Morning: The sermon, "Seeing with Fresh Eyes," focused on 1 Kings 19:1-18. In this passage, we learn we need to keep our eyes on the Lord. Through the mistakes of Elijah, we learn a better way to navigate life challenges.
1. Don't forget who fights and wins the battles (the Lord). Look back at past victories and see where God has been at work.
2. Don't isolate yourself. Elijah cut himself off from the Lord, then he cut off everybody else.
3. Take care of yourself. Elijah became so discouraged that he stopped caring if he lived or died. We need to eat right, exercise, and rest. We need to seek spiritual, emotional, and physical emotions.
4. Expect, but don't limit. We need to realize that God often answers prayers in ways we can't fully anticipate. Elijah was expecting God to do something amazing, but he wasn't ready for a still small voice.
5. Listen and obey. Elijah doesn't seem to obey all of the orders of the Lord. We need to hear him speak, and do what he asked.
If we will keep our eyes on the Lord, he will guide our steps. We have no reason to fear when we are trusting the Lord.
Evening: No services.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Bold as Love by Bob Roberts, Jr.
Bold as Love is a
book about loving our neighbors. It particularly addresses loving our neighbors
who have different faiths. I have to admit, I found it difficult to get into
the book because of my own prejudices. I kept waiting for the liberal
all-faiths-lead-to-heaven boogeyman to jump out. It never did. What I found was
a book that disturbed and encouraged me at the same time. Bold as Love disturbed me by reminding me that I'm not as quick to
obey Jesus as I should be. It encouraged me by affirming ideas I have had for a
long time.
There are several things to commend in the book. Roberts
seeks to distinguish his approach from typical interfaith approaches.
Interfaith approaches tend to look for the least common denominators in
religions, while downplaying or ignoring glaring differences. Roberts's
multifaith approach seeks to work toward common goals, while acknowledging the
vast differences between religions. Interfaith dialogues often encourage
discussion about religion, but discourage members from seeking to convert
others to their belief system. Roberts's multifaith approach encourages honest
conversation about religion, even if it leads to conversion (and often with
conversion as its aim).
Roberts reminds his readers that they cannot save another
person. The task of conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit. He doesn't
remind his readers of this truth in order to advocate a silent social gospel.
He clearly states the need for both service and verbally sharing the gospel in
our evangelistic endeavors. He also proposes a model of discipleship in which
every believer is faithful to share Christ wherever he places them. Followers
of Christ are called to serve and share anywhere and everywhere. They are
encouraged to learn and love.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, there were a couple things
that I didn't like. Before I lodge my first complaint, I must acknowledge that
I am a Southern Baptist. Roberts, also a Southern Baptist, pokes at his
"tribe" a lot. Some of his comments about Southern Baptists, or at
least some Southern Baptists, seem overly critical. His tone, which I may have
misread, seems out of place in a work about loving one's neighbors. One other
complaint, but it isn't that serious. Certain portions of the book are
repetitious. In a couple of places the reader is supposed to have remembered
something referenced in a previous chapter, while in other places concepts that
were previously explained in detail are explained again in detail. It took
something away from the overall effectiveness of the book.
If you are looking for a handbook on loving your neighbors
of different faiths, Bold as Love
might be helpful to you. If you are looking for a book to convict of the sin of
not loving your neighbors, it will definitely help you. Bold as Love helps its
reader to recognize some of their blind spots.
I received Bold As Love free for review purposes from Handlebar Publishing. The opinions in this review are mine.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Happy New Year!
I hope you have had a merry Christmas. Posts will be sporadic for the next couple of week as we move into the new year. I'm working on some new material and book reviews. I hope to be back to a regular post schedule soon. Thanks for your patience.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Sunday Recap 12-23-12
Morning: The sermon, "O Holy Night," explored Luke 2:8-14. The angel proclaimed good news to the shepherds, and that good news is still good news.
1. The message was good news of great joy. The hymn, "O Holy Night," captures the reality of the situation. It says, "long lay the world in sin and sorrow pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth."
