Since I arrived at Plainfield Calvary Baptist last March, the one defining picture I have is the love they have for God's word. I thought of that love as I saw this video of an Indonesian tribe when they received God's word in their own language, for the first time.
Dancing, crying, celebration, honor and prayer.
I am a coming closer to that gratitude every day. Today was my son's first day in Awana. I think I understand a little better about the big party in Indonesia, though they have taught me even more in this short video.
Thanks for your generous prayers and comfort.
As they say in the Kimyal language:
Al weig buna’ ag bulamlange
ab Domba Me ab se,
sig aga meibna’ ab,
gibna’ ab, bebnag ab, migib ab,
unum-unum se ulamla.
“To him who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb, be blessing
and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
Read more here....
http://www.challies.com/christian-living/gods-greatest-gifts
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” Exodus 33:18
And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:35
Show me your Glory
Jaeson Ma
You know I finally realized that this life boils down to one thing Its not about me its not about the music its about the glory Listen up, Listen up Listen up
Don't waste your life But Live your life for a purpose that is bigger than yourself What are you living for? I'm living for the glory and glory is not fame, glory not making yourself a name
Glory is sacrificing for others Its putting other before your self (thats love) Its fighting for a cause worth dying for a purpose worth living for
true glory is virtue Its not something you can buy, Glory is something you earn Heros are not born They are made for glory
I'm broken apart somewhere on the road 10,000 dreams with no place to go If you give me your heart I ll can give you a soul The depth of your love I'll never know
Glory Glory ....Give me a sign Glory ….I'll give you My life
Show me the glory this is what I pray Theres gotta be more than what seems that exist We were born to go higher, born for adventure dare to dream bigger
because if your don't have a passion worth dying for you have nothing worth living for
don't live for the things of this world They're passing away but live for the glory that leads to eternity Glory is grace perfected
And our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising, every time we fall
I'm broken apart somewhere on the road 10,000 dreams with no place to go If you give me your heart I ll give you a soul The depth of your love I'll never know
Glory ....Give me a sign Glory ….I'll give you My life
When I wake up in the morning and feel the sun shining down in my face I feel your glory When I look into that night and I see the moon and stars shining so bright I see your glory
Your love is deeper than the oceans more powerful than the mountains. Glory
I been waiting my whole life for this one special moment I got just to be with you…. ….to be with you
I been waiting my whole life for this one special moment I got just to be with you…. ….to be with you
I'm broken apart somewhere on the road 10,000 dreams with no place to go If you give me your heart I can give you a soul The depth of your love I'll never know
Glory ....Give me a sign Glory ….I'll give you My life
Glory give me a sign I can't touch your glory, its too much Glory ….I'll give you My life Its all about you, its not about me, its all about you its all about your Glory
Yes, let me feel you glory Show me touch your glory Show me your glory
this is what I pray You are my glory You are my life You are everything
There comes a time in a man's life when all he has is his faith, not his feeling, not his relationships, nor even his possessions that remind Him of past success. Sure, I want intimacy with God....but do I demand it?
Do I require signs for my faith to be sustained?
Do I love the Lord enough to strain forward DESPITE the void behind?
Do I believe in Him enough to smile to Him when all seems lost?
Is my faith strong enough to care about the lives of others when my life seems to need so much attention?
Later this month the Calvary Baptist teens are going on a trip, and they have been asked by the youth pastor (Brian Hall) to remember this verse as a prerequisite. It seems to be a prerequisite to so much more.... straining forward to what lies ahead.
"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:7-14 ESV)
Click this link to listen... http://www.divshare.com/download/13461940-cc6
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)
A darkness moved in when I dropped my boys off. It was the end of my first overnight custody. A really spectacular weekend was comming to an end.
Thursday Bruce Gill took us out for Chicago Pizza with Skyler, Brandon, John Russ and Nick. We got to know the boys and quietly began to destroy myths. We rode home in the Chevy Silverado all three on the bench seat up front. We were just getting started.
Friday we helped with mission work at BIEM where they met and worked and played with about 50 other people. Sean and David literally ran as they worked and had a great time with all the boys.
