I wrote this post a few days ago when feeling pretty down. However, I edited it this day (3/3/2013) before posting it.
Right now, I just want to forget about how that verse in Philippians 1:21 begins, which is "For to me to live is Christ." Rather, I want to skip to the end of that verse, and the title of this blog post, "to die is gain." The conclusion of the next two verses speak to my heart at this time as well: "If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."
I want what is far better! I'd rather skip life on earth and rest eternally. Sometimes, a worldly existence seems like such a trivial and vain striving after the wind. Am I depressed? Or am I just tired of ‘chasing the wind?’ I wonder for a moment, then realize my focus is off. Yes, at times like this I just want to die and get it over with. The struggles of this world hardly seem worth it. I think, "What a contrast it is between the magnificent Kingdom of God versus the puny kingdoms of the world!" I think, "My desire is to depart, for that is far better."
But, I soon realize that what I really want is to "be with Christ." Simultaneously, I know with confidence that I can do that here and now. Even better, I can be in Christ, and He in me, and we in the Father, sharing the same Holy Spirit, His gift to those who believe.
Should I not suffer as Christ suffered? I don't mean physically. I mean the loneliness of mind and social rejection that result from separating from the world and its ways. I understand we are on the battlefield right smack in the middle of enemy territory, an enemy who is the prince of the power of the very air we breathe. But, suffering is difficult, even impossible, without Him. I should expect to suffer with Christ. After all, who am I to escape this suffering and think I can share in the fullness of His glory?
What am I to do? To make life as a Christian soldier tolerable, I need to constantly align my goal with His, which is to bring many sons into glory. I need to diligently devote myself to seeking deeper understanding of His eternal purpose, which He has revealed to us in the Mystery, and that through Christ, and by the power of His Spirit, grasp what are the awesome dimensions --breadth, length, height, and depth-- of His glorious plan for those who are called according to His purpose, that we may be filled with all the fullness of Him, and know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.
Oh, how I want this! Knowing Him and His plan quickly transforms the idea of making life 'tolerable' into one of becoming utterly joyful. His word is able to lift my heart into the heavens and rejoice, again I say rejoice, that my citizenship is with Him, my eternal inheritance is secure, and that He is motivated by unadulterated love to lavish grace upon grace towards me that I may love Him and be in Him until He makes His home with me, even while I walk this earth.
Maybe, I should concern myself with Paul's conclusion, not his opening remarks. For he completes this dilemma about life and death in Philippians 1:25-26 like this, "But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
I don't know who, if anyone, will read this post. I also don't know whether or not it will make a difference in anyone's life but mine. But if you, O reader, should be even slightly inclined to look into these things yourself, be encouraged that this is a noble thing indeed, and that your seeking will be rewarded.
Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly than all that we ask or think or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)
Amen: So be it! So let it be! And so it will be! (Clark)
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Praise for my God!!
My God, my God, why have you loved me so?
Why are you so close to me, listening to my every cry and whisper?
O my God, I pray to you by day, and you answer, and by night, and I find rest in your arms.
You are holy, Lord, enthroned on high, I continually praise you in my heart.
I've learned to trust in you, and you delivered me.
I cried to you and I was rescued; in you I trusted and I was not put to shame.
You've made your home in my heart; my help is in no other.
I delight in you, and you give me the desires of my heart.
And the desires of my heart have become to delight in you.
My soul is precious in your sight. You delight with singing over me.
My cup overflows. You have given me new life, a new heart.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Why are you so close to me, listening to my every cry and whisper?
O my God, I pray to you by day, and you answer, and by night, and I find rest in your arms.
You are holy, Lord, enthroned on high, I continually praise you in my heart.
I've learned to trust in you, and you delivered me.
I cried to you and I was rescued; in you I trusted and I was not put to shame.
You've made your home in my heart; my help is in no other.
I delight in you, and you give me the desires of my heart.
And the desires of my heart have become to delight in you.
My soul is precious in your sight. You delight with singing over me.
My cup overflows. You have given me new life, a new heart.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Would Anyone Care?
My heart pounds inside my chest, sending extra blood to my
furious legs, racing through unfamiliar streets of dirt and grime. I think my body must be redirecting its blood
flow to give speed to my escape because my head is so light with fear as cold
sweat continues to dampen the back of my neck.
They’re going to kill me, and I don’t want to die! Fear and despair combine their dark forces in
my soul as I seek to wipe the blur of endless tears from my line of
vision. Yet, I have no idea where I’m
running.
