THE PROVERBS DIET
Proverbs 1:1-6
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
I'm not much of an expert on diets, whether it's Atkins, South Beach, Subway, or the Chocolate Diet (I made that one up; it's my favorite). When I played basketball in college, the school nurse tried to fatten me up by making me eat donuts and drink milkshakes. I didn't argue.
I've discovered one diet that can help you get in shape spiritually--the Proverbs Diet. It consists of taking one portion of Proverbs each day of the month, chewing it slowly, and allowing it to work into your life as God directs.
To help you get started, I'll give you a morsel from most of the chapters:
* The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (1:7).
* Wisdom will protect you from evil (2:12).
* Don't trust your own wisdom, but God's (3:4-7).
* Pay attention to Dad (4:1).
* Don't mess with sexual temptation (5:3-6).
* Hate evil behavior and perverse talk (8:13).
* Laziness leads to poverty (10:4).
* Want respect? Be kind (11:16).
* You're stupid if you don't listen to instruction (12:1).
* Pride leads to nothing but arguments (13:10).
* God is watching over us (15:3).
* God is sovereign (16:9).
* God's name is a refuge (18:10).
* Kindness to poor people honors God (19:17).
* Being led astray by alcohol is foolish (20:1).
* Discipline of children is a good idea (22:15).
* Honey is good for you (24:13).
* Too much honey is not good for you (25:16).
* Deceit is no joking matter (26:19).
* Abandoning a family is a terrible thing (27:8).
* Don't live in a fantasy land (28:19).
* A wise person is self-controlled (29:11).
* God's Word is flawless (30:5).
* A noble wife is worth more than rubies (31:10).
Just one chapter a day will get rid of that unsightly flab of sin and tighten up those spiritual muscles. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* When can I start this diet?
* Would it be a good idea to keep a notebook of valuable truths learned from reading the Proverbs each day?
* How can I keep myself accountable for what I read each day in Proverbs?
LINKS:
Knowing God Through Proverbs
http://www.discoveryseries.org/sb130
bottom line: A proverb a day keeps the devil away.
soul journey
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Bob Noebel
We are very busy people. Whether at work or at play, our minds are moving even faster than our bodies. Most of us like to stay busy, but there is so much to do and not enough time to do it. Time management can help us prioritize, but somehow we still go to sleep wishing we had the time or energy to do a few more things on our “to do” list.
"Out of sight, out of mind" nudges us to take care of those things that are right in front of us at the expense of leaving those things that are not as obvious to do at a later date. For a man, that usually means taking care of the outside of the house first, what other’s can see, and not worrying so much about the inside, which few people can see.
Spiritually we do the same thing. We go to church and help with various functions because that’s what others see. What about the inside? Are we spending time in the Word and praying to be closer to the One we go to church to worship? Are we trying to be more like Jesus -- who should be at the heart of every church function -- whether we evangelize or build up the body of Christ?
The Pharisees were more concerned about their outward appearance to man than they were about their personal relationship to God. Jesus denounced their attempts to make themselves look good in giving, prayer, and fasting. He told His disciples to pray, give, and fast in secret, and then the Father would reward them openly. Being seen and praised by others cannot hold a candle to what God has in store for those who serve and love Him with sincere hearts.
We are never out of God’s sight or off His mind. Psalm 33:18 says,
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.
II Chronicles 16:9 says,
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Job 36:7 says,
He does not take His eyes off the righteous. He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.
Thank you, Lord, that even though I get temporarily distracted by the hectic pace of this life, You are never too busy for me. And He’s never too busy for you.
cbn
Bob Noebel
We are very busy people. Whether at work or at play, our minds are moving even faster than our bodies. Most of us like to stay busy, but there is so much to do and not enough time to do it. Time management can help us prioritize, but somehow we still go to sleep wishing we had the time or energy to do a few more things on our “to do” list.
"Out of sight, out of mind" nudges us to take care of those things that are right in front of us at the expense of leaving those things that are not as obvious to do at a later date. For a man, that usually means taking care of the outside of the house first, what other’s can see, and not worrying so much about the inside, which few people can see.
Spiritually we do the same thing. We go to church and help with various functions because that’s what others see. What about the inside? Are we spending time in the Word and praying to be closer to the One we go to church to worship? Are we trying to be more like Jesus -- who should be at the heart of every church function -- whether we evangelize or build up the body of Christ?
The Pharisees were more concerned about their outward appearance to man than they were about their personal relationship to God. Jesus denounced their attempts to make themselves look good in giving, prayer, and fasting. He told His disciples to pray, give, and fast in secret, and then the Father would reward them openly. Being seen and praised by others cannot hold a candle to what God has in store for those who serve and love Him with sincere hearts.
We are never out of God’s sight or off His mind. Psalm 33:18 says,
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.
II Chronicles 16:9 says,
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Job 36:7 says,
He does not take His eyes off the righteous. He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.
Thank you, Lord, that even though I get temporarily distracted by the hectic pace of this life, You are never too busy for me. And He’s never too busy for you.
cbn
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
NO-CALL LIST
Jeremiah 4:3-10
3 The Lord says . . . 4 "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or My wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done--burn with no one to quench it." 5 Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: "Sound the trumpet throughout the land!" Cry aloud and say: "Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities! 6 Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction." 7 A lion has come out of His lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant. 8 So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us. 9 "In that day," declares the Lord, "the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled." 10 Then I said, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, how completely you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, 'You will have peace,' when the sword is at our throats."
Just as you're beginning dinner, the phone interrupts. A fast-talking person begins telling you about the replacement windows his company is offering you for your home at 30-percent off. Politely, you turn him down.
Three minutes later--another call. This time it's a police service organization asking for donations. During dessert, a computer voice offers you a 3-day, 2-night vacation at a time-share in Orlando, with a chance to sign up for a week every year at a discounted price. A few days later, in the middle of a Sunday afternoon nap, the jangling phone brings you an offer to refinance your home.
That's the last straw! You call the toll-free number and add your name to the national no-call list, joining millions of fellow Americans. The telemarketing calls cease, you can eat dinner in peace, and get through a Sunday afternoon without being awakened.
But we need to be careful not to block calls from God. In our enthusiasm to block out unwanted interruptions in our lives, we shouldn't block Him out. If we haven't heard from God lately, maybe it's because we've let Him know we don't want His calls.
Although Jeremiah lived in Judah's most troubled times, he made sure he kept the line between himself and God open. For many years he faithfully relayed the messages of God to His people. When "the word of the Lord" came to Jeremiah, he responded (Jeremiah 1:4-10). He obeyed the voice of God and became His spokesman.
Heard from God lately? Through a sermon or in His Word, has He been urging you to do some act of kindness, to give a little extra, or to speak some words in His name? If not, maybe it's because you've put yourself on a no-call list. --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* I'll read the calls of Isaiah (6:1-8), Ezekiel (2:1-7), and Paul (Acts 9:1-9). How were they life-changing? Could that happen to me?
* What might be some indications that I'd like God to stop calling me?
LINKS:
National Do Not Call Registry
http://www.donotcall.gov/
bottom line: God's calling is our lifeline.
soul journey
Jeremiah 4:3-10
3 The Lord says . . . 4 "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or My wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done--burn with no one to quench it." 5 Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: "Sound the trumpet throughout the land!" Cry aloud and say: "Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities! 6 Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction." 7 A lion has come out of His lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant. 8 So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us. 9 "In that day," declares the Lord, "the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled." 10 Then I said, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, how completely you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, 'You will have peace,' when the sword is at our throats."
Just as you're beginning dinner, the phone interrupts. A fast-talking person begins telling you about the replacement windows his company is offering you for your home at 30-percent off. Politely, you turn him down.
Three minutes later--another call. This time it's a police service organization asking for donations. During dessert, a computer voice offers you a 3-day, 2-night vacation at a time-share in Orlando, with a chance to sign up for a week every year at a discounted price. A few days later, in the middle of a Sunday afternoon nap, the jangling phone brings you an offer to refinance your home.
That's the last straw! You call the toll-free number and add your name to the national no-call list, joining millions of fellow Americans. The telemarketing calls cease, you can eat dinner in peace, and get through a Sunday afternoon without being awakened.
But we need to be careful not to block calls from God. In our enthusiasm to block out unwanted interruptions in our lives, we shouldn't block Him out. If we haven't heard from God lately, maybe it's because we've let Him know we don't want His calls.
Although Jeremiah lived in Judah's most troubled times, he made sure he kept the line between himself and God open. For many years he faithfully relayed the messages of God to His people. When "the word of the Lord" came to Jeremiah, he responded (Jeremiah 1:4-10). He obeyed the voice of God and became His spokesman.
Heard from God lately? Through a sermon or in His Word, has He been urging you to do some act of kindness, to give a little extra, or to speak some words in His name? If not, maybe it's because you've put yourself on a no-call list. --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* I'll read the calls of Isaiah (6:1-8), Ezekiel (2:1-7), and Paul (Acts 9:1-9). How were they life-changing? Could that happen to me?
* What might be some indications that I'd like God to stop calling me?
LINKS:
National Do Not Call Registry
http://www.donotcall.gov/
bottom line: God's calling is our lifeline.
soul journey
Monday, March 28, 2005
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
When David said to make a joyful noise to the Lord, he was declaring that worship should be expressive to the Lord. Audibly voicing our strong emotions is normal--the mouth tries to express the praises of the heart. Many of us, however, have been conditioned to be subdued and reserved when it comes to worshiping God.
In ancient times, God's people expressed their worship and praise to Him in several ways:
* With an upright heart (Psalm 32:11). Worship is a heart matter, not an external ritual. When we worship God, it should be from a heart that is right with Him.
* With joyful singing (Psalm 95:1-2). Because Israel had witnessed God's awesome deeds, they responded with passionate singing. Their singing was alive because their God was alive.
* With clapping (Psalm 47:1). Contrary to some conservative opinion, clapping is a biblical method for praising and worshiping our God.
* By bowing down before Him (Psalm 66:4). Bowing in worship is a sign of humility before God.
* Through reverent service (Psalm 2:11). They were called to cease going through the motions of religious duty. Serving the Lord should not be burdensome; it should be a real joy to serve a God who loves us and forgives us completely.
* With our whole heart--all our mind, emotions, body, and will (Psalm 100). There's no need to incarcerate our praise in the prison of reservation.
We're called to be expressive in our worship. This inward experience and outward _expression of our worship is not a call to emotionalism, but a call to taste God and to be transformed by His awesome presence. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I be more expressive in my worship of God?
* When was the last time I pondered the character and awesome deeds of God?
* With whom can I share what God has done and is doing in my life?
LINKS:
What Is Worship
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0902
bottom line: Worship is to be expressed.
soul journey
Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
When David said to make a joyful noise to the Lord, he was declaring that worship should be expressive to the Lord. Audibly voicing our strong emotions is normal--the mouth tries to express the praises of the heart. Many of us, however, have been conditioned to be subdued and reserved when it comes to worshiping God.
In ancient times, God's people expressed their worship and praise to Him in several ways:
* With an upright heart (Psalm 32:11). Worship is a heart matter, not an external ritual. When we worship God, it should be from a heart that is right with Him.
* With joyful singing (Psalm 95:1-2). Because Israel had witnessed God's awesome deeds, they responded with passionate singing. Their singing was alive because their God was alive.
* With clapping (Psalm 47:1). Contrary to some conservative opinion, clapping is a biblical method for praising and worshiping our God.
* By bowing down before Him (Psalm 66:4). Bowing in worship is a sign of humility before God.
* Through reverent service (Psalm 2:11). They were called to cease going through the motions of religious duty. Serving the Lord should not be burdensome; it should be a real joy to serve a God who loves us and forgives us completely.
