The other day one of our regular customers came into the store. It was a Sunday and the church was meeting in the dinning area for worship service. I had stepped out of the service to get something and saw the customer at the counter speaking with my son, so I went over to greet him. He shook my hand briskly and promptly told me that he knew I was a real man of God. He then went on to explain that every time he sees me he sees an aura around me and it makes him glad. He then expressed his affection to my son and me for our ongoing kindness to him and he promptly left.
I am not under some illusion that I walk around with an aura but I understood what this man was trying to express. He sensed the presence of God and he described it in the only manner he knew how. I share this with you, not with the intention of "hey look at me", but as an example of what some people are able to see in us. Everyone can see it but many choose not too because if they acknowledged it they would also have to acknowledge the conviction of the Spirit, and that would provoke a decision.
I remind you today that your time on this earth is not about you seeking the blessings of a comfortable life. You are a vessel of the Holy Spirit, the only presence of God that some people will ever experience. Wherever you go, Jesus is right there with you, not just for your benefit but for the sake of a dying world. But, are our behaviour, words and actions putting up a screen so that others cannot see Jesus, only our unkindness?
Words matter. So do actions. So does attitude; as does love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. All the things that God has done for us, we are to do for others. That's what Jesus said. "Freely you have received; freely give." Jesus also told us something incredible in his prayer for us as he spoke to the Father on our behalf:
I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world’s people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. (John 17:23, CEV)
It is the "aura" that people see, our oneness with Jesus and each other. They see him in our unity and compassion for people. They see him in our words and actions. They don't see the kindness and love of people. They can find that in any good, well meaning organization. I am talking about the actual presence of God, the anointing that comes through our being possessed by the Holy Spirit.
Anyone can perform acts of kindness, but when that kindness is offered in the authority of Jesus Christ, his presence is also felt, and there is power behind that action. We can do nothing apart from Jesus. That is what he told us. He told us we have to stay connected to the vine, and he is that vine, or we would dry up and be thrown into the fire. Acts of kindness amount to nothing if they are done apart from Jesus. We are not here to perform acts of kindness but to carry the presence of Jesus, so that others will see him in us; the kindness will be provoked in us by the Spirit of God in us. They need to see the "aura", the anointing, the power, the thing that sets us apart from this world. They need to see Jesus.
My friends, it is not about a written code or meeting certain expectations. It is not about being well thought of or accepted as a kind person in this world. It is about total surrender to the Spirit, walking in obedience, getting out of the way and allowing people to see Jesus. It is about Jesus being lifted up in us, being one with him so that only he is seen in us. May they see the "aura" in you today.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Jesus' Instructions On God's Blessings
Our God is a God of blessings. It is his great pleasure to bless and not spoil his children. His ultimate desire is for us to join him for eternity but he also enjoys pouring out good things on those who love him. A person would have to purposefully ignore great portions of scripture and the underlying current of the Bible to miss this point. Just this one scripture alone:
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11)
The words of Jesus. But what the world considers good is not necessarily what God considers good. Scriptures also make it clear that God's ways are not our ways and his thoughts are so much higher than our own. Can I tell you, there is more to life than money? Too many of us associate God`s blessings with money. It`s like we are possessed by the thought of it. Jesus told us to consider money to be a tool. Do you remember that odd passage?
Jesus told a parable about a shrewd manager who was being fired so he went to all his boss' business associates who owed money. He cut what they owed so that when he was fired they would remember what he had done and would show kindness to him. When his boss found out what he had done he commended him and did not fire him. An odd parable but Jesus concluded it with this:
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. (Luke 16:9)
Money is a tool that will open many doors in this world for the purpose of relationship. Relationship is what is key. But Jesus also gave us plenty of warning not to allow money to become something that it is not. Remember the parable about the farmer who had a bountiful crop? It was so big he built extra barns to store it. Jesus said he was a fool because that night his life would be taken from him and what good would all that wealth have been.
We are all familiar with the passage concerning worry. Jesus told us not to chase after what the rest of the world chases after. We are not to be worried about what we need. We are God's instruments here and he will always make sure we have what we need for life and service. When we chase after wealth there is a change of who is our master. Jesus warned:
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Luke 16:13)
Money is a tool, perhaps a blessing that is intended to be used on others, for others but with eternal benefit. Money is not power. Money is not to be possessed, stored away, hidden for other purposes. Jesus taught that we are to be as generous as our Father is extravagant in love. The possession doesn't matter and the relationship does. Jesus also gave us this warning:
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? (Luke 16:10-12)
You are entrusted with many blessings from our Father. He is rich beyond compare and he pours these riches into your life, but it is not to be horded away. You are to be as generous toward others as your Father has been to you. He has entrusted you with great things, to pour those great things into people around you. Understand, generosity marks the children of the Father:
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8)
It's not just about money but every material and spiritual blessing we receive. Do not be possessed by money but instead possess it. Do not treat it like a commodity but instead a powerful tool. Do not see it as something to be stored away for a rainy day as that shows you do not trust God, but instead, give it out as quickly as it comes in. You are a blessed child of God, so be blessed and be a blessing.
