God spoke to His people in Jeremiah 13:23: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil." Through Jeremiah the prophet, God told the people of Judah they were incapable of self-reform. They were accustomed to doing evil and had no power to be righteous. The skin pigment of a person and the natural markings of a leopard's fur are due to genetics. If a leopard should want to look like a zebra, it is a change the leopard would be incapable of making. The day when pigs can fly and grizzly bears are born with lime green fur will be the day when people can turn from their sin to doing good on their own. But God is able to do what is impossible for man or beast. He is not in the business in changing spots to stripes: He is the One who transforms people from within. All are born with a sin nature, but Jesus gives us forgiveness, new hearts, a future, and an unfailing hope.
Living longer has afforded me the blessing (and sometimes feels like a curse!) of being able to look back upon my life and the way God has changed me. I naturally am like the leopard, unable to change myself. When I look back to my years of high school, college, and university, I do not like what I see. I am saddened by how I used to be: the way I spoke, the things I thought were important, the way I thought about others, especially how my heart was far from God. I led a "clean" life in many respects if compared to some, but my heart was as filthy as ever. I rejoice today that I am not the person I once was. Should someone from Grossmont High School who knew me converse with me today, they would not be speaking to the same person. I have completely changed: it is not I who have changed, but Jesus Christ in me.
Even though I have been changed, I still have my unique personality and perspective. It is like the real me was initially suppressed by my ignorance, pride, and foolishness and now, more than ever, the purity of who I am in Christ has begun to shine through brighter than ever. This is a transformation all people are incapable of. I know better than anyone that I am too stubborn and stupid to change myself. Only God, through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, could possibly create such an inner transformation. I am not perfect, but I am moving towards perfection. I am by God's grace heading in the right direction. Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" had a compass that directed him to wherever he wanted to go. In my natural state I held no such luxury in my hands or heart. Pursuing the desires of my flesh drove me away from God and into bondage. There was no climbing out of the pit I dug for myself, and I was headed to certain destruction in Hell.
I am thankful that God revealed Himself to me through His Word, the Bible. When I decided to actually follow Jesus with my life, for the first time I had real direction and purpose. Because God transformed me from within through the Gospel, I actually had the power to do what I knew to be right and flee from temptations to do wrong. The Holy Spirit became my Guide and Helper. I always admired the wisdom, power, and love of Jesus Christ. Even as a child, I always wanted to be like Him. But when I went my own way I could never make the change. Lady Gaga at the moment is touring Australia, and many of her fans whom she calls "Little Monsters" come to her shows with dyed hair and costumes. She has even written a "Manifesto of Little Monsters." A portion reads, "We are nothing without our image. Without our projection. Without the
spiritual hologram of who we perceive ourselves to be, or rather to
become, in the future." People can create an image, but that is not who they are. They can dye their hair, put on make-up, create and wear wild costumes, and sing along, but that is merely an outward expression of an inner desire, a longing, a "spiritual hologram" that is empty and void of saving power.
Contrast this superficial change with the inner transformation and sanctification through faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour: 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 reads, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." The greatest freedom I have found is through salvation through Jesus Christ. As Christians fix their eyes upon Jesus, we begin to reflect the One we look upon. Previous to this passage, Paul was talking about how the face of Moses shone when he enjoyed prolonged fellowship with God on Mount Sinai. When we look upon Jesus in faith, we see Him with unveiled face. The same way a person stands before a mirror to examine their face is like when we open the scriptures, pray, and make Jesus the focus of our lives. The more we look to Him the more we are like Him because of the transforming work He does within.
I am being transformed into the same image of Christ, not by the outward things that I attempt to do, but because of the work the Holy Spirit is doing within me. Titus 3:5 tells us it is "...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit..." By God's grace, I much more resemble Christ today than when I was a teen. Thinking back upon my High School days is like eating a mouthful of sawdust! Should God tarry, I expect that one day I will look upon myself today with as great as disdain as I do upon the days of my youth because I will be more Christ-like still. And when God calls me home into His everlasting presence and takes me from this world, do not weep for me. That will be my great coronation day, the day when I am finally transformed into the image of the One who loves me and gave His blood and life for me, Jesus Christ. I will not become Christ, but I will be like Him - in a way more profound and real than I can even imagine.
No man can change themselves, especially when it comes to sin. If you look back 20 years, do you like what you see? Look at yourself now: how will you be in another 20 years if you continue your current track? Where will you spend eternity? I urge you to examine yourself in light of scripture, considering Christ and His claims. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose His own soul? (Mark 8:34-38)
28 June 2012
26 June 2012
Given Over to What?
The Bible teaches that man is inherently wicked, not righteous. Even as gravity exerts the same force on all objects to fall to the ground whether they be living person or an inanimate object, sin shows no partiality among man, woman, or child. The downward spiral of every human soul towards Hell because of sin is certain and sure. From our birth, sin has us in its death-grip. We do not merely tend towards sin but are completely polluted by it, mind and soul. As we grow older our appetite for sin grows. Our capacity and desire to sin initially is fettered by childish ignorance and limitations. It is when we grow out of this fetter that we make larger and stronger ones for ourselves by willfully seeking after sin and embracing it. Greater bondage occurs because sin is suited to our natural state. Sin is like a bait perfectly selected for our tastes, even as a fisherman covers the hook with bait to lure an unsuspecting trout. Those who walk according to the lusts of the flesh are given over to sin. Instead of the freedom one might think, sin enslaves in eternal bondage.
Though we can relate to being "given over" to sin because all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, the Bible gives us many examples. Entire cities are described as being given over to fornication (Jude 1:7) and idolatry (Acts 17:16). Romans 1:28-32 describes people who have no fear of God in plain terms: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
One of the most eye-opening experiences of my life were the amazing contrasts I saw during a 2005 trip to Israel. In the Old City of Jerusalem I saw people given over to religious pursuits, tradition, and discussion. It is a ancient city built with walls and streets of natural stone that reeks of tradition and history. Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Jews wore traditional apparel, washed their hands according to the manner prescribed by the oral commands, and some wore yarmulkes and tefillin. Men donned prayer shawls and recited from prayer books before the Western Wall to God. But near the Old Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv in the heart of the red-light district, I witnessed a startling contrast. One night, the team and I went to hand out Gospel tracts and talk to people about our Messiah, Jesus Christ. That part of the city was completely given over to drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. People crawled on their hands and knees as they feverishly sorted through rubbish in the gutter, looking for a old syringe with a needle still intact.
Within the red-light district there was additional irony. As we walked through the streets offering the Gospel we encountered veteran prostitutes in grubby clothes and blank, seemingly soulless men who sought them. It felt like walking among the dead. The pained faces I saw were not like the advertisements plastered on the sex shops. Those poor people looked more like zombies or machines "going through the motions" than human beings, high on crack cocaine and heroin. A painting on a wall showed a bright white light enveloping a joyful embracing couple, as they soared to heavenly heights on the wings of passion. A man I saw who entered the building did not look victorious as he pushed past us as a goat heading for slaughter. In his eyes I saw hopelessness and despair. He looked like he wanted to die. He bought a lie that could not save but only added to his misery. A city given over to sin is a city of death. The world doles out death as fast as man can sin. The bright lights may obscure the facade, pulsing music can drown out the weeping for a time, drugs can numb and bring euphoria for a moment, but sin is a killer that strangles away your life. It is a slow, painful death that leads to eternal torment in Hell.
Praise the LORD for the hope we have in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World! He not only forgives us for our sins, but reconciles us to God. He is a Deliverer, Redeemer, and Restorer. He has come to set the captives free. The prophet points to Jesus Christ in Isaiah 61:1-3: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." If you are brokenhearted, held captive or bound by sin, God has Good News for you. Jesus has come to seek and save those who are lost and to free those caught in sin's grasp. Jesus has come to save you: are you willing to be saved? We are called to confess our sins and repent, trusting in Jesus for salvation through faith in Him. God so loved this sinful world that He sent His only Son, so whoever will believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
Instead of being given over to sin, all people are designed and called to be given over to God's worship and service. Once we are born again of the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts to be used for God's glory and the edification of the church. Our lives ought to be consumed for the glory of God. This morning I read of Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15-16: "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." As a Christian, I cannot give myself entirely to God's work if I reserve parts of my life for myself. If I am weighed down with unconfessed sins and cares, I am like an sprinter in an Olympic race with a 50-kilo backpack dragging me down (Heb. 12:1). If I am running to win, I cannot do so with such a great hindrance. I want to win for Jesus. He's the One who receives the reward, for all who have been purchased with His shed blood are His inheritance. All I am and have is His, and Christ is mine. Let us make a decision to be given over to the service of God for His glory. As much as we desire to hear from Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" we should desire to truthfully say someday with great joy, "I am your humble servant. I have only done what is my duty to do."
Though we can relate to being "given over" to sin because all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, the Bible gives us many examples. Entire cities are described as being given over to fornication (Jude 1:7) and idolatry (Acts 17:16). Romans 1:28-32 describes people who have no fear of God in plain terms: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
One of the most eye-opening experiences of my life were the amazing contrasts I saw during a 2005 trip to Israel. In the Old City of Jerusalem I saw people given over to religious pursuits, tradition, and discussion. It is a ancient city built with walls and streets of natural stone that reeks of tradition and history. Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Jews wore traditional apparel, washed their hands according to the manner prescribed by the oral commands, and some wore yarmulkes and tefillin. Men donned prayer shawls and recited from prayer books before the Western Wall to God. But near the Old Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv in the heart of the red-light district, I witnessed a startling contrast. One night, the team and I went to hand out Gospel tracts and talk to people about our Messiah, Jesus Christ. That part of the city was completely given over to drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. People crawled on their hands and knees as they feverishly sorted through rubbish in the gutter, looking for a old syringe with a needle still intact.
Within the red-light district there was additional irony. As we walked through the streets offering the Gospel we encountered veteran prostitutes in grubby clothes and blank, seemingly soulless men who sought them. It felt like walking among the dead. The pained faces I saw were not like the advertisements plastered on the sex shops. Those poor people looked more like zombies or machines "going through the motions" than human beings, high on crack cocaine and heroin. A painting on a wall showed a bright white light enveloping a joyful embracing couple, as they soared to heavenly heights on the wings of passion. A man I saw who entered the building did not look victorious as he pushed past us as a goat heading for slaughter. In his eyes I saw hopelessness and despair. He looked like he wanted to die. He bought a lie that could not save but only added to his misery. A city given over to sin is a city of death. The world doles out death as fast as man can sin. The bright lights may obscure the facade, pulsing music can drown out the weeping for a time, drugs can numb and bring euphoria for a moment, but sin is a killer that strangles away your life. It is a slow, painful death that leads to eternal torment in Hell.
