Last Friday I attended a patriotic production at Abel's school. Kindergarten through grade three were involved in singing, dressing up in costumes of American historical figures, and reciting lines. Abel was J.F.K. and wore a cute little suit for the occasion. I was impressed with the kindergarten classes which recited the Preamble to the United States Constitution verbatim, a feat which I did not do until eighth grade! I memorized it during Mr. Kennedy's history class at Emerald Junior High during a single class with the assistance of the School House Rock jingle! "We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, promote domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do proclaim and establish this Constitution of the United States of America."
Listening to these five and six-year-old children recite the Preamble was pretty amazing. It reminded me of reciting and listening to people recite Bible verses in Awanas or Sunday School. Having grown up attending church, many people through the years have rewarded children for their ability to memorize scripture. It was not so much memorization for the sake of truth but for rewards like patches, pencils, stickers, and gum. But as I listened to these children repeat five-dollar words they could not possibly understand I thought, I wonder if one of those children could explain to me what is significant about the Preamble. I wonder if they could explain a single word of it, say "tranquility." I seriously doubt they would be able. This brought me to my second thought: Understanding something is more critical than repeating it word for word. Yet it is paramount to apply truth to my life than to just repeat it or even understand it.
I remember hearing J. Vernon McGee talk about what it means to hide God's Word in your heart. When most people reference Psalm 119:11 which says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" it is used to prop up the concept of rote memorization. McGee refuted this notion, saying that when God's Word is hidden in your heart it will be evidenced in a consecrated life lived out for God according to His truth. The Pharisees memorized the entire Torah word for word! They had all the words in order, and even had a working knowledge of what the words meant. They searched the scriptures daily, thinking they had in them eternal life. It seems like many Christian parents these days feel good about having their kids memorize scripture because the truth is going in. This is true - to a point: it would be better to have a child be able to explain John 3:16 than to rattle off the entire Gospel of John without understanding.
Kids are so good at acting for the benefits of their teachers and parents - to their own hurt. "Do you understand?" you ask your child. Based on your tone and look they can see you are upset, and they do not want you upset. This could potentially make their lives difficult. So the child will nod, looking very serious. In Sunday School many kids love to read their Bibles out loud. Some labor through reading, while others breeze easily through the passage. But just because a kid can read a word, it doesn't mean he understands it: just because he can remember a definition, doesn't mean he has personally applied that truth in faith! How many teachers and parents rest easy at night without bothering to pray for their children or students because of good conduct and works at church or school! Do not fall for this ploy of Satan! We need to pray for our kids! Scripture must be broken down and explained slowly and carefully so all will understand.
To memorize is good, but understanding is better. There is great value in committing scripture to memory. But take care that you do not substitute memorization for understanding. Repeating a verse does not give you mastery over the truth it contains. It must be lived out! And even verses which are understood on a foundational level contain deeper and deeper layers of truth only revealed through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Ethiopian Eunuch was an avid reader, and read aloud Isaiah from his chariot. Yet when Philip asked him if he understood what he read the eunuch said, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" We cannot discern spiritual truth without the help of the Holy Spirit. When we open our Bibles, let's invite Him to teach us. He will also help us to teach our children in the way they should go so they will not depart from it.
23 May 2010
21 May 2010
Rest or Relax?
Last night as I went to bed I thought about the difference between resting and relaxing. Relaxing our bodies after a hard day's work is a gift from God. Enjoying an uneventful weekend can be a great blessing to help us recover. But when it comes to spiritual matters, when we relax we invite ruin upon ourselves. Did Jesus ever tell his disciples to relax? NO! Relaxing is synonymous with lowering your guard, becoming careless, the justification of inactivity. This is spiritual suicide. When a warrior relaxes his hand on the hilt of his sword it can be easily knocked from his hand. If a watchman relaxes his guard he will become distracted or maybe fall asleep. Relaxing gives opportunity for Satan to overpower us. The devil wants us to take it easy and relax concerning obedience, holiness, and actively seeking God with our whole hearts.
