The Choice Is Clear

Good day my friends, God is good all the time. You may not always feel like it but we don't go by our feelings, we live by the facts of the Word and our experience. Today may be difficult and I may have lots of questions but Jesus has proved himself faithful in the past and he will continue to prove to be faithful today. I know this because the Spirit of God testifies to my spirit of this truth. But what do people do who do not have the Spirit of God or who shut out the Spirit?

Those of us who live through Jesus scratch our heads and ask ourselves, why can't the world see it. In fact, we ask that about parts of the Church as well, because there are those who have the appearance of godliness but lack the power, which is the power that transforms and allows us to understand Yahweh, his revelation and his plan. This is what is written:

The god of this age has blinded the minds of those who don’t have faith so they couldn’t see the light of the gospel that reveals Christ’s glory. Christ is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

So if people don't understand why you do what you do, you should know why. There are so many Scriptures that explain this that we should not be surprised when the world says good is bad and bad is good. Scripture says:

But people who are unspiritual don’t accept the things from God’s Spirit. They are foolishness to them and can’t be understood, because they can only be comprehended in a spiritual way. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

However, Paul wasn't addressing struggles with the world, because it is obvious that the world is in rebellion to God, but he was addressing Christians who lacked the ability to understand. They had not progressed in their spiritual maturity, had not learned to rely on the Spirit and were still relying on the wisdom of the world:

Brothers and sisters, I couldn’t talk to you like spiritual people but like unspiritual people, like babies in Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:1)

And again:

Now you are still not up to it because you are still unspiritual. When jealousy and fighting exist between you, aren’t you unspiritual and living by human standards? (3:3)

Certainly things are getting worse in the world but what is disheartening is the confusion it is causing in the Church. God is still God. Jesus is still Lord. The Holy Spirit is still the power of God in us. The Church is still the Body of Christ. The holy is still holy and the common is still common. Nothing has changed for us, just the lostness of the world is more clear, and gets clearer with each passing day. But in the Church it is also becoming clear to us who are controlled by the Spirit and who are controlled by the patterns of this world.

This fact should also be clear to us, Jesus told us we cannot have it both ways. We cannot be friends with the world and be friends with him:

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to the one and have contempt for the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Matthew 6:24)

James explained it with no uncertain terms:

You unfaithful people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy. (James 4:4)

It used to be that people could fudge the lines but now the distinction is clear. And now for us the choice is clear. As Joshua told Israel, we have to make a clear decision concerning who we will serve. Will it be the Lord? Then let us serve him wholeheartedly, seeking his righteousness. If it be the world, then stop calling yourself Christian.

We Really Are Different

As a Christian sometimes it feels like we are shouting into the wind. Things that seem so clear to us appears to be lost on people. We forget that we are no longer what we were; we have been changed, made into a new creation. Our mind is transformed so we see from a different perspective. Our priorities are different but so is our ability to understand the will of Jesus. Those without the Spirit do not have the mind of Christ:

Spiritual people comprehend everything, but they themselves aren’t understood by anyone. (1 Corinthians 2:15)

So when we are talking about abortion, homosexuality, or any of the hot button issues of our day, we really don't have a common ground from which to talk. People without the Spirit honestly believe that they are logical in their argument. We should be able to understand this because it is from what we were before Jesus. Isaiah described what it is was without the Spirit of God:

Who has known the mind of the Lord, who will advise him?

Paul the apostle quoted this as he described it in 1 Corinthians 2:16 but he didn't leave it there. He let us know there is a difference since the Spirit now resides in us:

But we have the mind of Christ.

And that is why we see everything so different from our friends who are without Jesus.  They are arguing from the focal point of this world but everything we knew has been redefine by the cross, the empty grave, the ascended Lord and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. We can express the perspective of heaven to our friends but I see no point in arguing about it.

Jesus told us:

Don’t give holy things to dogs, and don’t throw your pearls in front of pigs. They will stomp on the pearls, then turn around and attack you. (Matthew 7:6)

We would save ourselves a lot of trouble if we could accept that without the Spirit of God, the world cannot understand the value of the pearls. Yahweh's logic seems like foolishness to them. In these end days the difference is going to become more pronounced. We need to expect this. Love them, but don't change to try to get them to understand. The enemy will try to trip you up with this by telling you that if you compromise a couple of things your friends may be saved. Instead, you may be lost. Leave it to the conviction of the Spirit. You stay faithful to Jesus.

  

Keeping Your Eyes On The Prize

I write a lot about perspective because perspective matters. How we see the world shapes our understanding and our decision making process. We all have limitations to our perspective which means we all have limitations to our understanding. A two year old sees life much differently than a 6 foot tall adult. Someone in India is going to see life differently than someone in France. Someone who has traveled the world will see the world differently than someone who has never been outside of their hometown.

Christians need to understand that they see everything differently than those who are not in Christ. Part of our struggle is maintaining this different perspective because the perspective of the world is overwhelming. It is also difficult for those Christians who do not want to stand out but would rather just melt into the background of every day life, because our perspective makes us stand out. Remember this fact about what we have experienced:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Our values, priorities, goals, direction, purpose are all contrary to those of this world because we have a Kingdom perspective, one that is oriented to eternity and to our King. We are not self-made, self-directed, self-purposed. Ours is the perspective of a gladsome servant, happy to lay down our lives in whatever manner the King requires. Our goal is not a happy life in this place but a joyful one in eternity with our King. It was this fact that enabled Paul the apostle to write:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

I think most of us understand what Paul called "light affliction" which makes any of our days look like walks in the park. The degree of difficulty doesn't matter nor does it matter that we are free of difficulty. All that matters is that we maintain the proper perspective, "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which as not seen".

To maintain the proper perspective we need to be in the Word daily, enjoy intimate moments with Jesus, and refresh ourselves in the fellowship of believers. Do not wall yourself in from the world because it is to the world we have been sent, but neither look for support, encouragement or refreshing there. You cannot be encouraged by a contrary perspective and maintain yourself in the Lord. You cannot serve two masters. Continue to refresh your proper perspective in the Lord and keep your eyes on the prize.

Stop Watching The Video and Start Living The Life

I'm no different than you. I can get just as distracted by life. The long To Do list, the bills, the children, work, tasks; so many tasks. Just living creates a huge To Do list and it is an easy thing to allow that To Do list to move us from one thing to the next in our day, from one day to the next. We can get to the end of our week and ask ourselves "Is this really what my life is about?" Is it?

