Those of us living in some kind of lala land of spirituality need to wake up to the Kingdom's reality. For sure, Jesus is compassionate, tender, loving, merciful andforgiving to those who are broken and need restoration. But we cannot ignore that those of us who are saved are in a different category. We are the mature. Much has been given to us and much is expected. I think we need a more realistic look at the demands of servanthood.
Yes, we are the children of Yahweh, of the royal line, princes and princesses, but we are here as servants. As Jesus set aside his divinity to complete what needed to be done in service to Father, we too are told to set aside our rights and privileges, to serve Jesus and this lost world. But instead of humbling ourselves and serving in the power and authority of our King, we walk around like useless, pampered, snobs who don't have a clue about our responsibilities. I have a verse I would like you to chew on.
In Luke 17 Jesus tells a simple parable about a lord and his servant. He asks the crowd to consider what their expectations would be if they had a servant. After the servant came in from the outdoor work and waited on his lord during the meal, would they thank the servant or is he only doing what falls within his duties? Jesus told us that our attitude in service to him should be a humble one:
So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ (Luke 17:10)
Read it again. Those are the words of Jesus. Some people may find it surprising that he spoke them. It doesn't seem like the same man who played with the children and was moved by compassion for the suffering masses. But this is the Lord who called us to him in love and who tells us the real love is shown in our obedience to his instructions. We are not children. We are not suffering masses. We are the victorious in the Lord. We are the workers of the Kingdom. We are his servants in this world.
Sometimes we seem to have the attitude that we are doing Jesus a favour by being kind to people. If we examine our actions closely we will notice that most of the people we are kind to make us feel good. But Jesus told us to go beyond kindness to those who love us, to show love to those who hate us. Even then we shouldn't feel we have done anything special but only what is our duty. We have a duty of love, an obligation to those who are loved by Jesus, who are the lost of this world. We should do everything possible to show ourselves faithful in our responsibilities.
Not exactly how most of us are living these days. It is as if we expect a heroes' parade for every little act of kindness we manage. In fact, most people think they are heroes whenever they find time to read their Bible. Reading doesn't even count unless we put it into practice. How crazy we have gotten in lowering Yahweh's standards so we can make the least effort look good. I blame people like me, the teachers. We have been afraid of losing people and so we have not held people to any great expectations but we should at least be pointing out that Jesus has expectations of us. It's never too late though. We can change our attitude and step back into the shoes of a faithful servant who considers it all the thanks he needs just to serve the King.
Showing posts with label faithful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faithful. Show all posts
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Are You Convinced About Jesus?
Have you ever watched a team sport where one team really wants to win and the other is just present? The team that wants to win works hard whereas the other seems to stand still. The team that plays to win obviously wins. The best match is when both teams show up to win. The feeling from the fans is, "Why bother playing if you don't want to win?" There are times we may want to shout that thought at our fellow Christians.
Maybe it seems unfair to compare our Christian journey to a sporting event but not really, Paul the apostle did it. In fact, he told us we should be running this race to win. That means all out. Only the runners who desire to win are sure to complete the race. The Christian walk is a walk of effort and discipline. Obviously not an effort for our salvation, that was done for us by Jesus, but we have been left here with a job description and a clear teaching that we are on a walk that involves a process of growing up. That is what takes effort, hard work and discipline.
In Luke 12 Jesus gives us a very stern warning about being faithful stewards. We have been left in charge of the mission and the resources of the Kingdom. These resources aren't for personal gain but for the people we are to be serving, for the purpose of the Kingdom:
Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (Luke 12:42-43)
Blessed indeed. That is how we all see ourselves and we expect Jesus to be pleased. But sometimes it seems we believe in an Easter Bunny too. Reality tells us we are falling short as stewards. We see ourselves in this fanciful position but that's because we are not measuring ourselves against the proper measuring rod. Jesus is our only measuring rod. Measuring ourselves against imperfection is only going to produce imperfection. We need to be honest with ourselves and if we are honest we admit that we are terrible stewards:
But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (v. 45-46)
Let's wake up to our reality friends. We are in a tough place as the world turns colder, harder and more aggressive. We can't afford to not have our head in this game. We can't afford to make half efforts. We have all the resources of heaven available to us to be faithful stewards. Listen carefully to Jesus' words:
And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (v. 47)
We may not want to be living in these times but we are, and we have been chosen for a reason. Considering that we have died and we no longer live but it is Jesus who lives in us, we are more than conquerors. Nothing is impossible for us because we believe in the one who strengthens us to do his will. Do you hear him cheering us on? Our Coach is with us in the game and he is lending to us what we lack. He makes sure that we are equipped to win but we have to play with our all. We have to leave it all on the playing field. Do you get it?