If you were to "rest," in our modern vernacular we have the sense of doing something mindless, taking a nap, or putting our feet up. When the Bible speaks about resting, it is faith in action. It is an inner repose that comes from knowing who God is, and who are are in Him. It is Christ who gives us rest for our souls. We can be laboring in a garden or on a jobsite and still be at rest. This resting occurs when our faith (active reliance) is consciously placed upon God. We can remain at rest even during trials because our lives have been founded on the foundation of Christ.
Jeremiah 6:16 says, "Thus says the Lord: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it." This "rest" is found. It will not be found accidentally, but only when you look, ask, and walk in it. It does not come to you when you are spiritually lazy or complacent. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is through Him we find rest. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-29: "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." The rest Christ provides must also be received intentionally. Once He shows us the path of holiness, we have a responsibility to rest in Christ so we might be empowered to follow Him.
Are you at rest today, or are you only relaxed? One is a blessing, and one is a curse disguised as blessing. There is rest in Christ if you will seek Him with your whole heart. Don't be satisfied with relaxation when God has provided rest in His own Son! It's no holiday following Jesus, but eternal life in the presence of God is better than anything! 1 Thes. 5:5-10 entreats, "You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. [8] But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. [9] For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him."
If you were to "rest," in our modern vernacular we have the sense of doing something mindless, taking a nap, or putting our feet up. When the Bible speaks about resting, it is faith in action. It is an inner repose that comes from knowing who God is, and who are are in Him. It is Christ who gives us rest for our souls. We can be laboring in a garden or on a jobsite and still be at rest. This resting occurs when our faith (active reliance) is consciously placed upon God. We can remain at rest even during trials because our lives have been founded on the foundation of Christ.
Jeremiah 6:16 says, "Thus says the Lord: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it." This "rest" is found. It will not be found accidentally, but only when you look, ask, and walk in it. It does not come to you when you are spiritually lazy or complacent. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is through Him we find rest. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-29: "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." The rest Christ provides must also be received intentionally. Once He shows us the path of holiness, we have a responsibility to rest in Christ so we might be empowered to follow Him.
Are you at rest today, or are you only relaxed? One is a blessing, and one is a curse disguised as blessing. There is rest in Christ if you will seek Him with your whole heart. Don't be satisfied with relaxation when God has provided rest in His own Son! It's no holiday following Jesus, but eternal life in the presence of God is better than anything! 1 Thes. 5:5-10 entreats, "You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. [8] But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. [9] For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him."
19 May 2010
Ordained Interruptions
Have you ever been irritated by interruptions? It is natural to want to obtain our goals easily according to our plans. Today I intended to go on a short run. Not even two minutes into the run, I "ran" into a friend. My plan to complete the run in a timely manner was thwarted. The run was finished in due time, and God blessed me with a wonderful time of fellowship as He moved upon both our hearts in a time of prayer. It was clear to both of us God had ordained that time for us to talk and share. Even through the run had been interrupted for half an hour, we parted rejoicing.
It is not always so easy to see God's hand at work in the little interruptions of our days. When I worked at the church office it never seemed to fail: there were always interruptions, but God always miraculously provided enough time to fulfill my responsibilities. How good it is to know that God sits on the throne in heaven, Jesus stands at His right hand as High Priest and Mediator, and He has sent the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When I say God "sits" on the throne it is not to suggest He enjoys a sedentary lifestyle or that He is distant and untouched by the happenings in the world. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God." In Him we live, breathe, and have our being. God is completely active in everything that happens on earth. He allows us to make mistakes, and orchestrates chains of events for our good and His glory. God even allows shocking tragedies we cannot explain or understand. But though the sea rages and the wind howl, the earth may shake and the stars may fall: God remains the great I AM. He is in control of all things.
So the next time your plans are thwarted by car trouble, sickness, or everything in your life appears to be a "worst case scenario," cast your cares upon the LORD for He cares for you. Some interruptions can be the enemy hassling us, but God even allows this to test our hearts to see if we will remain loyal to Him. Interruptions are often opportunities. Don't choose bitterness or frustration when God would have you embrace interruptions He allows in your plans. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." God's ways are higher than ours, and by wings of faith we can soar upon His winds of grace. Come up higher, my friends! Rejoice in the truth that God remains in control!
