Worship in Spirit 3/31/14

²³ But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  John 4:23 (ESV)

This verse represents Jesus' first teaching on the subject of prayer and, oddly enough, it was addressed not to a Jew, but to a Samaritan.  

In his book,  Lord, Teach Us to Pray, Andrew Murray writes, " We look for correspondence between the object and the organ to which it reveals or yields itself.  The eye has an inner fitness for light, the ear for sound.  Because God is Spirit, we must worship in spirit. . .  As God is, so His worshipper."

In verse 21, Jesus alerts the woman of a seismic shift in the worship of God.  No longer would a specific place or time be connected to the worship of God.  The temple or fixed alter would become relics of a bygone era.  Jerusalem, while even today a city that holds a special place in the hearts of Jews and Christians alike, is no more a center of worship than Buffalo, Missouri. 

A corner office can serve as a temple.  An engine lift in a garage can become a spontaneous alter.  Anywhere a child of God needs to enter into the Holy of Holies with his Father is a place of worship.  Our spirit worships God.  Not our location.

As I am beginning to learn, worship is more than prayer.  I have been taught in the earliest of my Sunday School classes that I could pray anywhere, any time.  But worship, to me, denotes a far deeper coming together.  Worship is honest and open.  Worship praises and thanks.  Worship is focused and meaningful.  Worship is an attitude.  Worship is constant.

Prayer is situational.  Worship is lifestyle.  Prayer focuses on specifics.  Worship is overarching.  

We worship God with our thoughts.  Our actions.  Our emotions.

Worship is the umbrella under which all Christians should take shelter.  Prayer is one of the ribs of an umbrella. 

Thanks for the Problem 3/28/14

²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

Here is a follow-up story to yesterday's entry.  

The "tough" day I had anticipated, ended up being very positive.  Part of the reason for that is Kristi was too sick to go to work.  WHAT!  Yep, that's right.  Kristi being sick helped my have a great day.  Let me explain.

Kristi woke up yesterday with a stomach bug.  She called in for a substitute teacher and went back to bed.

As I was getting ready to leave, I admonished Roxie, our big, goofy dog, to take good care of Kristi.  (If you have a dog, you get the talking to them thing.  If not, well, get a dog, and you will understand.)  Kristi spoke up to Roxie, "If you want to, girl, you can go get me some 7-Up."  

Now, I have been married long enough to know that that remark was not intended for Roxie because she does not have her driver's license and cannot get to the store.  It was Kristi's way of letting me know she wanted some 7-Up.  I was ready for work, keys in hand, and headed out the door when I overhead her suggestion to Roxie.

Although the workday was already on my mind, I made myself go the the corner c-store to get some 7-Up.  Here's where God used Kristi's stomach bug in a positive way.

As I was walking in the c-store, sitting in a white truck right by the entrance of the store, was Roger.  Roger is one of the kindest, gentlest, most spirit-led men I know.  I tapped on the truck window.  After the exchange of "good morning" and "how's it going" I mentioned to him I was looking at a rough day and asked him for prayer.

Right there at the entrance to Git-n-Go, Roger took my hand and prayed for me and the day ahead.  It was a prayer for peace, strength, and wisdom.  There is no doubt in my mind that this short prayer was a factor in the success of the rest of the day.

Had Kristi not been sick, I would not have gone to the c-store, I would not have run into Roger, I would not have received his prayer covering, I would not have had such a successful day.

Now, I am not suggesting that I am thankful Kristi was sick, but I will thank Him for directing events in our lives for a positive outcome.

I hope this doesn't sound selfish and uncaring.  "Hey, I am glad Kristi was sick!  So happy her feeling like mud worked out for me."  That's not it at all.  The point is that God truly can (and does) take all things and work them for good.

It is because of this promise that we can "give thanks always and for everything".

Just Barely 3/27/14

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  Romans 8:37 (ESV)

For a variety of reasons, today promises to be a challenging day at work.  As a result, I asked Kristi for a little extra prayer support.  My last comment to her on the subject was, "I just need to get through the day today."  No sooner had the words come out of my mouth than the Holy Spirit reminded me that through Him I am a conqueror.

"Just get through the day."  Just survive.  Barely make it.  What a pansy!  Those who have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ are more than survivors.  We are more than "just barelys".  We are conquerors! 


1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14 - Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  

Ephesians 6:17 - ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God

We are given armor.  Not Nerf guns.  He gives clarity and wisdom.  Not confusion and ignorance.  He ordains.  He commissions.  He empowers!