* With our whole heart--all our mind, emotions, body, and will (Psalm 100). There's no need to incarcerate our praise in the prison of reservation.
We're called to be expressive in our worship. This inward experience and outward _expression of our worship is not a call to emotionalism, but a call to taste God and to be transformed by His awesome presence. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I be more expressive in my worship of God?
* When was the last time I pondered the character and awesome deeds of God?
* With whom can I share what God has done and is doing in my life?
LINKS:
What Is Worship
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0902
bottom line: Worship is to be expressed.
soul journey
Sunday, March 27, 2005
“Jesus Slept Here”
by John Fischer
The Last Supper, which Christians celebrate tonight in what is traditionally called Maundy Thursday, has been immortalized in countless paintings and displays and acted out in famous plays, films and musicals. It is significant because it is when our most revered sacrament was first administered. It is also where Jesus gave his final instructions to his disciples, recorded in the Gospel of John and labeled by biblical scholars as “The Upper Room Discourse” (John 13-17). But rarely do we stop to think about that room and how it came to be such a sacred place. It belonged to somebody. Somebody donated it to the cause.
Somebody donated the donkey that Jesus rode in on for the Triumphal Entry, and someone prepared the meal for that famous supper. Think of how many different houses Jesus and his disciples slept in over three years of ministry. Think of how many meals were prepared for them. Think of those who contributed to their treasury so their basic needs could be met. Then there was Joseph of Arimathea who contributed his tomb as a burial place for Jesus, Nicodemus who helped prepare the body for burial, and the women who got up early on Resurrection Day to anoint the body because they could not do it on the Sabbath. All these people served Jesus and His cause, and without them, the work would not have been able to be accomplished. Yet we hear so little about them. Many remain nameless. They are always in the background.
That’s always the way it is with servants, but they don’t mind because it’s not about them. They are serving a higher cause and a greater one than they. Their job is to serve and get out of the way, and they do this with great pleasure. Their reward is in knowing that God sees their work, and in watching what their work has made possible in the lives of others. Servants are bent on pleasing God, and their own needs are minimal.
When you think about the Lord’s Supper, remember that someone set the table, and someone picked up afterwards, just as someone will have prepared the Last Supper celebration you might be experiencing tonight. Ministry doesn’t take place without service, and we are all called to play a part in serving each other. Make yourself ready.
PDL
by John Fischer
The Last Supper, which Christians celebrate tonight in what is traditionally called Maundy Thursday, has been immortalized in countless paintings and displays and acted out in famous plays, films and musicals. It is significant because it is when our most revered sacrament was first administered. It is also where Jesus gave his final instructions to his disciples, recorded in the Gospel of John and labeled by biblical scholars as “The Upper Room Discourse” (John 13-17). But rarely do we stop to think about that room and how it came to be such a sacred place. It belonged to somebody. Somebody donated it to the cause.
Somebody donated the donkey that Jesus rode in on for the Triumphal Entry, and someone prepared the meal for that famous supper. Think of how many different houses Jesus and his disciples slept in over three years of ministry. Think of how many meals were prepared for them. Think of those who contributed to their treasury so their basic needs could be met. Then there was Joseph of Arimathea who contributed his tomb as a burial place for Jesus, Nicodemus who helped prepare the body for burial, and the women who got up early on Resurrection Day to anoint the body because they could not do it on the Sabbath. All these people served Jesus and His cause, and without them, the work would not have been able to be accomplished. Yet we hear so little about them. Many remain nameless. They are always in the background.
That’s always the way it is with servants, but they don’t mind because it’s not about them. They are serving a higher cause and a greater one than they. Their job is to serve and get out of the way, and they do this with great pleasure. Their reward is in knowing that God sees their work, and in watching what their work has made possible in the lives of others. Servants are bent on pleasing God, and their own needs are minimal.
When you think about the Lord’s Supper, remember that someone set the table, and someone picked up afterwards, just as someone will have prepared the Last Supper celebration you might be experiencing tonight. Ministry doesn’t take place without service, and we are all called to play a part in serving each other. Make yourself ready.
PDL
Saturday, March 26, 2005
NEW TUNES
Acts 18:24-28
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Jack and Jo Popjes had a serious challenge. The Canadian couple, missionaries in northeastern Brazil, had been trying to learn the music of the Canela people for 20 long years. They had been successful in translating the Bible into the native language, but the complexities of the locals' tunes had them stumped.
As the Canelas sang and played their ancient songs using huge gourd rattles, four-holed flutes, bamboo horns, and other instruments, the Popjes would sit and listen. But they had no clue how to create similar melodies so the people could sing new tunes about Jesus.
It was time for Dr. Tom Avery, an ethnomusicologist based in Brazil, to lend them an ear, uh, hand. The good doctor recorded the traditional music of the tribe and then analyzed it. Using computer-generated graphs and other resources, Tom was able to figure out the music of the Canelas.
He explained to Jack and Jo that the intervals in the indigenous music were different from the European scale. Canela music, he found, couldn't be played on a piano because some notes would "fall in the cracks."
With Dr. Avery's assistance, the Popjes were able to create 23 new Canela songs based on Scripture. The people have loved singing them--and other new compositions--since their debut in 1987. Jack feels that the song project may have been the best thing he and Jo accomplished during their 22 years of service to the Canelas.
The Popjes would have been lost without the help of Dr. Avery. They needed to know that it's a good thing to tap into the expertise of fellow believers in Jesus.
If Apollos had brushed off Priscilla and Aquila's gentle instruction (Acts 18:26), his teaching of the gospel would have continued to be deficient. Instead, he "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (v.27).
Is someone trying to help you grow in your faith? Have you been resisting the kind rebuke or gentle instruction of a more mature believer in Jesus?
If so, it's time to sing a new tune! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What in my life could use the attention of someone with more knowledge or expertise than I have?
* What's holding me back from asking for help?
* Whom should I ask to be my spiritual mentor?
LINKS:
Music to Their Ears
http://www.wycliffe.org/ethnomusic/canela.htm
bottom line: Others can help us stay in tune with God.
soul journey
Acts 18:24-28
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Jack and Jo Popjes had a serious challenge. The Canadian couple, missionaries in northeastern Brazil, had been trying to learn the music of the Canela people for 20 long years. They had been successful in translating the Bible into the native language, but the complexities of the locals' tunes had them stumped.
As the Canelas sang and played their ancient songs using huge gourd rattles, four-holed flutes, bamboo horns, and other instruments, the Popjes would sit and listen. But they had no clue how to create similar melodies so the people could sing new tunes about Jesus.
It was time for Dr. Tom Avery, an ethnomusicologist based in Brazil, to lend them an ear, uh, hand. The good doctor recorded the traditional music of the tribe and then analyzed it. Using computer-generated graphs and other resources, Tom was able to figure out the music of the Canelas.
He explained to Jack and Jo that the intervals in the indigenous music were different from the European scale. Canela music, he found, couldn't be played on a piano because some notes would "fall in the cracks."
With Dr. Avery's assistance, the Popjes were able to create 23 new Canela songs based on Scripture. The people have loved singing them--and other new compositions--since their debut in 1987. Jack feels that the song project may have been the best thing he and Jo accomplished during their 22 years of service to the Canelas.
The Popjes would have been lost without the help of Dr. Avery. They needed to know that it's a good thing to tap into the expertise of fellow believers in Jesus.
If Apollos had brushed off Priscilla and Aquila's gentle instruction (Acts 18:26), his teaching of the gospel would have continued to be deficient. Instead, he "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (v.27).
Is someone trying to help you grow in your faith? Have you been resisting the kind rebuke or gentle instruction of a more mature believer in Jesus?
If so, it's time to sing a new tune! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What in my life could use the attention of someone with more knowledge or expertise than I have?
* What's holding me back from asking for help?
* Whom should I ask to be my spiritual mentor?
LINKS:
Music to Their Ears
http://www.wycliffe.org/ethnomusic/canela.htm
bottom line: Others can help us stay in tune with God.
soul journey
NEW TUNES
Acts 18:24-28
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Jack and Jo Popjes had a serious challenge. The Canadian couple, missionaries in northeastern Brazil, had been trying to learn the music of the Canela people for 20 long years. They had been successful in translating the Bible into the native language, but the complexities of the locals' tunes had them stumped.
As the Canelas sang and played their ancient songs using huge gourd rattles, four-holed flutes, bamboo horns, and other instruments, the Popjes would sit and listen. But they had no clue how to create similar melodies so the people could sing new tunes about Jesus.
It was time for Dr. Tom Avery, an ethnomusicologist based in Brazil, to lend them an ear, uh, hand. The good doctor recorded the traditional music of the tribe and then analyzed it. Using computer-generated graphs and other resources, Tom was able to figure out the music of the Canelas.
He explained to Jack and Jo that the intervals in the indigenous music were different from the European scale. Canela music, he found, couldn't be played on a piano because some notes would "fall in the cracks."
With Dr. Avery's assistance, the Popjes were able to create 23 new Canela songs based on Scripture. The people have loved singing them--and other new compositions--since their debut in 1987. Jack feels that the song project may have been the best thing he and Jo accomplished during their 22 years of service to the Canelas.
The Popjes would have been lost without the help of Dr. Avery. They needed to know that it's a good thing to tap into the expertise of fellow believers in Jesus.
If Apollos had brushed off Priscilla and Aquila's gentle instruction (Acts 18:26), his teaching of the gospel would have continued to be deficient. Instead, he "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (v.27).
Is someone trying to help you grow in your faith? Have you been resisting the kind rebuke or gentle instruction of a more mature believer in Jesus?
If so, it's time to sing a new tune! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What in my life could use the attention of someone with more knowledge or expertise than I have?
* What's holding me back from asking for help?
* Whom should I ask to be my spiritual mentor?
LINKS:
Music to Their Ears
http://www.wycliffe.org/ethnomusic/canela.htm
bottom line: Others can help us stay in tune with God.
soul journey
Acts 18:24-28
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Jack and Jo Popjes had a serious challenge. The Canadian couple, missionaries in northeastern Brazil, had been trying to learn the music of the Canela people for 20 long years. They had been successful in translating the Bible into the native language, but the complexities of the locals' tunes had them stumped.
As the Canelas sang and played their ancient songs using huge gourd rattles, four-holed flutes, bamboo horns, and other instruments, the Popjes would sit and listen. But they had no clue how to create similar melodies so the people could sing new tunes about Jesus.
It was time for Dr. Tom Avery, an ethnomusicologist based in Brazil, to lend them an ear, uh, hand. The good doctor recorded the traditional music of the tribe and then analyzed it. Using computer-generated graphs and other resources, Tom was able to figure out the music of the Canelas.
He explained to Jack and Jo that the intervals in the indigenous music were different from the European scale. Canela music, he found, couldn't be played on a piano because some notes would "fall in the cracks."
With Dr. Avery's assistance, the Popjes were able to create 23 new Canela songs based on Scripture. The people have loved singing them--and other new compositions--since their debut in 1987. Jack feels that the song project may have been the best thing he and Jo accomplished during their 22 years of service to the Canelas.
The Popjes would have been lost without the help of Dr. Avery. They needed to know that it's a good thing to tap into the expertise of fellow believers in Jesus.
If Apollos had brushed off Priscilla and Aquila's gentle instruction (Acts 18:26), his teaching of the gospel would have continued to be deficient. Instead, he "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (v.27).
Is someone trying to help you grow in your faith? Have you been resisting the kind rebuke or gentle instruction of a more mature believer in Jesus?
If so, it's time to sing a new tune! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What in my life could use the attention of someone with more knowledge or expertise than I have?
* What's holding me back from asking for help?
* Whom should I ask to be my spiritual mentor?