“Please, God, just let it be away from those who tortured me and burned me.”
I’m fooling myself. There is no escape. I only succeeded in enraging them more by tearing off into the night. Just as plainly as I ran out, so did hope. I’m alone, hated without a cause, despised, spit upon, slapped, punched, kicked, raped, burned, and yet kept barely alive for them to continue another day. Oh, how I wish for eternity that another day would never come! Oh, how foolish I am to wish anything!
I’m tired. I’ve been running as if the devil himself was grasping at my heels every step of the way. And I’m drained. The breaths of my sobs have left my lungs almost as desperate as I am. Water for my tears has gone arid. Fresh wounds trickle warm blood down my face and thighs.
“What’s the use?” I whisper to myself, “If they’re going to kill me, would it just be better to take my own life?”
I’ve never thought a thought like that before. Would anyone care? Would anyone notice? Would anyone even…
Just then, I noticed I’m not alone. Someone had seen me running, or rather, falling forward, sobbing. I give up. If this is God’s will for me, so be it. I’m too tired to fight. I just hope I lose consciousness, quickly, so as not to cringe in pain. I grow faint, collapsing among the gravel stones, then do faint.
As it happened, that “someone,” who had seen me running, was like my guardian angel; a ministry worker who already saw more cruelty and death up close than the average civilian on the edge of a war zone; a ministry worker overflowing with the love of Christ, endangering her own life, because she sought the welfare of another, me; one who, with joy, uttered loud thanks to God because this child escaped alive.
Hours later, I awaken to odd sensations; I am clean, I am warm, and I am on something soft. My wounds are freshly bandaged. I am wrapped in warm softness. I slowly draw a full breath of clean air, and sigh. My ‘guardian angel’ smiles at me signaling the rest of my life’s journey will be different. Someone cares.
Want to help make the most impact in a situation like this? If, for whatever reason, you cannot be the guardian angel, please find it in your heart to support those who help our neighbors in all lands to be loved, just as we ourselves are loved by Christ.
What if one hundred percent (100%) of your donation went directly to those in need? Wellspring International is an arm of Ravi Zacharais International Ministries. Ravi is a well-known International speaker and defender of the Christian Faith. Administered by Ravi’s daughter Naomi Zacharais, Wellspring covers their own expenses, investigates all requests for funds thoroughly, often going to the location.
They do the research so you can be confident that your money goes where you want it to. One Hundred Percent (100%) of your money goes to help women and children in crisis.
Would anyone care? Wellspring International does.
“Please, God, just let it be away from those who tortured me and burned me.”
I’m fooling myself. There is no escape. I only succeeded in enraging them more by tearing off into the night. Just as plainly as I ran out, so did hope. I’m alone, hated without a cause, despised, spit upon, slapped, punched, kicked, raped, burned, and yet kept barely alive for them to continue another day. Oh, how I wish for eternity that another day would never come! Oh, how foolish I am to wish anything!
I’m tired. I’ve been running as if the devil himself was grasping at my heels every step of the way. And I’m drained. The breaths of my sobs have left my lungs almost as desperate as I am. Water for my tears has gone arid. Fresh wounds trickle warm blood down my face and thighs.
“What’s the use?” I whisper to myself, “If they’re going to kill me, would it just be better to take my own life?”
I’ve never thought a thought like that before. Would anyone care? Would anyone notice? Would anyone even…
Just then, I noticed I’m not alone. Someone had seen me running, or rather, falling forward, sobbing. I give up. If this is God’s will for me, so be it. I’m too tired to fight. I just hope I lose consciousness, quickly, so as not to cringe in pain. I grow faint, collapsing among the gravel stones, then do faint.
As it happened, that “someone,” who had seen me running, was like my guardian angel; a ministry worker who already saw more cruelty and death up close than the average civilian on the edge of a war zone; a ministry worker overflowing with the love of Christ, endangering her own life, because she sought the welfare of another, me; one who, with joy, uttered loud thanks to God because this child escaped alive.
Hours later, I awaken to odd sensations; I am clean, I am warm, and I am on something soft. My wounds are freshly bandaged. I am wrapped in warm softness. I slowly draw a full breath of clean air, and sigh. My ‘guardian angel’ smiles at me signaling the rest of my life’s journey will be different. Someone cares.