As a Christian I am compelled to respond with an emphatic "NO!" Jesus warned us against chasing after the priorities of this world and to set the Kingdom priorities before us all the time. These priorities help shape our world view and the purpose for living. Perhaps it is time that we remember a few facts and I would like to use a few verses from Romans 2 to do that.

Now before I am misquoted here, let me say, it is well understood that good works will not save us; only Jesus saves. However, good works is the fruit of that salvation and ongoing relationship with Jesus. The Word of God is clear that the "tree" is known by its "fruit". So understanding this we listen to Paul's warning about the facts of life:

(Yahweh) “will render to each one according to his deeds”. (Romans 2:6)

This is a fact about life that the vast majority of this world population does not understand. The "deed" is only a fruit or manifestation of the heart condition. What we do, what we say, matters. It is important that Christians maintain a tender heart to Jesus so the Spirit can produce in us the things that prompt us to good works:

Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality (v. 7)

Doing good is the fruit that is produced in the life of someone possessed by Jesus Christ, who live for his glory. Doing good is not the catalyst of salvation but the fruit that shows the rightness of the heart. The opposite is also true:

But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek. (v. 8-9)

These actions are only a window to a heart that is chained by its sin nature. It cannot help but do these things because it is without the transformation of Jesus Christ. This knowledge should shape our day. We should understand the purpose is not the task but the people included in that task. Our life is not what we accomplish but the people we impact.

The Christian life is not how much time we spend in the Bible, prayer, meditation, worship but instead how these activities change us to live our purpose. If these activities are producing nothing in us then we need to examine the condition of our heart and relationship with Jesus. What matters at the end of the day is how our faith is impacting the lives of the people Jesus gave us to love. We need to take our example from him and not just speak the words but put them into action.

Is the purpose of your life to serve yourself or to humbly love others through service to them? We need to spend some more time meditating on and then responding to the teaching and direction of Jesus. Stop watching the video and start living the life.

Thinking Outside The Box

Who decided what church has to look like? Who came up with the formula or business model? There are a few adventurous and unique individuals who come up with different approaches to church but then these began to be franchised as well. There is no doubt that there are certain elements of the Church that we have in common; worship, teaching, discipleship, service, evangelism. But the expression of these elements should not be shaped by a "box store" mentality and franchised around the world. The Church is a living organism that adapts to its environment.

There was no man with a greater revelation of the Church than Paul the apostle. It was through him that we understand as much as we do today and so we should see as much as possible what is revealed through him. Paul adapted his approach to the culture in which he found himself but in each culture he set up elders to give oversight to the Church in that city. There were no such things as cathedrals and church buildings, these were the invention of man in the years that followed. It was enough that people met where they could, often in each others homes, with attachment to each other and Jesus, not to a building. But meeting in homes wasn't a rule either, just a thing of convenience. In one city there would be many house meetings but still they identified themselves as the same Church.

Leadership was also seen much differently. It was understood that some people were set aside for specific callings, such as those who would spend all their days teaching and training. Scripture talks about how the Christians were to support  these individuals who set aside their secular work to be available to the Christian family to teach and train. This support came in various ways, from providing shelter to giving food and money. These servants of the Church set aside their own personal goals and ambitions to lay down their lives for their fellow Christians with no thought that they would have any more material means than what was needed. They did not have personal financial gain or compensation in mind:

Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. (Acts 28:30-31)

Not everyone could afford to do this and Scripture gives specific instruction about supporting the teachers and trainers in the Church but I think we need to re-examine our mentality toward finances, the work of the Church and those called to full time service. We are caught up in the "rights" of employees with pension plans, health benefits, car and housing allowances. Gone is the servant heart and in comes the employee mentality with pastors being the CEO of the church and the members being stockholders.

Do you know there are churches out there where pastors get a small amount of money from the church and the rest is raised in "tent making"? Do you know there are churches that meet in coffee shops and people's basements? Do you know there are pastors who take public transportation and ride bicycles? Is this because they haven't become "successful" in growing a "big box" church but their day is coming? No. It is because they are willing to do whatever it takes to spread the Good News about Jesus and to support Christians in their spiritual journey with no though to compensation or personal financial gain. Weird, eh?

There is something wrong with our "cookie cutter" mentality but I think there is a new season coming and all that is about to change. I think it is about to change because we are about to have a Jerusalem experience and the Spirit is about to scatter us in ways we could not at this moment imagine. May we remain strong in our faith and true to the Lord no matter the cost. May we experience a greater revelation of this beautiful living organism we call the Church. May we be willing to do whatever it takes to spread the news about Jesus. May we think outside the "box".

Defining Success

We are a foolish people. I can't think of a better word for us considering what we put ourselves through. We have this wonderful heavenly Father who loves us beyond our imagining. He is so much on our side that everything else pales in comparison to his love and support. He has told us that he has plans for us; plans to build us up, not destroy us. He wants us to succeed on our spiritual walk, and he has told us that he uses everything we go through to benefit us so that nothing is a waste.

Yet, we are determined to destroy ourselves with worry, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, depression. We insist on fighting our "own" battles. We rarely check with Father about anything and then, when we do end up in trouble, we insist on telling him how to help us, refusing to accept anything else. We walk around with these perceptions of life and when they don't match up with Father's will we get angry at him; as if we get to tell him what to do.

We need a better glimpse of Father's heart for us:

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)

What did Jesus say?

“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:13-14)

But don't miss this part. In fact, I suggest you underline it, commit it to memory, and remind yourself of it every day:

Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (Isaiah 55:2)

Jesus asked the simple question:

 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

As long as we try to live by the values, priorities and system of this world we will struggle with contentment and peace. When we accept that we belong to a different place, that Jesus is constantly present with us, and that Father is fully committed to our success, we will know peace and contentment.

Some of you are facing pressures at work, school and home to be great successes but the only success that matters for all eternity is your relationship with Jesus Christ. Make sure that you are living Father`s will and he will equip you to succeed at what he has called you to do. Insist on your own will and you will have to succeed in your own strength but it will come at a great cost. Jesus wants you to have life in great abundance. Learn to trust, obey and relax in him.