Let's get our head in the game, get the Word in our heart, get on our knees, accept the resources and use them for Jesus' glory. Our purpose is all about those who are without Jesus. If need be, let us get rid of our worship palaces, scatter the troops and get to work. Let's stop playing church and do what we are suppose to be doing, on the streets, at work, in our neighbours home. Let's tell them about Jesus and allow the Spirit to work through us with power.
Maybe it seems unfair to compare our Christian journey to a sporting event but not really, Paul the apostle did it. In fact, he told us we should be running this race to win. That means all out. Only the runners who desire to win are sure to complete the race. The Christian walk is a walk of effort and discipline. Obviously not an effort for our salvation, that was done for us by Jesus, but we have been left here with a job description and a clear teaching that we are on a walk that involves a process of growing up. That is what takes effort, hard work and discipline.
In Luke 12 Jesus gives us a very stern warning about being faithful stewards. We have been left in charge of the mission and the resources of the Kingdom. These resources aren't for personal gain but for the people we are to be serving, for the purpose of the Kingdom:
Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (Luke 12:42-43)
Blessed indeed. That is how we all see ourselves and we expect Jesus to be pleased. But sometimes it seems we believe in an Easter Bunny too. Reality tells us we are falling short as stewards. We see ourselves in this fanciful position but that's because we are not measuring ourselves against the proper measuring rod. Jesus is our only measuring rod. Measuring ourselves against imperfection is only going to produce imperfection. We need to be honest with ourselves and if we are honest we admit that we are terrible stewards:
But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (v. 45-46)
Let's wake up to our reality friends. We are in a tough place as the world turns colder, harder and more aggressive. We can't afford to not have our head in this game. We can't afford to make half efforts. We have all the resources of heaven available to us to be faithful stewards. Listen carefully to Jesus' words:
And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. (v. 47)
We may not want to be living in these times but we are, and we have been chosen for a reason. Considering that we have died and we no longer live but it is Jesus who lives in us, we are more than conquerors. Nothing is impossible for us because we believe in the one who strengthens us to do his will. Do you hear him cheering us on? Our Coach is with us in the game and he is lending to us what we lack. He makes sure that we are equipped to win but we have to play with our all. We have to leave it all on the playing field. Do you get it?
Let's get our head in the game, get the Word in our heart, get on our knees, accept the resources and use them for Jesus' glory. Our purpose is all about those who are without Jesus. If need be, let us get rid of our worship palaces, scatter the troops and get to work. Let's stop playing church and do what we are suppose to be doing, on the streets, at work, in our neighbours home. Let's tell them about Jesus and allow the Spirit to work through us with power.
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?
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?
Monday, April 22, 2013
You Know Who Taught You These Things
Faithfulness is a hard thing to find anywhere for anything these days. We are society of choices and we have a wide variety to choose from. Have you counted the variety of toilet paper in the grocery store these days? Look at our televisions. Maybe I am showing my age but I grew up with three TV stations and one of those was French. Now it takes 30 minutes just to flip through the tv guide to see what is on. There was a time when we were faithful to the brand products we used but it wasn't hard to do when there were only two choices. Now it seems the choice is dictated by what is on sale.
