In Ephesians, chapter 2, it says
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us … made us alive together with Christ… so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
I love scriptures that reveal the purposes of God's heart. To the extent that my little pea-brain can handle it, I want to understand why God does what He does. Some would read that sentence and just say, "Duh. God is love, and therefore everything He does is motivated by love." I get that. Its a pretty simple idea. I just love those places in His word where He elaborates a little on the concept. And this is one of my favorites.
The second chapter of Ephesians is about as "loaded" with theological truth as any chapter in the Bible. If they were going to take away my Bible, and I could keep one chapter, this would be one of the finalists in my list of choices. And verse 7 is probably my favorite in the chapter. What it says to me is one of the most overwhelming statements of God's love in the entirety of scripture.
The first part of the chapter is pretty straightforward about the mess we were in. We were dead. Spiritually dead. Cut off from God. Then Paul talks about God's great mercy, grace, and love in saving us. Awesome. But then he takes it a step further, and tells us why God did it. The first time I read that part of the passage and received just a tiny bit of understanding of it, I was stopped cold. I just had to sit there and let it sink in. And it stunned me again today.
Why did God save us? Why did Jesus leave the beauty and glory of heaven to take on flesh and blood? Why did he live a simple life amongst a poor people under the domination of a powerful human empire? He did it specifically for the purpose of suffering His gruesome death on the cross, but why? Paul tells us in verse 7.
… so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Just stop and think about that phrase for a minute. He paid that massive price so that He might bring us back to a position where he could bless us. When we were "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, ... live(ing) in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind..." we were not in a place where He could freely share His love with us in the way He wants to. We had turned our backs on Him, living in rebellion against His wise and loving ways, and all He wanted to do was bless us. In the coming ages He wants to shower us with the riches of His grace. He wants to share with us all the infinite kindness in His heart. He has gone to unbelievable lengths to reconcile us back to Himself, just so He could pour out His love in our lives.
That's an amazing love. Absolutely amazing.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
His desire
Song of Solomon, chapter 7, verse 10...
I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.
For whoever might stumble across my humble words, I urge you to take some time, find a quiet place, and ask the Lord to give you a glimpse of the reality of this passage. Think about it and maybe pray it in the first person.
"I am my beloved's..." I am His. I belong to Him. I am loved beyond understanding. The Creator of the Universe has called me His own.
In another place in the Song, the Bride says, "I am my beloved's and He is mine." Its like a couple who stand and look at each other, and hear the preacher speak those words, "I now pronounce you man and wife." They have given themselves to one another. Its what we were created for.
He is hers. She is his.
We are His.
"...and His desire is for me." This is where speechlessness starts to set in. His desires, the longing affections of the heart of God, are for me... and you.
I am in awe.
He is good.
He is so very, very good.
I want to take this and just soak in it. I want to pray it every day, believing for just a little more depth of understanding each time. I want the truth of it to captivate my heart in a way that will set me free to give my self to Him fully and completely, as He deserves. I want to give Him the kind of love and devotion of which He is worthy.
Open our eyes, Lord. Show us the height and depth and breadth and length of your great love. Let that love be poured out in our hearts to be given back to you, and to all of those around us.
I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.
For whoever might stumble across my humble words, I urge you to take some time, find a quiet place, and ask the Lord to give you a glimpse of the reality of this passage. Think about it and maybe pray it in the first person.
"I am my beloved's..." I am His. I belong to Him. I am loved beyond understanding. The Creator of the Universe has called me His own.
In another place in the Song, the Bride says, "I am my beloved's and He is mine." Its like a couple who stand and look at each other, and hear the preacher speak those words, "I now pronounce you man and wife." They have given themselves to one another. Its what we were created for.
He is hers. She is his.
We are His.
"...and His desire is for me." This is where speechlessness starts to set in. His desires, the longing affections of the heart of God, are for me... and you.
I am in awe.
He is good.
He is so very, very good.
I want to take this and just soak in it. I want to pray it every day, believing for just a little more depth of understanding each time. I want the truth of it to captivate my heart in a way that will set me free to give my self to Him fully and completely, as He deserves. I want to give Him the kind of love and devotion of which He is worthy.
Open our eyes, Lord. Show us the height and depth and breadth and length of your great love. Let that love be poured out in our hearts to be given back to you, and to all of those around us.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Called to victory
Okay... there is another blogger out there now that probably thinks I am a bit of a jerk. I stumbled across his site this evening, and one of his early statements pushed one of my theological buttons, so I wrote a rather lengthy reply in his comment section. He was sharing his thoughts about our struggle with sin, and he made this comment:
We don't just *commit* sins we *ARE* sinners.
Now, I realize that for the committed Calvinists out there, this is a no-brainer. Its a main point in that whole tulip thing. The problem is, like several other petals on that flower, it just doesn't jive with scripture. Here is what I wrote in his comment section.
I don't know, Robert. That's a popular refrain of the tulip people, but I think the scriptures say that when we are born again we become a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, all things are made new. Peter says we are given everything pertaining to life and godliness. Jesus, Paul, Peter... they all challenge us to a life of victory and loving obedience to the ways of God.
In his letter to Titus, Paul said,
"Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
and a little bit later he continues,
Tit 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
The true grace of God doesn't just change our position before God. It changes our hearts and empowers us to to walk in victory over sin. Sinless perfection? No. Consistent and growing victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil? Yes.
I apologize for seeming to be argumentative here in your blog. I just get weary of our calvinized American version of Christianity that seems more focused on our "total depravity" than His total victory. He came to set us free from our sin, not just the guilt of our sin. The Spirit of the living God lives inside us. We forget that Romans 7 is immediately followed by Romans 8. I don't want to get into a debate. I just encourage you to focus on His strength in you rather than your weakness in your flesh.
How do you see yourself? Are you a sinner who struggles to love God? Or are you a lover of God who struggles with sin? Those are hugely different perspectives. I believe that God wants us to walk in the latter. As I read back over your blog entry, I think you do walk in this. I just want to encourage you to let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with the knowledge of His desire and power to lead you into all that He has for you.
I haven't achieved this by any stretch of the imagination, but with Paul, "I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own... I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Obviously, from the title of your blog, you are reaching for the same.
Blessings.
I am sorry, but I get tired of hearing, "I'm just a sinner saved by grace," as an excuse for a carnal self-centered religion masquerading as the salvation Jesus shed his blood to provide. I am not accusing Robert of this, but its a common malady in the church. And its a deception, and an affront to God. He wants to give us victory, but He also tells us to crucify the flesh. I struggle with sin. I am more thankful every day for the grace and mercy of God. If not for His incredible, incomprehensible patience and love, I would be in a whole heap of trouble. But He has called me to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." Salvation is not a free pass out of hell. Its a restored relationship with the Creator and Lover of our souls. If we don't see that, we wont give Him the kind of love, and devotion, and worship of which He is worthy.
"This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God..." Jesus
We don't just *commit* sins we *ARE* sinners.
Now, I realize that for the committed Calvinists out there, this is a no-brainer. Its a main point in that whole tulip thing. The problem is, like several other petals on that flower, it just doesn't jive with scripture. Here is what I wrote in his comment section.
