Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
I am blessed to have a family heritage of service to God. Not only were Sunday's in my hometown of Bolivar dominated by church activities, but even when we would visit Grandma and Grandpa Martin at Lockwood, church clothes would be donned, and we would take the short walk across the street to First Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. I can still hear the church bell and smell that distinct odor of Pine Sol and hymnals.
Although I strayed from my Christian upbringing for a large part of my adult life, the foundation was laid during my early years. (Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6) I am so thankful to have been raised in a household where God was a focal point.
It is interesting in this verse, Joshua addresses two reasons some people choose not to serve God. First, "I wasn't raised that way." "We never went to church." "Dad worshipped God on the lake." Second, is a another reason why many do not serve the Lord- society and the pervailing world view that obedience to God is not a requirement. My ancestors did not serve God, neither does society today, so why should I? Some things never change. The people in Joshua's time, 3500 years ago, were offering the same excuses for disobedience.
"SERVE" the Lord, not just trust in, or believe in, but SERVE. Joshua's pledge is not one of just an intellectual or emotional connection with God, but one of service. Just last night I was visiting with a fellow Ridgecrestian about our Saturday work project. I was disheartened to learn that several of the service projects had to be consolidated because there were less than 200 volunteers from a church membership of over 2000. Less than 10% of the membership of an organization dedicated to God were willing to give up 3-4 hours on a Saturday morning to help out others. If these numbers are indeed accurate, shame on the Ridgecrest membership. While there are legitimate excuses, I cannot help but believe that many not signed up for Saturday are just too plain lazy and self-centered to step up.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
April 27, 2012
Hebrews 2:18 Because he (Jesus Christ) himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Back in the day when I attended Second Baptist here in Springfield, John Marshall, senior pastor, used to preach/teach from each verse in the Bible. I remember one of his reasonings was so he would avoid those pet issues becoming a frequent sermon themes. I don't know if he still follows this pattern, but I remember thinking, "No way a single verse can be the basis for 30 minutes of preaching." I quickly learned that was not the case.
After reading and ruminating on Hebrews 2:18, three things jumped out at me.
The first of which is the focus of Blackaby's entry for today. Blackaby points out that as followers of Jesus Christ, we have Lord and Savior who, because of God's perfect plan of salvation, is able to identify perfectly with any temptation we face because he was similarly tempted. Blackaby writes, "Ours is not an unsympathetic God who is unconcerned with our struggle to live righteously, but we follow a God who knows how difficult it is to resist sin and withstand temptation." The desert and Garden of Gethsemane were not the only times Christ was tempted. He was fully man during his time on earth and with that came all the same temptations, desires and yearnings all humans and specifically men face. The difference is that he allowed God to direct, edit and control those human feelings, thoughts and actions.
Second, I find it interesting the verse states, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted. . ." I had never considered that temptation itself can create suffering. Even if we don't act on that temptation, it can still create unrest, discomfort, even suffering. As I ponder this even more, I recall specific times when resisting temptation created a very real, ongoing, intense struggle. Many times temptation is not as easy to overcome as simply recalling a Bible verse. I wonder if there would be more spiritual victories if, as Christians, if we recognized and embraced the fact that resisting temptation is a very real, intense and sustained battle. It's hard not to sin!
Finally, "he is able to help those who are being tempted." This suggests that temptation is an ongoing, never-ending part of life. Paul did not write, "those who were tempted" or "those who are occasionally tempted". We "ARE" being tempted. Because of this it is imperative that we "pray continually" (1 Thes 5:17) to our Heavenly Father and remember that our Lord and Savior is able to help us because us because "he himself suffered when he was tempted."
Back in the day when I attended Second Baptist here in Springfield, John Marshall, senior pastor, used to preach/teach from each verse in the Bible. I remember one of his reasonings was so he would avoid those pet issues becoming a frequent sermon themes. I don't know if he still follows this pattern, but I remember thinking, "No way a single verse can be the basis for 30 minutes of preaching." I quickly learned that was not the case.
After reading and ruminating on Hebrews 2:18, three things jumped out at me.
The first of which is the focus of Blackaby's entry for today. Blackaby points out that as followers of Jesus Christ, we have Lord and Savior who, because of God's perfect plan of salvation, is able to identify perfectly with any temptation we face because he was similarly tempted. Blackaby writes, "Ours is not an unsympathetic God who is unconcerned with our struggle to live righteously, but we follow a God who knows how difficult it is to resist sin and withstand temptation." The desert and Garden of Gethsemane were not the only times Christ was tempted. He was fully man during his time on earth and with that came all the same temptations, desires and yearnings all humans and specifically men face. The difference is that he allowed God to direct, edit and control those human feelings, thoughts and actions.