LINKS:
Music to Their Ears
http://www.wycliffe.org/ethnomusic/canela.htm
bottom line: Others can help us stay in tune with God.
soul journey
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Decreasing for His Purpose
He must increase, but I must decrease —John 3:30
If you become a necessity to someone else’s life, you are out of God’s will. As a servant, your primary responsibility is to be a "friend of the bridegroom" ( John 3:29 ). When you see a person who is close to grasping the claims of Jesus Christ, you know that your influence has been used in the right direction. And when you begin to see that person in the middle of a difficult and painful struggle, don’t try to prevent it, but pray that his difficulty will grow even ten times stronger, until no power on earth or in hell could hold him away from Jesus Christ. Over and over again, we try to be amateur providences in someone’s life. We are indeed amateurs, coming in and actually preventing God’s will and saying, "This person should not have to experience this difficulty." Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, our sympathy gets in the way. One day that person will say to us, "You are a thief; you stole my desire to follow Jesus, and because of you I lost sight of Him."
Beware of rejoicing with someone over the wrong thing, but always look to rejoice over the right thing. ". . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease" ( John 3:29-30 ). This was spoken with joy, not with sadness-at last they were to see the Bridegroom! And John said this was his joy. It represents a stepping aside, an absolute removal of the servant, never to be thought of again.
Listen intently with your entire being until you hear the Bridegroom’s voice in the life of another person. And never give any thought to what devastation, difficulties, or sickness it will bring. Just rejoice with godly excitement that His voice has been heard. You may often have to watch Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it (see Matthew 10:34 ).
my utmost for His highest
He must increase, but I must decrease —John 3:30
If you become a necessity to someone else’s life, you are out of God’s will. As a servant, your primary responsibility is to be a "friend of the bridegroom" ( John 3:29 ). When you see a person who is close to grasping the claims of Jesus Christ, you know that your influence has been used in the right direction. And when you begin to see that person in the middle of a difficult and painful struggle, don’t try to prevent it, but pray that his difficulty will grow even ten times stronger, until no power on earth or in hell could hold him away from Jesus Christ. Over and over again, we try to be amateur providences in someone’s life. We are indeed amateurs, coming in and actually preventing God’s will and saying, "This person should not have to experience this difficulty." Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, our sympathy gets in the way. One day that person will say to us, "You are a thief; you stole my desire to follow Jesus, and because of you I lost sight of Him."
Beware of rejoicing with someone over the wrong thing, but always look to rejoice over the right thing. ". . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease" ( John 3:29-30 ). This was spoken with joy, not with sadness-at last they were to see the Bridegroom! And John said this was his joy. It represents a stepping aside, an absolute removal of the servant, never to be thought of again.
Listen intently with your entire being until you hear the Bridegroom’s voice in the life of another person. And never give any thought to what devastation, difficulties, or sickness it will bring. Just rejoice with godly excitement that His voice has been heard. You may often have to watch Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it (see Matthew 10:34 ).
my utmost for His highest
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
1 Peter 3:13-17
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
From the "Christians Strike Again" files comes a story from a friend who is a chaplain for a local police force. While riding along with an officer in his patrol car one day, my friend noticed a car zoom past at a high rate of speed. Of course, the officer followed in hot pursuit and pulled the driver over. He had reached 90 mph before the officer slowed him down.
The policeman walked to the car and then got an earful from the driver. "What are you doing pulling me over? Don't you have better things to do? And by the way, you're making me late for church."
Calmly the officer took the driver's documents and went back to the cruiser to write him four tickets: speeding, expired driver's license, expired registration, and no seatbelt on his son. When he walked back to give the man his tickets, the driver said, "And I have something for you." This lawbreaker-times-four then handed the officer a small booklet that explained how a person can receive salvation in Jesus..
When the officer came back to his car, he tossed the booklet toward my friend--who had been trying to witness to the officer about the difference Jesus makes--and said, "Christians? Different?" My friend didn't tell me how he replied after crawling out from under the seat.
How astonishingly absurd were that driver's actions! It is mind-boggling to think that a person could do all of those things wrong--including berating an authority figure--and then try to witness to him. Yeah, that'll work.
This story should encourage all of us to examine our individual words and actions. It should cause us to pray: Jesus, please don't let me be an embarrassment to Your name. Help me live in a way that when someone observes me, he or she will see a positive difference. Please stop me from any hypocrisy that would turn people away from You.
We, like that driver, must answer to God for anything we do that causes people to doubt the beauty and the joy of salvation. Let's show them the difference. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Did I do anything today that would have sent my unsaved friends or relatives heading back the other way--away from Jesus?
* How can I actively show Jesus' love to the clerk at the grocery store, the telemarketer on the phone, even the person at work who irritates me?
LINKS:
Good Advice--Christians Call Me Gay
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/003/21.16.html
bottom line: I may be the only "Jesus" some people ever see.
soul journey
1 Peter 3:13-17
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
From the "Christians Strike Again" files comes a story from a friend who is a chaplain for a local police force. While riding along with an officer in his patrol car one day, my friend noticed a car zoom past at a high rate of speed. Of course, the officer followed in hot pursuit and pulled the driver over. He had reached 90 mph before the officer slowed him down.
The policeman walked to the car and then got an earful from the driver. "What are you doing pulling me over? Don't you have better things to do? And by the way, you're making me late for church."
Calmly the officer took the driver's documents and went back to the cruiser to write him four tickets: speeding, expired driver's license, expired registration, and no seatbelt on his son. When he walked back to give the man his tickets, the driver said, "And I have something for you." This lawbreaker-times-four then handed the officer a small booklet that explained how a person can receive salvation in Jesus..
When the officer came back to his car, he tossed the booklet toward my friend--who had been trying to witness to the officer about the difference Jesus makes--and said, "Christians? Different?" My friend didn't tell me how he replied after crawling out from under the seat.
How astonishingly absurd were that driver's actions! It is mind-boggling to think that a person could do all of those things wrong--including berating an authority figure--and then try to witness to him. Yeah, that'll work.
This story should encourage all of us to examine our individual words and actions. It should cause us to pray: Jesus, please don't let me be an embarrassment to Your name. Help me live in a way that when someone observes me, he or she will see a positive difference. Please stop me from any hypocrisy that would turn people away from You.
We, like that driver, must answer to God for anything we do that causes people to doubt the beauty and the joy of salvation. Let's show them the difference. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Did I do anything today that would have sent my unsaved friends or relatives heading back the other way--away from Jesus?
* How can I actively show Jesus' love to the clerk at the grocery store, the telemarketer on the phone, even the person at work who irritates me?
LINKS:
Good Advice--Christians Call Me Gay
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/003/21.16.html
bottom line: I may be the only "Jesus" some people ever see.
soul journey
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Food and Forgiveness
John Fischer
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins… (Matthew 6:11-12 NLT)
I have an Irish friend that I call every Saint Patrick’s Day and this year was no exception. He is truly Irish, having been born in Ireland, and he has managed to hold onto his thick Irish brogue in spite of being in this country since the 1960s. And did I mention his name was Patrick? That is probably why I always remember to call him. I don’t know much about the real Saint Patrick, but this Patrick has been a saint to me for as long as I’ve known him, which is about 35 years. (How about that, Patrick?) He’s a dear brother with a huge heart, a boundless gift of service and an old country genteel nature that is rare in America. We shared a house together back in my single days; now we’re 500 miles apart, though we always connect at least on March 17 because that’s Saint Patrick’s Day — my friend Patrick, the saint, that is.
When I asked him how his year had been, he told me he had been praying the Lord’s Prayer a lot this year. I acted impressed, and then he corrected me. “It’s no big deal; I’ve been praying the shortened version.”
“Oh?” I had never heard of the shortened version, although I knew the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in Luke is shorter than the one in Matthew. I initially assumed that’s what he meant. “What’s that?”
“Food and forgiveness,” he said. There was a long pause.
“That’s it?” I asked.
“Well, it’s got other stuff in it, but when it comes down to what’s truly practical — what I need every day — it’s food and forgiveness. Just the basics.”
I think he may be onto something here. Food is basic to our human existence; we can’t stay alive without food. Forgiveness is basic to our spiritual existence; we can’t stay spiritually alive without forgiveness.
Now no one can argue the daily necessity of food, but some might argue the daily necessity of forgiveness, because daily forgiveness assumes daily sin, and some Christians like to think that sin is in the past, kind of like Mark McGuire’s steroid use. But sin goes on. We — our spirits in fact — are housed in a body of sin (2 Corinthians 4:11). Sin’s influence is constant and not always fully detected by us. That’s why Paul refuses to even judge himself because he doesn’t fully know his own heart (1 Corinthians 4:3-4). Thank God we have forgiveness for even that which we can’t confess, because we can’t see it yet.
So maybe you need the shortened version of the Lord’s Prayer today. Of course the rest of it needs to not be neglected — praise, protection from temptation, deliverance from evil, and praying for the coming kingdom — but sometimes it just comes down to what we really need: food and forgiveness.
PDL
John Fischer
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins… (Matthew 6:11-12 NLT)
I have an Irish friend that I call every Saint Patrick’s Day and this year was no exception. He is truly Irish, having been born in Ireland, and he has managed to hold onto his thick Irish brogue in spite of being in this country since the 1960s. And did I mention his name was Patrick? That is probably why I always remember to call him. I don’t know much about the real Saint Patrick, but this Patrick has been a saint to me for as long as I’ve known him, which is about 35 years. (How about that, Patrick?) He’s a dear brother with a huge heart, a boundless gift of service and an old country genteel nature that is rare in America. We shared a house together back in my single days; now we’re 500 miles apart, though we always connect at least on March 17 because that’s Saint Patrick’s Day — my friend Patrick, the saint, that is.
When I asked him how his year had been, he told me he had been praying the Lord’s Prayer a lot this year. I acted impressed, and then he corrected me. “It’s no big deal; I’ve been praying the shortened version.”
“Oh?” I had never heard of the shortened version, although I knew the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in Luke is shorter than the one in Matthew. I initially assumed that’s what he meant. “What’s that?”
“Food and forgiveness,” he said. There was a long pause.
“That’s it?” I asked.
“Well, it’s got other stuff in it, but when it comes down to what’s truly practical — what I need every day — it’s food and forgiveness. Just the basics.”
I think he may be onto something here. Food is basic to our human existence; we can’t stay alive without food. Forgiveness is basic to our spiritual existence; we can’t stay spiritually alive without forgiveness.
Now no one can argue the daily necessity of food, but some might argue the daily necessity of forgiveness, because daily forgiveness assumes daily sin, and some Christians like to think that sin is in the past, kind of like Mark McGuire’s steroid use. But sin goes on. We — our spirits in fact — are housed in a body of sin (2 Corinthians 4:11). Sin’s influence is constant and not always fully detected by us. That’s why Paul refuses to even judge himself because he doesn’t fully know his own heart (1 Corinthians 4:3-4). Thank God we have forgiveness for even that which we can’t confess, because we can’t see it yet.
So maybe you need the shortened version of the Lord’s Prayer today. Of course the rest of it needs to not be neglected — praise, protection from temptation, deliverance from evil, and praying for the coming kingdom — but sometimes it just comes down to what we really need: food and forgiveness.
PDL
Monday, March 21, 2005
MELL'S FRIENDS
Romans 15:1-7
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
I've always thought high school and college students are special. Having taught in the classroom at both levels, I've grown to love the enthusiasm and openness of this age group living on the edge of independence. But there is one particular group of 19- and 20-year-old college students who hold a special place in my heart.