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11)
The words of Jesus. But what the world considers good is not necessarily what God considers good. Scriptures also make it clear that God's ways are not our ways and his thoughts are so much higher than our own. Can I tell you, there is more to life than money? Too many of us associate God`s blessings with money. It`s like we are possessed by the thought of it. Jesus told us to consider money to be a tool. Do you remember that odd passage?
Jesus told a parable about a shrewd manager who was being fired so he went to all his boss' business associates who owed money. He cut what they owed so that when he was fired they would remember what he had done and would show kindness to him. When his boss found out what he had done he commended him and did not fire him. An odd parable but Jesus concluded it with this:
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. (Luke 16:9)
Money is a tool that will open many doors in this world for the purpose of relationship. Relationship is what is key. But Jesus also gave us plenty of warning not to allow money to become something that it is not. Remember the parable about the farmer who had a bountiful crop? It was so big he built extra barns to store it. Jesus said he was a fool because that night his life would be taken from him and what good would all that wealth have been.
We are all familiar with the passage concerning worry. Jesus told us not to chase after what the rest of the world chases after. We are not to be worried about what we need. We are God's instruments here and he will always make sure we have what we need for life and service. When we chase after wealth there is a change of who is our master. Jesus warned:
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Luke 16:13)
Money is a tool, perhaps a blessing that is intended to be used on others, for others but with eternal benefit. Money is not power. Money is not to be possessed, stored away, hidden for other purposes. Jesus taught that we are to be as generous as our Father is extravagant in love. The possession doesn't matter and the relationship does. Jesus also gave us this warning:
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? (Luke 16:10-12)
You are entrusted with many blessings from our Father. He is rich beyond compare and he pours these riches into your life, but it is not to be horded away. You are to be as generous toward others as your Father has been to you. He has entrusted you with great things, to pour those great things into people around you. Understand, generosity marks the children of the Father:
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8)
It's not just about money but every material and spiritual blessing we receive. Do not be possessed by money but instead possess it. Do not treat it like a commodity but instead a powerful tool. Do not see it as something to be stored away for a rainy day as that shows you do not trust God, but instead, give it out as quickly as it comes in. You are a blessed child of God, so be blessed and be a blessing.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Critical Spirit Is A Choice
There is never an excuse for criticism. Never.
Oh, we have our excuses. We all do. We get together with a friend or two and somehow we always get around to talking about someone, be it a friend, parent, church elder, pastor. Perhaps we don't mean to be mean and at first we don't think we are; but we are.
We can justify anything. We can say that we are just stating facts. We can say that we were just passing on information for prayer purposes, but if we are willing to be honest, we know the truth. We were criticizing or gossiping just because we can, just because it is easy to do; easier than lifting people up. What we say might be truth but just because criticism is truth does not mean we have the right to speak against someone.
It's called a critical spirit and it belongs to our old nature. The more we participate in it the more we are dragged back to our old nature. The more we participate in it the less we look like Jesus. The more we participate the more we become an agent of destruction.
A critical spirit demonstrates a lack of love and reveals our distance from Jesus. The fact is, the closer we are to Jesus the more grace we show, the more we encourage and lift up, the more we choose to look past the faults of others to see what Jesus sees.
The biggest lie is, "I just want them to be all they can be". Yeah, that's why we are talking behind their back instead of to their face. That's not concern, it's hatred, or at least a form of it, when we speak words to destroy someone.
I have participated in critical talk because it is an easy thing to do; it takes very little effort to find faults. But I have always been convicted of my actions and words. That is when we have a choice, to repent and draw close to Jesus, or ignore it and grow further apart. I have watched a lot of people with a critical spirit go from a beautiful Christian to an ugly mal-formed creature that no one wants to be around.
What would Jesus do? What did Jesus do? Did he choose to destroy or restore? I think every word he spoke and every action he took demonstrated he but others ahead of himself because his desire was for them to be made complete. What are you doing with your words my brothers and sisters? What are those words doing, bringing life or death?
Here is a verse that should give you some guidance in the matter:
What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right. (Romans 14:4, CEV)
As followers of Jesus our eyes are always on his example and our conviction is always from the Spirit. We are governed by the law of love which is Jesus. In every situation, every conversation, love must be the rule. Our words are to be seasoned with grace.
So when we get together with friends, refuse to go to that dark place. Bind that critical Spirit and make the choice to lift up instead of tear down. It's time to open the windows of our heart and allow a fresh wind to blow through, the wind of the Spirit. Renew your heart and mind in Christ, don't lie to yourself about this matter but instead be set free from the critical spirit.
Oh, we have our excuses. We all do. We get together with a friend or two and somehow we always get around to talking about someone, be it a friend, parent, church elder, pastor. Perhaps we don't mean to be mean and at first we don't think we are; but we are.
We can justify anything. We can say that we are just stating facts. We can say that we were just passing on information for prayer purposes, but if we are willing to be honest, we know the truth. We were criticizing or gossiping just because we can, just because it is easy to do; easier than lifting people up. What we say might be truth but just because criticism is truth does not mean we have the right to speak against someone.
It's called a critical spirit and it belongs to our old nature. The more we participate in it the more we are dragged back to our old nature. The more we participate in it the less we look like Jesus. The more we participate the more we become an agent of destruction.