Unfortunately some people apply these love of choices, and frequent changes according to convenience, to God and the Church. But with God there are only two choices: To continue to be lost in sin or be rescued from it through Jesus.There are not "many choices" to get to God, as some celebrities are famous for promoting; there is only one way and his name is Jesus:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father." (John 14:6)
It doesn't matter how you try to twist this, it still comes down to Jesus being the only way. In our world of choices it is a reality many people find hard to accept. And it is for this reason you need to be careful where you get your spiritual food. Paul wrote to Timothy:
Keep on being faithful to what you were taught and to what you believed. After all, you know who taught you these things. (2 Timothy 3:14)
"You know who taught you these things." Again, there are a lot of choices where you can get your spiritual food. There are a lot of choices for churches. There are a lot of teachers on YouTube. There are a lot of pastors and teachers writing blogs. But just because you read someone's tweets and have access to their official FaceBook does not mean you "know" them. Like I said, there are many online teachers, pastors, putting out a lot of material but you should not accept it at face value. You don't know these people. In fact. 95% of you reading this don't know me. We've never met.
You have a pastor and some of you have more than one. God has provided you with a church filled with teachers and mentors. Are you reading their blogs and their teaching? That is where you should be getting your spiritual food. You can see your pastor living what he preaches all the time. You can see your elders' living testimony. These are the men and women God has given to teach you so learn from them.
I am not saying that the teaching material that people like me put out here on the Internet is wrong but some of it is. You should consult your pastor or elders. Ask them to verify things for you. If something sounds strange, counter to what you have been taught, not lining up with the Word of God, then take it to your pastor. Just because I say I am a pastor does not mean I am. Just like when you are chatting with someone you have never met, it doesn't mean they are who they say they are. Just because she says she is a 16 year old girl doesn't mean she isn't a 42 year old man. People can be whatever they want to be hidden behind their computer.
Never allow the Internet, YouTube, FaceBook, Tumblr,or any of the other great social media tools to replace the Church. The Body of Christ is vital for your growth and your service to Jesus. Get involved and grounded in your church. Get to know your pastors and elders. Ask about their testimony and learn from them. God has given them to you so stay faithful and know who is teaching you.
Unfortunately some people apply these love of choices, and frequent changes according to convenience, to God and the Church. But with God there are only two choices: To continue to be lost in sin or be rescued from it through Jesus.There are not "many choices" to get to God, as some celebrities are famous for promoting; there is only one way and his name is Jesus:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father." (John 14:6)
It doesn't matter how you try to twist this, it still comes down to Jesus being the only way. In our world of choices it is a reality many people find hard to accept. And it is for this reason you need to be careful where you get your spiritual food. Paul wrote to Timothy:
Keep on being faithful to what you were taught and to what you believed. After all, you know who taught you these things. (2 Timothy 3:14)
"You know who taught you these things." Again, there are a lot of choices where you can get your spiritual food. There are a lot of choices for churches. There are a lot of teachers on YouTube. There are a lot of pastors and teachers writing blogs. But just because you read someone's tweets and have access to their official FaceBook does not mean you "know" them. Like I said, there are many online teachers, pastors, putting out a lot of material but you should not accept it at face value. You don't know these people. In fact. 95% of you reading this don't know me. We've never met.
You have a pastor and some of you have more than one. God has provided you with a church filled with teachers and mentors. Are you reading their blogs and their teaching? That is where you should be getting your spiritual food. You can see your pastor living what he preaches all the time. You can see your elders' living testimony. These are the men and women God has given to teach you so learn from them.
I am not saying that the teaching material that people like me put out here on the Internet is wrong but some of it is. You should consult your pastor or elders. Ask them to verify things for you. If something sounds strange, counter to what you have been taught, not lining up with the Word of God, then take it to your pastor. Just because I say I am a pastor does not mean I am. Just like when you are chatting with someone you have never met, it doesn't mean they are who they say they are. Just because she says she is a 16 year old girl doesn't mean she isn't a 42 year old man. People can be whatever they want to be hidden behind their computer.
Never allow the Internet, YouTube, FaceBook, Tumblr,or any of the other great social media tools to replace the Church. The Body of Christ is vital for your growth and your service to Jesus. Get involved and grounded in your church. Get to know your pastors and elders. Ask about their testimony and learn from them. God has given them to you so stay faithful and know who is teaching you.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
There Will Be Some Very Hard Times
We've been waiting for Jesus to return for a long time; so long that some have left the faith and others sit on the sidelines to laugh at us. How quickly we forget that time is not a relevant thing for our God. One thousand years is as a day to him. However, there are certain things that must align as the exact day has already been chosen. We were given signs to watch for so that we would known the day was approaching but Jesus said that he did not even know the exact date as that was something only the Father knew. Yet for me, the date does not matter. Being found faithful on that day is what concerns me.