Saturday Doug McMichael taught them woodworking and the patience of Christ, how to use a band saw and router and actually taught me about being a father, not being task oriented. We also picked up mattresses and bought a Bed. And read from Proverbs 20 and Matt 4 and 5 about being "poor in spirit", so that your light will shine before men.
Sunday it was good to hear the message about God's word shining into our life and a dear note of encouragement reminding me of that transformation in me and in my family that all the pain will produce as we learn to trust Jesus, He is a BIG God. I remain dependent on Him for hope and light.
"Let Jesus be as a lamp in your life, shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in the hearts of your family" (paraphrase of 2 Peter 1:19)
As I introduced my boys to John and Marrissa Sharbaugh and their new son Jackson , I said they were famous. Marrissa turned and graciously described her life (with Malachi) as a a great opportunity to give honor to God.
Lights shine in dark places, giving hope. I am continuously reminded the dark moments are the chance to give most Glory to God.
1. YADAHTo worship with the extended hand, absolute surrender... as a young child does to a parent 2. TEHILLAH To sing, to laud, spontaneously 3. BARAK To kneel or to bow 4. HALAL Shine; hence, to make a show, and thus to be (clamorously) foolish 5. TOWDAH Extension of the hand in adoration or agreement 6. ZAMAR - To sing with instruments 7. SHABACH - Proclaim with a loud voice, unashamed, a loud adoration, a shout!
Yesterday was a day of great battle, and so many have lifted me .....Thank you. This is His message: "I will not forsake you" from all corners of the nation and beyond, from ages long ago and new, from young and old. He is faithful.
At the risk of self promotion, I do want to glorify GOD and His people. In a sense, the courage I have received was not meant for me alone, but also for you in your own battle. Freely we have received, freely we give. This just might be God talking to you:
"Brad- I'm with you."
"...God does not promise that our lives will be free of storms, but He does promise us a place of shelter during the storms." The FULL Serenity Prayer
"...the Scripture that comes to mind is "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed (because He was crushed for us--Isa. 53); we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken (because He was forsaken for us--Matt. 27:46); struck down but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body" (2 Cor. 4:8-10)..."
"... Persevere and He will make a way, and He will comfort you. You will reap what you are sowing. God Bless. "
"...praying for you Brad."
"Brad, praying for you right now man. "
"I know you are not looking for a return email from anyone that you sent this to because God is your rock and He will sustain you. My heart knows that you are aware of the prayer for you"
"Hello from South Carolina, Brad. Yes, I will join in prayer this morning."
"Be strong in the Grace of God Brad---As you have been."
"Bless your walk"
" **husband** and I lifted special and specific prayers ...."
"I'll be praying for you that God will vindicate himself for your trust in him.
Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. shalom"
"...trust in God to set things right. I love you. **relative** "
"Praying that you have all the spiritual armor God has granted each of us to use for His will."
" **wife** and I are praying for you tomorrow. "
"With God ALL things are possible. I know right now it must be hard to see clearly in all of this. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you battle for what you know is right ..... I don't know what the outcome will be now or down the road but I know HE is faithful. Please know we are praying with love- **Husband and wife**"
"...Thank you for allowing us ***husband and wife** to continue to pray specifically for you and the battle you are in. - In Him alone- "
"I am praying for you brother. Remember what the Bible says. Ask and it will be given to you. Matthew 7-7. Read from Matthew. I believe it will help you. Brad I wish you the best. Good luck and the grace of God is with you, even though you may not see it. The great I AM is on your side."
"...What's mine is yours brother and I really mean that. Please keep me updated and don't hesitate to ask for anything. We are at war and we are soldiers together in this army. Co laborers for Christ. Love you brother."
The same day people in the world asked me "Do you believe that God speaks to you?" How would you answer?
DJ has a heart for the people of the Phillipines, he landed recently to start his journey that will take him over a year, and maybe a life...and you see his heart in his question.My answer is laid out below. What would be yours? What books have encouraged you?
Totally depends on God and the audience He would have you reach. Here are 7, I am sure there are 70 more.