Want to help make the most impact in a situation like this? If, for whatever reason, you cannot be the guardian angel, please find it in your heart to support those who help our neighbors in all lands to be loved, just as we ourselves are loved by Christ.
What if one hundred percent (100%) of your donation went directly to those in need? Wellspring International is an arm of Ravi Zacharais International Ministries. Ravi is a well-known International speaker and defender of the Christian Faith. Administered by Ravi’s daughter Naomi Zacharais, Wellspring covers their own expenses, investigates all requests for funds thoroughly, often going to the location.
They do the research so you can be confident that your money goes where you want it to. One Hundred Percent (100%) of your money goes to help women and children in crisis.
Would anyone care? Wellspring International does.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Longest Thread of Blog Comments I've Ever Seen... And Contributed To!
I can hardly believe I contributed to many of the 146 comments in this post. But what a discussion it was! It is well worth the read if you have the time. It's from a post called The Call to Worship, but the discussion itself gets into the foundations of the gospel. Special thanks to Alan Knox for the use of his blog during this discussion.
Absolutely Scared to Absolutely Surrender
As a kid I watched Bugs Bunny cartoons... a lot! It was my first repetitious exposure to classical music. For example, I love the Barber of Seville skit with Bugs Bunny giving Elmer Fudd all sorts of hair and scalp treatment. Now I have trouble blurring that from memory when I hear the music. However, that wasn't the value I exacted at the time.
It was the witty kiddy humor.
In one episode, there was an Evil Scientist (complete with flashing neon sign above the castle drawbridge declaring thus) who needed a rabbit to complete his experiment. So, he sought to lure Bugs by his basic, animal desires using a voluptuous, albeit, mechanical female rabbit. After Bugs defeats the purpose of the evil scientist throughout the skit in clever ways (and re- re-disposes of the monster), this lure enters the final scene: it's your basic stiff, lipsticked robot female bunny. Watching 'her' walk by, Bugs smugly notes and thumbs at it saying, "Ah. Mechanical." He will not be fooled. But, the electric hare about faces, approaches Bugs, and lands a pucker on his cheek. At this point, his whole demeanor lights up with his new-found and enthusiastic purpose for living and declares, "So, she's mechanical!" and mimics her strut away from the camera. So ends the cartoon.
So enters the lesson for life.
Likewise, I've discovered a mechanical love and make a similar declaration. I'm just not strutting. Why would I do such a thing as fall in love with something obviously man-made? Well, for one, the lure slowly entered the scene. I didn't know where it was leading! You might say, "Oh, sure! Didn't see it coming? Ha! That's a good one!" Yet, I plead my innocence. In fact, I invite you to partake in the reason for my amore.
Plain and simple, the "lure" for me is neither female nor robotic. It's an AudioBook app for my iPhone. What makes it so special as to win my heart, or rather, my ears? It's full of free, public domain recordings of classic literature. Whether the beginning subject of this blog post (Bugs) can be designated as a classic is debatable.
That's not the point.
The primary work I have in mind as I write this is that of Andrew Murray called Absolute Surrender. It uses a few OT verses (beginning in 1 Kings 20) to highlight how a conquering king asked another king that he was to defeat to surrender everything. The second king, in sincere humility, replied, and I paraphrase, "Everything I have is yours, Lord. I am yours."
Mr. Murray used the verses to illustrate the simple -yet profound- fact that God asks nothing less from us. He does not threaten us, nor are we compelled to comply. But, oh, how we resist! How I resisted! The thought of surrendering absolutely everything I have and everything that I am scares me, and it tests the reality of my supposed trust in Him like a sharp, two-edged sword. I want to surrender things that are mysterious to me, hard for me, or bothering me.
That's almost a no-brainer (and a no-hearter).
But, what about the things that are comfortable, familiar, and close to me? Or, what about the parts of me that I'm even ashamed to admit to myself? What about the lusts of the world that I welcome as relaxing distractions to help me unwind from focused work? What about the part of me that doesn't want to consider the prospect of my own temporary, mortal nature? Yes, I want to grow in Christ. Yes, I want more than just for the Holy Spirit to indwell me. I want Him to fill me.
But, absolutely surrender all of me?
For those things to happen, for me to walk in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit, I need fellowship with Christ. I need to confess my sins for He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I really do need to surrender all.
It makes perfect sense.
But, I'm scared.
