11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11 ESV
Christ's joy in us. God's happiness indwelling His children. And not just a tiny bit o' joy, but a fullness of joy unlike anything this world can give. Why then do so many Christians lack this joy? There are a myriad of answers to this question, but perhaps it is because we don't think we deserve it, therefore we fail to pray for it.
We pray for healing.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
James 5:15 ESV
We pray for wisdom.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV
We pray for strength against temptation.
41 "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 ESV
The list could go on. How about praying for joy? As today's verse shows, God wants us to have joy. He has given us joy. That joy is full and complete. But so many of us don't live in that joy. Don't display that joy to others.
I am a worrier. I am a what-might-go-wronger. The stock market is down 10%- there goes the retirement. A parent is angry- gonna' be a law suit. That floor creak- must be a foundation issue. These types of thought patterns rob me of joy. They keep me from realizing the inner peace and contentment God wishes for His children.
God has given joy. I must make a conscious decision whether or not to accept it. Since it does not come naturally for me, it must be an object of prayer. God wants us to feel His joy. It is there for the asking.
14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14,15 ESV
Monday, August 31, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Ashamed August 26, 2015
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 ESV
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 ESV
For most bloggers, the aim is to gain as many readers as possible. The reason for this is usually two fold: 1. Share ideas/thoughts with as wide an audience as possible. 2. Generate income through advertising. My focus has always been as a way to record my thoughts and an accountability piece for my quiet times. With today's entry, I am exceedingly glad there is not a reading audience of more than two. (Thanks Dad and Jo.)
For those that know me, I am always on the lookout for the next best thing. Whether it is cars, motorcycles, or educational trends, long-term satisfaction has been elusive. Over the past several years, this has improved a great deal, but there when it comes to motorcycles, I still have that grass-is-always-greener mentality. I am currently in that frame of mind with my 2009 VStar.
I purchased this bike just 5 months ago and have already sold it on Craigslist. With the cash almost in hand, I have started another CL search for its replacement. Earlier today I found it! A 2007 Triumph America with two-tone cream and blue paint. Only 1900 original miles with price tag of $4300. The revenue from the VStar will cover the cost and leave a bit left over. However there are two giltches. First it was posted 7 hours before I saw the listing. This is enough time for someone else to have purchased the bike. Second, the only way to contact the seller is through email. So I have to email then wait. . . and wait. . . and wait. I don't wait well.
You may be thinking neat story (or perhaps not), but what does this have to do with a spiritual growth blog. Here is where I have to hang my head.
After sending the email to the owner I spoke a passionate, pleading prayer to God that a deal for the bike would materialize. That in itself was not problematic, but when it hit me that my prayer intensity for the motorcycle deal was greater than any prayer I had offered this week for others' healing or salvation, wisdom, protection,etc. I was truly ashamed.
What a holy, righteous guy I have become! A motorcycle prayer is more heart-felt than for the homeless. A collection of nuts and bolts received more prayer passion than the soul of others.
Please pray that I will be convicted and oppressed until I get my prayer priorities straight.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 ESV
For most bloggers, the aim is to gain as many readers as possible. The reason for this is usually two fold: 1. Share ideas/thoughts with as wide an audience as possible. 2. Generate income through advertising. My focus has always been as a way to record my thoughts and an accountability piece for my quiet times. With today's entry, I am exceedingly glad there is not a reading audience of more than two. (Thanks Dad and Jo.)
For those that know me, I am always on the lookout for the next best thing. Whether it is cars, motorcycles, or educational trends, long-term satisfaction has been elusive. Over the past several years, this has improved a great deal, but there when it comes to motorcycles, I still have that grass-is-always-greener mentality. I am currently in that frame of mind with my 2009 VStar.
I purchased this bike just 5 months ago and have already sold it on Craigslist. With the cash almost in hand, I have started another CL search for its replacement. Earlier today I found it! A 2007 Triumph America with two-tone cream and blue paint. Only 1900 original miles with price tag of $4300. The revenue from the VStar will cover the cost and leave a bit left over. However there are two giltches. First it was posted 7 hours before I saw the listing. This is enough time for someone else to have purchased the bike. Second, the only way to contact the seller is through email. So I have to email then wait. . . and wait. . . and wait. I don't wait well.
