I know that at different times in my life, I have found myself at a crossroads. Whether it is to take one job or another or to go to one school or another. During times like that, I have tried to determine what God's will is. Or if God had a will between the individual choices I needed to make. During those times, I have sought through Bible study and prayer to understand God's voice amidst many other voices.
I've come to the point where I am honestly not sure anymore if God has specific choice for each decision that we make. But, I do know that it seems clear that when God's people are walking closely to the Lord that God is more than able to let his voice be known. It seems to me that the job of the believer is not so much to discern God's voice from someone else's, for God may use someone else to convey His will. But, rather it is to draw closely to the Lord and to make sure our hearts are right with Him.
One of my good friends in college and now pastor down in Clear Lake, Brett Dutton would often quote the verses in Psalms that said that if we delight in the Lord, He will make our paths straight. I think these verses talk as much about priority than anything else. If we are delighting in God, then we would also be delighting in the things that please God. So, if I have a choice then what I believe will please God will be a priority. My love for God and desire to please Him will be a motivator in my choices. My desire to rid my life of those things that don't please Him will also be strong. I will not want things to come between us.
In thinking about God's will for your life
Are you trying to please God with the choices you make?
Do you seek like the prophet Daniel to set aside regular times to repent of sin and seek God's face?
"Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Hm, and He will do it. And He will bring forth your righteousnessness as the light. And your judgment as the noonday." Ps 37:4-6
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
God of Silence
If you listen to most modern day preachers, the only reason possible that God isn't answering your prayers is sin. Or it could possibly be a lack of faith on your part. Or maybe your just not close enough to God. But, a careful look at scripture and early church father and preachers would tell a different story. The truth is, that God sometimes seem to hide himself just at those moment where we may feel like we need Him the most. One example I was thinking of is Abraham.
You remember the story of Abraham. He was promised a child when he was in his 70's. His wife was a card carrying member of the senior citizen group and pregnant. Abraham was well into his senior years himself and still no kid. After God first promises Abraham a son, 25 years go by without an answer. You might not notice if you read fast, but Abraham is near 100 years old before the promise is fulfilled. When God does finally show up and say something he doesn't explain the wait either. He just affirms his promise to Abraham again. Sarah's response was to laugh.
Or maybe the story of Job. Job complains like a 5 year old that didn't get a treat at the birthday party. Where is God? I want to let God know my complaint? I can relate to that. But, when God does show up does God say, "You know what Job, your right. I am a little late. Sorry about all those sores." No, God just shows up and for Job it seems enough.
I have struggled at times to deal with the silence of God. "God where are you at and why aren't you. . . " It appears that I am not alone. In fact, it seems to be a common experience. I think part of the reason for this is that God wants to challenge us to grow up. God wants to call us to walk by faith and not simply warm fuzzy feelings. God wants us to trust Him when we don't see Him at work. The faith is based not on what we see, but on God's reputation. We know that God is good and that He knows how to give good gifts to His children. So, we have to trust Him when we don't see anything happening.
In James 1 that I have been looking at, James tells us that we should not be like a person who is double minded and full of doubt. Then he goes on to say that the reason for our faith is that God does not tempt anyone nor can he be influenced by temptation. John said it this way, because God is light and there is no darkness in His at all. It is good to know that God isn't like the old mythological gods that might bother someone or trick someone like life is a big game. Furthermore, God is a God who is with us. He sees our pain and has struggled himself in a human body on earth, so he understands.
You remember the story of Abraham. He was promised a child when he was in his 70's. His wife was a card carrying member of the senior citizen group and pregnant. Abraham was well into his senior years himself and still no kid. After God first promises Abraham a son, 25 years go by without an answer. You might not notice if you read fast, but Abraham is near 100 years old before the promise is fulfilled. When God does finally show up and say something he doesn't explain the wait either. He just affirms his promise to Abraham again. Sarah's response was to laugh.
Or maybe the story of Job. Job complains like a 5 year old that didn't get a treat at the birthday party. Where is God? I want to let God know my complaint? I can relate to that. But, when God does show up does God say, "You know what Job, your right. I am a little late. Sorry about all those sores." No, God just shows up and for Job it seems enough.
