "the Lost Soul of Christianity" we find our greatest meaning and are both convicted and released to find that place of God's bidding out of which we can live at our best, bringing glory to our God.

If we are to pursue God entirely, the launching spot must be the Great Commandment, and "Primal" gives us both the language and the understanding to pursue with everything we have.

You can purchase a copy at, www.RandomHouse.com .

Secrets 2 - repost

2009-12-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure when or from whom we learned this exercise, and it has become so much a part of our lives that it doesn't seem to be so intentional anymore as automatic.

That's ironic because the whole intent is to avoid the automatic, the status quo, the ordinary, and the mundane.

We call it "STOP. NOTICE. AND DECIDE."

We invoke this occasionally to make sure that our lives haven't found a rut. That we are actively and in a meaningful way pursuing the plan of God for our lives. I love the quote, "A rut is just a grave with both ends kicked out of it." It speaks for itself. We don't want to be "the walking dead".

So first, we STOP.
In the busy-ness, crowds, and noise of our culture we can forget to just take a break. A day or two, or maybe an afternoon or an hour together when we purposely unplug and clear out the cobwebs. We position ourselves to hear each other and to hear the voice of God through each other.

And then NOTICE.
We turn that break into something more than an escape. We turn it into an intentional and fearless review of what we are doing. Are we in God's plan? Is there eternal significance to what we are putting our hands to? Is it good for God? For people? For our family? For our community?

And then DECIDE.
This is where the rubber meets the road. What will we do with what we have just heard and noticed? This is the gutsy, full-on, step-up-to-the-plate part of living that makes it really living.

We've closed businesses, fed the homeless, started new ministry tracks, opened businesses, bought airline tickets, fostered the abused, enrolled in universities, sold houses, had children, retired, re-hired, bought houses, changed careers and a whole lot more out of these "STOP. NOTICE. AND DECIDE." moments.

I don't have specific scripture for this, but I can tell you that the fruit has been lasting. And the adventures with God have been thrilling, fostering a relationship with Him that is alive, relevant, and head-over-heels full of love.

"Well DONE, Good and Faithful Servant"

2009-12-01T13:35:00.002-05:00

I love this scripture (Matthew 25:21, 23) and the encouragement it brings in knowing that, as we exercise the talents He has given us, we are sure to be pleasing to Our Father.

It reminds me of how important DOING is. Sure, His grace has saved us, but serving the Lord in DOING because of His Grace for us is a high form of worship, acknowledging that what He has done for and in us is worth putting into action. We were saved to save others and DOING something is a powerful way to influence your world.

The parable doesn't state, "Well SAID, good and faithful servant", or "Well LEARNED...", it says, "Well DONE...".

The exercise of our talents according to our differing capabilities, giftings and opportunities is critical to our active service in Him.

Some may pray, some sing, some write, some love, and some may give food to the hungry. Some may never leave their city and some may traverse the globe. Certainly we can't judge others for how the Lord uses the talents He has invested in them.

I have met beautiful believers in China, Japan, Africa, Russia, Italy, France, Central and South America and other parts of the world who would all define service different because of their culture and opportunities; but the Lord, Who looks on their hearts, knows the worth of their doing.

The fastest growing and largest body of believers is in China. And they are doing this without a single street preacher! Imagine if we were so narrow-minded to think that is the only way to be faithful!

In much of the world, we seem to focus on service through the church, the local gathering of believers. There is strength in these numbers, as well as a diversity that brings multiple giftings together for good. A lot is accomplished through local churches. I pray each one does its part in DOING.

In your service to the Lord, don't let anyone judge you based on what they are doing and you are not. But be certain that you are doing something that magnifies Him by exercising what He has invested in you.

Our "saying" and "learning" must be exercised through our "doing". And in this, He is pleased.

When Right is Wrong

2009-11-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

I love the account of Paul and Silas singing at midnight in the inner prison when the earthquake frees their bonds (Acts 16:25-34).

Then, released by the word of the magistrates, they refuse to leave the prison secretly even after this miraculous event. They knew that this "right" to leave was "wrong", claiming that their public imprisonment and beating demanded a public release. They required the magistrates to come in person to let them go (Acts 16:35-40).

It takes faith to resist a favorable right when the conditions are wrong.

It is noteworthy that the reason they were in prison in the first place also speaks to this lesson.

The slave girl with a spirit of divination cried out, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation" (Acts 16:16). This is an indisputable truth. And it is right.

But Paul rebuked the spirit out of which she spoke.

He rejected the favorable right because the conditions were wrong. It was not fitting that the source of truth (the spirit) was the deceiver. And Paul was dragged to the authorities and wrongly accused, beaten, and imprisoned.

Eventually, God got the glory.

We should be so full of faith as to be willing to reject the favorable right and to wait, patiently and in joy, for the proper solution as God moves, with His earth-shaking force, in favor of fully-right.

We may be tempted to enjoy the praise in our ears from an ill source, or to complain when falsely accused, or to stomp out of a difficult situation with a chip on our shoulder because the whole injustice wasn't accounted for - but a steady, trusting confidence in Our Maker-Redeemer is the only right that ends in right, bringing glory to Our God.

"The devil Made Me Do It!" A Convenient Untruth

2009-09-03T13:20:00.005-04:00

Each of us has had the opportunity to hear someone credit the devil for his influence over something they have done wrong.

This is an acceptable claim for the unredeemed, but for a believer to make such a proclamation it must ring as the highest of insults to our King of Glory.

Jesus died a tragic, painful, shameful, inglorious death. He went to heaven and sprinkled His blood in the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 9:11-14). He "...disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:13-15). His victory is complete and redemption, for the believer, is a fact!