Praise the LORD for the hope we have in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World! He not only forgives us for our sins, but reconciles us to God. He is a Deliverer, Redeemer, and Restorer. He has come to set the captives free. The prophet points to Jesus Christ in Isaiah 61:1-3: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." If you are brokenhearted, held captive or bound by sin, God has Good News for you. Jesus has come to seek and save those who are lost and to free those caught in sin's grasp. Jesus has come to save you: are you willing to be saved? We are called to confess our sins and repent, trusting in Jesus for salvation through faith in Him. God so loved this sinful world that He sent His only Son, so whoever will believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
Instead of being given over to sin, all people are designed and called to be given over to God's worship and service. Once we are born again of the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts to be used for God's glory and the edification of the church. Our lives ought to be consumed for the glory of God. This morning I read of Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15-16: "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." As a Christian, I cannot give myself entirely to God's work if I reserve parts of my life for myself. If I am weighed down with unconfessed sins and cares, I am like an sprinter in an Olympic race with a 50-kilo backpack dragging me down (Heb. 12:1). If I am running to win, I cannot do so with such a great hindrance. I want to win for Jesus. He's the One who receives the reward, for all who have been purchased with His shed blood are His inheritance. All I am and have is His, and Christ is mine. Let us make a decision to be given over to the service of God for His glory. As much as we desire to hear from Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" we should desire to truthfully say someday with great joy, "I am your humble servant. I have only done what is my duty to do."
24 June 2012
Do Good - Christian!
It is a wise practice to consider our reasons for doing things. Our motivation can be even more important in God's sight than the good works we actually do. A "good work" is sinful and hypocritical if spawned through selfishness. If the way to Hell is paved with bricks of good intentions, sinful motivation is the mortar.
On Saturday I was talking with a couple who asked why I volunteer to spruce up the grounds at a local cemetery. "Do you know someone here? How were you connected with the clean-up committee?" I explained that I am a pastor at a local church and emailed the council to request how we could bless the community. I told them how the Hills Council responded with a couple of options, and the cemetery clean-up seemed the best suited opportunity for us to lend a hand. We shared an excellent chat and morning of picking up rubbish, thinning overgrowth on the tombs, and clearing noxious weeds.
As I reflected on our discussion, God showed me something very important. What I said to the couple was correct in a sense, but I had missed an opportunity to give Christ the glory. The truth is, I chose to help out with the clean-up not because primarily because I am a pastor, but because I am a Christian. In fact, this is true about every aspect of my life. I ought to strive to be a good husband, dad, friend, and worker because I am a Christian. I am called to love, forgive, and serve others because I am a Christian. My motivation to do anything for God's glory comes from this most basic principle of being a part of the Body of Christ - not because I have a particular call upon my life of being a pastor.
The most compelling title of the Vance Havner books I own asks the question: Why Not Just be Christians? In some of his sermons Martin Luther echoed the same sentiment: being a Christian is both foundational and paramount. There is no greater purpose or call for a human being than to identify with Christ as LORD and Saviour. The term Christian has hardly ceased to be a byword among men but for very different reasons over time. When people were first called Christians it was a term of scorn and derision because men so resembled their Master in word and deed. Today the term "Christian" remains a byword for the opposite reason: many who claim such allegiance show little resemblance at all to Jesus Christ and the world knows it. I say it is time to reverse the trend! May we give Jesus Christ the glory for anything praiseworthy in our lives because in our flesh no good thing dwells. Instead of perpetuating the lie that there is a reasonable divide between the service of a missionary, pastor, helper, or congregant, we ought shed all titles and do things because we are Christians. Missionaries should go and preach because they are Christians; pastors tend the flock of God and serve because they are Christians; helpers help because they are Christians, and congregants receive the Word of God and believe with joy because they are Christians.
Philippians 4:8 reads, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." The mind is a battleground where Christians can be victorious through Jesus Christ. But Paul does not intend for us to only think of what is good: we ought to do the same! He continues in Philippians 4:9: "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Even as the believers in Philippi were exhorted to do as Paul did, so we are called to follow Christ's example as well. Since we are to do all things as unto the LORD, let us do so as Christians. Give Christ the glory, for it is in Him we live, breathe, and have our being. He is our All in All!
On Saturday I was talking with a couple who asked why I volunteer to spruce up the grounds at a local cemetery. "Do you know someone here? How were you connected with the clean-up committee?" I explained that I am a pastor at a local church and emailed the council to request how we could bless the community. I told them how the Hills Council responded with a couple of options, and the cemetery clean-up seemed the best suited opportunity for us to lend a hand. We shared an excellent chat and morning of picking up rubbish, thinning overgrowth on the tombs, and clearing noxious weeds.
As I reflected on our discussion, God showed me something very important. What I said to the couple was correct in a sense, but I had missed an opportunity to give Christ the glory. The truth is, I chose to help out with the clean-up not because primarily because I am a pastor, but because I am a Christian. In fact, this is true about every aspect of my life. I ought to strive to be a good husband, dad, friend, and worker because I am a Christian. I am called to love, forgive, and serve others because I am a Christian. My motivation to do anything for God's glory comes from this most basic principle of being a part of the Body of Christ - not because I have a particular call upon my life of being a pastor.
The most compelling title of the Vance Havner books I own asks the question: Why Not Just be Christians? In some of his sermons Martin Luther echoed the same sentiment: being a Christian is both foundational and paramount. There is no greater purpose or call for a human being than to identify with Christ as LORD and Saviour. The term Christian has hardly ceased to be a byword among men but for very different reasons over time. When people were first called Christians it was a term of scorn and derision because men so resembled their Master in word and deed. Today the term "Christian" remains a byword for the opposite reason: many who claim such allegiance show little resemblance at all to Jesus Christ and the world knows it. I say it is time to reverse the trend! May we give Jesus Christ the glory for anything praiseworthy in our lives because in our flesh no good thing dwells. Instead of perpetuating the lie that there is a reasonable divide between the service of a missionary, pastor, helper, or congregant, we ought shed all titles and do things because we are Christians. Missionaries should go and preach because they are Christians; pastors tend the flock of God and serve because they are Christians; helpers help because they are Christians, and congregants receive the Word of God and believe with joy because they are Christians.
Philippians 4:8 reads, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." The mind is a battleground where Christians can be victorious through Jesus Christ. But Paul does not intend for us to only think of what is good: we ought to do the same! He continues in Philippians 4:9: "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Even as the believers in Philippi were exhorted to do as Paul did, so we are called to follow Christ's example as well. Since we are to do all things as unto the LORD, let us do so as Christians. Give Christ the glory, for it is in Him we live, breathe, and have our being. He is our All in All!
Calibrated on Christ
The Christian life is all about following Jesus. We are called to abide in Christ, even as a branch is connected to the vine. I don't know if you've ever tried following someone while driving, but its very hard to follow people when you can't see them. When I worked in construction as an apprentice, I would meet at the shop and follow the journeymen out to the job. Sometimes I wondered if the mechanic was intentionally trying to lose me in traffic! Once visual contact was lost, following became impossible.
The good thing about following Christ is He will never try to ditch us. While the world is constantly changing at a frenetic pace, Jesus remains stable, true, and trustworthy. When we call out to Christ for aid, He does not hide from our sight, laughing to Himself about our predicament. He doesn't try to avoid us because we've offended Him by our foolishness. When we pray to the Father, Jesus isn't like someone who receives a call on their mobile, looks at the number and says out loud, "I'll just let that one go to voice mail." The problem we face as disciples is not of Jesus being unreliable or forgetful, but how often we are distracted and therefore lose sight of Christ. Our problems can appear so big, impossible, and beyond sorting out that all our focus is on the perceived problem or ourselves - and not look upon Christ alone.
Recently during a Bible study, our group looked at Psalm 73. Asaph writes as a man who is disillusioned by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. In modern vernacular he fumes, "Here is a man who blasphemes God, but he prospers while I struggle. Why bother living for God when the wicked seem better off in this world?" The psalmist was filled with pain as he thought about it. But verse 17 is when he had an epiphany: Psalm 73:17-19 reads, "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors." It was not until Asaph entered the sanctuary, until he entered into God's presence, that he saw things clearly. God gave him clarity and understanding he didn't comprehend before. While away from the presence of God and focusing on externals, Asaph had missed the point. It was in the presence of God that he realised his focus was wrong. He concludes in Psalm 73:25-26: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The struggles God's people endure in this life cannot be compared with the joyful glory that is ours eternally in Christ. The wicked may seem to prosper now, but those who reject Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour will receive their eternal wages for sin paid in full: death and everlasting torment.
Isn't it true that when we fix our eyes upon Christ, our perspective changes for good? When I used to play video games on the computer which required a joystick, it was imperative the joystick be calibrated. If when the game was booting up the joystick wasn't in the centered position, the controls would be off. Instead of flying level the plane would always be banking hard to the left, or the car would incessantly steer to the right. But once the joystick was properly calibrated, the player faced forward properly. How important it is for our lives to properly calibrated to focus upon Christ! When we focus on the things of this world, our own deficiencies or struggles, or anything other than Christ, we end up losing sight of Him. If our calibration is off, we think we are heading right but we are heading down! Once we do lose sight of Christ through being caught up in a stressful day or in a moment of foolishness, it is critical we learn to focus immediately upon Him again. We do this through repentance, prayer, feeding on the Word of God, and fellowship with other believers in Christ. Jesus is even now at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). If we lose sight of Him it's not because Jesus has abandoned us: it's because we've taken our eyes off Him and onto something else. We need to be properly calibrated!
When your day begins, ends, and at all points in between, let us ensure we are properly calibrated with our eyes fixed on Christ. Even as the sights on a firearm must be lined up properly to hit the target, we must be properly calibrated to be effective in our walk and witness. We must train our gaze upon Jesus with sniper-like precision. No matter how big the waves or how wild the winds, even if we begin to sink as Peter on the storm-swept Galilee, let us look to Jesus. He is the only One who can save us!
The good thing about following Christ is He will never try to ditch us. While the world is constantly changing at a frenetic pace, Jesus remains stable, true, and trustworthy. When we call out to Christ for aid, He does not hide from our sight, laughing to Himself about our predicament. He doesn't try to avoid us because we've offended Him by our foolishness. When we pray to the Father, Jesus isn't like someone who receives a call on their mobile, looks at the number and says out loud, "I'll just let that one go to voice mail." The problem we face as disciples is not of Jesus being unreliable or forgetful, but how often we are distracted and therefore lose sight of Christ. Our problems can appear so big, impossible, and beyond sorting out that all our focus is on the perceived problem or ourselves - and not look upon Christ alone.
Recently during a Bible study, our group looked at Psalm 73. Asaph writes as a man who is disillusioned by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. In modern vernacular he fumes, "Here is a man who blasphemes God, but he prospers while I struggle. Why bother living for God when the wicked seem better off in this world?" The psalmist was filled with pain as he thought about it. But verse 17 is when he had an epiphany: Psalm 73:17-19 reads, "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors." It was not until Asaph entered the sanctuary, until he entered into God's presence, that he saw things clearly. God gave him clarity and understanding he didn't comprehend before. While away from the presence of God and focusing on externals, Asaph had missed the point. It was in the presence of God that he realised his focus was wrong. He concludes in Psalm 73:25-26: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The struggles God's people endure in this life cannot be compared with the joyful glory that is ours eternally in Christ. The wicked may seem to prosper now, but those who reject Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour will receive their eternal wages for sin paid in full: death and everlasting torment.
Isn't it true that when we fix our eyes upon Christ, our perspective changes for good? When I used to play video games on the computer which required a joystick, it was imperative the joystick be calibrated. If when the game was booting up the joystick wasn't in the centered position, the controls would be off. Instead of flying level the plane would always be banking hard to the left, or the car would incessantly steer to the right. But once the joystick was properly calibrated, the player faced forward properly. How important it is for our lives to properly calibrated to focus upon Christ! When we focus on the things of this world, our own deficiencies or struggles, or anything other than Christ, we end up losing sight of Him. If our calibration is off, we think we are heading right but we are heading down! Once we do lose sight of Christ through being caught up in a stressful day or in a moment of foolishness, it is critical we learn to focus immediately upon Him again. We do this through repentance, prayer, feeding on the Word of God, and fellowship with other believers in Christ. Jesus is even now at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). If we lose sight of Him it's not because Jesus has abandoned us: it's because we've taken our eyes off Him and onto something else. We need to be properly calibrated!