I don't know, Robert. That's a popular refrain of the tulip people, but I think the scriptures say that when we are born again we become a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, all things are made new. Peter says we are given everything pertaining to life and godliness. Jesus, Paul, Peter... they all challenge us to a life of victory and loving obedience to the ways of God.
In his letter to Titus, Paul said,
"Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
and a little bit later he continues,
Tit 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
The true grace of God doesn't just change our position before God. It changes our hearts and empowers us to to walk in victory over sin. Sinless perfection? No. Consistent and growing victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil? Yes.
I apologize for seeming to be argumentative here in your blog. I just get weary of our calvinized American version of Christianity that seems more focused on our "total depravity" than His total victory. He came to set us free from our sin, not just the guilt of our sin. The Spirit of the living God lives inside us. We forget that Romans 7 is immediately followed by Romans 8. I don't want to get into a debate. I just encourage you to focus on His strength in you rather than your weakness in your flesh.
How do you see yourself? Are you a sinner who struggles to love God? Or are you a lover of God who struggles with sin? Those are hugely different perspectives. I believe that God wants us to walk in the latter. As I read back over your blog entry, I think you do walk in this. I just want to encourage you to let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with the knowledge of His desire and power to lead you into all that He has for you.
I haven't achieved this by any stretch of the imagination, but with Paul, "I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own... I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Obviously, from the title of your blog, you are reaching for the same.
Blessings.
I am sorry, but I get tired of hearing, "I'm just a sinner saved by grace," as an excuse for a carnal self-centered religion masquerading as the salvation Jesus shed his blood to provide. I am not accusing Robert of this, but its a common malady in the church. And its a deception, and an affront to God. He wants to give us victory, but He also tells us to crucify the flesh. I struggle with sin. I am more thankful every day for the grace and mercy of God. If not for His incredible, incomprehensible patience and love, I would be in a whole heap of trouble. But He has called me to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." Salvation is not a free pass out of hell. Its a restored relationship with the Creator and Lover of our souls. If we don't see that, we wont give Him the kind of love, and devotion, and worship of which He is worthy.
"This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God..." Jesus
I want that. More than anything. To know Him... deeply, intimately. And I want everyone to know that this is what He desires for them to have. His Spirit, living inside of them. This is the good news we are commissioned to take to the ends of the earth. He offers us the gift of righteousness, but He calls us to humbly bow before Him in full surrender. Its the only way that He can have His good way fully in us.
This sort of writing aggravates a lot of folks. American christianity is committed to avoiding any feelings of discomfort or guilt at all costs. We go to great lengths to construct theological systems that make us feel good no matter how we are living. As long as we think we are "going to heaven", then evvvvverything is okay.
Religious lies are the most powerful tools of the kingdom of darkness.
I am going to stop... for now.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
About the Newt
I guess I have been "out of the loop" in the Christian news world. Apparently James Dobson's interview of Newt Gingrich is causing quite the stir. I was reading a friend's blog about it, and the comments that followed, and then threw in my two bits, which follow.
Newt is simply a broken man, and probably not much different than the rest of us. We have no idea if he even really knows the Lord. The real problem is the illegitimate marriage of the church and politics. Whether its James Dobson on the right, or Jim Wallis on the left, its a mistake. Politics is about earthly government and controlling people's behaviour. The kingdom is about changed hearts and living like the heroes of Hebrews 11.
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world."
Most of American Christianity wants all that this world has to offer, and heaven for dessert. Newt is not the problem. Our self-centered, carnal religious system posing as the faith of the Bible is our problem.
That was my comment. I am not against being politically aware, or even politically active as a Christian. Jesus calls people to be His body in every walk of life. I do have serious concerns, though, about the corporate church becoming a player in the political realm. Even a cursory survey of history will tell us that this usually turns out really bad. We will end up representing God as either Republican or Democrat, and I don't think He would run as either party's candidate.
"My kingdom is not of this world."
He really said that.
Newt is simply a broken man, and probably not much different than the rest of us. We have no idea if he even really knows the Lord. The real problem is the illegitimate marriage of the church and politics. Whether its James Dobson on the right, or Jim Wallis on the left, its a mistake. Politics is about earthly government and controlling people's behaviour. The kingdom is about changed hearts and living like the heroes of Hebrews 11.
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world."
Most of American Christianity wants all that this world has to offer, and heaven for dessert. Newt is not the problem. Our self-centered, carnal religious system posing as the faith of the Bible is our problem.
That was my comment. I am not against being politically aware, or even politically active as a Christian. Jesus calls people to be His body in every walk of life. I do have serious concerns, though, about the corporate church becoming a player in the political realm. Even a cursory survey of history will tell us that this usually turns out really bad. We will end up representing God as either Republican or Democrat, and I don't think He would run as either party's candidate.
"My kingdom is not of this world."
He really said that.
priorities
Luke 5:15-16 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
How many of us would do that. We are experiencing the power of God to heal the sick. People are coming from all over the place to be touched by that power. Good things are happening! The Kingdom is going forward! Then Jesus does the strangest thing. He leaves. He takes off into the wilderness to pray. Why? We aren't told specifically. We are told in a number of places that this was a regular habit with Him. And we see Him do it at critical times in His life. Jesus didn't just come to the earth with a plan and set out to execute it while His Father sat back on the throne with a bag of popcorn and watched the show. "Get 'em Jesus! Whip that devil!" This was a team effort, a joint labor of love. Jesus took on flesh and blood, the Holy Spirit empowered Him to demonstrate the supernatural love that brought him here, and the Father ruled with His divine wisdom from the throne. I am quite sure that Jesus knew how to "walk in the Spirit" while He went about teaching and doing the works of His kingdom. I am sure that He was mindful of the Father at all times. But He still took time on a regular basis to put everything else aside and go spend time alone with the other members of the Godhead. And He would do that right in the middle of really good things happening. I am not sure He "needed" to do that. I cant think of anywhere that it says He "needed" to get alone and pray. But He did it. Regularly. Consistently. Whether He needed it, or simply wanted it, or the Father would call Him to it, He did it. Time alone with the Father was a priority to Him. As His disciples, as His followers, I am thinking it should be a priority to us also. Prayer and meditation in His word; these need to be a regular part of our daily lives.
Pretty simple. Not particularly profound. Absolutely critical.
The question is, do I do it, or just talk about it? Americans in the 21st century may possibly be the busiest people that have ever lived on the planet. The demands on our time, the multitudes of options and choices we are faced with each day, it can be overwhelming. Good intentions about seeking God can be genuine and yet never experienced as the reality of life. He has wonderful truths and understanding of His ways that He wants to show us. He has a love beyond words that He wants to reveal to us and pour out into our hearts. The Creator of the universe wants to share the intimacy of friendship, and a father-child relationship with us. Do we give Him the opportunity? Or are we too busy chasing the American dream and all this world has to offer? When we look at how we spend our time and money, what does it reveal about the true desires of our hearts?
Jer 9:23 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
Jer 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Lord, give me a heart to seek your face.