I desire to say, basically, is, "what is known to You, God, and unknown to me, that I am willing to do. Just ask. Just tell. And what I try to hide from you, Lord, let make me known to You. Let me confess my sins and thus restore my fellowship with You." Jesus really is my all-in-all, says my mind and mouth.
Let my heart learn to count it all joy when I am tested.
It was the witty kiddy humor.
In one episode, there was an Evil Scientist (complete with flashing neon sign above the castle drawbridge declaring thus) who needed a rabbit to complete his experiment. So, he sought to lure Bugs by his basic, animal desires using a voluptuous, albeit, mechanical female rabbit. After Bugs defeats the purpose of the evil scientist throughout the skit in clever ways (and re- re-disposes of the monster), this lure enters the final scene: it's your basic stiff, lipsticked robot female bunny. Watching 'her' walk by, Bugs smugly notes and thumbs at it saying, "Ah. Mechanical." He will not be fooled. But, the electric hare about faces, approaches Bugs, and lands a pucker on his cheek. At this point, his whole demeanor lights up with his new-found and enthusiastic purpose for living and declares, "So, she's mechanical!" and mimics her strut away from the camera. So ends the cartoon.
So enters the lesson for life.
Likewise, I've discovered a mechanical love and make a similar declaration. I'm just not strutting. Why would I do such a thing as fall in love with something obviously man-made? Well, for one, the lure slowly entered the scene. I didn't know where it was leading! You might say, "Oh, sure! Didn't see it coming? Ha! That's a good one!" Yet, I plead my innocence. In fact, I invite you to partake in the reason for my amore.
Plain and simple, the "lure" for me is neither female nor robotic. It's an AudioBook app for my iPhone. What makes it so special as to win my heart, or rather, my ears? It's full of free, public domain recordings of classic literature. Whether the beginning subject of this blog post (Bugs) can be designated as a classic is debatable.
That's not the point.
The primary work I have in mind as I write this is that of Andrew Murray called Absolute Surrender. It uses a few OT verses (beginning in 1 Kings 20) to highlight how a conquering king asked another king that he was to defeat to surrender everything. The second king, in sincere humility, replied, and I paraphrase, "Everything I have is yours, Lord. I am yours."
Mr. Murray used the verses to illustrate the simple -yet profound- fact that God asks nothing less from us. He does not threaten us, nor are we compelled to comply. But, oh, how we resist! How I resisted! The thought of surrendering absolutely everything I have and everything that I am scares me, and it tests the reality of my supposed trust in Him like a sharp, two-edged sword. I want to surrender things that are mysterious to me, hard for me, or bothering me.
That's almost a no-brainer (and a no-hearter).
But, what about the things that are comfortable, familiar, and close to me? Or, what about the parts of me that I'm even ashamed to admit to myself? What about the lusts of the world that I welcome as relaxing distractions to help me unwind from focused work? What about the part of me that doesn't want to consider the prospect of my own temporary, mortal nature? Yes, I want to grow in Christ. Yes, I want more than just for the Holy Spirit to indwell me. I want Him to fill me.
But, absolutely surrender all of me?
For those things to happen, for me to walk in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit, I need fellowship with Christ. I need to confess my sins for He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I really do need to surrender all.
It makes perfect sense.
But, I'm scared.
I desire to say, basically, is, "what is known to You, God, and unknown to me, that I am willing to do. Just ask. Just tell. And what I try to hide from you, Lord, let make me known to You. Let me confess my sins and thus restore my fellowship with You." Jesus really is my all-in-all, says my mind and mouth.
Let my heart learn to count it all joy when I am tested.
Friday, October 12, 2012
The Spirit is always trying to teach (Just a thought...)
My friend and pastor writes a weekly email to encourage others he's met over the years. I think they are always great. This one I thought was especially nice.
It
doesn’t matter what stage we are in, unbeliever, new born believer,
adolescent, or spiritual adulthood, God the Holy Spirit is relentless.
We have to respect this ministry. If you haven’t given much attention
to Him, take a moment to think about His job. The Spirit finds us in
spiritual death, totally cold and ignorant of the spiritual realities
before us. We have no idea about salvation or the way to get there. He
labors with us, is patient with us, He loves us enough to keep at it
until we finally understand the true issues of the gospel. A good
illustration of this is in the Apostle Paul’s life. He screamed out in
desperation and helplessness – “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”
(Rom 7:24). The Spirit labored with Paul to get him to this point.