I have struggled at times to deal with the silence of God. "God where are you at and why aren't you. . . " It appears that I am not alone. In fact, it seems to be a common experience. I think part of the reason for this is that God wants to challenge us to grow up. God wants to call us to walk by faith and not simply warm fuzzy feelings. God wants us to trust Him when we don't see Him at work. The faith is based not on what we see, but on God's reputation. We know that God is good and that He knows how to give good gifts to His children. So, we have to trust Him when we don't see anything happening.
In James 1 that I have been looking at, James tells us that we should not be like a person who is double minded and full of doubt. Then he goes on to say that the reason for our faith is that God does not tempt anyone nor can he be influenced by temptation. John said it this way, because God is light and there is no darkness in His at all. It is good to know that God isn't like the old mythological gods that might bother someone or trick someone like life is a big game. Furthermore, God is a God who is with us. He sees our pain and has struggled himself in a human body on earth, so he understands.
Monday, December 28, 2009
My story- an introduction
I've been sharing my blog address a lot lately after not doing much with this blog for almost a year. So, if your new here I would like to take a minute to share my story with you.
This winter has been a tough one for me. I have been depressed and not sure why. I know Dr.Stanley has a book out titled "The Source of My Strength". Well, I would like to tell you about the source of my strength also. When I was about 14 or so I had a major problems with my self-esteem and depression. I simply didn't like myself. I wanted to be invisible. I tried very hard not to stand out. I spent a lot of my time alone. I didn't make friends easy. Around the time of my 16th birthday, I decided to go to a mystery retreat that my youth group at the church we attended was doing. At first, I thought it was a huge mistake. But, I felt accepted there and a part. It may have been one of the first times in my life I felt accepted by a group outside of my family. I will add that I have the greatest parents and sister in the world. Home was always a shelter in the storm for me.
One of the first things that I noticed about what the minister was saying is that God loves me. I always heard that, but something about seeing it in action made it more clear than ever. It became clear to me that if God can accept me as I am than I should also be able to accept myself. I began to get strength from that love from God. As time went on, I wanted to share that love. Because it also became clear to me that God didn't just love me, but also loves other people. He loves them with an unlimited love whether they want to acknowledge him or not. Since we are his hands and feet and mouth, he wants us to express His love for others. That was brought home to me not just by the youth in the group, but also by the adults who led the group and who mentored me.
I still have horrible periods of depression where I search for meaning. I didn't have a good day today as I write this to you. My son had two horrible temper meltdowns that trouble me. My job and life is not all fun and roses. I don't have all the answers. In fact, I have some pretty good well thought out questions of my own I would like to ask God. But, after questioning and arguing and debating and yelling at God at different points in my life I have come to settle one question and issue that before I struggled with. I know that even though I live in an unfair world where terrible things happen, God is good. I know that God is not out to get me. I know that God cries with those who cry. I know that God doesn't cause my pain. How exactly that meshes with God's sovereignty, I don't have a clue. I'm not a theologian. I am not a scholar. I am just an ordained guy that likes to study the Bible. But, after years of arguing and telling God that I don't think he is paying attention or asleep at the wheel, I can honestly tell you that we don't have that argument anymore with God as far as I am concerned. That issue is settled. Life is definitely unfair at times. Horrible things happen. Let me give you one example.
I was an intern at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh in fall 2006. I was on call for 24 hours. During the last hour of my on call I went to a trauma call. A young man was driving his pick up to work. He was about 23 years old. I had to call his mother and ask her to come to the hospital because her son was in a wreck and had been sent to the hospital. It seems that he wasn't wearing his seat belt. When he came to a sudden stop, his internal organs were crushed by the steering wheel. I don't know if you've ever seen someone bleed ou, but it isn't a pretty picture. His mother spoke to him in the trauma room, but he died less than one day later.