How many of us would do that. We are experiencing the power of God to heal the sick. People are coming from all over the place to be touched by that power. Good things are happening! The Kingdom is going forward! Then Jesus does the strangest thing. He leaves. He takes off into the wilderness to pray. Why? We aren't told specifically. We are told in a number of places that this was a regular habit with Him. And we see Him do it at critical times in His life. Jesus didn't just come to the earth with a plan and set out to execute it while His Father sat back on the throne with a bag of popcorn and watched the show. "Get 'em Jesus! Whip that devil!" This was a team effort, a joint labor of love. Jesus took on flesh and blood, the Holy Spirit empowered Him to demonstrate the supernatural love that brought him here, and the Father ruled with His divine wisdom from the throne. I am quite sure that Jesus knew how to "walk in the Spirit" while He went about teaching and doing the works of His kingdom. I am sure that He was mindful of the Father at all times. But He still took time on a regular basis to put everything else aside and go spend time alone with the other members of the Godhead. And He would do that right in the middle of really good things happening. I am not sure He "needed" to do that. I cant think of anywhere that it says He "needed" to get alone and pray. But He did it. Regularly. Consistently. Whether He needed it, or simply wanted it, or the Father would call Him to it, He did it. Time alone with the Father was a priority to Him. As His disciples, as His followers, I am thinking it should be a priority to us also. Prayer and meditation in His word; these need to be a regular part of our daily lives.
Pretty simple. Not particularly profound. Absolutely critical.
The question is, do I do it, or just talk about it? Americans in the 21st century may possibly be the busiest people that have ever lived on the planet. The demands on our time, the multitudes of options and choices we are faced with each day, it can be overwhelming. Good intentions about seeking God can be genuine and yet never experienced as the reality of life. He has wonderful truths and understanding of His ways that He wants to show us. He has a love beyond words that He wants to reveal to us and pour out into our hearts. The Creator of the universe wants to share the intimacy of friendship, and a father-child relationship with us. Do we give Him the opportunity? Or are we too busy chasing the American dream and all this world has to offer? When we look at how we spend our time and money, what does it reveal about the true desires of our hearts?
Jer 9:23 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
Jer 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Lord, give me a heart to seek your face.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Words of wisdom
When you get ready to go into the dentist office, take a minute, go to a mirror, and check your nose.
I won't elaborate.
I won't elaborate.
Duh...
"Pot eases pain for HIV patients, study says"
I saw this title for an article on MSNBC, and I am thinking to myself, "You could take that title and insert almost ANY disease known to mankind and this would pretty much be true." Paranoid schizophrenia might be an exception.
I guess we have once again proved that the human race, on average, only uses about 25% of our brains.
And again... duh.
I saw this title for an article on MSNBC, and I am thinking to myself, "You could take that title and insert almost ANY disease known to mankind and this would pretty much be true." Paranoid schizophrenia might be an exception.
I guess we have once again proved that the human race, on average, only uses about 25% of our brains.
And again... duh.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Why is it...
Why is it that being "radical" for Jesus is so often seen as being cynical, sarcastic, and judgmental toward "the church"? There is no shortage of blogs out there that have this hateful, self-righteous attitude that just breaks my heart when I read it. More than likely these people have been hurt by "the church" or someone else significant in their life, and now they hide their pain by pointing out the failings of others.
"Look at me. I am so smart. And everyone else is sooooooooo screwed up!"
Its sad.
Don't get me wrong. I am one of the more "black and white" people I know. Just ask anyone who knows me well. But it has softened and mellowed with age. I don't think its compromise. I think that I just realize more each day how little I know. But I don't think I ever had that sarcastic, condescending attitude that seems so prevalent here in blogdom. I hope not. (Some of my friends would probably chuckle and think, "Are you kidding me????")
Anyway, when I read some of these, I wish I could just sit down with the person, hand them a cup of coffee, and ask, "Why are you so angry? Do you really think that Jesus would handle things the same way?" And then they would probably remind me of how he made a whip and cleansed the temple, and called the Pharisees a bunch of snakes. Jesus wasn't wishy washy. He wasn't afraid to step on a few toes. But everything He did was motivated by love.
And sometimes when I read these folks, I don't feel the love.
The prophet Jeremiah spoke some pretty strong stuff against Israel. And he wept for his people. Isaiah said some scary things. And he made some of the most profound declarations of God's love and care for His people that are found in all of scripture. Jesus called the religious leaders "white washed tombs full of dead men's bones." Sweet. And then he laid down his life in the ultimate act of love for those people.
I guess I just think we need to make sure our hearts are filled with His love before we put on our John the Baptist hat. Ridiculing and mocking people probably wont bring them to a change of heart.
We don't want to walk in compromise, but we do want to walk in a love that is pure and free from judgment, anger, and pride.
Help, Lord.
"Look at me. I am so smart. And everyone else is sooooooooo screwed up!"
Its sad.
Don't get me wrong. I am one of the more "black and white" people I know. Just ask anyone who knows me well. But it has softened and mellowed with age. I don't think its compromise. I think that I just realize more each day how little I know. But I don't think I ever had that sarcastic, condescending attitude that seems so prevalent here in blogdom. I hope not. (Some of my friends would probably chuckle and think, "Are you kidding me????")
Anyway, when I read some of these, I wish I could just sit down with the person, hand them a cup of coffee, and ask, "Why are you so angry? Do you really think that Jesus would handle things the same way?" And then they would probably remind me of how he made a whip and cleansed the temple, and called the Pharisees a bunch of snakes. Jesus wasn't wishy washy. He wasn't afraid to step on a few toes. But everything He did was motivated by love.
And sometimes when I read these folks, I don't feel the love.
The prophet Jeremiah spoke some pretty strong stuff against Israel. And he wept for his people. Isaiah said some scary things. And he made some of the most profound declarations of God's love and care for His people that are found in all of scripture. Jesus called the religious leaders "white washed tombs full of dead men's bones." Sweet. And then he laid down his life in the ultimate act of love for those people.
I guess I just think we need to make sure our hearts are filled with His love before we put on our John the Baptist hat. Ridiculing and mocking people probably wont bring them to a change of heart.
We don't want to walk in compromise, but we do want to walk in a love that is pure and free from judgment, anger, and pride.
Help, Lord.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Let us run
Song of Solomon 1:4 Draw me after You; let us run.
Jesus told a parable about a sower. If you have walked with the Lord for any length of time, you are very familiar with it. He compared the message of the gospel to seed sown in various types of soil. Based on His interpretation to His disciples, most people don't end up bearing the sort of fruit that He intends for us to have in our lives. He explains several reasons for this. Spiritual warfare and lack of depth in those initial encounters with the truth are mentioned first. Then He gives the one that I most often battle with myself.
"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."
The cares of the world. It is so easy to get buried with the cares of the world. Life is so busy, and there is so much to deal with. We jump out of bed in the morning, run off to work, compete with co-workers for job security and that promotion we "need", compete with other companies for market share, and then fight the traffic to get home, inhale some dinner, rush off to a soccer game, or a band concert, or a board meeting, or a bowling league, or any of a million other things. If we do happen to stay home for the evening, we typically settle in front of the television, where we are bombarded by "entertainment" that glorifies sin about 95% of the time. In between segments the commercials tell us how unhappy and inadequate our lives are without a shiny new car, or a Caribbean cruise, or the newest drug to enhance sexual performance. So, when we sit down to "relax", we are still driven by the spirit of this world. We finally go to bed exhausted, and wake up the next morning a little tired, and climb back on the treadmill. This is no great profound insight. Thousands of books have been written over the past few decades on "the rat race", and how to get out of it. But most of us don't. Its not as easy as the books make it sound. This world system is addictive. I want out. I want to run after something deeper and better. I don't want to run after things that are destined to perish.