A critical spirit demonstrates a lack of love and reveals our distance from Jesus. The fact is, the closer we are to Jesus the more grace we show, the more we encourage and lift up, the more we choose to look past the faults of others to see what Jesus sees.
The biggest lie is, "I just want them to be all they can be". Yeah, that's why we are talking behind their back instead of to their face. That's not concern, it's hatred, or at least a form of it, when we speak words to destroy someone.
I have participated in critical talk because it is an easy thing to do; it takes very little effort to find faults. But I have always been convicted of my actions and words. That is when we have a choice, to repent and draw close to Jesus, or ignore it and grow further apart. I have watched a lot of people with a critical spirit go from a beautiful Christian to an ugly mal-formed creature that no one wants to be around.
What would Jesus do? What did Jesus do? Did he choose to destroy or restore? I think every word he spoke and every action he took demonstrated he but others ahead of himself because his desire was for them to be made complete. What are you doing with your words my brothers and sisters? What are those words doing, bringing life or death?
Here is a verse that should give you some guidance in the matter:
What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right. (Romans 14:4, CEV)
As followers of Jesus our eyes are always on his example and our conviction is always from the Spirit. We are governed by the law of love which is Jesus. In every situation, every conversation, love must be the rule. Our words are to be seasoned with grace.
So when we get together with friends, refuse to go to that dark place. Bind that critical Spirit and make the choice to lift up instead of tear down. It's time to open the windows of our heart and allow a fresh wind to blow through, the wind of the Spirit. Renew your heart and mind in Christ, don't lie to yourself about this matter but instead be set free from the critical spirit.
Monday, May 13, 2013
In The Face Of Discouragement, Dance
Discouragement comes in many different forms and for many different reasons. It can come due to finances, relationships, lost opportunities, unrealized dreams. It can result in depression, lose of sleep, irritability, lack of energy, quitting, lost focus, self-centered thinking. Discouragement can be a destroyer of worlds if we allow it to be.
Discouragement has many different triggers but we have a choice in it. We can't stop it from knocking on the door but we can decide not to invite it in. Just because it comes looking through the window does not mean we have to allow it to take up residence. Discouragement will come but we have the power over what to do with it when it does.
Discouragement will take up residence and set about in it's destructive nature when we decide to dwell on circumstances instead of faith. Because of Jesus we do not believe "what you see is what you get". Our life, hope and the actions we take are based on the promises of Jesus, our Lord and King. When we realize these promises and place our hope in them instead of the strength of man, the door becomes locked against discouragement. There may be a knock on the door but we are too busy praising our God to answer.
That is the only real and proper response to discouragement: praise. We know this as a fact because the Word tells us and we have already experienced it for ourselves:
Why am I discouraged?
Why am I restless?
I trust you!
And I will praise you again
because you help me, and you are my God. (Psalm 42:11, CEV)
It is a decision, a conscience act of faith, to turn our back on the facts of this world and say to Jesus, "I trust you". It is when we decide to turn away from the welcoming darkness of discouragement and fill our soul with the sweet praise of Jesus. It is when we choose to remember his goodness, what he has done and what he has promised to do. It is when we decide to dance instead of sit down. It is when we decide to laugh instead of cry. It is when we decide to press on instead of lie down and sleep.
Discouragement and depression are soul destroyers but Jesus is the lover of our soul. You are a child of God and have no part in discouragement. Nothing can separate you from the love of Jesus. Nothing can stop you from dwelling in him. He has given you peace and joy that no one and no thing can take from you. It is all a matter of choice and decision. Who will you choose to trust? Who will you decide to serve? Who will receive your praise today? For the sake of your peace let your choice be Jesus.
Discouragement has many different triggers but we have a choice in it. We can't stop it from knocking on the door but we can decide not to invite it in. Just because it comes looking through the window does not mean we have to allow it to take up residence. Discouragement will come but we have the power over what to do with it when it does.
Discouragement will take up residence and set about in it's destructive nature when we decide to dwell on circumstances instead of faith. Because of Jesus we do not believe "what you see is what you get". Our life, hope and the actions we take are based on the promises of Jesus, our Lord and King. When we realize these promises and place our hope in them instead of the strength of man, the door becomes locked against discouragement. There may be a knock on the door but we are too busy praising our God to answer.
That is the only real and proper response to discouragement: praise. We know this as a fact because the Word tells us and we have already experienced it for ourselves:
Why am I discouraged?
Why am I restless?
I trust you!
And I will praise you again
because you help me, and you are my God. (Psalm 42:11, CEV)
It is a decision, a conscience act of faith, to turn our back on the facts of this world and say to Jesus, "I trust you". It is when we decide to turn away from the welcoming darkness of discouragement and fill our soul with the sweet praise of Jesus. It is when we choose to remember his goodness, what he has done and what he has promised to do. It is when we decide to dance instead of sit down. It is when we decide to laugh instead of cry. It is when we decide to press on instead of lie down and sleep.