Don't Forget Who We Worship

I know Jesus is our friend and we are privileged to have such an intimate relationship with him, but at the same time we can't afford to lose our reverence for Yahweh. There are times I think we have gone too far in trying to portray Jesus as "user friendly", bosom pal and life long friend. There is almost an irreverence about his name and our relationship with him. Sure, we worship but sometimes even our attitude toward that is carefree, almost flaky, as if Yahweh will accept whatever we have to offer. We need to remember who it is we worship.

Have you noticed that every time someone encountered an angel in the Old Testament they had the same reaction? Consider Joshua when he encountered the angel before his battle at Jericho:

And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”

So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13-15)

Everyone always ends up on their face. It is a normal, natural, automatic reaction when encountering the glory of Yahweh. And when Joshua did not show enough reverence, forgetting to remove his sandals, he was instructed to do so. In our effort to modernize we seem to be losing this reverence in favour of the "Santa Claus" mentality.

How we approach our God depends on how you see yourself in the relationship and in life. Joshua knew he was appointed to his position by Yahweh. He know that he was the leader of Yahweh's people. He knew he was a man under orders. He knew that none of this was for his pleasure but for the glory of his God and the prosperity of the people. In short, Joshua understood he was a servant under the command of Yahweh. As such, it was natural for him to hold his reason for living in great reverence because of all he represented to Joshua.

We may think we see ourselves this way but take a good look at your life. Why do you do the things you do? Are you living for Jesus, with everything in your life coming from that motivation? Is everything you do directed by the Spirit for the glory of the Father? Is your purpose to bring him glory by serving other people? Or is Jesus more a part-time thing, something you fit in when you have time in your busy day? Are your goals your goals and are they about you?

It may seem like an oversimplified thing but from my experience, when Jesus is your reason for breathing there is a natural reverence in the relationship but when you are your reason for living there is a lack of reverence. I have had many conversations with Jesus during my life and I noticed something about them. Any conversation where I remained standing or sitting I tended to walk away and do what I wanted to do. Any conversation where I ended up on my face I walked away to do my Master's will. The difference was my attitude in approaching the conversation. Is Jesus truly everything to you? You should be able to tell by the reverence you give to him.

Seeing Past The Trees

It is easy to lose perspective. In fact, many of us live in a situation where we can't see the forest because of the trees. We are limited by the place where we are standing and often need to be lifted higher so we can put it all in perspective. It is not minimizing what you are facing. It is not allowing someone to say "my pain is greater than your pain". It is simply allowing yourself to see your situation in the context of the whole. We start doubting Jesus when we can't see past the "trees".

We need to always keep our life in context to who we love and serve. We are followers of the miracle maker; the one who walked on water; who spoke to the storms to quiet them; who fed thousands with a simple lunch; who brought sight to the blind, who raised the dead; who cured leprosy; who spoke life where there was only death. This is the context of our life: "It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me".

We are not the first to face overwhelming circumstances, and we probably won't be the last. Moses was a man who faced a lot of problems. I don't think we can truly appreciate the "trees" of Moses' life. He was the leader of millions of people in the desert. How do you feed millions of people in the desert? Where do you find enough water? Just the shear size of the logistics of these things would be enough to cripple the minds of most leaders today. Can we blame him for questioning Yahweh's promise to provide meat for this complaining nation?

Yet, Moses was failing to keep his problems in the context of the whole. He wasn't dealing with a food wholesaler here. He was talking to Yahweh, the one who conquered Egypt to rescue his people. This is the one who parted the waters so they could escape Egypt's army. This is the one who had led, protected and provided for them up to this point. Yahweh's simple respond was meant to help Moses keep it in perspective:

“Has the Lord’s arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.” (Numbers 11:23)

Yahweh is saying, "Did I change Moses?" "Did I lose my strength?" "Has something happened to prevent me from providing like I have provided all the other times?"

I don't know what you are facing or what you have faced but I know the one who is available to get you past it. I know the one who provides, protects and leads. I know the one who strengthens, encourages and lifts up. I know the one who walks through all our misery with us to get us past it. I know his power, his love, his compassion and grace. I know he loves you and has plans for you. I know he is with you now.

Stop trying to rescue yourself. Stop trying to make sense of it all. Run to Jesus. Cry out to him. He will help you put it all in perspective. He will lift you up over the trees so you can see the forest. He will remind you that he has already accomplished everything for you so you have nothing to fear. Trust him. Let him lead, even if there are a few valleys with shadows. He is taking you to better places. Trust.

Thriving Not Surviving Life

Life is life. Good things happen in life as do bad things. Some days will be fantastic, ones you want to live over again. Other days will be horrible, ones you wish you had never gotten out of bed. You will go through seasons of great blessings, when everything you touch seems to blossom. You will also go through seasons of great dryness, when you seem to be surrounded by nothing but desert. These are the tides of life, the seasons, the changes. The question is always about perspective and approach

For Christians the perspective should be an easy thing; Yahweh is sovereign. We have purpose in this life, left here, not to serve ourselves and our self interest, but to serve our King. We serve him in whatever season of life we are experiencing because it is not about us or the season; it is always about obedience and service to our King. He strengthens and equips us in every season so that we can serve those who are being destroyed in their experience of life. That is what we must settle in our hearts, that Jesus is present to lend us the strength to go the distance in our service to him. I really appreciate this passage from Isaiah that reminds us who we serve:

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28)

Constantly reminding ourselves of the greatness of our Lord also helps us in our approach to life. If our perspective is that we are here to serve the King and he will keep us in all situations then our approach to this life should be one of great boldness and bravery in the Spirit. We should be those who fearlessly throw ourselves into any situation, never being afraid for our own well being but filled with love and concern for those perishing in the storms. We can do this because we have confidence in him who sent us and abides in us:

He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength. (v. 29)

That`s us at times, having exhausted our strength on the battlefield, in the storms, under weighty circumstance, doing good, we just want to lie down. But the Spirit renews us, increases us, fills us with great strength, so we can press on in our service. We all grow tired from time to time because we forget to operate in Jesus`strength not our own; we all look at the storms on occasion and lose heart, we all get overwhelmed at the thought of things, but that is the beauty of our Lord; he never leaves us there:

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (vv. 30-31)

Too often we read this from a selfish perspective, as if the Lord is renewing our strength so we can enjoy the pleasures of this world. He renews us so we can run and walk in our continued service to the King. He renews his love in us so that we can set ourselves aside and love without obstacles, without prejudice, so we can pour out our lives for others like a drink offering. His strength is like a river flowing through us, not to be dammed up and kept selfishly but to flow through us into the lives of others.