I want to run after Him. I want to live like the faithful of Hebrews 11. The writer describes the faithfulness of several; Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. And then he says this about them.
Hebrews 11:13-16
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
I want to run with Him. Its not a type of running that is driven. Its not running to avoid missing the bus. Its not running in fear of coming up short. Its running to get somewhere because you just cant wait for something to happen. You have seen it at the airport. He is pacing back and forth, looking at his watch every few minutes, and then staring out the window. When is that plane going to land? He walks down to check the departure/arrival schedule. Its still on time. The waiting is killing him. Then the plane lands, and still he has to wait. He scans the faces of the people coming up the ramp. Was she sitting in the very back seat? Did she miss her flight? What is taking so long? Then he sees her. And he starts to run. He cant help it. He just wants to feel her in his arms once again. He is running, and nothing will stop him until he reaches her.
Its like that. I want Him. I want His purposes. I want that life He created us for. I want to live in that "city" He has prepared for us. I don't want to settle for the "passing pleasures of sin". I want to run with Him.
I want to run with Him.
Jesus told a parable about a sower. If you have walked with the Lord for any length of time, you are very familiar with it. He compared the message of the gospel to seed sown in various types of soil. Based on His interpretation to His disciples, most people don't end up bearing the sort of fruit that He intends for us to have in our lives. He explains several reasons for this. Spiritual warfare and lack of depth in those initial encounters with the truth are mentioned first. Then He gives the one that I most often battle with myself.
"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."
The cares of the world. It is so easy to get buried with the cares of the world. Life is so busy, and there is so much to deal with. We jump out of bed in the morning, run off to work, compete with co-workers for job security and that promotion we "need", compete with other companies for market share, and then fight the traffic to get home, inhale some dinner, rush off to a soccer game, or a band concert, or a board meeting, or a bowling league, or any of a million other things. If we do happen to stay home for the evening, we typically settle in front of the television, where we are bombarded by "entertainment" that glorifies sin about 95% of the time. In between segments the commercials tell us how unhappy and inadequate our lives are without a shiny new car, or a Caribbean cruise, or the newest drug to enhance sexual performance. So, when we sit down to "relax", we are still driven by the spirit of this world. We finally go to bed exhausted, and wake up the next morning a little tired, and climb back on the treadmill. This is no great profound insight. Thousands of books have been written over the past few decades on "the rat race", and how to get out of it. But most of us don't. Its not as easy as the books make it sound. This world system is addictive. I want out. I want to run after something deeper and better. I don't want to run after things that are destined to perish.
I want to run after Him. I want to live like the faithful of Hebrews 11. The writer describes the faithfulness of several; Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. And then he says this about them.
Hebrews 11:13-16
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
I want to run with Him. Its not a type of running that is driven. Its not running to avoid missing the bus. Its not running in fear of coming up short. Its running to get somewhere because you just cant wait for something to happen. You have seen it at the airport. He is pacing back and forth, looking at his watch every few minutes, and then staring out the window. When is that plane going to land? He walks down to check the departure/arrival schedule. Its still on time. The waiting is killing him. Then the plane lands, and still he has to wait. He scans the faces of the people coming up the ramp. Was she sitting in the very back seat? Did she miss her flight? What is taking so long? Then he sees her. And he starts to run. He cant help it. He just wants to feel her in his arms once again. He is running, and nothing will stop him until he reaches her.
Its like that. I want Him. I want His purposes. I want that life He created us for. I want to live in that "city" He has prepared for us. I don't want to settle for the "passing pleasures of sin". I want to run with Him.
I want to run with Him.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Song of Songs
Song of songs 1:2-3
For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.
How have I missed the beauty of this book for so long? Oh, I have read it before, numerous times. Except for the Old Testament genealogies, I have read most of the scriptures numerous times. That just happens when you read the same book for over thirty years. But I have never before touched the revelation of His great love that we find in the Song of Solomon. Writing about it brings frustration though. This is not truth that you wrestle with and grasp with the mind, and then wax eloquent over coffee with a friend. No, this is truth you want to experience. This book, tucked away in the middle of the Bible, is like a window into the Kingdom. You meet Him there, you look into His eyes, you are touched by the love. You worship. I hesitate to write about it. I don't want to sound like I am trying to impress anyone with my spirituality. At the same time, I want to encourage anyone who would wander across this writing as they surf through blogdom, to take time to wait before the Lord in this wonderful little portion of the scriptures. Allow the Lord to refresh your heart with His presence and the revealing of His love for you.
Psalm 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
Lord, give me the heart of David. Give me a heart that sees that "your love is better than wine".
For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.
How have I missed the beauty of this book for so long? Oh, I have read it before, numerous times. Except for the Old Testament genealogies, I have read most of the scriptures numerous times. That just happens when you read the same book for over thirty years. But I have never before touched the revelation of His great love that we find in the Song of Solomon. Writing about it brings frustration though. This is not truth that you wrestle with and grasp with the mind, and then wax eloquent over coffee with a friend. No, this is truth you want to experience. This book, tucked away in the middle of the Bible, is like a window into the Kingdom. You meet Him there, you look into His eyes, you are touched by the love. You worship. I hesitate to write about it. I don't want to sound like I am trying to impress anyone with my spirituality. At the same time, I want to encourage anyone who would wander across this writing as they surf through blogdom, to take time to wait before the Lord in this wonderful little portion of the scriptures. Allow the Lord to refresh your heart with His presence and the revealing of His love for you.
Psalm 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
Lord, give me the heart of David. Give me a heart that sees that "your love is better than wine".
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Amazing love
Song of Solomon 1:4 says
The king has brought me into his chambers.
That is one of the most amazing sentences in the Bible. Once again, I am almost hesitant to even try to share what that truth is doing in my heart right now. Its like Moses, when the Lord told him to take off his sandals.
The King of all kings, the Creator of the universe, has invited us into His chambers. We are His bride. He wants to share with us the most intimate things in His heart.
Will we make His chambers our resting place? The enemies of our soul will do everything possible to keep us so busy and distracted that we never quite find the time to go there.
Help, Lord.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
That is one of the most amazing sentences in the Bible. Once again, I am almost hesitant to even try to share what that truth is doing in my heart right now. Its like Moses, when the Lord told him to take off his sandals.
The King of all kings, the Creator of the universe, has invited us into His chambers. We are His bride. He wants to share with us the most intimate things in His heart.
Will we make His chambers our resting place? The enemies of our soul will do everything possible to keep us so busy and distracted that we never quite find the time to go there.
