The example of giving generously has been demonstrated by God to all people. There is nothing we are or possess which did not first pass through His hands graciously to us. The question which can stump people is, "How much should I give?" When I read Deuteronomy 16:17 this morning, it answers the question well: "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you." The question then becomes, "How much has God blessed me?" We are to give cheerfully to God according to the blessing which He has given us. We humans are funny creatures: we want blessings with no end in sight, but we set limits on giving unto God.
Jesus says in Matthew 7:12, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." This is commonly called the "Golden Rule." Long before that in Deuteronomy, God had established what could be called the golden rule of giving: according to the blessing you have received, give as you are able. We know that when God calls us to do something, it is He who will provide the strength and means to accomplish His purposes. Therefore God would never call us to give unless we are able to do so. As long as we have life, we are called to give unto God as we are able according to the blessing God has given us.
All throughout scripture we see examples of this cheerful giving. When Abram and his servants defeated four kings, he gave tithes of the spoil to the King and High Priest Melchizedek. David refused to give unto God what cost him nothing. The poor woman put her two mites into the treasury in the Temple, giving more than even the most wealthy because she gave all she had. Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, broke an alabaster box filled with precious oil - the value of roughly a year's wages - and poured it over the head of Jesus. The greatest gift was when Jesus gave Himself freely into the hands of sinners and embraced the cross in obedience to the Father. He gave Himself according to the will of the Father so that all might be saved through His atoning sacrifice.
Take some time to count your blessings and consider what great things God has done for you. May those who recognise the blessings God has given us say with the Psalmist in Psalm 116:12, "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?" Those who have been blessed much should give much. Instead of feeling guilty for the blessings God has graciously provided, choose to give to God as you are able according to the blessing which He has given you. The Holy Spirit will guide you to give according to His perfect will. All you can give has already been given you by God! Whoever said, "You can't out-give God!" was right. It's not a contest, but it should be a daily practice as we give unto God the glory due His name.
04 July 2013
03 July 2013
God's Word Stands
Yesterday I was afforded the very rare privilege to watch a San Diego Padres baseball game. I set the DVR to record and watched bits and pieces during the day. It had been years since I actually watched a Padres game. When I lived in San Diego I would watch a majority of the games (or bits of them) on Channel 4. Even though the Padres lost to the Red Sox, it was fun and nostalgic to see the many new faces of a team I have followed since 1984.
Now I always smile to myself when people are sympathetic to sports teams who have historically been doomed to defeat. Not once have I heard commentators mention the San Diego faithful. Neither the San Diego Padres or Chargers won a world championship on the biggest stage. The Chargers were smashed in the 1994 Super Bowl, and the Padres were whooped in the MLB World Series in 1984 and 1998. Man, it's been a long time since we were even that good - or bad, however you want to look at it. Maybe, just maybe, the Padres or Chargers will win it all. If recent seasons are any indication, I could be waiting awhile. But that's OK. If I have endured this long as a die-hard fan, won't the wait make it that much sweeter?
It's a funny thing how people are deeply affected by their team winning or losing the "big" game. After all, it is a game. After I turned off the game yesterday I thought to myself, "How would my life be different if the Padres had beat the Red Sox?" I might have been happy for a few minutes, but that's about it. I thought back to San Diego's playoff losses: "How would my life be different if the Chargers won the Super bowl in 1994 or the Padres won in 1998?" Absolutely nothing! I might have some good memories, but that would be it. As it is, I still have some very fond memories of Dave Jordan's hot wings I ate during the Charger's loss. In the grand scheme of things, what does it matter? In time my memories will fade, and when I go the way of the earth they will be lost forever.
There are an innumerable amount of things that seem so important to us that in the light of eternity are trite and passing away. Take politics, for example. Some people are as rabid over party policies and legislation as the most faithful cricket or rugby supporter. When a bill is approved, flags are waving and cheers erupt to commemorate the victory. The "losing" side grits their teeth and wonders what the world is coming to. The fact is, God is the ultimate Judge who only does right. Man can never legislate righteousness, for God has already ordained and established it. The straying of men to the right or left cannot alter God's perfect standard. Let us stand for righteousness; let us stand for what the Bible says is right. But as this world waxes worse and worse, may it confirm to our hearts we are indeed in the last days. As legislation is passed around the world that stands in direct opposition to scriptural truth, a Christian still can rejoice that God's truth stands regardless. God's Word is untouched by the accusations, ravings, or legislation of men.
Paul sums it up well in 2 Timothy 3:1-17: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. 10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Now I always smile to myself when people are sympathetic to sports teams who have historically been doomed to defeat. Not once have I heard commentators mention the San Diego faithful. Neither the San Diego Padres or Chargers won a world championship on the biggest stage. The Chargers were smashed in the 1994 Super Bowl, and the Padres were whooped in the MLB World Series in 1984 and 1998. Man, it's been a long time since we were even that good - or bad, however you want to look at it. Maybe, just maybe, the Padres or Chargers will win it all. If recent seasons are any indication, I could be waiting awhile. But that's OK. If I have endured this long as a die-hard fan, won't the wait make it that much sweeter?
