One character I find most interesting in scripture is that of Balaam the prophet. When King Balak sent prestigious nobles a second time to entreat him to return with them, they promised honour and advancement should he curse Israel. God told him to go with them if the men came in the morning and called him. In the morning, the text says Balaam rose, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. It does not say that Balaam waited to be called, but presumed he was free to go anyway. Numbers 22:22 reads, "Then God's anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the LORD took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him." When opposition to God makes Him our adversary, that is a bad thing indeed!
As the Angel of the LORD stood in the way with a sword drawn, Balaam was completely clueless to the mortal danger he was in. The donkey, however, was able to see the imposing angelic warrior. Upon seeing the Angel, she quickly turned aside into a field. Balaam was irritated by this unusual occurrence and struck the donkey. Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow place and when the donkey moved to avoid him she crushed Balaam's foot against the wall. The searing pain only irritated him more, and he struck her again. Finally, the Angel of the LORD stood in a place so narrow the donkey could not veer to the side and turn around. She simply dropped to the ground, prompting Balaam to strike her with his staff.
Numbers 22:28-33 reads, "Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"
29
And Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!"
30
So the donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?" And he said, "No."
31
Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.
32
And the Angel of the LORD said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.
33
The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live."
More than a donkey enabled to speak by God, I am struck by the irony of the scene. The donkey saved Balaam three times from the sword of the Angel of the LORD. When confronted by the donkey after hitting her three times, Balaam raged he wished he had a sword in his hand so he could kill her! She was three times his saviour, but Balaam's blindness saw her as wayward, careless, and lazy. Then the LORD opened his eyes and he saw the peril that he unknowingly faced. He looked into the austere face of grace. No donkey could possibly outwit or outmaneuver the Angel of the LORD. God allowed Balaam to be spared, even though he deserved to die for his sin and the donkey deserved to live.
How important it is for God to open our eyes so we can see how He has worked in our lives to preserve and protect us! The irritations, annoyances, and side-tracks He allows work to advance and accomplish His glorious purposes. May our eyes be open to see the glory of God so we might fear Him, falling down before Him in worship and reverence, submitted fully to Him. In a moment man can be cut off from the land of the living, or even destroyed eternally for our rebellion. Even as God spared Balaam for a purpose, may we be those who bless and refuse to curse. When God opens our eyes, for the first time we see clearly. Praise God that He opens the mouths of brute beasts to speak wisdom, causes our eyes to see Him in glory, and chastens us to walk uprightly so we might fulfill His perfect will.
18 December 2013
16 December 2013
Guest Post by Amy Lambert: Generous Faith
The following was originally posted on the blog called "The Mustard Seed" by Amy Lambert. Years ago we attended the same church fellowship. Amy is currently living and serving the LORD in New Zealand.
The thing about learning to hear the voice of God is that He will often ask you to do some extreme things, things that we wouldn't normally do because they require more faith and trusting in Him alone. Now, before I tell this story, I want you to know that I have been praying for a while about how much detail to share. However, God challenged me to be transparent because people in the western world need to see examples of faith in the areas of materialism and finances. So, please know that my aim is to glorify God, not myself, and hopefully inspire others to surrender all to Jesus and trust in His provision alone. He is worth everything!
On a Wednesday night, my sister Anna (her actual name will be kept anonymous) came to me and handed me an envelope containing all of her money. She told me that God had asked her to give it away 2 weeks prior, but she had been holding on to it because she was afraid that she wouldn't have what she needed. She said that God told her to give it to me and that night with tears in her eyes, she handed me the envelope and chose to be obedient no matter what the cost. I thanked her, comforted her and took the money, wanting to support her obedience to the Lord. I then prayed and asked God what He wanted me to do with it because I actually didn't need it, I have more money than most of my younger missionary sisters and brothers here because I worked for 4 years saving up. I felt like the Lord told me to hold onto it for 3 days and then double the amount and return it to her.