1) Bible: 1 John, Ephesians...Simple, powerful.
2) "God is closer than you think." Lighthearted, point directly to the immediate possibility of a relationship with God....great for me when I thought I couldn't connect with God. http://bit.ly/9fOUWZ
3) "Epic" by John Eldridge..short, simple, evanglististic
"Wild at heart" and "Waking the Dead": for healing and battle: John Eldridge
http://www.ransomedheart.com/c-3-books.aspx
4) "Spiritual Leadership" by J Oswald Saunders: How to become the leader God wants all of us to be. Perhaps for the more mature Christian.
5) FREE: "When I don't desire God, how to fight for joy" John Piper Rich with sound teaching through the ages.
http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_bwdd/bwdd_all.pdf
6) The most life-changing for me personally was the "One Month to Live" series by Kerry Shook
http://www.onemonthtolive.com/ If we believe life is almost over...everything changes.
7) "The Purple book" Hank Mercier from LifeChurch thought this was the best, I have not been through it, but might fit. Hank is one of my heros of faith.
http://haveyoudonethepurplebook.com/new/about.php
If you want to read a little more about DJ, you can find out here...
http://djsmission.blogspot.com/
After "A mighty fortress", I got caught. I was so excited to fight the battle with my new confidence, I hadn't even thought to answer the critical questions.... was I ready?
Its been a tough week, I feel like I am loosing ground. As often happens when my need is greatest, the message spoke directly to the need to get to a right relationship, right perspective. In fact this preparation of the heart and mind is exactly what I am reminded weekly, I just get so busy....
This encouragement from a young man, fighting a serious battle, ... a spiritual battle. He writes to an older man fighting a serious battle...a spiritual battle.....
"One of my memory verses for the week is Romans 8:18. I thought that it might be an encouragement to you as it was to me,
"...for i consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us."
"Paul tells us that the worst things that can happen to us in this life arent worthy to even be compared to the glory of being with our savior. That is one of my favorite passages in the Bible"
It means more coming from someone walking in the fire....doesn't it?
If you are on Facebook click link for the song audio http://www.divshare.com/download/12792500-93d
Fragrant Burning
Derek Loux
All my triumphs i count but loss
all my failure i leave behind
I have one vision, your rugged cross
I have one mission, to come and die
And I will be a fragrant burning
I'll wash your feet with my tears
My love will be a poured out offering to you
I have one banner...Your endless love
I'll have one passion....To see your face
And I've one manner
Your Kingdom come
I've one obsession
to sit and gaze
And I will be a fragrant burning
I'll wash your feet with my tears
My love will be a poured our offering for you
Fragrant burning for you
Nothing compares to you
Nothing compares to you.....
Nothing comares
NOTHING COMPARES ...compares to you
And I will be a fragrant burning
I'll wash your feet with my tears
Our love will be a oured offering to you
Fragrant burning for you,
for you, fragrant burning. for you,
for only you
William Lee Payne Strength... what is it to you? Bearing your burden, or letting it go?
WHAT A QUESTION: What a wonderful young man.
I had to respond....but I hope you ask yourself the same question.
"AMAZING...I just read two days ago from Galatians 5 and 6, and thought about this: bearing one another's burdens but carrying our own load.
What does that mean? It led to an intense reaction from someone who I was trying to restore gently..., but didn't want to hear the idea. In one sense our burden is not meant to be carried alone (Jesus said His burden was light). Jesus, through our communion and our church family helps with this load. This is strength.
That said, we have a role in life, to bear our load. Who does not have difficulty? The man who is dead or asleep. Our life is not without tension, without purpose. We are not alone, but trying to escape my role (as husband or wife or worker) or entangle others could become a selfish distraction or a dangerous sin.
In forbearing much, loving much, being spit on and having our hair pulled out (Is 50:6) , we learn from and about our savior as we radiate the fragrance of His grace.
Let me know if I have missed the mark, I'd like to know."