Do we really want to credit the devil, this defeated foe, with a "victory" in our redeemed life? The enemy is a "...prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience..." (Ephesians 2:1-3). But he doesn't work in me. Not in a believer.

Here's the point: When we acknowledge God as the One Who gives us victory, we are giving Him glory for what He is able to do in and through us.

Tragically, when we credit the enemy for our sin we are glorifying him and minimizing the absolute victory obtained for us on the cross, through the Most Holy Place, and at the throne.

What an insult to the One Who gave it all for us! Shame on us when we glorify the enemy for our sin! In this, we are proclaiming the enemy's power and greatness in our lives! We are elevating him to a position to which he has no right!

If Jesus saved us, sanctified us, healed us, delivered us, redeemed us, why can't we accept that He has disallowed any influence by the enemy toward us?

Peter instructs us to, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This is wise instruction. We must remain sober and vigilant. But a lion "walking", "roaring", and "seeking" never made anyone bleed! And this "disarmed" foe is helpless in devouring a believer!

So why do we confess such foolishness?

Because in our pride, our laziness, our immaturity, and our resistance to acknowledging our sin, it is much easier to blame someone else. Adam's weak excuse in the garden ("The woman...gave me of the tree, and I ate"), along with Eve's weak excuse in the garden, (“The serpent deceived me, and I ate”) is our weak excuse today ("The devil made me do it!").

As long as we have someone to blame we escape accepting our part, and we avoid making the necessary changes or making right where we've made wrong.

God has nothing to give us in exchange for our excuses. But for our repentance He has forgiveness.

Take responsibility for your sin. Don't blame a foe that was defeated for you.

Sound the A.L.A.R.M.

Accept your part in your sin and face the truth squarely. No excuses. It is the first step toward changing.
Lift it up to God, don't deflect it to your enemy.
Ask for forgiveness. Absolute repentance before God and to anyone you've harmed.
Repay what you owe, where possible. Maybe up to seven times.
Move on. The same One Who saved you made the way for your return to right-standing.

As He Was, Pt. 3 - The Bridge

2009-08-31T08:04:00.004-04:00

I am focusing on the words, "...as He was" from this passage recognizing that, in order to represent Him to the world, we must understand "how He was".

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus straddled the 2 covenants, which is why He was constantly challenging their way of thinking. If you can challenge a way of thinking you can open a mind.

Too often we are caught in our own doctrine or ways of thinking. Religion vaccinates us (indoctrinates us) against the truth. We stop thinking. When the truth finally invades us, we reject it like an infection. How many times did someone preach to you before you finally HEARD the truth? Your mind had to be opened.

Jesus would say, “You heard it THIS way, but I say it’s THIS way” over and over, trying to bridge them to the new covenant, using His time here, in the flesh, to introduce them (and us!) to a new way of thinking that would be necessary in order for us to represent Him after He left. He came to break us from our old way of thinking.

They looked to an Old Testament God Who was distant and only reachable through a sacrifice and a priest. Jesus changed that. He makes God available to ANY who believe.

They tried to convince Jesus that He wasn’t able to do what He said He could do, but He proved them wrong. “The man who was demon-possessed is now sitting and in his right mind”. Prove them wrong! Don’t let anyone put you down. You’re a believer! You are God’s best!

You’ll always be opposed when you seek to bring the truth. A storm arose when He got in the vessel to go to the other side

We’ve got to take Him to the world “as He is”.

The power is in the declaration of the Good News!

Preach the Gospel and see people saved.

Preach the Gospel and see people set free.

Preach the Gospel and see people healed.

Preach the Gospel and see people loved.

Preach the Gospel and see people empowered.

Preach the Gospel and see people lifted up.

Preach the Gospel and see people encouraged to love and move in His power to take this Gospel – this Good News – to the world!

Cross over out of an Old Testament model into the New Testament miracle life. Take it to the crazy people – wherever you go.

This is a new life. A new day. You can carry Him as He is.

As He Was, Pt. 2 - The Mandate

2009-08-26T18:28:00.019-04:00

I am focusing on the words, "...as He was" from this passage recognizing that, in order to represent Him to the world, we must understand "how He was".

Today we focus on His role in restoring our mandate.

God set us in His beautiful creation with a mandate. It is found in Genesis, Chapter 1:28 “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue, and have dominion”. It was a mandate that expressed God’s heart in involving man in His conquest to fill the earth with His glory. God was counting on man to do his part. He trusted Adam to take the instruction he was given and to faithfully conduct himself.

Our authority to carry out this mandate was forfeited when, in the Garden, Adam submitted to the serpent ("You are slave to him whom you obey" - Romans 6:16).

The Old Testament laws were enacted to teach us about the need for redemption and to begin our way back to partnership with God. Blood became necessary. A precious and perfect sacrifice was necessary. One could only be made clean through an act or ritual conducted by a priest and a blood sacrifice declared to be perfect.

But the priests made it a business. They set themselves up to be the ones to benefit from the plan of God. THEY were the important ones. THEY were the holy ones.

Religion prospered. But the people lost sight of God. And, distant from their Creator, they lost sight of themselves and their purpose.

From Isaiah Chapter 1:

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” says the LORD.
“I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats.
When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand,
To trample My courts?
Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
Your New Moons and your appointed feast my soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them."

Thankfully, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). “God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). For 33 years He walked in the flesh as our example. And then He fulfilled His role as Redeemer - the Perfect Sacrifice, once and for all. His blood was shed to provide access to God for every Believer, not just the privileged.