The following day during worship night our leaders wrote on a whiteboard how much students and staff still owed for outreach funds and we were to ask God if He wanted us to support each other financially. Anna's name was on the board needing $3,000NZD. During worship I asked God what He wanted me to give and I felt like He was telling me to pay the full amount for her. While I prayed for confirmation (silently with my eyes closed) suddenly Anna came over and held me in a big hug. She had no idea that I was praying about what to give her and at this point she didn't even know that I would be giving her the money back that she gave to me. I started weeping in her arms because I knew this was God thanking me through her for my obedience to Him. So, I silently agreed to pay for her full outreach costs. The funny thing is that in my mind $3000 seemed like so much money when I thought about what else I could do with it, but once I agreed to give it away, it felt like mere pennies (this is God's grace in sacrificial circumstances).
About 20 minutes later, still in worship, I asked God if that was all He wanted me to give, I didn't want to hold anything back from Him because everything I have He gave to me in the first place. You see, I confess that I had been relying on finances as my security for the sake of what I called "being responsible." The more money I had saved in the bank, the more secure my future seemed. But, God revealed to me that it had become an idol in my life because I was placing my confidence in something other than the almighty God. I have learned repeatedly on this DTS that my Heavenly Father wants to provide for me and when I am fully trusting in Him, not leaning on my own resources, He ends up getting all the glory when the provision comes. Freely I have received, so freely I should give. I would rather be rich in faith than have financial security. So, I had a thought that I should give Bob (again, his real name will be kept anonymous) $2000. The more I tried to worship and pray, this thought persisted and I finally figured it was the Lord's prompting. Again, my brain tried to reason its way out of giving this huge amount of money but the Spirit persisted with the truth that we can't out give God and He always blesses generosity and He will provide for me in whatever His future plans are for me. There is no better investment for my savings than for my brother and sister to go spread the Gospel on outreach because this will reep eternal rewards! Besides, I told myself, I have a car at home I can sell so I can continue as a missionary next year, if God calls me back. The Lord told me again that it is a good thing to rely on the support of others because it is a blessing for them to join in His work in my life; I am blessed and they get the rewards of giving as well as attributed to the fruit of the ministry through me. So, I agreed to give the additional $2000 to Bob. This was an amazing night because I gave out of my abundance, but other students gave even though they had nothing to give, they just obeyed the voice of the Lord to them without questioning how He would provide (living example of 2 Corinthians 8:1-15). At the end of the night I had so much joy, freedom, and peace through being obedient to the Lord and the $5000 felt like pennies.
The next day it was time to give Anna her envelope of cash back. I wrote her a little note, put in the double portion, and left it on her bed. At lunch she came with tears and hugged me telling me how she felt like Abraham sacrificing Issac and God provided in the last moment for her when he saw that she had been faithful. That evening I was washing dishes and a brother (who had just returned from snowboarders DTS outreach so he didn't know me) said God gave him a word for me. The Lord told him that I worship in extravagance, like Mary in the Bible who poured out her costly perfume on Jesus feet, pouring out my inheritance to Him. He said it might look crazy to other people, but to me I am just expressing my love for the One whom I am so in love with. Now, everything I had given was in secret, so I took his word as direct confirmation from the Lord that He was pleased with my obedience. Anna and Bob don't know that those donations were from me. Also, the financial support I received from others before I came was enough to cover my outreach costs this year, as well as my flight home. So, thank you to those of you who partnered with me in this way.
This week's lectures are on the topic of the Holy Spirit and one point that our speaker made is that life in a Spirit-filled community is very generous and characterised by giving (Acts 4:34-no needy persons among them). God has definitely confirmed this truth through my experience in the YWAM community this season. So, all glory to God for His awesome economy where the more we give away to others, the greater the blessing we receive. He is the ultimate example of this principal by giving the most costly gift of His Son Jesus in order to save humanity. I hope this testimony challenges you and results in a greater faith/trust in God.
You can read more from Amy Lambert by following this link.
The thing about learning to hear the voice of God is that He will often ask you to do some extreme things, things that we wouldn't normally do because they require more faith and trusting in Him alone. Now, before I tell this story, I want you to know that I have been praying for a while about how much detail to share. However, God challenged me to be transparent because people in the western world need to see examples of faith in the areas of materialism and finances. So, please know that my aim is to glorify God, not myself, and hopefully inspire others to surrender all to Jesus and trust in His provision alone. He is worth everything!
