23 May 2010

How can we understand?

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.

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."

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!

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!

16 May 2010

Power of a Dream

During my second of three trips to Australia, I witnessed Jessica Watson embark on a voyage intending to circle the globe unassisted.  It was yesterday I saw the news clip on cnn.com she successfully returned to the Sydney harbour after 210 days at sea.  Jessica was welcomed by thousands of people at the Opera house and was cheered by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd himself.  When called a hero by some of her admirers, she humbly brushed aside the title.  She said in her speech, "I don't consider myself a hero.  I'm an ordinary girl who believed in her dream...you just have to have a dream, believe in it, and work hard...anything really is possible."

First of all, I must say I am quite impressed by Jessica's accomplishments.  To sail a 34' yacht around the world unassisted is amazing.  Not being a sailor I wonder things like, "What happens when you fall asleep?" or "What kind of non-perishable food was she eating for 210 days?"  I am also impressed by her resolve to spend such an amount of her life during her high school days to sail - maybe she's looking at is as an early "gap" year.  For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it is common for young Australians to take a year off between high school and university for travel, recreation, or a break from the stress of school.  In America this is unheard of and clashes with our high value we place on production in the workplace, college education, and quick career decisions.

I am also impressed with Jessica's humility in not desiring to be seen as a heroine.  The only thing lacking in her statements is the mention of God and giving Him glory for her accomplishment of her goals.  I thought about what she said concerning the empowerment of young people to accomplish their dreams:  "You just have to have a dream, believe in it, and work hard."  Is that really the path to success?  Not many people have the opportunity to sail a boat, much less have a 34' yacht outfitted to sail around the world.  I have seen countless people who desire to be an "American Idol" and worked really hard and frankly are lousy at best.  How many kids dream of being a professional baseball player or star quarterback in the NFL and never realize that goal?  Did they work any less hard?  Was it only the lack of privilege, skill, hard work, or the fact their dreams reached far beyond their own potential to fulfill?  Sailing around the world involves a terrific amount of training, dedication, and hard work.  Jessica Watson was able to fulfill this dream of hers through the grace of God, the training and equipment provided by her parents and sponsors, and refusing to give up.

How does this philosophy help a child born blind who dreams to one day see again?  Almost on a weekly basis I talk with a woman who has never been able to walk because of a physical deformity.  Her dream is to walk, but no amount of hard work, effort, training, or medical treatment can make this dream come true.  The fact is, some dreams are far above our ability to obtain through any means.  It is only God who puts in our hearts a wild, impossible kind of dream and fulfills it by His grace, mercy, and power.  That a man could live forever in heaven with his Creator!  No more pain, no more sorrow, no sin, sickness, or death!  This is not an impossible dream but a reality for those who are born again by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  No amount of hard work can aid a man in obtaining heaven.  I am not saying that everyone born blind will be made to physically see again (even though Jesus opened the physical eyes of many) but God will grant the desires of His children's hearts because He put those there.

Whenever the deeds of men are lifted up, man boasts against the God who created him.  The people who united to build a great tower intended to reach heaven were easily confounded by the One who saw the pride in their hearts.  Their dreams fell into ruin when God confused the people by changing languages.  The tower was called Babel, which literally means "confusion."  Man's best efforts come to nothing when attempting to fulfill our heavenly dreams.  I have an uncle who was fond of saying, "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, you can achieve it."  Sometimes this is true, for the conception must precede the action.  But there are some dreams God has placed upon our hearts which only He can do.  The dream has no power in itself to make it come to fruition.  With men things are impossible, but with God all things are possible!

14 May 2010

True Prosperity

2 Chron. 31:21 says, "And in every work that he (Hezekiah) began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered."  Hezekiah was king in Jerusalem who re-instituted proper temple worship in Judah.  He succeeded Ahaz, who was a monster of iniquity.  Ahaz filled the temple with rubbish, sacrificed his own children, set up altars to false gods inside the temple and in every corner of Jerusalem, and literally boarded up the entrance of the temple so no one could worship the One True God.  Even though Israel was not under Hezekiah's rule, when the Passover drew near he sent runners throughout the territories so they might come to Jerusalem for the feast.  Since the days of Solomon there had been not been so much rejoicing in the land.

For King Hezekiah, there was no halfway in serving God: "...he did it with all his heart.  So he prospered."  There is a correlation between these statements, a principle to be applied to our lives.  When we think of prosperity, we tend to think financial wealth, success, or the obtainment of our goals.  The definition of the word "prospered" in the Strong's is "to push forward, break out, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosperous."  Because Hezekiah sought God with his whole heart, he progressed in a deeper walk with God.  He prospered in his relationship with the King of Kings.  Psalm 119:2 says, "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!"  God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

If we are stunted in our spiritual growth or in a dry season, it quite possible we have neglected to seek God with our whole hearts.  Col. 3:23-24 says, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."  Hezekiah did not cleanse the temple because he wanted to find favor with the priests and Levites, because he missed Jewish "traditional" worship, or because he wanted political influence over the other 10 tribes of Israel.  He served God for God's sake, not so he would receive blessings from Him.  It is easy to substitute serving people for serving God.  Our flesh can deceive us, thinking that  we please God by being busy with much serving.  We can neglect to be as Mary who chose to stop what she was doing, take a seat, and listen intently to Jesus when He spoke.

If Jesus should open His mouth to speak, would it not be fitting for us to drop all other things to listen to Him?  His food and drink was to do the will of Him who sent Him.  He understood that man does not live by bread alone but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God.  I have been meditating upon this scripture for the last few days.  God has graciously given us our daily bread, and for this we should be thankful.  We must never forget it is in God which we live, move, and have our being.  Every time we draw breath it is a gift from God, generous provision from the Creator of all things.  Let us use our breath to glorify God and draw near to Him listening intently.  We will find Him when we seek Him with our whole hearts.  It is only then we will prosper. 

12 May 2010

Second Mile People

Here is an excerpt from Isobel Kuhn's "Second Mile People (pages 37-39):"
"Oswald Chambers says, 'The people who influence us most are not those who buttonhole us and talk to us, tut those who live their lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field, perfectly simply and unaffectedly.  Those are the lives that mould us.'  A great mistake is to think that a Spirit-filled man or woman must always be casting sermons at people.  Being 'filled with the Spirit' (which is a first qualification of Second Mile People) is merely a refusing of self and a taking by faith of the life of Christ as wrought in us by His Holy Spirit.
'Many who claim by faith this fullness, and who, up to the measure of their light, are yielded and obedient, are disappointed and perplexed because they are aware of no particular manifestation.  They expect a glowing sense of power...But let us take to heart what others have pointed out, that the Spirit's chief work is to make us HOLY.  The truest evidence is not gift but grace...The Spirit will divide the gifts.  One man may have a gift for preaching, another a gift for intercession, another a gift for personal dealing, and another by administration.  Still others may glorify their Lord by some kind of seeming drudgery, even as lowly as that of Brother Lawrence, who "practised the presence of God" in the monk's kitchen.
"A work of lowly love to do for Him on Whom I wait."  'But let it be said again, once you open your being to His fullness your life must be enriched; you will never be the same again"...We fall in defeat when we try to 'judge' the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives; ours is to yield to Him in joyous faith, and not worry as to the kind or value of the fruit He is producing."