As Redeemer He bought us back. As Our Example He showed us what God is like and what WE can be like.

Our mandate is restored as we re-engage in His purpose, understanding the weight of the matter that God has set upon us.

Jesus is our example. He shows us the way. What He did - AS HE WAS - we can do AS HE IS, because the same Spirit lives in us.

More tomorrow.

As He Was

2009-08-26T08:30:00.004-04:00

This is a familiar account that shows the magnificent freeing power of Jesus. It can be read in full at Mark 4:35 - 5:20.

Why must we cross over? Because there are crazy people out there who are unable to free themselves from their bonds. Their behavior and their spiritual condition bind them to themselves.

We must cross over to the other side. What is on the other side for you? What person? What neighbor? What fellow worker? What family? What people? What nation?

And what will you bring with you?

From Mark chapter 4, verse 36: "They took Him along…as He was."

There is great confusion in the church world over “how Jesus was”.

In the 2,000 years since God was with us in Christ, religion has re-shaped His image.

It’s not a new strategy of the enemy. It’s straight from the Garden. If the enemy can get us to question what God has said or done (Genesis 3:1), he will be successful at compromising the truth in us. And compromised truth will only bring a compromised victory, which is what we have today. Sure we have had some success. We have vibrant music and meetings and great preaching. Beautiful buildings and TV shows and church programs. But it’s hard to accept this as the life for which Jesus died. I may be willing to give MY life for what we have in the church today, but I don’t think I would give my son’s life.

It is the same for God. I believe He envisions something more. And if we can find our way back to the Truth, we will finally be set free - and be alive enough to set others free.

If His seed in us is virtuous, the fruit is virtuous. And we will cross over our boundaries of religion and philosophy and man-made doctrine and see the demoniac set free. If we are going to do this, we must do as the disciples did in Mark, Chapter 4 and take Jesus along "…as He was”.

Do We Need the Holy Spirit?

2009-08-18T08:15:00.003-04:00

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine:
therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
(John 16:13-15)

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:4).

Jesus taught us that the Holy Spirit would come and that he would glorify Jesus.

In the Book of Acts we see the day of Pentecost - and the promise is fulfilled.

The coming of the Holy Spirit is not celebrated as a "second-coming" of God in another form, but as the provision for our very present revelation of Christ.

The Holy Spirit did not come as a replacement for Christ, but as a Revealer of Christ - to us and through us. He came to show us that the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead could live IN US! (Romans 8:11).

His coming established us as the place out of which God would operate. No longer in a Temple made of hands (Mark 14:18), or in a single flesh man, but in a many-membered Body (1 Corinthians 12:20).

If you are a member of the Body of Christ, by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) you are a Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16) by whom Christ is revealed to and through you.

Yes. We need the Holy Spirit.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit IN Us

2009-08-17T10:40:00.005-04:00

We must take care not to reduce the ministry of the Holy Spirit only to speaking in other tongues. Or to experience the Holy Spirit as a distant dove that will occasionally light on us - if we pray really hard.

Jesus said of the Holy Spirit:

"It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away,
the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine:
therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
(John 16:7b-15)

Jesus gave us commandments through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-3).
We receive power through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:7-9; Romans 15:19; Ephesians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:5).
We understand things to come through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:16; 4:25).
The Holy Spirit is witness to things with us (Acts 5:31-33; 15:28; Romans 9:1; Hebrews 2:4; 10:14; 1 John 5:6-8).
The Holy Spirit IN us validates us for service (Acts 6:3, 5; 18:25; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 3:3; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13).
The Holy Spirit opens our eyes (Acts 7:55; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Ephesians 3:5).
The Holy Spirit speaks to us (Acts 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 16:6-8; 20:23; 21:4; 21:11; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:7; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 14:13; 22:17).
The Holy Spirit translates us (Acts 8:39).
We are comforted by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31; Ephesians 1:19).
We are led by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4; Romans 8:1-9, 14, 26-27; Galatians 5:16, 18; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20).
The Holy Spirit empowers us to love (Romans 5:5; 15:30; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 1:8).
The Holy Spirit carries righteousness, peace, hope, and joy (Romans 14:17; 15:13; Galatians 5:5, 22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
We are taught by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 9:8).
We are united in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 13:14; Ephesians 2:18, 4:3-4).
The Holy Spirit frees us (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Our offerings are sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16).

The Holy Spirit will show us Christ (Romans 1:4).
We are sanctified/justified by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2).
The Holy Spirit quickened the body of Christ (1 Peter 3:18).

The Old Testament prophets and Gospel-period believers experienced a Holy Spirit that was UPON, AROUND, or THROUGH them.

We, after the cross and Pentecost, experience a Holy Spirit that is IN us (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).

The Holy Spirit doesn't seek glory, but points us to and reveals the ministry of Jesus IN us. And we will do greater things.

Yielding to God

2009-08-13T08:57:00.004-04:00

It is necessary, when yielding to God, to yield completely to God.

There's a wonderful illustration of this in the 12th and13th chapters of Genesis.

"Now the LORD had said to Abram:
'Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.'"
(Genesis 12:1)

God's instructions were clear, including the dictate to "Get out...from your family". But Abraham didn't yield completely to this command. He took both his father and Lot, and paid dearly for each offense.

He only got as far as Haran, which is halfway to Canaan. He could go no further until his father died.

How many times do we drag something or someone along on our way to pursuing what God has for us? Only absolute yielding will bring complete fulfillment of the promise.