It's a funny thing how people are deeply affected by their team winning or losing the "big" game. After all, it is a game. After I turned off the game yesterday I thought to myself, "How would my life be different if the Padres had beat the Red Sox?" I might have been happy for a few minutes, but that's about it. I thought back to San Diego's playoff losses: "How would my life be different if the Chargers won the Super bowl in 1994 or the Padres won in 1998?" Absolutely nothing! I might have some good memories, but that would be it. As it is, I still have some very fond memories of Dave Jordan's hot wings I ate during the Charger's loss. In the grand scheme of things, what does it matter? In time my memories will fade, and when I go the way of the earth they will be lost forever.
There are an innumerable amount of things that seem so important to us that in the light of eternity are trite and passing away. Take politics, for example. Some people are as rabid over party policies and legislation as the most faithful cricket or rugby supporter. When a bill is approved, flags are waving and cheers erupt to commemorate the victory. The "losing" side grits their teeth and wonders what the world is coming to. The fact is, God is the ultimate Judge who only does right. Man can never legislate righteousness, for God has already ordained and established it. The straying of men to the right or left cannot alter God's perfect standard. Let us stand for righteousness; let us stand for what the Bible says is right. But as this world waxes worse and worse, may it confirm to our hearts we are indeed in the last days. As legislation is passed around the world that stands in direct opposition to scriptural truth, a Christian still can rejoice that God's truth stands regardless. God's Word is untouched by the accusations, ravings, or legislation of men.
Paul sums it up well in 2 Timothy 3:1-17: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. 10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
02 July 2013
The One Who Forgives Sins
Jesus was invited by a Pharisee to his home for a meal. During the meal, a woman - a well-known "sinner" in the town - came to see Jesus. She was so moved she washed Christ's feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. She then kissed his feet and anointed them with precious oil from an alabaster box she broke for that purpose. Not everyone was pleased by this display of affection and generosity. Luke 7:39-40 reads, "Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner."
40
And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Teacher, say it."
Did you see that? The critical Pharisee spoke to himself, meaning this was an internal conversation he had in his mind. What happened next proved that Jesus was more than a prophet: He answered him! This is one of many evidences that Jesus truly is the Son of God, a discerner of the hearts of men. Simon the Pharisee had something to say, but social decorum demanded he keep it to himself. Jesus had an answer for his unbelief and criticism, if he would hear it. Jesus explained to the self-righteous Pharisee that the woman poured out a sacrifice of love upon Christ because she loved much. She loved much because she had been forgiven much. Simon was offended that Christ did not rebuff the woman because she was a great sinner. What he did not know is Jesus has the power to forgive sins because He is God! She no longer was stained by her sin because she was made righteous by grace through faith. Therefore her sacrifice of love and praise was acceptable and pleasing in God's sight.
Luke 7:48-50 concludes the passage: "Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." Not only does Jesus know the hearts and minds of people, able to discern thoughts and answer them, but He forgives sins. This woman's faith was accounted to her as righteousness like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the harlot Rahab before her. The shed blood of Jesus Christ through repentance and faith is able to cleanse us from all sin and make us righteous before God. 1 John 1:9 says of Christ, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Do you love God much? Those who have been forgiven much love much, but those who have been forgiven little love little. Does your life demonstrate you have been forgiven much by God? Praise the Word who became flesh, the One who is more than a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart! He is the only One able to cleanse us with His shed blood and present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy. Hear Him!
Did you see that? The critical Pharisee spoke to himself, meaning this was an internal conversation he had in his mind. What happened next proved that Jesus was more than a prophet: He answered him! This is one of many evidences that Jesus truly is the Son of God, a discerner of the hearts of men. Simon the Pharisee had something to say, but social decorum demanded he keep it to himself. Jesus had an answer for his unbelief and criticism, if he would hear it. Jesus explained to the self-righteous Pharisee that the woman poured out a sacrifice of love upon Christ because she loved much. She loved much because she had been forgiven much. Simon was offended that Christ did not rebuff the woman because she was a great sinner. What he did not know is Jesus has the power to forgive sins because He is God! She no longer was stained by her sin because she was made righteous by grace through faith. Therefore her sacrifice of love and praise was acceptable and pleasing in God's sight.
Luke 7:48-50 concludes the passage: "Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." Not only does Jesus know the hearts and minds of people, able to discern thoughts and answer them, but He forgives sins. This woman's faith was accounted to her as righteousness like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the harlot Rahab before her. The shed blood of Jesus Christ through repentance and faith is able to cleanse us from all sin and make us righteous before God. 1 John 1:9 says of Christ, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Do you love God much? Those who have been forgiven much love much, but those who have been forgiven little love little. Does your life demonstrate you have been forgiven much by God? Praise the Word who became flesh, the One who is more than a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart! He is the only One able to cleanse us with His shed blood and present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy. Hear Him!