The Christians life is not survival.  It is victory.  It is not minimums.  It is abundance.  It is not "just getting through the day".  It is conquering!  

3/26/14

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;   James 1:5-7 (ESV)

Cleansed 3/25/14

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Confession.  I mostly have that one figured out.  Forgiveness.  Although there are times I have to remind myself, I truly am forgiven, for the most part, good with that also.  But cleansing.  Hadn't really thought it through.

God not only forgives, but "cleanses".  Washes clean.  Makes spotless.  Unsoiled.

It is hard for me to accept God's "cleansing" because my humaness continues to return my mind to sins of a decade ago, last week, the previous day, hour, or minute.  But John reminds us that if we have confessed, we are clean, pure, unsullied.  

Regardless of our actions--we are cleansed.  In spite of our past--we are cleansed.  Notwithstanding our multitude of sin--we are cleansed.  Not just forgiven, but CLEANSED!

Any guilt, blame, or guilt I carry around for past sin is there because I choose to allow it in my life.  Jesus' blood has washed all that away.

If I sin ten minutes from now, I am still pure in God's eyes.  If I make a colossal blunder next week--still cleansed.

Andrew Murray wrote, "Many seem to think that the blood is there, so that if we have sinned again, we can turn again to it to be cleansed. But this is not so. Just as a fountain flows always, and always purifies what is placed in it or under its stream, so it is with this Fountain, opened for sin and uncleanness. The eternal power of life of the Eternal Spirit works through the blood. Through Him the heart can abide always under the flow, and cleansing of the Blood.

In the Old Testament cleansing was necessary for each sin. In the New Testament cleansing depends on Him who ever lives to intercede. When faith sees and desires and lays hold of this fact, the heart can abide every moment under the protecting and cleansing tower of the blood."

Take some time right now to meditate on the freedom and relief that comes with 1 John 1:9.  Cleansed from ALL unrighteousness.


All thanks to Jesus Christ for his cleansing blood that was shed on the cross.

No Free Lunches March 24, 2014

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)

In 2012, over 31 million students received either a free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program.*  Well over 12,000 students in Springfield Public Schools receive f/r lunch.  While this program is vital to the health and well-being of these students, it is misnamed.

As important as these meals are, they are not "free".  The meals are funded through the National School Lunch Program which is a program of the USDA.  The USDA is a Federal agency that is funded by taxpayers.  So in essence, these meals are not even free to the families of the students who receive them if the family pays any Federal taxes at all.

The "gift of God" Paul references in Romans 6:23 is not free.  Free to us.  Yes.  Free to His Son?  Most certainly not!

Jesus, who willingly left heaven's splendor, spent thirty-three years on earth as a man and died an unimaginably painful death so we can have this "free" gift.  Jesus, God incarnate, allowed Himself to be mocked, beaten, and tortured to bring us this "free" gift.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, had his Father turn his back on him in order to make this "free" gift available.

During this season of Lent, let us not forget nothing is "free".  There are no free lunches and the gift of salvation was not free to Jesus Christ.  It cost him his life.




http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf

If, Then 3/21/14

³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Matthew 6:32 (ESV)

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what I need; Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself. O Father! give to Thy child that which he himself knows not how to ask. I dare not ask either for crosses or consolations; I simply present myself before Thee; I open my heart to Thee. Behold my needs which I know not myself; see, and do according to Thy tender mercy. Smite, or heal; depress me, or raise me up; I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them; I am silent; I offer myself in sacrifice; I yield myself to Thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. Teach me to pray; pray Thyself in me.

FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON.

In the verse from Matthew, Jesus was referring to the physical needs we have- food, clothing, etc.  But I believe that it would be save to expand this verse to the social/emotional realm as well.

Both Gentiles and Jews alike need acceptance.  Christians and Zen-Pagans crave affirmation.  Protestants and Hindus seek contentment.

Jesus is telling his disciples, quit losing sleep about these things.  Don't allow necessities to become the focus.  Jesus goes on to tell his disciples, "³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  If God is our primary focus, He will meet our needs.  If we strive to live by Christian principles, then the necessities will be met.  

But here is where I experience some misgivings.  "If, then".  'If" we seek and "then" ALL these things will be added.  That is not always the case.  Christians are homeless.  Christians are killed.  Christians are martyred.  The rain falls no the just and unjust.

However, if Christ is truly talking basic needs, then perhaps it is more of a "always" type proposition.  Could Kristi and I get by with just one income if needed?  Sure.  Could most Christians slash their spending in half if necessary?  Most likely.  