Second, I find it interesting the verse states, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted. . ." I had never considered that temptation itself can create suffering. Even if we don't act on that temptation, it can still create unrest, discomfort, even suffering. As I ponder this even more, I recall specific times when resisting temptation created a very real, ongoing, intense struggle. Many times temptation is not as easy to overcome as simply recalling a Bible verse. I wonder if there would be more spiritual victories if, as Christians, if we recognized and embraced the fact that resisting temptation is a very real, intense and sustained battle. It's hard not to sin!
Finally, "he is able to help those who are being tempted." This suggests that temptation is an ongoing, never-ending part of life. Paul did not write, "those who were tempted" or "those who are occasionally tempted". We "ARE" being tempted. Because of this it is imperative that we "pray continually" (1 Thes 5:17) to our Heavenly Father and remember that our Lord and Savior is able to help us because us because "he himself suffered when he was tempted."
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
March 21, 2012 (published on Apr. 25, written Mar. 21)
Luke 22:44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
(Off track comment- I had always remembered that this verse actually meant Christ sweated drops of blood. There were even First Baptist Church explanations of how Jesus had burst the tiny capillaries in his forehead. After reading the NIV and several other translations, "like drops of blood", "as if it were great drops of blood", etc. is the accepted translation. Most likely Christ sweated profusely but did not bleed.)
Yesterday's reading was a softball compared with today's entry. Blackaby hits the nail on the head when he writes, "Prayer is not difficult to understand. It is difficult to do." Ain't that the truth, brother!
Blackaby points out that "deep, prolonged intercession is painful. It involves staying before God when everyone else has gone away or is asleep." Many times in scripture, Jesus Christ himself leaves the company of others for solitude in order to talk to his Father.
"There are no shortcuts to prayer. There are no books to read, seminars to attend or inspirational mottoes to memorize that will transform us into intercessors. This comes only by committing ourselves to pray and then doing so." Simple plan. Difficult implementation.
Perhaps Nike had it right- "Just Do It"
(Off track comment- I had always remembered that this verse actually meant Christ sweated drops of blood. There were even First Baptist Church explanations of how Jesus had burst the tiny capillaries in his forehead. After reading the NIV and several other translations, "like drops of blood", "as if it were great drops of blood", etc. is the accepted translation. Most likely Christ sweated profusely but did not bleed.)
Yesterday's reading was a softball compared with today's entry. Blackaby hits the nail on the head when he writes, "Prayer is not difficult to understand. It is difficult to do." Ain't that the truth, brother!
Blackaby points out that "deep, prolonged intercession is painful. It involves staying before God when everyone else has gone away or is asleep." Many times in scripture, Jesus Christ himself leaves the company of others for solitude in order to talk to his Father.
"There are no shortcuts to prayer. There are no books to read, seminars to attend or inspirational mottoes to memorize that will transform us into intercessors. This comes only by committing ourselves to pray and then doing so." Simple plan. Difficult implementation.
Perhaps Nike had it right- "Just Do It"
April 25, 2012
How does God speak to us? How can we be certain beyond any doubt of decisions that need to be made?
Right now at school we are in the hiring season. Due to new babies and the moms wanting to stay at home, there are two primary-grade teaching positions available. Getting the best teachers for the students is perhaps the single most important aspect of my leadership duties.
For our kindergarten position, interviews start today. Next week, second grade interviews will begin. There is no shortage of applicants. On paper many look very qualified. Educated, excited, certificated. An interview team has been assembled. Questions typed up. Appointments made. But after all the dust settles and all deliberation ceases, how does one know that a particular applicant is, in God's eyes, the best for the job?
This is just one example of a time when there is needed a very specific, timely word from God on a man-made decision.
Prayer? Of course, that goes without saying, but how to receive/discern an answer. Fast? The interviews are spread out over two days. Don't think I have a 48-hour fast in me. Word of knowledge/prophecy? Not sure this type of decision would qualify for such a divine revelation, even if there was one on the team who was prone to such things.
I will continue to pray between now and Thursday afternoon that A) Interviews will go well. B) Team will find a clear first choice from the applicants. C) That person will still be available to hire.
I ask for your prayers also in this endeavor. Many children will be affected for better or worse based on the decisions that will be made over the next couple of weeks.
Right now at school we are in the hiring season. Due to new babies and the moms wanting to stay at home, there are two primary-grade teaching positions available. Getting the best teachers for the students is perhaps the single most important aspect of my leadership duties.
For our kindergarten position, interviews start today. Next week, second grade interviews will begin. There is no shortage of applicants. On paper many look very qualified. Educated, excited, certificated. An interview team has been assembled. Questions typed up. Appointments made. But after all the dust settles and all deliberation ceases, how does one know that a particular applicant is, in God's eyes, the best for the job?