Discouragement and depression are soul destroyers but Jesus is the lover of our soul. You are a child of God and have no part in discouragement. Nothing can separate you from the love of Jesus. Nothing can stop you from dwelling in him. He has given you peace and joy that no one and no thing can take from you. It is all a matter of choice and decision. Who will you choose to trust? Who will you decide to serve? Who will receive your praise today? For the sake of your peace let your choice be Jesus.
Friday, May 10, 2013
A Crown To Cast Down At Jesus' Feet
It is a shame that most people do not know much about their own faith, beliefs and practices. It is a shame that they stick to the highlights, the cheat notes version of the Bible. They know key passages but they don't know the wonderful depth. It is usually these people who treat God like a genie in a bottle, believing he is just here to support us in our living. Precious few Christians understand that Jesus has given us a task and we are to be found faithful in it.
It is not a game we are playing. There is a goal and we are moving toward it. Along the way we have battles, victories, learning opportunities, spiritual growth, but it is all in a forward motion. Our task as we move along is to present Jesus to as many people as we can, and for those who accept him, we are to teach them, helping them to be disciples of Jesus. We don't need to attend formal classes and get our degree in theology. We need only be part of the Church, study the Word and walk in the Spirit.
Most people do not even understand that there is a reward for our faithfulness. The reward is not salvation. If it was then salvation would not be by faith and grace but by works. Salvation is the work of God that is given to us freely in a divine act of grace. However, salvation is not the end of it. After salvation we become members of the body with the task of making disciples and when we walk in this faithfulness we will receive a crown:
I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8 So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Not a crown because I accepted Jesus but a crown because I pleased him. Other passages talk about the jewels that will be placed in the crown, and yet another passage speaks about how each of us will cast our crowns at Jesus' feet. I don't know about you but I want something of value to cast at his feet. I don't want to be the one walking around without a crown, demonstrating that I accepted Jesus but was not faithful in my task. And I don't want to have a jewel-less crown. When I cast it at Jesus`feet I want it to have value; not for prestige but because Jesus deserves my very best to be placed at his feet.
That means in this world nothing can touch my faith. It means in this place I will pay whatever price I must pay to remain determined to go all the way in my race. Not only must I finish this race but I must fight with style, doing all things well, to the best of the ability of the Spirit in me. No short cuts. No cheating. No quick fixes. I want to say with my last breath and say it in truth, "I have been faithful".
If you say "I don't need a crown, I only want Jesus", I applaud your love for Jesus and mourn your ignorance. The crown is a fact. It is how Jesus will set apart those who truly understood that love meant obedience. I will gladly receive the crown, not because I want a crown, but because it will please the Lord to reward his faithful servants. And those who understood what Paul meant by running the race will certainly be counted in the faithful.
We have a purpose. We are moving toward a goal. We have tasks to complete. Jesus told us to be faithful to these tasks. He told us if we really love him we will obey what he has commanded. Will you have a crown to cast at his feet?
It is not a game we are playing. There is a goal and we are moving toward it. Along the way we have battles, victories, learning opportunities, spiritual growth, but it is all in a forward motion. Our task as we move along is to present Jesus to as many people as we can, and for those who accept him, we are to teach them, helping them to be disciples of Jesus. We don't need to attend formal classes and get our degree in theology. We need only be part of the Church, study the Word and walk in the Spirit.
Most people do not even understand that there is a reward for our faithfulness. The reward is not salvation. If it was then salvation would not be by faith and grace but by works. Salvation is the work of God that is given to us freely in a divine act of grace. However, salvation is not the end of it. After salvation we become members of the body with the task of making disciples and when we walk in this faithfulness we will receive a crown:
I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8 So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Not a crown because I accepted Jesus but a crown because I pleased him. Other passages talk about the jewels that will be placed in the crown, and yet another passage speaks about how each of us will cast our crowns at Jesus' feet. I don't know about you but I want something of value to cast at his feet. I don't want to be the one walking around without a crown, demonstrating that I accepted Jesus but was not faithful in my task. And I don't want to have a jewel-less crown. When I cast it at Jesus`feet I want it to have value; not for prestige but because Jesus deserves my very best to be placed at his feet.
That means in this world nothing can touch my faith. It means in this place I will pay whatever price I must pay to remain determined to go all the way in my race. Not only must I finish this race but I must fight with style, doing all things well, to the best of the ability of the Spirit in me. No short cuts. No cheating. No quick fixes. I want to say with my last breath and say it in truth, "I have been faithful".
If you say "I don't need a crown, I only want Jesus", I applaud your love for Jesus and mourn your ignorance. The crown is a fact. It is how Jesus will set apart those who truly understood that love meant obedience. I will gladly receive the crown, not because I want a crown, but because it will please the Lord to reward his faithful servants. And those who understood what Paul meant by running the race will certainly be counted in the faithful.
We have a purpose. We are moving toward a goal. We have tasks to complete. Jesus told us to be faithful to these tasks. He told us if we really love him we will obey what he has commanded. Will you have a crown to cast at his feet?
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Calm Under Pressure
They say that the ability to remain calm under pressure is a sign of a good leader. It usually means the person is someone of experience who is able to put the situation at hand in proper perspective. Unfortunately too many of us allow the present moment to become the only moment, blocking out everything else we know as a fact. This is the reason a person can go from professing faith in Jesus one moment to panic and despair in the next. We allow the moment at hand to eclipse what we know and have experienced with Jesus.