What is apparent is that we are to seek His kingdom, His will, His guidance before all else.  If we are consistent, fervent, passionate about that, then we have little time for worry about the temporary.

 

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- March 17
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

 

March 17, 2014

¹⁹ And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked?   
Ruth 2:19 (ESV)

All of this world will soon have passed away. But God will remain, and thou, whatever thou hast become, good or bad. Thy deeds now are the seed-corn of eternity. Each single act, in each several day, good or bad, is a portion of that seed. Each day adds some line, making thee more or less like Him, more or less capable of His love.

E. B. PUSEY.

Not to start off the week with a downer, but the thoughts from E.B. in regards to the verse from Ruth has a rather somber tone.  "Each single act--good or bad--making us more or less like Him."  

Would I act/react, speak/be silent, think/not think differently if at the end of each day I had to give an accounting to someone for how I had become more or less like Christ?  How would my day be different if there were an individual waiting for an end-of-day report?

Even without a verbal accounting, God is keenly aware of the thoughts, words, and actions of each minute of each day.  He knows whether they moved us closer to or further away from becoming more like Him.  But to have some sort of earthly accountability measure.  That would make it more real.  At the end of each day list t, w, and a that moved us toward or away from God.  Would such a list make us:

A) defeated  B) arrogant  C) accountable?

Mornings are my time for prayer, meditation, and Bible study.  Perhaps I need to add an evening reflection/prayer time in order to confess/praise/thank.  

Morning prayer for strength and guidance.  Evening prayer for reflection and rejuvenation.

*Daily Strength for Daily Needs- March 17
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/8534/pg8534.html

 

March 15, 2014

March 10, 2014

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) 

Hmm. . .  Let me see.  When I pass through the waters.  When I walk through fire.  Not "if", but "when".

The Christian live is not free from fire, flood, and famine.  Christians get cancer.  Christians get fired.  Christians get murdered.  Christians get cheated.  In fact, God promises that His children will suffer.  I am not an expert on other religions (in fact I am not even an expert in Christianity), but from what little I do know, no other religion promises persecution and suffering to its followers.


¹² Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)

 ¹⁰ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 2 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

⁵ And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
⁶ For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.”  Hebrews 12:5-6 (ESV)

God's children will suffer. We will be disciplined. There will be hard times.  But we will not be consumed, drowned, or overtaken.  If He allows troubles to enter our lives, He will give us a way to stand up under those burdens.

In fact, we are told in the New Testament that discipline is a sign of our sonship because God only disciplines His own children, just as an earthly father only disciplines his own.  And hard times are a sign of our spiritual growth because God will only allow those things to enter our lives for which He has prepared us.  He will only allow those challenges for which we have the spiritual maturity and strength.

If the waters are getting deep or the flames hot, first ask God to reveal any areas of disobedience in your life that may be prompting God's discipline.  If He reveals none, then know that He has prepared you for such a challenge, He has given you the spiritual resources to be victorious, and most of all, He will be with you through it all.

March 9, 2014

⁹ who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

How many accept the "saved us" part of this verse, but fail miserably at the "holy calling" expectation?  Do we teach this to new Christians?  Do we even know that is meant by a "holy calling"?

I remember little about my salvation experience.  I do recall it took place when I was 8 years old at my childhood house in Bolivar.  Dad was reading a verse that stated we were God's enemy if we were unsaved.
Perhaps it was Matthew 12:30--³⁰ “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."  The exact verse is not  important, but I can recall that moment.  My next memory in the process was being baptized by Pastor Hall in the old baptistry of First Baptist Church in Bolivar.

I continued to attend morning and evening worship on Sundays, Sunday School, Training Union (very old school concept), youth choir, summer church camps, and an occasional Wednesday night.  But a holy calling?  I don't recall anything that noble ever being discussed.  

Salvation is just the beginning.  While salvation is the foundation of our walk with God, it is but a very small part of the journey.  Christians are called to be set apart, transformed, remade in His image.  

  I wonder how many people might figuratively retreat from the alter of supposed salvation if the largeness of their commitment were made clear to them at the outset?  Can one truly be saved without embracing this calling?  Salvation is about the rest of a person's life, not a one-time event.

March 7, 2014

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
²⁴ And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

What a courageous request to make of God.  Asking God to reveal all our "hidden" attitudes, thoughts, and biases.  Bring to mind our anxieties, fears, and hang-ups.

I cannot imagine going to colleagues, friends or even family members and saying, "Okay, lay it on me.  Tell me EVERYTHING that irritates, bothers, or annoys you about me.  Point out all my mistakes and wrong thinking.  Let me have it.  Don't hold back!"  YIKES!!