This is just one example of a time when there is needed a very specific, timely word from God on a man-made decision.
Prayer? Of course, that goes without saying, but how to receive/discern an answer. Fast? The interviews are spread out over two days. Don't think I have a 48-hour fast in me. Word of knowledge/prophecy? Not sure this type of decision would qualify for such a divine revelation, even if there was one on the team who was prone to such things.
I will continue to pray between now and Thursday afternoon that A) Interviews will go well. B) Team will find a clear first choice from the applicants. C) That person will still be available to hire.
I ask for your prayers also in this endeavor. Many children will be affected for better or worse based on the decisions that will be made over the next couple of weeks.
Monday, April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012
When does sharing become bragging? If I share my spiritual victories, does that label me as a gascon (boastful, swaggering person)? On the other hand, if, as Christians, we don't share our spiritual victories, we might miss an opportunity to encourage a brother or sister. Hmmm. . .
Well, at the risk of sounding like a cockalorum (a boastful, self-important person), I want to share a couple of incidents from this weekend that were made possible ONLY through the leading and strengthening of the Holy Spirit. "Not by my might nor by power, but by My spirit," says the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (NAS)
Incident 1
There have been two distinct times this weekend where bad habits of the past have become very real, present temptations. With those temptations, rationalizations started to enter my mind. Picture if you will a game of "Whack-a-mole" only with rationalizations. "You have been doing really well." "No one will know." "One time won't hurt." Had I relied only on my strength and logic, I might have succumbed. But scripture came to the rescue. James 4:7- Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Almost as soon as I invoked this heavenly promise, the temptations subsided.
Incident 2
Yesterday afternoon, I was scheduled to teach an English lesson to our ESL class at Ridgecrest. A couple of hours before the class was scheduled to begin there had been a disagreement/misunderstanding with Seth. It was one of the few occasions where I had actually done little to nothing to create the rift; however, he was upset with me. What scripture should pop into my head? 23"Therefore if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23 (NIV) So, sitting in the Ridgecrest parking lot, I text Seth a message in an effort to amend the rift.
Did the heavenly hosts break out in song as a result of either incident above? Was I suddenly overcome with a vision of great and wondrous things? Did the Holy Spirit reveal the winning lottery numbers to me as a reward for my great spiritual conquests? None of the above.
What did happen was: A) I did not have to deal with the guilt of succumbing to temptation; B) The relationship with Seth did not suffer further damage; C) My heavenly Father, in a still, small voice told me, "Well done, my son."
Don't get me wrong, my failures still far outnumber my successes, but these two incidents serve to remind me that God is faithful in that if we will obey His word and live by His precepts, we can be overcomers.
Well, at the risk of sounding like a cockalorum (a boastful, self-important person), I want to share a couple of incidents from this weekend that were made possible ONLY through the leading and strengthening of the Holy Spirit. "Not by my might nor by power, but by My spirit," says the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (NAS)
Incident 1
There have been two distinct times this weekend where bad habits of the past have become very real, present temptations. With those temptations, rationalizations started to enter my mind. Picture if you will a game of "Whack-a-mole" only with rationalizations. "You have been doing really well." "No one will know." "One time won't hurt." Had I relied only on my strength and logic, I might have succumbed. But scripture came to the rescue. James 4:7- Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Almost as soon as I invoked this heavenly promise, the temptations subsided.
Incident 2
Yesterday afternoon, I was scheduled to teach an English lesson to our ESL class at Ridgecrest. A couple of hours before the class was scheduled to begin there had been a disagreement/misunderstanding with Seth. It was one of the few occasions where I had actually done little to nothing to create the rift; however, he was upset with me. What scripture should pop into my head? 23"Therefore if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23 (NIV) So, sitting in the Ridgecrest parking lot, I text Seth a message in an effort to amend the rift.
Did the heavenly hosts break out in song as a result of either incident above? Was I suddenly overcome with a vision of great and wondrous things? Did the Holy Spirit reveal the winning lottery numbers to me as a reward for my great spiritual conquests? None of the above.
What did happen was: A) I did not have to deal with the guilt of succumbing to temptation; B) The relationship with Seth did not suffer further damage; C) My heavenly Father, in a still, small voice told me, "Well done, my son."
Don't get me wrong, my failures still far outnumber my successes, but these two incidents serve to remind me that God is faithful in that if we will obey His word and live by His precepts, we can be overcomers.
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 20, 2012
Hebrews 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son. . .
This was a "lesson" I needed at this season in my life. Over the past year my stepson, Seth, has become very involved in a charismatic group of believers. As a result he is spending time in prayer and in the Word- hallelujah! However, being raised a Southern Baptist, much of the practice of charismatics are foreign to me. That is not to imply good or bad, just different.