09 May 2010

How often should I forgive?

Forgiveness is something I have been thinking a lot about lately, especially how God forgives us.  When Peter asked Jesus, "How many times should I forgive my brother?  Up to seven times?"  I have read the rabbinic teaching of that time said it was good to forgive three times.  Jesus replies in Matthew 18:22,  "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."  Peter no doubt thought forgiving someone seven times was very generous, but Jesus demonstrated grace and forgiveness beyond Peter's wildest expectations.  Jesus never told His disciples to do what He had not already done.  The fact is, He has forgiven me more times than seventy times seven.  God does not limit His forgiveness quota at 490 of course, for His capacity and desire to forgive is limitless.  The sins of the entire world were placed upon Christ on the cross, and His blood cleanses us from all sin.

A sister came up to me today at church and shared something God has recently taught her concerning forgiveness.  She said she has realized forgiveness is not a one-time thing.  Sometimes when we are hurt deeply it is very hard to forgive.  Even when we have made a conscious choice to forgive, old hurts have a way of being brought to remembrance.  We might say to God, "But I've already forgiven that person."  God's words to my sister in Christ were, "Forgive until it stops hurting."  Forgiveness is not a one-time thing or a seven time thing:  it is a continual process of forgiving which frees us from bitterness, resentment, hate, and suffering.  When we give the wrongs done to us to our Savior who is willing to free and deliver us from the solitary confinement of unforgiveness, He helps us.

As with forgiveness, repentance is often seen as a one-time thing.  Those who are mature in faith recognize their sin with more clarity than ever before.  When they read the scriptures and see Barabbas, they seem themselves.  When they read of people faltering in faith or the unbelief of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness they will not mock or scorn, because their eyes are moist with the knowledge they are looking through a window to the deceit and wickedness of their own flesh.  If a person says he is without sin he deceives himself and calls God a liar.  Therefore, we ought to continually repent for our transgressions.  In the same way, we must forgive even the same wrong over and over and over again until we no longer feel the dull or sharp pain of that wrong against us, no matter how horrible it was and still is.  Regardless of how that wrong has forever changed our lives, Jesus has the power and strength to change our lives even more for the better.

When Jesus was crucified upon the cross He said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."  We are the ones whom Christ pleaded be forgiven.  He knows "there is none good, no not one.  There is none who understands, there is none who seeks after God."  I am numbered among this group.  On my own I could never understand any spiritual truth, and in my flesh dwells no good thing.  But by His grace God has forgiven me and reconciled me to Himself, adopting me into the family of God as co-heir with Jesus Christ!  To whom much is given much is required, and Jesus has forgiven me much.  Let us do good and forgive for the glory of God.  Every time you forgive it will take you to a deeper level of forgiveness, like pulling a cabbage apart leaf by leaf.  There is healing and restoration waiting for us if we will be obedient to forgive and keep on forgiving!

05 May 2010

God is For Us

"So all things are working for the Lord's Beloved;
Some things might be harmful, if alone they stood;
Some might seem to hinder, some might draw us backward;
But they work together, and they work for good.
All the thwarted longings, all the stern denials,
All the contradictions, hard to understand,
And the Force that holds them, speeds them and retards them,
Stops and starts and guides them, is our Father's hand."
- Anonymous (Ascent to the Tribes, pg. 65)

How good is it to know God is in control of all things!  He allows circumstances to occur which may not make sense to us, but we can know He works all things out for our good.  Following Jesus Christ is not like a natural chemical reaction which is predictable and exact.  For those who are born again through faith in Christ we have been freed from death row, having been incarcerated because of our sin.  Every Christian has been automatically drafted into a spiritual battlefield opposing Satan and the evil forces at work in this world.  We have been filled with the Holy Spirit within, but we continue to live in a body of flesh which tends toward sinful lusts and desires.  It's a normal repercussion of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual stress of battle that we can at times feel beaten, depressed, confused, and frustrated.

I read an interesting passage in "Ascent to the Tribes" yesterday:  "Frustration is one of the hardest of missionary trials, and not always are we allowed to see, as in this instance, that is has worked for good.  Satan aims to quench ardor.  If we looked at what seems to be mere waste in our lives, he would be successful.  We must just remember the wise words of an old CIM missionary who once said, "Where there is building there must be rubbish."  Rubbish is waste.  Part of our work may include wasted footsteps because this is battle." (pg. 64)

We must allow faith in God's power to control seemingly impossible situations to take root in our hearts.  People sometimes lament over the course set before them by God, "How much time I have wasted!"  Or perhaps they beat themselves up because God has revealed Himself in a powerful way and they think, "I could have used that 10 years ago!"  We must recognize that God COULD have done anything He wanted, and He decided to bring you through 10 years of experience so you would be ready for the lesson.  Sometimes we insinuate that our way is more efficient than God's way.  Perhaps from our ignorant perspective we think we can improve God's efficiency, but we could not draw a breath without His sufficiency.  He knows what we need and when we need it.

If you have ever sewn, worked in construction, cooked something, or did anything which required work you know there will be waste.  Our bodies create waste as we sustain ourselves through eating, drinking, and respiration.  When I am working with insulation, I always bring extra material because I know there will be waste.  Sometimes the fiberglass needs to be dug out, the foam rubber left over has been cut in unusable shapes, and all the adhesive is not necessary and cannot be stored.  Spiritually we tend to focus on all the waste, and try to gather up or bemoan all of the useless scraps.  What God would have us do is look at the sanctifying work He is doing in our lives.  This is not to make us proud, but to invoke in us praise and worship of God for His wondrous works.  You believed at one time God would have you marry but it ended in divorce.  Divorce is bad, but can God use it for good?  Absolutely.  Perhaps you thought God would have you quit one career and start another, only to find yourself injured or out of work.  Can God use this for good?  Yes!  And He will!  He has promised to!

Romans 8:28-31 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. [29] For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. [30] Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. [31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"  The things God allows to happen in our lives He is using to conform us into the image of Christ.  It is not for us, my friends, to dictate to God how He should be governing or growing us.  He is righteous, merciful, gracious, loving, just, and good.  He has given us exceedingly great and precious promises we can cling to as we go through the daily battles of this life.

If God is for us, who can be against us?  This does not mean we will not face opposition, but that no physical or spiritual power has the slightest effect upon God's plan for us.  We are likely more down on ourselves than God is, because God is not against His children.  He is for us, and not against us.  Whether you are on wings of eagles or laboring through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with you.  He is for us, and through Christ we will be victorious.       

04 May 2010

Fortified by Failure

Failure has been the greatest catalyst for positive change in my life.  It is healthy in to recognize our failures so we might learn from our own mistakes.  Satan would love for our failures to paralyze us with self-focus and drown us in despair.  As we mature in Christ, we will begin to view our conduct, attitudes, and words more closely according to God's perfect standard.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of sins we did not even recognize previously.  God allows us to fail so we might recognize our failure and decide once and for all to forsake sin.