This is true for all the blessings, such as love, that they would flow through us into others. We need to see ourselves as conduits. We are not the stars, Jesus is. We are not the source of hope, Jesus is. We are not the source of healing, strength, wisdom, salvation, Jesus is. But he has chosen us to participate in the process of rescuing others. He does not want us bogged down in life, distracted or lost. He renews us every day throughout the day so we will be constantly refreshed and strengthened in all the seasons of life. So abide in him and you will discover your wings. Trust him and love with great abandon.

Seeing Mondays Differently

It's Monday morning and the whole week lies before you. What makes this day, this week, any different than any other? Or are you stuck in a cycle of repeating dull and useless Mondays? That is what it feels like without direction, dreams, vision and hope. Without these things from the Lord we are only existing, scraping through, maintaining. It makes for a very dull life. We eat. We sleep. We die. But we have been made for so much more.

Peace and joy cannot be bought. It doesn't matter how many toys you have, what kind of vacations you take, how many friends are listed on your FaceBook. Such things are ever changing and can never be depended upon for happiness. We can have three cars in the driveway, a healthy portfolio, the best job in the world and Mondays can still feel dull, boring, empty. These things are all temporary and have no eternal impact on us at all, unless they are part of the visions, dreams, and direction the Lord has given to us.

Think of the worse possible thing that could happen to you. Could you praise the Lord in that situation? If you were left with nothing, reduced to great poverty and even your health was taken from you, could you still praise him? Would he be your only desire? The purpose of our life is not work. The purpose of our life is not play. It is not accomplishment. It is not about feeling good. It isn't even about knowledge. The purpose of our life is relationship and relationship happens regardless of situations and circumstances.

You aren't only married if you are well off. You have promised to love in all situations in life because you are companions from beginning to end. However, you have a relationship that is far greater than marriage, although there are similarities. It is a covenant relationship where you have promised to love with all your heart, soul, mind, body and strength. Our relationship with Jesus is higher, deeper and wider than any marriage and this relationship exists in all situations and circumstances of our life. He is our one desire as Job expressed after everything was stripped from him:

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27)

This is our reality on this Monday morning. He is our living hope who adds colour to everything we do. My "doing" does not bring me joy but my being in him causes joy to overflow in me to everyone around me. The type of job I have, if even I have one, does not sustain me but my relationship with Jesus provides me with everything I need to have an abundant life.

I don't expect people without the Spirit to understand our shared hope but I expect you to know and to treat this day with great respect because it is the day the Lord has given to us. It is a day with him. It is a day of celebration. It is a day of expressed hope. It is a day of joy, trust, love because he is with us in it. He is the giver of all things, including dreams, visions and direction. All these things are focused on him, for his purpose and walking in it gives us tremendous joy. On this Monday morning we know that our Redeemer lives and we know it with an assurance that surpasses Job's.

So sing, dance, shout and praise him with all you have within you. Let the world know that we see Mondays differently, that we see every day differently. He has given us the air to breathe but more than that, he has given us himself that we would know the greatest joy, of seeing him and knowing him today.

Is It Sacrifice Or Privilege?

Too often we Christians can be accused of allowing our society to influence our perspective. It's hard not too considering how much of our mind and heart we lend to the world. With the music, the tv shows, the movies, books and other things that are produced by unspiritual minds, our spiritual senses are dulled and destroyed. Our sensitivity to the Spirit is lost and we become spiritual zombies; still walking but dead inside. We are getting to the point where there is little difference between those who go to church and those who don't, except for the church going thing.

Perhaps this is why attitudes toward sacrifice are either poor or religious in nature. The fact that we would even consider anything God asks of us as a sacrifice speaks to our spiritual condition. It should not be a sacrifice to be generous, kind, gentle, loving, but often it is for us. It becomes an extraordinary thing we do instead of a natural part of our day. So if we have trouble with the small sacrifices in our daily walk, what happens to us when we are called upon during extraordinary times? Do we rise to the occasion or disappear within our self-centered perspective?

Where are the heroes of the literature of old? Where is a Frodo Baggins, who rose above his lot in life, leaving behind his self-centered society to lay down his life for the benefit of everyone? Forget about literature, what about people like apostle Peter, Paul, John? Where are the Stephens; those who set aside their own interest for the benefit of the whole? What about Mary? Yes, what about the woman who was asked by God to give up everything she considered ordinary and important so that Jesus, the Son of God, could enter into our history and complete his mission.

Was this a sacrifice that God asked of Mary? Of course it was. Most of us know what was at risk for her. What if her fiancee rejected her? What about when society found out and people wanted to apply the law? What about the reputation of her family? It was a huge sacrifice to ask of someone so young, but to those who love and trust our God, we know this to be a privilege not a sacrifice. This is what we find in Mary who obviously loved the LORD God with all her being. Her's was not a song of complaint or regret but one of joy and thanksgiving:

Mary said,

        “With all my heart I glorify the Lord!

              In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. 

           He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. 

             Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored

                   because the mighty one has done great things for me.

         Holy is his name." (Luke 1:46-49)

We say that the Spirit Of Christmas is about giving instead of receiving, but the only sacrifice that is worth anything is what we "give unto the Lord". God has not told us to become humanistic in our attitude. He has told us to love as we have been loved; to forgive as we have been forgiven. Generosity in everything is a sure sign of someone who has given themselves fully to the Lord.

Jesus told us to not just love those who love us but to love those who hate us. The only way this is possible is when we understand that we love our God with our entire being and because of such we are loving him when we love everyone; we are giving to him when we give to others; we are serving and sacrificing to him when we serve and sacrifice for others. When we are doing these things because of God's love for us and ours for him, it is done with a genuine joy and attitude that shows we consider it a privilege.

Use this Christmas season as an opportunity to evaluate where to stand in your relationship with Jesus. What is your attitude? How self-absorbed are you? Who is shaping your perspective? Are you a Christian zombie? Or are you totally sold out to Jesus? Is it sacrifice or privilege?