Blackaby uses today's verse to point out that the way God chooses to communicate to His people changes. Prophets; dreams; angels; casting of lots; miraculous signs; nature have all been used through the ages. It would be wrong for me to place the Creator of the Universe in a one-size-fits-all box of how He communicates to His children.
While I do adamantly believe that all practices and beliefs should be tested against Scripture, I am also becoming much more open-minded in recognizing that His way for me is not the only way. In fact His way for me today might not be His way for me tomorrow.
Since Seth has become involved in his current fellowship, I have done more independent reading, study and praying about "supernatural" Christianity than ever before. Regardless of my final position on the topic, the fact that I have spent time reading and praying about the subject has increased my knowledge and understanding. That it a good thing.
When Christians refer to "one way" we need to make sure we are referring to one way to eternal life, not to just one way to worship, communicate with or experience God. For there are many of these.
P.S. I didn't visit Yahoo's homepage this morning! (See yesterday's blog entry for the significance of that.)
This was a "lesson" I needed at this season in my life. Over the past year my stepson, Seth, has become very involved in a charismatic group of believers. As a result he is spending time in prayer and in the Word- hallelujah! However, being raised a Southern Baptist, much of the practice of charismatics are foreign to me. That is not to imply good or bad, just different.
Blackaby uses today's verse to point out that the way God chooses to communicate to His people changes. Prophets; dreams; angels; casting of lots; miraculous signs; nature have all been used through the ages. It would be wrong for me to place the Creator of the Universe in a one-size-fits-all box of how He communicates to His children.
While I do adamantly believe that all practices and beliefs should be tested against Scripture, I am also becoming much more open-minded in recognizing that His way for me is not the only way. In fact His way for me today might not be His way for me tomorrow.
Since Seth has become involved in his current fellowship, I have done more independent reading, study and praying about "supernatural" Christianity than ever before. Regardless of my final position on the topic, the fact that I have spent time reading and praying about the subject has increased my knowledge and understanding. That it a good thing.
When Christians refer to "one way" we need to make sure we are referring to one way to eternal life, not to just one way to worship, communicate with or experience God. For there are many of these.
P.S. I didn't visit Yahoo's homepage this morning! (See yesterday's blog entry for the significance of that.)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
April 19, 2012
I HATE BLACKABY!! He is constantly meddling.
A struggle I havesome many mornings is when I switch on the computer I visit Yahoo's homepage and "quickly" read some of the more interesting or outrageous articles. So many time this 5-minute Yahoo visit turns into 10-20 minutes and much of my God time gets eaten up with articles about LeBron James, the presidential primaries, etc. I know that time should be reallocated to God, but I continue this habit with some fancy justification and rationalization.
Then here comes Blackaby, that bothersome pest.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
When reading this verse in the past, I had always assumed it was referring to using our financial blessings to bless others and promote God's work here on earth. And that may be one interpretation; however, Blackaby puts a different spin on the verse.
For years I have lamented about the lack of deep growth in my relationship with God. While there has a been growth, it has not been at rate at which I have been pleased/satisfied. Blackaby's discussion of 2 Corinthians 9:6 speaks directly to my spiritual-growth frustrations.
On page 159, Blackaby wrote, "If we invest everything we have in our relationship with God, we will experience the full dimensions of being children of God."
--More time in Bible study + real desire to know Him better = enriched relationship with God
--More time in prayer even when, or especially when, it is difficult = deeper prayer life
--Reconciled relationships + prepared hearts + full participation = life-changing worship services
There is no "second baptism" required. No spiritual formula to follow. No shortcuts, no CPO books necessary. Investment = reward. Intentionality is key.
This will be a genuine struggle for me. Please pray that I will start to discipline my spiritual life like never before.
A struggle I have
Then here comes Blackaby, that bothersome pest.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
When reading this verse in the past, I had always assumed it was referring to using our financial blessings to bless others and promote God's work here on earth. And that may be one interpretation; however, Blackaby puts a different spin on the verse.
For years I have lamented about the lack of deep growth in my relationship with God. While there has a been growth, it has not been at rate at which I have been pleased/satisfied. Blackaby's discussion of 2 Corinthians 9:6 speaks directly to my spiritual-growth frustrations.
On page 159, Blackaby wrote, "If we invest everything we have in our relationship with God, we will experience the full dimensions of being children of God."
--More time in Bible study + real desire to know Him better = enriched relationship with God
--More time in prayer even when, or especially when, it is difficult = deeper prayer life
--Reconciled relationships + prepared hearts + full participation = life-changing worship services
There is no "second baptism" required. No spiritual formula to follow. No shortcuts, no CPO books necessary. Investment = reward. Intentionality is key.
This will be a genuine struggle for me. Please pray that I will start to discipline my spiritual life like never before.