2. That good news is that the Savior is born. He was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. He was Christ, the anointed. He was also the Lord. He is God in the flesh.
3. The message that results in the Glory of God in the highest. God is glorious.
Evening: no service.
1. The message was good news of great joy. The hymn, "O Holy Night," captures the reality of the situation. It says, "long lay the world in sin and sorrow pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth."
2. That good news is that the Savior is born. He was born in Bethlehem, the city of David. He was Christ, the anointed. He was also the Lord. He is God in the flesh.
3. The message that results in the Glory of God in the highest. God is glorious.
Evening: no service.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The Mayan Apocalypse
In spite of my failure to post an article yesterday, the world went on. The Mayan's must have found out I would be busy that day, and felt it important enough to share with the world at large. However, I rather doubt it. The Mayan Apocalypse can teach us some things.
It teaches us that cultures, generally, assume that they will be around forever. The Mayan calendar outlasted the people who devised it, but it probably wasn't meant for that purpose. Like any calendar it was meant to help a people find their way through time. Keeping the Mayans in mind, we shouldn't think of our own culture as indestructible or permanent.
The Apocalypse also teaches us that we should plan for an end. The Mayan calendar didn't actually foretell the end of time, but rather the end of an era or epoch of history. The Mayan's expected a new age to dawn. Although timing proved wrong, they weren't completely inaccurate in their concept. We need to realize that this age will one day pass away, and a new age will come. It will begin with the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The Mayan calendar was used to goad gullible people into fearing the worst. Thus, it teaches us to prepare our minds for the deceptive practices of would-be tricksters who want to separate us from our valuables (or values). Jesus warned his followers to remain vigilant.
If you found yourself sitting on the edge of your seat Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM, then you need regroup. For the followers of Christ, the end of this age won't be a scary thing. God has been preparing us for nearly 2000 years. If we read the Scriptures and trust what they say, we don't have to fear the Doomsday prophets.
It teaches us that cultures, generally, assume that they will be around forever. The Mayan calendar outlasted the people who devised it, but it probably wasn't meant for that purpose. Like any calendar it was meant to help a people find their way through time. Keeping the Mayans in mind, we shouldn't think of our own culture as indestructible or permanent.
The Apocalypse also teaches us that we should plan for an end. The Mayan calendar didn't actually foretell the end of time, but rather the end of an era or epoch of history. The Mayan's expected a new age to dawn. Although timing proved wrong, they weren't completely inaccurate in their concept. We need to realize that this age will one day pass away, and a new age will come. It will begin with the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The Mayan calendar was used to goad gullible people into fearing the worst. Thus, it teaches us to prepare our minds for the deceptive practices of would-be tricksters who want to separate us from our valuables (or values). Jesus warned his followers to remain vigilant.
If you found yourself sitting on the edge of your seat Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM, then you need regroup. For the followers of Christ, the end of this age won't be a scary thing. God has been preparing us for nearly 2000 years. If we read the Scriptures and trust what they say, we don't have to fear the Doomsday prophets.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Meaning of Christmas
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir" (Gal. 4:4-7).
It is easy to get caught up in hustle and bustle of Christmas and to forget what it is really about. Christmas is about celebrating the gracious gift of God: his Son. Although Paul wasn't addressing the holiday of Christmas, his words here in Galatians reminds us of why Christ came.
Paul tells us that God sent his Son so that we might be redeemed. Let's explore. Paul describes the sending as timely. Jesus came to earth "when the time had fully come." In other words, the moment was ripe for Christ's coming. History had been building to his arrival.
He was born of a woman. Paul is most likely clarifying the fact that Jesus, while the Son of God, was also fully human. We shouldn't hear terms like "Son of God" and "born of woman," and assume that Jesus is the flesh and blood offspring of a union between God and Mary. The conception of Jesus was a supernatural act worked by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was fully God and fully human.
He was born under the law. Jesus had to obey the law just like anyone else. He faced temptation just like we do, but he didn't sin. If Jesus was to live and save those he came to save, he could not break any law. He was born under the law, and kept it perfectly. By keeping the law, Jesus was able to redeem us by becoming our substitute. He stood in our place and received our punishment.