01 July 2013
Final Visa Update!
This long awaited day has finally arrived, a day that at times I wondered would ever come: our family received word from immigration that we have been approved for permanent residency. The notification reads, "You have been granted a permanent visa which allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely." It feels unreal even as I read those words now. The walk of faith in Christ provides unimaginable twists, turns, and surprises. It is like a roller coaster where one feels the anticipation of the slow ascent, big drops, corkscrews, the sickness in the pit of the stomach, and g-forces all combine to make it a ride that at the conclusion you laugh and say, "Let's do it again!" Well, almost like that. I am glad beyond words the forms, documentation, physicals, and expense is concluded with a positive result. I am blessed that this chapter of our immigration process is complete. God-willing citizenship is only a year and a half away!
It feels so good to know that I'm not crazy - or at least, crazy in a good sense. When God placed the east side of Australia on my heart in 2005, I wasn't sure if I was going insane or if God was truly calling me to quit my career, later resign from my ministry position, sell my house, uproot my family and move to OZ. He confirmed His Word again and again that "I would preach, and I would be sent." It became clear that the only way that I could immigrate to Australia, much less serve in a church as pastor, would be through His doing. Over the years there were wilderness experiences, doubters, rejections, questions, and the ever-oppressive uncertainty. Even during this final stretch of the visa application process there were obstacles to overcome when we had to re-submit our application and payment. A time came when I was forced to hand over everything to the LORD again: "God, if you just wanted us here for a short season, your will be done. If this obstacle is your doing, we embrace it. If it is the work of the enemy, overcome it!"
With the granting of our permanent visa, it is the stamp of God's gracious approval. It is His will we are here. It is God's will that I should serve Him and the flock at Calvary Chapel Sydney. All those years ago when God gave me a vision to reach the east side of Australia with the gospel, I wasn't insane. Yet I do not see the granting of the visa primarily as validation of my perception, but a demonstration of the guidance, provision, grace, mercy, and power of my God. Coming to Australia was never my idea. It was God who put Australia on my heart because He loves all people and is not willing any should perish but that all should come to repentance. He has graciously provided a window of my time on earth to labour for His glory in OZ, and I rejoice He has established my family and me here. My desire is to live out the rest of my days in Australia, moving rocks, sowing seed, and reaping a bountiful harvest of souls for His glory.
Thanks to everyone who has laboured in prayer, helped with finances, submission of the paperwork, and supported our family through this visa process. We are grateful and humbled with the open door God has placed before us. By His grace, we are walking through the door. The end of the visa process brings a new beginning as permanent residents. As you rejoice with us, please remember to thank God for all He is doing - not only in Australia, but in your life and across the globe for generations. You never know the plans God has for you or where He will send you. God will give you the discernment, wisdom, and strength to march forth in step with Him! The question remains to be answered: will you go where He leads?
It feels so good to know that I'm not crazy - or at least, crazy in a good sense. When God placed the east side of Australia on my heart in 2005, I wasn't sure if I was going insane or if God was truly calling me to quit my career, later resign from my ministry position, sell my house, uproot my family and move to OZ. He confirmed His Word again and again that "I would preach, and I would be sent." It became clear that the only way that I could immigrate to Australia, much less serve in a church as pastor, would be through His doing. Over the years there were wilderness experiences, doubters, rejections, questions, and the ever-oppressive uncertainty. Even during this final stretch of the visa application process there were obstacles to overcome when we had to re-submit our application and payment. A time came when I was forced to hand over everything to the LORD again: "God, if you just wanted us here for a short season, your will be done. If this obstacle is your doing, we embrace it. If it is the work of the enemy, overcome it!"
With the granting of our permanent visa, it is the stamp of God's gracious approval. It is His will we are here. It is God's will that I should serve Him and the flock at Calvary Chapel Sydney. All those years ago when God gave me a vision to reach the east side of Australia with the gospel, I wasn't insane. Yet I do not see the granting of the visa primarily as validation of my perception, but a demonstration of the guidance, provision, grace, mercy, and power of my God. Coming to Australia was never my idea. It was God who put Australia on my heart because He loves all people and is not willing any should perish but that all should come to repentance. He has graciously provided a window of my time on earth to labour for His glory in OZ, and I rejoice He has established my family and me here. My desire is to live out the rest of my days in Australia, moving rocks, sowing seed, and reaping a bountiful harvest of souls for His glory.
Thanks to everyone who has laboured in prayer, helped with finances, submission of the paperwork, and supported our family through this visa process. We are grateful and humbled with the open door God has placed before us. By His grace, we are walking through the door. The end of the visa process brings a new beginning as permanent residents. As you rejoice with us, please remember to thank God for all He is doing - not only in Australia, but in your life and across the globe for generations. You never know the plans God has for you or where He will send you. God will give you the discernment, wisdom, and strength to march forth in step with Him! The question remains to be answered: will you go where He leads?
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