Help, Lord.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Good intentions
I ran across a well-intentioned blog entry tonight about saving energy. This person was reacting to a European government hassling people for leaving on electrical appliances that go into a standby mode, and therefore are using energy even when you are not actively using them. Computer equipment, and dvd players are examples. This was my comment on his post:
There is more to conservation than energy consumption. Electronics for example. If you leave your computer on, in standby or sleep mode, it may last twice as long as it would if you turn it on and off every night. Heating up and cooling down, (turning on and turning off) are major factors in the eventual death of electronic components. So... the question is, which is more wasteful? Cutting the life of your computer in half, or using a very small amount of electricity to keep it on and warm all night? I don't know the answer, but its a question that needs to be asked. When the government tells us we have to turn things off to save energy, I would seriously question whether any actual studies have been done to consider the collateral damage. But, they can proudly say that they are passing laws to save the environment, and consequently should be re-elected.
So many good intentions get wasted on plans that are not well thought out. This seems to be especially true when it comes to government. Good intentions and wisdom do not necessarily walk hand in hand.
I am tired. Enough profundity for now.
that's a joke.
There is more to conservation than energy consumption. Electronics for example. If you leave your computer on, in standby or sleep mode, it may last twice as long as it would if you turn it on and off every night. Heating up and cooling down, (turning on and turning off) are major factors in the eventual death of electronic components. So... the question is, which is more wasteful? Cutting the life of your computer in half, or using a very small amount of electricity to keep it on and warm all night? I don't know the answer, but its a question that needs to be asked. When the government tells us we have to turn things off to save energy, I would seriously question whether any actual studies have been done to consider the collateral damage. But, they can proudly say that they are passing laws to save the environment, and consequently should be re-elected.
So many good intentions get wasted on plans that are not well thought out. This seems to be especially true when it comes to government. Good intentions and wisdom do not necessarily walk hand in hand.
I am tired. Enough profundity for now.
that's a joke.
Monday, January 15, 2007
He is worthy
Rev 5:11-14 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne... the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Sometimes it almost seems sacrilegious to comment on what the scripture already says. Sometimes it seems vain to try to find words to express what that truth does in your heart. He is worthy of more love and devotion and worship than we could ever begin to give. We want to question Him every time things don't go just the way we think they should, but we take for granted the riches of His goodness in our lives every day. We are surrounded by objects of wonder. This very body we live in is magnificent beyond words. The beauty of the land, the sky, the sea... they are all so awesome. And it all works together. All of creation is this grand system that is interwoven like a beautiful symphony. I reach for words, for a picture, and I just cant quite get it right. Maybe its my limited abilities of communication, or maybe words just can't do it all justice. I am reminded again of the words of Leonard Ravenhill. "The highest form of worship is speechless adoration."
But I want to share that wonder, that awe, that worship. I want to share it with anyone who cares to see and know and experience the greatness of our God. And that is part of the wonder. His love poured into our hearts.
Lord... you are so good.
Sometimes it almost seems sacrilegious to comment on what the scripture already says. Sometimes it seems vain to try to find words to express what that truth does in your heart. He is worthy of more love and devotion and worship than we could ever begin to give. We want to question Him every time things don't go just the way we think they should, but we take for granted the riches of His goodness in our lives every day. We are surrounded by objects of wonder. This very body we live in is magnificent beyond words. The beauty of the land, the sky, the sea... they are all so awesome. And it all works together. All of creation is this grand system that is interwoven like a beautiful symphony. I reach for words, for a picture, and I just cant quite get it right. Maybe its my limited abilities of communication, or maybe words just can't do it all justice. I am reminded again of the words of Leonard Ravenhill. "The highest form of worship is speechless adoration."
But I want to share that wonder, that awe, that worship. I want to share it with anyone who cares to see and know and experience the greatness of our God. And that is part of the wonder. His love poured into our hearts.
Lord... you are so good.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Its hip to be angry
Spent some time blog-surfing this evening. Man, it is so easy to "waste" a few hours that way. I love seeing what people think, and how they express it. I love "meeting" new people, and some blogs are real and honest enough to let you see who that person really is. I think my blog may have started that way, but mostly now I just preach. Its honest. I try to say what I really think and feel, but I don't often talk about my day, or how my cat died. Usually, if I take time to do this, I am trying to share something I just experienced in the scriptures. I guess that's just who I am. As crazy as it sounds, I really do enjoy reading the bible, and trying to "hear" the voice of God there. Not trying to sound all "spiritual", just being real. To me, that book is like a window into another world. The Spirit uses it to help us understand what this life is all about. Who is God? Who am I? Why are things are the way they are, and what are They planning to do to fix it? There are lots of questions, but I think those are some of the biggies.
Annnyway... I ran across a blog tonight where the guy was ranting about how a pastor at his church had hurt one of his friends. This guy was mad, and was venting his anger on behalf of his wounded friend. I added this comment to his blog entry:
The church is made up of broken people. This includes those who end up in leadership. We are in a process of being perfected in love. A vital part of that process is learning humility as we love people who don't really "deserve" it. Does this excuse bad behavior on anyone's part? Of course not. But the key question for me , and you, and all the rest, is "How did we respond to being mistreated?" Did we let it work deeper brokenness and humility in our own hearts, thus enabling us to love more genuinely ourselves? Or, did we take matters into our own hands? Did we lash out in anger, even if only in the privacy of our own hearts and minds? When we respond that way, when we give in to that very natural urge, we lose. We become part of the darkness. Jesus said to turn the other cheek. Jesus said to give them our coat. Jesus said to go the second mile. He said to look for the log in our own eye before trying to remove the splinter from the eye of our "enemy".
I know you were only venting on behalf of your friend. Been there, done that. It feels good. Standing up to "the man". The problem is, it doesn't do any good. It feels good now, but it wounds your soul. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue (and pen... or keyboard)." Its hip right now to lash out at religion. It can be good to confess our wounds. But an ongoing stream of anger and bitterness neither solves the problems, nor heals your soul. If I have cancer, a good dose of morphine will make my evening tolerable. When I wake up in the morning, the pain is still there, and I am still dying. I am not condemning you or coming down on you in any way. I am only encouraging you to take your pain, and your creativity, and put them to better use. "Love your enemies... bless and curse not..."
There is a lot of anger out there at the church. There are a lot of young people who were pushed into molds to fulfill Mom and Dad's best wishes and intentions. In the zeal of their youth, these kids like to go off on the church. One blog entry after another, ranting and raving about the church, often in the most colorful of language. I understand their frustration. Many times I have to agree with their perceptions. I just pray that the Lord will raise up voices of reason and healing to allow them to process their pain, and then to move on. A never ending rant can only end up in a bitter hardened heart.
And that is a terrible waste...
Annnyway... I ran across a blog tonight where the guy was ranting about how a pastor at his church had hurt one of his friends. This guy was mad, and was venting his anger on behalf of his wounded friend. I added this comment to his blog entry:
The church is made up of broken people. This includes those who end up in leadership. We are in a process of being perfected in love. A vital part of that process is learning humility as we love people who don't really "deserve" it. Does this excuse bad behavior on anyone's part? Of course not. But the key question for me , and you, and all the rest, is "How did we respond to being mistreated?" Did we let it work deeper brokenness and humility in our own hearts, thus enabling us to love more genuinely ourselves? Or, did we take matters into our own hands? Did we lash out in anger, even if only in the privacy of our own hearts and minds? When we respond that way, when we give in to that very natural urge, we lose. We become part of the darkness. Jesus said to turn the other cheek. Jesus said to give them our coat. Jesus said to go the second mile. He said to look for the log in our own eye before trying to remove the splinter from the eye of our "enemy".