It was then, the Holy Spirit opened Paul’s eyes to see the Savior of the
world. I trust you can see the Savior as the only hope, the only way
to life. Then, the Holy Spirit takes up the battle of training us and
introducing us to this new spiritual life. His job is to battle with
the thoughts and motivations from the sin nature (Gal 5:17). He fights
to establish the divine reality (truth) and influences us to walk in
it. He uses the word of God to rebuke us, correct us and give
instruction in righteousness (2Tim 3:16). He continues to work in us to
will and to do God’s will (Phil 2:13). He resides inside of us, making
our bodies a habitation for all the divine persons of the Godhead.
Then, he reveals the deep thoughts of God to us and opens our
understanding to things which no eye or ear has ever witnessed. I thank God for such a ministry! With such comprehensive love and care, there is no doubt if you are willing, “he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
Doug
Doug Presley, Pastor,
Word-is-Truth Christian Church (www.wordistruth.com)
My Facebook post today is VERY different than her's were
Probably the saddest
thing I've read in a while. Sad, too, is the fact that this is lumped
into 'bullying' in this news story. It didn't start with bullying, and
it didn't stop there either. http://www.cnn.com/2
Monday, October 1, 2012
Seek, and You Shall Find
The gaps between posts on this blog are like canyons in my mind. I set out years ago to express the lessons I had learned and was learning in this life. But, in looking back at this blog objectively, I would have figured the author is pretty ignorant because it's taking months to 'get' anything. In addition, he doesn't know the focus of his lessons.
Ah, but that is not really what's happening. To me, scattering thoughts is okay. The fact of the matter is I have so many things to say I don't know where to start. Yeah, you've heard that one before, right? ("No! Really!" I plead.) What I should be doing is writing to this blog several times a day! (But who's got that kind of time!) Much of the reason for not writing is lack of time. However, I admit that some is hesitation from fear.
Part of my hesitation to write is fearing that once it's written, it's a firm lesson. I can't make mistakes. I may have to defend my thoughts years down the road. I can't contradict my thoughts unless I delete a previous blog post first.
The other part of my hesitation is two-fold: is it important, and is it private? Those are tough questions for me. I often wind up writing a paper-journal entry and forgetting this blog because I sometimes start by complaining about a situation at home or at work. I can't complain about my wife and kids in this blog, can I? Gee! Even revealing that I journal about such things feels icky!
But, there is a very, very important lesson that I have learned and am learning that I want to share. I've been through a lot. I want to connect to people who might be suffering as I did. I'm changing. I want to share my growth with readers as a way to inspire in a similar way that I've been inspired. Most of all, I'm seeking. I long to know my heart's desire(s) and go after it (them).
I'm awfully distracted by the necessary things of this world --I have responsibilities-- yet I'm discovering my real desire is to delight in Him, God, my Father. To me, Psalm 37:4 is circular:
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 ESV)
At the same time, chasing and even grasping things of this world is becoming more and more meaningless. I want real joy, and real peace, and real contentment in all things. I have found words that promise this very thing in Scripture, the Holy Bible, but not as commonly taught in most denominations. I know there is so much more to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8) than what is taught in most churches.
Many things, such as the 'prosperity gospel' (think and grow rich, the 'Secret', the 'law of attraction' view of the universe as your genie, positive thinking, etc.) are so cliche to me that they fall into the 'Christian World View' bucket with a plop. I'm sorry, but I'm convinced that there's so much more to life than just getting by, getting ahead, family traditions, celebrations, work, career, routine, entertainment, the arts, self-actualization, being an upright moral citizen, and even Haute Living. This world is a big let-down for me, and now I'm understanding why.
I've been through a lot spiritually. I've tasted different denominations, read commentaries, even studied a bit of theology on my own. I am amazed at how little of this plethora of so-called 'Christian' resources actually seeks to discover what only the Spirit of God can reveal, that is, the 'deep things of God' (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Yet, that's where I'm discovering the very promises of Scripture are being fulfilled in me.
Am I some kind of nut? Depends who's asking! Sometimes I think I'm nuts, and sometimes I have to respectfully ignore those who think I'm nuts. It's the latter times I find that I'm growing, maturing. In addition, I seek to connect with those who also desire to know the deep things of God. Sometimes, I'm just doing what I have to do, like now: I have to go to a meeting for work.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)
God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Ah, but that is not really what's happening. To me, scattering thoughts is okay. The fact of the matter is I have so many things to say I don't know where to start. Yeah, you've heard that one before, right? ("No! Really!" I plead.) What I should be doing is writing to this blog several times a day! (But who's got that kind of time!) Much of the reason for not writing is lack of time. However, I admit that some is hesitation from fear.