What does redemption mean? Paul describes it as receiving "the full rights of sons." Paul explains those rights as receiving the Spirit and being an heir. Paul states that believers have the Spirit in their hearts. The Spirit's presence in the believers' hearts is an act of God. Paul says, "God sent the Spirit into our hearts."
The Spirit provides access to the heavenly Father. Paul says the Spirit "calls out, 'Abba, Father!'." The presence of the Spirit creates an intimate bond between the believer and God. Because God called us sons or children, we can call him Abba.
Paul concludes that if we are God's children, then we must also be heirs. We are shares in all that is his. We share in his plans, his promises, and his providences. That is what Christmas means. It means that God has sent his One and Only Son, so that we too, could be called the children of God.
It is easy to get caught up in hustle and bustle of Christmas and to forget what it is really about. Christmas is about celebrating the gracious gift of God: his Son. Although Paul wasn't addressing the holiday of Christmas, his words here in Galatians reminds us of why Christ came.
Paul tells us that God sent his Son so that we might be redeemed. Let's explore. Paul describes the sending as timely. Jesus came to earth "when the time had fully come." In other words, the moment was ripe for Christ's coming. History had been building to his arrival.
He was born of a woman. Paul is most likely clarifying the fact that Jesus, while the Son of God, was also fully human. We shouldn't hear terms like "Son of God" and "born of woman," and assume that Jesus is the flesh and blood offspring of a union between God and Mary. The conception of Jesus was a supernatural act worked by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was fully God and fully human.
He was born under the law. Jesus had to obey the law just like anyone else. He faced temptation just like we do, but he didn't sin. If Jesus was to live and save those he came to save, he could not break any law. He was born under the law, and kept it perfectly. By keeping the law, Jesus was able to redeem us by becoming our substitute. He stood in our place and received our punishment.
What does redemption mean? Paul describes it as receiving "the full rights of sons." Paul explains those rights as receiving the Spirit and being an heir. Paul states that believers have the Spirit in their hearts. The Spirit's presence in the believers' hearts is an act of God. Paul says, "God sent the Spirit into our hearts."
The Spirit provides access to the heavenly Father. Paul says the Spirit "calls out, 'Abba, Father!'." The presence of the Spirit creates an intimate bond between the believer and God. Because God called us sons or children, we can call him Abba.
Paul concludes that if we are God's children, then we must also be heirs. We are shares in all that is his. We share in his plans, his promises, and his providences. That is what Christmas means. It means that God has sent his One and Only Son, so that we too, could be called the children of God.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Lord is Faithful
I find myself drawn to characters (and people) that display loyalty. It is a crucial trait. I can't get behind a "hero" who is disloyal.
Faithfulness in all its forms reflects part of the character of God. God is faithful to his word even when His followers are not. His faithfulness endures forever. He cannot nor will He go back on His promises.
We can count on God to always be who he says he is. We can rest in that faithfulness. He has proven himself faithful in every generation. Why should we doubt him.
Faithfulness in all its forms reflects part of the character of God. God is faithful to his word even when His followers are not. His faithfulness endures forever. He cannot nor will He go back on His promises.
We can count on God to always be who he says he is. We can rest in that faithfulness. He has proven himself faithful in every generation. Why should we doubt him.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday Recap 12-16-12
Morning: The sermon, "The Loss of the Innocents," focused on Matthew 2:16-18. In this passage, Matthew reminds us of a savage moment in history. This story offers us some truths to deal the savage moments in our life.
1. Evil is real. Paul tells us that the God of this age has blinded unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4), He informs us that the spirit of disobedience is at work in unbelievers (Eph. 2:2). John tells us that those who do the things the devil does belong to the devil (1 Jn. 3:8). Evil is a real force within our world, and evil exists in the human heart. We need to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus.
