Life brings some interesting and stressful events across our paths. Paul writes: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered…we were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure…But this happened that we might now rely upon ourselves but on God…”(2 Corinthians 1:8-11)
We face great stress, pressure and anxiety at times. At times we even feel like we are dying inside. Is there any purpose for these hard times? It just might be that God is telling us to stop relying upon ourselves, to stop trusting in our abilities, and to stop seeking our desires.
We must rely upon God “who raises the dead.” Perhaps we are dying inside—not physically but in our dependence upon us. We are realizing these events are beyond our coping skills. God has brought us to this place to kill out our self-reliance. Self-reliance dies a very stubborn death. It goes kicking and screaming. We think, “I’m supposed to be able to handle these events” – The truth is NO I’M NOT! Only God can handle these events and we desperately need him.
We must totally rely upon God to handle life. We must let go of our self reliance and discover the joy, power, peace and strength of God-reliance.
The question is not only can I trust God, but will I?
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Life, as it is meant to be
It seems to me that as Christians we concern ourselves with the exterior expressions of our Christian life more than the interior changes and growth. The exterior is easier to discern. We have become performance oriented rather than heart oriented. But I think the heart is more important. True spiritual development must focus on the inner life. When we get the inner life right the outer life will follow.
Jesus came to change our hearts not just to change our behavior. We think that Jesus came to make us good, but he came to make us alive! We were dead in our trespasses and sins but are made alive in Jesus.
If Jesus is going to make us alive then we must make the journey through our hearts. We struggle in this. If we chose to make this journey with him we discover coldness, lusts, wrong desires, bad attitudes, sorrows and deadness within our hearts. We learn that we have living our lives out of these things rather than out of Jesus.
If we decide to really life the life of Jesus then we place all of our lives before him, walk through these wastelands of the heart and submit to the painful spiritual surgery of their cleansing. Now we really begin to live our lives as Jesus intends. We live out of his heart, walk in his love, display his peace and celebrate the joy of the Lord as it becomes our strength.
Jesus came to change our hearts not just to change our behavior. We think that Jesus came to make us good, but he came to make us alive! We were dead in our trespasses and sins but are made alive in Jesus.
If Jesus is going to make us alive then we must make the journey through our hearts. We struggle in this. If we chose to make this journey with him we discover coldness, lusts, wrong desires, bad attitudes, sorrows and deadness within our hearts. We learn that we have living our lives out of these things rather than out of Jesus.
If we decide to really life the life of Jesus then we place all of our lives before him, walk through these wastelands of the heart and submit to the painful spiritual surgery of their cleansing. Now we really begin to live our lives as Jesus intends. We live out of his heart, walk in his love, display his peace and celebrate the joy of the Lord as it becomes our strength.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Divine Calligraphy
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Reading this can make us stop and think: trouble results in glory! Our moments involve eternity!
Many walk through a deep valley. It can be dark, trying and empty. In the midst of that valley we stop and wonder what God is doing. Why does He lead us into these hard and trying places?
In the hard times we must open our hearts fully to God. Then he can write on our hearts his Word. Our spirits are the paper, our struggles, joys and actions are the ink, the Holy Spirit is the Author who writes, YET what is written is in letters that belong to another world—Heaven. The Spirit communicates God’s truth to our hearts in these hard times. He writes there things that we struggle to understand, yet, from His perspective, so beautiful and wonderful and full of God. The value of what is written comes as we open our hearts fully to God and allow the Heavenly translator of this Heaven language reveal to us the power of God’s truth.
When we do not understand what is happening. It is a call to stop, turn our hearts toward God and allow the Spirit to reveal the beauty of what is being written in our lives. This is growth and maturity. This is life, real life, abundant life, eternal life—the life of Jesus.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sacrifically Whining
Paul writes in Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” NIV
We do not like the word, “sacrifice.” This has a very deadly, bloody picture attached to it. It is not pretty nor easy. We are set to ask ourselves, “What have I really sacrificed for Jesus?” I could list time, money and life, what I have truly given to Him? Just stopping and thinking about this makes us either uneasy or proud, depending on what we think as we see our sacrifices.