Part of my hesitation to write is fearing that once it's written, it's a firm lesson. I can't make mistakes. I may have to defend my thoughts years down the road. I can't contradict my thoughts unless I delete a previous blog post first.
The other part of my hesitation is two-fold: is it important, and is it private? Those are tough questions for me. I often wind up writing a paper-journal entry and forgetting this blog because I sometimes start by complaining about a situation at home or at work. I can't complain about my wife and kids in this blog, can I? Gee! Even revealing that I journal about such things feels icky!
But, there is a very, very important lesson that I have learned and am learning that I want to share. I've been through a lot. I want to connect to people who might be suffering as I did. I'm changing. I want to share my growth with readers as a way to inspire in a similar way that I've been inspired. Most of all, I'm seeking. I long to know my heart's desire(s) and go after it (them).
I'm awfully distracted by the necessary things of this world --I have responsibilities-- yet I'm discovering my real desire is to delight in Him, God, my Father. To me, Psalm 37:4 is circular:
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 ESV)
At the same time, chasing and even grasping things of this world is becoming more and more meaningless. I want real joy, and real peace, and real contentment in all things. I have found words that promise this very thing in Scripture, the Holy Bible, but not as commonly taught in most denominations. I know there is so much more to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8) than what is taught in most churches.
Many things, such as the 'prosperity gospel' (think and grow rich, the 'Secret', the 'law of attraction' view of the universe as your genie, positive thinking, etc.) are so cliche to me that they fall into the 'Christian World View' bucket with a plop. I'm sorry, but I'm convinced that there's so much more to life than just getting by, getting ahead, family traditions, celebrations, work, career, routine, entertainment, the arts, self-actualization, being an upright moral citizen, and even Haute Living. This world is a big let-down for me, and now I'm understanding why.
I've been through a lot spiritually. I've tasted different denominations, read commentaries, even studied a bit of theology on my own. I am amazed at how little of this plethora of so-called 'Christian' resources actually seeks to discover what only the Spirit of God can reveal, that is, the 'deep things of God' (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Yet, that's where I'm discovering the very promises of Scripture are being fulfilled in me.
Am I some kind of nut? Depends who's asking! Sometimes I think I'm nuts, and sometimes I have to respectfully ignore those who think I'm nuts. It's the latter times I find that I'm growing, maturing. In addition, I seek to connect with those who also desire to know the deep things of God. Sometimes, I'm just doing what I have to do, like now: I have to go to a meeting for work.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)
God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Friday, September 28, 2012
To Obey is Okay, To Honor is...
A friend sent me this in his daily verse: Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. (Psalm 51:12 NLT).
I don't particularly like the NLT translation and prefer the ESV, and occasionally reference the KJV or NIV and a few others. The ESV translation of the latter part of that verse is "uphold me with a willing spirit" instead of "make me willing to obey you." I think it goes much deeper than mere obedience. You can obey someone without ever having a relationship with someone. I think it's more about having a spirit that joins together with the Spirit of God in His purposes. I was motivated to write back...
For family devotion one night, I decided to start with a question. What does the word 'honor' mean to you? The first answer I got was 'respect' from my son, and 'appreciation' (big word!) from my daughter, and my wife added 'revere'. Then, I suggested that to 'obey' just means to do what you're told and they nodded in agreement. We could clearly see that 'honor' was not the same as 'obey'.
Next, I read Ephesians 6:1-2* and pointed out that while Ephesians 6:1 says for children to 'obey' parents, Ephesians 6:2 says to 'honor your father and mother'. Obviously, the two adjacent verses were not merely emphasizing the same point, as if to say, "obey and I mean it." Rather, it means to at least obey (v1), but the real goal is to honor (v2).
I think about our Father that way. There is a goal and it is not merely to obey. He wants to have a relationship with us. He loves us, absolutely adores us, and He wants us to choose to love Him in return. As a child, simple obedience is required for their protection and training. As we mature, let us move beyond that into honor, and eventually delight, just as He delights in us. (Remember, as Christians, He is 'in us' by His Spirit, not just 'in our midst' like He was in the OT, from which this verse is taken.)