When your day begins, ends, and at all points in between, let us ensure we are properly calibrated with our eyes fixed on Christ. Even as the sights on a firearm must be lined up properly to hit the target, we must be properly calibrated to be effective in our walk and witness. We must train our gaze upon Jesus with sniper-like precision. No matter how big the waves or how wild the winds, even if we begin to sink as Peter on the storm-swept Galilee, let us look to Jesus. He is the only One who can save us!
21 June 2012
Freely Forgive
The struggles we face as human beings are complex. Past experiences, personality, mental, physical, and spiritual dynamics converge to create imposing, seemingly impossible problems. Something God is teaching me which vastly simplifies issues I face is deciding I am going to do things God's way. There are two basic ways to approach any problem: we can follow the world's way, or the way God has revealed through scripture.
As we go through this life, stuff clings to us. We need to change our clothes and wash our hands and bodies with soap. Even if we avoided dirty things, our skin excretes oil and sweat. Stress raises our heart rate and physical activity can produce unpleasant odours. Not a lovely thing to think upon, but it is the truth! In a similar way to our physical need for cleansing and hygienic maintenance, our life experiences can load us down with cares, worries, and baggage. We can be beset with sinful thoughts, be overtaken by sinful actions, and become steeped in bitterness and unforgiveness. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all sin which has enslaved us.
The world makes forgiveness a very complex issue. For Christians, however, our basis for forgiving others is according to how God has forgiven us. God has forgiven us at His own expense, as each applies the shed blood of Jesus Christ to our hearts by faith. He has forgiven us of all sin not because we deserve it, not because we have promised never to sin again in the same way, or because we have become trustworthy: He forgives us by His grace. If we struggle with forgiving others, we only need to think of how gracious God has been to forgive us from our sins. We are not worthy of forgiveness. But God has freely given us the wondrous gift of forgiveness and reconciliation unto Himself. As we have freely received, we ought to freely give.
As usual, God puts the onus upon us. We can never blame anyone else for us not forgiving them. No matter how vile the transgression, how real the pain, how terrible the offense, Christians are called to forgive. Our forgiveness is to be without limit. We should forgive others in our hearts even before they ask for forgiveness. Sometimes we can be tricked by Satan into thinking that those who have hurt us have not suffered enough for their wrongs and so our refusal to forgive is justified. We will make them pay! In doing so we blasphemously claim Jesus did not suffer enough on the cross for sin. What a wicked charge, that Jesus did not suffer enough or that His sacrifice was unworthy. We can be reluctant to forgive because of questions like, "What if they do it again?" or "How can I have assurance they really mean it when they apologise?" Forgiveness requires faith: faith not in the person who we must forgive, but faith in Jesus. Though He never did anything wrong, Jesus knows very intimately how it feels to be wronged.
Jesus plainly says in Mark 11:25-26: "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." If you value God's forgiveness of your sins, then you will forgive others if they sin against you. When we refuse to forgive, we show how little we value God's forgiveness. We see Christ's sacrifice and our own sins as being insignificant. But when our eyes our opened to the enormity of our sins and glory in Christ's gracious sacrifice of love on the cross, forgiveness is a natural response out of love for God. Even if you don't "feel" like forgiving someone, forgive. Place your faith in God by doing things His way. In doing so we experience the fellowship of His suffering as Christ draws us to Himself with arms of love.
As we go through this life, stuff clings to us. We need to change our clothes and wash our hands and bodies with soap. Even if we avoided dirty things, our skin excretes oil and sweat. Stress raises our heart rate and physical activity can produce unpleasant odours. Not a lovely thing to think upon, but it is the truth! In a similar way to our physical need for cleansing and hygienic maintenance, our life experiences can load us down with cares, worries, and baggage. We can be beset with sinful thoughts, be overtaken by sinful actions, and become steeped in bitterness and unforgiveness. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all sin which has enslaved us.
The world makes forgiveness a very complex issue. For Christians, however, our basis for forgiving others is according to how God has forgiven us. God has forgiven us at His own expense, as each applies the shed blood of Jesus Christ to our hearts by faith. He has forgiven us of all sin not because we deserve it, not because we have promised never to sin again in the same way, or because we have become trustworthy: He forgives us by His grace. If we struggle with forgiving others, we only need to think of how gracious God has been to forgive us from our sins. We are not worthy of forgiveness. But God has freely given us the wondrous gift of forgiveness and reconciliation unto Himself. As we have freely received, we ought to freely give.
As usual, God puts the onus upon us. We can never blame anyone else for us not forgiving them. No matter how vile the transgression, how real the pain, how terrible the offense, Christians are called to forgive. Our forgiveness is to be without limit. We should forgive others in our hearts even before they ask for forgiveness. Sometimes we can be tricked by Satan into thinking that those who have hurt us have not suffered enough for their wrongs and so our refusal to forgive is justified. We will make them pay! In doing so we blasphemously claim Jesus did not suffer enough on the cross for sin. What a wicked charge, that Jesus did not suffer enough or that His sacrifice was unworthy. We can be reluctant to forgive because of questions like, "What if they do it again?" or "How can I have assurance they really mean it when they apologise?" Forgiveness requires faith: faith not in the person who we must forgive, but faith in Jesus. Though He never did anything wrong, Jesus knows very intimately how it feels to be wronged.
Jesus plainly says in Mark 11:25-26: "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." If you value God's forgiveness of your sins, then you will forgive others if they sin against you. When we refuse to forgive, we show how little we value God's forgiveness. We see Christ's sacrifice and our own sins as being insignificant. But when our eyes our opened to the enormity of our sins and glory in Christ's gracious sacrifice of love on the cross, forgiveness is a natural response out of love for God. Even if you don't "feel" like forgiving someone, forgive. Place your faith in God by doing things His way. In doing so we experience the fellowship of His suffering as Christ draws us to Himself with arms of love.
20 June 2012
The Point of Preaching
I have heard it said, "In preaching the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." The phrase is a bit simplistic, but few would argue against the truth it contains. It is very easy in preaching to be swept up in current events or follow the tendency to often harp upon a single string of non-essential doctrine. The imperative in preaching is to preach the Word as led by the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:1-2, "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Those who are called to pulpit ministry are not called to invent new truths, but to be a heavenly reminder of God's truth as revealed in scripture. Nehemiah 8:8 reveals the gist of what all preachers should strive for: "So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading." The distinct truths of God's Word are to be rightly divided into portions easily partaken of and assimilated to mind, heart, and soul. Sermons are vehicles to move people to look upon Jesus Christ in His glory.
I am no expert in the craft of preaching, and this only fuels my desire to become better. C.H. Spurgeon is a preacher whose books have done me much good, especially Lectures to My Students. The words may be ink printed on paper, but there is much gold in those pages. Here is a final portion of a lecture titled "Sermons: Their Matter" (pages 79-80):
I am no expert in the craft of preaching, and this only fuels my desire to become better. C.H. Spurgeon is a preacher whose books have done me much good, especially Lectures to My Students. The words may be ink printed on paper, but there is much gold in those pages. Here is a final portion of a lecture titled "Sermons: Their Matter" (pages 79-80):
Of all I would wish to say this is the sum; my brethren, preach CHRIST, always and evermore. He is the whole gospel. His person, offices, and work must be our one great, all-comprehending theme. The world needs still to be told of its Saviour, and of the way to reach him. Justification by faith should be far more than it is the daily testimony of Protestant pulpits; and if with this master-truth there should be more generally associated the other great doctrines of grace, the better for our churches and our age. If with the zeal of Methodists we can preach the doctrine of Puritans a great future is before us. The fire of Wesley, and the fuel of Whitfield, will cause a burning which shall set the forests of error on fire, and warm the very soul of this cold earth. We are not called to proclaim philosophy and metaphysics, but the simple gospel. Man's fall, his need for a new birth, forgiveness through an atonement, and salvation as the result of faith, these are our battle-axe and weapons of war. We have enough to do to learn and teach these great truths, and accursed be that learning which shall divert us from our mission, or that willful ignorance which shall cripple us in its pursuit. More and more am I jealous lest any views upon prophecy, church government, politics or even systematic theology, should withdraw one of us from glorying in the cross of Christ. Salvation is a theme for which I would fain enlist every holy tongue. I am greedy after witnesses for the glorious gospel of the blessed God. O that Christ crucified were the universal burden of men of God. Your guess at the number of the beast, your Napoleonic speculations, your conjectures concerning a personal Anti-christ - forgive me, I count them but mere bones for dogs; while men are dying, and hell is filling, it seems to me the veriest drivel to be muttering about an Armageddon at Sebastopol or Sadowa or Sedan, of Germany. Blessed are they who read and hear the worlds of the prophecy of the Revelation, but the like blessing has evidently not fallen on those who pretend to expound it, for generation after generation of them have been proved to be in error by the mere lapse of time, and the present race will follow to the same inglorious sepulchre. I would sooner pluck on single brand from the burning than explain all mysteries. To win a soul from going down into the pit is a more glorious achievement than to be crowned in the arena of theological controversy as Doctor Sufficientissimus; to have faithfully unveiled the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ will be in the final judgment accounted worthier service than to have solved the problems of the religious Sphinx, or to have cut the Gordian knot of Apocalyptic difficulty. Blessed is that ministry of which CHRIST IS ALL.Couldn't have said it better, brother Spurgeon. No really, I couldn't! Though there is only one C.H. Spurgeon, and I am not him, we serve the same Saviour who through the Holy Spirit makes every believer useful in this life and in that which is to come. In Christ we live and have our being. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. May our preaching be an act of worship as we glorify Jesus Christ!
19 June 2012
Blessed to Give and Receive
Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). While this is most certainly true, there is also great blessing in receiving. What do we have as Christians that we have not received? We have received great joy in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:11). 1 Corinthians 2:12 states, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and understanding. All that we have has been freely given to us from God.
God has given us much that we have yet to receive. There are often conditions which must be met before we can receive what God freely offers. If we will be honest, we are not always initially willing to meet His conditions. Whether it be pride, ignorance, or foolishness, no one hinders us from receiving of God's goodness more than ourselves. A prime example of this is seen in the upper room when Jesus girded Himself with a towel, taking the lowest role of a servant, and washed the disciples' feet. When Jesus approached Peter to wash his feet, Peter would have none of that! John 13:6-8 tells us, "Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" 7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." 8 Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."
Given the culture of the day, it is unlikely that Peter took issue with someone washing his feet. He took issue with the idea of His Master, Jesus the Messiah, washing his feet! Being the Master, this should not be done! Peter didn't understand. It didn't make any sense. He flatly refused to submit to Jesus washing him. "You shall never wash my feet!" Then Jesus said, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with me." Being washed by Christ was a condition of identifying, following, and being a partaker in His kingdom. After hearing this, Peter backpedaled. If that was the case, Peter asked that Jesus wash not only his feet, but his hands and head. Peter was loyal to Jesus and loved Him. He did not want Jesus to embrace dishonour by stooping to the role of a slave, for He was the Son of God. But those who would honour Christ must obey Him. They must submit to being washed by Him.