It Is Suppose To Be Way Different Than This

It only makes sense, doesn't it?

Always trust God.

And we think we do.

But we don't.

We trust him with certain things which makes us feel like we are trusting him with everything because we seldom actually examine ourselves. We seldom ask ourselves the hard questions and when we do we are always able to justify ourselves. "Well, God gave us intelligence to think for ourselves." But that's not what the Lord said through Solomon:

With all your heart
you must trust the Lord
    and not your own judgment. (Proverbs 3:5)

Do not trust your own judgment. The reason is because God's ways are not our ways and God's thoughts are so much higher than our own. Our mind, our perspective, even our system of thinking has been crafted by the sinful nature of man. It is not natural for us to know God's ways. It is not normal for us to know his mind. However, through Jesus he has made it possible for us to know his mind, to know his ways, to know what we are to do, but it requires us to be centered on him, to be alive in Jesus, to be one with Jesus.

This is important because we think we are living according to God's will when we are actually following our own. We think we are being directed by him but we are being directed by the "common sense" (common sin) of this world. If we would really open ourselves to God's direction it would blow our mind. But we restrain ourselves by the knowledge of this world instead of living life in abundance through the promises of God. Even though God directs us, we walk according to the wisdom of this world. Instead of believing all things are possible through him who gives us strength, we walk away from God's anointing because the wisdom of the world says it is impossible.

I don't know; are we all reading the same Bible?  Can't we read the testimony of those who walked before us? Can we state that we trust in the same way they did? I mean with your family, finances, job, health, education, friends, love? Who is going to plan the size of your family? The wisdom of this world or God? Who is going to decide the work of your hands? The wisdom of this world or God? Who is going to provide for you and your family? The wisdom of this world or God? If God is not directing in these simple things then you will also not allow him to direct your place in the Body of Christ, in ministry. Trust is trust. It is not a partial thing but the whole. And when we trust, God will direct:

Always let him lead you,
    and he will clear the road
    for you to follow. (v. 6)

Always let him lead you. That is a direct and honest question to ask yourself today: Who is leading me? Can you, with confidence, declare that you are not directing your own path but have laid down all your will and are walking in the Father's? Most of us can't because we have not been trained. We have had no one come along side us and question us on this. We have had no one challenge us in our perspective and decisions because most of us think our wisdom is the Lord's:

Don’t ever think that you
    are wise enough,
    but respect the Lord
    and stay away from evil. (v. 7)

Respect means obedience. Not when we feel like it but because love compels to lay it all down before our King. We need to become radical in our desire for the Father's will. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to break down our old way of understanding and allow our minds to be renewed:

Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. (Romans 12:2) 

Is that plain enough for us? Something tells me it isn't or we wouldn't be talking about it right now. Don't be like the people of this world. Think on that for a moment. Are we really any different? It is when we realize that we aren't any different, other than the music we listen to, the church we attend, and sometimes our vocabulary (but sometimes even this sounds like the world), that we can start being honest with ourselves and God. "Oh God, forgive us for our facade. Open our eyes and show us how we have been wrong." Then maybe we will invite him to change the way we think.

I don't know about you but I am tired of the facade. I want to see as God sees and I want to see what he wants me to see. I want to stop being governed by the rules of this world and start submitting myself to God's promises and principles. I want to stop listening to those who tell me something is impossible when God has told me that through Jesus all things are possible. Too often I have been back and forth in my thinking, but no more. It's the Kingdom of God or it's nothing. It's God's way or no way. Change the way I think Lord and give me eyes to see your design and a willing spirit to accept it.

I trust you.

The Pebble Effect

How do you see yourself in this world? It's a good question. How you handle life depends a lot on how you see your relationship with the world and with others. If we really see ourselves as "passing through" then we wouldn't get so emotionally invested in things that have no eternal impact. As much as I enjoy my Montreal Canadiens winning, I am not about to get emotionally tangled in something that does not matter for eternity. In other words, I am not about to feel low because my team lost.

You may think that sounds silly but many of us allow unimportant things to impact our day in negative ways. We get upset because we heard that someone we hardly know doesn't like us. We get upset because someone dented our car or because one of our kids broke a plate from our good China set. We get really bummed out because we flunked our calculus test and now our grade point average will drop, affecting which university we can approach. It sounds disastrous in the moment but when we are standing in eternity we won't even give it a thought.

So what is important? Relationships. Relationships and our role in them. Some would say that we have a responsibility to win people to Jesus. Do you know the Bible doesn't tell us that? Do you know that Jesus never told us to do that? Salvation belongs to God and conviction is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to share the Good News and to make disciples. You see, our role is that of teachers. We are to teach others what we have been taught.

This was one of the many things that Apostle Paul reminded Timothy to do:

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

You see, you have the responsibility to teach others what you have received and they in turn have the responsibility to teach what they have received. We aren't simply "passing through". As we pass through we have to leave an impact for Jesus. People should be able to look back on our path and see the countless relationships we have impacted with Jesus. They should see changed lives that go beyond the people we touched but include the people who were touched by those we touched and so on. Our life should have the pebble effect on the still pond.

Is this what you see in your life? Is this the lasting, eternal effect you are having in this world, or that Jesus is having through you? Are you reaching out into the lives of every person you are in relationship with, in an effort to teach them about Jesus? How many people will you meet in eternity who are there because you took the time to teach one person about Jesus?  Let's gain a proper perspective of our time on this earth.

Infecting People With A Desire For Jesus

The "American Dream" is to better the situation you find yourself in, to become successful in the world's eye. It is about going from rages to riches. Do you know that the "American Dream" has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God? Do you know that God measures success in a much different manner? Do you know God's expectation is that we will shine for him no matter our circumstances and lot in life?

I'm not saying doors of opportunity do not open  or when they do not to walk through them. If God is opening doors, he wants you to walk through, and he has reasons for it. Seldom are those reasons for us to line our own pockets but instead to advance the cause of the Kingdom. However, we are not to allow the lack of opportunities to depress our joy in the Lord for one minute. No circumstance should ever be able to dull the Lord's glory in us. Success is not measured in possessions or wealthy but instead by our obedience to our God.