You may be thinking neat story (or perhaps not), but what does this have to do with a spiritual growth blog. Here is where I have to hang my head.
After sending the email to the owner I spoke a passionate, pleading prayer to God that a deal for the bike would materialize. That in itself was not problematic, but when it hit me that my prayer intensity for the motorcycle deal was greater than any prayer I had offered this week for others' healing or salvation, wisdom, protection,etc. I was truly ashamed.
What a holy, righteous guy I have become! A motorcycle prayer is more heart-felt than for the homeless. A collection of nuts and bolts received more prayer passion than the soul of others.
Please pray that I will be convicted and oppressed until I get my prayer priorities straight.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12 ESV
Just this Sunday in small group a person mentioned Christ's top two commandments. Love God with all you have and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-39) In John 15, when he is speaking with his disciples, he reiterates the second of the two. What struck me about this commandment was the noun used. "Commandment". Not a suggestion- a commandment. No wriggle room here. No room for doubt.
Just this Sunday in small group a person mentioned Christ's top two commandments. Love God with all you have and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-39) In John 15, when he is speaking with his disciples, he reiterates the second of the two. What struck me about this commandment was the noun used. "Commandment". Not a suggestion- a commandment. No wriggle room here. No room for doubt.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Pot Frogs August 22, 2015
Most modern scientists dispute the claim that a frog will boil to death in water that is gradually heated. There were some studies in the late 1800s that prove otherwise with a temperature rise of 0.2 degrees per minute. Regardless of boiling frogs, I believe this story is still a perfect picture for how sin can be a slow creep in to our lives.
As I look at my blog posts from this year, the water been slowly heating up. Posts by month:
I know that blog posts do not mean spiritual growth any more that reading Golf Digest makes one a golfer, but for my, the frequency and consistency of posts points to my time time in the Word and prayer. It also is a barometer of my spiritual self-discipline. I have also found that the more disciplines I am in the spiritual realm, the more productive I am in the secular side of my life.
As the chart shows, I did not have a 25 month then drop to a month of 8 posts. A day off here, turned to three days off there, and so on. I remember when the numbers first started declining, I felt guilty that I had not posted that day. Then I was going to post at night. Well that didn't pan out. It wasn't long before I would go three and four days and never give the blog a thought.
You know what, no meteor fell on my head. The earth did not open up an swallow me whole. But a sense of disquietude has crept in to my life. Peace has been fleeting. Contentment hard to find. Prayers, when offered, seem to be mechanical and passionless.
Some people keep prayer journals. Others have accountability partners. My spiritual barometer is my blog. It is time to regroup, recommit, and resolve to be consistent and constant in my spiritual disciplines.
As I look at my blog posts from this year, the water been slowly heating up. Posts by month:
As the chart shows, I did not have a 25 month then drop to a month of 8 posts. A day off here, turned to three days off there, and so on. I remember when the numbers first started declining, I felt guilty that I had not posted that day. Then I was going to post at night. Well that didn't pan out. It wasn't long before I would go three and four days and never give the blog a thought.
You know what, no meteor fell on my head. The earth did not open up an swallow me whole. But a sense of disquietude has crept in to my life. Peace has been fleeting. Contentment hard to find. Prayers, when offered, seem to be mechanical and passionless.
Some people keep prayer journals. Others have accountability partners. My spiritual barometer is my blog. It is time to regroup, recommit, and resolve to be consistent and constant in my spiritual disciplines.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Not Enough Pondering August 14, 2015
As I have lamented on this space before, the human race is losing its ability?, willingness?, desire? to ponder, think, and reflect. I am not sure what the long-term effects will be, but in my life currently, I find it is in those unplugged, disconnected, off-the-grid times are morme beneficial to my problem solving and idea generating than dozens of Twitter Tweets or Facebook posts.
Today was yet another illustration of how unplugged can equal deeper thought.
At the end of school today, I received an email from a parent with a concern about a conversation that took place in school. The parent's objection was based on their religious beliefs, not any civil rights or Department of Homeland Security issues. As one point in the conversation it was intimated that issue might be taken to a more public forum. While I certainly support that parent's right to free speech and open debate, it got my brain churning.