2. God is in control. The events in Bethlehem were foretold by him long before they happened. He was aware that they would happen. Tragedy tempts us to question the power, the goodness, or the existence of God. However, unless there was a moral center, a true source of absolute goodness, how could we speak of things or events as good or evil?
3. God has already acted. God provided the solution for the sin problem in the world. He has sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Those who turn from sin to the living God, trusting in Jesus' work on the cross as the source of their righteousness will be saved.
When the innocents perish we need to remind ourselves of these truths, and share the love of Jesus with those who will listen.
Evening: We went Christmas caroling. It was pretty fun.
1. Evil is real. Paul tells us that the God of this age has blinded unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4), He informs us that the spirit of disobedience is at work in unbelievers (Eph. 2:2). John tells us that those who do the things the devil does belong to the devil (1 Jn. 3:8). Evil is a real force within our world, and evil exists in the human heart. We need to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus.
2. God is in control. The events in Bethlehem were foretold by him long before they happened. He was aware that they would happen. Tragedy tempts us to question the power, the goodness, or the existence of God. However, unless there was a moral center, a true source of absolute goodness, how could we speak of things or events as good or evil?
3. God has already acted. God provided the solution for the sin problem in the world. He has sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Those who turn from sin to the living God, trusting in Jesus' work on the cross as the source of their righteousness will be saved.
When the innocents perish we need to remind ourselves of these truths, and share the love of Jesus with those who will listen.
Evening: We went Christmas caroling. It was pretty fun.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
It Makes No Sense
Human beings are curious creatures by nature. We want to understand the logic and reasoning behind a thing. We want to know the why of a matter. However, motives are difficult to discern without some kind of self-revelation of the doer.
If we don't get an explanation from the doer of an action, then we have no way of truly answering the question. Eyewitnesses can fill us in on the nature of the action, but they can't explain why the action happens. Behavioral analysis may help us speculate on potential reasons why an event has happened, but it doesn't offer definitive answers.
Today 20 children were gunned down, and a county is reeling in shock. The question why is being thrown around, but answers aren't forthcoming. In a tragedy of this kind, there are no satisfactory answer. There is no making peace with a loss of this nature.
Life's have been shattered by this act of savagery. If we knew the reasons for such an attack, it wouldn't satisfy us. There is no making sense of it. The truth of the matter is that a sinful individual has acted out of his sin nature, and the results are devastating.
The human heart can be a savage place. It can be cold and cruel. For these reasons, we need new life on the inside. We can get that life in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Jesus, we can find peace in spite of the cruelties of others.
If we don't get an explanation from the doer of an action, then we have no way of truly answering the question. Eyewitnesses can fill us in on the nature of the action, but they can't explain why the action happens. Behavioral analysis may help us speculate on potential reasons why an event has happened, but it doesn't offer definitive answers.
Today 20 children were gunned down, and a county is reeling in shock. The question why is being thrown around, but answers aren't forthcoming. In a tragedy of this kind, there are no satisfactory answer. There is no making peace with a loss of this nature.
Life's have been shattered by this act of savagery. If we knew the reasons for such an attack, it wouldn't satisfy us. There is no making sense of it. The truth of the matter is that a sinful individual has acted out of his sin nature, and the results are devastating.
The human heart can be a savage place. It can be cold and cruel. For these reasons, we need new life on the inside. We can get that life in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Jesus, we can find peace in spite of the cruelties of others.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday Humor: Christmas Songs
Here is a little Christmas humor from Tim Hawkins. I hope you enjoy it. If I posted this before, I hope you enjoy it again.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Finding Life
What is your life? That is the question at the heart of James 4:13-17. James was addressing a group of people who had lost sight of God's role in their life. They were making plans without seeking the will of the Lord, and James sought to correct them. No, the Lord is your life--its source, its end.
James reminds us of the temporary nature of life. We are but a mist that rises and is gone. Time can get away from us quick if we are not careful. We need to be mindful of the time we have and invest it well.
The best way to make the most of our time is to entrust our lives to the Lord. We need to seek the plans he has for us and be prepared to do that which he calls us.