And, as for Lot, strife arose between Abraham and Lot as they prospered. Abraham yielded to Lot (Genesis 13:7-9) and, after this yielding, God showed Abraham his inheritance:

"And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever."
Genesis 13:14-15

As long as we cling to what we think is ours, we won't realize what we are promised. We think we are prospering because of what we can cling to, when we are lacking because of what we aren't willing to yield.

It is the yielded spirit that gets the inheritance.

Yield to the Spirit of God. Hold, with a light touch, what you claim to be yours.

Discover as Abraham did that, when you yield, what He has for you is far greater.

The Practice Field - repost

2009-08-12T08:57:00.000-04:00

I think one of the most helpful things we can do for the next generation of leaders is to allow them to express their sense of what God is doing in their lives and to practice what they have learned from scripture.

I am finding that people, especially young people, are not interested in what you have to say until they are sure they have said- or will be able to say - what they want to say. It's a by-product of a generation that, for the most part as children of the Boomers, has been indulged or over-indulged.

I know this: God expects a lot from them. So much has been given (Luke 12:48).

In giving them a place to practice what they know, we provide an opportunity to succeed. A place where the principles that scripture is instilling in them get tested and pass, building faith and confidence in the character of God.

And practice isn't the same as observing. They have far too many opportunities to just be an observer. Practice means walking in the place where THEY are responsible for recognizing what God wants to do AT THAT MOMENT.

Dr. TL Osborn once told me that most of what we call the "anointing" comes from having experienced God's Presence in a similar way or circumstance. The more we see God move through us, the more sensitive we are to recognize what He is doing and what He wants to do next. That prepares us for expecting the miraculous on a regular basis. You know where He's going because you've been there before. That confidence comes from seeing Him move and looks like spiritual insight.

Are you in position to encourage a young person out of their comfort zone and into a place where they can learn to recognize how God moves - in and through them? You are in position to shape the next generation.

Our Sinless Life?

2009-08-11T09:17:00.004-04:00

Paul, in the ninth chapter of his second letter to the church at Corinth, is reminding the Corinthian churches of a gift they had proposed for the believers in Jerusalem. He ends this reminder with the declaration: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

His reference to God's grace and the gift of Christ as "indescribable" is a powerful reminder to us of what was done to release us from our weighty sin.

There is much theological debate on original sin and on the subject of whether or not a believer can/should/must live without sin. I don't intend to resolve that debate. If the theologians have been (for centuries!) struggling with the apparent contradictory scripture on this subject, I can only conclude that this debate, like a parable, will serve to cause us to dig deep and examine the matters of our own heart.

If we side with those who say that a sinless life is necessary for salvation, perhaps our hearts demand an accounting of others' actions as we stand in judgment. Clearly, Jesus cautioned against this (Luke 6:37). This could serve to shame us in our own faults or lead us to pride. Many seem to fall (publicly) because of this stance. However, if we favor an acceptance of sin in the life of a believer, we settle for a lower nature. This liberality is dangerous, too.

I bear witness to the writings of one of Jesus' dearest friends, the Apostle John, in his discussion on the matter (1 John 2). He, at once, recognizes the pursuit of holiness as good while acknowledging our Advocate in the case that we fail in the pursuit.

At any rate, our gift to Him of a sinless life (however possible!) can never compare to the "indescribable gift" of His Son to us.

Missions Change the World, Starting with You

2009-08-10T08:34:00.003-04:00

It's remarkable to me how people setting out to change the world are deeply changed by it.

There's something about lifting our eyes and seeing the field that alters our perspective on our own life.

Mission trip after trip, whether I've gone myself or heard testimonies from others, I grow in suspicion over Jesus' motivation for sending us "...into all the world (to) preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Could it be He was doing that for our sake?

The same dynamics that operate THERE operate HERE. The giving of our time, the attention to a new face, the unselfish gesture, the leading of the Holy Spirit, the unrushed pace.

Surely, we CAN change nations; but what of the thought that nations can change us - making us more loving, compassionate, focused, grateful, effective, fervent - and powerful - at home?

The mission field is a great training ground for how we should live at home.

Go.

The Way of the Unfaithful... - repost

2009-08-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

Solomon, in his Proverbs, tells us that, "...the way of the unfaithful is hard" (Proverbs 13:15). The whole book of Proverbs is like a song of praise, declaring the merits of the path of the righteous, as compared to the path of the wicked.

Kierkegaard said, "It costs a man just as much or even more to go to hell than to come to heaven". I am sure that is true. I can't imagine negotiating the questions and issues of this life without Christ.

Just the nuclear question of purpose, around which the matter of our lives circulates, hangs unstable without the core element of Creator.

There is none more lost than a man without Christ.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

The way of the unfaithful is hard. But His yoke is easy.

Preach the Gospel. We have Good News.

Prayer That Changes Things

2009-08-05T08:44:00.003-04:00

Indeed, prayer has a powerful effect on how we carry out our lives. Jesus advised us to, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation" (Matthew 26:41), indicating that there is an effect that prayer has on our ability to stand strong in a contrary world. There is a direct and indirect influence on our conduct that comes through conversing with God on a regular basis.

But this profound influence on ourselves is not the only aim of prayer.

Prayer as a discipline, without the objectives of improving our fellowship with the Father and positioning ourselves to be His instruments in advancing the purposes of His Kingdom, would be a dry and selfish thing.

Praying regularly makes us ready to pray in an instant. The more we pray, in an ongoing way, the more we think to pray and the more we make ourselves available to draw on the spiritual reserve that has been laid up to bring about His will here on Earth ("After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven").

To "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6) is the key. To train ourselves to be in an attitude of prayer at all times means we can invoke the very Presence of God in every situation.