Since the weather was nice today, I had ridden my motorcycle to school. Consequently I had to ride it home, and since it was a perfect evening for a ride, I took the loooooooooong way home. Since I was on 2-wheels there was no radio, no phone calls, and no Siri prompts. Just me, my brain, and the Still Small Voice.
As I pondered my after-school parent conversation, I began to wonder if there were any instances where Jesus had publically protested, picketted, or boycotted the government or any of its institutions. I could not recall any. In fact, he taught supporting the government when he spoke in Matthew, "Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
I realize that there would be a time for civil disobedience- the Nazi regime, a government that condoned slavery, etc., but even then, Jesus did not denounce the Roman government which could be very cruel and unjust. Why not? I believe it was because he knew that until the Church's foremost responsibilities were sharing the Gospel, loving the Believer and nonbeliever alike, and caring for the "widows and orphans".
Why is abortion an issue? Maybe not enough Christian couples are willing to adopt. Maybe not enough mothers and fathers raised their children in a church were a Christian worldview was taught.
Why is the gay agenda gaining so much traction? Perhaps too many Christians watched "Soap", a popular sitcom in the mid-1970s with an openly gay character, or purchase the products advertised on "Modern Family".
Climate change real or a liberal hoax? Perhaps that would not be an issue if more Christians consumed less, purchased more fuel-efficient vehicles, and lived in small houses.
Today was yet another illustration of how unplugged can equal deeper thought.
At the end of school today, I received an email from a parent with a concern about a conversation that took place in school. The parent's objection was based on their religious beliefs, not any civil rights or Department of Homeland Security issues. As one point in the conversation it was intimated that issue might be taken to a more public forum. While I certainly support that parent's right to free speech and open debate, it got my brain churning.
Since the weather was nice today, I had ridden my motorcycle to school. Consequently I had to ride it home, and since it was a perfect evening for a ride, I took the loooooooooong way home. Since I was on 2-wheels there was no radio, no phone calls, and no Siri prompts. Just me, my brain, and the Still Small Voice.
As I pondered my after-school parent conversation, I began to wonder if there were any instances where Jesus had publically protested, picketted, or boycotted the government or any of its institutions. I could not recall any. In fact, he taught supporting the government when he spoke in Matthew, "Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Paul wrote in Romans, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."I realize that there would be a time for civil disobedience- the Nazi regime, a government that condoned slavery, etc., but even then, Jesus did not denounce the Roman government which could be very cruel and unjust. Why not? I believe it was because he knew that until the Church's foremost responsibilities were sharing the Gospel, loving the Believer and nonbeliever alike, and caring for the "widows and orphans".
Why is abortion an issue? Maybe not enough Christian couples are willing to adopt. Maybe not enough mothers and fathers raised their children in a church were a Christian worldview was taught.
Why is the gay agenda gaining so much traction? Perhaps too many Christians watched "Soap", a popular sitcom in the mid-1970s with an openly gay character, or purchase the products advertised on "Modern Family".
Climate change real or a liberal hoax? Perhaps that would not be an issue if more Christians consumed less, purchased more fuel-efficient vehicles, and lived in small houses.
I am not passing judgement on any of the topics just discussed. That is not the point of this entry. My point is that many Christians are quick to judge, condemn, post on FB, and blame the liberal media without looking at how their personal and collective choices have created the very society they rail against.
Call the newspaper. Organize a protest. Start a movement. But what about soul-baring prayer time, uncomfortable fasting times, or gut-wrenching quiet times with Father God? If we are to follow Christ's example we would concern ourselves more with personal spiritual growth, training our children in the Way, and loving the very people we rail against.
If Jesus never called the Roman Latin Daily perhaps we should reevaluate how we interact with society and its "ills".
Monday, August 10, 2015
It Wasn't the Red Sea August 10, 2015
10 But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. 2 Kings 1:10 ESV
23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter:
25 And he (Moses) cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: Exodus 15:23,25 ESV
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Acts 9: 37, 40 ESV
Pretty cool stuff! Fire from heaven. Contaminated water made potable. Resurrection from death. All brought about because of the prayer of one person. One individual raising up a need to God and God responding in a mighty fashion.