Cyril of Alexander writes: “Never forget that what gives value to a sacrifice is not the renouncement it demands, but the degree of love which inspires the renouncement.” Putting all of this together made me ask myself, “Have I given up to God what I have out of love for him or out of simple obedience?” I realize that if I sacrifice out of love then I would do it willingly without complaining. If I sacrifice out of obedience only, then I might whine, complain and be tempted to give grudgingly.
Jesus demonstrated his deep love for us in his passionately giving of his life on the Cross. Brennan Manning writes: “The root of ‘passion’ is the Latin ‘passere, to ‘suffer.’ The passion of Jesus…is the voluntary laying oneself open to another and allowing oneself to be intimately affected by him, that is to say the suffering of passionate love.” (Abba’s Child; page 165)
The real value of our sacrifice for Jesus comes as we take our eyes off of us. I must stop focusing on my feelings and my desires and my life. I fix my eyes on Jesus.
When I look upon Jesus I see the holes in his hands and side. They remind me of His agony, His suffering and His sacrifice. When I look at Jesus I see the crown of thorns on his head. He was mocked and ridiculed. Why should I fear what others might think or say? When I look at Jesus I look into his eyes – joy and pain – peace and problems – love and judgment – His eyes pierce me to the heart. All is laid bare in His gaze. I can give as he gave, sacrificially because I stand amazed in his presence, focus on his love and live the life that models his.
We do not like the word, “sacrifice.” This has a very deadly, bloody picture attached to it. It is not pretty nor easy. We are set to ask ourselves, “What have I really sacrificed for Jesus?” I could list time, money and life, what I have truly given to Him? Just stopping and thinking about this makes us either uneasy or proud, depending on what we think as we see our sacrifices.
Cyril of Alexander writes: “Never forget that what gives value to a sacrifice is not the renouncement it demands, but the degree of love which inspires the renouncement.” Putting all of this together made me ask myself, “Have I given up to God what I have out of love for him or out of simple obedience?” I realize that if I sacrifice out of love then I would do it willingly without complaining. If I sacrifice out of obedience only, then I might whine, complain and be tempted to give grudgingly.
Jesus demonstrated his deep love for us in his passionately giving of his life on the Cross. Brennan Manning writes: “The root of ‘passion’ is the Latin ‘passere, to ‘suffer.’ The passion of Jesus…is the voluntary laying oneself open to another and allowing oneself to be intimately affected by him, that is to say the suffering of passionate love.” (Abba’s Child; page 165)
The real value of our sacrifice for Jesus comes as we take our eyes off of us. I must stop focusing on my feelings and my desires and my life. I fix my eyes on Jesus.
When I look upon Jesus I see the holes in his hands and side. They remind me of His agony, His suffering and His sacrifice. When I look at Jesus I see the crown of thorns on his head. He was mocked and ridiculed. Why should I fear what others might think or say? When I look at Jesus I look into his eyes – joy and pain – peace and problems – love and judgment – His eyes pierce me to the heart. All is laid bare in His gaze. I can give as he gave, sacrificially because I stand amazed in his presence, focus on his love and live the life that models his.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Church Lately
I have been considering the church lately. I wonder why so many people find reasons to avoid it and simply drop out. I know that we struggle with our natures that tend to resist the spiritual side of life. Yet, God continues to pierce my heart telling me that there is more to it than just that.
I am reading a book titled: “Quitting Church.” It seems that there are many millions Americans who are opting out of church yet they chose to continue their own private time with God. They read their Bible, pray, even share their faith. Yet, they have given up on the church. Why?
These people see the lack of God in most churches. So many churches are dysfunctional. People are tired of church fights and church scandals. People are weary of clergy who are too controlling and demanding. It would appear that many churches have made the Bible irrelevant to many believers. There are hurting and struggling individuals who need the care, grace and compassion of God’s people but who end up getting judged, criticized and ignored.