Prayer that we "disappear into", as in a closet, becomes training for prayer that is "without ceasing". And this is relevant, productive prayer that makes us active in the spirit and agents of change in the natural.

On "Not Being Fed Meat"

2009-08-04T09:47:00.003-04:00

Recently I heard two teachings from unrelated ministries that, at first glance, had nothing to do with each other. But when considering the picture as a whole, it was like superficially contrary verses that suddenly bring revelation when viewed in a proper Light.

One message had to do with a survey that concluded that the overwhelming number of people leaving a church are leaving because they claimed they were "not being fed enough meat".

The other message had to do with the will of the Father as our "meat".

There are many references to "meat" in the New Testament. Most are referencing meat that is consumed at a meal.

Other times it is a spiritual reference. Several by Paul (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2), by the writer of Hebrews (5:12-14), and several times by Jesus (John 4:30-34; 6:26-27).

I want to look at Jesus' use of the word in John 4:34:

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

When we are mature (read Paul's "meat" scriptures) we understand "meat" in the context that Jesus spoke of it. We change our expectation of a church providing a "meal" for us and we turn from wanting more and more in order to be satisfied to looking inward to discover what God is requiring of us. Then we go to work.

We don't leave the church, we leave our excuses.

That is where we are satisfied with mature food, by fulfilling His will for us.

If we want more meat, perhaps we should stop demanding more from a teaching or a Pastor or a conference, and we should commit ourselves to getting fed how Jesus got fed - by doing the will of God.

Start at the beginning - repost

2009-08-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we want things really really badly. But, even when it comes to the things of God, we've got to start at the right place. It's a heart-issue.

If we want grace we begin by loving God. That produces humility, and humility brings grace (Proverbs 3:34).

If we want financial security we begin by loving people. That leads us to giving and giving secures our receiving (Luke 6:38).

If we want a guarantee of eternal life, we begin by loving God and loving people.

From the Gospel of Luke...

"And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, 'Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'
He said to him, 'What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?'
So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:25-27).

Start at the beginning. Love God. Love people. The rest will take care of itself.

Samson's Demise - repost

2009-07-31T09:25:00.000-04:00

The Philistine's sought to find Samson's strength, but their victory was assured when they exploited his weakness (Judges 16).

It's wonderful to recognize our strengths. But when we begin to think that we are invincible because of them, we enter dangerous territory unless we are wide-awake to our weaknesses.

After we are alert to them, we must then exercise self-control, pursuing righteousness through the Word, Godly counsel, and humble fellowship with our Father.

Lead with your strengths. Grow in them. Let the Lord and the Word mature you in these. He can use you mightily.

But don't neglect dealing with your weaknesses. Seek the Lord with a humble heart and close the door on the Philistines.

Boldness, Confidence, and Anointing

2009-07-30T08:56:00.005-04:00

"...having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus..." (Hebrews 10:19).

"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise..." (Hebrews 10:35-36).

The same Greek word, "parrhēsia", is translated into these two English words, "boldness" and "confidence".

This is one disadvantage with which we are left when reading the Bible in a translated language - which most of us must do!

When we link these two thoughts - Paul's encouragement to enter boldly and his counsel to retain confidence - we understand the power of our association with God.

When we can enter the Holiest boldly, we can walk in His will confident. Not in arrogance, but in awe.

Dr. TL Osborn once told me that what most of us call anointing in others is actually experience with and confidence in God. Once we have seen God do something, we recognize when He is about to do it again, and we help to facilitate the environment to produce the same result.

Our entering boldly helps to establish our affiliation (fellowship and experience) with Him. Our confident pursuit of His will positions us to receive the reward - the privilege of bringing Him glory.

Enter boldly and carry the confidence.

His Work, His Glory, Our Hands

2009-07-29T09:03:00.002-04:00

What a privilege to be called into His service! It is still remarkable to me that God uses us for His purposes.

"Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:16-17)

We are truly, as Dr. TL Osborn says, "partners with God in BIG KINGDOM BUSINESS".

But we must remember that it is His work, His glory, and our hands.

In our empowerment culture it seems that we can, at times, ask Him to put His hands to our work, instead of the opposite - as if we are owed His participation in what we are working on.

It is His work - and we participate with our hands. Then He establishes the work as His for His glory.

What are you believing Him for right now? Whose work is it?

Defending One's Self - remix

2009-07-28T09:04:00.000-04:00

Jerusalem was rife with drama as the Man (Whom many were proclaiming to be King) was brought before the authorities.

False accusations and lies were thrust at Him, "But Jesus kept silent." (Matthew 26:63).

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Defense of one's self, particularly in our culture, has become somewhat of a right. But the higher way is the way that Jesus showed us.

Much of the time our words are used to create, correct, or restore our own public image. It can be difficult to resist the temptation to defend, to explain, or to return a barb.

In our defense of self, our words, unless spoken from absolutely pure motive can only inflame.

In our silence, God will speak.

How much do we trust God? Will we let Him speak in the silence? Or will we fill it with our words? Jesus showed us the way:

^{1 Peter 2:20} "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. ²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
²² “ Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth;²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;"

Sometimes the accusation can even come through a believer. Paul, talking to those "who are loved by God and called to be saints" (Romans 1:7), said:

^{Romans 2:1} "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. ²Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. ³So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? ⁴Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"

Understand that each of us is tragically capable of joining the accuser (Revelation 12:10) in passing judgment on someone else. Even under the most clear circumstances, this is a chancy habit. We're probably best-served by applying the accusation to ourselves to see if there is anything that can be found, first, in us.