I have heard taught that a miracle is the suspension of natural law caused by God in order work His will. However according to Merriam-Webster online a miracle is "an unusual or wonderful event that is believed to be caused by the power of God". However a miracle is defined, happenings such as the ones above get a lot of press. They most likely would have been above the fold in the Sinai Desert Times or the Jerusalem Herald. Yet what about the miracle of an addict staying clean for 8 months? Do we consider it miraculous when an angry father learns to control his hurtful, biting tongue through the power of God? How about the All these things are miraculous in their own right. The nature of the Red Sea was suspended when the Israelite walked across. So was the nature of the lonely divorced man who was finally able to stay off the pornography sites after giving life to God.
God is still in the miracle business. Perhaps not parting seas or bringing fire down from heaven, but He changes the very nature of people on a daily, hourly basis. Attitudes are changed. Hearts are softened. Spirits lifted up. Less public? Sure. Less important? Not at all.
23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter:
25 And he (Moses) cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: Exodus 15:23,25 ESV
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Acts 9: 37, 40 ESV
Pretty cool stuff! Fire from heaven. Contaminated water made potable. Resurrection from death. All brought about because of the prayer of one person. One individual raising up a need to God and God responding in a mighty fashion.
I have heard taught that a miracle is the suspension of natural law caused by God in order work His will. However according to Merriam-Webster online a miracle is "an unusual or wonderful event that is believed to be caused by the power of God". However a miracle is defined, happenings such as the ones above get a lot of press. They most likely would have been above the fold in the Sinai Desert Times or the Jerusalem Herald. Yet what about the miracle of an addict staying clean for 8 months? Do we consider it miraculous when an angry father learns to control his hurtful, biting tongue through the power of God? How about the All these things are miraculous in their own right. The nature of the Red Sea was suspended when the Israelite walked across. So was the nature of the lonely divorced man who was finally able to stay off the pornography sites after giving life to God.
God is still in the miracle business. Perhaps not parting seas or bringing fire down from heaven, but He changes the very nature of people on a daily, hourly basis. Attitudes are changed. Hearts are softened. Spirits lifted up. Less public? Sure. Less important? Not at all.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Must August 7, 2015
49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” Luke 2:49 ESV
This past Sunday our small group leader asked how our society/culture had changed over the past several years. People suggested things like the acceptance of premarital sex, rise of R-rated movies, gay marriage, etc. All accompanied by a lot of knowing nods. When I suggested the decreasing church attendance by "Christians" there were considerable fewer nods. It seems all too often Christians like to blame the ills of society on the government, the President, Planned Parenthood, the "liberals", etc. At the end of the day, personal holiness is no longer a priority with many believers. The importance of gathering together with other believers has decreased significantly even in my lifetime.
When I was growing up in Bolivar there was Sunday School in the morning, Sunday preaching, Training Union on Sunday evenings, Sunday evening preaching, and a Wednesday night service. All Sunday services were well attended, and while not as many attended Wednesday night services, the town organizations did not schedule Wednesday night services because it was "church night". One study reports that only 17% of Americans attend church on a regular basis.*
The word choice of Christ our Savior even as a child tells the difference. In Luke he tells his parents, "I must be in my Father's house" Must. Not "it would be nice if". Not "if there is nothing else better to do." Not "if the game starts at 1 p.m." Must. Have to. No other options.
Just recently Ridgecrest cancelled its Sunday night services and is going to three Sunday morning services. I won't argue the necessity of or lack thereof for there Sunday morning services, but the cancellation of Sunday night services is one less opportunity for people to attend church. Wednesday night services are held in the small chapel not the main auditorium due to small attendance.
I realize that church attendance is not connected to salvation, but I do believe it is a barometer of the spiritual health of a country. And it is not looking good for America.
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/139575-7-startling-facts-an-up-close-look-at-church-attendance-in-america.html
This past Sunday our small group leader asked how our society/culture had changed over the past several years. People suggested things like the acceptance of premarital sex, rise of R-rated movies, gay marriage, etc. All accompanied by a lot of knowing nods. When I suggested the decreasing church attendance by "Christians" there were considerable fewer nods. It seems all too often Christians like to blame the ills of society on the government, the President, Planned Parenthood, the "liberals", etc. At the end of the day, personal holiness is no longer a priority with many believers. The importance of gathering together with other believers has decreased significantly even in my lifetime.