On a Wednesday night, my sister Anna (her actual name will be kept anonymous) came to me and handed me an envelope containing all of her money. She told me that God had asked her to give it away 2 weeks prior, but she had been holding on to it because she was afraid that she wouldn't have what she needed. She said that God told her to give it to me and that night with tears in her eyes, she handed me the envelope and chose to be obedient no matter what the cost. I thanked her, comforted her and took the money, wanting to support her obedience to the Lord. I then prayed and asked God what He wanted me to do with it because I actually didn't need it, I have more money than most of my younger missionary sisters and brothers here because I worked for 4 years saving up. I felt like the Lord told me to hold onto it for 3 days and then double the amount and return it to her.
The following day during worship night our leaders wrote on a whiteboard how much students and staff still owed for outreach funds and we were to ask God if He wanted us to support each other financially. Anna's name was on the board needing $3,000NZD. During worship I asked God what He wanted me to give and I felt like He was telling me to pay the full amount for her. While I prayed for confirmation (silently with my eyes closed) suddenly Anna came over and held me in a big hug. She had no idea that I was praying about what to give her and at this point she didn't even know that I would be giving her the money back that she gave to me. I started weeping in her arms because I knew this was God thanking me through her for my obedience to Him. So, I silently agreed to pay for her full outreach costs. The funny thing is that in my mind $3000 seemed like so much money when I thought about what else I could do with it, but once I agreed to give it away, it felt like mere pennies (this is God's grace in sacrificial circumstances).
About 20 minutes later, still in worship, I asked God if that was all He wanted me to give, I didn't want to hold anything back from Him because everything I have He gave to me in the first place. You see, I confess that I had been relying on finances as my security for the sake of what I called "being responsible." The more money I had saved in the bank, the more secure my future seemed. But, God revealed to me that it had become an idol in my life because I was placing my confidence in something other than the almighty God. I have learned repeatedly on this DTS that my Heavenly Father wants to provide for me and when I am fully trusting in Him, not leaning on my own resources, He ends up getting all the glory when the provision comes. Freely I have received, so freely I should give. I would rather be rich in faith than have financial security. So, I had a thought that I should give Bob (again, his real name will be kept anonymous) $2000. The more I tried to worship and pray, this thought persisted and I finally figured it was the Lord's prompting. Again, my brain tried to reason its way out of giving this huge amount of money but the Spirit persisted with the truth that we can't out give God and He always blesses generosity and He will provide for me in whatever His future plans are for me. There is no better investment for my savings than for my brother and sister to go spread the Gospel on outreach because this will reep eternal rewards! Besides, I told myself, I have a car at home I can sell so I can continue as a missionary next year, if God calls me back. The Lord told me again that it is a good thing to rely on the support of others because it is a blessing for them to join in His work in my life; I am blessed and they get the rewards of giving as well as attributed to the fruit of the ministry through me. So, I agreed to give the additional $2000 to Bob. This was an amazing night because I gave out of my abundance, but other students gave even though they had nothing to give, they just obeyed the voice of the Lord to them without questioning how He would provide (living example of 2 Corinthians 8:1-15). At the end of the night I had so much joy, freedom, and peace through being obedient to the Lord and the $5000 felt like pennies.
The next day it was time to give Anna her envelope of cash back. I wrote her a little note, put in the double portion, and left it on her bed. At lunch she came with tears and hugged me telling me how she felt like Abraham sacrificing Issac and God provided in the last moment for her when he saw that she had been faithful. That evening I was washing dishes and a brother (who had just returned from snowboarders DTS outreach so he didn't know me) said God gave him a word for me. The Lord told him that I worship in extravagance, like Mary in the Bible who poured out her costly perfume on Jesus feet, pouring out my inheritance to Him. He said it might look crazy to other people, but to me I am just expressing my love for the One whom I am so in love with. Now, everything I had given was in secret, so I took his word as direct confirmation from the Lord that He was pleased with my obedience. Anna and Bob don't know that those donations were from me. Also, the financial support I received from others before I came was enough to cover my outreach costs this year, as well as my flight home. So, thank you to those of you who partnered with me in this way.
This week's lectures are on the topic of the Holy Spirit and one point that our speaker made is that life in a Spirit-filled community is very generous and characterised by giving (Acts 4:34-no needy persons among them). God has definitely confirmed this truth through my experience in the YWAM community this season. So, all glory to God for His awesome economy where the more we give away to others, the greater the blessing we receive. He is the ultimate example of this principal by giving the most costly gift of His Son Jesus in order to save humanity. I hope this testimony challenges you and results in a greater faith/trust in God.