Jessica, Stacey, Grace, Katie, Erin, Andrea, Jenny, Mandy, Tara, Kari, Betsy, Jaclyn, Heather--and several more. These are young women who were among my daughter Melissa's closest friends. They are the ones she played sports with, made silly videos with, went to the mall with, talked about boys with, drove to McDonalds with, studied with, and planned the future with. And many of them are the girls she spent her last day on earth with--June 6, 2002--the day God chose to have her enter heaven.
I love being with these girls because they share so many of Melissa's characteristics--her love of life; her open, beautiful smile; her grace-filled freedom that comes with faith; her exuberance; her pure joy of friendship. Being with them reminds me intensely of my daughter. They are so Mell-like. When I'm sitting around talking to these young women, I feel somehow connected to Melissa in a comforting way.
It's possible for us to provide a similar connectedness to Jesus for others if we openly and joyously live in a way that emulates Him. We can radiate the characteristics of Jesus in a way that will make people feel as if they have, in a sense, been with Him.
Jesus loved sacrificially. Jesus cared for the unlovely. Jesus obeyed the Father. Jesus lived humbly. Jesus prayed earnestly. Jesus met needs selflessly. Jesus protected God's holy name. Jesus served. Jesus wept. Can we strive to be like Him?
Next time you're with a group of people, think about how you can reflect Jesus' characteristics. And then watch how they respond. Be a friend who lives a Jesus-like life for others. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways do I choose to be like Jesus?
* What are some of the characteristics that I most admire in Him? How can I demonstrate those traits to others?
* When people recognize something Jesus-like in me, how can I help them to see that it's because of Him?
LINKS:
The Compassion Of Jesus
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0208
bottom line: My friends should see Jesus in me.
soul journey
Romans 15:1-7
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
I've always thought high school and college students are special. Having taught in the classroom at both levels, I've grown to love the enthusiasm and openness of this age group living on the edge of independence. But there is one particular group of 19- and 20-year-old college students who hold a special place in my heart.
Jessica, Stacey, Grace, Katie, Erin, Andrea, Jenny, Mandy, Tara, Kari, Betsy, Jaclyn, Heather--and several more. These are young women who were among my daughter Melissa's closest friends. They are the ones she played sports with, made silly videos with, went to the mall with, talked about boys with, drove to McDonalds with, studied with, and planned the future with. And many of them are the girls she spent her last day on earth with--June 6, 2002--the day God chose to have her enter heaven.
I love being with these girls because they share so many of Melissa's characteristics--her love of life; her open, beautiful smile; her grace-filled freedom that comes with faith; her exuberance; her pure joy of friendship. Being with them reminds me intensely of my daughter. They are so Mell-like. When I'm sitting around talking to these young women, I feel somehow connected to Melissa in a comforting way.
It's possible for us to provide a similar connectedness to Jesus for others if we openly and joyously live in a way that emulates Him. We can radiate the characteristics of Jesus in a way that will make people feel as if they have, in a sense, been with Him.
Jesus loved sacrificially. Jesus cared for the unlovely. Jesus obeyed the Father. Jesus lived humbly. Jesus prayed earnestly. Jesus met needs selflessly. Jesus protected God's holy name. Jesus served. Jesus wept. Can we strive to be like Him?
Next time you're with a group of people, think about how you can reflect Jesus' characteristics. And then watch how they respond. Be a friend who lives a Jesus-like life for others. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways do I choose to be like Jesus?
* What are some of the characteristics that I most admire in Him? How can I demonstrate those traits to others?
* When people recognize something Jesus-like in me, how can I help them to see that it's because of Him?
LINKS:
The Compassion Of Jesus
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0208
bottom line: My friends should see Jesus in me.
soul journey
Sunday, March 20, 2005
It's Transition Time
Scott Presson
It’s transition time. All over the Kingdom of God and throughout the Church the word of the hour is “transition”. We keep hearing that but what does it mean. Are we all in transition? If so, is your transition going to spill over and affect my transition?
It does seem as if God is telling the whole Christian body to take a few steps forward. In those steps, we’ll probably step on each others feet. I imagine there’s going to be more than a few of us pushing and shoving. Some of us are going to want to move forward. Others will want to stand still or move backwards.
Let’s face it; God’s will is always changing us. He is always transforming us and molding us to be something different than we are. In the Word, God even refers to Himself as a potter and we are His clay. It’s an easy image to see. A lump of clay is shaped into a vessel and then refined in the fire until it is becomes purified and hardened. Only then is worthy of use.
Change is never comfortable but it is a fact of life and it is the will of God. We are changed as we grow in age and maturity. We are changed when we accept Christ into our hearts. We are changed as we move deeper into a relationship with God and accept His will in our lives.
God is refining us in His furnance. God is molding us into vessels that glorify Him. This time of transition is going to make us feel uncomfortable but it is God’s will. We all have certain things in life that we want and even have planned for. Some of those plans will undoubtedly be disrupted. Don’t fret.
Here’s what the Bible says:
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)
God’s purpose is going to happen no matter what you and I plan. We need to be patient with each other as never before. In other words, we’re going to have look and act like Christians. We’re going to have to bear one another’s burdens and be willing to overlook each others faults. We’re going to have to learn to let those very real hurts and offenses go quickly. We’re going to have to react out of love instead reacting out of spite. It’s not going to be easy. God’s Word says He is returning for a Church without spot or wrinkle. How will we ever be that Church without going through the fire of refinement? We must press in and through.
If transition is the word of the hour, humility is the path to peace. If we act out of humble hearts we will demonstrate to ourselves and to God that we are the people He wants us to be. Only then will Jesus be glorified and only then will the world see a group of loving and united believers fulfilling their destiny. Now is the time of harvest. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be frightened. Be encouraged!! It’s promotion time!! But we must enter in like never before. We must be servants towards each other.
Here are our marching orders. Here is the blueprint to live a life worthy of our calling. Here is the way to walk by faith and not by sight:
Philippians 2:1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. 3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4 Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. 5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.
cbn
Scott Presson
It’s transition time. All over the Kingdom of God and throughout the Church the word of the hour is “transition”. We keep hearing that but what does it mean. Are we all in transition? If so, is your transition going to spill over and affect my transition?
It does seem as if God is telling the whole Christian body to take a few steps forward. In those steps, we’ll probably step on each others feet. I imagine there’s going to be more than a few of us pushing and shoving. Some of us are going to want to move forward. Others will want to stand still or move backwards.
Let’s face it; God’s will is always changing us. He is always transforming us and molding us to be something different than we are. In the Word, God even refers to Himself as a potter and we are His clay. It’s an easy image to see. A lump of clay is shaped into a vessel and then refined in the fire until it is becomes purified and hardened. Only then is worthy of use.
Change is never comfortable but it is a fact of life and it is the will of God. We are changed as we grow in age and maturity. We are changed when we accept Christ into our hearts. We are changed as we move deeper into a relationship with God and accept His will in our lives.
God is refining us in His furnance. God is molding us into vessels that glorify Him. This time of transition is going to make us feel uncomfortable but it is God’s will. We all have certain things in life that we want and even have planned for. Some of those plans will undoubtedly be disrupted. Don’t fret.
Here’s what the Bible says:
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)
God’s purpose is going to happen no matter what you and I plan. We need to be patient with each other as never before. In other words, we’re going to have look and act like Christians. We’re going to have to bear one another’s burdens and be willing to overlook each others faults. We’re going to have to learn to let those very real hurts and offenses go quickly. We’re going to have to react out of love instead reacting out of spite. It’s not going to be easy. God’s Word says He is returning for a Church without spot or wrinkle. How will we ever be that Church without going through the fire of refinement? We must press in and through.
If transition is the word of the hour, humility is the path to peace. If we act out of humble hearts we will demonstrate to ourselves and to God that we are the people He wants us to be. Only then will Jesus be glorified and only then will the world see a group of loving and united believers fulfilling their destiny. Now is the time of harvest. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be frightened. Be encouraged!! It’s promotion time!! But we must enter in like never before. We must be servants towards each other.
Here are our marching orders. Here is the blueprint to live a life worthy of our calling. Here is the way to walk by faith and not by sight:
Philippians 2:1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. 3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4 Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. 5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.
cbn
Saturday, March 19, 2005
My Pot of Gold
Missey Butler
I love St. Patrick’s Day. Every year my family celebrates with the best o’ the best Irishmen and non-Irishmen alike. We never need much of a reason to get together and party, but this time of the year always seems to be particularly festive and fun for us all.
We string the four-leaf clover garland from “corner to corner” in the large family room. With Irish fiddle softly playing in the background, we break out the green punch, the green potato salad, the green cake -- you guessed it -- the green everything!
My brother Brian sings the most beautiful “Oh Danny Boy” you could ever imagine. He comes by it quite naturally; our own beloved mother used to sit at the antique family pump organ and bring us all to tears with her rendition of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” I’d even catch my dad looking at her with those same smiling Irish eyes.
Both of my paternal grandparents hail from a small fishing village known as Portedown, Ireland. Arriving by way of Ellis Island in the early 1900s, they were poor immigrants with a simple dream of bettering themselves and their children’s futures. In later years they would speak about their “quiet elation” as they first looked upon “Lady Liberty” in midst of the cold winds while entering the New York harbor.
My grandparents finally settled in a small town known today as Woodlawn, Maryland. My dad tells the story of how his “fither” (Irish pronunciation for father), Pop Bleakley, would sit on the rickety front porch playing his hand-carved flute, while he and his brother Albert would fiercely compete as to who could dance the “Irish jig” better. My dad, more often than not, had to concede to his older brother, who was “blessed” with the more limber knees.
I have to confess, I take great pride in my Irish heritage, but there is another heritage I am excited to boast about, and that is my Heavenly heritage. God’s Word tells us that He has made us joint heirs with Jesus Christ!
If we are born from above…then we are presently seated in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:20-21).
In the book of Psalms it goes on to say, “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Because I am a child of the King, I can begin to take hold of the many inherited promises that are rightfully mine in Christ:
I am redeemed,
forgiven,
justified,
sanctified,
purified,
holy,
blameless,
accepted,
assured,
confident,
chosen,
sealed,
set free from all condemnation,
and I am free to love and be loved!
This “Irish lass” has seen the other side of the rainbow and found her ‘Pot of Gold’ and His name is Jesus Christ -- the very Maker of the rainbows, the gold, the promises, and the glorious wealth of our heritage!
That’s a very good reason to say, “Top ah the mornin’ to ya!”
cbn
Missey Butler
I love St. Patrick’s Day. Every year my family celebrates with the best o’ the best Irishmen and non-Irishmen alike. We never need much of a reason to get together and party, but this time of the year always seems to be particularly festive and fun for us all.
We string the four-leaf clover garland from “corner to corner” in the large family room. With Irish fiddle softly playing in the background, we break out the green punch, the green potato salad, the green cake -- you guessed it -- the green everything!
My brother Brian sings the most beautiful “Oh Danny Boy” you could ever imagine. He comes by it quite naturally; our own beloved mother used to sit at the antique family pump organ and bring us all to tears with her rendition of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” I’d even catch my dad looking at her with those same smiling Irish eyes.
Both of my paternal grandparents hail from a small fishing village known as Portedown, Ireland. Arriving by way of Ellis Island in the early 1900s, they were poor immigrants with a simple dream of bettering themselves and their children’s futures. In later years they would speak about their “quiet elation” as they first looked upon “Lady Liberty” in midst of the cold winds while entering the New York harbor.
My grandparents finally settled in a small town known today as Woodlawn, Maryland. My dad tells the story of how his “fither” (Irish pronunciation for father), Pop Bleakley, would sit on the rickety front porch playing his hand-carved flute, while he and his brother Albert would fiercely compete as to who could dance the “Irish jig” better. My dad, more often than not, had to concede to his older brother, who was “blessed” with the more limber knees.