John 13:12-17 reads, "So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He gave them a living illustration and example. He was their Lord, supreme in authority being God made flesh. Yet Jesus humbled Himself and washed the feet of the disciples. He even washed the feet of Judas who would that very night betray Him. Jesus came to earth not be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:25). As His followers, Christians are called to go and do likewise. We are called to serve, to give, and to allow others to minister to us in Christ's name.
In washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus did more than remove the dust from feet. He set an example for all to follow. There is no job too low for Christ's followers. No matter the need: whether it is cleaning toilets, washing feet, dumping a bedpan, praying fervently for an enemy, giving sacrificially, we ought to serve as Christ did. The example of such a servant is seen in Paul's description of a widow in1 Timothy 5:10: "...well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work." We all admire those who are humble servants, graciously giving and serving in Christ's name.
But here's the rub: all the things the woman did to serve were for people who were willing to receive. Every time she did a good work in lodging strangers there was a stranger willing to lodge with her. Every time this widow washed feet there were people who were willing to allow her to wash their feet. All those afflicted people she relieved needed to be willing participants. What if there were some who refused to allow this widow to serve them because she was an old widow? Perhaps she generously offered money to people who refused to take it from her hand because she was on a fixed income! Are there numbered among us those too proud to receive from a widow's hand? What she does unto you she does unto Christ! Should we rob her of such a great reward and testimony for God's glory? Some of us are fine with receiving forgiveness and eternal life from Christ for our sins which at one time doomed us to hell, but we will not receive aid from a brother or sister freely offered for God's glory. God forbid that we would even ask for help or allow anyone to know we are struggling! If we will receive from God eternal benefits and blessings, shouldn't we be willing to receive them from others?
It is more blessed to give than to receive. As we have received from the LORD, so let us give! May we be those who are humble both to give and receive for God's glory.
17 June 2012
THE Voice
Millions of people in Australia are waiting with great anticipation because tonight the winner for "The Voice" Australia will be crowned. Week after week, contestants have competed in the televised show for the title. What made the show intriguing from other talent-based reality shows is the judges first heard the contestants with their backs turned. The focus was on the voice, not on appearance or showmanship. Both judges and the public have weighed in to advance singers to the final four. Tonight the winner will be revealed, and it's a tight race anyone can win.
As I was reading the Bible last night, it occurred to me that as amazing and talented as those four final artists are, they could never be "The Voice." They may sing with power, skill, and beauty, but none of them are deserving of the title. Psalm 68:33-34 reads, "To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds." Now THAT is the voice! It is the One who spoke into the void: "Let there be light!" and there was light (Genesis 1:3). Darren Percival or Karise Eden have nothing on God's voice! His voice does not simply invoke emotion or stir the soul: God speaks with power to create worlds and destroy them.
The Voice has been an international reality singing sensation. Every single voice, those who sing beautifully or not, have been created by God. As Creator, God deserves the glory. Man tends to make idols of those he admires, but the idols are not worthy of worship. It is God who has created such beauty and given human beings the capacity to appreciate it. King Herod was a man who received such glory from men. As he gave an oration Acts 12:22-23 says, "And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died." No matter how well someone sings or speaks, we ought to bow the knee only before God Almighty.
Another interesting occurrence is recorded after Jesus Christ was baptised in water by John. Matthew 3:16-17 captures the moment: "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God the Father spoke from heaven, confirming before many witnesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. If we will tune in on Monday nights at 7:30 on Channel 9 to watch "The Voice," how much more important is it to heed THE Voice of God? Job 37:5 says, "God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend."
What is the voice of a man or woman before God? He says in Job 40:7-14: "Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me: 8 "Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? 9 Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? 10 Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and array yourself with glory and beauty. 11 Disperse the rage of your wrath; look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. 12 Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; tread down the wicked in their place. 13 Hide them in the dust together, bind their faces in hidden darkness. 14 Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you." Who can be compared to God? There is none like Him, in heaven or on earth. No one can thunder with a voice like God!
How gracious and good is God who put on human flesh so He would have a voice which could be heard and understood. God does not only thunder from the heavens, but gives an invitation of salvation to all people. John 7:37 reads, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." Also in Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Have you heard? Listen to His voice today!
As I was reading the Bible last night, it occurred to me that as amazing and talented as those four final artists are, they could never be "The Voice." They may sing with power, skill, and beauty, but none of them are deserving of the title. Psalm 68:33-34 reads, "To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds." Now THAT is the voice! It is the One who spoke into the void: "Let there be light!" and there was light (Genesis 1:3). Darren Percival or Karise Eden have nothing on God's voice! His voice does not simply invoke emotion or stir the soul: God speaks with power to create worlds and destroy them.
The Voice has been an international reality singing sensation. Every single voice, those who sing beautifully or not, have been created by God. As Creator, God deserves the glory. Man tends to make idols of those he admires, but the idols are not worthy of worship. It is God who has created such beauty and given human beings the capacity to appreciate it. King Herod was a man who received such glory from men. As he gave an oration Acts 12:22-23 says, "And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died." No matter how well someone sings or speaks, we ought to bow the knee only before God Almighty.
Another interesting occurrence is recorded after Jesus Christ was baptised in water by John. Matthew 3:16-17 captures the moment: "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God the Father spoke from heaven, confirming before many witnesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. If we will tune in on Monday nights at 7:30 on Channel 9 to watch "The Voice," how much more important is it to heed THE Voice of God? Job 37:5 says, "God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend."
What is the voice of a man or woman before God? He says in Job 40:7-14: "Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me: 8 "Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? 9 Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? 10 Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and array yourself with glory and beauty. 11 Disperse the rage of your wrath; look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. 12 Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; tread down the wicked in their place. 13 Hide them in the dust together, bind their faces in hidden darkness. 14 Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you." Who can be compared to God? There is none like Him, in heaven or on earth. No one can thunder with a voice like God!
How gracious and good is God who put on human flesh so He would have a voice which could be heard and understood. God does not only thunder from the heavens, but gives an invitation of salvation to all people. John 7:37 reads, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." Also in Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Have you heard? Listen to His voice today!
15 June 2012
What Really Matters
It's funny what we can find important. In the ad, "the whole world" was watching the unblinking woman, pulling for her to claim the world record for the longest time without blinking. People react as she survives close calls. There is an absurd sense that those who watched either won or lost vicariously through this woman's strong effort to keep her eyes open. Though the woman falls short of her goal, to me there was a satisfying conclusion. All this media coverage, hoopla, anticipation, and heartbreak was generated over something that in the light of eternity didn't matter one bit.
We can be caught up in so many things that affect our attitudes, emotions, and outlook that are pointless from an eternal perspective. In rugby, a man who kicks the ball wide of the posts is a failure, but the one who places the ball with downward pressure beyond the try line is a hero. A man who runs the wrong direction on a gridiron pitch is a laughing stock (Jim Marshall once scored a safety for the 49ers with great enthusiasm). A man who hits baseballs over the fence fair will make millions more than one who always hits them just foul. Our lives are full of arbitrary events that can make us laugh, smile, cheer, or get angry with frustration. It's good for us to step back and look at the big picture: what does it really matter if my team wins or loses? Who cares if someone keeps their eyes open for 16 hours without blinking? What does it matter if I secure the big contract at work? Does it really matter if I have the office with a better view of the city? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?
Isaiah 40:8 reads, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." The glory of young men is their strength, but men do not stay young forever. A day will come when that same man will glory in his silver hair and potbelly! An athlete who wins a gold medal in the Olympics one year may not even qualify to return four years later. All-Pro gridiron stars make millions one season, and the next they might be working as a bricklayer. Our lives are constantly changing, but God and His Word will remain unchanged forever. God's love, grace, mercy, and justice will always remain the same. Every year a new Guinness Book of World Records is reprinted because so many changes have occurred. But God's Word and His promises never change.
Instead of placing our attitudes and affections at the mercy of the ebbing tide of worldly affairs, let our lives be founded upon Jesus Christ. Those who hear the words of Christ and heed them are compared to a wise man who built His house upon a rock. When the winds blew, when the rain fell, when his team lost, when the lady blinked, the man who makes Christ his foundation remains steadfast, immovable, always abounding in labour for the glory of God. Christianity is a life built for eternity. Only Jesus provides us with a life that really matters!
13 June 2012
Choose Godly Influences
I was reminded yesterday how important it is for parents to be ever vigilant concerning what their kids are exposed to. It is very easy for us to lower our guard. We might think because of homeschooling, sending kids to a Christian school, or going to church is enough. Nope! If you own a TV, a computer connected to the internet, if your kids have mobile phones or Ipods, if your car has windows which allows a child to see out as you drive, if your kids have family, friends, or acquaintances, if you take them to the shops to buy food or clothes, if they read books, magazines, or listen to music, the potential for ungodly influences on your child is a real threat. The world works tirelessly to indoctrinate our children to accept evil as good.
We send our children to a Christian private school. One of my sons was selected out of his class and he received an invitation to participate in an extra-curricular course geared to inspire bright kids to be authors, actors, and artists by a professional tutor. Our son was keen to go, so we decided it would be a great reward for the hard work he has been putting in. After paying the fees, we received a syllabus for the weekend classes. It was immediately apparent that this class was unsuitable for our son because of the pagan and New Age practices they would be exposed to. Now I'm not an "artsy" person. Maybe I don't understand everything that goes into being an actor or artist. But I don't even need to read between the lines to recognise what this class would be promoting is contrary to God's Word.
The introduction explained how the class would "tune their creative instruments" and by "...using exercises and games from all over the world we will energize and focus in on our journey over the weekend." They would learn a vocal "warm up" to use their voices for their advantage, plus a "physical warm up that will awaken the senses and limbs to the creative flow that we will be developing..." Then it went even further: the children would be taught about the Ogham alphabet for the purpose of discovering their "own personal ogham poem." "We will then explore our oghams, finding which sounds, words, physical actions, images and ideas resonate most within us." I thought this class was about being an author, actor, and an artist - not an introduction for my son to practice divination through pagan customs and New Age techniques. Needless to say, after my wife rang the class there is now an opening in a fully-booked course of classes. So sought after are these courses that we could not transfer our son to an alternate class. (Our fee was kindly refunded, if you're wondering!) The school had no idea this class involved these activities, and I wonder if the same could be said of other parents.
Because he will be disappointed, I feel sorry for my son. On the other hand, I am not sorry at all. As good as the course sounded at first, it became clear that it stood in complete contrast to the biblical values we desire to uphold in our family. Had my wife not carefully read the paperwork, we would have sent our son without a thought. It just showed me again how important it is to know what is being taught at school, what your kids are reading, what music they listen to, what games they play, and who they spend time with. I am not suggesting that a bubble be created around your children, but embrace teaching moments when you can explain why a class or a movie is not beneficial according to God's righteous standard. Take time to dialogue with your children, not just "lay down the law." Once my sons leave my care, I want their lives to be grounded on biblical truth and the teachings of Jesus Christ. That will only happen if we are responsible to lay a good foundation by bringing our lives into subjection to God's Word.