When I was growing up in Bolivar there was Sunday School in the morning, Sunday preaching, Training Union on Sunday evenings, Sunday evening preaching, and a Wednesday night service. All Sunday services were well attended, and while not as many attended Wednesday night services, the town organizations did not schedule Wednesday night services because it was "church night". One study reports that only 17% of Americans attend church on a regular basis.*
The word choice of Christ our Savior even as a child tells the difference. In Luke he tells his parents, "I must be in my Father's house" Must. Not "it would be nice if". Not "if there is nothing else better to do." Not "if the game starts at 1 p.m." Must. Have to. No other options.
Just recently Ridgecrest cancelled its Sunday night services and is going to three Sunday morning services. I won't argue the necessity of or lack thereof for there Sunday morning services, but the cancellation of Sunday night services is one less opportunity for people to attend church. Wednesday night services are held in the small chapel not the main auditorium due to small attendance.
I realize that church attendance is not connected to salvation, but I do believe it is a barometer of the spiritual health of a country. And it is not looking good for America.
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/139575-7-startling-facts-an-up-close-look-at-church-attendance-in-america.html
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Jesus was a Failure August 5, 2015
Oh that I were only able to start off the school year telling the students about one of the biggest failures of all times.
-Single parent home
-Father turned His back on him (Matthew 27:46)
-Closest family members did not support him (John 7:5)
-Best friends deserted him away (Matthew 56:26)
-Kind of ugly (Isaiah 53:2)
-Mocked and laughed at (Luke 22:63)
-Homeless (Matthew 8:20)
According to the world's standards (then and today), Jesus was a failure. No material wealth. Hangers-on only for what he could do for them. Best friends abandon him. Even his own Father turned His back on him at his greatest hour of need. What a loser! Quite the contrary.
No other person who ever walked the earth has had more of a lasting effect on humanity than Jesus. More books have been written, more songs composed, more poems penned about Jesus then any other man, woman, or child who ever lived. Countless organizations organized, foundations founded, and groups grouped based on His teachings.
What a lesson for kids. Obstacles can be overcome. Challenges conquered. Problems solved. Jesus life was about resolution, perseverance, grit. He knew who he was, why he was here, and what he wanted to accomplish. He had goals/aspirations and lived his life with singular devotion to these goals. Sure there are other historical figures that can highlight some of these traits, but not with the success as Jesus Christ. Martin Luther King, Jr, Gandhi, Harriett Tubman, while noteworthy in their own right, all pale in comparison to the example set by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What takes place around a person does not have to define who that person is. Will we be defined by our circumstances or by our faith in Jesus Christ?
36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? Mark 8:36,37
-Single parent home
-Father turned His back on him (Matthew 27:46)
-Closest family members did not support him (John 7:5)
-Best friends deserted him away (Matthew 56:26)
-Kind of ugly (Isaiah 53:2)
-Mocked and laughed at (Luke 22:63)
-Homeless (Matthew 8:20)
According to the world's standards (then and today), Jesus was a failure. No material wealth. Hangers-on only for what he could do for them. Best friends abandon him. Even his own Father turned His back on him at his greatest hour of need. What a loser! Quite the contrary.
No other person who ever walked the earth has had more of a lasting effect on humanity than Jesus. More books have been written, more songs composed, more poems penned about Jesus then any other man, woman, or child who ever lived. Countless organizations organized, foundations founded, and groups grouped based on His teachings.
What a lesson for kids. Obstacles can be overcome. Challenges conquered. Problems solved. Jesus life was about resolution, perseverance, grit. He knew who he was, why he was here, and what he wanted to accomplish. He had goals/aspirations and lived his life with singular devotion to these goals. Sure there are other historical figures that can highlight some of these traits, but not with the success as Jesus Christ. Martin Luther King, Jr, Gandhi, Harriett Tubman, while noteworthy in their own right, all pale in comparison to the example set by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What takes place around a person does not have to define who that person is. Will we be defined by our circumstances or by our faith in Jesus Christ?
36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? Mark 8:36,37
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