Jesus, perfectly fit to "cast the first stone", didn't cast it.

The late Ed Cole, teacher and mentor to men, said, "Knowledge of God's Word is a bulwark against deception, temptation, accusation, even persecution. "

When accused or slandered, know what God says about you and believe it. In this way, He speaks in your silence. To you. And the voice of the accuser is silenced.

Occasionally, you might even find elements of truth in the accusation. The enemy, in his rush to condemn, can bring conviction that can lead to Godly repentance. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). In quiet, allow the Holy Spirit to use the words to speak to your heart about what is true and to nullify what is false. The Holy Spirit is the Great Teacher and Counselor, and will lead you into truth (John 16:13).

What about what others think? God will take care of them. Remember Psalm 62:5-7,

"My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation.
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God."

Christ was accused that we might not be condemned; and if at any time we find ourselves in this same position, we should remember that we cannot expect to manage with our words what He managed with His silence.

Found in Translation - The Mind of Christ

2009-07-27T09:06:00.003-04:00

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Phillipians 2:3-8).

I was listening to a friend the other day who is fluent in several languages. He was talking about how he has trained himself to think in English, since that is the primary language with which he is surrounded. He has found himself struggling, however, with his native language - having a difficult time finding the right word or phrase because it just isn't as available as it used to be.

We - who have the mind of Christ - should be so lucky! What would it be like to forget our first-nature mind language and to only speak out of our Christ-mind?

When we speak out of the language of the mind of Christ, our lives speak the Kingdom language - LOVE, and He is found in the translation our lives speak.

Be a faithful translation, speak the truth in LOVE.

Found in Translation - Sons and Heirs

2009-07-24T10:10:00.002-04:00

I've had opportunity to minister using interpreters in at least 7 different languages. There have been times where my words have been accurately translated and others where this hasn't been the case.

When what I have faithfully said is faithfully delivered, there is a marked difference in the response.

It is this way with our representation of Christ. People see Him in us. Hence, this week's topic: Found in Translation.

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"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise"
(Galatians 3:26-29).

This amazing proclamation secures our place in Him.

We aren't His children by nature (Jesus is the only begotten) or by creation (as Adam, the angels, and all mankind) but by divine adoption. We are made legitimate in Him by His sovereign act of grace in accepting us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)!

Because we are children of God we are heirs of God. And because we are spiritual children of Abraham we are heirs of the promise!

Represent Him as His son and heir to the promise. In this spiritual posture - recognizing His sovereign act of grace in us, not by our works - He can be found in us.

Be a faithful translation. Walk as His son and heir.

Found in Translation - Our Meat is His Will

2009-07-23T09:25:00.005-04:00

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"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;..." (Colossians 1:9-10).

To be a faithful translation of Him we must abandon the search for knowledge for the sake of knowledge and understand the call to seek His will.

Paul writes that we "...might be filled with the knowledge of His will..". There is no greater knowledge than to understand His will for us! Then, after this is secured, there must be a practical carrying-out of what we know as we "...walk worthy...". It isn't enough to know His will. We then must be willing to walk in it!

This produces fruitfulness in every good work and causes an increase in our knowledge of God.

Many seek greater and greater knowledge of Him. That is a good thing. But our walk is affected by our knowledge of His will. And the fruitfulness will bring a greater knowledge of Him as the manifestation of His will in our lives produces fruit that represents Him.

We have a common cry for "more meat", meaning we want more knowledge. But Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34).

Be a faithful translation by seeking the will of God and walking in it. Make your meat His will and work.

Found in Translation - Walking in Him

2009-07-22T09:25:00.003-04:00

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"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:6-7).

The receiving of Christ is a heart matter. It is a complete reception of Christ as fully God and fully man. It is surrender to Him in all his offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King and the acknowledgment and entire acceptance as Savior and Redeemer.

We also receive all blessings of grace along with Him, from Him, and through Him; as a justifying righteousness, the remission of sins, our adoption as children, and as an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.

Paul's instruction to walk in Him in this same way means, not only an imitation of Him as He walked (in grace, love, patience, humility, meekness, and obedience) but by faith in Him - always looking to Him, leaning on Him, and receiving strength from Him, so that we CAN walk in Christ, under His influence, by His direction, and through His assistance.

We then have what we need in order to have what others need.

Be a faithful translation by walking fully in Him.

Found in Translation - Christ in you

2009-07-21T09:03:00.003-04:00

I've had opportunity to minister using interpreters in at least 7 different languages. There have been times where my words have been accurately translated and others where this hasn't been the case. This has been clear to me as I observe the response of the people as they receive the translated words.

When what I have faithfully said is faithfully delivered, there is a marked difference in the response.

It is this way with our representation of Christ. People see Him in us. Hence, this week's topic: Found in Translation.

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"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

This first chapter of Colossians speaks to the faith of God's people, the preeminence of Christ, His victorious reconciling death, and the sacrificial service of His followers - the church.

This particular verse in context, above, when translated properly through our living, shows Him not only as the omnipresent God, but as the Source of special grace. The phrase communicates the full range of a revelation of Him in us, of our possession of Him, and of His dwelling in us by His Spirit.

It is a representation of His grace, since by works we cannot attain His indwelling.

But, in an accurate translation of His glory, His works will be manifest in us.

He is being translated by you to a world that primarily speaks in works. Your works are not your salvation - only by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) - but they may be the salvation of another as His grace is translated into love by your works.

Be a faithful translation.