Consider for a moment the attitude toward slavery. Slavery is a terrible injustice where one human being considers another to be a possession. Terrible circumstances that fly in the face of everything Jesus taught. But Apostle Paul did not run around trying to free slaves. His purpose was far more important than trying to improve people's condition in this world. He wanted everyone to possess a Kingdom perspective so the Spirit could have freedom to work through them, to infect everyone around them. Paul considered it far more important that everyone would be ambassadors for Jesus not matter their station in life:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. (Colossians 3:22)

Imagine being a slave, not having a choice in anything, not able to go for a walk when you felt like it or be able to take a vacation. Imagine being treated like a possession, worth no more than the amount of money with which you were purchased. Now imagine knowing Jesus, being possessed by him and being told to shine for him in your attitude and work ethic for the one who saw you as nothing more than an animal.

Some of us feel that because we have a terrible boss or because we are in a terrible job we can slack off or speak against our boss. We think, because of our situation or circumstances, we have a right to complain or mouth off about everything. But when you are possessed by Jesus and compelled by his love you realize it isn't about your job, your position or your boss; it is about the values of the Kingdom. It is also about making the most of every opportunity God gives us to shine for the glory of Jesus.

Our old way of thinking, the old values, the old system is gone; we died to those things when we were transformed into a new creation. Now we have a new perspective, new values and we no longer chase after the things the world does. Knowing that our Heavenly Father is looking our for our needs, we concentration on the things of the Kingdom; not in some areas of our life but in every area. We make sure that our attitude reflects the glory of Jesus and we desire to shine with brilliance as we represent the King. Is there anything attractive about you that screams Jesus and cause people to enjoy being with you? That is our daily goal, to infect people with a desire for Jesus, no matter our lot in life.

Misplaced Admiration

There is no denying that the Christian perspective is different. To have the mind of Christ and be controlled by the Spirit results in us seeing things differently from how we once saw them. At one time we placed value on people according to what they could do for us. It's a harsh reality but true. Maybe we didn't even realize it but we would always spend time with the people from whom we got the most. As Christians we spend time with the people to whom we give the most. Jesus has turned us from takers into givers; from haters into lovers.

The people for whom we have the most admiration are no longer those who contribute the most to our lives but those in who we see Jesus. We admire the givers, the lovers; they become our heroes even though they may not impact us directly:

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints. (Colossians 1:3-4)

This world will dull our spiritual senses if we allow it to, turning us back into the self-centered thinking we were raised in. But we are inspired when we see those who live like Jesus, always giving, never taking, but always open to receiving. We look and wish we could be like them, not always realizing we were designed to be this way. All of us were saved and given the opportunity to gain the character of Jesus.

It isn't that we wake up one day and decide that we are going to be like Jesus. It is a surrendering and a rejecting of what we know does not belong to that character. We give permission to the Spirit to control and teach us. It is a submission to the will of God, the character of Jesus. We can't change anything about ourselves but the Spirit can and does.

We know that our relationship is right with Jesus when we see our priorities and perspective changing. When we see people becoming more important to us and when we start spending time with people who we can contribute to instead of those from whom we can take, we know that Jesus is the major influence in our lives. That is the important thing to allow to happen; everything else has to become less and Jesus has to become more.

There are many things in this world that will look for your adoration and precious little deserves to have it. Sometimes we can think that it is well with our soul when actually darkness has crept in. Look to those things you admire, the things that make you laugh, the things that occupy your heart, mind and time, and much will be revealed to you concerning your relationship with Jesus. Surrender control of your heart and mind to the Spirit and things will change:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) 

What Should I Pray For You?

I am not sure that we remember the purpose of prayer any more. We have become far too carnal in our thinking. Even when we pray for other people it is often carnal in nature, praying for creature comforts. There is nothing wrong in reminding God what needs people have; Jesus did tell us we could ask for anything. However, if we are who we are suppose to be in Jesus then we have that same heart and desire: To see the salvation of souls.

When Paul asked the Colossians to pray for him he did not give them a list of things he needed. He didn't mention any health issues, financial concerns or even any relationship problems. I believe Paul knew and trusted that our Father had all those things well in hand. But look at what he did ask them to pray for:

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Colossians 4:3-4)

I don't think there is a minister out there who doesn't understand the importance of the Spirit's leadership in what they do. Any minister who has failed will tell you they started down that road when they left God out of things and started making decisions for themselves. It is a house of cards we are building when we base things on our thinking and opinions instead of on the direction of the Holy Spirit.

What amazes me is that this is the first time Paul has mentioned he is in jail. He didn't ask for his freedom or that he would be better treated. All he wanted was that God would open a door, provide an opportunity, so that he could proclaim the plan of God's salvation for man. And he asked for that divine anointing of the Spirit, allowing him to make the message clear.

How many pastors, evangelists, teachers, apostles and prophets today need those same prayers? What ministers are you praying for and what are your prayers? Are you praying protection for them as well as their financial needs to be met? Then stop it.

First of all, make a list of people you know who are involved in ministry. It's not just your pastor. It could be Mrs. Brown who visits the hospital twice a week. It could be Miss Smith who visits several nursing homes. It could be Joe who hands out sandwiches Downtown. It could be Betty who invites her neighbours over once a week to talk about Jesus. It doesn't matter who they are, if they are involved in ministry write them down on your list.

Now, covenant to pray for them daily, but pray for them as if you are partnered with them. Pray for the anointing of the Spirit on them so they would realize the power and authority of Jesus in their ministry. Pray that they will have the opportunity to present Jesus to those whom they minister. Pray that the Spirit will anoint them to present God's plan with clarity so that those who are listening will understand enough to receive the conviction of the Spirit of God. Do this for a month, every day and listen for the testimony of what God is doing in these ministries.

We have a duty to pray but understand the purpose of our prayers. We are releasing the power of God through the Holy Spirit, in the ministry and lives of people. It is not:

"God, bless Miss Smith as she visits people today. Bless her and make her a blessing."

It is:

"Lord, may your anointing flow through Miss Smith today, that as she speaks people will hear your voice. May the conviction of the Spirit fall upon those people. Open their eyes and ears that they will see and hear the truth and light even in the dark pit in which they live. Give Miss Smith the opportunity, open the door for her with each person she engages with. Give her the confidence that those are your words that fill her mouth and let the message be plain and simple that people will be able to understand and receive. Allow your power to flow in and through her today!"