Today I failed terribly, almost a perfect storm of circumstances which took me off guard.  But to the God who controls the elements, such an scenario was allowed so I might see myself as the failure I am on my own.  I am still heartbroken and grieve over it, even as Peter wept bitterly after denying Christ.  I drove to a new jobsite today and parked my truck near some employees at the plant.  While gathering materials, a woman and man approached me, seemingly amused.  "Is that bumper sticker real?" the man asked.  For those of you who do not know, I have a bumper sticker on the back of my truck that reads, "National Atheist's Day - April 1."  In small print below it says, "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." (Psalm 14:1)  Because April 1st is "April Fool's Day," and only the foolish deny the existence of God, April 1st is National Atheist's day according to the sticker.

His question caught me off guard.  "Yes?" I said confused.  "Oh that's good," he answered smiling.  "I think atheists should have their own day.  I get really sick of people around here always pushing religion on me."  "Well," I began, "that is your right.  You don't have to believe what you don't want to."  He said a couple more things and he said his co-worker had said the bumper sticker must be a joke.  "It is a joke," I said as I gathered my things.  "Oh well," he said.  "I guess I'm not too smart, huh?" he laughed with his friend.  "I thought it might have been real."  And that is how our interaction ended.

My conscience smote me.  I was embarrassed to tell the man he misunderstood the sticker, and since he had already told me he was sick of hearing about religion from his co-workers I certainly didn't want to ambush him!  Here was an opportunity to speak of my faith and I allowed it to slip away without a word!  Should his misunderstanding of the bumper sticker be a cause to further ingrain his hatred towards followers of God?  The reason I bought the sticker was because I thought it was a funny discussion starter, not because I judged the man who stood before me as a fool.  This man came up to me thinking I was an atheist, and I said nothing to change his mind.

Countless justifications have popped into my mind, but they remain lame, pitiful, excuses.  Our flesh needs no invitation to justify inaction.  It was clear to me I had not been prepared mentally or spiritually for that interaction.  Instead of actively looking for opportunities to share my faith, I was in work mode.  I had a job to do, and it did not involve a chat about bumper stickers.  I see this failure as a blessing from God.  Every single day He leaves me on this earth is an opportunity to right the wrongs of today.  I cannot fix the gross negligence of today, but through repentance press on in a deeper level of humility and determination.

Satan had plenty to say about this as well.  His tone and foul breath is so different from the wounding of our souls by the Holy Spirit.  Satan words are filled with condemnation.  He would judge us unfit for heaven because of our deeds and negate the gracious saving work of Christ on the cross we have received through faith.  "You're just like Peter.  How could you do this?  And you call yourself a pastor?"  I am a sinner and I am not a pastor because I'm better than everybody else but because God has chosen and called me.  But there is no need to debate or even converse with the devil.  It did not do Eve any good, and it has no power to free us from guilt and shame.

But Jesus does, friends!  We do well to not forget the sting of our failures that we might be focused on that prize:  Philip. 3:13-14 says, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, [14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  No matter what we have done or how we have wronged God by our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins when we repent.  Our God is not one of second chances, but new beginnings!

03 May 2010

Quotes from "Stones of Fire"

Yesterday I finished reading Isobel Kuhn's "Stones of Fire."  It is a tale of her ministry in China among the Lisu people.  Through the story she weaves the concept of God's people as precious gems in the hands of a master lapidary.  Here are three paragraphs I would like to share which introduce different chapters in the book.  We ought not to think it strange when we are faced with trials and difficulty.  This is God's way to mold us into vessels He can use for His glory.
"Diamond dust mixed with oil is the only abrasive used in polishing precious stones.  It is put upon fast rotating wheels called "skaifs" at 2,500 revolutions per minute, and the gem held firmly against them.  A quick succession of hard, unconquerable particles pressed against the jewel will polish it.  The spiritual counterparts, as God brings them into human lives, are sharp and painful events that follow fast one upon another, all of them irresistible, which cannot be pushed away but must be accepted and endured.  When the skaif is removed, one sees the beautiful lights of patience, self-sacrifice, and humility shining forth.  Those who watch it from above, see it as the Master Lapidary's diamond dust polishing His stones of fire." (pg. 82)
"Do you know that lovely fact about the opal?  That in the first place, it is made only of desert dust, sand, and silica, and owes its beauty and preciousness to a defect.  It is a stone with a broken heart.  It is full of minute fissures which admit air, and the air refracts the light.  Hence its lovely hue and that sweet lamp of fire that ever burns at its heart, for the breath of the Lord God is in it.  You are only conscious of the cracks and desert dust, but so He makes His precious opal.  We must be broken in ourselves before we can give back the lovely hues of His light, and the lamp in the temple can burn in us and never go out."  - Ellice Hopkins (pg. 147)
"The most magnificent diamond in the world's history was presented to the King of England, who sent it to Amsterdam to be cut.  It was put into the hands of an expert lapidary, and what do you suppose he did?  He took that gem of priceless worth and cut a notch in it.  Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument, and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand cleft in twain...For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned.  Drawings and models had been made of the gem.  Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage, had all been studied with the most minute care.  That blow was the climax of the lapidary's skill...Seeming to ruin the superb precious stone, it was in fact its perfect redemption.  For from those two halves were wrought two magnificent gems...to blaze in the crown of state."  - Streams in the Desert (pg. 125)

01 May 2010

A Lesson in Digestion

Today I took a little morning run, an attempt to work off a kilo (2.2 pounds) or so I must have carried into Australia and an additional one I carried out.  It was a bit warm at the beginning of the run, and by the end I was panting like a dog lying in the sun!  As much as I detest pain caused to my body through running, it is not without many benefits.  I found that not only does it increase energy, burn fat, builds and tones muscle, but to my surprise it aids in my digestion immensely.  No need to go into all the details of how I know, but five servings a day of whole fiber cannot do what a 15 minute run does.

This made me consider how digestion works.  The digestive process begins with a choice and technique.  A key to good digestion is first to choose good food.  The second step is to chew food thoroughly and completely so the body can extract nutrients and benefit from them.  The rest of the digestive process is taken care of according to the health of each person.  If your body is anything like mine, when I exercise regularly the natural process of digestion is improved.

Now let us turn this to an examination of the spiritual.  Jesus is the Living Bread who has come down from heaven, that Living Manna who can sustain us day by day into eternity.  His Word is food indeed and our new spiritual birth comes along with it an appetite for spiritual nourishment which is only found through God.  It begins with a choice:  what will we choose to feed ourselves today?  Will we choose the sugary temptations of worldly things or sensational "doctrines" which are devoid of spiritual value, or will we choose to feed on the Word?  Most Christians are guilty of ignoring the second part of spiritual digestion:  chewing our food properly.  We will blow through chapters at a time hardly without any thought whatsoever, the equivalent of shoving food in un-chewed gulps down our throats.  It is when we begin to live-out what God has spoken in practical exercise that we begin to digest His truth more completely.  Our obedience and devotion will cause His Word to impact us in ways we never imagined possible.