All of this begs the questions: “Is this so? And if it is so, what should concerned followers of Jesus do about it?”
As a pastor I have felt firsthand the jabs of those within the church who demand their own way. I have experienced the heartache of being attacked and criticized for trying to walk the journey God has me on, when others do not understand and feel threatened by it. I wonder where we were lead astray. Why has the will of US overrun the will of God?
Perhaps we have become followers of a Christian culture that has grown within our society more than we have been followers of Jesus. We have so many books, so many different Bibles, so many Christian knick knacks that we have become disoriented to stepping in the footsteps of the One showed us that the way to live was to die.
I know the power of the grace and love of God. I have experienced his presence and his burden for his children. I have seen some of his children serve him so that those who are struggling might see his love in them. For all the misdirected things that are happening in the church there are others who are truly working to make a difference. They are the faithful followers of Jesus.
Church, let us fix our eyes on Jesus and not the Christian culture around us. Let us imitate the life, the heart and spirit of Jesus. Jesus only displayed anger at the religious elite who made converts who became “twice as much the sons of hell as they were.” Jesus displayed compassion, care and kindness to those who needed God the most: the prostitutes, drunks, lepers and outcasts of his world. Should we not do the same? Then those looking at his church will say, “Now that’s the Jesus I could follow!”
I am reading a book titled: “Quitting Church.” It seems that there are many millions Americans who are opting out of church yet they chose to continue their own private time with God. They read their Bible, pray, even share their faith. Yet, they have given up on the church. Why?
These people see the lack of God in most churches. So many churches are dysfunctional. People are tired of church fights and church scandals. People are weary of clergy who are too controlling and demanding. It would appear that many churches have made the Bible irrelevant to many believers. There are hurting and struggling individuals who need the care, grace and compassion of God’s people but who end up getting judged, criticized and ignored.
All of this begs the questions: “Is this so? And if it is so, what should concerned followers of Jesus do about it?”
As a pastor I have felt firsthand the jabs of those within the church who demand their own way. I have experienced the heartache of being attacked and criticized for trying to walk the journey God has me on, when others do not understand and feel threatened by it. I wonder where we were lead astray. Why has the will of US overrun the will of God?
Perhaps we have become followers of a Christian culture that has grown within our society more than we have been followers of Jesus. We have so many books, so many different Bibles, so many Christian knick knacks that we have become disoriented to stepping in the footsteps of the One showed us that the way to live was to die.
I know the power of the grace and love of God. I have experienced his presence and his burden for his children. I have seen some of his children serve him so that those who are struggling might see his love in them. For all the misdirected things that are happening in the church there are others who are truly working to make a difference. They are the faithful followers of Jesus.
Church, let us fix our eyes on Jesus and not the Christian culture around us. Let us imitate the life, the heart and spirit of Jesus. Jesus only displayed anger at the religious elite who made converts who became “twice as much the sons of hell as they were.” Jesus displayed compassion, care and kindness to those who needed God the most: the prostitutes, drunks, lepers and outcasts of his world. Should we not do the same? Then those looking at his church will say, “Now that’s the Jesus I could follow!”
Monday, June 01, 2009
Tongue Tied
In Proverbs 10:19-20 we read “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. NIV
St. Benedict wrote: “…where your tongue goes, the heart follows. If you curse others, your life will be cursed. If you bless others your life will be blessed.”
Do we ever stop to listen, really listen to the words that come out of our mouths? Do we really listen to the manner in which they are spoken? Jesus told us that we can kill with our words. "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22 NIV
How often have we “killed” a heart, a soul, a life because of the words we have said about someone or to someone?
Poem Entitled: "Thou Shall not Kill"
Yesterday I killed my son's joy,
In the victory of his team,
I complained about his dirty clothes
And that ripped seam.
The day before I killed my daughter's prides
In the dress she had made,
I pointed out its faults,
Then added my faint praise.