Calm under pressure is not only a quality of a good leader but it is also the measure of a mature follower of Jesus Christ. Maturity means we have gained a good grasp of the big picture so that daily moments are kept in their proper perspective. Maturity means that we trust that what God has done in the past he will also do today and tomorrow. Maturity means that we understand the true source of all good things and we have come to trust his promises. Maturity means that we never allow our response to the pressures of life to rob Jesus of his glory.
Apostle Paul was all too familiar with the pressures of life. You probably know of all the things he went through, the many times we was put in jail, the stoning, the shipwrecks and the fact he never gave up, he never packed, he never ran away. But were you aware that in his last months in captivity much of the church in Asia Minor turned away from him? Other teachers came in and started to distort the truth of the gospel. This is what Paul was writing to Timothy when he told him to be aware that people would turn away from sound doctrine. He told Timothy that during these days he must keep his head:
They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well. (2 Timothy 4:4-5)
Interesting: stay calm and be willing to suffer. He isn't saying he must be willing to suffer disease or any such thing but willing to suffer for teaching the truth. Timothy must be willing to stand in the face of popular opposition and not turn back for the sake of popularity. It is easy to fill a church; just preach what people want to hear. But when you bring the truth of Jesus Christ there will be suffering as popularity turns its ugly head on you. Stay calm. Don't complain about the cost of preaching the truth. Just consider those who went before you, like Paul, Peter, Stephen or even Jesus who was crucified for what he taught.
Work hard and do your job well. Have you ever consider presenting Jesus to people as your job? Jesus considers it that way. Just look at the parables he told. How many were about the master and the servant and the expectations on the servant? We are that servant and we have a job to do. Jesus told us to be found faithfully doing it on his return, no matter the cost.
Stay Calm. Be willing to suffer. Work hard. Do your job. Do we measure up?
Calm under pressure is not only a quality of a good leader but it is also the measure of a mature follower of Jesus Christ. Maturity means we have gained a good grasp of the big picture so that daily moments are kept in their proper perspective. Maturity means that we trust that what God has done in the past he will also do today and tomorrow. Maturity means that we understand the true source of all good things and we have come to trust his promises. Maturity means that we never allow our response to the pressures of life to rob Jesus of his glory.
Apostle Paul was all too familiar with the pressures of life. You probably know of all the things he went through, the many times we was put in jail, the stoning, the shipwrecks and the fact he never gave up, he never packed, he never ran away. But were you aware that in his last months in captivity much of the church in Asia Minor turned away from him? Other teachers came in and started to distort the truth of the gospel. This is what Paul was writing to Timothy when he told him to be aware that people would turn away from sound doctrine. He told Timothy that during these days he must keep his head:
They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well. (2 Timothy 4:4-5)
Interesting: stay calm and be willing to suffer. He isn't saying he must be willing to suffer disease or any such thing but willing to suffer for teaching the truth. Timothy must be willing to stand in the face of popular opposition and not turn back for the sake of popularity. It is easy to fill a church; just preach what people want to hear. But when you bring the truth of Jesus Christ there will be suffering as popularity turns its ugly head on you. Stay calm. Don't complain about the cost of preaching the truth. Just consider those who went before you, like Paul, Peter, Stephen or even Jesus who was crucified for what he taught.
Work hard and do your job well. Have you ever consider presenting Jesus to people as your job? Jesus considers it that way. Just look at the parables he told. How many were about the master and the servant and the expectations on the servant? We are that servant and we have a job to do. Jesus told us to be found faithfully doing it on his return, no matter the cost.
Stay Calm. Be willing to suffer. Work hard. Do your job. Do we measure up?
Monday, May 6, 2013
How Do You Measure Up?
I have heard people say that they wish they could have served with apostle Paul. They wish that they could have had the opportunity to be with him, to learn from him, to see him in action. No doubt that he was an incredible man who God gave a great vision for the Church and trusted him with the gospel of grace. But I don't think many of us would have been comfortable around him. I don't think many of us would have been comfortable around many of the great men and women of the faith; not with what passes as Christianity these days.
Paul worked tirelessly in faithful obedience to Jesus, to complete the task he was given. He was a man driven by love, dedicated to the only one who mattered to him. For Paul it was all about Jesus. He was not divided in heart and mind. He was not overburdened by the cares of this world. He wasn't trying to save for retirement. He wasn't trying to make the Church relevant to society. Paul's only concern was presenting Jesus to a world that needed to know him.
People like this are hard to be around. The expect much of themselves and anyone who is associated with the mission. If you were going to be on Paul's team you were going to have to take Jesus and your calling very seriously. He would expect you to adhere to Jesus' words when he told us that to follow him was all or nothing. I don't think many of us would have lasted with Paul because we just don't understand this singleness of purpose. We have too many desires and concerns in this world. We are divided in heart and mind.
If you were told that your life would end tomorrow could you say along with Paul:
Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. (2 Timothy 4:6-7)
Can you describe your life as a drink offering, being poured out in an act of sacrificial love? Have you set aside all concern and all desire for yourself and dedicated every day to the will of the Father? Is the salvation of others always on your mind so you are always looking for opportunities? Or are you hoping simply to arrive on that Day with your salvation in tact? Are you only concerned with your own condition and lot in life?