Monday, April 16, 2012
April 16, 2012
While this blog helps me organize my thoughts around a particular passage, it also serves two other purposes. First, it is an accountability measure for my quiet time. Most likely if there is not blog entry, I have not spent any meaningful time with God that day. (Sundays are the exception.) Second, it reminds me of how quickly time passes. I was surprised to note that my last entry was Thursday, April 12. Three days have passed with alarming rapidity.
When I look back on those three days, I can honestly say I did little to nothing for the Kingdom of God. Did I rob a bank in the intervening days? No. Did I have an adulterous affair since Thursday? Certainly not! But did I undertake to witness to someone about God's love for them? No. Did I give extra time or money to someone who was in need. Once again, no. What about session of intense prayer for those people or situations on my prayer list? Uh-uh.
At age 48 (close to 49), I am saddened to think about how many days, weeks, months, even years, of my life have been like the past three days. Yard work, second jobs, school projects. . . Yeah, I am the master of those. You won't find a four-day stretch anywhere in my adult life where I have neglected the temporal.
Satan would love to have me either A) become discouraged by looking at all the time I have wasted or B) procrastinate until summer or even retirement to get serious about a daily intentionality to Kingdom activities. Either one of these would keep me from being obedient to my mandate as a Christian.
Please pray that each and every day will find me serving God with intentionality. Not just the "lifestyle" witness, which while important, is also a cop out for not engaging in a more intense, more challenging Kingdom focused life.
When I look back on those three days, I can honestly say I did little to nothing for the Kingdom of God. Did I rob a bank in the intervening days? No. Did I have an adulterous affair since Thursday? Certainly not! But did I undertake to witness to someone about God's love for them? No. Did I give extra time or money to someone who was in need. Once again, no. What about session of intense prayer for those people or situations on my prayer list? Uh-uh.
At age 48 (close to 49), I am saddened to think about how many days, weeks, months, even years, of my life have been like the past three days. Yard work, second jobs, school projects. . . Yeah, I am the master of those. You won't find a four-day stretch anywhere in my adult life where I have neglected the temporal.
Satan would love to have me either A) become discouraged by looking at all the time I have wasted or B) procrastinate until summer or even retirement to get serious about a daily intentionality to Kingdom activities. Either one of these would keep me from being obedient to my mandate as a Christian.
Please pray that each and every day will find me serving God with intentionality. Not just the "lifestyle" witness, which while important, is also a cop out for not engaging in a more intense, more challenging Kingdom focused life.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
April 12, 2012
I am back on the worry/anxiety train. Woke up at 3:45 a.m. with no return of sleep. I have allowed some things to back up at work and home improvements costs are greater than planned. Please pray for my return to contentment/peace found only in my Father's arms.
2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live good and Godly lives. . .
I assure you that I had typed the prayer request BEFORE I read today's Blackaby's devotional. Blackaby challenges Believers to consider what kind of persons ought we to be. In light of the impending judgement and destruction on Christ's return, how should we be living our lives?
Purchasing or praying? Buying or Bible study? Living the high life or loving others?
I know that I have work expectations and requirements, and God expects me to be a good financial steward . But my prayer would be that a burden for the lost is the reason why I cannot get back to sleep at 3:45 a.m., not a report that is due or contractor that needs to be called.
May my focus become more eternal and less temporal.
2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live good and Godly lives. . .
I assure you that I had typed the prayer request BEFORE I read today's Blackaby's devotional. Blackaby challenges Believers to consider what kind of persons ought we to be. In light of the impending judgement and destruction on Christ's return, how should we be living our lives?
Purchasing or praying? Buying or Bible study? Living the high life or loving others?
I know that I have work expectations and requirements, and God expects me to be a good financial steward . But my prayer would be that a burden for the lost is the reason why I cannot get back to sleep at 3:45 a.m., not a report that is due or contractor that needs to be called.
May my focus become more eternal and less temporal.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April 11, 2012
Mark 1:14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," He said. "The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news."
The focus of today's reading was repentance. Blackaby writes, "Repentance is one of the most positive words", but goes on to point out that it is much more than just feeling sorry for what we have done or said. Repentance involves a "dramatic and decisive change of course".
Too often in my life I have equated resolve with repentance. I have confessed sin and resolved to do better. But repentance. . . On my knees, crying out before God, begging-for-strength repentance, usually not. That is why I too often find myself needing to confess again and again and again.
I realize that even the most genuine repentance does not guarantee perfection in one's life or even with a particular sin, but, after reading today's selection, I believe a true moment of repentance (not resolve) will decrease those "relapses" dramatically.