I've alway thought about that family. He was just driving to work. He made a mistake of not putting on his seat belt and paid for it with his life. That is a horrible story. It is unfair. In fact, some emergency rooms see that kind of thing every week. It reminds me of what Dr.Meredith said when there was a shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Ft.Worth years ago and seven people were shot and killed. A reporter asked him where was God when these people were shot. Dr.Meredith said, "I suppose he was in the same place when His son hung on a cross for you and me. He was on his throne." Good answer Dr.Meredith.
This winter has been a tough one for me. I have been depressed and not sure why. I know Dr.Stanley has a book out titled "The Source of My Strength". Well, I would like to tell you about the source of my strength also. When I was about 14 or so I had a major problems with my self-esteem and depression. I simply didn't like myself. I wanted to be invisible. I tried very hard not to stand out. I spent a lot of my time alone. I didn't make friends easy. Around the time of my 16th birthday, I decided to go to a mystery retreat that my youth group at the church we attended was doing. At first, I thought it was a huge mistake. But, I felt accepted there and a part. It may have been one of the first times in my life I felt accepted by a group outside of my family. I will add that I have the greatest parents and sister in the world. Home was always a shelter in the storm for me.
One of the first things that I noticed about what the minister was saying is that God loves me. I always heard that, but something about seeing it in action made it more clear than ever. It became clear to me that if God can accept me as I am than I should also be able to accept myself. I began to get strength from that love from God. As time went on, I wanted to share that love. Because it also became clear to me that God didn't just love me, but also loves other people. He loves them with an unlimited love whether they want to acknowledge him or not. Since we are his hands and feet and mouth, he wants us to express His love for others. That was brought home to me not just by the youth in the group, but also by the adults who led the group and who mentored me.
I still have horrible periods of depression where I search for meaning. I didn't have a good day today as I write this to you. My son had two horrible temper meltdowns that trouble me. My job and life is not all fun and roses. I don't have all the answers. In fact, I have some pretty good well thought out questions of my own I would like to ask God. But, after questioning and arguing and debating and yelling at God at different points in my life I have come to settle one question and issue that before I struggled with. I know that even though I live in an unfair world where terrible things happen, God is good. I know that God is not out to get me. I know that God cries with those who cry. I know that God doesn't cause my pain. How exactly that meshes with God's sovereignty, I don't have a clue. I'm not a theologian. I am not a scholar. I am just an ordained guy that likes to study the Bible. But, after years of arguing and telling God that I don't think he is paying attention or asleep at the wheel, I can honestly tell you that we don't have that argument anymore with God as far as I am concerned. That issue is settled. Life is definitely unfair at times. Horrible things happen. Let me give you one example.
I was an intern at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh in fall 2006. I was on call for 24 hours. During the last hour of my on call I went to a trauma call. A young man was driving his pick up to work. He was about 23 years old. I had to call his mother and ask her to come to the hospital because her son was in a wreck and had been sent to the hospital. It seems that he wasn't wearing his seat belt. When he came to a sudden stop, his internal organs were crushed by the steering wheel. I don't know if you've ever seen someone bleed ou, but it isn't a pretty picture. His mother spoke to him in the trauma room, but he died less than one day later.
I've alway thought about that family. He was just driving to work. He made a mistake of not putting on his seat belt and paid for it with his life. That is a horrible story. It is unfair. In fact, some emergency rooms see that kind of thing every week. It reminds me of what Dr.Meredith said when there was a shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Ft.Worth years ago and seven people were shot and killed. A reporter asked him where was God when these people were shot. Dr.Meredith said, "I suppose he was in the same place when His son hung on a cross for you and me. He was on his throne." Good answer Dr.Meredith.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Reflecting
Recently, I started this book that my wife gave me called "What am I supposed to do with my life?" by Douglas J. Brouwer. It is more like a Bible study than a novel. It has questions at the end of each chapter. This has been a big question for me throughout my life as I have struggled at times to find my place. The big question seems to be "What does God want me to do?" I will add that at the present time I am content to serve God outside the church as a mental health case manager. It is a challenging job, but also at times rewarding.