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. "
Ps 37:4
His mother Nancy, Bill and William had the honor of seeing him off this morning. A life event for sure that took me back a couple years to the Costa Rica Mission Trip in 2008: Day 5 DJs Devotional Day 6 DJ Steps Forward
IRON MAN noun (1914) : a man of unusual physical endurance
When I asked Pastor Jeff where they came up with the term Iron man, I believe he referred to a Triathlon. Its a good picture.
My mind went to the recent movie, where a self-confident man nearly looses his life, and becomes transformed with a new heart (literally and morally) and gets a flight suit that protects him from enemies, AND empowers him to rescue and protect others. (see the pictures)
What if somebody needs you to be there?
Colossians 3:3–4 “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. ”
Ezekiel 36:26–27 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. ”
Matthew 9:38–10:1
“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. ”
If I am a little over the top here, I trust you will restore me gently :). Either way, I hope to see you soon.
Ever been rejected? Not that time you deserved it. I'm talking about when you reach out to love someone, and they reject you, question your motive, leave you to be alone? I had a talk like that today.... It was a big deal. Be strong, have courage. I will be with you. Some did not get that message.
I wonder how God feels when we do that to him. Not bitter, not angry, not vengeful, just sad for our sake. No hurt is wasted when we turn to him.
I watch you looking out
Across the raging water
So sure your only hope
Lies on the other side
You hear the enemy
That's closing in around you
And I know
That you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and
Believe me now
Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now
Believe me now
I am the one who waved my hand
And split the ocean
I am the One
Who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before
I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am?
Will you believe me now
Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now
Believe it's true
I never have I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been
I will forever be
So believe me now
I am God
Who never wastes a single hurt
That you endure
My words are true
And all My promises are sure
So believe me now
Oh believe me now
So believe me now
Believe me here
Remember all the times I told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe me now
Believe it's true
I never have I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been
I will forever be
So believe me now
Believe me now
Believe me now
Play Music here--->
http://www.divshare.com/download/12568915-4f5
Some say love it is a river
that drowns the tender reed
Some say love it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love it is a hunger
an endless aching need
I say love it is a flower
and you it's only seed
It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance
It's the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
who cannot seem to give
and the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed
that with the sun's love
in the spring
becomes the rose
"though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1st Corinthians 13:2
Yesterday I was at a conference for the Hoosier Christian foundation with my friend Craig, the talk was about Habitat for humanity. While we were having lunch, I spoke with a consultant at our table, the kind of person who walks into a failing or sub-par company and says "this needs to change".
She described the situation of "franchise", where small parts of a company or closely related companies may have redundancy, fail follow best practice and operate well below peak performance. I asked her "How do you persuade people to surrender control, so that they can perform better?" She said quite simply..."I explain to them how much pain they will avoid." That evening I came home to a news show about how burn victims "cope" with pain using medically-designed video games.
The choice we face is to "fill" or "cover" the hurt with distractions, or to deal with it.
Sometimes pain can't be entirely avoided. As you and I struggle to rest in Him, He also allows those situations which test and refine our faith. As I walk up to the precipice, I am not alone. I believe....... that the "tragedy" is but a moment, for my good and His glory. Pardon me, while I "preach to myself."
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. " 1 Cor 4:16-18
Kenny, an 80-something man with a sparkle in His eye told me something a month ago at Hardees I cannot forget. He had known me for a total of about 8 minutes when he said...."You are a young man, don't lose hope". I smile because I am almost 50 (not many call me young any more), and because that's just what I needed to hear.....still do. Knowing a little about "why" helps.
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I did not make this up...a real vendor sent the letter above to me. Timing is everything.
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ” Hebrews 4:13-16
Just some scribble to remind me about the messages from Calvary today....reasons why. Does it ever occur strange we need to be reminded of these things? We do need reminders...I did.
Ephesians 3:14–19
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.......to be strengthened .... to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ”
In case some of you read this with a little hesitation, I can assure you this is not mind control, weird stuff like some of us have seen and others have heard. This is not imposed, but simply ways to be wise in the Spirit. Control for example is one I know that I have struggled with, trying to make things happen, instead of a trusting response to the Spirit (not somebody else's expectation).