I know you were only venting on behalf of your friend. Been there, done that. It feels good. Standing up to "the man". The problem is, it doesn't do any good. It feels good now, but it wounds your soul. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue (and pen... or keyboard)." Its hip right now to lash out at religion. It can be good to confess our wounds. But an ongoing stream of anger and bitterness neither solves the problems, nor heals your soul. If I have cancer, a good dose of morphine will make my evening tolerable. When I wake up in the morning, the pain is still there, and I am still dying. I am not condemning you or coming down on you in any way. I am only encouraging you to take your pain, and your creativity, and put them to better use. "Love your enemies... bless and curse not..."
There is a lot of anger out there at the church. There are a lot of young people who were pushed into molds to fulfill Mom and Dad's best wishes and intentions. In the zeal of their youth, these kids like to go off on the church. One blog entry after another, ranting and raving about the church, often in the most colorful of language. I understand their frustration. Many times I have to agree with their perceptions. I just pray that the Lord will raise up voices of reason and healing to allow them to process their pain, and then to move on. A never ending rant can only end up in a bitter hardened heart.
And that is a terrible waste...
Sunday, December 31, 2006
A view to the future
I guess its only fitting to be looking to the future a few minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve. I was doing some research a little earlier, and ran across this passage of scripture.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. (Heb. 9:27-28)
This is reality. This is life in the big picture. Eternity. The life we live in this age is so short. You know how they make fun of small towns sometimes? "Yep... this town is so small, if you blink your eyes you might just miss it." Our life on earth is like that. If you blink your eyes... you just might miss it. Or, if you get caught up in the pursuit of the concerns and pleasures of this present dark world, you might not be alert to the gifts and callings of God in you for His kingdom. You just might miss out on the eternal rewards that were in God's heart for you.
"Christ... will appear a second time... to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him."
Living with eternity in mind. Living with our hearts set on seeing Him some day. "Eagerly waiting." Are we eagerly waiting for Him? Do we long for His return? Do we recognize that we live on a battlefield, that the majority of those around us are oblivious to Him, under the authority of the kingdom of darkness, and destined to be separated from God forever? Do we live each day as "steward of the mysteries of God"? Or are we simply consumed in the perpetual pursuit of more, bigger, and better? God has more, bigger, and better for us, but its not necessarily cars, and houses, and toys. He wants to put His love in our hearts in a way that causes us to value the things that He values. Jesus suffered "for the joy set before Him". He wants to reveal that joy to us, and allow us to share it in our heart. He wants to give us the grace to give of ourselves in the same way that He did. He wants to live His life in us and through us, but He did a really crazy thing. He left the final decision to us. Oh... He is drawing us to Himself every day. His Spirit is constantly working to persuade us to see things His way. But in the end, He wants us to freely choose to lock arms with Him in His loving purposes.
Its up to you and me. We can't do it in our own strength, but when we say "Yes" in our hearts, He will give us the grace to go forward. He is faithful.
Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the heart to follow.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. (Heb. 9:27-28)
This is reality. This is life in the big picture. Eternity. The life we live in this age is so short. You know how they make fun of small towns sometimes? "Yep... this town is so small, if you blink your eyes you might just miss it." Our life on earth is like that. If you blink your eyes... you just might miss it. Or, if you get caught up in the pursuit of the concerns and pleasures of this present dark world, you might not be alert to the gifts and callings of God in you for His kingdom. You just might miss out on the eternal rewards that were in God's heart for you.
"Christ... will appear a second time... to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him."
Living with eternity in mind. Living with our hearts set on seeing Him some day. "Eagerly waiting." Are we eagerly waiting for Him? Do we long for His return? Do we recognize that we live on a battlefield, that the majority of those around us are oblivious to Him, under the authority of the kingdom of darkness, and destined to be separated from God forever? Do we live each day as "steward of the mysteries of God"? Or are we simply consumed in the perpetual pursuit of more, bigger, and better? God has more, bigger, and better for us, but its not necessarily cars, and houses, and toys. He wants to put His love in our hearts in a way that causes us to value the things that He values. Jesus suffered "for the joy set before Him". He wants to reveal that joy to us, and allow us to share it in our heart. He wants to give us the grace to give of ourselves in the same way that He did. He wants to live His life in us and through us, but He did a really crazy thing. He left the final decision to us. Oh... He is drawing us to Himself every day. His Spirit is constantly working to persuade us to see things His way. But in the end, He wants us to freely choose to lock arms with Him in His loving purposes.
Its up to you and me. We can't do it in our own strength, but when we say "Yes" in our hearts, He will give us the grace to go forward. He is faithful.
Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the heart to follow.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
wow...
I read an old story this morning. We usually call it "the prodigal son". Its pretty simple, and yet loaded with meaning. The son asks for his inheritance early, the father gives it to him, the son blows it all living the party life, and finally finds himself flat broke, and living like a bum. Pretty sad story so far. Of course, some people wouldn't call it sad. They would use words like pathetic. They would say the son was a loser, and only reaping what he had sown. He had gotten what he deserved. That would be sort of the "conservative" point of view you might hear if you listen much to talk radio. There is some truth in that perspective. Not much mercy, though. The boy got what he deserved. Most of us don't usually want to get what we deserve. We do, however, like to point it out when others do. Annnnnnyway... the son really had made a mess of his life. And then the story starts to take an amazing turn.
"Then he came to his senses and ... got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him affectionately."
While he was still far away, his father saw him... Its as though the Father was always watching the horizon, hoping to see His son's form off in the distance. When we are struggling with sin, He is always watching. But He is not looking for the perfect opportunity to swing the hammer of heaven and wipe us out. He is watching to see when our heart will turn back to Him.
The Father was "filled with compassion". He could easily have judged his son, and would have been right in his judgment...but He didn't. He doesn't. No matter how foolishly we have wasted our inheritance, His heart is always ready to show compassion if we return to Him.
He ran to his son... He didn't just wait for the son to finally make his way to Him. When he saw His son returning, He ran to him.
He embraced him and "kissed him affectionately". The son's foolishness had done nothing to diminish the passions of his Father's heart. That is amazing. Its not the way our human relationships typically work. Our love is usually much more conditional. "Do unto others as they have done unto you" is usually the way things happen. God's love for us is entirely different. It is the kind of love that sent Jesus to earth, to die on a cross. Its the kind of love that is always ready to take us back when we blow it. All we have to do is "come to our senses" and return to our Father. When we come to Him with a repentant heart, He is always ready to embrace us, and welcome us back to the safety and comfort of His house.
Amazing love.
"Then he came to his senses and ... got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him affectionately."
While he was still far away, his father saw him... Its as though the Father was always watching the horizon, hoping to see His son's form off in the distance. When we are struggling with sin, He is always watching. But He is not looking for the perfect opportunity to swing the hammer of heaven and wipe us out. He is watching to see when our heart will turn back to Him.