We can choose to go the world's way, or God's way. Maybe my son will someday be an incredible actor or artist. That would be great! I believe he can be an amazing actor or artist and still honour God with his life. As Christians, Christ comes first. Being a Christian may eliminate some acting opportunities, but what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Some people are willing to do anything for fame and earthly glory. My job as a parent is to affirm God's truth, protect my kids from evil influences, and train my children to embrace God's way. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
We send our children to a Christian private school. One of my sons was selected out of his class and he received an invitation to participate in an extra-curricular course geared to inspire bright kids to be authors, actors, and artists by a professional tutor. Our son was keen to go, so we decided it would be a great reward for the hard work he has been putting in. After paying the fees, we received a syllabus for the weekend classes. It was immediately apparent that this class was unsuitable for our son because of the pagan and New Age practices they would be exposed to. Now I'm not an "artsy" person. Maybe I don't understand everything that goes into being an actor or artist. But I don't even need to read between the lines to recognise what this class would be promoting is contrary to God's Word.
The introduction explained how the class would "tune their creative instruments" and by "...using exercises and games from all over the world we will energize and focus in on our journey over the weekend." They would learn a vocal "warm up" to use their voices for their advantage, plus a "physical warm up that will awaken the senses and limbs to the creative flow that we will be developing..." Then it went even further: the children would be taught about the Ogham alphabet for the purpose of discovering their "own personal ogham poem." "We will then explore our oghams, finding which sounds, words, physical actions, images and ideas resonate most within us." I thought this class was about being an author, actor, and an artist - not an introduction for my son to practice divination through pagan customs and New Age techniques. Needless to say, after my wife rang the class there is now an opening in a fully-booked course of classes. So sought after are these courses that we could not transfer our son to an alternate class. (Our fee was kindly refunded, if you're wondering!) The school had no idea this class involved these activities, and I wonder if the same could be said of other parents.
Because he will be disappointed, I feel sorry for my son. On the other hand, I am not sorry at all. As good as the course sounded at first, it became clear that it stood in complete contrast to the biblical values we desire to uphold in our family. Had my wife not carefully read the paperwork, we would have sent our son without a thought. It just showed me again how important it is to know what is being taught at school, what your kids are reading, what music they listen to, what games they play, and who they spend time with. I am not suggesting that a bubble be created around your children, but embrace teaching moments when you can explain why a class or a movie is not beneficial according to God's righteous standard. Take time to dialogue with your children, not just "lay down the law." Once my sons leave my care, I want their lives to be grounded on biblical truth and the teachings of Jesus Christ. That will only happen if we are responsible to lay a good foundation by bringing our lives into subjection to God's Word.
We can choose to go the world's way, or God's way. Maybe my son will someday be an incredible actor or artist. That would be great! I believe he can be an amazing actor or artist and still honour God with his life. As Christians, Christ comes first. Being a Christian may eliminate some acting opportunities, but what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Some people are willing to do anything for fame and earthly glory. My job as a parent is to affirm God's truth, protect my kids from evil influences, and train my children to embrace God's way. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
12 June 2012
Marvelously Helped Until...
The Bible never masks the flaws in people. It confirms to man what his conscience already knows to be true: no one is perfect. Jesus Christ is the only righteous one, the Lamb of God without blemish or spot. There is no "cult of personality" concerning the kings, prophets, and others who placed their faith in God. The Bible reveals weakness, foolish choices, sin, and pride. It shows us that although we can have our sins cleansed through faith and repentance in Jesus by grace, we still live in a body of flesh. The potential for wandering from God is real for us all.
Take the case of King Uzziah, for instance. His fifty-two year reign in Judah taken as a single body of work was good. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Chron. 26:4). 2 Chronicles 26:5 reads, "He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper." God made Uzziah to prosper as long as he sought the LORD. God helped Uzziah defeat the Philistines and the Arabians (2 Chron. 26:7). King Uzziah was given a great reputation and became well established. He strengthened his defenses, dug wells, planted vineyards, and had an army with quality weapons and armour. The Bible says they "...made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy." (2 Chron. 26:13) 2 Chronicles 26:15 tells us, "And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong." King Uzziah was helped by God, Zechariah, his army, servants, workers, and skillful inventors. He was wonderfully helped until he became strong. The strength and might of Uzziah would lead to his downfall.
The Bible doesn't just show us his smiling face like in some propaganda posters of government leaders, where everyone is smiling and happy. It paints the picture of a real man. Because he was flawed, Uzziah is someone I and all other flawed people can identify with. 2 Chronicles 26:16 continues: "But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." King Uzziah transgressed by performing the role of a priest in violation of the Law. When he was confronted by Azariah the high priest and 80 valiant priests who opposed him, Uzziah was angry. He was a mighty king. He would not be corrected by another man! It was pride in his heart which lifted him up that led to disgrace.
As Uzziah fumed with rage any would oppose him, God struck him with leprosy on his forehead. He would not be corrected by men, so God chastened him. God showed grace in not striking Uzziah dead immediately for his sin! Uzziah fled from the altar of incense and lived the rest of his days in solitude until his death. Was God's hand shortened that He could not restore Uzziah's health as He had Miriam and Namaan the Syrian? No. We do not read of Uzziah repenting or seeking healing from God. He was not buried with the kings, but in a field of the kings because of his leprosy. Instead of being known as "the man God marvelously helped," in death he was "Uzziah the leper." We live in a world that defines us with our faults, but God views us on account of our faith. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Even though we receive this forgiveness, there are often still consequences of sin to be dealt with.
What a great exhortation for humility we see here! Paul learned that when he was weak, then he was strong. He was not strong in himself, but in his weakness God was able to strengthen Him wonderfully. We don't need to try to create an impeccable persona, or pretend we are without faults. Our call is to repent and seek to honour God continually in faith. God loves us because of His grace and goodness. He chastens and corrects those whom He loves. He has sent us the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us to live for His glory. Instead of being lifted up with pride, may we be humble and thankful. Let us live in such a way that the "until" is stricken from our lives so God is free to marvelously help!
Take the case of King Uzziah, for instance. His fifty-two year reign in Judah taken as a single body of work was good. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Chron. 26:4). 2 Chronicles 26:5 reads, "He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper." God made Uzziah to prosper as long as he sought the LORD. God helped Uzziah defeat the Philistines and the Arabians (2 Chron. 26:7). King Uzziah was given a great reputation and became well established. He strengthened his defenses, dug wells, planted vineyards, and had an army with quality weapons and armour. The Bible says they "...made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy." (2 Chron. 26:13) 2 Chronicles 26:15 tells us, "And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong." King Uzziah was helped by God, Zechariah, his army, servants, workers, and skillful inventors. He was wonderfully helped until he became strong. The strength and might of Uzziah would lead to his downfall.
The Bible doesn't just show us his smiling face like in some propaganda posters of government leaders, where everyone is smiling and happy. It paints the picture of a real man. Because he was flawed, Uzziah is someone I and all other flawed people can identify with. 2 Chronicles 26:16 continues: "But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." King Uzziah transgressed by performing the role of a priest in violation of the Law. When he was confronted by Azariah the high priest and 80 valiant priests who opposed him, Uzziah was angry. He was a mighty king. He would not be corrected by another man! It was pride in his heart which lifted him up that led to disgrace.
As Uzziah fumed with rage any would oppose him, God struck him with leprosy on his forehead. He would not be corrected by men, so God chastened him. God showed grace in not striking Uzziah dead immediately for his sin! Uzziah fled from the altar of incense and lived the rest of his days in solitude until his death. Was God's hand shortened that He could not restore Uzziah's health as He had Miriam and Namaan the Syrian? No. We do not read of Uzziah repenting or seeking healing from God. He was not buried with the kings, but in a field of the kings because of his leprosy. Instead of being known as "the man God marvelously helped," in death he was "Uzziah the leper." We live in a world that defines us with our faults, but God views us on account of our faith. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Even though we receive this forgiveness, there are often still consequences of sin to be dealt with.
What a great exhortation for humility we see here! Paul learned that when he was weak, then he was strong. He was not strong in himself, but in his weakness God was able to strengthen Him wonderfully. We don't need to try to create an impeccable persona, or pretend we are without faults. Our call is to repent and seek to honour God continually in faith. God loves us because of His grace and goodness. He chastens and corrects those whom He loves. He has sent us the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us to live for His glory. Instead of being lifted up with pride, may we be humble and thankful. Let us live in such a way that the "until" is stricken from our lives so God is free to marvelously help!
11 June 2012
Owner or Go-fer?
My dad is a carpenter. From a young age I was taught to distinguish between different tools. Almost every time I accompanied my dad on a work project, he would ask me to fetch a tool. I learned very early that it would not be good to return to him with the wrong tool or with no tool at all because I didn't look well enough. He would say something like, "In the back of my truck, in my shoulder box, under the tray, there is a set of Channellocks." Dad always knew where his tools where. If for some reason I couldn't immediately find the tool, I would double and triple check that it wasn't there. I hated it when I couldn't find a tool that my dad would immediately find! I became a pretty savvy go-fer! He needed a tool, and I would go-fer it!
This morning I was reminded of a acquaintance I knew as a youth. When the families of the church would gather together for a work day, there was one boy who was unlike all the rest. At eight years old, he had his own leather tool belt, hand tools, tape measure, and extension cord! While I was spending my money on action figures and baseball cards, this boy was always saving up for a new tool. Me and my friends would scurry off into the bush to play, while this boy was only interested in working. What a strange kid, I thought to myself. Our dads already have tools! Why should we use our money to buy our own tools? I was content to be a go-fer, but this kid wanted to be in the middle of the action with the tools he owned.
In our Christian life, a choice is placed before us. We can choose to occupy ourselves with godly labours and works, or we can pursue the passing pleasures of this life. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There is a difference between owning your tools and being a go-fer. Most of the tools I carried I never owned. I knew what they were called, I recognised them, and carried them in my hands. But I never actually did any work with them. God did not provide us the doctrines of His Word so we could be familiar with them, but for us to take them to heart. God owns us, and He wants us to believe Him. God is worthy to be believed and trusted. He did not give us words for the sole purpose of memorisation, but to renew our minds, work in our hearts, and be lived out according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Tools are most useful when used for their designed purpose. A hammer may be a decent paperweight, but it is designed to drive nails. We ought to use the scriptures not for our ends, but for the glory of God. God's word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The Sword of the Spirit is only discerned and properly wielded through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:10-11 reads, "The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." If men can utter wise sayings, how much wiser still is the God who has become for us wisdom? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and all He says is truth. Let us seek to "own" His truth even as Christ owns us, having purchased us with His own shed blood.
This morning I was reminded of a acquaintance I knew as a youth. When the families of the church would gather together for a work day, there was one boy who was unlike all the rest. At eight years old, he had his own leather tool belt, hand tools, tape measure, and extension cord! While I was spending my money on action figures and baseball cards, this boy was always saving up for a new tool. Me and my friends would scurry off into the bush to play, while this boy was only interested in working. What a strange kid, I thought to myself. Our dads already have tools! Why should we use our money to buy our own tools? I was content to be a go-fer, but this kid wanted to be in the middle of the action with the tools he owned.