Found in Translation - Ambassadors

2009-07-20T09:12:00.002-04:00

I've had opportunity to minister using interpreters in at least 7 different languages, that I can think of. There have been times where my words have been accurately translated. And others where this hasn't been the case (one translator actually told the people that a minister I was referring to was a Buddhist!). This has been clear to me as I observe the response of the people as they receive the translated words.

When what I have faithfully said is faithfully delivered, there is a marked difference in the response.

It is this way with our representation of Christ. Hence, this week's topic: Found in Translation.

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"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

This potent verse, teeming with God's confidence in us, speaks to the power of His love and the depth of His grace. He pleads through us.

What Christ committed to Paul, He committed to us.

He writes, just 6 short verses before this, "...the love of Christ compels us...". This is the prerequisite to representing Christ as His ambassador (entire passage here).

If people are to find Christ, they will find Him through us. Our translation of His Spirit-life into a flesh-form, once again, is the greatest hope for the reconciliation of all.

Be a faithful translation of the Word. Be compelled by the love of Christ.

"Yes - but it is not I!" - repost

2009-07-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If we are truly born-again, we will allow God to change us. It is inevitable and welcomed in the heart of anyone desiring to be more like Him.

We can accommodate His work in us by submitting to His Word and to the Greater One Who lives in us.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

A Word on Perfection and Persecution

2009-07-13T09:26:00.003-04:00

The Apostle Paul penned a number of scriptures that encourage us in pursuit of perfection (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:12). James had some things to say, too (James 1:4; James 3:2).

I'd like to focus on something that Jesus said about perfection.

"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

As with all scripture, we must look at this in context. What is the "therefore" there for?

This verse is one scripture from Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount", (Matthew 5, 6 and 7). This particular verse ties up 6 verses on the subject (as titled in my Bible), "Love Your Enemies".

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:43-48).

To be perfect as Our Father in Heaven is perfect means that we shine on the just and the unjust. And that we bring refreshment to the just and the unjust.

Jesus is emphasizing that it isn't fit for us, in representing Him, to do anything but bless, do good, and pray for those who hate, curse, or persecute us.

Persecution is a different subject completely. We don't see persecution in the United States in the way that scripture talks about persecution, but we may someday. Believers in the early church or today in China and some Middle East nations would laugh at what we call persecution. We, in our entitlement-culture, just get offended because people don't agree with us - and call that persecution.

Here's the point: Live like the King. He rules over His whole Kingdom. Some people don't serve Him, some may even curse and hate Him, but He shines on and sends rain to them anyway.

And many, as they awaken to His goodness as manifest in His Body, will come to repentance (Romans 2:4).

In this way, according to Jesus, you can be perfect, as He is.

The Value of Submission

2009-07-10T09:22:00.003-04:00

In considering fellowship, we understand that there are different types of relationships between members of the Body of Christ. My relationships with younger college-age folks are much different than with elders in the Body of Christ.

A specific level of fellowship is submission.

Peter urges Elders to:

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 1 Peter 5:2-4

Peter goes on to encourage the young to submit to this shepherding oversight.

And to the young, the writer of Hebrews says:

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17

And the community functions as designed - a family atmosphere with loving elders who have experience and wisdom that only comes from time in faithful service to the Lord, and those younger submitting to their care, not out of obligation, but willingly.

It is not a concrete pecking order, but a living expression of life in an ordered Kingdom with God as our King.

In submission we entreat the influence of those who have gone before us who, by reason of experience, are equipped to help us because they've been there.

Mutual submission is the overriding principle (Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3).

Enjoy and value submission. Recognize the worth of this Godly discipline.

Revolutionary Prayer

2009-07-09T08:56:00.006-04:00

Prayer is, in our Protestant perspective, something we talk about a lot. Along with Bible Study, it is heralded as a core element of what separates us from the unbeliever and as a vital organ in the Body of Believers.

But it must be a part of the whole of our work in Him - our worship, our service, our giving, our loving, our celebration, our sacrifice, our silence, our fasting. As we "carve out" dedicated times for prayer we must recognize the possibility that we could develop a habit of being "in" or "out" of fellowship with God - with the "carved out" times being our moments of spirituality.

If we want to have revolutionary prayer - prayer that changes things - we must recognize that our dedicated times of prayer are part of our ongoing fellowship with the Father. And that the fellowship never ceases. "Prayer without ceasing", as Paul talked about (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Phillipians 4:6), is not burdensome prayer that separates us from the world, but enlightening and ongoing fellowship in the moment that positions us to change the world. This perspective brings life to our prayer time, as we are not "pigeon-holing" it or checking it off of our "Christian To-Do List".

The purpose of revolutionary prayer is to develop such an on-going conversation with God that our lives carry the very will of God as received in dedicated AND ongoing fellowship with Him.

Prayer does not burden us any more than wings burden a eagle. Fellowship with the Father is what carries us, suspends us, and provides us with perspective. When we leave a dedicated time of prayer, no matter how short, we are centered in His plan and able to continue in fellowship for the sake of Him advancing the Kingdom THROUGH US! WE become the agents of change (ambassadors) as we walk out what the Father has prepared us for.

We don't pray so that God has more power to do what He wants to do - He is already All-Powerful! We pray so that WE are empowered BY HIM to do what He wants US to do.

We carry the instructions received "in the closet" and "on the go" to engage the world as we are sent for His purposes, in constant fellowship as partners with Him.

Relationships and Volcanoes - remix

2009-07-08T08:46:00.003-04:00

In our work with young people, we have seen many relationships flourish and then die, rushed through a process that, had it been taken in God's time, may have produced something fruitful or, at least, life-time friendships. Instead, these rushed relationships leave in their path two people who have a tough time being in the same room together. When they have been physical, the damage is even greater, as one or both feel ashamed and used.