The Father was "filled with compassion". He could easily have judged his son, and would have been right in his judgment...but He didn't. He doesn't. No matter how foolishly we have wasted our inheritance, His heart is always ready to show compassion if we return to Him.
He ran to his son... He didn't just wait for the son to finally make his way to Him. When he saw His son returning, He ran to him.
He embraced him and "kissed him affectionately". The son's foolishness had done nothing to diminish the passions of his Father's heart. That is amazing. Its not the way our human relationships typically work. Our love is usually much more conditional. "Do unto others as they have done unto you" is usually the way things happen. God's love for us is entirely different. It is the kind of love that sent Jesus to earth, to die on a cross. Its the kind of love that is always ready to take us back when we blow it. All we have to do is "come to our senses" and return to our Father. When we come to Him with a repentant heart, He is always ready to embrace us, and welcome us back to the safety and comfort of His house.
Amazing love.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
He is good
I had breakfast with a bunch of guys this morning. Actually, we do it almost every Saturday. I look forward to this every week. It not an official "meeting". We just enjoy being together. It strengthens me. Being together with other guys who are trying to follow Jesus, and facing the same battles I face every day myself... it just strengthens my heart. We need each other. The life of a follower of Jesus was never meant to be solitary. The kingdom of God, by its very nature, is meant to be experienced by individuals sharing their lives together. We need to be able to stand alone with Him, but that is not supposed to be the norm. We can love God alone on a mountaintop, but we cant really love our neighbor that way. Oh, we can pray for them, but that is just the beginning. A central part of His purpose in creation was that we would share in His goodness and love together. "Where two or three are gathered... He is there." I am so thankful for that reality.
He is good...
He is good...
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
unplanned
A short ramble of encouragement.
His Word is a light in the darkness.
Luk 21:5 And while some were speaking of the temple,
how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he
said, "As for these things that you see, the days
will come when there will not be left here one stone
upon another that will not be thrown down." And they
asked him, "Teacher, when will these things be, and what
will be the sign when these things are about to take place?"
And he said, "See that you are not led astray...
Luk 21:16 You will be delivered up even by parents
and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of
you they will put to death. You will be hated by all
for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish.
"some of you they will put to death...But not a hair
of your head will perish."
wow... the eternal perspective at its best...
As I was looking at Luke 21 a few minutes ago, my
heart was challenged by this next verse.
Luk 21:28 Now when these things begin to take place,
straighten up and raise your heads, because your
redemption is drawing near."
The context is one of final judgement and tribulation.
In the midst of that, Jesus tells us to lift our
heads, and be looking for Him. When this world is
shaken to its very foundations, our hope is drawing
near.
That is not a natural way to think.
I want a heart that cries, "Come Lord!"
I want that heart that Paul spoke of, that would
rather go be with Him, but will stay here for the
sake of serving His purpose on the earth.
I want a heart that is free from loving this world.
Jam 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before
God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows
in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained
from the world.
Jam 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that
friendship with the world is enmity with God?
Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world
makes himself an enemy of God.
1Jo 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the
world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--
the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes
and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but
is from the world. And the world is passing away along
with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides
forever.
Help Lord.
I know He will.
His Word is a light in the darkness.
Luk 21:5 And while some were speaking of the temple,
how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he
said, "As for these things that you see, the days
will come when there will not be left here one stone
upon another that will not be thrown down." And they
asked him, "Teacher, when will these things be, and what
will be the sign when these things are about to take place?"
And he said, "See that you are not led astray...
Luk 21:16 You will be delivered up even by parents
and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of
you they will put to death. You will be hated by all
for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish.
"some of you they will put to death...But not a hair
of your head will perish."
wow... the eternal perspective at its best...
As I was looking at Luke 21 a few minutes ago, my
heart was challenged by this next verse.
Luk 21:28 Now when these things begin to take place,
straighten up and raise your heads, because your
redemption is drawing near."
The context is one of final judgement and tribulation.
In the midst of that, Jesus tells us to lift our
heads, and be looking for Him. When this world is
shaken to its very foundations, our hope is drawing
near.
That is not a natural way to think.
I want a heart that cries, "Come Lord!"
I want that heart that Paul spoke of, that would
rather go be with Him, but will stay here for the
sake of serving His purpose on the earth.
I want a heart that is free from loving this world.
Jam 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before
God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows
in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained
from the world.
Jam 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that
friendship with the world is enmity with God?
Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world
makes himself an enemy of God.
1Jo 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the
world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--
the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes
and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but
is from the world. And the world is passing away along
with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides
forever.
Help Lord.
I know He will.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thankful
Well... how clever. A post about thankfulness on Thanksgiving! I'd bet I am the only one doing that today. But I just cant help it. I am freshly reminded this morning of how much I have to be thankful for. No... its not a list of all the stuff I have. And no, its not my family, and our good health. Its not my business, or that I live in the most prosperous nation in the history of the world. Of course I am thankful for all those things. Deeply thankful, although I often forget just how blessed I am. No, today I am thinking of the love of God. I felt impressed to read from Romans 4 this morning.
Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
If someone stumbles across this who is not a follower of Jesus, that first part about Abraham will be gobbledygook. In fact, the last part about our blessedness wont mean much either. It might even offend them. "Lawless deeds? How dare you! Who are you to judge me???" I don't judge. Its not my job, and I am ill-equipped to do so. God judges the heart, and only he can see into it. But reality is this, we have all sinned. And we know it. We try our best to rid ourselves of the guilt. We deny the existence of God. We trace our ancestry back billions of years to our great great Uncle Amoeba. We try our best to philosophize away our inner sense of right and wrong. But at the end of the day, when we lay on our beds, we know. He is there. Watching. Waiting. Calling. "Come to Me." God called to Abraham and He called him His friend. He wants to do the same with each of us. Even greater than that, He calls us to be His sons and daughters.
He whispers, "Look around you." We see the beauty of the world we live in. The vastness, and yet the order. This is no accident. We look within. We ask questions. Why? There are so many whys. The questions tell me that there are answers. The questions tell me there is One who has those answers. The beauty around me tells me He is good. Sure, there is also ugliness and brokeness. War, poverty, hatred. The inevitable results of the creature telling the Creator to "take a hike". "What about sickness and disease?" I don't have a definitive answer for the questioning mind. I have answers that satisfy me, but they don't necessarily work for the unbelieving. Sometimes they are not very helpful for the believer either. I do know that evil is the exception, and not the rule. Mostly, I am in awe of the beauty and order. I know that the brokeness all goes back to mankind's rebellion against the wisdom of God. I know that when its all said and done, we will understand. We will see things through His eyes. We will know perfect peace. We will be embraced in perfect Love. We will find our Resting Place.
For now, I am in grateful awe of the mercy and kindness of God. Sin is unspeakably horrible and evil. It has brought thousands of years of suffering and darkness to mankind, and all of creation. It has brought incomprehensible pain to the heart of God. And yet... He loves us. He made a way to justly forgive our rebellion. He made a way to reconcile us back to Himself. We lived as His enemies, and He pursued us anyway. He laid down His life for us. And then He drew us to Himself, persuaded us to turn from our selfishness, to put our trust in Him, and to walk with Him as His children and friends.