My dad and I were having a discussion about the danger of idolizing scripture.  Today many people are ever learning, but never coming to the truth.  We have more commentaries, books, DVDs, and access to sermons and studies than ever before, but people remain without spiritual strength.  The church is bloated with much information about God, but never seem to experience God with the power He has made available to His church.  This is a digestion problem.  God's Word has not lost potency, but God's people have become dull by much hearing.  We think that hearing is as good as doing, agreeing with our minds is the same as obedience in our hearts.  It is only after I look in the mirror and decide that I am fed up with my sloth and extra pounds before I will put on my running shoes and take a jog.  I make a choice to limit myself to one Coke rather than three, and pass on cake even though it looks good.  We must notice that we are putting on the spiritual pounds through much feeding, but growing weak through little doing before anything will change.

The benefits of physical exercise are obvious, and even greater are the spiritual ones.  1 Tim. 4:8 says, "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."  Let us therefore choose to observe these simple guidelines:  consider well what we eat, thoughtfully feed upon the pure Word of God, and put this powerful truth into action in our lives.  Only then will we digest spiritual food well, become strong, grow in endurance and faith, and become the soldiers and fighters God drafted us to be for His glory.  Put on those shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, soldier.  Instead of being happy with just wearing them, how about taking a jog?  Only good will come from it!

30 April 2010

Experiencing God

Last Sunday in Sydney I held forth the three things Peter said to the multitudes on the Day of Pentecost when they asked, "What shall we do?"  He said repent, be baptized (in water), and receive the promise of the Father.  It was the last exhortation that was particularly heavy upon my heart.  Jesus promised the baptism with the Holy Spirit to His disciples in Acts 1:8:  "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  When the Holy Spirit "came upon" the believers in Jerusalem, this marked the first time the Holy Spirit was poured out in such fashion apart from Christ.  As it is written in John 3:34:  "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure."  When the disciples on Pentecost received this gift of the Holy Spirit, it was accompanied by tongues and the gift of teaching.  Later in the New Testament we see many other manifestations of the Spirit operated through God's people by His grace.

When Jesus was baptized in water, that moment held special significance for John the Baptist.  He speaks in John 1:32-33 "...I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. [33] I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit."  I believe in these days Christians who seek this baptism are many but those who receive it are few.  God has said that we will find Him, if we seek Him with our whole hearts.  When our hearts are divided with love of this world we oppose God's inner work.  Many refuse to come apart from the world and be separate, unwilling to be sanctified for God's use alone.  Idols have infiltrated the temple of the Holy Spirit and defiled it, and many refuse to part with their secret sins.

Another reason many do not receive was revealed to me after I preached last week.  God said quietly to my heart, "Many do not receive because they seek an experience instead of seeking Me."  Isn't this often the case?  People everywhere are always seeking after experiences:  a wonderful meal or a long holiday, a spendy night out on the town, catching a favorite sport in person or on a huge TV.  It's all about the experience, the latest and the greatest.  First movies were silent black and white, then color, then talking pictures with song and dance, then Betamax, VHS, Laserdisc, MPEG-1, DVD, and now Blu-ray with surround sound, IMAX, and even IMAX in 3-D!  Entertainment is all about the quality of the experience!  God does not exist to entertain people or wow their senses.  He is not interested in people looking for Him to "one-up" their previous experience.  He is seeking true followers who worship Him in Spirit and in truth, not thrill seekers who are just as happy to watch a movie as to worship God.

Paul is a great example of a seeker who rejected all worldly gain for the pursuit of Christ.  Philip. 3:8-11 says, "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; [10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."  Everything Paul desired was to be found in God:  "that I may gain Christ and be found in Him," "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection," "the fellowship of His sufferings," "being conformed to His death," that he might "attain to the resurrection from the dead."  A walk following Christ is full of experiences.  But it was not the experiences Paul looked to:  it was Jesus!

May we learn from Paul's example and seek Christ for Himself, for He is worthy.  It is not for us to dictate how God will use us, or what manifestation of the Spirit we deem acceptable and convenient.  As it is stated in Psalm 115:1, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth."  It is not because of jaw-dropping experiences we have, but because of the worthy character and nature of God we worship Him and seek to have His Holy Spirit poured out upon us.  Then He will receive all the glory.  It no longer is about my experiences, but experiencing God Himself.

29 April 2010

The Escape Strategy

On the way home from Australia, I watched the popular movie "Avatar."  It resembles closely, in a way, this current generation which finds escape through technology.  I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but the film holds forth the concept it might be possible to move your soul from one body from another.  Instead of remaining bound in a paralyzed body, one could inhabit a new body in an alien environment.  All one must do is find this new environment, have a body made which could live in it, and the fantasy potential is endless.  Yet after the movie is over, reality is still reality.  After coming home from a two-week trip, reality waits in the form of going back to work, paying the bills which have piled up, and cooking dinner.

Escaping reality has been a hobby for humans since the beginning.  Music, sports, theater, stories, gambling, sex, drugs, and alcohol are just the beginning of things which have been used by people for millenia to remove them temporarily from reality.  As Lemuel's mother says in Proverbs 31:6-7, "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. [7] Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."  These verses point out how alcohol numbs the mind but has no power to change reality in a positive way.  In the last century, technology has added to the ways we can "unwind," specifically with television, radio, video games, movies, and the internet.  All of these latest inventions are highly portable and have opened the door to an almost sinister pursuit of fantasy.  It has escalated to such extremes that people or their neglected children have actually died because of this addiction to seeking this escape.

Last night the thought occurred to me:  is it possible that church activities could become just another way to seek escape from reality?  Is this why some people become disillusioned with Christianity and the church when real problems occur within it?  If you haven't recognized this by now, people have problems.  Christians are people, therefore Christians have problems too.  Since the church is made up of Christians, it stands to reason that there will be problems within the church.  This is in no way a justification for sin or immoral practice, but an objective statement of fact.  We all have a history with a number of hurts and pain which may or may not have been confessed, recognized, or even dealt with.  There are issues that everyone faces on a regular basis and also times of crisis which can occur with the sudden violence of a tornado, leaving wreckage in its path.  Those who expect the church to be a perfect utopia free from human error soon find themselves facing grim reality.  This should not surprise us, for it is the sick who need a physician and Jesus is a Healer and Restorer of souls dead in sins.  Reality should not be grim, for we serve a God who is a Redeemer, Savior, and Lover of our souls.