We know the day is approaching because we are recognizing the signs and so we should be considering the warnings we were given by Jesus and apostle Paul about the days in which we live. Paul simply stated:
You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times. (2 Timothy 3:1, CEV)
We are only seeing the beginning of it in North America. There has never been a time in history like we have now when so many Christians are being persecuted and killed around the world because of the name of Jesus. In North America the real hostility toward Christians is just beginning to manifest. We are going to see our governments turn against us. We are going to see persecution grow quickly to the point of people being afraid of identifying themselves with Jesus. All those who have criticized Peter in the past will find themselves in the same situation. What will they do? What will we do?
Mind you, not everyone will be persecuted. Some will not stand their ground. Some will cave to the pressure and will change the Word of God to be accepted by our society. All we have to do to see the truth of this is look at whole congregations who, for the sake of acceptability and growth, accept sin as something holy. Just look at men like Rob Bell who refuse to put on the full armour of God and stand. We are seeing more and more of it. Not because they have found a new truth but because they have fallen for the lies of the enemy which match their own evil desires.
Where do you stand with Jesus? In the days to come you had better be sure of where you stand. You had better check that relationship and verify that Jesus is number one in your life and all desires for this place are dead and gone. Dark days are coming and the enemy is going to shake the tree to see what falls off. The Father is going to come along and cut off anything that does not have life. The great "falling away" is going to continue until all that remains are the warriors of Jesus, and then he's coming to bring them home.
There are going to be some very hard times. People will go to jail because of their faith. Property will be taken away. Many will be killed as they are being killed already in many parts of the world. Along with praying for pastors being jailed in Iran, we will be praying for pastors in our own countries. We will not just be praying for those who have watched their husbands killed and their homes burned in India, we will be trying to take care of our own.
It's happening quickly my friends. Read the news. Pay attention. Look for the signs. Prepare yourself by getting as close to Jesus as you can, and prepare yourself to stand, with the full armour of God. No compromise. No giving up. No denying Jesus. We have the Holy Spirit who will give us the grace to face every situation. There will be some very hard times but we will face them with the joy of the Lord because we are more than conquerors through him who saved us. Amen!
We know the day is approaching because we are recognizing the signs and so we should be considering the warnings we were given by Jesus and apostle Paul about the days in which we live. Paul simply stated:
You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times. (2 Timothy 3:1, CEV)
We are only seeing the beginning of it in North America. There has never been a time in history like we have now when so many Christians are being persecuted and killed around the world because of the name of Jesus. In North America the real hostility toward Christians is just beginning to manifest. We are going to see our governments turn against us. We are going to see persecution grow quickly to the point of people being afraid of identifying themselves with Jesus. All those who have criticized Peter in the past will find themselves in the same situation. What will they do? What will we do?
Mind you, not everyone will be persecuted. Some will not stand their ground. Some will cave to the pressure and will change the Word of God to be accepted by our society. All we have to do to see the truth of this is look at whole congregations who, for the sake of acceptability and growth, accept sin as something holy. Just look at men like Rob Bell who refuse to put on the full armour of God and stand. We are seeing more and more of it. Not because they have found a new truth but because they have fallen for the lies of the enemy which match their own evil desires.
Where do you stand with Jesus? In the days to come you had better be sure of where you stand. You had better check that relationship and verify that Jesus is number one in your life and all desires for this place are dead and gone. Dark days are coming and the enemy is going to shake the tree to see what falls off. The Father is going to come along and cut off anything that does not have life. The great "falling away" is going to continue until all that remains are the warriors of Jesus, and then he's coming to bring them home.
There are going to be some very hard times. People will go to jail because of their faith. Property will be taken away. Many will be killed as they are being killed already in many parts of the world. Along with praying for pastors being jailed in Iran, we will be praying for pastors in our own countries. We will not just be praying for those who have watched their husbands killed and their homes burned in India, we will be trying to take care of our own.