I don't have all the answers, but I think a turning point for me came when I went to a camp called "UM ARMY". Particularly in 1984 when we went to college station. I remember the mayor coming and proclaming it UMARMY day and giving up a key to the city for the day. UMARMY is a Methodist camp that emphasizes helping those who are needy and handicap. We would go out each summer for a week and paint, cut grass, clean, build things. It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work. It was Texas in the summer time and believe me it was hot. But, it really reinforced for me the blessing that it is to give. My faith encourages me to give. It encourages me to live out my faith in a way that I can be a light and a encouragement to others.
This all came up also as I have reflecting the last several days on James 1. James says in James 1:22-23 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." James keeps going back to this theme throughout this little epistle of James. He challenges us to show your faith by your deeds. I think people are still looking today for us to do that. They have heard sermons in words, now they are looking for sermons in action.
"Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder." James 2:18 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26
I don't have all the answers, but I think a turning point for me came when I went to a camp called "UM ARMY". Particularly in 1984 when we went to college station. I remember the mayor coming and proclaming it UMARMY day and giving up a key to the city for the day. UMARMY is a Methodist camp that emphasizes helping those who are needy and handicap. We would go out each summer for a week and paint, cut grass, clean, build things. It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work. It was Texas in the summer time and believe me it was hot. But, it really reinforced for me the blessing that it is to give. My faith encourages me to give. It encourages me to live out my faith in a way that I can be a light and a encouragement to others.
This all came up also as I have reflecting the last several days on James 1. James says in James 1:22-23 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." James keeps going back to this theme throughout this little epistle of James. He challenges us to show your faith by your deeds. I think people are still looking today for us to do that. They have heard sermons in words, now they are looking for sermons in action.
"Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder." James 2:18 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26
Thursday, December 24, 2009
James 1
In James 1:2 it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything." The next few verses talk about wisdom after that. James tells us if you feel you lack wisdom you should ask God to give you more.
The ability to have joy in trials is not one that I see very often from myself or anyone else for that matter. As I was pondering this section of scripture, I thought to myself that it is because of our perspective on the trial that we experience. James is saying that there is a purpose behind the trial. That if we could look at the big picture, we would realize that God is up to something in the middle of the trial. Not that God causes the trial, but that he brings something good out of it. It is not just time wasted. Just as Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes."
The ability to have joy in trials is not one that I see very often from myself or anyone else for that matter. As I was pondering this section of scripture, I thought to myself that it is because of our perspective on the trial that we experience. James is saying that there is a purpose behind the trial. That if we could look at the big picture, we would realize that God is up to something in the middle of the trial. Not that God causes the trial, but that he brings something good out of it. It is not just time wasted. Just as Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes."
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I am the true vine
Jesus has several statements in the gospel of John that are called the "I am" statements of Jesus. Jesus made some incredible claims about himself. He claimed to be sent by the Father. He claimed that Abraham, who lived hundreds of years before Jesus, saw his day and was glad. Jesus claimed to be the bread of heaven and the light of the world. He made this claim in John 15 to be the true vine.
Sometimes Israel was referred to as a vine. In Isaiah 5:1-2 "I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard; My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and clearned it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit." Then, in verse 7 Isaiah clearly defines that the vineyard is the house of Israel and the men of Judah. God says that he looked there for justice, but found bloodshed. He looked for righteousness, but found distress.
Now, we are the people of God as believers in Christ. We are the branches. Jesus gives us this clear designation in John 15:1-5. Then, he goes on to say what he expects from us. He expects us to be "fruitful". He says that we do this by "abiding in Him" and not through our own effort. Our job is not to bear the fruit through our own effort or intelligence or good planning, but our job is to abide. Our job is to stay attached if you will to the vine.
One of the way we do this is through prayer and surrender. I must be willing to lay aside my own will and to take up my cross and follow Him. I must be willing to surrender to Him will and ways and not my own. I must be willing to trust Him when I don't see Him at work. Believe me, there are plenty of times when it appears God is not at work. But, God stillness does not mean he is not at work.
God desires your holiness more than your happiness.
