October 31, 2012

Facing Your Giants, Max Lucado

Love the Kindle for allowing me to transport dozens of books in my man-purse.  Downside- not being able to reference a specific page.

Lucado writes, "People-helping is never a tidy trade, because people who need help don't lead tidy lives."  The reality of that statement has become so clear since Kristi and I have gotten involved with the Hard Luck Ministry on Sunday afternoons.  Literacy, bus passes, furniture, rides--all are challenges for so many in our city.

The needs are infinite, but our resources are finite.  Wisdom and discernment a necessity.  How much to give?  To whom?  Where is the balance between time helping others and time spent recharging and rejuvenating?

How do we preach the love and provision of God to a group that will leave our 3-hour lunch time and return to a homeless shelter, abandon building or even worse- a doorway for an evening of restless, interrupted sleep?  Do God's promises ring true to a person who suffers from an abscessed tooth with no where to turn for relief?  Abandoned as a child, abused as a teenager.  How can they believe in a God who owns the cattle on a thousand  hills, but still allows them to sleep under a highway?

The Church has to be the hands and feet of God.  God can heal the inside, but He depends on His children to provide food, safe havens and relief for the Hard Lucks.

October 26, 2012

October 23, 2012

Chapter 31- The End of Times

This week will take a bit o' extra discipline from me to stay faithful to our book.  The focus is on "The Book of Revelation" and too much of Revelation is open to interpretation for my liking.  While I realize the importance of John's prophetic book, I am not an enthusiastic end-of-timer.

Why did God send his Son to die on the cross?  Salvation, of course.  But the deeper question is, "Why did God feel the need to save us at all?"  Revelation 1:6 provides some insight into that question.

John writes "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. . ."  The "to serve his God and Father" portion is only found in the 1984 NIV; however, John's original readers would be fully aware of the job description and functions of a priest.  Therefore for a people to be called to be priests would, by extension, denote service to God.

I would not dare even hint that eternal life was just a byproduct of our salvation, but just as important as salvation is the mandate for all Christians to serve God.

My salvation experience came when I was 8-years old.  I don't remember much of the discussion surrounding the experience, but do remember it was the result of a nightly Bible reading we had as a family.  I also remember being baptized in the no-longer-there sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri.  One memory that is lacking is any clear discussion of the duties of Christianity, not just the benefits.

When a person goes forward at Ridgecrest to accept Christ, we rejoice, applaud and sing.  And it is truly a cause for rejoicing.  BUT. . . I wonder how soon after that experience is the new believer introduced to the concept/mandate of Christian service.  A belief in Christ does bring one salvation, comfort, 24/7 access to the Creator of the Universe, an indwelling of the Holy Spirit and so much more, but it also calls one into a life of priestly service to Him who saves us.  Christianity is active.  Christianity is hands and feet on the ground.  Christianity is hard work.  Salvation, without question.  Service, without hesitancy.

October 19, 2012

Chapter 30- Paul's Final Days


As I was reading this week's chapter, the portion about Agabus prophesying that Paul would be bound by his own belt gave me cause for pause.  In Acts 21, a prophet foretells that  the "'Jews at Jerusalem (shall) bind the man who owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”  He speaks these words as he is holding Paul's girdle (belt).

Those with Paul who heard this prophecy begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. As the rest of Acts tells us, Paul does go to Jerusalem where he is jailed and beaten, but continues to preach the gospel.

What stuck me about this passage was how in some ways it paralleled an episode in Christ's life when Jesus foretold of his death on the cross and Peter responded by telling the God of the universe that it wasn't going to happen!  (Matthew 16)

That got me to thinking about unsolicited advice.  In both instances neither Jesus nor Paul looked to others for advice.  They had their marching orders from God and because of that, there was no need to discuss further.  Christ told Peter, "Get thee behind me Satan", and Paul "would not be dissuaded". 

Although seeking counsel from other Christians is not an unwise thing to do, ultimately a person is required to follow God's leading.  Period.  End of story.  Final answer. 

 On a side note:  Although my search was cursory at best, I could not find any scripture references that even encourage Christians to seek the counsel of other Christians. Hmmm. . .