It's happening quickly my friends. Read the news. Pay attention. Look for the signs. Prepare yourself by getting as close to Jesus as you can, and prepare yourself to stand, with the full armour of God. No compromise. No giving up. No denying Jesus. We have the Holy Spirit who will give us the grace to face every situation. There will be some very hard times but we will face them with the joy of the Lord because we are more than conquerors through him who saved us. Amen!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Faithful, Loving And Easy To Get Along With
It seems these days that socially awkward nerds are in. In my day we were just picked on. Being socially awkward is no joke as it leaves people feeling on the outside. Often it is just a matter of being unsure what is acceptable behaviour in a new environment. It happened to me when I went from elementary school to junior high school. In elementary I had all my friends I had grown up with. We knew what to expect from each other and we accepted each other. Bigger school, lots of kids I didn't know, not many friends and no idea how to conduct myself. It left me standing on the outside looking in, which made me a target. This also happens in the Christian family more than we realize.
Imagine knowing what is acceptable behaviour for most of your adult life. You have your friends, family and all the various activities you enjoy. You have a certain way of talking, certain language you use. Suddenly you are introduced to Jesus, you are gloriously saved, born again and now everything is different. The difference is as great as a baby going from the womb to the world. Big shock. How does one behave in this new setting? What is acceptable? What isn't?
Unfortunately too many churches take these people under their wings and teach them how to conform to the acceptable behaviour of that particular church. But it isn't about conformity. Jesus Christ is all about transformation. We need to be teaching new Christians how to hear and obey the Spirit so the Spirit can continue with the transformation process. God does not want us to change our behaviour; he wants to change our heart which will affect our behaviour.
Yesterday we considered Paul's instructions to Timothy to run from temptation and to do what is right. These instructions should always be understood as our actions in cooperation to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. In and of ourselves we are not capable of righteousness but, because of the ongoing transformation in us, we are capable. Consider this instruction:
Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. (2 Timothy 2:22, CEV)
Consider the words carefully. Weigh them against your heart and your behaviour. This is what is acceptable behaviour in the Kingdom of God. This is the crowd you hang out with now. The Spirit of God in you desires this in you. He is working to make it happen but we have to make the decision to cooperate, to make these our daily goals. It is only possible when we are determined each day to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus. The moment we allow "self" to start getting in the way is the moment we fail.
Be faithful; to the covenants that we make; to Jesus and to each other. Be faithful to the promises that we make. Be faithful to relationships. Be faithful to the Church and the leaders Jesus has placed us under. Be faithful to what is good, holy and pleasing to God. Be faithful.
Be loving. I am constantly stymied by this. If we are not honest with ourselves we will gloss over it with "Of course I am loving" but when we really examine God's love against our hearts then we are overwhelmed by our failure. I am tired and allow "self" to get in the way as I correct my child. The words come out harsh and unkind. Correction is very necessary but harshness is not. My wife asks me to turn off a light she forgot. She just got into bed and I have been there for ten minutes, almost asleep. "Self" would tell her to do it herself. Love would only be too glad to serve my wife. If I do it with resentment in my heart it is not love. This is a major thing to realize that God's transformation means a cooperation to be loving. And if we aren't then we had better examine ourselves to see if we understand how he has loved us.
Be easy to get along with. We could spend a long time on this one. Don't be argumentative. Make people your priority. Don't judge behaviour when it is the heart that matters. Don't develop a protectionist attitude that will separate you from the world. Don't accept sin but don't allow it to keep you in your house either. Jesus told us to "go" and make disciples. We can't do that hiding in our house. If a brother or sister sees something in the Word a bit different from you that's okay. God teaches all of us. If that thing is going to take them away from Jesus then speak to your pastor for advice on what to do and what to say. Most importantly, listen to the Spirit and follow his lead. Whatever you do, be loving and easy to get along with.
This whole section is pretty solid in instruction on Kingdom behaviour. We would all be in a better place if we studied this and asked the Spirit's help in implementing it in our lives. Remember, it is already in you through the desire of the Spirit to see this completed in you, it only requires our cooperation. Walk in the Spirit today my friend and see how much of "self" needs to be kicked to the curb.