This desire to escape from reality can also find a foothold in doctrine.  There are some who in my opinion over-emphasize certain doctrines such as the Rapture.  I believe the Rapture is imminent and certain, but there are some who are given over entirely to the intrigue of eschatology (end times prophecy).  There is a longing in people to be free from their current situation.  They think, "How great it would be to be caught up to heaven with the church now!  Not only will I be spared from the great tribulation, but I won't have to worry about my financial debt, the fact my marriage is a disaster, or that I'm about to lose my job.  I can't wait until this is all over!"  Church and biblical doctrine become just another way to distance the heart and mind from reality.  Thoughts turn from glory of God and the lost and hurting of this world and are turned inward.  Those who use Bible teachings to escape into a world of fantasy will find their desire to live a godly life stunted and choked of any power to walk with Christ.

Jesus prays this for His church in John 17:15-17:  "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."  We do not know which day will be our last, whether we are caught up to be with the LORD in the clouds or if our physical body fails due to sickness or trauma.  Jesus did not pray that we should be taken out of the world, and we should not desire to escape from it either.  This desire to escape is largely selfish.  In what way would leaving this earth glorify God?  I suppose it is in the way you leave it.  King Saul was caught up wounded in the midst of battle and fell upon his own sword because he was afraid he would fall into the hands of the Philistines.  Stephen was stoned for his unwavering faith and boldness in Christ.  I ask you:  from whom did God receive greater glory?

Paul says this in Philip. 1:19-26:  "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. [23] For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. [24] Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. [25] And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, [26] that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again."  May we as Paul live every day with the unwavering determination to live for the glory of God.  Paul loved Jesus and wanted to be with Him in heaven, but he recognized that God's will was for him to remain on earth.  The day for leaving the earth would someday come, and it would not be productive for Paul to dream about that day when there was much work to be done for the glory of God.  Day-dreaming never makes us more efficient in our labor, more diligent workers, or stronger Christians.  May we be able to say, "To live is Christ."  God will manage the day of our death without our input.  When it comes may He receive the glory due His name.

22 April 2010

The Natural Reaction

Laura and I spent some time in Brisbane, AUS walking through the shops at Queen's street.  There was a variety of shops which would be found in any mall in America selling clothes, electronics, shoes, games, CDs, DVDs, and beauty products.  There were many "touristy" type places, selling momentos, knick-knacks, and memorabilia with "Australia" printed on it.  As we perused the wares, there was something that caught my eye a time or two:  Newton's cradle.  This was a device Newton used to prove every action has an equal and opposite reaction.  This is the summation of Newton's second law, the law of motion.  When one ball is lifted and allowed to fall, a ball on the other side will spring into the air.  It is only friction between the balls that causes the motion not to be perpetuated indefinitely.


It caused me to consider the function of the church of Jesus Christ, His Body on this earth.  Is a church supposed to "run like clockwork," without heart or soul?  Is the church intended to be reactionary, simply acting opposite to what is contrary to biblical doctrine?  The answer is clearly no.  If we would be honest, one thing is true about the church today:  there is much motion, but little devotion.  God did not create the church to be perpetually in motion, but desires we be constant in pious devotion.  Devotion means obedience and humble submission to Him, seeking His direction and empowerment for His glory.  The church is not a machine, but a Body.  A Body is intended to respond to outward stimuli with a mind, heart, and soul according to the God-pleasing attitude within.


Though Newton's Law is true in the natural physical realm, the church is not bound by it in the supernatural.  Performing the work of God is God's doing, and we are tools and vessels in His hand.  He is the Potter, we are the clay.  The Body of Christ is directed by the Head who is Jesus, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill the will of God.  We need not react according to our natural inclinations, for the grace and love of God is supernatural.  Our work is not to form committees and scheme how we will win the world for Christ, but simply respond to the guidance and strength which come from God alone.  To react is to follow worldly wisdom:  to respond with genuine love in all circumstances is of God.  A soft answer turns away wrath.  The world may rage against us, but the force imposed upon us can be brought to nothing by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our faith in Christ is not blind motion, but according to truth revealed in our hearts through His Word and Holy Spirit.


Consider the things you do "for God."  How many of those things has He explicitly told you to do, and how many are you doing because you were thrown into the motion of a church?  As people, we are masters of motion.  Once a ball gets rolling, sometimes it is hard to catch.  Sometimes when a ministry starts churning, it can simply be an outlet of the flesh that continues long after God has ordained.  Let's decide it is time for Christ to run His church and faithfully do our part with joy and gladness!  This is the most natural response for every believer.  What a relief it is to obey God!

17 April 2010

Australia Update!

Today is the third very full day Laura and I have spent in Sydney, Australia.  So far it has been a wonderful blur of a trip, and it is hard to believe we've only been here three days.  We've been meeting beautiful people, going to different places, and it's already a challenge to keep it straight.  Ross and Joan have been terrific hosts, and we've met several families from Calvary Chapel Sydney.  I would say the jetlag has been a non-issue except I find when I sit down to write my mind is blank, still feverishly processing information from the day.

We've taken many pictures, visited with wildlife, taken a drive down the coast, hopped on the train and hung out at the harbour for half a day, and sampled local fare.  Within a few days we hope to share some pictures and communicate some of the memorable things we've already done.  At the moment it is difficult for me to focus on anything but tomorrow, because God-willing I will be preaching at Calvary Chapel Sydney.  The message has already been put to paper but my prayer is tomorrow God will inscribe His Word upon our hearts with grace and Spirit-led anointing.  It is to this I have been called, and prayerful humility is the only preparation for such work.

It is an amazing thing, to do what you cannot.  A man cannot do the work of God, but God is willing to do His work through a yielded man.  Man is a failure, but God is faithful.  I rejoice in the provision of God's mercies which are new every morning:  great is His faithfulness.  Please pray that hearts would be prepared, that the good seed of God's Word would be sown, and it would be fruitful to the glory of God.  Monuments of man and even the beauty of nature pale in comparison to the soul work God desires to do daily in the hearts of His people.  Show us your glory, Jesus.  Pull back the veil of our feeble expectations and reveal yourself as the LORD and Christ that you truly are.  May the seeds sown tomorrow bear eternal fruit so you may receive the reward due your suffering. 

12 April 2010

Holy Cross?

People have a tendency to attribute power to symbols.  This belief is not only held in the pagan or occult arena but is prominent in movies, decor, jewelery, and even churches.  Constantine proliferated the use of the cross as a symbol when he believed Jesus told him to place the symbol of the cross in his standard:  "In this sign, you will conquer."  The cross is used in movies to fend off evil beings like demons or vampires, and the upside-down cross has been long used by Satanists.  Ozzy Osborne is rarely seen without an enormous crucifix hanging from his neck, common attire for all the members of Black Sabbath.

My concern is people in the church might fall into this trap of giving heed to superstition and belief that actual power is contained in the cross itself.  The refrain of a popular Chris Tomlin song goes, "Mighty, awesome, wonderful, is the holy cross where the Lamb laid down His lift to lift us from the fall. Mighty is the power of the cross." It could be misconstrued, based on the improper views placed upon us by culture and ignorance, that the cross in itself has the power to "raise a man to life again." Is the cross indeed holy? This would not be the first time man has regarded as holy what is not.