Likewise, submission to one another does not undermine the Spirit, but in fact checks a sort of hierarchical mind that forbids resistance, or fears to resist. This submission doesn't replace the order of the State, The leadership, the family...it simply gives room for the Spirit to speak through anyone, in humility of course.
Check me if I am wrong. :) The goal is simply to experience the fullness...of His Spirit. "Father, may your will be done"
Kent Bottenfield, a former pro baseball picture came and played and sang music Sunday that had us reaching for God....He can't read music, not one note. Really. Guss what, he doesn't have to because God is faithful.
The same day Craig Brighton's Habitat house for Patrice and Cameron came toward a close, but inside this story were so many others, a house full of people affected by Craigs faithfulness, and God's faithfulness to him. JD for example just recommitted his wedding vows after 40 years, and a few months on the habitat job. He brought his friend Patrick to the job, a man who is ready to leave the restaurant business to do something that "matters". Cameron, a young boy who should have died 3 years ago due to inoperable brain cancer.....now in a race with time to find God. He has had help from Matt and Kristen, and Craig at camp. Did Craig have this all worked out, nope, he doesn't have to....
The song below is the one that Kent always plays wherever he goes....It brings him to Psalm 61 "Take refuge in the shadow of your wing". I heard that twice Sunday.
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever will be. Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Refrain
What makes it go?
What makes it stop?
A super short summary of notes from the Sunday School message. As a church, we are reading through "The Message of Prayer" by Timothy Chester. One of the great helps is the emphasis on our need for God, even in prayer. The story of George Mueller who struggled with prayer until he learned to start with scripture. In our Iron Man meeting, the scriptures here were given to help Jump-Start prayer. See how much you can read without breaking into prayer.
If this really is so important, why is it so hard?
Men in the foxhole with bullets all around don't have that problem.
People with hearts ablaze with gratitude and wonder don't have that problem.
Do we really need to pray more, or love and need God more?
"Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me." Nehemiah 4:17-18
Q: "How do you get to know people?"
A: "You serve alongside"
Two people, two months apart, same question. Both men gave the same answer. I learned more about these men than in any other single day asCalvaryhosted the First Annual Disc Golf Tournament. It was a great time to get to know David, Brian, Ron, John, Bruce and so many others....as we helped prepare and serve the players.
Disc Golfers are an interesting lot. While they like to compete, it wasn't just about the competition. I wondered if many ended up here for a reason, in a sport where perfection is rare, and technique is almost second to talk. Disc golf is a forgiving sport, and a lot of the guys that came to play seemed to need forgiveness. They got it.
At lunch, these men with tattoos, skull shirts, and piercings sat and listened intently as Pastor Mark read about the undeniable existence of God, man's tendency to resist him (Romans 1)and yet God's answer in giving His Son Jesus as a ransom (John 3:16).When these guys left late in the afternoon after 36 holes (yikes!) they actually took turns thanking us. They said it was the BEST first tournament they had ever been to, that it was folksy and warm and a rare treat they should return to every chance they get.
We worked together today to build. it was a good day.
Days when you feel Down
Absolutely normal part of Christian life
Christianity means you have a perspective how to grow through it
A wonderful story....a tiny fragile moth
The struggle to come out of the cocoon was an opportunity.....
Remember all that God has done for you, and His people
The past few weeks God has been using repetition to get my attention. This time its about seeing difficulty from His perspective, not mine. What do you think?
LAST WEEK: "What if....I told you..... your story is not about you?" "What if your problem was not going to be 'solved'?"
Message at Calvary Baptist YESTERDAY...
Daily devotional TODAY.....Key point: Do not be enslaved by difficulty but be set free through it.
Monday, August 02, 2010
It's Not Christianity
We've exchanged that great hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" for a subtle but telling substitute, a song that is currently being taught to thousands of children in Sunday school each week, which goes something like this (sung in a very happy, upbeat tune):
I may never march in the infantry,
ride in the cavalry,
shoot the artillery, I may never fly over the enemy
but I'm in the Lord's army, yes sir!