Power will not flow without prayer. We need to be praying. We need to be backing up ministers. We need to be partnering with them and letting them know what we are praying for them. We who are in ministry must also change the focus of our prayers and prayer requests, that we will seek the things of the Kingdom and leave our carnal needs to the Father as Jesus said.

May we see the power of the Holy Spirit return to the entire Church today. Pray!

We Need Jesus

We need a real shaking up!

When I say "we" I mean everyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ and as such a member of the Body of Christ.

We need this shaking up because the world has so successfully seduced us that we aren't even aware of it. We are so entrenched in the patterns of this world that we can't bring ourselves to imagine the pattern, system, perspective and direction of Jesus Christ. Everything is from a "me" perspective and rarely a "them" or even an "us".

It's about what I think, how I feel, what I am experiencing, how it affects me, what it will cost me. The supposed American Dream is about my freedom, my wealth, my prosperity, my rights. That is so much part of our psyche, how could we possible understand Jesus when he tells us that everything is about God and others?

And because we can't understand this very simple fundamental truth of life in this place, we try to do what we can with what we have. We make rules, formulas, and methodology the focus and as long as we stick to these we are fine. We are aghast at how people in the Bible could fall for idols and yet we worship a dozen idols every day. Just ask yourself what stuff comes ahead of Jesus and others in your life? What can't you live without? What would fill you with fear if it was suddenly taken away?

Apostle Paul asked a very good question as he wrote to the Colossians concerning the authority of Jesus. He asked:

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? (Colossians 2:20-21)

I think that's the problem: Most of us haven't died with Christ. We haven't died to the basic principles of this world. We still allow it to have authority over us. We still follow its pattern of thinking. We still define things by what we see, hear, taste and touch. We may hold to some vague understanding of the theory of Jesus but the theory is seldom applied.

We talk about faith but we still allow fear to paralyse us. We allow worry to disturb us. We allow the opinions of others to shape us. We still panic and do our own thing to save our own skin. We still measure right and wrong by the standards of our society. We still treat God like the Genie in the Bottle, bringing him out only for emergencies, or believing only when we can't figure out stuff on our own. Instead of being our first thought he becomes our last resort.

We figure as long as we are following the Ten Commandments or are giving it our best effort we are okay but we aren't. We aren't okay. We are far from okay. Unless an encounter with Jesus Christ makes a radical change in everything we know we are nowhere near being okay. The world and everything in it cannot remain the same to us after being possessed by the Holy Spirit. It is impossible.

We go from being a citizen of this world, following the patterns and principles of this world, thinking, acting, living like everyone else. It is only natural being from this world. But after being possessed by the Spirit we cease to be citizens of this world and we become born of a different place, of the Kingdom of Jesus. Everything shifts. Different pattern, different rules, different purpose, different attitude, different perspective, different thinking, feeling, doing. We no longer submit to the rules of this place.

I don't know, are you getting this at all?

Without the Spirit we can't. We can't get it.

Without the Spirit we can't understand. Without the Spirit we remain dead to the ways of God. Without the Spirit there is no mind of Christ and we stick to what we are familiar with: the principles and pattern of this world.

We need a real shaking up!

We need the Father to touch the hearts of his children again. We need the Spirit, in his great power and passion, to provoke our hearts to seek the Face of God once more. In truth, we need Jesus.

To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain

I realize I have been harping on the same subject now for a number of days but it is an important subject. It is so important that when we start living its reality much of our perspective is changed. Eternity is real and we will be part of it. The resurrection is real, Jesus defeated death and the resurrection of those asleep in Christ is set. We will not be going into his glory as we are, we have to be changed. When we realize that what we are heading for, the things of this world start to become pretty dull and boring; our problems begin to look pretty small.. As we gain an eternal perspective our priorities in this place begin to change and they must because they are really messed up right now.

Let's start with the fact that what we are right now cannot inherit eternity. First our hearts must be completely reborn. We are not talking about a renovation job, I mean a complete refit. The old is cast aside and the new is installed. Jesus referred to it as a second birth. Then our minds must also be renewed. This can only happen with a new heart. So everything is being redeemed, brought into alignment with God. The slavery to sin is broken as our sin nature is overcome by the power and forgiveness of God. It is still around but it does not have the control over us as it once did. It no longer dictates to us. However, there is still a major stumbling block.

Our heart and mind are made new but they are still housed in this weak flesh that we have. It is why Jesus said that our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. It is why apostle Paul spoke of disciplining the body, keeping it in check, making it answerable to our spirit. The Scriptures teach that in submission to the spirit our bodies can be used to glorify Jesus Christ. Paul describes them as jars of clay:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Clay jars were cheap and disposable. When you look at how fragile our life is, how easily it is ended and how these bodies are discarded, and the fact we are made from the dust of the earth, clay jars is a fitting term. But they will not be coming with us into eternity. They serve a purpose now but just as our hearts and minds have been transformed so will be our bodies. They have to be:

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:53-54)

When Jesus was resurrected he appeared in his resurrected state to well over five hundred people. He entered locked rooms, ate with people, walked with them, spoke with them, they touched him yet he appeared different to them. Mary did not recognize him until he spoke her name. The two disciples on their way to Emmaus did not recognize him until he did something they were very familiar with. These clay jars of ours will be replaced by the imperishable and immortal.

Always keep in mind that Jesus came not only as the sacrifice for our sin but as the seed to what we will be. He showed us how to live a life in this body under the power of the Holy Spirit. What he did we can do too and what he was we are by the Holy Spirit. He was also the fore runner, the first born, the one who blazed the trail for us. He went ahead of us and destroyed the power of death. The cross meant forgiveness in this place but the empty grave means eternity with God. Jesus made it all possible. Although we serve here with all that we are, our focus, our longing needs to be eternity. If that is where our focus is we will do everything in this place that we can to bring God glory. Heaven is where we are to store our treasure and that is what makes life here tolerable. In all that you face and do today remember that Jesus has given us greater victory than we can presently grasp and also remember this scripture to keep it all in perspective:

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

When I Find Myself In Times Of Trouble ...

Perspective is everything in life. If we lose it we lose the ability to keep everything in its proper proportion and in its proper place. Our emotions can lead us to the heights and lows of life but a well grounded proper perspective  allows us to experience straight paths. There are some days or even seasons when we feel exactly like the psalmist who wrote:

Why have you rejected us forever, O God?    Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? (Psalm 74:1)

There are so many things that can go wrong in a day, so many disasters that can come upon us. Many will automatically turn and say "Where is your God now?" We may even find ourselves asking that question, "Where are you God?" "Why are you allowing this?" "Have I done something to offend you?"