I am thankful this morning. Far beyond these weak words...
Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
If someone stumbles across this who is not a follower of Jesus, that first part about Abraham will be gobbledygook. In fact, the last part about our blessedness wont mean much either. It might even offend them. "Lawless deeds? How dare you! Who are you to judge me???" I don't judge. Its not my job, and I am ill-equipped to do so. God judges the heart, and only he can see into it. But reality is this, we have all sinned. And we know it. We try our best to rid ourselves of the guilt. We deny the existence of God. We trace our ancestry back billions of years to our great great Uncle Amoeba. We try our best to philosophize away our inner sense of right and wrong. But at the end of the day, when we lay on our beds, we know. He is there. Watching. Waiting. Calling. "Come to Me." God called to Abraham and He called him His friend. He wants to do the same with each of us. Even greater than that, He calls us to be His sons and daughters.
He whispers, "Look around you." We see the beauty of the world we live in. The vastness, and yet the order. This is no accident. We look within. We ask questions. Why? There are so many whys. The questions tell me that there are answers. The questions tell me there is One who has those answers. The beauty around me tells me He is good. Sure, there is also ugliness and brokeness. War, poverty, hatred. The inevitable results of the creature telling the Creator to "take a hike". "What about sickness and disease?" I don't have a definitive answer for the questioning mind. I have answers that satisfy me, but they don't necessarily work for the unbelieving. Sometimes they are not very helpful for the believer either. I do know that evil is the exception, and not the rule. Mostly, I am in awe of the beauty and order. I know that the brokeness all goes back to mankind's rebellion against the wisdom of God. I know that when its all said and done, we will understand. We will see things through His eyes. We will know perfect peace. We will be embraced in perfect Love. We will find our Resting Place.
For now, I am in grateful awe of the mercy and kindness of God. Sin is unspeakably horrible and evil. It has brought thousands of years of suffering and darkness to mankind, and all of creation. It has brought incomprehensible pain to the heart of God. And yet... He loves us. He made a way to justly forgive our rebellion. He made a way to reconcile us back to Himself. We lived as His enemies, and He pursued us anyway. He laid down His life for us. And then He drew us to Himself, persuaded us to turn from our selfishness, to put our trust in Him, and to walk with Him as His children and friends.
I am thankful this morning. Far beyond these weak words...
Friday, October 27, 2006
First love
2Cor 5:6-11 ...we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.
The fear of the Lord. I can't escape the idea lately. Its not about being afraid of God. Its about really seeing Who it is that we have encountered. I love that I can call Him "Abba". I love that I am encouraged to "come boldly before the throne of grace". It's unspeakably awesome that He calls me "friend". But He is still God. Infinite, uncreated Creator of the universe. And we are told that we will stand before that throne as a judgment seat. We are told that our works will be judged. How we live our lives each day matters... it really matters. There is a perversion of the gospel that is rampant in our land. It says that our works are of no consequence. "Its all under grace." No accountability. It relies on a few passages of scripture taken out of context, and ignores many clear passages that tell us that God is after reality in our lives. Grace provides forgiveness of sin, and the opportunity for restoration of relationship. But we must have a repentant heart. We must have a sincere desire to have that relationship restored. "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." He calls us to be set apart, holy, unto Him. Our life is no longer our own. Before we meet Him, we are independent beings, doing our own thing. After we are born again, we are sons and daughters of God, servants of the King. We submit ourselves to His loving leadership. Modern American christianity often presents salvation as receiving a "Do not go to hell" pass. We still get to live our selfish, pleasure-seeking, materialistic lives. But now we get to go to heaven when its over. Heck of a deal. I am not standing back in judgment on people who have believed that message. My heart is grieved that people are being sold a bill of goods. I bought it myself for a number of years. I heard the true gospel when I was young, and embraced it for about ten years. Then the cares of this world took root in my heart, and slowly I gave in to compromise and willful sin. It didn't happen overnight. It was a little bit at a time. Drifting away. I allowed my beliefs to subtly shift to justify the deception that was taking over. Outwardly I still did all the right things. Church, small groups, avoiding all the really big sins. But my heart was growing cold and hard. I wanted more stuff, more and bigger and better. I wanted security. I wanted to make enough money to prevent me from ever having to trust God. Saving is good, but that savings can become an idol. It can become that thing in which I put my trust. The list of idols in American culture is almost endless.
So now I find myself crying out to God to renew my heart. I want my first love. I want to serve Him in the way in which He deserves. Its His grace and mercy once again that I find that cry rising in my heart. I wouldn't even know I was becoming blind if He didn't open my eyes to see it. But how will I respond? When I hear Him calling to me, will I follow after Him? Or will I just think about, and maybe talk about it over coffee with friends? Will I rise up and seek Him with all my heart? Its the most important question in my life.
Help Lord...
The fear of the Lord. I can't escape the idea lately. Its not about being afraid of God. Its about really seeing Who it is that we have encountered. I love that I can call Him "Abba". I love that I am encouraged to "come boldly before the throne of grace". It's unspeakably awesome that He calls me "friend". But He is still God. Infinite, uncreated Creator of the universe. And we are told that we will stand before that throne as a judgment seat. We are told that our works will be judged. How we live our lives each day matters... it really matters. There is a perversion of the gospel that is rampant in our land. It says that our works are of no consequence. "Its all under grace." No accountability. It relies on a few passages of scripture taken out of context, and ignores many clear passages that tell us that God is after reality in our lives. Grace provides forgiveness of sin, and the opportunity for restoration of relationship. But we must have a repentant heart. We must have a sincere desire to have that relationship restored. "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." He calls us to be set apart, holy, unto Him. Our life is no longer our own. Before we meet Him, we are independent beings, doing our own thing. After we are born again, we are sons and daughters of God, servants of the King. We submit ourselves to His loving leadership. Modern American christianity often presents salvation as receiving a "Do not go to hell" pass. We still get to live our selfish, pleasure-seeking, materialistic lives. But now we get to go to heaven when its over. Heck of a deal. I am not standing back in judgment on people who have believed that message. My heart is grieved that people are being sold a bill of goods. I bought it myself for a number of years. I heard the true gospel when I was young, and embraced it for about ten years. Then the cares of this world took root in my heart, and slowly I gave in to compromise and willful sin. It didn't happen overnight. It was a little bit at a time. Drifting away. I allowed my beliefs to subtly shift to justify the deception that was taking over. Outwardly I still did all the right things. Church, small groups, avoiding all the really big sins. But my heart was growing cold and hard. I wanted more stuff, more and bigger and better. I wanted security. I wanted to make enough money to prevent me from ever having to trust God. Saving is good, but that savings can become an idol. It can become that thing in which I put my trust. The list of idols in American culture is almost endless.
So now I find myself crying out to God to renew my heart. I want my first love. I want to serve Him in the way in which He deserves. Its His grace and mercy once again that I find that cry rising in my heart. I wouldn't even know I was becoming blind if He didn't open my eyes to see it. But how will I respond? When I hear Him calling to me, will I follow after Him? Or will I just think about, and maybe talk about it over coffee with friends? Will I rise up and seek Him with all my heart? Its the most important question in my life.
Help Lord...
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