Imagine knowing what is acceptable behaviour for most of your adult life. You have your friends, family and all the various activities you enjoy. You have a certain way of talking, certain language you use. Suddenly you are introduced to Jesus, you are gloriously saved, born again and now everything is different. The difference is as great as a baby going from the womb to the world. Big shock. How does one behave in this new setting? What is acceptable? What isn't?
Unfortunately too many churches take these people under their wings and teach them how to conform to the acceptable behaviour of that particular church. But it isn't about conformity. Jesus Christ is all about transformation. We need to be teaching new Christians how to hear and obey the Spirit so the Spirit can continue with the transformation process. God does not want us to change our behaviour; he wants to change our heart which will affect our behaviour.
Yesterday we considered Paul's instructions to Timothy to run from temptation and to do what is right. These instructions should always be understood as our actions in cooperation to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. In and of ourselves we are not capable of righteousness but, because of the ongoing transformation in us, we are capable. Consider this instruction:
Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. (2 Timothy 2:22, CEV)
Consider the words carefully. Weigh them against your heart and your behaviour. This is what is acceptable behaviour in the Kingdom of God. This is the crowd you hang out with now. The Spirit of God in you desires this in you. He is working to make it happen but we have to make the decision to cooperate, to make these our daily goals. It is only possible when we are determined each day to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus. The moment we allow "self" to start getting in the way is the moment we fail.
Be faithful; to the covenants that we make; to Jesus and to each other. Be faithful to the promises that we make. Be faithful to relationships. Be faithful to the Church and the leaders Jesus has placed us under. Be faithful to what is good, holy and pleasing to God. Be faithful.
Be loving. I am constantly stymied by this. If we are not honest with ourselves we will gloss over it with "Of course I am loving" but when we really examine God's love against our hearts then we are overwhelmed by our failure. I am tired and allow "self" to get in the way as I correct my child. The words come out harsh and unkind. Correction is very necessary but harshness is not. My wife asks me to turn off a light she forgot. She just got into bed and I have been there for ten minutes, almost asleep. "Self" would tell her to do it herself. Love would only be too glad to serve my wife. If I do it with resentment in my heart it is not love. This is a major thing to realize that God's transformation means a cooperation to be loving. And if we aren't then we had better examine ourselves to see if we understand how he has loved us.
Be easy to get along with. We could spend a long time on this one. Don't be argumentative. Make people your priority. Don't judge behaviour when it is the heart that matters. Don't develop a protectionist attitude that will separate you from the world. Don't accept sin but don't allow it to keep you in your house either. Jesus told us to "go" and make disciples. We can't do that hiding in our house. If a brother or sister sees something in the Word a bit different from you that's okay. God teaches all of us. If that thing is going to take them away from Jesus then speak to your pastor for advice on what to do and what to say. Most importantly, listen to the Spirit and follow his lead. Whatever you do, be loving and easy to get along with.
This whole section is pretty solid in instruction on Kingdom behaviour. We would all be in a better place if we studied this and asked the Spirit's help in implementing it in our lives. Remember, it is already in you through the desire of the Spirit to see this completed in you, it only requires our cooperation. Walk in the Spirit today my friend and see how much of "self" needs to be kicked to the curb.
Monday, March 18, 2013
No Short Cuts
My dad has always been a man of excellence. He not only taught me with words but by his actions that any job worth doing is worth doing well. My dad has never taken short cuts or cut corners and done any less of a job to make life easier on himself. He is a man of quality. We don`t see that a lot any more in a society that prizes pleasure over work. Instead of pleasure being a distraction from a hard days work it has become the purpose of a hard day`s work. We work so that we can play. Work is the evil we must face in order to enjoy the pleasure we want to live. But we were created to work.
I have no delusions when it comes to the Kingdom of God; I am a servant of the King, a worker of the harvest. I have not been saved to serve my own pleasure and to be pampered by God. I have been saved and left here as a Kingdom citizen with tasks that I am to complete. I have been warned that there will be tough days and that many will see themselves as my enemy but I am under the authority of the King and his protection. And I have been told to be faithful to these tasks I have been given and to be found doing them on the King`s return. There are no short cuts and my King is looking for quality.