Our perspective is all messed up. We forget where we are and what battles we face. We think we are in the Garden of Eden and are surprised when bad things happen or when we come across evil. We forget that Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this world. It is only natural because it is a troubled world, a fallen world, a world in rebellion against God. He said that we would have trouble but that we are not to let our hearts be troubled by it because he has overcome the world.

That's the point right there; when trouble comes upon us we are not to be troubled by it but instead to trust the one who is over all things. This psalmist understood as he recorded God's message to us:

When the earth and all its people quake,    it is I who hold its pillars firm. (Psalm 75:3)

There is an important point here in the perspective we are to maintain. The earth may shake but it is God who prevents it from overcoming us. He is the one who holds the pillars, who tells the earth how far it can go and no further. He was the one who drew the line for Satan not to cross in his dealings with Job. He is the one who protects us from the worse parts of the storm and tells us to stand firm. However terrible you may think your day is you can be thankful that God has placed limits on it so that you will not be overwhelmed.

God is not raising wimps but warriors. He called the cowardly Gideon a "mighty warrior" and then led him into that reality. Jesus did not die for you so that you would be defeated by the storms of your life. While our Father puts limits on those storms Jesus is providing you with the strength to stand up in it. The Father is training you for eternity and we can praise him that he loves us this much. Hear his words: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." An incredible command and promise.

So have a little perspective in these matters and remain strong, not blaming God but realizing he is putting limits on these things because he loves you. Be encouraged as the "earth shakes" realizing that it is God who is holding the pillars firm. May God be glorified in and through our lives.

Pity The Lost, Do Not Fear Them

Perspective is everything in life and I love it when the Spirit changes mine so that I am able to see more clearly God`s perspective. This morning the Lord added to my understanding a better insight into those without Christ. Often we are confused about our relationship with them, not understanding the fear we sometimes have or why it is that the Word tells us not to be unequally yoked with them. But there is a reason we should not fear and there is a reason we should not be unequally yoked.

First of all we need to understand that they do what they do out of instinct not out of will. We should know this considering we all came from there; it was our former life. Without Jesus we have no power over sin and in fact we are a slave to it. We can't help ourselves. It is only because of Jesus that we have been brought into this great light of understanding and have been released from the slavery of sin, empowered to overcome it. But those who are still slaves to it have no insight, no understanding and cannot see the reality of our loving Father. The cannot understand the Bible or their own condition without the conviction of the Spirit. The psalmist put it this way:

I have a message from God in my heart 
   concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: 
There is no fear of God    before their eyes. (Psalm 36:1)

They have no fear of God. They scoff at us for the warning of the coming judgement. They do not correct their way because they see no reason to repent:

In their own eyes they flatter themselves    too much to detect or hate their sin. (Psalm 36:2)

They are blind to their own sin and without knowing Jesus they are unable to hate it. They are to be pitied and I think we forget this. They are not to be feared with all their angry words and hatred; with their words of doubt and destruction; with all their mockery and belittling. They are like a drowning man lashing out, ready to take down anyone who comes to his rescue. We must understand that it is not a simple matter of correcting their behaviour because it is their heart that is sinful and the great producer of their behaviour:

The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; 
   they fail to act wisely or do good. 
Even on their beds they plot evil; 
   they commit themselves to a sinful course    and do not reject what is wrong. (Psalm 36:3-4)

Someone might say that they know people who are kinder and better behaved than most of the Christians they know. That is a shame that they do not know more mature Christians but the fact remains that no matter how hard a person tried to be good, without Jesus they are still slaves to their sinful nature which pollutes their best intentions. Simply put, they "do not reject what is wrong".

Now this is the reason we are here, our mission in this place. We are worshipers of God 24 hours a day 7 days a week, we understand that, but we have a specific purpose in being here. It is not to serve ourselves or to try to get things out of God to make our life comfortable or to be separated from this world by being hedged in. God promised to take care of us but we have to seek the things of the Kingdom. What are the things of the Kingdom? The object of God's affection which is every single living, breathing human being. The Word says that his will is that everyone would be saved.

This is why God's word often came to his servants "Do not fear", or "Do not be afraid". God is with us. He is in us and we are in him and our task is to introduced the light to the darkness. The darkness does not want the light because it doesn't know any better but once they see it everything changes. I realize that in school we were/are afraid of the bully and we may even come to hate him, but Jesus said that as his followers we cannot hate. He told us to love our enemy because he was sending us to that enemy with the greatest story every told. It may mean we get `beat up` a bit as we share that love but we can pray just like Jesus and Stephen `Forgive them Father because they don`t know what they are doing`. It is our purpose to go regardless the cost. We have to totally abandon ourselves, laying down our lives, trusting God and go to a people who cannot help themselves.

I think part of the problem is that we have too much of the world in our vision to remember the glory of the one we serve:

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, 
   your faithfulness to the skies. 
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, 
   your justice like the great deep.    You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. (Psalm 36:5-6)

His love and faithfulness should be constantly on our heart and shaping our mind. They should govern our actions and our words. They should be our shield as we throw ourselves into the darkest dungeon to bring light to those who dwell there. It could be our classroom, our work place, the streets, in the bars, on the Internet. Wherever we find ourselves is the place that Jesus gave us to represent him because the blind have been given the ability to receive sight. They all need to be rescued; they all need to seek refuge; they all need to be saved:

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! 
   People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 
They feast on the abundance of your house; 
   you give them drink from your river of delights. 
For with you is the fountain of life;    in your light we see light. (Psalm 36:7-9) 

We can`t be afraid of them, or date them, or even marry them because we have been sent to help rescue them. How can light have anything to do with darkness except to pity them and do everything we can to see them saved? They cannot love us as we understand love. They cannot see what we see because they are blind. They cannot understand our power, authority, motivation or hope. We certainly have nothing to fear from them and it is Jesus` love that should compel us to do something to bring the light to them. This is our purpose, the reason we are here, the reason we were not whisked away, the duty Jesus told us we need to be found faithful doing on his return. So how`s that going for you?