In our Christian life, a choice is placed before us. We can choose to occupy ourselves with godly labours and works, or we can pursue the passing pleasures of this life. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There is a difference between owning your tools and being a go-fer. Most of the tools I carried I never owned. I knew what they were called, I recognised them, and carried them in my hands. But I never actually did any work with them. God did not provide us the doctrines of His Word so we could be familiar with them, but for us to take them to heart. God owns us, and He wants us to believe Him. God is worthy to be believed and trusted. He did not give us words for the sole purpose of memorisation, but to renew our minds, work in our hearts, and be lived out according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Tools are most useful when used for their designed purpose. A hammer may be a decent paperweight, but it is designed to drive nails. We ought to use the scriptures not for our ends, but for the glory of God. God's word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The Sword of the Spirit is only discerned and properly wielded through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:10-11 reads, "The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." If men can utter wise sayings, how much wiser still is the God who has become for us wisdom? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and all He says is truth. Let us seek to "own" His truth even as Christ owns us, having purchased us with His own shed blood.
09 June 2012
Jesus, the Humble King
Jesus is a humble King. The powerful in this world invest in bullet proof glass, secret elevators and entrances, security systems, bodyguards, and automated iron gates. Closed circuit televisions and paid guards ensure that no threat ranges too close. Though a King, Jesus did not live in a stone castle surrounded with a moat filled with crocodiles: He did not even have a place to lay His head. He picked up and blessed little children, healed the sick, delivered those who were demon possessed, and raised the dead. Kings historically have armies to fight for them. Courageous men faced and embraced death for king and country. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only King I know who died in place of all people: His own, and for even those who would reject Him. He could have called legions of angels to His aid, but He refused. Jesus humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation as a servant, and laid down His life upon the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).
But the humility of Christ is not only revealed upon the cross. Last night I was enraptured to consider the simple fact that Jesus became flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, yet he found out she was pregnant. He had not slept with her, so this was a most unfortunate event. The only natural explanation is someone else had, despite her claiming otherwise. As Joseph mulled over how to put Mary away secretly, without making a huge spectacle, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20-23 relates, "...Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The virgin Mary had conception through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was at that moment growing within her!
How amazing is the thought, that Jesus was Immanuel while developing within His mother's womb! Jesus allowed Himself to be confined to a human body and even to be confined within a womb for 9 months! He did not forgo any part of the human existence. I wondered if He was active in the womb. When Jesus was born, He no doubt cried like any other baby. He needed someone to clean Him and cut the umbilical cord. He needed to be dressed, changed, and fed. His body functioned just like every other baby. God didn't have to humble Himself, but He did. Jesus Christ is greater than any earthly king, being KING of KINGS. No king would voluntarily give up His kingdom and live for the rest of His days as a peasant, but Christ stepped down from a heavenly throne to put on human flesh and embrace the cross. What love, what a King!
Kings, celebrities, and the powerful are isolated from the public with barriers and security. It is a huge deal when they walk down a red carpet and pause to allow people to take their picture. Yet Jesus walked on dirt paths, met with people without appointments, and loved it because He loved people. Instead of royal robes He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciple's feet. As Christians, we ought to have such a humble heart and mind. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." It is only after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit that we will even desire or embrace such a life. But such is the glorious path to eternal glory our Saviour Jesus has blazed. He says to all who follow Him in faith in Revelation 3:21: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
But the humility of Christ is not only revealed upon the cross. Last night I was enraptured to consider the simple fact that Jesus became flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, yet he found out she was pregnant. He had not slept with her, so this was a most unfortunate event. The only natural explanation is someone else had, despite her claiming otherwise. As Joseph mulled over how to put Mary away secretly, without making a huge spectacle, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20-23 relates, "...Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The virgin Mary had conception through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was at that moment growing within her!
How amazing is the thought, that Jesus was Immanuel while developing within His mother's womb! Jesus allowed Himself to be confined to a human body and even to be confined within a womb for 9 months! He did not forgo any part of the human existence. I wondered if He was active in the womb. When Jesus was born, He no doubt cried like any other baby. He needed someone to clean Him and cut the umbilical cord. He needed to be dressed, changed, and fed. His body functioned just like every other baby. God didn't have to humble Himself, but He did. Jesus Christ is greater than any earthly king, being KING of KINGS. No king would voluntarily give up His kingdom and live for the rest of His days as a peasant, but Christ stepped down from a heavenly throne to put on human flesh and embrace the cross. What love, what a King!
Kings, celebrities, and the powerful are isolated from the public with barriers and security. It is a huge deal when they walk down a red carpet and pause to allow people to take their picture. Yet Jesus walked on dirt paths, met with people without appointments, and loved it because He loved people. Instead of royal robes He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciple's feet. As Christians, we ought to have such a humble heart and mind. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." It is only after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit that we will even desire or embrace such a life. But such is the glorious path to eternal glory our Saviour Jesus has blazed. He says to all who follow Him in faith in Revelation 3:21: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
07 June 2012
Is Tithing for Today? Part 2
Have you ever walked up to a group of people to find them involved into a passionate discussion? After standing there for a minute of two, you face a decision to either jump in or step away. That's a little how I feel after my last post on tithing. In the years of contributing to this blog, I have penned over 500 posts. I have had more feedback in less than 24 hours on this particular post than all the other posts combined! It is clearly a conversation that's been going on for a while. For those of you who have written messages, thank you very much. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Part of the reasons for the post is that I Google searched "Is Tithing for Today?" and was surprised at the amount of negative posts in the first five pages I scanned. I decided that I would share some scriptural reasons to support the other side of the discussion. I see tithing as a good work, not evil. After reading some responses, I thought it wise to clarify some potential misconceptions. I rejoice that we live in a blessed day of freedom through Christ. God forbid that I should encourage people to return to the Law! That was not my intent whatsoever. My reason for writing was not to condemn those who do not tithe, but to suggest that there are benefits for those who do. There has no doubt been abuse in the area of money in the history of the church - and governments, non-profits, money changers, and unfortunately wherever money is involved! I wrote for the purpose to encourage people to give as they are led by God. It is apparent that "tithing" is a loaded term for many, and for that reason I will instead say "Spirit-led giving." Whatever we do, we are to do it unto the LORD (Romans 14:1-6).
This morning I read Proverbs 3:9-10 which says: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." We see the principle throughout scripture, to honour God with what we have been given. But I am no farmer. I do not grow crops or raise animals. When I relate this principle to myself, money is the currency of my increase. In the Old Testament days, people would bring their firstfruits to the Levites so they could eat! The Priests and Levites ministered to the people in spiritual things, and God used the giving of the people to supply their physical needs. Paul affirms this principle in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:3-11: he and others had supplied spiritual needs, and it was fitting for the people to provide physical things. Paul never demanded a tithe from the people, but they should give as led by the Spirit.
This is my opinion: I see Spirit-led giving as a good work. If God should lead a man to give .3%, 10%, or 58% of a paycheck, good! For those who know to do good and do it not, to them it is sin (James 4:17). This principle, of course, is not restricted only to our handing of finances. No man is under the obligation to tithe except God lead Him to. Legalism is not defined by what you do or don't do, but where your heart is in doing. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. When I was a youth, I remember one lady who believed head coverings were very important. I sadly judged her for her actions as being entrenched in legalism, even though her motivation may very well have been pure in God's eyes. Instead of judging, I should have been loving. People may judge me as returning to the Law because I have cited scriptures God has used to lead me to tithe in the past. My confidence is only in Christ and God's grace.
Anything we do in faith as led by the Holy Spirit will certainly reap heavenly rewards. Thank God for His patience! I humbly affirm that I am still learning, and may God help me to walk in love, grace, and mercy. Whatever we do, may we do it as unto the LORD!
Part of the reasons for the post is that I Google searched "Is Tithing for Today?" and was surprised at the amount of negative posts in the first five pages I scanned. I decided that I would share some scriptural reasons to support the other side of the discussion. I see tithing as a good work, not evil. After reading some responses, I thought it wise to clarify some potential misconceptions. I rejoice that we live in a blessed day of freedom through Christ. God forbid that I should encourage people to return to the Law! That was not my intent whatsoever. My reason for writing was not to condemn those who do not tithe, but to suggest that there are benefits for those who do. There has no doubt been abuse in the area of money in the history of the church - and governments, non-profits, money changers, and unfortunately wherever money is involved! I wrote for the purpose to encourage people to give as they are led by God. It is apparent that "tithing" is a loaded term for many, and for that reason I will instead say "Spirit-led giving." Whatever we do, we are to do it unto the LORD (Romans 14:1-6).
This morning I read Proverbs 3:9-10 which says: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." We see the principle throughout scripture, to honour God with what we have been given. But I am no farmer. I do not grow crops or raise animals. When I relate this principle to myself, money is the currency of my increase. In the Old Testament days, people would bring their firstfruits to the Levites so they could eat! The Priests and Levites ministered to the people in spiritual things, and God used the giving of the people to supply their physical needs. Paul affirms this principle in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:3-11: he and others had supplied spiritual needs, and it was fitting for the people to provide physical things. Paul never demanded a tithe from the people, but they should give as led by the Spirit.
This is my opinion: I see Spirit-led giving as a good work. If God should lead a man to give .3%, 10%, or 58% of a paycheck, good! For those who know to do good and do it not, to them it is sin (James 4:17). This principle, of course, is not restricted only to our handing of finances. No man is under the obligation to tithe except God lead Him to. Legalism is not defined by what you do or don't do, but where your heart is in doing. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. When I was a youth, I remember one lady who believed head coverings were very important. I sadly judged her for her actions as being entrenched in legalism, even though her motivation may very well have been pure in God's eyes. Instead of judging, I should have been loving. People may judge me as returning to the Law because I have cited scriptures God has used to lead me to tithe in the past. My confidence is only in Christ and God's grace.
Anything we do in faith as led by the Holy Spirit will certainly reap heavenly rewards. Thank God for His patience! I humbly affirm that I am still learning, and may God help me to walk in love, grace, and mercy. Whatever we do, may we do it as unto the LORD!
06 June 2012
Is Tithing for Today?
How exciting is the walk of faith in following Jesus Christ! It clashes on every level with the wisdom of the world: when we lose our lives for Christ's sake, that is when we find it. As Christians mature and grow in Christ, God deals with old ways of thinking, our habits, attitudes, thoughts, words, and deeds by confronting them with the Word of God. If we are in Christ, we are new creations. We are not our own, having been purchased through the blood of Christ by grace through faith. Our whole life is to be brought into subjection of God in obedience to His Word as led by the Holy Spirit. One of the ways God challenges our faith is in the area of finances and giving. Sometimes we can be ignorant of our responsibilities as Christians which holds us back from obedience. Other times we dig in our heels. There are also occasions when we are not convinced which is the right way so we remain undecided.
I am convinced by scripture of my responsibility as a Christian to tithe. I was not always of this opinion. The word "tithe" literally means "tenth." For some of my life, I would have placed tithing in an optional category. Because of the day of liberty and grace in which we live, it is true we have freedom in Christ. There are no demands placed on New Testament believers of how much to give: we should give as led by the Holy Spirit. We should never, however, use freedom to cloak our lack of faith in giving. It is before God every man will stand or fall, and I am no one to judge another man's servant. If we ask, "Why tithe?" then we also must consider the opposite: "Why not tithe?" Often our reasons for not doing something can be more telling of our heart's condition than why we do something. Whether or not we tithe, it is important that we are fully persuaded in our own minds according to the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.