As followers of Christ, we are to do what is right. If we fail to do the things we know we should do, then we sin against God. Making the most of our time means that we do the right things, not just the things that feel right.
It is foolish to live our lives outside of the will of God. Life in Christ is the only life that will last. Jesus is the source of life here and in the age to come. Never lose sight of that truth.
James reminds us of the temporary nature of life. We are but a mist that rises and is gone. Time can get away from us quick if we are not careful. We need to be mindful of the time we have and invest it well.
The best way to make the most of our time is to entrust our lives to the Lord. We need to seek the plans he has for us and be prepared to do that which he calls us.
As followers of Christ, we are to do what is right. If we fail to do the things we know we should do, then we sin against God. Making the most of our time means that we do the right things, not just the things that feel right.
It is foolish to live our lives outside of the will of God. Life in Christ is the only life that will last. Jesus is the source of life here and in the age to come. Never lose sight of that truth.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Worth Remembering
The one who follows instruction is on the path to life,
But the one who rejects correction goes astray.
(Prov. 10:17)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday Recap 12-9-12
Morning: The sermon, "Come, Let Us Adore Him," focused on Matthew 2:9-11. In this passage, Matthew tells us of the arrival of the Wise Men to Bethlehem. Their example teaches us how to respond to Jesus.
1. We should find our joy in Jesus. In Christ, life takes on purpose and meaning.
2. We should worship Jesus. Jesus is infinitely worthy of worship.
3. We should bring him gifts. Jesus is worthy of our treasures.
Christ has given so much; we should be willing to give to him in return.
Evening: The message, "Sharing Comfort," focused on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. In this passage, Paul encourages us to reflect on the Father's compassion and comfort, so we can comfort those suffering hardship.
1. God the Father is worthy of praise. He is the Father of compassion, and the God of all comfort.
2. We suffer and are comforted, so that we can comfort others.
3. We suffer as Christ's followers, but we are also comforted.
4. The experiences of suffering, being comforted, and comforting others teaches us to endure.
Suffering is part of the Christian experience, but so too is comfort. Christ teaches us to comfort others.
1. We should find our joy in Jesus. In Christ, life takes on purpose and meaning.
2. We should worship Jesus. Jesus is infinitely worthy of worship.
3. We should bring him gifts. Jesus is worthy of our treasures.
Christ has given so much; we should be willing to give to him in return.
Evening: The message, "Sharing Comfort," focused on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. In this passage, Paul encourages us to reflect on the Father's compassion and comfort, so we can comfort those suffering hardship.
1. God the Father is worthy of praise. He is the Father of compassion, and the God of all comfort.
2. We suffer and are comforted, so that we can comfort others.
3. We suffer as Christ's followers, but we are also comforted.
4. The experiences of suffering, being comforted, and comforting others teaches us to endure.
Suffering is part of the Christian experience, but so too is comfort. Christ teaches us to comfort others.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
A Place for the Wise Men
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11
It appears the wise men actually arrived long after the birth of Jesus. He was not a swaddled babe in a manger, but a child in a house. They have a place in the early history of Jesus' earthly life. We put them in our nativity scenes because their arrival was chronologically closer to Jesus' birth than his entry into ministry (around age 30). Don't fret their presence in the manger, the truths they remind us of are more important than the timing of their arrival.
Matthew 2:16 leads us to believe that Jesus was nearly two when the Wise Men (Magi) arrived in Jerusalem looking for the king of the Jews. Mary and Joseph had probably settled into life in Bethlehem shortly after the birth of Jesus. The words of the angels and the shepherds had probably been forgotten.
But in Bethlehem the King was being groomed. The arrival of the Magi from the East reminded his family of that truth. In that little town, the King would rule the nations grew up in obscurity. His renown could not be hidden. The stars knew their maker, and they pointed the way for the Magi. Pagan priests/scholars from the East came to worship and bless the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Wise Men remind us that there is a place for all those who seek King Jesus. He will welcome us, and receive the gifts we offer. But more importantly, he will give us the greater gift the salvation of our souls.