It was not uncommon for Jesus Christ to hammer the Pharisees for contorting the truth. Matthew 23:16-19 says, "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.' [17] Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? [18] And, 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.' [19] Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?"  It is clear by the comments of Jesus that the temple sanctifies the gold, and the altar sanctifies the gift.  The temple and altar were to be ceremonially sanctified and anointed before they could be used in God's worship and service.  A sacrifice offered on the altar according to God's command was acceptable in His sight.  A gift offered anywhere else would not be acceptable because it was in violation of God's command.

Now I ask you:  which is greater, the cross or the blood of Christ that sanctifies the cross?  The cross or a symbol of it is no more holy than the tomb which held the body of Jesus Christ for three days.  It is not as if the actual blood of Jesus had any medicinal or healing powers physically within it.  The blood of Jesus was normal, O+ or AB blood (or whatever type).  The blood of Jesus is applied to our hearts spiritually through faith.  What God has cleansed we ought not call common, and we should not call a symbol holy which has been made common.  The cross represents the victory Christ has won over sin and death through His substitute death and resurrection.  It is deeply symbolic of the price God paid to purchase and redeem mankind from damnation.

A similar example if found in the Bible itself.  My Bible says "Holy Bible" on the cover, but it does not mean there is a magical force present in the ink and paper to deliver me from sin.  It contains the words of God, God is holy, so His Word therefore is holy.  Isaiah 57:15:  "For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:  "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  The power of God is not found in a piece of wood, a symbol, or a book with letters printed upon it:  the power of God is found within Himself alone.  It is man who is easily caught up in externals when God looks upon the heart.  While we quibble over the relevance of modern translations there remains a God who is seeking people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Go to any graveyard and you will see crosses.  The crosses which adorn graves have no physical power to resurrect the dead, even if they were encrusted with the actual shed blood of Jesus Christ.  It is Jesus Himself who is our Savior and in Him there is power to resurrect us from the dead and make us born again when we repent and trust in Him.  The aforementioned song would be truer sung, "Mighty, awesome, wonderful, is our Holy God.  Jesus He laid down His life to lift us from the fall.  Mighty is the power of our God."  Christ's cross is a simply a marker on the narrow path as we follow Him carrying our own.  "The cross before me, the world behind me...no turning back, no turning back." 

11 April 2010

A Time to Kill

I'm not one to theorize very often, but as I read my morning passage today light dawned upon my heart.  In centuries past, many preachers tended to camp on the power, strength, and judgment of God.  Dire warnings against impenitent sinners were as common as people attending church in America even a few generations ago.  Now the primary emphasis camps upon the love, grace, and mercy of God.  Generations ago people saw God as a homicidal tyrant, justly raging against the immoral.  Today He is pictured as a kind grandpa who wouldn't ever judge a person because He has softened with mushy affections.  He cares more about our feelings than righteousness.  These views are not scriptural, and are therefore incorrect.

No person in the Body of Christ today will deny that apathy is a serious issue faced by the church today.  There is a sense on entitlement which has crept into the Body, a selfishness that has bred under the surface like a cancer for decades unnoticed.  It is the concept that God is my Savior, Jesus is my friend, and like my other friends it is my prerogative to decide when we will meet, how often I will call, and I get to choose the activity.  If Jesus should challenge me in any way to go outside of my comfort zone, I am allowed to say no.  I will do what is comfortable, what I feel like doing, and as long as it is not too costly I will serve God.  While pure and undefiled religion before the Father is visiting the widow and orphan in their affliction and keeping ourselves unspotted from the world, we have somehow become the central figure.  It is clear many have lost the fear of God, but it is more likely they have never had it.  We must be convinced God is able to destroy us before we will believe He can save us.

Case in point:  when we introduce people to God, we are likely to tend to point out qualities which are more appealing to the flesh.  God's grace, mercy, kindness, faithfulness, love, gentleness, and He desires that none should perish are qualities often held forth.  Few focus on judgment, wrath, justice, strength, and power.  The way some people talk about God, we wouldn't even think Psalm 7:11 could be in the Bible:  "God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day."  Verses like Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 are read at funerals like poetry and no one seems to notice what is being said.  "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: [2] a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; [3] a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up..."  People are comfortable with planting and harvesting, but a time to kill?  Yes, for Genesis 38:7 affirms, "But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him."

Even theology has drifted from the mark.  How many times have you heard it preached in Sunday Schools or the pulpit that the "angel of death" went throughout the land of Egypt during the 10th plague and killed the firstborn of man and beast?  I was taught that.  I can only assume some people were very uncomfortable with the idea of our modern "nice" God slaying a first-born child in his crib and placed this task upon this fictitious "angel of death."  Not even a careful examination of scripture shows God Himself takes this upon Himself!  Exodus 12:12-13 says, "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."  He says again in Exodus 12:23:  "For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you."  People will grasp at the word "destroyer" and say that God might have used an angel to perform His "dirty work," but I disagree.  God doesn't do dirty work.  God commanded it, takes credit for it, and whether or not an angel was used matters.  God was judging the idolatry of the Egyptian people, and Pharaoh hardened his heart against God.  God raised up Pharaoh for this opportunity to reveal His power, strength, and judgment to the Egyptians and His own people, as well as all the surrounding nations.  We do not need to apologize for our God.  Interesting when the Bible conflicts with our perceived view of God, isn't it?

The 10 plagues in Egypt was how God introduced Himself to Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and the Hebrews alike.  After over 400 years in Egypt, many Israelites began to serve the idols of Egypt.  This is proven by Joshua's words after the exodus from Egypt, after the entry of the Promised Land, even after God drove out their enemies so they could inhabit Canaan!  Just before his death Joshua says in Joshua 24:14, "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!"  Even after the Egyptians were plagued, their army drowned in the Red Sea, after wandering in the wilderness forty years, after the fall of Jericho, and the destruction of their enemies on all sides, idols from Egypt were STILL among them.  It stands to reason therefore a large group of the Hebrews while enslaved in Egypt did not fear the One True God.

Place yourself in the shoes of the Israelites.  You have witnessed waters turned to blood, the land corrupted by frogs, flies, dust turned to lice, all the cattle of the Egyptians die, ashes turn to boils on man and beast, hail fall mingled with fire that killed every man or animal in the field, innumerable locusts consume every green thing, darkness for three days which could be felt, and the death of every firstborn child or animal of the Egyptians.  Also, these plagues only occurred outside of Goshen where the Israelites dwelt.  You would be overwhelmed with the incredible power of God, wouldn't you?  You would be amazed how the blood from the slain lamb applied to the doorposts and lintel caused the Spirit of God to pass over and spare your firstborn.  Fast-forward to the parting of the Red Sea, when the Israelites walked through the sea on dry land with walls of water on the right and left.  Then the children of Israel traveled to Mt. Sinai where God would descend with smoke, thunderings, lightnings, fire, and intense trumpet blasts.  The people had been commanded to be sanctified three days, wash with water, put on clean clothes, and refrain from sexual activity.  What would have been your view of God at that moment, when the sky grew dark with clouds and the Spirit of God descended upon Mt. Sinai?  Probably a lot like the Hebrews, who trembled before God in reverential fear.  God then imparted His laws unto them so they might know of His righteousness.