Are you fighting well? Do you stand in the face of evil and proclaim Jesus? Do you pray for the lost? Do you fight for your friends, family and neighbours? Do you proclaim the gospel and teach people about the love of Jesus, taking every opportunity to share your testimony? Does this describe you?
Are you faithful? Are you obedient in love to what Jesus has commanded? Are you following his example? Is he what you measure your life against? Are you still running the race that has been set before you; the path that Jesus put you on? Are you faithfully following his direction for you, no matter the cost or difficulty? Are you going all the way with Jesus, no matter what?
I don't think many of us would be comfortable in the presence of the great warriors who have gone before us, but that really shouldn't be our concern. Our real concern should be: Will we be comfortable in the presence of Jesus on the day we are called home, or will we stand in shame for a life wasted and an opportunity lost?
Paul worked tirelessly in faithful obedience to Jesus, to complete the task he was given. He was a man driven by love, dedicated to the only one who mattered to him. For Paul it was all about Jesus. He was not divided in heart and mind. He was not overburdened by the cares of this world. He wasn't trying to save for retirement. He wasn't trying to make the Church relevant to society. Paul's only concern was presenting Jesus to a world that needed to know him.
People like this are hard to be around. The expect much of themselves and anyone who is associated with the mission. If you were going to be on Paul's team you were going to have to take Jesus and your calling very seriously. He would expect you to adhere to Jesus' words when he told us that to follow him was all or nothing. I don't think many of us would have lasted with Paul because we just don't understand this singleness of purpose. We have too many desires and concerns in this world. We are divided in heart and mind.
If you were told that your life would end tomorrow could you say along with Paul:
Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. (2 Timothy 4:6-7)
Can you describe your life as a drink offering, being poured out in an act of sacrificial love? Have you set aside all concern and all desire for yourself and dedicated every day to the will of the Father? Is the salvation of others always on your mind so you are always looking for opportunities? Or are you hoping simply to arrive on that Day with your salvation in tact? Are you only concerned with your own condition and lot in life?
Are you fighting well? Do you stand in the face of evil and proclaim Jesus? Do you pray for the lost? Do you fight for your friends, family and neighbours? Do you proclaim the gospel and teach people about the love of Jesus, taking every opportunity to share your testimony? Does this describe you?
Are you faithful? Are you obedient in love to what Jesus has commanded? Are you following his example? Is he what you measure your life against? Are you still running the race that has been set before you; the path that Jesus put you on? Are you faithfully following his direction for you, no matter the cost or difficulty? Are you going all the way with Jesus, no matter what?
I don't think many of us would be comfortable in the presence of the great warriors who have gone before us, but that really shouldn't be our concern. Our real concern should be: Will we be comfortable in the presence of Jesus on the day we are called home, or will we stand in shame for a life wasted and an opportunity lost?
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Absolute Truth Exists, It Is Not A Fairy Tale
Whatever you want to do and whatever you want to think, you can find an app for that. You can find anything you want on the Internet, to back up anything you want to believe. So many of us think that the Internet is a great source for trusted knowledge on all sorts of things, but it isn't. It is a great source of opinions, thoughts and ideas, but it doesn't mean that any of it is true.
As Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate asked the rhetorical question, "What is truth?" Pilate had experienced many different cultures and knew well the inner workings of his own government. He was a man who had become cynical of all things so it was difficult for him to see Truth even though he stood right in front of him. It is the same way for many of us who have become overwhelmed by the choices of opinion that are available to us every day. The thing is, there are not many choices but an actual absolute truth that exists.
Absolute truth flies in the face of what our society has decided to embrace. There is no right or wrong any more. We adjust to accommodate every form of belief and practice and we are getting to the point of outlawing the ability to speak against certain beliefs. It is no longer a matter of tolerance; we now have to actually agree. Careful Christians, the last days are upon us.
In instructing Timothy to stay faithful to the correct teaching from the Word, Paul warned him:
The time is coming when people won’t listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear. They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Welcome to the end. These days are upon us. They have been for a long time but now we live in an age when technology is speeding up the process. People can easily access what their itchy ears want to hear. People can believe what they want, they have that freedom, but it doesn't change the truth. Let me remind you, we are speaking of the Church here and not the world. It is beginning in the Church that to present the truth is going to cost the presenter. Paul charged Timothy:
But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well. (v. 5)
To present the truth in our world today is going to cost more than at any other time. Truths of God's Word are on the verge of being outlawed. You can speak anything else you want but don't present the truth. When you do, watch the barrage of attacks you get because it is no longer enough to tolerate, you must actually agree with sin (not that we were ever permitted to tolerate it). But Paul said we must be willing to suffer to bring the truth. It is hard work and not an easy thing but we have the responsibility to teach it and live it.
Are you willing to lose it all, even your life, to bring the good news to those who are condemned by choice?
As Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate asked the rhetorical question, "What is truth?" Pilate had experienced many different cultures and knew well the inner workings of his own government. He was a man who had become cynical of all things so it was difficult for him to see Truth even though he stood right in front of him. It is the same way for many of us who have become overwhelmed by the choices of opinion that are available to us every day. The thing is, there are not many choices but an actual absolute truth that exists.