Repentance involves "a radical change of heart and mind in which we agree with God's evaluation of our sin and then take specific action to align ourselves with His will." Taking specific action. . . Interesting phrase. If gossip is a problem, stay out of the break room. Harsh words to family the issue, say a 30- second prayer in the car before going in the house after work. Overspending an issue, have your spouse keep your credit cards.
Take action. Don't just confess and resolve to "never do that again". Pray and ask God to show you concrete steps you can take to avoid those situations that make it difficult for you to say "no" to that drink, that porn site, that 50% off sale. Repentance should be a verb, not a noun.
The focus of today's reading was repentance. Blackaby writes, "Repentance is one of the most positive words", but goes on to point out that it is much more than just feeling sorry for what we have done or said. Repentance involves a "dramatic and decisive change of course".
Too often in my life I have equated resolve with repentance. I have confessed sin and resolved to do better. But repentance. . . On my knees, crying out before God, begging-for-strength repentance, usually not. That is why I too often find myself needing to confess again and again and again.
I realize that even the most genuine repentance does not guarantee perfection in one's life or even with a particular sin, but, after reading today's selection, I believe a true moment of repentance (not resolve) will decrease those "relapses" dramatically.
Repentance involves "a radical change of heart and mind in which we agree with God's evaluation of our sin and then take specific action to align ourselves with His will." Taking specific action. . . Interesting phrase. If gossip is a problem, stay out of the break room. Harsh words to family the issue, say a 30- second prayer in the car before going in the house after work. Overspending an issue, have your spouse keep your credit cards.
Take action. Don't just confess and resolve to "never do that again". Pray and ask God to show you concrete steps you can take to avoid those situations that make it difficult for you to say "no" to that drink, that porn site, that 50% off sale. Repentance should be a verb, not a noun.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
April 10, 2012
Not exactly a crisis of faith, but I am doing some reflection on my beliefs of the "supernaturalness" of Christianity--specifically healing, prophecy and words of knowledge. I am currently reading a book, The Risk Factor: Crossing the Chicken Line by Kevin Dedmon. http://www.kevindedmon.com/
Kevin is an author, evangelist and also teaches at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. http://www.ibethel.org/bethel-school-of-supernatural-ministry He is also a very prolific healer and prophet.
(Disclaimer: I will refer to "supernatural" to include healing, prophecy and words of knowledge. But I realize that all Christianity is in actuality supernatural- answered prayer, the Holy Spirit's leading, salvation, etc.)
Here is my conundrum.
1. I was raised in a church where the supernatural was never preached, taught or acknowledged, so I was not afforded the hours of learning and study on this aspect of Christianity.
2. As I became aware of such things, my main sources of knowledge were Christians who did not support the "supernatural".
3. There are thousands of well-meaning, Christ-loving people who genuinely believe in the supernatural.
4. Multiple scripture verses seem to support the supernatural.
5. If the supernatural is possible at the level outlined in Dedmon's book and attested to by thousands, Satan would do everything in his power to blind Christians to that fact.
However:
1. So much of what I read and see on t.v. concerning the supernatural does not seem supported by scripture.
2. I am from Missouri, so Show-Me. Since I have never personally witnessed the supernatural in a way I feel is legitimate, I remain dubious.
3. There are thousands of well-meaning, Christ-loving people who genuinely believe the supernatural ceased with the end of the apostolic era.
4. True or not, is there any real danger is subscribing to such a belief system?
5. If such healings as described in Dedmon's book are legit, why aren't there riots to access such men and their institutions?
One such example in Dedmon's book: While Dedmon was in the grocery store, he noticed a lady with two hearing aids. When he struck up a conversation with her, he learned that she had been battling hearing loss most of her life. He asked her if he could pray for her. She removed her hearing aids "so that we could tell when God opened up her ears." After laying his hand on her ears and praying, Dedmon reports that she could hear better than the 20-year old store clerk.
Dedmon was then impressed that there were many more healing opportunities in the store, so he got on the intercom and announced, "Attention all shoppers. . .God is in the building! He has just healed a lady of deafness." Many other healings took place that night in that grocery store. Dedmon gives details of this experience and mentions that he "suddenly felt a wind on the back of my neck, and I saw two healing angels flying over me."
I realize I cannot base my whole opinion of supernatural Christianity on Dedmon's experience, but these types of incidents are what many in this camp use as support for this belief system.
Last thoughts:
Is the supernatural in today's world supported by scripture?
Is there a danger in investigating this belief system?
Can one be truly objective in such an investigation?
Hmmm. . .
Kevin is an author, evangelist and also teaches at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. http://www.ibethel.org/bethel-school-of-supernatural-ministry He is also a very prolific healer and prophet.
(Disclaimer: I will refer to "supernatural" to include healing, prophecy and words of knowledge. But I realize that all Christianity is in actuality supernatural- answered prayer, the Holy Spirit's leading, salvation, etc.)