Paul`s instruction to Timothy was in this same spirit as he wrote:
Do your best to win God’s approval as a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed and who teaches only the true message. (2 Timothy 2:15)
How does a workman avoid feeling ashamed? By doing the best at everything he does. Again I feel I must put in this side note. I am not talking about salvation. Everything you need done to belong to God has been done for you. We are not talking salvation here but being a faithful workman in the Kingdom, completing the tasks that have been given to us. A carpenter knows that if he does not do his best it will soon be seen by everyone. He wants to feel good every time he looks on his handy work, not shame because it is falling apart. The same can be said of everyone whose work will be put on display, whether it be musicians, plumbers, actors, parents and Kingdom workmen.
Do you realize that our work will be put on display on the day we are asked to give account for what we did with what we were given? Short cuts will be seen. Shoddy work will be shown. Half-measures will be clear to everyone. And it is not just then. Do you not feel the conviction of the Spirit when you let go of an opportunity? Do you not feel troubled when you only give your minimum to the work of the Kingdom? Do you really have a sense of satisfaction when you say `good enough`?
Maybe you are not laying bricks or patching pot holes or painting houses but the work you do is plainly seen by the King. When you tell that friend that you don`t have time for them because you want to watch the hockey game, it is seen.When you lose patience and walk away from a person who `should know better`, it is seen. When someone asks you about your faith and you are too ashamed to talk to them about Jesus, it is seen. When we put more finances and time into what distracts us then into the mission we have been given, it is seen. When a need is presented and we ignore it, as if we didn`t see it, it is seen. When we choose sin over righteousness, it is seen.
Paul told Timothy to do his best to win God`s approval. Is that how you live your day, wanting to do your best so you win your Father`s approval? Some people have problems with such a thought but it is there, plan as day, in the Bible to read. How you live your life matters. How you approach the Kingdom work matters. You are a workman so be one that works hard and wins the approval of our Father. No short cuts.
I have no delusions when it comes to the Kingdom of God; I am a servant of the King, a worker of the harvest. I have not been saved to serve my own pleasure and to be pampered by God. I have been saved and left here as a Kingdom citizen with tasks that I am to complete. I have been warned that there will be tough days and that many will see themselves as my enemy but I am under the authority of the King and his protection. And I have been told to be faithful to these tasks I have been given and to be found doing them on the King`s return. There are no short cuts and my King is looking for quality.
Paul`s instruction to Timothy was in this same spirit as he wrote:
Do your best to win God’s approval as a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed and who teaches only the true message. (2 Timothy 2:15)
How does a workman avoid feeling ashamed? By doing the best at everything he does. Again I feel I must put in this side note. I am not talking about salvation. Everything you need done to belong to God has been done for you. We are not talking salvation here but being a faithful workman in the Kingdom, completing the tasks that have been given to us. A carpenter knows that if he does not do his best it will soon be seen by everyone. He wants to feel good every time he looks on his handy work, not shame because it is falling apart. The same can be said of everyone whose work will be put on display, whether it be musicians, plumbers, actors, parents and Kingdom workmen.
Do you realize that our work will be put on display on the day we are asked to give account for what we did with what we were given? Short cuts will be seen. Shoddy work will be shown. Half-measures will be clear to everyone. And it is not just then. Do you not feel the conviction of the Spirit when you let go of an opportunity? Do you not feel troubled when you only give your minimum to the work of the Kingdom? Do you really have a sense of satisfaction when you say `good enough`?
Maybe you are not laying bricks or patching pot holes or painting houses but the work you do is plainly seen by the King. When you tell that friend that you don`t have time for them because you want to watch the hockey game, it is seen.When you lose patience and walk away from a person who `should know better`, it is seen. When someone asks you about your faith and you are too ashamed to talk to them about Jesus, it is seen. When we put more finances and time into what distracts us then into the mission we have been given, it is seen. When a need is presented and we ignore it, as if we didn`t see it, it is seen. When we choose sin over righteousness, it is seen.