It appears the wise men actually arrived long after the birth of Jesus. He was not a swaddled babe in a manger, but a child in a house. They have a place in the early history of Jesus' earthly life. We put them in our nativity scenes because their arrival was chronologically closer to Jesus' birth than his entry into ministry (around age 30). Don't fret their presence in the manger, the truths they remind us of are more important than the timing of their arrival.
Matthew 2:16 leads us to believe that Jesus was nearly two when the Wise Men (Magi) arrived in Jerusalem looking for the king of the Jews. Mary and Joseph had probably settled into life in Bethlehem shortly after the birth of Jesus. The words of the angels and the shepherds had probably been forgotten.
But in Bethlehem the King was being groomed. The arrival of the Magi from the East reminded his family of that truth. In that little town, the King would rule the nations grew up in obscurity. His renown could not be hidden. The stars knew their maker, and they pointed the way for the Magi. Pagan priests/scholars from the East came to worship and bless the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Wise Men remind us that there is a place for all those who seek King Jesus. He will welcome us, and receive the gifts we offer. But more importantly, he will give us the greater gift the salvation of our souls.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Lord Be My Helper
Do you ever have the broken feeling? You know the one. It feels like the rest of the world is marching forward, but you're just spinning your wheels. You watch as others celebrate the victories you wished you had. You know you should rejoice with them, but you can't help but wonder what is wrong with you.
Maybe you feel like your prayers aren't being heard, or worse God has chosen to leave you in your rebellion.
You feel your soul shrinking by the hour. The light of hope wanes, and the darkness begins to close in on you. You feel alone in a crowd, and have to struggle to get through the day. You're always worried that people will see your brokenness, and reject you.
You hunger for change, but dread that it will take you to places you don't want to go. Or worse, if you attempt to change, you'll only fail (again). So you fold your expectations away, put them in a box, and stuff them in the darkest corner of the closet of your heart.
You just keep messing up. You're starting to wonder if you were ever truly saved. Why hasn't Jesus stepped in to save the day? Even as the words enter your mind, you know they are wrong, but you can't stop thinking them.
You feel like you're backed in a corner. There is no one who can help you. If you tell anyone, they only confirm your worst fears--you are a deceived hypocrite without any hope of salvation.
What if that broken feeling was meant to make you stop running? What if it was meant to bring you to a place of surrender? What if God is really telling you, "Stop flopping around, I have got you. I won't let you go."
The truth is there are people to whom you can talk. The Lord has not nor will he forsake you. There comes a time during those broken moments when we have to stop thrashing around in our self-pity and limited perspective. We just have to yield to the wisdom of the Lord, and cry out, "Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord be my helper" (Psalm 30:10).
Maybe you feel like your prayers aren't being heard, or worse God has chosen to leave you in your rebellion.
You feel your soul shrinking by the hour. The light of hope wanes, and the darkness begins to close in on you. You feel alone in a crowd, and have to struggle to get through the day. You're always worried that people will see your brokenness, and reject you.
You hunger for change, but dread that it will take you to places you don't want to go. Or worse, if you attempt to change, you'll only fail (again). So you fold your expectations away, put them in a box, and stuff them in the darkest corner of the closet of your heart.
You just keep messing up. You're starting to wonder if you were ever truly saved. Why hasn't Jesus stepped in to save the day? Even as the words enter your mind, you know they are wrong, but you can't stop thinking them.
You feel like you're backed in a corner. There is no one who can help you. If you tell anyone, they only confirm your worst fears--you are a deceived hypocrite without any hope of salvation.
What if that broken feeling was meant to make you stop running? What if it was meant to bring you to a place of surrender? What if God is really telling you, "Stop flopping around, I have got you. I won't let you go."
The truth is there are people to whom you can talk. The Lord has not nor will he forsake you. There comes a time during those broken moments when we have to stop thrashing around in our self-pity and limited perspective. We just have to yield to the wisdom of the Lord, and cry out, "Lord, listen and be gracious to me; Lord be my helper" (Psalm 30:10).