Here is my conundrum.
1. I was raised in a church where the supernatural was never preached, taught or acknowledged, so I was not afforded the hours of learning and study on this aspect of Christianity.
2. As I became aware of such things, my main sources of knowledge were Christians who did not support the "supernatural".
3. There are thousands of well-meaning, Christ-loving people who genuinely believe in the supernatural.
4. Multiple scripture verses seem to support the supernatural.
5. If the supernatural is possible at the level outlined in Dedmon's book and attested to by thousands, Satan would do everything in his power to blind Christians to that fact.
However:
1. So much of what I read and see on t.v. concerning the supernatural does not seem supported by scripture.
2. I am from Missouri, so Show-Me. Since I have never personally witnessed the supernatural in a way I feel is legitimate, I remain dubious.
3. There are thousands of well-meaning, Christ-loving people who genuinely believe the supernatural ceased with the end of the apostolic era.
4. True or not, is there any real danger is subscribing to such a belief system?
5. If such healings as described in Dedmon's book are legit, why aren't there riots to access such men and their institutions?
One such example in Dedmon's book: While Dedmon was in the grocery store, he noticed a lady with two hearing aids. When he struck up a conversation with her, he learned that she had been battling hearing loss most of her life. He asked her if he could pray for her. She removed her hearing aids "so that we could tell when God opened up her ears." After laying his hand on her ears and praying, Dedmon reports that she could hear better than the 20-year old store clerk.
Dedmon was then impressed that there were many more healing opportunities in the store, so he got on the intercom and announced, "Attention all shoppers. . .God is in the building! He has just healed a lady of deafness." Many other healings took place that night in that grocery store. Dedmon gives details of this experience and mentions that he "suddenly felt a wind on the back of my neck, and I saw two healing angels flying over me."
I realize I cannot base my whole opinion of supernatural Christianity on Dedmon's experience, but these types of incidents are what many in this camp use as support for this belief system.
Last thoughts:
Is the supernatural in today's world supported by scripture?
Is there a danger in investigating this belief system?
Can one be truly objective in such an investigation?
Hmmm. . .
Monday, April 9, 2012
April 9, 2012
2 Corinthians 5:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
Blackaby points out one of the most dangerous trends in today's Christianity, which is presenting "a loving and nonthreatening image of God to nonbelievers in the hope that Christianity will be more appealing to them." Yes, He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and we are His adopted children (Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:17), but God also judges sin and holds us accountable for our actions. As a result "each of us (will) receive what is due us for the things we have done while in the body, good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Blackaby's focus in today's devotion is to encourage an individual awareness of God's "awesome holiness". He encourages the believer to "take time to meditate upon the awesome holiness of God and allow the Holy Spirit to instill into your life a proper reverence of the almighty God." He is not encouraging us to become condemners in other's lives.
God loves, but He also disciplines. God forgives, but He also portions out just desserts.
Blackaby points out one of the most dangerous trends in today's Christianity, which is presenting "a loving and nonthreatening image of God to nonbelievers in the hope that Christianity will be more appealing to them." Yes, He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and we are His adopted children (Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:17), but God also judges sin and holds us accountable for our actions. As a result "each of us (will) receive what is due us for the things we have done while in the body, good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Blackaby's focus in today's devotion is to encourage an individual awareness of God's "awesome holiness". He encourages the believer to "take time to meditate upon the awesome holiness of God and allow the Holy Spirit to instill into your life a proper reverence of the almighty God." He is not encouraging us to become condemners in other's lives.
God loves, but He also disciplines. God forgives, but He also portions out just desserts.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
April 5, 2012
John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I call you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you."
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
April 4, 2012
Jeremiah 17:5 This is that the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord." (I encourage you to read the rest of this passage. It goes on to tell the reader what are the outcomes for those who trust in the LORD.)
Blackaby writes, and I wholeheartedly agree, that God can, and often does use other people to help during times of crisis, but "ultimately your trust must be in God." If we rely on others or even our personal strengths and skills first in time of crisis, that is a form of idolatry.
Other Christians can be a repository of good advice, sympathetic listeners or loving rebukers, but the first one a person runs to is the primary influence in that person's life. It it God or man?
So often it seems as if Blackaby is writing a personal note to me. Many times I am slow to seek God during rough patches. When something goes wrong at work, do I go to God first?
Personal relationship struggles? Do I pick up the cell phone or cry out to The Father?
Financial worries? E.F. Hutton or Jehovah Jireh?
Blackaby writes, and I wholeheartedly agree, that God can, and often does use other people to help during times of crisis, but "ultimately your trust must be in God." If we rely on others or even our personal strengths and skills first in time of crisis, that is a form of idolatry.