There is no battle and there is no war and there is no Enemy and your life is not at stake and you are not desperately needed this very hour, but you're in the Lord's army. Yes, sir. Doing what? may I ask.
The reason I bring this up is that if you want the real deal, if you want the life and freedom that Jesus offers, then you are going to have to break free of this religious fog in particular. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Gal. 5:1). So here's a bottom-line test to expose the Religious Spirit: If it doesn't bring freedom and it doesn't bring life, it's not Christianity. If it doesn't restore the image of God and rejoice in the heart, it's not Christianity.
The ministry of Jesus is summarized by one of those who knew him best when Peter brings the gospel to the gentiles: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and . . . he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38). The stream of Spiritual Warfare was essential to Jesus' life and ministry. It follows that it must be essential to ours if we would be his followers.
My friend Joey sent me a note earlier today about the play asking if I would like to go, we both knew one of the actors. Later that afternoon, flipping through the newspaper (which I never do), I saw an ad for the same play.
I had a great time, not just to meet and talk with Joey's daughters, Mark, Matt, Colleen, John, and others, but just to be reminded about the power of hope.
The story is about a man, and a woman and a town who are all changed in the course of coming together and seeing things not as they are, but as they can be. I actually teared up when the little boy who had been trapped by a fear of speaking began to sing, because he had been given hope by the promise of playing a musical instrument.
The music man was a salesman who gave people so much hope that they could sing, dance or play instruments, they forgot about everything else. Only the mayor was able to resist the "spellbinder" (because he stood to loose money). The heroine knew the music man's story was a hoax, yet she was swept off her feet because he inspired the town to greatness. Poignantly, she loved even though she knew who he was. In turn, her love inspired the music man to make good on His promise.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
"Oh, my dear little librarian. You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering."
"There was love all around, but I never heard it singing. No I never heard it at all, Till There Was You."
This show reminded me of the movie "The Postman", where an apocalyptic con-man is accused of giving out "hope like candy", and ends up causing a great restoration as a result of coming to believe for others.
God sees us not as we are, but as we will be. That hope draws us towards Him in conversion, and beyond; helping us live life to the full, and sing to Him as He sings to us. Its that hope that changes lives.
God tends to speak redundantly, because we forget, don't hear and because he wants to make sure we get it. Recently, one thing that has gotten lots of airtime from a brother named Tim, my pastor and all sorts of reminders that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". This is the mission of John Piper....restoration. A short 2 min vid about why how you can bring glory to God. If that is your mission in life, you will not be disappointed.
John Piper
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him" does mean that those who refuse to be satisfied in him and those who do seek their satisfaction in him happen globally or historically in such a way that the greatest amount of glory shines.
Mercy shines, wrath shines, justice shines, patience shines, grace shines—the totality of the rainbow of God's perfections shines most brightly because there are some who refuse to be satisfied, thus calling forth his wrath, and there are some who glut their satisfaction on him, calling forth his grace and glory. "
Legalists beware!
John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. "
Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit"
Proverbs 12:20 "Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy"
Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
Philipians 4:4 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice"
1John 1-4 "and these things we write, that our joy may be made full"
James 1:2-3 " Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience."
1Thes 5:16-18 "Rejoice always;pray without ceasing;in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. Col 1:11 "...strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy"
Gal 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"
John 16:24 "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
Matt 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Esther 4:14-16
Uncle Mordicai asks "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
.....Esther
If I must die, I must die. Why would someone say such a thing? They see their life as a small part of a big story. Where else do we see such a sudden, self-endangering choice that could be avoided by queen of a massive empire. Where else do we see the tapestry of a plot that leads to such an inescapable choice for someone who sees the story.
Do I see the story? Not yet.....there is a faith in His story, but one day I will also see the story.
Glorious Freedom??? Really??? (NOT healthy, wealthy and wise, but FREE).
"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Romans 8 :21-22
Yippeee!
Hear it, Sing it, teach it.
Be not ashamed...Do not fear
for I am with you ....says they Lord
and where the Spirit of the Lord is ....