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thursday Humor: Parenthood
This is a slightly longer clip than usual, but there is some funny stuff. The camera is a little shaky, but it isn't too bad. Hope you like it.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Names of God the Spirit: Finger of God
"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you" (Luke 11:20, NIV).
Jesus was accused casting out demons by the power of Satan. He challenged that notion by expressing the counter-productivity of such activity. A house divided cannot stand. He called his audience to recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in his ministry.
We know that Jesus meant "Spirit" when he said, "finger of God," because Matthew told us so in Matthew 12:28. Matthew most likely translates Jesus' words in order to help his readers. The reference to the "finger of God" is an obscure one. The expression only occurs 3 other times in the Bible.
It occurs first in Exodus 8:19. In this verse, the magicians of Pharaoh are warning him to let Israel go because God was at work against Egypt. The reference to the "finger of God" might have been meant to suggest that his judgment had been light up onto that point, and that Pharaoh should not provoke God to bring harsher judgment.
It occurs again in Exodus 31:18. This verse refers to the two stone tablets that were "inscribed by the finger of God." Deuteronomy 9:10 also references the finger of God.
So why does Jesus use the expression? His original audience would have understood his allusion. They would have likely connected his words with Exodus 8:19 or Exodus 31:18.
If Jesus was referring to Exodus 8:19, he was probably stressing the parallel between himself and the pharisees and Moses and Pharaoh. Pharaoh's magicians recognized that the power of God was at work in Moses, and encourage Pharaoh to respond appropriately. However, he only hardened his heart. The pharisees should have recognized the power of God in Jesus' life and responded accordingly, but they only hardened their hearts.
If Jesus was referring to Exodus 31:18, then he was comparing himself with the two stone tablets--the Spirit initiated revelation of God's will. It may have been that Jesus was encouraging them to understand that he spoke the very words of God.
Whatever, Jesus meant by using the term "finger of God," we can be certain he was speaking of the Spirit. We can also draw a couple of lessons from what he says.
1. Jesus was empowered by the Spirit, and it made him more powerful than his enemies. It is true that Jesus is fully divine and fully human, but his earthly ministry was performed in the Spirit's power not his own. Therefore, Jesus serves as an example to all those who are indwelt by the Spirit. We have power to do the will of God because the Holy Spirit lives in us.
2. The Spirit's presence is God's presence. We dwell in the presence of God because the Spirit dwells within us.
When we keep these truths in mind, they help us to keep on keeping on. The Spirit is power of God revealing God's will to his people. And he lives in and guides those who believe.
Jesus was accused casting out demons by the power of Satan. He challenged that notion by expressing the counter-productivity of such activity. A house divided cannot stand. He called his audience to recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in his ministry.
We know that Jesus meant "Spirit" when he said, "finger of God," because Matthew told us so in Matthew 12:28. Matthew most likely translates Jesus' words in order to help his readers. The reference to the "finger of God" is an obscure one. The expression only occurs 3 other times in the Bible.
It occurs first in Exodus 8:19. In this verse, the magicians of Pharaoh are warning him to let Israel go because God was at work against Egypt. The reference to the "finger of God" might have been meant to suggest that his judgment had been light up onto that point, and that Pharaoh should not provoke God to bring harsher judgment.
It occurs again in Exodus 31:18. This verse refers to the two stone tablets that were "inscribed by the finger of God." Deuteronomy 9:10 also references the finger of God.
So why does Jesus use the expression? His original audience would have understood his allusion. They would have likely connected his words with Exodus 8:19 or Exodus 31:18.
If Jesus was referring to Exodus 8:19, he was probably stressing the parallel between himself and the pharisees and Moses and Pharaoh. Pharaoh's magicians recognized that the power of God was at work in Moses, and encourage Pharaoh to respond appropriately. However, he only hardened his heart. The pharisees should have recognized the power of God in Jesus' life and responded accordingly, but they only hardened their hearts.