Some claim a call to tithing to their church fellowship is a deliberate step towards legalism. As I read scripture, this is simply not true. Tithing in scripture occurs before the institution of the Law God committed to Moses. We read of both Abraham and Israel freely giving tithes. Genesis 14:18-20 and Hebrews 7:3-10 speaks of when Abraham gave tithes of all to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High (a type of Christ). Freely Abraham received, and freely Abraham gave. After God revealed Himself to Jacob who would later be called Israel, he promised God in Genesis 28:22: "And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You." When the Law was instituted almost 500 years later, Leviticus 27:30 states, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S. It is holy to the LORD." 2 Chronicles 31:5 shows tithes were to include everything: "As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything."
A wonderful passage concerning tithing is found in Malachi 3:8-11 through the prophet's words to the nation of Israel: "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts." When we withhold from God His due, we are in reality robbing Him. And see what great benefits God promises those who tithe! He is mindful of the birds of the air and provides for them. God will provide for us even when our faith is small.
I find it sad that for many people these verses lack credibility because they are found in the Old Testament. To discount them upon that basis also means we must discount Jeremiah 29:11 and many more verses like it: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." I am not of the mind that every promise not explicitly re-stated in the New Testament should have an asterisk placed by it in the margin! I believe all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so those who follow God might be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). One rule of Bible study is the New Testament takes precedence over the Old. This does not mean the Old is without relevance. Because of the New Covenant ushered in by grace, we are no longer under the Law. But we see tithing occurring before the Law and apart from the Law. There is no prohibition of tithing in the New Testament. Tithing is a good work. Good works ought to be done.
The precedent set in the New Testament is greater than that of the Law. If God claims a tenth as His own (though He owns all things!) under the Law, should I give less under grace? In fact, we read in the New Testament that people gave all their money and possessions into the hands of the apostles for use in ministry! Paul requested of the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." Everyone was required to give on a weekly basis as God prospered them. 10% was not the limit of what they were to give. In my own life, I see tithing not a command to be obeyed, but a responsibility and privilege to be embraced. The opportunity to give back to God by faith is a great blessing! I believe and testify that the promises to those who tithe in Malachi 3 concerning God's provision, protection, and fruitfulness are relevant today.
Tithing is a matter of priority. There are many "non-negotiable" payments we all must make: mortgage or rent, car repayments, life insurance, electricity, water, fuel, school fees, life insurance, and retirement investments. We may cringe or pay them without a thought. But when it comes to giving God of our increase (which in much of society today is in the form of money), that is when some dig in their heels. But what is more important: to give in faith and obedience to the God who has provided us all things - even Himself - or to make my own funds a greater priority to ensure I will have money in the bank when my career is over? If my housing costs and children's school fees are "non-negotiable," then giving to God should be even more untouchable. When people give unto the LORD they invest in eternity for the glory of God. It is not my job to make sure everyone tithes. God has impressed upon my heart that my role is to hold forth a biblical basis for tithing. It makes sense to me that if we are part of God's family, we logically have responsibilities as part of that family structure. My view is that tithing is the least part I should embrace.
One of the common complaints about giving is not being able to afford it. Let us not forget that all we have is a gift from God. We would have nothing except that God has given it to us. Paul reminds in the second part of Romans 14:23 that "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin." We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We are to display this faith even in how we handle our finances. I will not be dogmatic and claim, "If you are not tithing, you are sinning." God provides liberty by His grace. But I will say if the reason for not giving is you are not convinced God will provide for you, that is sin. Giving by faith is a way God challenges and changes us into the image of Jesus, the One who has given His own blood so we might live. God deserves our firstfruits; He is worthy only of the best. We should never pay taxes to Caesar until we have first rendered to God what is rightfully His (Matthew 22:21).
As we grow in Christ, may we grow in generosity. Let us take to heart 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
I am convinced by scripture of my responsibility as a Christian to tithe. I was not always of this opinion. The word "tithe" literally means "tenth." For some of my life, I would have placed tithing in an optional category. Because of the day of liberty and grace in which we live, it is true we have freedom in Christ. There are no demands placed on New Testament believers of how much to give: we should give as led by the Holy Spirit. We should never, however, use freedom to cloak our lack of faith in giving. It is before God every man will stand or fall, and I am no one to judge another man's servant. If we ask, "Why tithe?" then we also must consider the opposite: "Why not tithe?" Often our reasons for not doing something can be more telling of our heart's condition than why we do something. Whether or not we tithe, it is important that we are fully persuaded in our own minds according to the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.
Some claim a call to tithing to their church fellowship is a deliberate step towards legalism. As I read scripture, this is simply not true. Tithing in scripture occurs before the institution of the Law God committed to Moses. We read of both Abraham and Israel freely giving tithes. Genesis 14:18-20 and Hebrews 7:3-10 speaks of when Abraham gave tithes of all to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High (a type of Christ). Freely Abraham received, and freely Abraham gave. After God revealed Himself to Jacob who would later be called Israel, he promised God in Genesis 28:22: "And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You." When the Law was instituted almost 500 years later, Leviticus 27:30 states, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S. It is holy to the LORD." 2 Chronicles 31:5 shows tithes were to include everything: "As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything."
A wonderful passage concerning tithing is found in Malachi 3:8-11 through the prophet's words to the nation of Israel: "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts." When we withhold from God His due, we are in reality robbing Him. And see what great benefits God promises those who tithe! He is mindful of the birds of the air and provides for them. God will provide for us even when our faith is small.
I find it sad that for many people these verses lack credibility because they are found in the Old Testament. To discount them upon that basis also means we must discount Jeremiah 29:11 and many more verses like it: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." I am not of the mind that every promise not explicitly re-stated in the New Testament should have an asterisk placed by it in the margin! I believe all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so those who follow God might be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). One rule of Bible study is the New Testament takes precedence over the Old. This does not mean the Old is without relevance. Because of the New Covenant ushered in by grace, we are no longer under the Law. But we see tithing occurring before the Law and apart from the Law. There is no prohibition of tithing in the New Testament. Tithing is a good work. Good works ought to be done.
The precedent set in the New Testament is greater than that of the Law. If God claims a tenth as His own (though He owns all things!) under the Law, should I give less under grace? In fact, we read in the New Testament that people gave all their money and possessions into the hands of the apostles for use in ministry! Paul requested of the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." Everyone was required to give on a weekly basis as God prospered them. 10% was not the limit of what they were to give. In my own life, I see tithing not a command to be obeyed, but a responsibility and privilege to be embraced. The opportunity to give back to God by faith is a great blessing! I believe and testify that the promises to those who tithe in Malachi 3 concerning God's provision, protection, and fruitfulness are relevant today.
Tithing is a matter of priority. There are many "non-negotiable" payments we all must make: mortgage or rent, car repayments, life insurance, electricity, water, fuel, school fees, life insurance, and retirement investments. We may cringe or pay them without a thought. But when it comes to giving God of our increase (which in much of society today is in the form of money), that is when some dig in their heels. But what is more important: to give in faith and obedience to the God who has provided us all things - even Himself - or to make my own funds a greater priority to ensure I will have money in the bank when my career is over? If my housing costs and children's school fees are "non-negotiable," then giving to God should be even more untouchable. When people give unto the LORD they invest in eternity for the glory of God. It is not my job to make sure everyone tithes. God has impressed upon my heart that my role is to hold forth a biblical basis for tithing. It makes sense to me that if we are part of God's family, we logically have responsibilities as part of that family structure. My view is that tithing is the least part I should embrace.
One of the common complaints about giving is not being able to afford it. Let us not forget that all we have is a gift from God. We would have nothing except that God has given it to us. Paul reminds in the second part of Romans 14:23 that "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin." We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We are to display this faith even in how we handle our finances. I will not be dogmatic and claim, "If you are not tithing, you are sinning." God provides liberty by His grace. But I will say if the reason for not giving is you are not convinced God will provide for you, that is sin. Giving by faith is a way God challenges and changes us into the image of Jesus, the One who has given His own blood so we might live. God deserves our firstfruits; He is worthy only of the best. We should never pay taxes to Caesar until we have first rendered to God what is rightfully His (Matthew 22:21).
As we grow in Christ, may we grow in generosity. Let us take to heart 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
05 June 2012
Protein and Vinyl
Recently I began a new exercise regimen with the idea of building muscle and burning fat. To maximise the effectiveness of a workout, a good diet and quality supplements are key components. After doing some research, I bought a big tub of whey protein powder from Costco, along with a good multivitamin. Whey protein isn't cheap, but the health benefits from building a stronger body is worth the investment.
As I loaded the protein powder into the cart, I wondered, "Will this stuff really make a difference? What happens if I take all this and nothing changes? Would I buy another tub if the results are negligible?" So I determined I would commit to the workout while carefully monitoring my progress. If I don't see improvement, I'm not going to keep going back to what is ineffective. Why should I pay money for what is not beneficial?
It occurred to me that it is wise to have this sort of self-examination on a spiritual level. The books we read, the way we spend our time and money, the thoughts we dwell upon, all these things and many other factors can either strengthen us spiritually or cause us to languish. For many years of my life, I collected vinyl. At one point I had about 450 albums, filling heavy crates in my apartment. But a day came when God led me to give them away as a donation to someone in need. It was a fairly valuable collection. I loved the music, especially classic rock, but a lot of it did not bring glory to God.
Over the next few years, I can't remember if I had records. But very slowly I began to acquire records I would find in thrift stores. I was very picky about their condition and quality. Ten years later, I had about 100 albums again! I would listen to them on my Marantz turntable with great enjoyment. A day came when I felt God speaking to me about my classic rock collection. "I told you to get rid of these things before because they do not benefit you," I perceived God say. "It's time for them to go." I thought back on how subtly godless music had crept into my life. It was true: the music didn't benefit me spiritually at all. This collection was more valuable than my previous one, having been carefully collected. With the exception of a couple of classical albums and a Star Wars score, I gathered up the rock albums and went to the trash can. After dumping them in the bin, I looked at them for a moment. Never again, I told myself. Never again did I want to acquire things I would have to throw away. The feeling of loss I experienced when I chucked those albums, knowing I had wasted much money and effort, was a greater sense of loss of living life without them. But the feeling quickly fled away as I knew through obedience I found strength in God.
How many times do we acquire things at great cost which are actually worthless! Our flesh enjoys them for a while, but what our flesh loves can be spiritually harmful. In the same way we should watch what we put into our bodies, we ought to consider what we feed our minds and hearts. If it doesn't make us spiritually stronger, it's probably not worth having. Isaiah 55:2-3 reads, "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. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- the sure mercies of David."
Unless that whey protein makes a positive impact on my health, I will not buy it again. I must show the same resolve with other things in my life. I praise God that He gives us fresh perspective on things through His Word and the Holy Spirit. May we exercise faith in obedience to God as we live out our days on this earth, considering carefully the benefits or potential harm of our affections.
As I loaded the protein powder into the cart, I wondered, "Will this stuff really make a difference? What happens if I take all this and nothing changes? Would I buy another tub if the results are negligible?" So I determined I would commit to the workout while carefully monitoring my progress. If I don't see improvement, I'm not going to keep going back to what is ineffective. Why should I pay money for what is not beneficial?
It occurred to me that it is wise to have this sort of self-examination on a spiritual level. The books we read, the way we spend our time and money, the thoughts we dwell upon, all these things and many other factors can either strengthen us spiritually or cause us to languish. For many years of my life, I collected vinyl. At one point I had about 450 albums, filling heavy crates in my apartment. But a day came when God led me to give them away as a donation to someone in need. It was a fairly valuable collection. I loved the music, especially classic rock, but a lot of it did not bring glory to God.