Absolute truth flies in the face of what our society has decided to embrace. There is no right or wrong any more. We adjust to accommodate every form of belief and practice and we are getting to the point of outlawing the ability to speak against certain beliefs. It is no longer a matter of tolerance; we now have to actually agree. Careful Christians, the last days are upon us.
In instructing Timothy to stay faithful to the correct teaching from the Word, Paul warned him:
The time is coming when people won’t listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear. They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Welcome to the end. These days are upon us. They have been for a long time but now we live in an age when technology is speeding up the process. People can easily access what their itchy ears want to hear. People can believe what they want, they have that freedom, but it doesn't change the truth. Let me remind you, we are speaking of the Church here and not the world. It is beginning in the Church that to present the truth is going to cost the presenter. Paul charged Timothy:
But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well. (v. 5)
To present the truth in our world today is going to cost more than at any other time. Truths of God's Word are on the verge of being outlawed. You can speak anything else you want but don't present the truth. When you do, watch the barrage of attacks you get because it is no longer enough to tolerate, you must actually agree with sin (not that we were ever permitted to tolerate it). But Paul said we must be willing to suffer to bring the truth. It is hard work and not an easy thing but we have the responsibility to teach it and live it.
Are you willing to lose it all, even your life, to bring the good news to those who are condemned by choice?
Friday, May 3, 2013
Just Like Jesus Did It
I hear it every day: "You are such a patient man". Not really a sentence I would have used to describe me. I used to be a short tempered man when I was young. My anger came from my self-centeredness. Sure, I cared about people and loved doing nice things for them but I had yet to mature spiritually. I did not yet understand how to see people with the eyes and heart of Jesus.
When we consider Jesus we see that he taught with patience. He was not concerned with being honoured and gladly took on the role of a servant. Being in the place of a servant he did nothing for himself and concentrated on what he could do for others. Although he came to "cast out demons and preach the good news", his heart of compassion also moved him to heal the sick, bring sight to the blind and cause the lame to walk. Even in his deepest distress he placed others before his own wants, needs and desires. A person like this does not have anger issues.
Leadership in the Church is based on Jesus' teaching of servant-leader. Leaders can have no personal vested interest in anything, must be empty of self and see themselves as servants of God, to the Church. If a leader has any self-centeredness it is going to show in the way he or she deals with the "sheep". Paul wrote to Timothy:
You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Leaders have been called to lead. They lead by example and in instruction but leadership also means correction. However, when a leader takes a person's sin as a personal insult they will end up dealing with it in anger. But sin is not an offense against a leader; sin is an offense against God and all God wants is it to be confessed and forgiven. Leaders must be patient in instruction and gentle in restoration. You can't cheer them up if you have taken the offense personally.
It is unfortunately that too much of leadership training these days is based on man's model instead of God's. It is too bad we chase after seminars based on business teaching instead of biblical teaching. It is too bad that pastors are too busy building a corporation instead of the Kingdom. It is too bad because we are missing the mark and "sheep" are being slaughtered in the process.
Personally, the Spirit is taking me through a re-processing as he strips away ideologies that I have allowed to be built in my life. Much of it has to do with man's thinking of the Church and leadership. As the Spirit does this I realize how easy it is to take on man's thinking instead of God's thinking. It is so easy to fall into that trap, just as easy as it is to fall into the trap of financial dependency on this world. Servant-leadership takes as much faith as trusting the provision of God. We have to trust that the Spirit is working on the hearts of those we must correct so that when we speak, our gentle word is a confirmation of what God is already doing.
I grew out of my anger issues the day I realized it wasn't about me. The day I realized it was about Jesus and my neighbour, all that anger drained from my heart. The reason I am a patient man is because I serve a patient God. The reason I don't take offense is because I realize I am not the one being offended. The reason I can correct is because I know it is about that person's good and not about my wound. Leadership in the Church is a cool thing because it is all about serving Jesus by serving others, and I mean really serving where all the benefit is for them and none for yourself. Just like Jesus did it.
When we consider Jesus we see that he taught with patience. He was not concerned with being honoured and gladly took on the role of a servant. Being in the place of a servant he did nothing for himself and concentrated on what he could do for others. Although he came to "cast out demons and preach the good news", his heart of compassion also moved him to heal the sick, bring sight to the blind and cause the lame to walk. Even in his deepest distress he placed others before his own wants, needs and desires. A person like this does not have anger issues.
Leadership in the Church is based on Jesus' teaching of servant-leader. Leaders can have no personal vested interest in anything, must be empty of self and see themselves as servants of God, to the Church. If a leader has any self-centeredness it is going to show in the way he or she deals with the "sheep". Paul wrote to Timothy:
You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Leaders have been called to lead. They lead by example and in instruction but leadership also means correction. However, when a leader takes a person's sin as a personal insult they will end up dealing with it in anger. But sin is not an offense against a leader; sin is an offense against God and all God wants is it to be confessed and forgiven. Leaders must be patient in instruction and gentle in restoration. You can't cheer them up if you have taken the offense personally.