October 11, 2012

Chapter 29- Paul's Mission   

As I was reading chapter 29 and working through the study guide, Acts 16:14 stood out.
¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.  While we can feed lunches, provide blankets, purchase bus passes,  and even share scripture, it is still the Holy Spirit that will open people's hearts and minds to the gospel message.  

With that in mind, I wonder how many Sunday School classes that are involved in the APO lunch ministry really cover their Sunday lunch service with prayer.  An intentional, concerted prayer covering the week prior to the serving Sunday and a rotating prayer vigil in the upper room at APO might begin to yield exponential results.  Most likely individuals in classes pray for their class' lunch service, but if all individuals in a class vowed to pray each day the week prior and had a prayer guide/structure God's hand might begin to work in a powerful way.

Please offer your suggestions:
Sunday- The week before, a class prayer in Sunday School class.
Monday- Prayer for the financial/time resources of the members to enable them to contribute to the lunch.
Tuesday- Prayer that God will begin to prepare each member's heart to love.
Wednesday- Prayer that God will start to implant the verses, anecdotes and conversation starters that will enable the servers to connect with the people in a real, meaningful way.
Thursday- Prayer that any obstacles that Satan may construct in the lives of the S.S. members to keep the serving Sunday from being all that God wants it to be would be overcome/smashed.
Friday- Prayer that any obstacles that Satan will place in the way of those homeless who need to attend lunch will be overcome/smashed.
Saturday- Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise for having the opportunity to serve.
Sunday of service- There is an upper room above the serving area.  One person commits to a 30 minute block of time to pray during the serving time.  Members rotate so that the entire serving time is covered in prayer.

October 9, 2012

Chapter 29- Paul's Mission   

Thoughts on Acts 14:16?

October 5, 2012

Chapter 28- New Beginnings   

Acts 5:41-42  ⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Oh that I would be an Acts 5:41 and 42 Christian!  If only I would be considered worthy of sharing Christ's stripes.  Rejoicing for persecution.  Daily going from house to house to teach and proclaim the Good News!  

How many Christians utter the same sentiments and have the same desire!  Well, at least in Sunday School and perhaps at a Bible study.  But how many are afraid to make that same request known to God in a sincere time of prayer?  Do we fervently, insistently ask God to provide us with witnessing opportunities, regardless of the personal or professional cost?

Let's do a quick scripture walk:

1. John 5:14-15  ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

2. Jesus last words to His disciples were to spread the Gospel.  Acts 1:8   ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

3.  James 4:17 ¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Since we know that Scripture, history books and today's media are replete with stories of people that have been mistreated, fired, beaten, even killed for their Christian witness.  AND if we ask according to God's will, it will be granted.  I wonder how many of us truly plead with God to provide us with chances to witness each and every day?  Are we in fervent prayer for the chance to share the Gospel truth at ALL costs?

If we don't mean it, we best not pray it.  Witnessing is very clearly in God's will, and what we pray in His will He will grant, and if we ignore those witnessing opportunities we are sinning.  Is it better not to ask than to ask, receive and ignore?  (This leads us to a whole other discussion about God not taking us where we are not spiritually ready to go, but I am out of time this a.m.)

October 3 2012

Chapter 28- New Beginnings   

THEY STILL DON'T GET IT!!  Old testament prophecies.  Christ's personal testimony.  Even death and resurrection.  Yet, the disciples are still asking Christ, "Lord, are  you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?" Acts 1:6  On one hand I shake my head in bewilderment at how those close to Jesus could still misunderstand His purpose.  On the other hand, I am relieved they had such a struggle understanding because it puts me in good company when I have doubts.

I think Acts 1:10-11 was the perfect bookend to Christ's life.  In Luke 2:8 an angel appears to shepherds and tells them of the first coming of Jesus to Earth.  In Acts 10 two angels reassures the first group of Christians that Christ will indeed return to Earth.  

In both cases, the groups who had been visited by angels went on to tell others of Jesus Christ.  It is important as Christians that we keep our gaze upward, but our hands and feet here on Earth.  It is not enough for us to merely know the Word, but to change lives, we must share the life-changing promises and revelations contained therein.