Here is the crux of my theory:  because the Israelites were exposed to God's justice, power, and might, they reverenced God with fear.  He chose the Jews out of all the nations by His grace and love for them.  God was as gracious and loving then as He is now, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.  But the way Jesus will return is strikingly similar to the justice meted out upon the idols of the Egyptians, as the conquering King of kings.  He is both Lamb of God and Lion of Judah.  When we consciously avoid the justice, judgment, and wrath of God upon sin, we begin to take grace, love, and forgiveness for granted.  We forget the fact that we deserve punishment.  We forget God is concerned about not only our conduct but the attitudes of our hearts.  We cheapen grace by neglecting the law.  We treat forgiveness and mercy with contempt when we neglect our need for repentance.  These Israelites were not apathetic:  far from it!  They stoned a man for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day because he broke God's Law!  They policed themselves and went to Moses and his appointed elders for judgment because they did not want the wrath of God to break out among them.  It seems like today we doubt this could even happen.  For too long many have used the liberty ushered in by God's grace as a cloak for sins of themselves and others.  My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be!

I urge you friends, learn about the character of the God of the Bible.  But the end is not knowledge, for it puffs up.  Through the grace and love of God allow knowledge to take root in biblical truth.  Don't settle for a second-hand relationship with God, living vicariously through the wisdom of others who have met with God.  You need not settle for stories when you can have a living relationship with God in heaven.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Justice demanded the blood of a spotless Lamb, and Jesus paid that price.  We see as in a mirror dimly, but soon we will see Him face to face.  Let us do Him the honor of portraying God as He is:  the Lion and the Lamb.

10 April 2010

An Imperishable Crown

I enjoy a very occasional game of golf from time to time.  I would rather be playing golf than watching it on T.V.  But when the PGA televises the Masters hosted at Augusta National in the spring, I always tune in if I can.  There is no course more historic or well-designed in my opinion, nor a course more immaculately manicured.  It seems almost every hole on the course comes with a nickname and a slice of history.  For whatever reason, the hole placements and difficulty of the course brings out the best in golfers seeking the most-coveted of all major PGA championships.  What is the prize these men compete for besides the purse money?  A green jacket.  When Phil Mickelson won his first, he admitted later he slept in the green jacket that night.

Here is a snippet from a Wikipedia post concerning the green jacket:  "The green sport coat is the official attire worn by members of Augusta National while on the club grounds; each Masters winner becomes an honorary member of the club. Winners keep their jacket for the first year after their first victory, then return it to the club to wear whenever they visit...The green jacket is only allowed to be removed from Augusta National by the reigning champion, after which it must remain at the club."

This reminds me of 1 Cor. 9:24-27:  "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. [25] And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. [26] Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. [27] But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."  No one just "happens" into a green jacket.  Years of hard work, dedication, and expense goes into the earning of that green jacket.  The Augusta National club does not just give those away.  It is a highly-exclusive club, and there is no application process to become a member:  it is by invitation only.  One must qualify to play in the Masters, and only past winners have an automatic invitation extended to them the following year.  At the end of all that hard work there awaits a green jacket, a jacket that over time will grow old, faded, and likely too small!  Even if a man is buried in a green jacket, he will never get the satisfaction or status he received during life.  It is a perishable crown.  It is glory which fades and passes away.

If a man can discipline himself to wake up every morning and hit golf galls for the unlikely hope of a green jacket which he will only enjoy for a season, how much more should we strive for mastery of walking humbly, righteously, and godly in this present age - we who have been offered the exceedingly precious promises of God!  1 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you..."  God has granted us this assurance through His own Son.  Paul brought his body under submission, denying himself so God might have all the glory.  He was not uncertain in his preparation and execution:  he knew the will of God and did all in his physical power to achieve it.  He lived a life fully committed to God in every aspect.  We do not labor to obtain this crown, but are motivated by love of God for His wonderful gifts freely bestowed upon his children.

Only one person every year is awarded a green jacket as Master's Champion at Augusta National.  God is exclusive in another way.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ and salvation through His shed blood is available to all people.  You do not need to be a world-class golfer to qualify.  Though any can respond to this gift of salvation through faith, there is only one way to receive:  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes onto the Father but through Him.  There are many cheap and expensive imitations, many options have been offered as substitutes, but there is only one way to heaven.  The Way is exclusive, and that Way is Jesus.  He is the Door to enter into God's heavenly sheepfold.  Let us labor so hard according to God's grace that people might think we are working to earn heaven, though entrance to heaven is gained only through resting in Christ's finished work.  No one should work harder at pleasing God than His own children.

08 April 2010

What God Says, Speak!

For our family reading tonight after dinner, we read II Chronicles 18.  King Jehoshaphat of Judah asked King Ahab of Israel to inquire of the LORD before a battle at Ramoth-Gilead.  King Ahab had 400 "prophets" who were "yes" men.  They always encouraged the king to do whatever he wanted.  When Jehoshaphat heard these men speak he said, "Isn't there a real prophet of God we could speak to?"  These men had props to illustrate their points, and were all in agreement.  Could they possibly all be wrong?  King Jehoshaphat was a godly king who sought the LORD and delighted to walk in His ways.  He recognized they operated according to another spirit - a lying spirit who the true prophet Micaiah later revealed.

I admire men like Micaiah.  He was told by King Ahab's messenger in so many words, "Alright Micaiah.  All the prophets - and I mean all 400 of them - are all in agreement and speak well of the king's plans.  Why can't you just agree with them?  Please just go along with whatever they say."  Micaiah's response is found in 2 Chron. 18:13:  "As the Lord lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak."  This sets the bar very high.  Forget "What Would Jesus Do:"  how about "Say Whatever God Says!"  James says that the tongue is a world of iniquity, full of deadly poison, and is set aflame by the fires of hell.  He says in James 3:2, "...If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."  Micaiah was not a perfect man, being born into sin.  But he was a man who would speak whatever God spoke.  He didn't just say what he thought needed to be said:  he was a man who knew God and spoke His truth.  Micaiah was not afraid of what King Ahab might think or do.  He served God and sought to please Him.

The man who will speak fearlessly for God will be granted insights into God Himself.  God is not seeking for the most creative, flashy, bold, or eloquent person to speak on His behalf.  Listen to the testimony of Micaiah in 2 Chron. 18:18:  "Then Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left."  While Zedekiah pranced around with iron horns he had made promising great victory, Micaiah saw a vision of the heavenly realm.  Who would you rather listen to?  From whom would you expect the truth?  After proclaiming the word of the LORD, Micaiah was arrested, placed in a prison, and fed with the food and water of affliction.  I am confident that although he faced dreadful conditions, he was a man who had peace with God.  God comforted Him in way that good food, a soft pillow, and a comfortable spot on the couch never could.  God gave Micaiah rest for his soul.  He was one of those referenced at the end of Hebrews 11 in the "Hall of Faith," a man whom through faith subdued lies, deceit, and wickedness.  Of godly men such as these the world is not worthy, for they have found grace and a good report in God's sight.