God desires for you to grow up and trust Him.
God is willing for you to be uncomfortable in order to make this happen.
God is willing to wait as long as He needs to to get your attention.
God is willing to wait for us to learn to trust Him. God is willing to be quiet and to wait for you.
He is waiting and watching over you today. You wouldn't believe how much He loves you.
Sometimes Israel was referred to as a vine. In Isaiah 5:1-2 "I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard; My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and clearned it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit." Then, in verse 7 Isaiah clearly defines that the vineyard is the house of Israel and the men of Judah. God says that he looked there for justice, but found bloodshed. He looked for righteousness, but found distress.
Now, we are the people of God as believers in Christ. We are the branches. Jesus gives us this clear designation in John 15:1-5. Then, he goes on to say what he expects from us. He expects us to be "fruitful". He says that we do this by "abiding in Him" and not through our own effort. Our job is not to bear the fruit through our own effort or intelligence or good planning, but our job is to abide. Our job is to stay attached if you will to the vine.
One of the way we do this is through prayer and surrender. I must be willing to lay aside my own will and to take up my cross and follow Him. I must be willing to surrender to Him will and ways and not my own. I must be willing to trust Him when I don't see Him at work. Believe me, there are plenty of times when it appears God is not at work. But, God stillness does not mean he is not at work.
God desires your holiness more than your happiness.
God desires for you to grow up and trust Him.
God is willing for you to be uncomfortable in order to make this happen.
God is willing to wait as long as He needs to to get your attention.
God is willing to wait for us to learn to trust Him. God is willing to be quiet and to wait for you.
He is waiting and watching over you today. You wouldn't believe how much He loves you.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Martha's confession
In John 11 starting in verse 17, Jesus comes to the tomb of Lazarus. Martha heard that Jesus was on the way and goes out to meet him. Keep in mind that at this point her brother had been dead for four days. She had sent word to Jesus to come because he was sick. Most likely, by the time the message was received by Jesus, Lazarus had already died. Martha gives us one of the most powerful confessions in the gospels at one of the hardest times in her life. Jesus by all appearances has failed. At the same time, her brother is dead. Anyone that has lost someone close to them can tell you how painful this is. So maybe we can't fault her for her first words, which are in verse 21 "Lord", Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here, my brother, would not have died."
Sounds in some ways like a criticism, but you don't see Jesus ridicule her for this. In fact, even in the middle of her complaint is a statement of faith. "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." It might be easy for us to think that she expected Jesus to raise him from the dead. I don't think that was actually the case. Even though she is a believer in the resurrection, she objects when Jesus tells them to roll the stone away. verse 39.
What then was she expecting of Jesus at this time? I've often wondered about that.
I don't know what Jesus was thinking any more than I know what Martha or Mary was thinking. I know what I would have been thinking. But, I haven't seen Jesus personally heal people who were born blind or lame or full of leprosy either. It is easy for us to transfer our reaction on the people in the Bible. But, I do know that Martha makes this wonderful confession of faith in the middle of her pain "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." verse 27. That's pretty powerful stuff. Nothing weak about it.
That doesn't mean that Martha had it all figured out. Later, at the cross, she was most likely watching again from a distance. Her confession appears to hold fast even to resurrection morning. The interesting thing about this is that often times it still appears as though God shows up late. It appears that God may be sleeping at the wheel. God doesn't respond like we think he should. He shows us four days late and a nickel short. Forgive me if I sound harsh. It is hard to make sense of things sometimes on this side of heaven. Much like Job had trouble understanding the realities around him when he felt like he didn't deserve it. Some people seem to get the elevator and others the shaft. Maybe you feel that way too.
Being a believer doesn't mean we have it all figured out. It doesn't mean we always are having a good time. Contrary to the popular name it and claim it gospel, it doesn't mean we will always be happy or rich or appear wise. Remember Joseph? Joseph was said to be a man who God was with, yet he was sold into slavery by his brothers and then falsely accused and sent to prison. Life is not always fair. Somehow it the middle of all this, I have to believe that God will someday make things right. God will someday bring things to an end. God will someday have the last word. It is good to know the one who sits on the throne.