I have to confess, I take great pride in my Irish heritage, but there is another heritage I am excited to boast about, and that is my Heavenly heritage. God’s Word tells us that He has made us joint heirs with Jesus Christ!
If we are born from above…then we are presently seated in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:20-21).
In the book of Psalms it goes on to say, “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Because I am a child of the King, I can begin to take hold of the many inherited promises that are rightfully mine in Christ:
I am redeemed,
forgiven,
justified,
sanctified,
purified,
holy,
blameless,
accepted,
assured,
confident,
chosen,
sealed,
set free from all condemnation,
and I am free to love and be loved!
This “Irish lass” has seen the other side of the rainbow and found her ‘Pot of Gold’ and His name is Jesus Christ -- the very Maker of the rainbows, the gold, the promises, and the glorious wealth of our heritage!
That’s a very good reason to say, “Top ah the mornin’ to ya!”
cbn
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Dots And Doughnut Holes
Read: Psalm 104:1-15
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. —Psalm 103:2
Bible In One Year: Joshua 19-21
As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black dot in the center of it. Then he held up the paper and asked them what they saw.
One person replied, "I see a black mark." "Right," the preacher said. "What else?" Complete silence prevailed. "I'm really surprised," the speaker commented. "You have completely overlooked the most important thing of all—the sheet of paper."
We are often distracted by small, dot-like disappointments, and we are prone to forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord. But like the sheet of paper, the good things are far more important than the adversities that monopolize our attention.
This reminds me of a whimsical bit of verse that expresses good practical advice. "As you travel down life's pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!"
Yes, rather than concentrating on the trials of life, we should fix our attention on its blessings. Let's say with the psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).
Let's keep praising Him so we won't be distracted by dots and doughnut holes. —Richard De Haan
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged—God is over all;
Count your many blessings—angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. —Oatman
Spend your time counting your blessings—not airing your complaints.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 104:1-15
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. —Psalm 103:2
Bible In One Year: Joshua 19-21
As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black dot in the center of it. Then he held up the paper and asked them what they saw.
One person replied, "I see a black mark." "Right," the preacher said. "What else?" Complete silence prevailed. "I'm really surprised," the speaker commented. "You have completely overlooked the most important thing of all—the sheet of paper."
We are often distracted by small, dot-like disappointments, and we are prone to forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord. But like the sheet of paper, the good things are far more important than the adversities that monopolize our attention.
This reminds me of a whimsical bit of verse that expresses good practical advice. "As you travel down life's pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!"
Yes, rather than concentrating on the trials of life, we should fix our attention on its blessings. Let's say with the psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).
Let's keep praising Him so we won't be distracted by dots and doughnut holes. —Richard De Haan
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged—God is over all;
Count your many blessings—angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. —Oatman
Spend your time counting your blessings—not airing your complaints.
daily bread
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
TALK TO THE HAND
1 Chronicles 13:8-12
8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. 11 Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. 12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?"
Loving parents know that when a child breaks certain rules, there's no debating--there must be swift and unavoidable consequences.
My friend's son sped down a hill on his bike and ignored the stop sign at the cross street. He was grounded from his bike for a week--no discussions. His mom was angry that he deliberately did something so dangerous. His disobedience was too much for her to brush off lightly.
The disobedience of Uzzah had inescapable consequences too. As the Israelites were bringing back the ark of the covenant, Uzzah put out his hand to steady it. When he touched the ark of God, he died immediately.
It's easy to wonder why God got so angry with Uzzah, a man who apparently was simply trying to help. But it was pride that caused him to reach out for the ark. He thought he could get around God's restriction (Exodus 25:12-15) and that somehow God "needed" him to help steady the ark.
Our pride is the source of our disobedience to God too, and it can carry some serious consequences. Broken relationships, loss of a job, illness, and even death are just a few of the ways we may have to suffer if we try to make life work without relying on God, and living in humility and obedience to Him.
It's important to fully understand what Uzzah did. He disobeyed God, who is kind, compassionate, merciful, and loving. He's also holy. He's God. He's in control--we are not. He makes the rules, we don't.
It's as clear for us as it should have been for Uzzah--we are to follow God's plan in obedience. Let's live humbly and obediently before our Creator God. --Allison Stevens
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I been disobedient to God, and what were the consequences? ?
* What attitudes, behaviors, or ideas do I have that reveal pride in my heart?
bottom line: Pride comes before a fall.
soul journey
1 Chronicles 13:8-12
8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. 11 Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. 12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?"
Loving parents know that when a child breaks certain rules, there's no debating--there must be swift and unavoidable consequences.
My friend's son sped down a hill on his bike and ignored the stop sign at the cross street. He was grounded from his bike for a week--no discussions. His mom was angry that he deliberately did something so dangerous. His disobedience was too much for her to brush off lightly.
The disobedience of Uzzah had inescapable consequences too. As the Israelites were bringing back the ark of the covenant, Uzzah put out his hand to steady it. When he touched the ark of God, he died immediately.
It's easy to wonder why God got so angry with Uzzah, a man who apparently was simply trying to help. But it was pride that caused him to reach out for the ark. He thought he could get around God's restriction (Exodus 25:12-15) and that somehow God "needed" him to help steady the ark.
Our pride is the source of our disobedience to God too, and it can carry some serious consequences. Broken relationships, loss of a job, illness, and even death are just a few of the ways we may have to suffer if we try to make life work without relying on God, and living in humility and obedience to Him.
It's important to fully understand what Uzzah did. He disobeyed God, who is kind, compassionate, merciful, and loving. He's also holy. He's God. He's in control--we are not. He makes the rules, we don't.
It's as clear for us as it should have been for Uzzah--we are to follow God's plan in obedience. Let's live humbly and obediently before our Creator God. --Allison Stevens
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I been disobedient to God, and what were the consequences? ?
* What attitudes, behaviors, or ideas do I have that reveal pride in my heart?
bottom line: Pride comes before a fall.
soul journey
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
REASONS FOR ALL THOSE NAMES
1 Chronicles 1:1-4,28,34
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. 4 The sons of Noah: Shem, Ham and Japheth. . . . 28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. . . . 34 Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.
2:1-21 These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
Dalton Conley is a sociologist at New York University. He and his wife Natalie Jeremijenko have two children. They recently sought permission with the city of New York to change their 4-year-old son's name to Yo Xing Heyno Augustus Eisner Alexander Weiser Knuckles Jeremijenko-Conley. Actually, a lot of that name was already his, but his parents added three more middle names. The little boy suggested two of the names, including Knuckles, the name of his father's childhood dog.
The boy's father, Dalton, explained that there are specific reasons for all those names--from honoring ancestors to setting expectations. At home, the boy with the lengthy title is known as Yo, and his sister is simply E.
The list of names in the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles may seem like a bunch of long, boring, unpronounceable, meaningless names. These names, however, serve two practical purposes:
* Genealogies were important in providing the framework within which true Hebrews could establish their family roots, and by which religious purity could be maintained against outside influences.
* For us, these names reflect God's providential design. Particular names (from Adam to Asher, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David) serve as reminders of God's dealings in the past and the hope for the future Messiah. When we read these names, we can remember how God's grace, love, mercy, care, discipline, and patience were evident among His people. When we come to these names in the Bible, we shouldn't skim over them; we should let the Holy Spirit remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises and to His people.
As you contemplate your own family heritage, think of ways you can provide a positive spiritual foundation for generations to come. Spend time with other family members identifying spiritual markers in your family's life. As you identify these markers, you will be able to see God's providence and purposes in living color. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can knowing my family history give me a sense of identity, heritage, and destiny?
* How do I want to be remembered by my descendants?
* What spiritual heritage would I want to leave my children?
LINKS:
Name Changes, Both Practical and Fanciful, Are on the Rise teachers.ithsnyc.org/tnellen/nyt/names.html
A Father's Heart
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2000/003/15.58.html
bottom line: Character is the heritage you leave behind.
soul journey
1 Chronicles 1:1-4,28,34
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. 4 The sons of Noah: Shem, Ham and Japheth. . . . 28 The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. . . . 34 Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel.
2:1-21 These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
Dalton Conley is a sociologist at New York University. He and his wife Natalie Jeremijenko have two children. They recently sought permission with the city of New York to change their 4-year-old son's name to Yo Xing Heyno Augustus Eisner Alexander Weiser Knuckles Jeremijenko-Conley. Actually, a lot of that name was already his, but his parents added three more middle names. The little boy suggested two of the names, including Knuckles, the name of his father's childhood dog.
The boy's father, Dalton, explained that there are specific reasons for all those names--from honoring ancestors to setting expectations. At home, the boy with the lengthy title is known as Yo, and his sister is simply E.
The list of names in the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles may seem like a bunch of long, boring, unpronounceable, meaningless names. These names, however, serve two practical purposes:
* Genealogies were important in providing the framework within which true Hebrews could establish their family roots, and by which religious purity could be maintained against outside influences.
* For us, these names reflect God's providential design. Particular names (from Adam to Asher, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David) serve as reminders of God's dealings in the past and the hope for the future Messiah. When we read these names, we can remember how God's grace, love, mercy, care, discipline, and patience were evident among His people. When we come to these names in the Bible, we shouldn't skim over them; we should let the Holy Spirit remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises and to His people.
As you contemplate your own family heritage, think of ways you can provide a positive spiritual foundation for generations to come. Spend time with other family members identifying spiritual markers in your family's life. As you identify these markers, you will be able to see God's providence and purposes in living color. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can knowing my family history give me a sense of identity, heritage, and destiny?
* How do I want to be remembered by my descendants?
* What spiritual heritage would I want to leave my children?
LINKS:
Name Changes, Both Practical and Fanciful, Are on the Rise teachers.ithsnyc.org/tnellen/nyt/names.html
A Father's Heart
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2000/003/15.58.html
bottom line: Character is the heritage you leave behind.
soul journey
Monday, March 14, 2005
SPIRITUAL REUPHOLSTERING
Ephesians 4:17-24
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
When my wife and I bought a home 5 years ago, the former owner was in a hurry to hit the road. For whatever reason, he left us six attractive dining room chairs. We appreciated the unexpected gift and have used them often while entertaining guests.
Now that we have moved into a new home, these treasured chairs need a makeover to fit into the new color scheme. We needed the help of a competent upholsterer. Over the phone I asked him, "Couldn't you just put the new material over the chair?" He responded, "No, that wouldn't work. You will ruin the shape of the chair if you put new material over it." A good upholsterer insists on tearing the chair down to its fundamentals and putting on new material.
That reminds me of the work of God in our spiritual growth. He isn't interested in taking our human efforts and improving on them--in covering them over. The old sin nature actually has the ability to perform religious activity, but that isn't the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:1-3). Instead, God intends to replace our character with what's called "the new man."
Paul understood the replacement principle in becoming like Jesus. His wording sounds like putting on new clothes. "Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). As we exchange our old attitudes, thoughts, speech, and behavior for that of Jesus-life, we find an amazing exchange taking place (Isaiah 40:31).
Inside each of us is the drive to "be good enough" in our own strength. Instead, God wants to reupholster us with the new man, made in the image of Him who designed it--Jesus Himself. We do this by laying aside our old behaviors and yielding our hearts to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18). Let's put on the new self. --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* What speech or behavior do I need to "put off"?
* What godly behavior would I like to "put on" in its place? Why is progress more important than perfection in doing this?
LINKS:
Transformed Lives
http://www.discoveryseries.org/hp901
bottom line: Put off the old--put on the new.
soul journey
Ephesians 4:17-24
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
When my wife and I bought a home 5 years ago, the former owner was in a hurry to hit the road. For whatever reason, he left us six attractive dining room chairs. We appreciated the unexpected gift and have used them often while entertaining guests.