Over the next few years, I can't remember if I had records. But very slowly I began to acquire records I would find in thrift stores. I was very picky about their condition and quality. Ten years later, I had about 100 albums again! I would listen to them on my Marantz turntable with great enjoyment. A day came when I felt God speaking to me about my classic rock collection. "I told you to get rid of these things before because they do not benefit you," I perceived God say. "It's time for them to go." I thought back on how subtly godless music had crept into my life. It was true: the music didn't benefit me spiritually at all. This collection was more valuable than my previous one, having been carefully collected. With the exception of a couple of classical albums and a Star Wars score, I gathered up the rock albums and went to the trash can. After dumping them in the bin, I looked at them for a moment. Never again, I told myself. Never again did I want to acquire things I would have to throw away. The feeling of loss I experienced when I chucked those albums, knowing I had wasted much money and effort, was a greater sense of loss of living life without them. But the feeling quickly fled away as I knew through obedience I found strength in God.
How many times do we acquire things at great cost which are actually worthless! Our flesh enjoys them for a while, but what our flesh loves can be spiritually harmful. In the same way we should watch what we put into our bodies, we ought to consider what we feed our minds and hearts. If it doesn't make us spiritually stronger, it's probably not worth having. Isaiah 55:2-3 reads, "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. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- the sure mercies of David."
Unless that whey protein makes a positive impact on my health, I will not buy it again. I must show the same resolve with other things in my life. I praise God that He gives us fresh perspective on things through His Word and the Holy Spirit. May we exercise faith in obedience to God as we live out our days on this earth, considering carefully the benefits or potential harm of our affections.
04 June 2012
An Inspirational Walk
Much of the world is looking with anticipation to the Olympic summer games being held this year in London. Since I was young, I always enjoyed watching the televised events. It was an opportunity to see people compete in events I didn't even know were events! No one makes an Olympic team without dedication and sacrifice. In the sporting world, there is no stage greater than the Olympics. With the exception of the boxing scoring system, the Olympics leave nothing to be desired: tradition, rivalry, patriotism, emotion, determination, and grit.
The Olympic games are more than a platform to crown the world's best. It is an opportunity to join with athletes from all over the world who have dedicated their lives to excellence in sport. Sprinkled in among the televised action, I remember Bob Costas narrating inspirational vignettes documenting the struggles and difficulties of athletes who obtained their Olympic dreams of simply being able to compete. Most of the stories were of American superstars, but included athletes from all over the world. I am very interested to see what events will be televised now that I live in Australia. And I'll be wearing my Aussie green and gold, thank you very much!
It would be a sad commentary if we needed to wait four years to be inspired by stories of people overcoming obstacles to obtain Olympic gold. In fact, some people who I find most inspirational will never make an Olympic team. They are not athletes with ripped physiques. They are not recognized in their hometowns on the streets, no passerby asks for their autographs, and they have never been on TV. Sometimes seemingly ordinary people can be extraordinary. They exhibit inner strength through God which makes the strength of world-class Olympic lifters appear puny. When faced with challenges, their faith in Christ remains steadfast and true. Whether they find themselves on a sickbed, caring for a infirm spouse, or working through grief and disappointment, it is God who makes them strong. I have been blessed to know many people who fit in this category.
At a church family meeting a couple weeks ago, I witnessed something more inspirational than seeing someone win a gold medal. It was a culmination of events that began several months ago. Kevin and Anne Guest were enjoying a cruise when Anne suffered a stroke, losing the use of her left side. This led to months of hospital treatment, constant visits and chronicling of events by Kevin, and hard work for Anne with physical therapy. Slowly Anne began to gain strength. It was a joyful day when Kevin and Anne could return home together without time restrictions! During the family meeting after church, I asked people to share with all what God had been teaching them. I was nearly overcome with tears when Anne deftly stood to her feet alone, took her walking stick in hand, and began to walk slowly forward. With a gleam of valiant determination in her eye, Anne looked intently upon the people at the meeting. She quoted Isaiah 40:31: "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." She added, "I'm not running yet, but I'm walking." She slowly returned to her wheelchair and sat down. That was an incredible moment, one I will never forget.
Whether you are a world-class athlete, someone laid low with illness, or experiencing trials of all kinds, God grants strength to those who fear Him. There is no one more inspirational to me than Jesus Christ, and I am so blessed when I see His strength on display through His people. Let us continually honour God, drawing strength only from our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:10 reads, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Thank God for the many ways He inspires us!
The Olympic games are more than a platform to crown the world's best. It is an opportunity to join with athletes from all over the world who have dedicated their lives to excellence in sport. Sprinkled in among the televised action, I remember Bob Costas narrating inspirational vignettes documenting the struggles and difficulties of athletes who obtained their Olympic dreams of simply being able to compete. Most of the stories were of American superstars, but included athletes from all over the world. I am very interested to see what events will be televised now that I live in Australia. And I'll be wearing my Aussie green and gold, thank you very much!
It would be a sad commentary if we needed to wait four years to be inspired by stories of people overcoming obstacles to obtain Olympic gold. In fact, some people who I find most inspirational will never make an Olympic team. They are not athletes with ripped physiques. They are not recognized in their hometowns on the streets, no passerby asks for their autographs, and they have never been on TV. Sometimes seemingly ordinary people can be extraordinary. They exhibit inner strength through God which makes the strength of world-class Olympic lifters appear puny. When faced with challenges, their faith in Christ remains steadfast and true. Whether they find themselves on a sickbed, caring for a infirm spouse, or working through grief and disappointment, it is God who makes them strong. I have been blessed to know many people who fit in this category.
At a church family meeting a couple weeks ago, I witnessed something more inspirational than seeing someone win a gold medal. It was a culmination of events that began several months ago. Kevin and Anne Guest were enjoying a cruise when Anne suffered a stroke, losing the use of her left side. This led to months of hospital treatment, constant visits and chronicling of events by Kevin, and hard work for Anne with physical therapy. Slowly Anne began to gain strength. It was a joyful day when Kevin and Anne could return home together without time restrictions! During the family meeting after church, I asked people to share with all what God had been teaching them. I was nearly overcome with tears when Anne deftly stood to her feet alone, took her walking stick in hand, and began to walk slowly forward. With a gleam of valiant determination in her eye, Anne looked intently upon the people at the meeting. She quoted Isaiah 40:31: "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." She added, "I'm not running yet, but I'm walking." She slowly returned to her wheelchair and sat down. That was an incredible moment, one I will never forget.
Whether you are a world-class athlete, someone laid low with illness, or experiencing trials of all kinds, God grants strength to those who fear Him. There is no one more inspirational to me than Jesus Christ, and I am so blessed when I see His strength on display through His people. Let us continually honour God, drawing strength only from our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:10 reads, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Thank God for the many ways He inspires us!
03 June 2012
Open the Door!
There have been a rash of electricity salesmen knocking on my door of late. The thing that bothers me about them is their dishonesty: they claim they are not trying to sell me anything when the exact opposite is true. Listening to them talk, it is simply out of the "goodness of their hearts" they are trying to save me money on my electricity costs. They all have similar tactics: they butter me up or ask a loaded question, and then try to sink their hooks in. No matter how direct I am, a salesman who understands the point and walks away before I close the door is rare.
Because of the influx of well-intentioned salesmen who want me to switch my electricity provider (and I'm not changing, so please stop bothering me!), when I hear a knock at the door I instinctively groan. Who could it be now? Who else wants to make me their customer? How many more times will I have to endure the shallow chatter and repeat myself over and over? "No thank you. And no, I will not allow you to look at my previous bill." The other night our whole family just sat down to dinner and there was a loud knock at the door. I had dealt with one electricity salesmen of the overweening variety that day. The previous night at dinner a man came trying to sell me some Spanish art! I continued to eat dinner. "I am not answering that," I announced to the family. "If they were someone who knows me, they could ring."
The next day it came to light that it was not a salesman who came to my door, but a FedEx courier with an overseas shipment! I knew a shipment was coming soon, but at that moment I was so fed up I didn't care who it was! In retrospect, that was a rare occasion when I wished I had opened the door. My decision to ignore the knock at the door reminded me of an anecdote titled "Afraid of the Landlord" told by D.L. Moody. It is recorded in John Lobb's book Arrows and Anecdotes on page 135, written in 1877:
God provided the Jews manna in the wilderness; bread from heaven to sustain them. Jesus is the Living Bread! He proclaims in John 6:35 & 51: "And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst....51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." When Jesus comes knocking at your heart, don't ignore His call! Open to Him!
Because of the influx of well-intentioned salesmen who want me to switch my electricity provider (and I'm not changing, so please stop bothering me!), when I hear a knock at the door I instinctively groan. Who could it be now? Who else wants to make me their customer? How many more times will I have to endure the shallow chatter and repeat myself over and over? "No thank you. And no, I will not allow you to look at my previous bill." The other night our whole family just sat down to dinner and there was a loud knock at the door. I had dealt with one electricity salesmen of the overweening variety that day. The previous night at dinner a man came trying to sell me some Spanish art! I continued to eat dinner. "I am not answering that," I announced to the family. "If they were someone who knows me, they could ring."
The next day it came to light that it was not a salesman who came to my door, but a FedEx courier with an overseas shipment! I knew a shipment was coming soon, but at that moment I was so fed up I didn't care who it was! In retrospect, that was a rare occasion when I wished I had opened the door. My decision to ignore the knock at the door reminded me of an anecdote titled "Afraid of the Landlord" told by D.L. Moody. It is recorded in John Lobb's book Arrows and Anecdotes on page 135, written in 1877:
Many think God comes wanting something from us. When he was in Glasgow, Dr. William Arnot heard that a poor woman was unable to pay her rent, and he thought he would go round to her house and give her some assistance. After knocking he heard some one moving; he knocked again, but no one came; he waited some time, but after knocking repeatedly he had to leave without gaining admittance. A day or two afterwards he met the woman in the street, and told her that he had been at the house, with the view of helping her. "O doctor!" exclaimed the poor widow, "was that you? Why, I thought it was the landlord, and was afraid to open as I had nothing to pay him with." Now that woman just represented a sinner. Jesus comes knocking at the door of our heart; He says: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man open I will come in and sup with him." He is knocking - knocking today, and yet we keep the door fastened and hide trembling, imagining all the time that He has come to demand something we cannot pay.How true this can be of us in a spiritual sense! We can be so involved in the cares of this life, so focused on extinguishing fiery darts of the wicked one, and be caught up in trials that when Christ comes to spend time with us we feel too weary to give Him the time and attention He deserves. How many times has Jesus stood out calling our names at the door of our hearts and we run and hide, thinking he brings greater guilt and condemnation! We see our lack and are ashamed of any meal we might prepare for the King of Kings, forgetting that He is the one who supplies the food for the table! Christ desires to commune with us. He has already provided Living Water of the Holy Spirit, His broken body, and His shed blood - food and drink for our souls indeed! Jesus has given us Himself, become the propitiation for our sins, and purchased us with His own blood.
God provided the Jews manna in the wilderness; bread from heaven to sustain them. Jesus is the Living Bread! He proclaims in John 6:35 & 51: "And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst....51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." When Jesus comes knocking at your heart, don't ignore His call! Open to Him!
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