When they are two people from the same circle of friends it is even more difficult, as the drama extends beyond them and affects the whole community.

We always encourage young folks to "pursue the friendship" and let God lead. No sense in rushing the second most important decision of your life. It has been said that 90% of our happiness or misery will come from this one decision.

Yesterday, the image came to me of a volcano. And the words, "Relationships and volcanoes are a lot alike. They are easy to get into, but hard to get out of".

My counsel...approach the beginning of a relationship very carefully. If it is right with God, you should be willing to absolutely give your life in the process. If it is not right, it is almost impossible to get out without someone being burned.

Guys:

Job 31:1
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl."

Girls:

Song of Solomon 2:7
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires."

Determination - A Time Trial

2009-07-07T09:18:00.003-04:00

My family just started work on a really large puzzle. It's an old-fashioned grandfather clock that, when completed, will actually tell time. It has a built-in clock.

It's not an easy puzzle. The size (over 4 feet tall!), shape, and intricate patterns make it especially challenging.

In talking about whether or not we are up to the challenge, we spoke of it being a "hard" puzzle. But "hard" is no reason to quit anything. But this is "REALLY hard!"

At what point do we get to quit?

The writer of Hebrews:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (12:1-2)

He goes on to say, "...you have not yet resisted to bloodshed." (12:4)

The references here have to do with our resisting sin, but the strength of the words is sobering.

This service to Christ is serious business.

We cannot quit. We cannot fall back. We cannot give in.

Serving Him is a great pleasure with joy unspeakable and rewards beyond anything that mere living can offer. We must remember this. No matter how "REALLY hard" it gets.

Availability

2009-07-06T08:20:00.000-04:00

My kids seem to be more interested in my availability than my ability. They don't seem to care that I'm not very good at "freeze tag" (the rules are too fluid for me); they just want me to play. I'm not even all that sure that they respect my fluency in "Pig Latin" but Logan wants to speak it with me most of the time anyway.

I think God values our availability, too. We need to make ourselves available to Him for His purposes and, as often as we can, for simple fellowship with Him. That is when our instructions are sealed.

Sometimes this stuff just can't be scheduled. We must be alert to opportunities to "steal away" with Him - while alone or with others - and just be available. That means we have to shut down our outer and inner dialogue and just be with Him.

When it comes down to it, the skills - and even the language - don't really matter. It's the availability that does.

Ave-hay a-yay ice-nay ay-day.

The Greatest Gap - repost

2009-07-03T10:47:00.001-04:00

It's nice to know - and to see evidence - that we believe in God. But what a revelation to recognize how much God believes in us!

Let's look at the facts:

1) He placed us here, in an unfriendly environment (the enemy was already here!), and gave us a powerful mandate (Genesis 1:28),

2) He paid a precious price to buy us back,

3) He freed us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2),

4) He expects us to do what He did and greater! (John 14:12)

Wow. What faith He must have - in US!

No doubt there are significant gaps between the real and the ideal and the seen and the unseen, but there is no gap between what God expects and what is possible! He lives in a realm where anything is possible. He invites us to believe what He believes, to strive for what He sees, and to go where He leads!

The greatest gap is the gap between what we believe about ourselves and what God believes about us.

Bridge the gap by believing what God says about you and by acting on His Word!

What Jesus Said, Jesus Meant - Turn the Other Cheek - repost

2009-07-02T08:17:00.001-04:00

^{Matthew 5:38} “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ⁴⁰ If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also."

We must accept the fact that what Jesus said, Jesus meant.

I don't believe there is any deep or esoteric message in this passage.

So many times we are RIGHT. But RIGHT-ness is not always the issue. We may feel like we deserve revenge, or to retrieve something that we have unjustly lost, but there is more at stake than that.

Jesus was calling us to a higher way of living. This translates into a daily discipline that includes disarming conflicts that we are entitled to win.

Consider disabling an argument that you should win - with love.

Proverbs 21:14 "A gift in secret pacifies anger,
And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath."

Declaring His Victory - remix

2009-06-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

If we were more interested in declaring God's victory than in getting ours, we would truly function as His Body.

Perspective is key in trying times. And worship, along with the declaration of His victory in our lives, realigns us with His purposes and sets everything right.

When it feels as if all the world is adrift and you can't find solid ground, don't declare your failures, declare His victory! He will take care of yours.

Informed, Conformed, and Transformed

2009-06-29T08:48:00.003-04:00

We live beyond the information age. It seems like it is no longer even possible to maintain the amount of information we encounter on a daily basis - so we have wonderful technology to help us. Any fact that isn't in our short-term memory is just a Google-search away!

The Body of Christ has seen an explosion in good Bible teaching over the last generation or so. We are very informed by teachers.

Proverbs 10:14 tells us,

"Wise people store up knowledge,
But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction."

We are also a conformed people. Sociologists tell us that cultures and sub-cultures develop descriptors that make make us feel a part. Generations set their boundaries mainly by music, slang, hair and clothing styles. Television shows, media personalities, and performers show-and-tell us what's in and what isn't. In the Christian world, our preachers help define our social norms.

It's not a bad thing to conform. It just that our walk and identity with Christ must be deeper than that.

Where teachers inform us and preachers conform us, God TRANSFORMS us.

We need information. We need to feel like we belong to something bigger than we are. But, most of all, we need to be in fellowship with Our Heavenly Father in order to be transformed into the image of His Son.

2 Corinthians 3:18:

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Unveil your face by presenting yourself to Him. And let the transformation begin!