Now that we have moved into a new home, these treasured chairs need a makeover to fit into the new color scheme. We needed the help of a competent upholsterer. Over the phone I asked him, "Couldn't you just put the new material over the chair?" He responded, "No, that wouldn't work. You will ruin the shape of the chair if you put new material over it." A good upholsterer insists on tearing the chair down to its fundamentals and putting on new material.
That reminds me of the work of God in our spiritual growth. He isn't interested in taking our human efforts and improving on them--in covering them over. The old sin nature actually has the ability to perform religious activity, but that isn't the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:1-3). Instead, God intends to replace our character with what's called "the new man."
Paul understood the replacement principle in becoming like Jesus. His wording sounds like putting on new clothes. "Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). As we exchange our old attitudes, thoughts, speech, and behavior for that of Jesus-life, we find an amazing exchange taking place (Isaiah 40:31).
Inside each of us is the drive to "be good enough" in our own strength. Instead, God wants to reupholster us with the new man, made in the image of Him who designed it--Jesus Himself. We do this by laying aside our old behaviors and yielding our hearts to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18). Let's put on the new self. --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* What speech or behavior do I need to "put off"?
* What godly behavior would I like to "put on" in its place? Why is progress more important than perfection in doing this?
LINKS:
Transformed Lives
http://www.discoveryseries.org/hp901
bottom line: Put off the old--put on the new.
soul journey
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Mere Fellowship
John Fischer
I’ve been enjoying many of your responses to the February 21 devotional about church at St. Arbucks. Terry from Austria wrote that on several occasions their group has made St. Arbucks “the site of their spiritual huddle.” Betty from Penang, Malaysia meets with three others at the local McDonald’s. “We even have our own favorite table. We bless the owners, the workers, and sometimes we even pray for certain customers when we feel lead.” So it doesn’t have to be St. Arbucks. St. Mac will do fine. Someone even wrote me about their coffee group they call HeBrews. And I already suggested St. Peets. See, there are lots of possibilities here!
My favorite story, however, is about the group that moved out of the home they had been meeting in for only a month and formed a St.Arbucks after passing around the devotional and discussing its ramifications. “If we can reach one person just by being a presence, then we have completed a mission,” one of them said. “So I would say to other groups, get out of that home and get into the public. Hide your light under a bushel? NO!”
All of this brings back memories for me of the Jesus movement of the early 1970s when we made sure our baptisms were in public places instead of in a church building or someone’s private pool. We wanted to make a statement, and from reading Acts, that seems to be what the early church would do. They merely found the nearest body of water and started baptizing. Because it was at the beach or a lake, we would always gather a crowd of the curious, and before each person went under, they would share their own story of how they became a Christian. Inevitably, strangers would come forward from the crowd and want to be saved right then and there, so we prayed for them and baptized them on the spot. All of this was accompanied by lots of joy and laughter, singing and an ample amount of wet hugs. (People who weren’t baptized got just as wet as those who were.)
Jesus said that the world would know we were His followers by how much we loved each other (John 13:35). Forgiveness, acceptance, grace and mercy are powerful forces that break down natural barriers and allow us to express our love for each other, and that _expression becomes visual, tangible.
Every Thursday night during the summer, we move our church outdoors to a grassy area on the beach. We set up a stage and do church—what we always do—praise, preach, pray. We just do it in public, and watch what happens. Sometimes our mere fellowship is our most powerful witness.
PDL
John Fischer
I’ve been enjoying many of your responses to the February 21 devotional about church at St. Arbucks. Terry from Austria wrote that on several occasions their group has made St. Arbucks “the site of their spiritual huddle.” Betty from Penang, Malaysia meets with three others at the local McDonald’s. “We even have our own favorite table. We bless the owners, the workers, and sometimes we even pray for certain customers when we feel lead.” So it doesn’t have to be St. Arbucks. St. Mac will do fine. Someone even wrote me about their coffee group they call HeBrews. And I already suggested St. Peets. See, there are lots of possibilities here!
My favorite story, however, is about the group that moved out of the home they had been meeting in for only a month and formed a St.Arbucks after passing around the devotional and discussing its ramifications. “If we can reach one person just by being a presence, then we have completed a mission,” one of them said. “So I would say to other groups, get out of that home and get into the public. Hide your light under a bushel? NO!”
All of this brings back memories for me of the Jesus movement of the early 1970s when we made sure our baptisms were in public places instead of in a church building or someone’s private pool. We wanted to make a statement, and from reading Acts, that seems to be what the early church would do. They merely found the nearest body of water and started baptizing. Because it was at the beach or a lake, we would always gather a crowd of the curious, and before each person went under, they would share their own story of how they became a Christian. Inevitably, strangers would come forward from the crowd and want to be saved right then and there, so we prayed for them and baptized them on the spot. All of this was accompanied by lots of joy and laughter, singing and an ample amount of wet hugs. (People who weren’t baptized got just as wet as those who were.)
Jesus said that the world would know we were His followers by how much we loved each other (John 13:35). Forgiveness, acceptance, grace and mercy are powerful forces that break down natural barriers and allow us to express our love for each other, and that _expression becomes visual, tangible.
Every Thursday night during the summer, we move our church outdoors to a grassy area on the beach. We set up a stage and do church—what we always do—praise, preach, pray. We just do it in public, and watch what happens. Sometimes our mere fellowship is our most powerful witness.
PDL
Saturday, March 12, 2005
The Gospel According to You
John Fischer
Some readers have wondered why I would quote the likes of Woody Allen and Rabbi Kushner, or make mention of Jimmy Buffet and certain Hollywood films in my devotionals. Aren’t devotions supposed to lead us away from the world to focus on something higher? It’s true that looking away from the world may represent an element in our devotion to God, but certainly not all of it.
“All truth is God’s truth,“ is something that has stuck with me since I first learned it from Dr. Arthur Holmes, former head of the philosophy department at Wheaton College. Because God created the world with a full set of natural laws, scientists and philosophers who may want nothing to do with a belief in God can indeed make observations and conclusions about life that can be supported by a biblical point of view. For instance, I know nothing about the faith of the artist I met who paints silk shirts for Jimmy Buffet and his band, but the man taught me how to see the light from the sun in late afternoon in such a way that left me worshiping God. That truth belongs to God. The man may believe in Karma, Buddha, Elvis or Scooby Do; it doesn’t take away from his adding to my worship of God.
You might be wondering why this is important as a devotional thought. It’s important because it could potentially turn your whole day into one continuous devotional thought. Here’s how. It’s all according to how you perceive it.
First, we don’t have to look away from the world to worship. This is good news since we all, of necessity, have to pay a good deal of attention to the world in order to live here. After all, the world is our address. If I can pay attention to the world and to God at the same time, I can turn more of my life into worship—potentially, all of it. I can have my devotions at work, at the movies, at the ballpark, at the gym, or during my commute. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing to focus on God.
Secondly, our ability to find truth in our culture provides points of connection that prove valuable to our mission, which is to tell others about Christ.
The clearest example of this in the scriptures comes by way of Paul, who when he was in Athens addressing the Greek Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, chose things from their culture (words of their own poets) and even their pagan religion (an idol to an unknown god) to help convey his message about Christ. He didn’t say, “You’re all wrong.” He said, “You’re right about this, this, and this… now based on that, please consider the following...” (Acts 17:16-34)
All this to say: Keep your eyes open and your spiritual insights working at all times. You will find more opportunities to worship God and celebrate the truth, and more chances to connect the truth of Christ to a culture that may have left the door open on the subject without knowing it.
PDL
John Fischer
Some readers have wondered why I would quote the likes of Woody Allen and Rabbi Kushner, or make mention of Jimmy Buffet and certain Hollywood films in my devotionals. Aren’t devotions supposed to lead us away from the world to focus on something higher? It’s true that looking away from the world may represent an element in our devotion to God, but certainly not all of it.
“All truth is God’s truth,“ is something that has stuck with me since I first learned it from Dr. Arthur Holmes, former head of the philosophy department at Wheaton College. Because God created the world with a full set of natural laws, scientists and philosophers who may want nothing to do with a belief in God can indeed make observations and conclusions about life that can be supported by a biblical point of view. For instance, I know nothing about the faith of the artist I met who paints silk shirts for Jimmy Buffet and his band, but the man taught me how to see the light from the sun in late afternoon in such a way that left me worshiping God. That truth belongs to God. The man may believe in Karma, Buddha, Elvis or Scooby Do; it doesn’t take away from his adding to my worship of God.
You might be wondering why this is important as a devotional thought. It’s important because it could potentially turn your whole day into one continuous devotional thought. Here’s how. It’s all according to how you perceive it.
First, we don’t have to look away from the world to worship. This is good news since we all, of necessity, have to pay a good deal of attention to the world in order to live here. After all, the world is our address. If I can pay attention to the world and to God at the same time, I can turn more of my life into worship—potentially, all of it. I can have my devotions at work, at the movies, at the ballpark, at the gym, or during my commute. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing to focus on God.
Secondly, our ability to find truth in our culture provides points of connection that prove valuable to our mission, which is to tell others about Christ.
The clearest example of this in the scriptures comes by way of Paul, who when he was in Athens addressing the Greek Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, chose things from their culture (words of their own poets) and even their pagan religion (an idol to an unknown god) to help convey his message about Christ. He didn’t say, “You’re all wrong.” He said, “You’re right about this, this, and this… now based on that, please consider the following...” (Acts 17:16-34)
All this to say: Keep your eyes open and your spiritual insights working at all times. You will find more opportunities to worship God and celebrate the truth, and more chances to connect the truth of Christ to a culture that may have left the door open on the subject without knowing it.
PDL
Thursday, March 10, 2005
FAST FOOD FOWL
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 17 Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. 18 I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Last June, a rooster was found strutting inside a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Bluffton, South Carolina. Employees of the fast-food establishment have no idea how the fowl entered the eatery. They found it funny, however, that "Little Truett" would pick a place that sells chicken!
A firefighter told manager Brett Swanson that he had seen the rooster crossing a highway near the Chick-Fil-A the day before. (Hey! Now we know why the chicken crossed the road! Sorry . . . )
The tale of Little Truett is humorous. But, in reality, we may be imitating the fowl. Not that we've recently been seen strutting around startled patrons at a local restaurant. But we may have spent time inside a place known for destroying people--the house of compromise.
It starts out so simply. We look inside the "house" and it seems so inviting. We crack open the door just a bit (picture Little Truett) and suddenly--wham!--we're inside. We've compromised our morals . . . our beliefs.
How do we avoid this trap?
Paul gave us some interesting contrasts to help us better understand spiritual compromise in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
* Righteousness vs. Wickedness Any relationship, temporary or permanent, that causes us to take our eyes off Jesus and His righteousness must be avoided.
* Light vs. Darkness If we compromise, we are allowing the light of God to be dimmed by the world's darkness.
* Christ vs. Belial (Satan) By compromising and entering into close ties with unbelievers, we face a dilemma. We serve Jesus. They do not. The values, standards, and goals that we live for are not theirs. Witness to them? Yes. Reach out in love? Absolutely. But do not get "yoked together" (v.14).
We need to keep the door of compromise closed. Consider these words: "We are the temple of the living God" (v.16). In every relationship, measure those words against where the other person is taking you.
The journey with Jesus requires no compromise. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What personal relationships are leading me to compromise?
* Why is it important to know that I am a "temple of the living God"?
LINKS:
Chick-Fil-A
http://www.chickfila.com/History.asp
Judas: Son Of Darkness
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0721
bottom line: Losing sight of Jesus leads to compromise.
soul journey
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 17 Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. 18 I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
Last June, a rooster was found strutting inside a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Bluffton, South Carolina. Employees of the fast-food establishment have no idea how the fowl entered the eatery. They found it funny, however, that "Little Truett" would pick a place that sells chicken!