You can read more from Amy Lambert by following this link.
13 December 2013
Waging War
During the drive home from church last night I asked Abel, "So what do you think about the new house?" After pausing a moment he said, "I really like it - except for the roaches." I have not discovered any evidence of an infestation, but few mornings begin without me finding a roach or two lying belly up somewhere in the house. Since recently moving in I have laid down a generous amount of barrier spray around doors, windows, and skirting inside and out. Some people are fine with a bug here or there, but when I see a roach or evidence of mice I go into warfare mode. I want to unleash the strongest, industrial strength poison on the unsuspecting squatters - keeping in mind the health and safety of my family! I spare no pains to do damage on any filthy critter populations that try to move in and establish themselves in my house.
Roaches in a house are like sins in the heart. They can find their way in no matter how vigilant one may be. They may even be able to evade barrier spray laid down at suspected high traffic areas. But when one roach comes to our attention, we can either ignore it, run away from it screaming, or wage war. Bugs will not just "go away" on their own when you are supplying them shelter, food, and supply of water. The cost for neglecting to eradicate a stray roach or mouse can lead to an infestation which could cause great damage to property and health. Even when the evidence of bugs and pests is reduced, it is not time to slack off. When the battle turns in your favour, it is not time to celebrate yet. With tenacious discipline we must continue to observe the perimeter, check in cupboards, under furniture, and carefully monitor bait stations. If we will use the right baits, poisons, and make necessary repairs to holes, even an infestation can be brought under control.
After being born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, a Christian must wage war upon the sins that creep into his mind and heart. Self-examination is critical as we observe our thoughts, the use of our time, our actions, and attitudes. One sin allowed to remain unchecked is too many. We are called to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and refuse to allow Satan a foothold in our lives. We must wage war on sin, for those who have been freed from it should live no longer therein. Christ has imputed unto us His righteousness. After being filled with the Holy Spirit we must remain vigilant, for it does no good to sweep clean our hearts but leave the door wide open for anything to enter. I really like life on earth - except for sin. When God brings it to our knowledge through the scripture and conviction of the Spirit, let us spare no pains to kill it off. Show no compassion for sins Christ died to save us from. Sin brings death, but Christ brings light and life to all who believe.
Roaches in a house are like sins in the heart. They can find their way in no matter how vigilant one may be. They may even be able to evade barrier spray laid down at suspected high traffic areas. But when one roach comes to our attention, we can either ignore it, run away from it screaming, or wage war. Bugs will not just "go away" on their own when you are supplying them shelter, food, and supply of water. The cost for neglecting to eradicate a stray roach or mouse can lead to an infestation which could cause great damage to property and health. Even when the evidence of bugs and pests is reduced, it is not time to slack off. When the battle turns in your favour, it is not time to celebrate yet. With tenacious discipline we must continue to observe the perimeter, check in cupboards, under furniture, and carefully monitor bait stations. If we will use the right baits, poisons, and make necessary repairs to holes, even an infestation can be brought under control.
After being born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, a Christian must wage war upon the sins that creep into his mind and heart. Self-examination is critical as we observe our thoughts, the use of our time, our actions, and attitudes. One sin allowed to remain unchecked is too many. We are called to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and refuse to allow Satan a foothold in our lives. We must wage war on sin, for those who have been freed from it should live no longer therein. Christ has imputed unto us His righteousness. After being filled with the Holy Spirit we must remain vigilant, for it does no good to sweep clean our hearts but leave the door wide open for anything to enter. I really like life on earth - except for sin. When God brings it to our knowledge through the scripture and conviction of the Spirit, let us spare no pains to kill it off. Show no compassion for sins Christ died to save us from. Sin brings death, but Christ brings light and life to all who believe.
10 December 2013
The True Christmas Miracle
I was touched by an effort of generosity and goodwill by WestJet. Their video of Christmas giving has gone viral, no doubt prompting various responses. It made me profoundly happy, seeing the shocked faces of people who were happy to receive their gift requests. Check out the video below.