It is not always so easy to see God's hand at work in the little interruptions of our days. When I worked at the church office it never seemed to fail: there were always interruptions, but God always miraculously provided enough time to fulfill my responsibilities. How good it is to know that God sits on the throne in heaven, Jesus stands at His right hand as High Priest and Mediator, and He has sent the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When I say God "sits" on the throne it is not to suggest He enjoys a sedentary lifestyle or that He is distant and untouched by the happenings in the world. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God." In Him we live, breathe, and have our being. God is completely active in everything that happens on earth. He allows us to make mistakes, and orchestrates chains of events for our good and His glory. God even allows shocking tragedies we cannot explain or understand. But though the sea rages and the wind howl, the earth may shake and the stars may fall: God remains the great I AM. He is in control of all things.
So the next time your plans are thwarted by car trouble, sickness, or everything in your life appears to be a "worst case scenario," cast your cares upon the LORD for He cares for you. Some interruptions can be the enemy hassling us, but God even allows this to test our hearts to see if we will remain loyal to Him. Interruptions are often opportunities. Don't choose bitterness or frustration when God would have you embrace interruptions He allows in your plans. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." God's ways are higher than ours, and by wings of faith we can soar upon His winds of grace. Come up higher, my friends! Rejoice in the truth that God remains in control!
17 May 2010
Expect Suffering
When Jesus walked the earth He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). Because His love is without limit, His suffering is beyond our ability to comprehend. When the Father placed the sins of the world upon Christ as He hung on the cross Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus knew from before the foundations of the earth were established He would reveal His love and grace through His death upon the cross. He also knew a vast majority of the people He suffered on behalf of would hate and reject Him. Jesus was compelled by His love and obedience to the Father to suffer, die, and rise again.
A servant is not above his master. The doctrine of suffering is real, and it is also real unpopular. Peter states in 1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." Jesus didn't build up people with only the "positive" aspects of following Him like communion with God, peace, forgiveness, love, and an eternal home in the heavens. The funny thing is our failures and struggles have the greatest positive effect upon our hearts, faith, and character! Here are samples of what Jesus told His followers concerning suffering: Luke 6:22 says, "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake." John 16:1-2: "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. [2] They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. Also in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We will have tribulation, but that does not move a man who is founded on the Chief Cornerstone who is Christ.
As I await God's leading in regards to ministry in Australia, I identify with Paul's words in 1 Cor. 4:11-13: "To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. [12] And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; [13] being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." I do not paint ministry and service of Christ in Australia or America with a romantic hue, but have a sure expectation of this scripture being fulfilled in my life to a greater degree than ever before. This is what distinguishes Christians from all other people in the world. To die daily to self with the sure expectation of suffering, yet pressing on relentlessly because Christ has become exceedingly precious to us. The more we suffer, the more indispensable He is. We recognize more and more our need for Him to uphold and save us. There is genuine substance to a life in Christ. A man is willing to suffer anything and be seen as the offscouring of all things in the eyes of the world to simply have Jesus.
As a family we've been reading through 2nd Chronicles studying the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. It is packed with powerful stories and spiritual principles. Maybe someday I will have the privilege to preach out of these texts! I saw a verse yesterday that impacted me in a profound way. 2 Chron. 32:31 reads, "However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him (Hezekiah) to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart." Fascinating! The KJV says God left Hezekiah in order to test him, and this word means "to loosen, relinquish, permit." I wondered how God leaving Hezekiah affected him. Did he recognize this test as from God? Did Hezekiah even recognize God withdrew His hand from him? God always has a purpose, even in dry seasons. Hezekiah no doubt suffered greatly when God withdrew, but it was to reveal pride which had grown in Hezekiah's heart. It was a great day when Hezekiah confessed his sin, renounced it, and was restored to fellowship with God.
Christ has promised He will never leave or forsake us, and the meaning of these words is "desertion." Interestingly enough, when Jesus cried out to the Father "Why have you forsaken me?" the same Greek word is used. Christ was deserted on the cross because of the sins placed upon Him separated Jesus from fellowship with God. He was perfectly in tune with the Father, and has complete spiritual awareness. If we willfully depart from Christ and follow after sin, He has not deserted us: we have deserted Him! Choosing sin and rebellion separates us from the presence of God even after one has been born again. God be praised that He is a Restorer, Savior, and Deliverer is will never slacken His active love toward us. We see this with the children of Israel. They followed after idols and iniquity yet when they cried out to God he delivered them. There was a point, however, where He relinquished His people to the gods they had chosen. God permitted them to suffer at the hands of their enemies so they would see the futility and wickedness of idolatry. He did not forsake them but was willing to restore after they bore consequences for their sin.