If Jesus was referring to Exodus 31:18, then he was comparing himself with the two stone tablets--the Spirit initiated revelation of God's will. It may have been that Jesus was encouraging them to understand that he spoke the very words of God.
Whatever, Jesus meant by using the term "finger of God," we can be certain he was speaking of the Spirit. We can also draw a couple of lessons from what he says.
1. Jesus was empowered by the Spirit, and it made him more powerful than his enemies. It is true that Jesus is fully divine and fully human, but his earthly ministry was performed in the Spirit's power not his own. Therefore, Jesus serves as an example to all those who are indwelt by the Spirit. We have power to do the will of God because the Holy Spirit lives in us.
2. The Spirit's presence is God's presence. We dwell in the presence of God because the Spirit dwells within us.
When we keep these truths in mind, they help us to keep on keeping on. The Spirit is power of God revealing God's will to his people. And he lives in and guides those who believe.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Hymns: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, is a haunting, beautiful song. With or without lyrics the music evokes a sense of longing. It is uncertain when it was written, but it was translated from Latin into English in the mid-1800s by John Mason Neale and Henry Sloane Coffin. I have included a couple of videos after the lyrics. I hope you enjoy.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
(Chorus)
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
O Come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
(Chorus)
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
O Come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Listen to Your Elders
I like to listen to older people talk. It can be rather interesting. They have so many life experiences to share.
I remember overhearing two 90+ year old gentlemen telling each other about the first time they saw a car and a plane. I was twelve at the time, and their conversation blew my mind. I couldn't imagine a time without planes or cars.
By listening to my elders, I have learned at how easy my life has been. I know several men and women who worked throughout their childhood. And I don't mean chores.
It makes me grateful for the life I have. How different would I be if I had to work in the field as a child? What would this would look like without cars?
I encourage you to find some folks who are older than you, and get to know them. They can help you see the world in a different way.
I remember overhearing two 90+ year old gentlemen telling each other about the first time they saw a car and a plane. I was twelve at the time, and their conversation blew my mind. I couldn't imagine a time without planes or cars.
By listening to my elders, I have learned at how easy my life has been. I know several men and women who worked throughout their childhood. And I don't mean chores.
It makes me grateful for the life I have. How different would I be if I had to work in the field as a child? What would this would look like without cars?
I encourage you to find some folks who are older than you, and get to know them. They can help you see the world in a different way.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday Recap 12-2-12
Morning: The sermon, "Waiting Prayerfully," focused on Luke 2:36-38. In this passage, we are told about Anna, a prophetess of great age, who met the infant Christ child. Through her example we see how we are to deal the the anticipation of Christ's return.
1. Anna was wholeheartedly devoted to God. After only seven years of marriage, she committed the remainder of her adult life to worship. Luke's words can be understood to say she was 84 or that she had been a widow for 84 years. It's probably best to read it as she had been a widow for 84 years. The world passed her by why she waited for the Lord's promise.
2. Her service (or worship) was marked by fasting and prayer. Luke says she was in the temple night and day. She served or worshiped (they mean the same thing) through fasting and prayer. God had promised to reveal the Christ. Anna believed that promise and interceded on behalf of those who did not.
3. She shared her hope with others. It didn't take her long to make baby Jesus known to the faithful. Her whole life was building up to this moment, and she seized it by being a faithful witness.
Evening: Business Meeting.
1. Anna was wholeheartedly devoted to God. After only seven years of marriage, she committed the remainder of her adult life to worship. Luke's words can be understood to say she was 84 or that she had been a widow for 84 years. It's probably best to read it as she had been a widow for 84 years. The world passed her by why she waited for the Lord's promise.
2. Her service (or worship) was marked by fasting and prayer. Luke says she was in the temple night and day. She served or worshiped (they mean the same thing) through fasting and prayer. God had promised to reveal the Christ. Anna believed that promise and interceded on behalf of those who did not.
3. She shared her hope with others. It didn't take her long to make baby Jesus known to the faithful. Her whole life was building up to this moment, and she seized it by being a faithful witness.
Evening: Business Meeting.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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