Other Christians can be a repository of good advice, sympathetic listeners or loving rebukers, but the first one a person runs to is the primary influence in that person's life. It it God or man?
So often it seems as if Blackaby is writing a personal note to me. Many times I am slow to seek God during rough patches. When something goes wrong at work, do I go to God first?
Personal relationship struggles? Do I pick up the cell phone or cry out to The Father?
Financial worries? E.F. Hutton or Jehovah Jireh?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
April 3, 2012
Matthew 16:4 "A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
The religious leaders of the day asked Jesus for a "sign from heaven" in regards to His divinity. He rebuked them, then left them.
Asking for a miracle, according to Blackaby, may be a sign of a weak, or nonexistence faith. Faith that needs a regular supply of miracles is anemic. When we start seeking the miracle, not the Miracle Worker, we become idolaters.
As Shad, Mesh, and Aben were about to be thrown into the furnace by ol' King Neb, the three faithful young Jews stated, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18) Yes, God could perform a miraculous rescue from the horrible fate of being burned alive, but if He chose not to, the three would still be obedient to Him.
Does it take more faith to live with cancer and continue to love God and others than to have God miraculously heal that cancer? Hmmm. . .
The religious leaders of the day asked Jesus for a "sign from heaven" in regards to His divinity. He rebuked them, then left them.
Asking for a miracle, according to Blackaby, may be a sign of a weak, or nonexistence faith. Faith that needs a regular supply of miracles is anemic. When we start seeking the miracle, not the Miracle Worker, we become idolaters.
As Shad, Mesh, and Aben were about to be thrown into the furnace by ol' King Neb, the three faithful young Jews stated, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18) Yes, God could perform a miraculous rescue from the horrible fate of being burned alive, but if He chose not to, the three would still be obedient to Him.
Does it take more faith to live with cancer and continue to love God and others than to have God miraculously heal that cancer? Hmmm. . .
Monday, April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
Another week. Another chance to live for Christ in the workplace. Yesterday's Sunday School lesson covered the story of Joseph being sold into slavery, his rise to power, his imprisonment, his return to power and his reconciliation with his brothers.
Although not the focus of the lesson, I was struck by the following verses: Genesis 39:3, 21-22. In this collection of verses Joseph is shown to be such an adept worker that he is put in charge of first Potiphar's household, then in charge of the king's prison. What makes this remarkable is that in the first instance he is a foreign slave and in the second instance he is actually a prisoner!
Of all the Old Testament characters, Joseph would appear to have the most reason to be bitter, angry and unhappy. Sold into slavery by his brothers, only to rise to power in the household of the captain of the guard in Egypt. Then after achieving a place of prominence, he is cast into prison for NOT sleeping with the boss's wife! Yet in each instance scripture tells us "the LORD was with him".
Knowing that "the LORD was with him" gave Joseph the confidence and peace of mind to be the conscientious, competent worker that allowed him to be successful no matter what his situation.
Every Christian in the workplace should strive on a daily basis to be the best employee. All the deadlines of a Christian should be met and reports done well. No break room conversation should ever be negative. Workplace gossip should have no place in a Christian's water cooler conversations. Decisions should be led by the Holy Spirit.
Whether a Christian works in a prison or in Pharaoh's palace, he should the type of employee that bosses love to have on staff-- not with a promotion or raise in mind, but to bring glory to God.
As a new workweek is beginning, please pray that I will be a Joseph working for R-12.
Although not the focus of the lesson, I was struck by the following verses: Genesis 39:3, 21-22. In this collection of verses Joseph is shown to be such an adept worker that he is put in charge of first Potiphar's household, then in charge of the king's prison. What makes this remarkable is that in the first instance he is a foreign slave and in the second instance he is actually a prisoner!
Of all the Old Testament characters, Joseph would appear to have the most reason to be bitter, angry and unhappy. Sold into slavery by his brothers, only to rise to power in the household of the captain of the guard in Egypt. Then after achieving a place of prominence, he is cast into prison for NOT sleeping with the boss's wife! Yet in each instance scripture tells us "the LORD was with him".
Knowing that "the LORD was with him" gave Joseph the confidence and peace of mind to be the conscientious, competent worker that allowed him to be successful no matter what his situation.
Every Christian in the workplace should strive on a daily basis to be the best employee. All the deadlines of a Christian should be met and reports done well. No break room conversation should ever be negative. Workplace gossip should have no place in a Christian's water cooler conversations. Decisions should be led by the Holy Spirit.
Whether a Christian works in a prison or in Pharaoh's palace, he should the type of employee that bosses love to have on staff-- not with a promotion or raise in mind, but to bring glory to God.
As a new workweek is beginning, please pray that I will be a Joseph working for R-12.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)