Sounds in some ways like a criticism, but you don't see Jesus ridicule her for this. In fact, even in the middle of her complaint is a statement of faith. "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." It might be easy for us to think that she expected Jesus to raise him from the dead. I don't think that was actually the case. Even though she is a believer in the resurrection, she objects when Jesus tells them to roll the stone away. verse 39.
What then was she expecting of Jesus at this time? I've often wondered about that.
I don't know what Jesus was thinking any more than I know what Martha or Mary was thinking. I know what I would have been thinking. But, I haven't seen Jesus personally heal people who were born blind or lame or full of leprosy either. It is easy for us to transfer our reaction on the people in the Bible. But, I do know that Martha makes this wonderful confession of faith in the middle of her pain "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." verse 27. That's pretty powerful stuff. Nothing weak about it.
That doesn't mean that Martha had it all figured out. Later, at the cross, she was most likely watching again from a distance. Her confession appears to hold fast even to resurrection morning. The interesting thing about this is that often times it still appears as though God shows up late. It appears that God may be sleeping at the wheel. God doesn't respond like we think he should. He shows us four days late and a nickel short. Forgive me if I sound harsh. It is hard to make sense of things sometimes on this side of heaven. Much like Job had trouble understanding the realities around him when he felt like he didn't deserve it. Some people seem to get the elevator and others the shaft. Maybe you feel that way too.
Being a believer doesn't mean we have it all figured out. It doesn't mean we always are having a good time. Contrary to the popular name it and claim it gospel, it doesn't mean we will always be happy or rich or appear wise. Remember Joseph? Joseph was said to be a man who God was with, yet he was sold into slavery by his brothers and then falsely accused and sent to prison. Life is not always fair. Somehow it the middle of all this, I have to believe that God will someday make things right. God will someday bring things to an end. God will someday have the last word. It is good to know the one who sits on the throne.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The relevance of the Corinth church
I have read quite a few commentaries about different books of the Bible in recent years, particularly Warren Wiersbe, Wycliffe Bible commentary and others. Most describe the area around Corinth as brutal in its idolatry and immorality. Particularly, in regards to sexual immorality, the pagan temples had a large amount of temple prostitutes available. It was in this setting of immorality that the Corinth church grew.
Not only was it a setting where there was a lot of immorality, but also a culture where many different people groups collided. Corinth was a city of port. A city of trade and influence and it would not have been uncommon to hear different languages spoken in the city.
So, maybe it isn't surprising that this diverse and immoral area would find us looking at a church similiar in many respects to the churches today. Paul, among all of the problems he could mention first to them though, mentions the divisions among them Cor 1:10-12. Of all of the problems he wants to address first, he addresses their allegiance to other teachers and preachers and people besides Christ first. He could have mentioned lawsuits or sexual immorality or eating food offered to idols, but that isn't what comes first.
In that respect, maybe we should learn a lesson from what Paul stressed. Many of the churches in our country today have been divided or are in conflict. People get angry at a variety of things, sometimes just and sometimes not, and leave the church. People get their feelings hurt. Sometimes the culture in which we live that says, "The end justifies the means." becomes more important than whether or not we hurt each other.
I think one of the things that Jesus longs to see in His church today is Christlikeness. A pastor who I know died this last Sunday. I did not know him very well, but went to his church services several times. He was a missionary and a church planter and a visionary when it comes to working in the service of the Lord. He was also at times confrontational when it came to preaching. I can remember that he would say that "God is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness." Jesus seemed also to be concerned about his people and their holiness.
The church has lost a lot of its effectiveness today, I think in part because we have lost that desperate sense in which we are dependent on God for everything. No program or musical or fellowship or guest speaker can replace holiness and Christlikeness in God's people. For if God's people are going to do anything for Him it will be because they are like Him and not because they just heard about him.
The world is looking to see if we walk the talk. . .