Paul told Timothy to do his best to win God`s approval. Is that how you live your day, wanting to do your best so you win your Father`s approval? Some people have problems with such a thought but it is there, plan as day, in the Bible to read. How you live your life matters. How you approach the Kingdom work matters. You are a workman so be one that works hard and wins the approval of our Father. No short cuts.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
It's All In The Finishing
So how's it going? Everything okay with you? How's your calling working out? Still going strong? Still pressing on to the end? Do you still know what that calling is? Sometimes what starts out clear and defined becomes a bit fuzzy with time. With all the pushing and pulling in our life our calling can get all stretched out, even diluted. It becomes like sugar in water whereas it was intended to be a rock in water. After a few years we may even begin to wonder if we heard, correctly or perhaps we had misunderstood. Perhaps you have already chosen a different path because the original one lost its definition. I hope not.
It's always easy to start something. It's an entirely different thing to finish it. Anyone can start off with the strength and ability they have but such things are not found in unlimited supply in us. Eventually we will run out, get discouraged and walk away. If you are called to something by God, he has not intented for you to do it with your limited resources. You can try but eventually you will quit. God does not need your limitations; he wants to fill you with his limitless supply. Apostle Paul wrote about his calling:
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 4:29)
The key point here is not so much the labour, because it can be any labour in the Kingdom, but it is the fact that Paul did this labour with all Jesus' energy. Even the Energy Bunny is going to run out of power. Anyone with children know this to be true. In fact, even high energy kids will eventually drop. But those who labour with all Jesus' energy will have a constant supply, of everything. With each and every calling , when we put our hand to the plow, we are not permitted to look back. In looking back you will always find a way to return to the place you started. We cannot allow thoughts of "what ifs" to enter our thinking because then our life becomes filled with regrets. Regrets will also eat away at our determination.
For Paul, finishing the race was what mattered. Success belonged to the Lord, not to Paul. Paul's only concern was to run the race with the attitude of winning. His responsibility was to finish what he started. Faithfulness is how Jesus defines success in the Kingdom. Paul reminded his friends of the need to finish what they started:
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17)
Near the end of his life Paul wrote to his friend Timothy:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul finished what he had set out to do: be faithful to the end in every task he had been given by Jesus. When we are surrounded by life, distractions, a chorus of voices, hundreds of choices and paths, things can get confusing. But there is only one voice we should respond to. It is not the voice of our self-wisdom. It is not the voice of modern education. It is not the voice of "good ideas". It is our Shepherd's voice who has called us to himself, to be faithful in what he has given us to do. Any fool can start but it takes a person centered and dependent on Jesus to finish.
It's always easy to start something. It's an entirely different thing to finish it. Anyone can start off with the strength and ability they have but such things are not found in unlimited supply in us. Eventually we will run out, get discouraged and walk away. If you are called to something by God, he has not intented for you to do it with your limited resources. You can try but eventually you will quit. God does not need your limitations; he wants to fill you with his limitless supply. Apostle Paul wrote about his calling:
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 4:29)
The key point here is not so much the labour, because it can be any labour in the Kingdom, but it is the fact that Paul did this labour with all Jesus' energy. Even the Energy Bunny is going to run out of power. Anyone with children know this to be true. In fact, even high energy kids will eventually drop. But those who labour with all Jesus' energy will have a constant supply, of everything. With each and every calling , when we put our hand to the plow, we are not permitted to look back. In looking back you will always find a way to return to the place you started. We cannot allow thoughts of "what ifs" to enter our thinking because then our life becomes filled with regrets. Regrets will also eat away at our determination.
For Paul, finishing the race was what mattered. Success belonged to the Lord, not to Paul. Paul's only concern was to run the race with the attitude of winning. His responsibility was to finish what he started. Faithfulness is how Jesus defines success in the Kingdom. Paul reminded his friends of the need to finish what they started:
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17)
Near the end of his life Paul wrote to his friend Timothy:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul finished what he had set out to do: be faithful to the end in every task he had been given by Jesus. When we are surrounded by life, distractions, a chorus of voices, hundreds of choices and paths, things can get confusing. But there is only one voice we should respond to. It is not the voice of our self-wisdom. It is not the voice of modern education. It is not the voice of "good ideas". It is our Shepherd's voice who has called us to himself, to be faithful in what he has given us to do. Any fool can start but it takes a person centered and dependent on Jesus to finish.
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