It is unfortunately that too much of leadership training these days is based on man's model instead of God's. It is too bad we chase after seminars based on business teaching instead of biblical teaching. It is too bad that pastors are too busy building a corporation instead of the Kingdom. It is too bad because we are missing the mark and "sheep" are being slaughtered in the process.
Personally, the Spirit is taking me through a re-processing as he strips away ideologies that I have allowed to be built in my life. Much of it has to do with man's thinking of the Church and leadership. As the Spirit does this I realize how easy it is to take on man's thinking instead of God's thinking. It is so easy to fall into that trap, just as easy as it is to fall into the trap of financial dependency on this world. Servant-leadership takes as much faith as trusting the provision of God. We have to trust that the Spirit is working on the hearts of those we must correct so that when we speak, our gentle word is a confirmation of what God is already doing.
I grew out of my anger issues the day I realized it wasn't about me. The day I realized it was about Jesus and my neighbour, all that anger drained from my heart. The reason I am a patient man is because I serve a patient God. The reason I don't take offense is because I realize I am not the one being offended. The reason I can correct is because I know it is about that person's good and not about my wound. Leadership in the Church is a cool thing because it is all about serving Jesus by serving others, and I mean really serving where all the benefit is for them and none for yourself. Just like Jesus did it.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Confused About Purpose
Understanding purpose has to be one of the greatest needs there is in our life. Understanding purpose will determine direction and dictate decisions. Without understanding purpose, days just slip by with no meaning other than eating sleeping and finding entertainment. There is no depth of joy, peace, contentment; no direction, hope, or vision. When you understand purpose there is depth to your living that goes beyond existence. A person without purpose is afraid to die. A person with purpose sees beyond this life and so is glad to lay down his life if called upon.
I have worked with students for many years and I have discovered it is easy to see which students understand purpose and which ones do not. The ones with purpose see beyond school and understand they are on a journey with certain tasks along the way. They do well in their studies. Those without understanding of purpose see school as an obstacle to their freedom. It is an interruption to their living. They do not do well.
It is surprisingly similar in the Church. There are people who are without understanding of purpose, who attend church because it is what Christians do. They don't like it, see it as a task and can't wait for it to end so they can get on with their day.
Our purpose is clear and simple:
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
There is no greater purpose than participating with God in the making of disciples. Our purpose in life is not breathing. Breathing is what we do naturally, without thinking and is simply part of our body's function to keep us alive. Worship to a Christian is like breathing. It is what we do naturally to keep alive, but it is not our purpose. Our purpose is to do what Jesus commanded us in love, and we do in obedient love. It seems to be something we are forgetting as we lose our understanding of purpose. Paul wrote to Timothy:
So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God’s message. Do it willingly, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Obedience has nothing to do with what is popular. There are a lot of trends that come and go in the Church. Some things become popular but then fall out of favour. But these things have nothing to do with obedience to Jesus' command. Our purpose has been and always will be to make disciples throughout the world.
Some churches have great discipleship programs but we are talking something beyond a program. We are talking about each individual Christian's responsibility, to introduce and teach others about Jesus. The most challenging thing is the de-programming because almost everyone has their own understanding of Jesus, and most of it is personal opinion. It is not unlike our thinking on purpose.
If you are not actively involved in discipling someone or daily looking for opportunities to introduce Jesus to someone, you are failing in your purpose. Argue all you want but Scripture is clear on this point. I hope you will see it, agree and take action to step into obedience.
I have worked with students for many years and I have discovered it is easy to see which students understand purpose and which ones do not. The ones with purpose see beyond school and understand they are on a journey with certain tasks along the way. They do well in their studies. Those without understanding of purpose see school as an obstacle to their freedom. It is an interruption to their living. They do not do well.
It is surprisingly similar in the Church. There are people who are without understanding of purpose, who attend church because it is what Christians do. They don't like it, see it as a task and can't wait for it to end so they can get on with their day.
Our purpose is clear and simple:
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
There is no greater purpose than participating with God in the making of disciples. Our purpose in life is not breathing. Breathing is what we do naturally, without thinking and is simply part of our body's function to keep us alive. Worship to a Christian is like breathing. It is what we do naturally to keep alive, but it is not our purpose. Our purpose is to do what Jesus commanded us in love, and we do in obedient love. It seems to be something we are forgetting as we lose our understanding of purpose. Paul wrote to Timothy:
So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God’s message. Do it willingly, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Obedience has nothing to do with what is popular. There are a lot of trends that come and go in the Church. Some things become popular but then fall out of favour. But these things have nothing to do with obedience to Jesus' command. Our purpose has been and always will be to make disciples throughout the world.
Some churches have great discipleship programs but we are talking something beyond a program. We are talking about each individual Christian's responsibility, to introduce and teach others about Jesus. The most challenging thing is the de-programming because almost everyone has their own understanding of Jesus, and most of it is personal opinion. It is not unlike our thinking on purpose.
If you are not actively involved in discipling someone or daily looking for opportunities to introduce Jesus to someone, you are failing in your purpose. Argue all you want but Scripture is clear on this point. I hope you will see it, agree and take action to step into obedience.
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