As a preacher I must constantly affirm it is for God that I speak.  I do not speak because I have truths hidden from the foundations of the world or I have thoughts which reach from the deepest depths to the highest heaven.  I must never seek the accolades or praise of men.  Instead, I must speak as God speaks, proclaiming boldly the words He has put in my mouth.  I freely confess to you this is something I cannot do.  I am a man:  I want to be liked, I desire to be accepted.  But because of the Holy Spirit who has filled, teaches, and guides me, He gives me strength to speak the truth motivated by love.  It is very easy to say what everyone wants to hear.  I praise God Jesus did not do that!  I'm so thankful He didn't tell me that deep down I'm really a good person, and God wants to make me happy.  I would be headed for hell without hope or knowledge of my certain destruction.  His Word tells me there is none righteous, no not one.  He also says the wages of sin is death.  But if I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  Jesus has ascended to heaven and is currently preparing a place for me and all who repent and trust in Him.  I will never be separated from Him or His love for me.

Sometimes we have this idea that when we speak the truth we must be hard, gruff, and unfeeling.  This is far from accurate.  Jesus was a man who often spoke with tears in His eyes.  I shouldn't wonder if Micaiah shed many tears over King Ahab and those false prophets, the blind leading the blind.  A man who is close to God is profoundly affected by His love for all people, and that love is seen in every believer.  Jesus has commanded we love others as He has loved us.  Jesus wasn't interested in winning arguments or screaming matches.  His primary focus was not on showing people how right He was and how wrong they were.  He was pleading for the salvation of souls.  He wept over Jerusalem in Luke 19:42 "saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes."  Again He lamented in Matthew 23:37:  "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

If you will make Jesus your LORD and Messiah, a product of this relationship is He will grant you truth to share with the world.  In His strength you will overcome!  May we speak as He speaks and love as He loves.  He is alive and unfailing.  Let us resolve to speak righteously in the right manner.

06 April 2010

God Willing!

In exactly a week's time, God willing Laura and I will be boarding a plane in the San Diego commuter terminal for Los Angeles.  After a short wait, a non-stop 14 hour flight to Sydney awaits us.  When I consider the short trip Laura and I are taking, the wise words of James 4:13-15 ring in my mind:  "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; [14] whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. [15] Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."  I do not know what tomorrow holds, but if the LORD wills we shall embark on trip to Australia according to the will of God.

Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  God has the ultimate say for the future of my family and me.  Laura and I were convinced our ministry at Calvary Chapel El Cajon was fulfilled, so I resigned from my position last September and went on a two-month excursion to many of the major cities on the east of Australia.  Upon arriving home, within a day I was offered a great job in a tough construction market.  We felt led to put our house on the market and it sold within two days, only to have the buyers back out.  We wholeheartedly desired God's timing and will to be performed and decided it would be good to fix a few cosmetic things and put the house back on the market.  To our amazement, interest in the house was so strong that we were offered just above our asking price while being withdrawn from the market!  It was as if God was saying, "No, this is the right time.  I'm in control, I'm in charge, and this is all by my design."  I have also been graciously offered the opportunity to preach in Calvary Chapel Sydney on two Sundays, and God-willing will redeem the time to hold forth God's Word.

In reading Isobel Kuhn's book "In the Arena," she said that an important part in the life of a missionary is to prepare for the moment when God's call comes.  So often she and her husband did not know when, where, or how God would call, but they prepared best they could.  The removed as many potential obstacles so when the call came, they were ready to answer with action.  By His grace, God has allowed us to do just that.  When escrow closes (God willing!) next Tuesday or before, the final obstacle will have been removed.  Do we have permanent visas?  No.  Will I have a paying job or a particular ministry?  Don't know.  Do we know where we will be living?  No.  Do we know how we will obtain the support needed to survive?  No.  But we would be foolish to abandon the God who has purposefully, graciously, and masterfully brought us to this point in time.

All that we do not know is nothing compared to the One we DO know.  If you were to corral all the doubts, unknowns, and obstacles together, they would not be a grain of sand in contrast to the omnipotent God I serve.  The breadth of one finger of my God spans the universe, and His power is without limit.  God seeks men to rely upon Him for an everlasting future and hope.  The first part of 2 Chron. 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."  If God is eternal, will not He accomplish what concerns me today?  God seeks to show Himself strong - not just to me alone, but to the world.  May this step of faith be a spectacle for the glory of God for all future generations to behold that God may receive all praise.  May all say, "What a powerful, glorious, and wonderful God who would do such things!"

04 April 2010

What if...

While I was working through the list of repairs I agreed to perform on my house before escrow closes on April 13th, I thought about all the time, effort, and money I poured into the house since the day Laura and I bought it.  Little was left undone:  both bathrooms and kitchen gutted and replaced, all new flooring, lighting, doors, some windows, retaining walls, fences, cabinets, driveway, electrical service change, on and on.

The thought occurred to me:  how much richer a man would I be if I had invested such time and energy pursuing relationships with people?  Where would I be now if I had used those tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours blessing others in the name of Jesus?  It's ironic, but the financial gain from that house will assist our family to embrace the call God has placed upon our lives to serve Him in Australia.  It is hard to pour so much into a home and sell it, just like it is hard to lay down a ministry when it is fulfilled.  But by God's grace we have seen the beginnings of the fruit of our labor with these eyes and rejoice in God's provision.

If we are never challenged we will likely never be changed.  Only God has the power to make or change a man.  How would our lives be enriched if we had a change of perspective?  What if instead of waxing our car we took our aged grandparent out for a special meal?  What if we chose to pray instead of watching one of the three TV shows we watch every night?  What if we took the time to write letters to everyone we love rather than frittering away time chatting with people we don't even know on myspace or facebook?  What if instead of snapping at our children when they interrupt us we put down the paper, book, or turn off the computer, and invest time in them doing things they enjoy?  I am certain we would be richer for it.

As important as all these relationships are with family and friends, our relationship with God is most critical.  He is our Creator, the one who first loved us and gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sin.  We will spend eternity with Him, so let us invest now in eternity by cultivating a close relationship with Him now.  When I asked a girl to prom I hardly knew, she asked for my number and said, "Since we're going to the prom, we might as well get to know each other."  This seemed logical to me.  The prom is a single dance on a single night where no real commitment is involved.  No big deal, really:  I asked a girl to a dance and she agreed.  She was not committing more than a single date to me, yet she saw the value of getting to know me before the date of the dance.

When we choose to follow Jesus Christ, we are not agreeing to buy a tux and rent a limo for a single night:  we are making the commitment of eternity.  Shouldn't we seek to know Him better while on earth?  What if we made a real commitment to pour ALL of ourselves into seeking God?  God made a promise to His people, even after they were scattered and worshiped idols:  Deut. 4:27-29 says, "But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."  What if we seek the LORD with all our heart?  The answer is here:  we will find Him.  We will be known by Him, and He shall be known by us.  This is worth more than all the houses in the world.