But we can safely ask this of God.  Why?

First, God's knowledge of us is perfect.  He knows us better than any friend or family member. He knows what our hang-ups truly are.  His revelation will be deeper than the surface habits we have.

Second, God has promised to never give us more than we can handle.  He will reveal to us only what we are prepared to work through at that point in our lives.

Third, God rewards obedience.  In the first chapter of James, we are told that a person who hears and does will be blessed in his doing.  

However, one should not stop there.  If all we do is ask God to reveal to us our hiccups, warts, and imperfections, a deep dark depression would set in for many of us.  The next steps is to ask God to come along side and help us work through whatever He reveals.

Knowledge without action or change is largely useless.  If God reveals a sinful thought pattern, habit, or attitude, the next prayer should be to ask Him for help to correct and redirect.  He will be just as faithful in that as He was in the revelation.

God will not convict without assistance in correction.

March 6, 2014

¹⁵ For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV) 

O Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
    plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
Isaiah 25:1 (ESV) 

Two verses from Isaiah which are seemingly unrelated.  But stick with me. . .

I am currently reading a book entitled, Mindset, by Carol Dweck.  The book's premise is that persons who have a fixed mindset are more likely to see traits such as intelligence, strengths, weaknesses, etc. as unchangeable.  However people with a growth mindset believe that these traits can be changed.  Through a different approach, more directed effort or tenacity, people can make fundamental changes and/or overcome many obstacles and setbacks that would crush a person with a fixed mindset.

So you ask, "What does that have to do with the two verses offered up today?"  Great question!

I struggle with the concept of praise.  When I even attempt to praise God, it turns into a laundry list thanksgiving. While this is not a bad thing, it is not praise.  Thankfulness is for what God has done.  Praise is directed at who God is.  

Praise is an area where I need to develop a growth mindset.  I can get better.  I can learn to acknowledge God for who He is rather than what He has done, is doing, and will do in my life.

I think Isaiah 25:1 is a wonderful praise verse and Isaiah 30:15 is a good place for me to start.

Quiet, restful, trustful.  Realizing the LORD is my God. (30:15)  He gives abundantly, exceedingly.  His plans are "faithful and sure." (25:1)

Praise does not have to be hand in the air, swaying to the music.  It can be a quiet realization of who God is, a recognition of the immensity of His love for us.  Praise is about God's attributes, not His actions.

Today I will praise God.

March 4, 2014

^{9 "}Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

When God spoke these words to Joshua, Moses had just died and Joshua was now charged with leading an entire nation into a new land.  A land that might prove hostile to its new inhabitants.  Big stuff happening.  Nation building.  Leadership of hundreds of thousands.  

Joshua had just been promoted.  Second banana to big cheese.  Deputy to sheriff.  Supporting actor to leading man.  No wonder Joshua was feeling a wee bit of anxiety.

Most of us will never have such a burden placed on our shoulders, but this verse is not reserved for just the herculean task.  Jehovah promises to be with His children as they visit a new small group at church.  The LORD our God is with us when we attempt to witness to a neighbor.  Feeling anxious about school today?  "God is with you wherever you go," even Hillcrest.

Whenever you feel anxiety, the emergency room or the classroom, God is there with you.  The work place or the unemployment line, God is there with you.  The funeral home or the delivery room, God is there with you.  

We can be strong and courageous because God is with us wherever we go.  He is our courage.  He is our strength.  He is our constant.

March 3, 2014

⁵⁷ The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.
⁵⁸ I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;
⁶⁰ I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
Psalm 119:57-60 (ESV)

Christians are often characterized as being closed-minded.  I googled "close-minded" and found the following:
"not ready to receive to new ideas"* 
"obstinately resistant to argument or to unfamiliar or unwelcome ideas"** 
"Someone who is unreceptive to new ideas or information."***  

Over the years, I have had to reconsider some of what I have learned in the Southern Baptist Churches of my past.  Evolution.  Divorced deacons.  Ordination of women.  Attitudes toward gays and lesbians.  But there are some foundational teachings and ideas for which I believe close-mindedness is correct. 

Today's verses from Psalm point toward several of these.

"The LORD is my portion" 
"Keep your words"
"Entreat your favor"
"According to your promise"
"Your testimonies"
"Your commandments"

David reminds us that God's words are to direct our lives.  God's laws and commandments are to be followed.  God's favor sought.  

If we try to base our views and beliefs on what the world states as true 




*http://www.thefreedictionary.com/close-minded
**http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closed-minded
***http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=close-minded