A firefighter told manager Brett Swanson that he had seen the rooster crossing a highway near the Chick-Fil-A the day before. (Hey! Now we know why the chicken crossed the road! Sorry . . . )
The tale of Little Truett is humorous. But, in reality, we may be imitating the fowl. Not that we've recently been seen strutting around startled patrons at a local restaurant. But we may have spent time inside a place known for destroying people--the house of compromise.
It starts out so simply. We look inside the "house" and it seems so inviting. We crack open the door just a bit (picture Little Truett) and suddenly--wham!--we're inside. We've compromised our morals . . . our beliefs.
How do we avoid this trap?
Paul gave us some interesting contrasts to help us better understand spiritual compromise in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
* Righteousness vs. Wickedness Any relationship, temporary or permanent, that causes us to take our eyes off Jesus and His righteousness must be avoided.
* Light vs. Darkness If we compromise, we are allowing the light of God to be dimmed by the world's darkness.
* Christ vs. Belial (Satan) By compromising and entering into close ties with unbelievers, we face a dilemma. We serve Jesus. They do not. The values, standards, and goals that we live for are not theirs. Witness to them? Yes. Reach out in love? Absolutely. But do not get "yoked together" (v.14).
We need to keep the door of compromise closed. Consider these words: "We are the temple of the living God" (v.16). In every relationship, measure those words against where the other person is taking you.
The journey with Jesus requires no compromise. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What personal relationships are leading me to compromise?
* Why is it important to know that I am a "temple of the living God"?
LINKS:
Chick-Fil-A
http://www.chickfila.com/History.asp
Judas: Son Of Darkness
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0721
bottom line: Losing sight of Jesus leads to compromise.
soul journey
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
THE HEART OF GRACE
John 18:12-27
12 The detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound Him 13 and brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. . . . 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 "You are not one of His disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." . . . 25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of His disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." 26 One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with Him in the olive grove?" 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
I wandered around the crowded restaurant looking for an empty table to put down the plate I had filled from the breakfast buffet. Finally, I spotted a couple sitting alone. I approached and asked if they would share their table. Soon my husband Tom arrived and we introduced ourselves to the couple and began to chat. As we completed our meal and the guys continued to talk, Grace leaned over to me and said softly, "Do you love Jesus?"
I responded with my biggest smile, "Yes, I do love Jesus."
Now, we both smiled. We had made a connection and started talking easily about our mutual faith. We ended up spending a couple of hours together that morning as Grace told us how she had converted from Judaism to Christianity in 1987, how her husband had been saved, and how God had restored their rocky marriage.
As I thought about our conversation later, I wondered if it had taken any courage for her to ask me that question in that way. After all, she could have asked a "safer" question: "Do you go to church?" or "Do you believe in God?" But Grace got right to the point. "Do you love Jesus?" It hadn't taken any courage for me to respond to Grace's question. After all, I knew I was in friendly territory.
In John 18, we read that after Jesus was arrested and was being treated brutally, His disciple and good friend Peter claimed that he didn't even know Him! Not just once, but three times. How often have believers in Jesus thought, I would never have done that! But for those of us who do not live in societies where Christians are persecuted, little is to be feared by stating that we love Jesus.
For us, courage lies more in our willingness to ask the question. Too many times, we hold back in apprehension--afraid of what? Offending? Embarrassing ourselves or the other person? Or maybe not wanting to abruptly end a pleasant conversation?
Not Grace though. Her courageous question reflected what flowed from her heart. The love and grace of Jesus. --Cindy Kasper
DESTINATION POINTS
* What can I do to prepare for a conversation with someone about Jesus?
* Am I ready at all times to tell others that I love Him?
LINKS
:How Can I Break The Silence?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0706
What's With My Faith?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/005/21.16.html
bottom line: Do you love Jesus?
soul journey
John 18:12-27
12 The detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound Him 13 and brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. . . . 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 "You are not one of His disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." . . . 25 As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of His disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." 26 One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with Him in the olive grove?" 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
I wandered around the crowded restaurant looking for an empty table to put down the plate I had filled from the breakfast buffet. Finally, I spotted a couple sitting alone. I approached and asked if they would share their table. Soon my husband Tom arrived and we introduced ourselves to the couple and began to chat. As we completed our meal and the guys continued to talk, Grace leaned over to me and said softly, "Do you love Jesus?"
I responded with my biggest smile, "Yes, I do love Jesus."
Now, we both smiled. We had made a connection and started talking easily about our mutual faith. We ended up spending a couple of hours together that morning as Grace told us how she had converted from Judaism to Christianity in 1987, how her husband had been saved, and how God had restored their rocky marriage.
As I thought about our conversation later, I wondered if it had taken any courage for her to ask me that question in that way. After all, she could have asked a "safer" question: "Do you go to church?" or "Do you believe in God?" But Grace got right to the point. "Do you love Jesus?" It hadn't taken any courage for me to respond to Grace's question. After all, I knew I was in friendly territory.
In John 18, we read that after Jesus was arrested and was being treated brutally, His disciple and good friend Peter claimed that he didn't even know Him! Not just once, but three times. How often have believers in Jesus thought, I would never have done that! But for those of us who do not live in societies where Christians are persecuted, little is to be feared by stating that we love Jesus.
For us, courage lies more in our willingness to ask the question. Too many times, we hold back in apprehension--afraid of what? Offending? Embarrassing ourselves or the other person? Or maybe not wanting to abruptly end a pleasant conversation?
Not Grace though. Her courageous question reflected what flowed from her heart. The love and grace of Jesus. --Cindy Kasper
DESTINATION POINTS
* What can I do to prepare for a conversation with someone about Jesus?
* Am I ready at all times to tell others that I love Him?
LINKS
:How Can I Break The Silence?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0706
What's With My Faith?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/005/21.16.html
bottom line: Do you love Jesus?
soul journey
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
SHIRT TALES
Colossians 3:5-12
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
A robber in England made a really poor choice in clothing. The bumbling thief wore a Glasgow Rangers soccer team jersey with his last name spelled out in large letters on the back!
Surveillance cameras recorded images of the guy committing his holdup--and his name. One policeman noted, "[This guy] is obviously a million miles away from being a criminal mastermind."
So, what do our clothes say about us? There's a reason we wear what we wear.
One reason may be to make a statement. But if our attire is "shouting" immodesty--that's the wrong message. We might as well have our name written on the back of our shirt with a few other words like "loose" or "thought-life destroyer" or "playboy."
Music artist Rebecca St. James, known for her love for Jesus, recently said, "Modesty is . . . purity in action. It's that heart commitment coming out in the way that you're living--the decisions you're making in what you wear. And I think some girls say, 'Yes, I'm waiting. I'm a virgin,' and they're hardly wearing anything.
"I like to wear . . . things that are modest and are not showing too much flesh and are not too tight. It's a worthwhile battle, because I so believe in . . . not causing my brothers in Christ to struggle and lust."
Rebecca's insights are not for females only. To honor God, women and men should dress in a way that will not cause members of the opposite sex to stumble.
Paul wrote, "Put to death . . . impurity, lust" (Colossians 3:5). This means we are literally to wipe out impure stuff from our lives. If we're dressing in a way that causes others to have impure thoughts about us, we've failed them--and God.
The "clothing" (v.12) other people should see is the beauty of Jesus and His character radiating from our face and actions. Modesty is part of that beautiful attire. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why do I dress the way I do?
* How does my clothing--or lack of it--affect others?
* Why is my modesty so important to God?
LINKS:
A Decent Proposal
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2003/003/3.46.html
It's Still All About God
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/7c3/7c3026.html
bottom line: Dress for success? Modesty is best.
soul journey
Colossians 3:5-12
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
A robber in England made a really poor choice in clothing. The bumbling thief wore a Glasgow Rangers soccer team jersey with his last name spelled out in large letters on the back!
Surveillance cameras recorded images of the guy committing his holdup--and his name. One policeman noted, "[This guy] is obviously a million miles away from being a criminal mastermind."
So, what do our clothes say about us? There's a reason we wear what we wear.
One reason may be to make a statement. But if our attire is "shouting" immodesty--that's the wrong message. We might as well have our name written on the back of our shirt with a few other words like "loose" or "thought-life destroyer" or "playboy."
Music artist Rebecca St. James, known for her love for Jesus, recently said, "Modesty is . . . purity in action. It's that heart commitment coming out in the way that you're living--the decisions you're making in what you wear. And I think some girls say, 'Yes, I'm waiting. I'm a virgin,' and they're hardly wearing anything.
"I like to wear . . . things that are modest and are not showing too much flesh and are not too tight. It's a worthwhile battle, because I so believe in . . . not causing my brothers in Christ to struggle and lust."
Rebecca's insights are not for females only. To honor God, women and men should dress in a way that will not cause members of the opposite sex to stumble.
Paul wrote, "Put to death . . . impurity, lust" (Colossians 3:5). This means we are literally to wipe out impure stuff from our lives. If we're dressing in a way that causes others to have impure thoughts about us, we've failed them--and God.
The "clothing" (v.12) other people should see is the beauty of Jesus and His character radiating from our face and actions. Modesty is part of that beautiful attire. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why do I dress the way I do?
* How does my clothing--or lack of it--affect others?
* Why is my modesty so important to God?
LINKS:
A Decent Proposal
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2003/003/3.46.html
It's Still All About God
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/7c3/7c3026.html
bottom line: Dress for success? Modesty is best.
soul journey
Monday, March 07, 2005
Two by Two
John Fischer
Could there be any stronger statement about the value Jesus places on fellowship than when he sent his disciples out two by two? We don’t know for sure exactly how long these trips took but the bond that developed between these pairs in ministry must have been very strong. Here they were going through brand new experiences and going through them together.
Jesus sent them out with nothing “except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He told them to wear sandals but not to take even an extra coat. ‘When you enter each village, be a guest in only one home,’ He said. ‘And if a village won’t welcome you or listen to you, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave’” (Mark 6:8-11). They were totally dependent on God and each other. I bet they were really thankful for that other person!
God has set up ministry to be a team-oriented enterprise. There are no Lone Rangers in ministry. I lived for the longest time thinking I was one of those masked men, but as someone has pointed out, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. So in the context of a two-person team, when the ministry appeared to be unsuccessful (like those villages where they would not be welcome) they still had each other and what they were learning together in the process.
That the Lone Ranger wears a mask is a detail that does not go unnoticed by this observer, either. It actually seems quite appropriate because when you minister alone, you can easily get good at being two different people—one in public and one in private—something that having a partner who knows you in both contexts helps to avoid.
This two-by-two thing is definitely a good idea. I’m sure that the pairing of the disciples was not to everyone’s liking. At some point in close proximity, even the best of friends grate on each other. I can imagine someone saying something like: “Do I have to go out with Matthew again? Come on, Jesus, I had him last time.” Maybe he snored, or had very disagreeable body odor, or maybe the two personalities just didn’t match up very well. But learning to tolerate, and even love each other, is an important part of this shared responsibility. It’s what happens to us in the process of what happens to the ministry. And sometimes it’s even more important than “the ministry.”
PDL
John Fischer
Could there be any stronger statement about the value Jesus places on fellowship than when he sent his disciples out two by two? We don’t know for sure exactly how long these trips took but the bond that developed between these pairs in ministry must have been very strong. Here they were going through brand new experiences and going through them together.
Jesus sent them out with nothing “except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He told them to wear sandals but not to take even an extra coat. ‘When you enter each village, be a guest in only one home,’ He said. ‘And if a village won’t welcome you or listen to you, shake off its dust from your feet as you leave’” (Mark 6:8-11). They were totally dependent on God and each other. I bet they were really thankful for that other person!