While I was genuinely blessed by the depiction, I realise Christmas and even apparent acts of "goodwill" are viewed these days with increasing cynicism. For everyone like me there may be a skeptic who humbugs the idea, questioning the motives of a company for giving. It's nothing more than propaganda, some might say. It's a glorified commercial. WestJet did not do this out of the goodness of their hearts because they are in the business of making money. Think of the business this stunt might net them! They probably could afford those gifts because they overcharge people with fees and bag restrictions, some might scoff. The points by the skeptics and scoffers may be true. I have no knowledge of the true motive behind the "WestJet Christmas Miracle" or how the idea came about. But this video nails one thing square on: Christmas is a time for giving and receiving. But it is a gift far greater than electronic gizmos, toys, or apparel. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given man may receive. Let every heart prepare Him room.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given because He is God made flesh, the Saviour we need. He is the Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins. We cannot grow out of Him. He does not need batteries, power cords, or software updates. Through Him we have access by one Spirit to the Father. The salvation and everlasting life Jesus Christ provides is beyond price, but He has given Himself to all who believe at His own expense. He is the gift we always needed but never in our wildest dreams could have expected. Jesus has been given not as a ploy to make a few bucks or improve customer loyalty. He was not sent as some Divine manipulation to trick us into allegiance or service. Jesus Christ was sent and became a sacrifice for sinners because of love, mercy, and grace from God towards man. When Jesus was born the angels shouted, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." God has given peace to men from a heart of love.
Though the WestJet "miracle" was thoughtful, generous, and kind, there is nothing to suggest it was love that motivated their giving. Santa knew the names of the children (because he had their booking information!) but we do not know that he loved them. People all over the world give and receive gifts during the Christmas season not motivated by love at all! We can be motivated by traditions, obligations, greed, and all manner of unwholesome and unholy reasons to give or receive. The Bible teaches that Jesus demonstrated His motive of love through His death on the cross for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cynics may grumble, the skeptics might scoff, but the truth of God's Word endures forever. For those who receive the Gospel and are born again by grace through faith in Jesus, nothing can separate us from the love of God. What a miracle, that God would humble Himself to put on human flesh to save sinners! Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, and one we should receive and celebrate always!
While I was genuinely blessed by the depiction, I realise Christmas and even apparent acts of "goodwill" are viewed these days with increasing cynicism. For everyone like me there may be a skeptic who humbugs the idea, questioning the motives of a company for giving. It's nothing more than propaganda, some might say. It's a glorified commercial. WestJet did not do this out of the goodness of their hearts because they are in the business of making money. Think of the business this stunt might net them! They probably could afford those gifts because they overcharge people with fees and bag restrictions, some might scoff. The points by the skeptics and scoffers may be true. I have no knowledge of the true motive behind the "WestJet Christmas Miracle" or how the idea came about. But this video nails one thing square on: Christmas is a time for giving and receiving. But it is a gift far greater than electronic gizmos, toys, or apparel. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given man may receive. Let every heart prepare Him room.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given because He is God made flesh, the Saviour we need. He is the Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins. We cannot grow out of Him. He does not need batteries, power cords, or software updates. Through Him we have access by one Spirit to the Father. The salvation and everlasting life Jesus Christ provides is beyond price, but He has given Himself to all who believe at His own expense. He is the gift we always needed but never in our wildest dreams could have expected. Jesus has been given not as a ploy to make a few bucks or improve customer loyalty. He was not sent as some Divine manipulation to trick us into allegiance or service. Jesus Christ was sent and became a sacrifice for sinners because of love, mercy, and grace from God towards man. When Jesus was born the angels shouted, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." God has given peace to men from a heart of love.
Though the WestJet "miracle" was thoughtful, generous, and kind, there is nothing to suggest it was love that motivated their giving. Santa knew the names of the children (because he had their booking information!) but we do not know that he loved them. People all over the world give and receive gifts during the Christmas season not motivated by love at all! We can be motivated by traditions, obligations, greed, and all manner of unwholesome and unholy reasons to give or receive. The Bible teaches that Jesus demonstrated His motive of love through His death on the cross for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cynics may grumble, the skeptics might scoff, but the truth of God's Word endures forever. For those who receive the Gospel and are born again by grace through faith in Jesus, nothing can separate us from the love of God. What a miracle, that God would humble Himself to put on human flesh to save sinners! Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, and one we should receive and celebrate always!
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