There is LIBERTY
Not to satify the lust of the flesh
but to become who we were meant to be
in the beginning
With Him....in Freedom
In the garden....In Love
in all circumstances...Giving thanks
1. Become an actual member of a church. I'm serious. Membership shows your loving commitment to one another. This is truly radical. Go against the grain and show that you are really crazy in love with Jesus and join a church. And just think, the less cool the church the more the opportunity to demonstrate real love! And if you're already a member of a church, love someone who's not by encouraging him or her to join too.
2. Turn down jobs that might take you away from church, even if they pay more.
3. Time together: Arrange family vacations around your church's schedule. Or take your family on a vacation with other members of the church. Or better yet, go on a short term mission trip. This will blow people's minds.
4. Move to a house closer to the church and use your home as a place of hospitality.
5. Turn heads really practice the biblical teachings of giving and receiving forgiveness. Be quick to forgive others (Ephesians 4:32). Be quick to say you’re sorry (Matthew 5:23 24). Forgiveness may be one of the most radical ways to express love and unity in a congregation, and it's rarely practiced.
6. Help: Take care of people who are in need physically in your congregation (Romans 12:13).
7. Purpose to Pray: Pray for each other (Ephesians 6:18). Don't just say you'll pray. Actually put into place some ways to pray for each and every member.
8. Heart Check: Sympathize with other believers (Romans 12:15). Check a critical spirit.
9. Discipling: Focus on caring for one another spiritually by discipling one another (Galatians 6:1 2). Though discipling only looks like having lunch, it's secretly and subversively radical. Over a Caesar salad ask the dangerous question: "How are things spiritually?"
10. The Ministry of the Pew: When you walk into a church service, pray about where you sit. If at church we are working to strengthen our fellow believers, where we sit becomes important. Part of our work will be talking to our neighbor in the pew, welcoming people, helping each other understand God's Word, and praying with each other. Meet others and find out their concerns and pray quietly with them. This will look a bit weird to newcomers, with pairs of bowed heads all around the building; but they will know that we love each other. Once we make the attitude shift from being passive pew sitters and receivers to active workers and givers, there is no end to the difference we can make to others. The key to people work is to observe what happens around you and respond to people's needs.
The first nine endeavors are adapted from J. Mack Stiles book, Marks of the Messenger. He lists 16 ways to demonstrate love and unity in the church, and calls them radical, mind blowing, and world-changing principles, though they are also counter cultural and bizarre to the watching world. The last endeavor is based on Colin Marshall's article for The Briefing titled "The Ministry of the Pew." The entire article can be found at www.matthiasmedia.com.au/briefing/library/1855/.
Word History: Winsome people easily win friends, so it is not surprising that winsome and win have a common root. Their shared root *wen-, meaning "to desire, strive for," has a number of descendants in the Germanic languages:
wini- meaning "friend" (literally, "one who desires or loves" someone else), which became wine in Old English
wynn: "pleasure, joy ", preserved in winsome.
win: "to strive for with success, be victorious."
Longing to win loving, joyful, friendship. (Did we forget what it means to be a child?)
Matthew 19:15 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. "
I met Patrice at a Habitat Build (the resident). She told me, with a beautiful smile and grin about her son with inoperable brain cancer. He was held alive for 3 years beyond the 6 months Drs. had given. Patrice was giving glory to God and gave her son to Him at diagnosis, not after he died. Every day a gift, her son a miracle and a testimony to the Deliverer. How much like the man born blind....John 9.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Grace,Gratitude, Glory.
GRACE: John 9As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
GRATITUDE: This same man went on to challenge the Pharisees, their "wisdom" and their religion, out of gratitude, not bravado. He was thrown out of the temple because he would not be persuaded by the pharisees that Jesus was a sinner, and because his testimony was actually teaching them truth.
GLORY: The healed man went on to meet Jesus AFTER he had left everything (parents, the temple). He answers Jesus' only question...do you believe in the son of man?
38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
Test:
What is my response to healing, is it worship?
What is my effect on others, testimony to truth?
Today, can I see, or am I blind?
Do I have joy (Jn 15:11) from my ability to see? Patrice did.