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
* The verse I reference above is: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother", (Ephesians 6:1-2a)
I don't particularly like the NLT translation and prefer the ESV, and occasionally reference the KJV or NIV and a few others. The ESV translation of the latter part of that verse is "uphold me with a willing spirit" instead of "make me willing to obey you." I think it goes much deeper than mere obedience. You can obey someone without ever having a relationship with someone. I think it's more about having a spirit that joins together with the Spirit of God in His purposes. I was motivated to write back...
For family devotion one night, I decided to start with a question. What does the word 'honor' mean to you? The first answer I got was 'respect' from my son, and 'appreciation' (big word!) from my daughter, and my wife added 'revere'. Then, I suggested that to 'obey' just means to do what you're told and they nodded in agreement. We could clearly see that 'honor' was not the same as 'obey'.
Next, I read Ephesians 6:1-2* and pointed out that while Ephesians 6:1 says for children to 'obey' parents, Ephesians 6:2 says to 'honor your father and mother'. Obviously, the two adjacent verses were not merely emphasizing the same point, as if to say, "obey and I mean it." Rather, it means to at least obey (v1), but the real goal is to honor (v2).
I think about our Father that way. There is a goal and it is not merely to obey. He wants to have a relationship with us. He loves us, absolutely adores us, and He wants us to choose to love Him in return. As a child, simple obedience is required for their protection and training. As we mature, let us move beyond that into honor, and eventually delight, just as He delights in us. (Remember, as Christians, He is 'in us' by His Spirit, not just 'in our midst' like He was in the OT, from which this verse is taken.)
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
* The verse I reference above is: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother", (Ephesians 6:1-2a)
Monday, September 24, 2012
Good grief! What if he's right?
I like to stay in touch with what unbelievers are thinking. An excellent source and, I feel, a very well written one at that, is a magazine called "The Sun". Personally, I can relate to many of the stories, letters, and essays, and, because of them, I'm inspired to be genuine myself.
It is one thing to know that we are loved, whatever, whenever, and wherever we are, as Alan Knox stated so thoroughly in his blog. But I believe it's quite another to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge in our hearts so well that others unmistakeably see Christ in us.
From the May 2012 issue of The Sun, the author is largely expressing the confusing disparity, resulting in an internal struggle, between tolerating and taking care of her terminally ill mother. Some of what's tolerated is the apparent hypocrisy of a church-goer, her mother, when she's not at church.
Speaking of a possibly convicting sermon, where the reaction is one of, "Good grief! What if he's right?" The author supposes that negative things carried for family generations can come to an end via a little applied compassion --
"or, if you know full well you're not up to the job [of forgiving people, and forgiving yourself], get down on your knees and let Jesus do it for you. That is the arrangement that's on offer, if I've got the story right.
All of a sudden church is over. These people! They grab you by the throat and wave God in your face, they preach damnation and everlasting glory, then they dismiss you just like that. That's it. We're done here. Go have lunch.
At the door the preacher shakes our hands like we've made a deal, like we've each gotten rid of something we were glad to see the back of."
Dear Lord, let me be sure that is not the impression I leave as I encounter those who are struggling with real life issues, and are seeking a genuine answer, an answer only You can provide.
It is one thing to know that we are loved, whatever, whenever, and wherever we are, as Alan Knox stated so thoroughly in his blog. But I believe it's quite another to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge in our hearts so well that others unmistakeably see Christ in us.
From the May 2012 issue of The Sun, the author is largely expressing the confusing disparity, resulting in an internal struggle, between tolerating and taking care of her terminally ill mother. Some of what's tolerated is the apparent hypocrisy of a church-goer, her mother, when she's not at church.
Speaking of a possibly convicting sermon, where the reaction is one of, "Good grief! What if he's right?" The author supposes that negative things carried for family generations can come to an end via a little applied compassion --
"or, if you know full well you're not up to the job [of forgiving people, and forgiving yourself], get down on your knees and let Jesus do it for you. That is the arrangement that's on offer, if I've got the story right.
All of a sudden church is over. These people! They grab you by the throat and wave God in your face, they preach damnation and everlasting glory, then they dismiss you just like that. That's it. We're done here. Go have lunch.
At the door the preacher shakes our hands like we've made a deal, like we've each gotten rid of something we were glad to see the back of."
Dear Lord, let me be sure that is not the impression I leave as I encounter those who are struggling with real life issues, and are seeking a genuine answer, an answer only You can provide.
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