One day I killed a friendship
And affection turned to hate,
I misunderstood her motive,
Until it was too late.
Today I killed my husband's love,
Not with a mighty blow.
It died bit by bit;
Year by year-so slow.
First I robbed him of his pleasures,
In those simple satisfactions
Oh, he had no self-confidence
And few worthwhile ambitions
I wounded him with cruel jibes,
When others too might hear,
I thought his wince of pain,
Was just unmanly fear.
Tonight I saw the light of love,
Die slowly in his look.
When he reached toward me his hand,
But I picked up my book.
God restore to me this man,
And teach me to love and understand.
St. Benedict wrote: “…where your tongue goes, the heart follows. If you curse others, your life will be cursed. If you bless others your life will be blessed.”
Do we ever stop to listen, really listen to the words that come out of our mouths? Do we really listen to the manner in which they are spoken? Jesus told us that we can kill with our words. "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22 NIV
How often have we “killed” a heart, a soul, a life because of the words we have said about someone or to someone?
Poem Entitled: "Thou Shall not Kill"
Yesterday I killed my son's joy,
In the victory of his team,
I complained about his dirty clothes
And that ripped seam.
The day before I killed my daughter's prides
In the dress she had made,
I pointed out its faults,
Then added my faint praise.
One day I killed a friendship
And affection turned to hate,
I misunderstood her motive,
Until it was too late.
Today I killed my husband's love,
Not with a mighty blow.
It died bit by bit;
Year by year-so slow.
First I robbed him of his pleasures,
In those simple satisfactions
Oh, he had no self-confidence
And few worthwhile ambitions
I wounded him with cruel jibes,
When others too might hear,
I thought his wince of pain,
Was just unmanly fear.
Tonight I saw the light of love,
Die slowly in his look.
When he reached toward me his hand,
But I picked up my book.
God restore to me this man,
And teach me to love and understand.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Miraculous Moments
In Number 13 and 14 we read that the people of God came to the very edge of the promise of God. There they stood ready to grasp the blessing He had promised them. Then, they discovered something. Giants stood in their way. They questioned, they shook with fear, and they wept and decided to turn back. Why? They believed that the giants were bigger than God.
What about us? We follow God’s direction. We have walked through some hard times. We know that he has promised us a blessing. THEN – GIANTS!
What will we do? How will we react? Faith is refusing to grumble against God because there are giants in the place he is leading you to. When faced with a problem will we lose faith in God? Or will we see the obstacle as an opportunity?
The miracles of God can take place when we run out of our own abilities. The miracles of God occur in the situations that we cannot handle. The miracles of God take place when we are faced with our own frailties. God often leads us to places where there are giants to show us how awesome and great our God really is.
The miracles happen when we step out of the safety of our boat to walk in the storm with Jesus. They happen when we bring our five loaves and two fish to a multitude. Miracles occur when we can do nothing but cry out, “Lord, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!” Miracles occur when the brother has died and Jesus is late arriving. Miracles occur when He has been in the grave three days.
What giants are you facing? What weaknesses are you discovering? What miracle is God waiting to show you in the midst of it all
What about us? We follow God’s direction. We have walked through some hard times. We know that he has promised us a blessing. THEN – GIANTS!
What will we do? How will we react? Faith is refusing to grumble against God because there are giants in the place he is leading you to. When faced with a problem will we lose faith in God? Or will we see the obstacle as an opportunity?
The miracles of God can take place when we run out of our own abilities. The miracles of God occur in the situations that we cannot handle. The miracles of God take place when we are faced with our own frailties. God often leads us to places where there are giants to show us how awesome and great our God really is.
The miracles happen when we step out of the safety of our boat to walk in the storm with Jesus. They happen when we bring our five loaves and two fish to a multitude. Miracles occur when we can do nothing but cry out, “Lord, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!” Miracles occur when the brother has died and Jesus is late arriving. Miracles occur when He has been in the grave three days.
What giants are you facing? What weaknesses are you discovering? What miracle is God waiting to show you in the midst of it all
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