I believe God is testing me right now, to see what is in my heart. Will I give up? Will I give in? Will I trust without knowing in full His plan and purposes? How long is too long to wait on God for direction? I am confident God is training and teaching me things I cannot fathom right now. Thank God He will never desert us! All will suffer in this life, Christian or not. Those who do not have Christ have no hope of salvation, but Christians have Christ and His promises! Thank God He will not desert us, and everything He does is good!
A servant is not above his master. The doctrine of suffering is real, and it is also real unpopular. Peter states in 1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." Jesus didn't build up people with only the "positive" aspects of following Him like communion with God, peace, forgiveness, love, and an eternal home in the heavens. The funny thing is our failures and struggles have the greatest positive effect upon our hearts, faith, and character! Here are samples of what Jesus told His followers concerning suffering: Luke 6:22 says, "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake." John 16:1-2: "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. [2] They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. Also in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We will have tribulation, but that does not move a man who is founded on the Chief Cornerstone who is Christ.
As I await God's leading in regards to ministry in Australia, I identify with Paul's words in 1 Cor. 4:11-13: "To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. [12] And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; [13] being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." I do not paint ministry and service of Christ in Australia or America with a romantic hue, but have a sure expectation of this scripture being fulfilled in my life to a greater degree than ever before. This is what distinguishes Christians from all other people in the world. To die daily to self with the sure expectation of suffering, yet pressing on relentlessly because Christ has become exceedingly precious to us. The more we suffer, the more indispensable He is. We recognize more and more our need for Him to uphold and save us. There is genuine substance to a life in Christ. A man is willing to suffer anything and be seen as the offscouring of all things in the eyes of the world to simply have Jesus.
As a family we've been reading through 2nd Chronicles studying the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. It is packed with powerful stories and spiritual principles. Maybe someday I will have the privilege to preach out of these texts! I saw a verse yesterday that impacted me in a profound way. 2 Chron. 32:31 reads, "However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him (Hezekiah) to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart." Fascinating! The KJV says God left Hezekiah in order to test him, and this word means "to loosen, relinquish, permit." I wondered how God leaving Hezekiah affected him. Did he recognize this test as from God? Did Hezekiah even recognize God withdrew His hand from him? God always has a purpose, even in dry seasons. Hezekiah no doubt suffered greatly when God withdrew, but it was to reveal pride which had grown in Hezekiah's heart. It was a great day when Hezekiah confessed his sin, renounced it, and was restored to fellowship with God.
Christ has promised He will never leave or forsake us, and the meaning of these words is "desertion." Interestingly enough, when Jesus cried out to the Father "Why have you forsaken me?" the same Greek word is used. Christ was deserted on the cross because of the sins placed upon Him separated Jesus from fellowship with God. He was perfectly in tune with the Father, and has complete spiritual awareness. If we willfully depart from Christ and follow after sin, He has not deserted us: we have deserted Him! Choosing sin and rebellion separates us from the presence of God even after one has been born again. God be praised that He is a Restorer, Savior, and Deliverer is will never slacken His active love toward us. We see this with the children of Israel. They followed after idols and iniquity yet when they cried out to God he delivered them. There was a point, however, where He relinquished His people to the gods they had chosen. God permitted them to suffer at the hands of their enemies so they would see the futility and wickedness of idolatry. He did not forsake them but was willing to restore after they bore consequences for their sin.
I believe God is testing me right now, to see what is in my heart. Will I give up? Will I give in? Will I trust without knowing in full His plan and purposes? How long is too long to wait on God for direction? I am confident God is training and teaching me things I cannot fathom right now. Thank God He will never desert us! All will suffer in this life, Christian or not. Those who do not have Christ have no hope of salvation, but Christians have Christ and His promises! Thank God He will not desert us, and everything He does is good!
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