Not only was it a setting where there was a lot of immorality, but also a culture where many different people groups collided. Corinth was a city of port. A city of trade and influence and it would not have been uncommon to hear different languages spoken in the city.
So, maybe it isn't surprising that this diverse and immoral area would find us looking at a church similiar in many respects to the churches today. Paul, among all of the problems he could mention first to them though, mentions the divisions among them Cor 1:10-12. Of all of the problems he wants to address first, he addresses their allegiance to other teachers and preachers and people besides Christ first. He could have mentioned lawsuits or sexual immorality or eating food offered to idols, but that isn't what comes first.
In that respect, maybe we should learn a lesson from what Paul stressed. Many of the churches in our country today have been divided or are in conflict. People get angry at a variety of things, sometimes just and sometimes not, and leave the church. People get their feelings hurt. Sometimes the culture in which we live that says, "The end justifies the means." becomes more important than whether or not we hurt each other.
I think one of the things that Jesus longs to see in His church today is Christlikeness. A pastor who I know died this last Sunday. I did not know him very well, but went to his church services several times. He was a missionary and a church planter and a visionary when it comes to working in the service of the Lord. He was also at times confrontational when it came to preaching. I can remember that he would say that "God is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness." Jesus seemed also to be concerned about his people and their holiness.
The church has lost a lot of its effectiveness today, I think in part because we have lost that desperate sense in which we are dependent on God for everything. No program or musical or fellowship or guest speaker can replace holiness and Christlikeness in God's people. For if God's people are going to do anything for Him it will be because they are like Him and not because they just heard about him.
The world is looking to see if we walk the talk. . .
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
an heir
I came upon this verse in Galatians today. "Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." I started to think about what it means to be an heir. Paul was saying that the law is our tutor to guide us to Christ. We are God's children, heirs with rights and privileges as family members. Sometimes we may chose not to use those rights or in our ignorance we may ignore the rights that we have, but nonetheless they are there.
Paul says I have the right to call out to God "Abba! Father!" Galatians 4:6 I may chose, as the prodigal son did to stray away from my Father, but that doesn't change the relationship, but only the fellowship. It changes my ability to hear him when I walk away from Him. It displeases him when we do things that He has told us not to do. I can't see God with a smile on his face when I knowingly walk away from Him anymore that I can image smiling up at watching a children play in highway traffic. You realize the danger your child faces in the light of what you know. The child may be ignorant of the danger or simply be stubborn, but the danger is there and the rules are there for his or her safety.
So Paul reminds us, you are not a slave. You have right and privileges. You have the right to go before God with some boldness. You don't have to act like a stranger. I remember a convention years ago in Dallas that I went to when the speaker said, "Most people try to do what they can and don't pray a whole lot till they get into trouble. Then, they rush into prayer and begin to pray to the point of spiritual hyperventiliating." We try to go on our own, playing in traffic sometimes, oblivious to the dangers, wanting to do things our own way. God patiently waits for us to realize that He is nearby and wants to hear from us.
"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;" Heb 10:22-23
Paul says I have the right to call out to God "Abba! Father!" Galatians 4:6 I may chose, as the prodigal son did to stray away from my Father, but that doesn't change the relationship, but only the fellowship. It changes my ability to hear him when I walk away from Him. It displeases him when we do things that He has told us not to do. I can't see God with a smile on his face when I knowingly walk away from Him anymore that I can image smiling up at watching a children play in highway traffic. You realize the danger your child faces in the light of what you know. The child may be ignorant of the danger or simply be stubborn, but the danger is there and the rules are there for his or her safety.
So Paul reminds us, you are not a slave. You have right and privileges. You have the right to go before God with some boldness. You don't have to act like a stranger. I remember a convention years ago in Dallas that I went to when the speaker said, "Most people try to do what they can and don't pray a whole lot till they get into trouble. Then, they rush into prayer and begin to pray to the point of spiritual hyperventiliating." We try to go on our own, playing in traffic sometimes, oblivious to the dangers, wanting to do things our own way. God patiently waits for us to realize that He is nearby and wants to hear from us.
"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;" Heb 10:22-23
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