God has set up ministry to be a team-oriented enterprise. There are no Lone Rangers in ministry. I lived for the longest time thinking I was one of those masked men, but as someone has pointed out, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. So in the context of a two-person team, when the ministry appeared to be unsuccessful (like those villages where they would not be welcome) they still had each other and what they were learning together in the process.
That the Lone Ranger wears a mask is a detail that does not go unnoticed by this observer, either. It actually seems quite appropriate because when you minister alone, you can easily get good at being two different people—one in public and one in private—something that having a partner who knows you in both contexts helps to avoid.
This two-by-two thing is definitely a good idea. I’m sure that the pairing of the disciples was not to everyone’s liking. At some point in close proximity, even the best of friends grate on each other. I can imagine someone saying something like: “Do I have to go out with Matthew again? Come on, Jesus, I had him last time.” Maybe he snored, or had very disagreeable body odor, or maybe the two personalities just didn’t match up very well. But learning to tolerate, and even love each other, is an important part of this shared responsibility. It’s what happens to us in the process of what happens to the ministry. And sometimes it’s even more important than “the ministry.”
PDL
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Today's scripture is Luke 13:11-17
11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
"And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
"Religion is dangerous. Religion would rather debate about healing than see somebody healed. Religion would rather argue about deliverance than see somebody set free.
Remember that next time someone tries to get you sidetracked into a religious debate about healing or deliverance. If someone needs to be delivered from a demon, just do it! That's the difference
between religion and the love of God. Religion argues. Love acts. Choose love today.
bible shack
11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
"And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
"Religion is dangerous. Religion would rather debate about healing than see somebody healed. Religion would rather argue about deliverance than see somebody set free.
Remember that next time someone tries to get you sidetracked into a religious debate about healing or deliverance. If someone needs to be delivered from a demon, just do it! That's the difference
between religion and the love of God. Religion argues. Love acts. Choose love today.
bible shack
Saturday, March 05, 2005
From God, for God and His People: "Peace in the Valley"
Lindsay Terry
For he is our peace . . .
One of the most prized possessions I have as a song historian is a cassette containing a recording of my interview with Thomas Andrew Dorsey, which he granted to me in 1977. In it he told me a great many things about himself and his music. Time and space will not allow me to tell his whole story, but I am passing on to you some of the highlights of his very active life as a musician, choir director, and songwriter.
Thomas Dorsey was born in Villa Rica, Georgia, a small town about forty miles from Atlanta. While still in his early teens, his attention was drawn to show business by the music of the black performers in Atlanta. He soon began playing piano in the jazz clubs, under the name of Georgia Tom. At age seventeen, he moved to Gary, Indiana, to pursue his music career. Two years later, he moved on to Chicago, where he enrolled in the Chicago College of Composition and Arranging and began playing with local jazz groups. He soon formed his own band, which became the backup group for Ma Rainey, a well-known blues singer.
In 1928, in partnership with slide guitarist Hudson “Tampa Red” Whitaker, he wrote and recorded a song that hit the top of the blues charts and sold more than seven million copies, according to one report. Dorsey is credited with writing more than 450 rhythm and blues and jazz songs, and with establishing the Dorsey House of Music in 1932, the first independent company to publish black gospel music.
Nevertheless, his life was proof that the world does not satisfy a Christian. After he suffered a nervous breakdown, it took two years for him to recuperate. During that time, the Lord was speaking to him. In 1930, he lost his wife and newborn son. He later said, “I was doing all right by myself, but the voice of God whispered, ‘You need to change a little.’” He eventually found that he could not be a part of the R&B and jazz world and do his work for the Lord properly.
He put together a choir at his church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, with Roberta Martin playing the piano. In 1933, he organized the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, along with Sallie Martin, his good friend Theodore Frye, and several others. During our interview in 1977, he told me that he was still actively leading one of the choirs at the church. He was seventy-eight years old at the time.
His songs have been recorded by such diverse artists as Mahalia Jackson, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. President Lyndon B. Johnson requested that “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” be sung at his funeral. It was also used at a rally led by Martin Luther King Jr. the night before his assassination.
In September 1981, Dorsey’s native state honored him with election to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In 1982, he was the first African-American elected to the Gospel Music Association’s Living Hall of Fame. In that same year, the Thomas A. Dorsey Archives were opened at Fisk University, where his collection joined those of W. C. Handy, George Gershwin, and the famed Jubilee Singers. In summing up his life as a Christian, Dorsey said that all of his work has been “from God, for God, and for His people.” In 1983, George T. Nierenberg produced a documentary of the history of gospel music, Say Amen, Somebody, in which Thomas Dorsey made a personal appearance. Dorsey was also elected to the Nashville Songwriters International Hall of Fame.
In 1937, he wrote a song for Mahalia Jackson, “Peace in the Valley,” which has become extremely popular. I will never forget hearing a young black man walking down a road on Andros Island, an out-of-the-way part of the Bahamas, singing “Peace in the Valley.” In the song, Dorsey speaks of being “tired and so weary,” a plight of many of God’s people who “must go along.” But there is coming a time when the “morning is bright and the Lamb is the Light.” In that time and place, the “night is as fair as the day” and there is no more sadness, sorrow, or trouble—only peace.
After the passing of Dorsey’s wife, Nettie, he later married again. I had the joy of speaking with Mrs. Kathryn Dorsey shortly before her husband’s death on January 23, 1993, in Chicago. Thomas Dorsey wrote nearly one thousand gospel songs in his lifetime.
Reflection
There is no word more precious than peace, nor a more joyous state of being for a Christian, than to know God’s peace. We long for it, and when it comes to us it is directly from our heavenly Father.
cbn
Lindsay Terry
For he is our peace . . .
One of the most prized possessions I have as a song historian is a cassette containing a recording of my interview with Thomas Andrew Dorsey, which he granted to me in 1977. In it he told me a great many things about himself and his music. Time and space will not allow me to tell his whole story, but I am passing on to you some of the highlights of his very active life as a musician, choir director, and songwriter.
Thomas Dorsey was born in Villa Rica, Georgia, a small town about forty miles from Atlanta. While still in his early teens, his attention was drawn to show business by the music of the black performers in Atlanta. He soon began playing piano in the jazz clubs, under the name of Georgia Tom. At age seventeen, he moved to Gary, Indiana, to pursue his music career. Two years later, he moved on to Chicago, where he enrolled in the Chicago College of Composition and Arranging and began playing with local jazz groups. He soon formed his own band, which became the backup group for Ma Rainey, a well-known blues singer.
In 1928, in partnership with slide guitarist Hudson “Tampa Red” Whitaker, he wrote and recorded a song that hit the top of the blues charts and sold more than seven million copies, according to one report. Dorsey is credited with writing more than 450 rhythm and blues and jazz songs, and with establishing the Dorsey House of Music in 1932, the first independent company to publish black gospel music.
Nevertheless, his life was proof that the world does not satisfy a Christian. After he suffered a nervous breakdown, it took two years for him to recuperate. During that time, the Lord was speaking to him. In 1930, he lost his wife and newborn son. He later said, “I was doing all right by myself, but the voice of God whispered, ‘You need to change a little.’” He eventually found that he could not be a part of the R&B and jazz world and do his work for the Lord properly.
He put together a choir at his church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, with Roberta Martin playing the piano. In 1933, he organized the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, along with Sallie Martin, his good friend Theodore Frye, and several others. During our interview in 1977, he told me that he was still actively leading one of the choirs at the church. He was seventy-eight years old at the time.
His songs have been recorded by such diverse artists as Mahalia Jackson, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. President Lyndon B. Johnson requested that “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” be sung at his funeral. It was also used at a rally led by Martin Luther King Jr. the night before his assassination.
In September 1981, Dorsey’s native state honored him with election to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In 1982, he was the first African-American elected to the Gospel Music Association’s Living Hall of Fame. In that same year, the Thomas A. Dorsey Archives were opened at Fisk University, where his collection joined those of W. C. Handy, George Gershwin, and the famed Jubilee Singers. In summing up his life as a Christian, Dorsey said that all of his work has been “from God, for God, and for His people.” In 1983, George T. Nierenberg produced a documentary of the history of gospel music, Say Amen, Somebody, in which Thomas Dorsey made a personal appearance. Dorsey was also elected to the Nashville Songwriters International Hall of Fame.
In 1937, he wrote a song for Mahalia Jackson, “Peace in the Valley,” which has become extremely popular. I will never forget hearing a young black man walking down a road on Andros Island, an out-of-the-way part of the Bahamas, singing “Peace in the Valley.” In the song, Dorsey speaks of being “tired and so weary,” a plight of many of God’s people who “must go along.” But there is coming a time when the “morning is bright and the Lamb is the Light.” In that time and place, the “night is as fair as the day” and there is no more sadness, sorrow, or trouble—only peace.
After the passing of Dorsey’s wife, Nettie, he later married again. I had the joy of speaking with Mrs. Kathryn Dorsey shortly before her husband’s death on January 23, 1993, in Chicago. Thomas Dorsey wrote nearly one thousand gospel songs in his lifetime.
Reflection
There is no word more precious than peace, nor a more joyous state of being for a Christian, than to know God’s peace. We long for it, and when it comes to us it is directly from our heavenly Father.
cbn
Thursday, March 03, 2005
‘Broken And Faithful’
Sara Groves
As told to Jennifer E. Jones
I began building a case against God shortly after my first son was born. Everything seemed unfair. The world felt very chaotic. I had a friend who lost a baby, and a very young family member died tragically, just as he was getting his life together. It was a hard series of events.
I have nothing to compare to Job but we all wonder why bad things happen to good people. I was trying to swallow the "sovereignty pill" and was having a hard time choking it down.
At the same time, I was exhausted so I didn’t have the reserves to fight the good fight.
I never rebelled. I served the Lord faithfully all my life. I have great parents who taught me about worldview and C.S. Lewis. I didn’t have rebellion until my late 20s, early 30s, and that’s gonna look a lot different than 16-year-old's. But it’s still a rebellious heart.
I was really tired. I was done fighting. I had a lot of ideas about guilt, and my conscience never stopped. It was always hammering me -- how I could do this or that better. I remember telling a friend, "I locked my conscience in the attic and duck-taped her mouth." I had a year to two years where I didn’t care.
There were things that I knew were true. I would say, “I know You’re God. I know I’m a fool but I just don’t understand.”
God said, “Finally, we’re talking. This is a real conversation.”
I went to the Bible to find comfort, and I found a lot of good men, who had committed their lives to the Lord, getting beat up. I used them as witnesses in my case.
I started cross-examining Job. You don’t just give a man a second family and say that’s okay. He lost his kids, and that hit a tender point with me. I was worried about us on the road. I told someone, “If something happens to Kirby [my son], I don’t think my faith would survive that.” A good friend replied, “If you can create a scenario where your faith can’t survive, then it’s not surviving now.”
My faith had been exposed, and I really didn’t believe God. He’s not working these things out for my good. It sounds too trite. How does that deal with these people and their pain?
I said to the Lord, “You have to help me believe in You because I don’t have it in me to do it.”
The Lord took me back to these men, and He cross-examined my witnesses. I found that I can tell Job all I want, “Curse God and die.” But he still stands up in the middle of this trial and says, “I know my redeemer lives.”
So I asked God what did Job know to say this in the middle of these trials? What did David know to say, “Even though wicked men prosper all around me, who have I in heaven but You? You are the strength of my life and my portion forever. It is good to serve God”?
And then there’s Paul, who’s in chains, saying everything gained -- everything that appears to be good in life is garbage compared to knowing Him. It was like he told me, “Sara, I met the Man on the road to Damascus, and I want to know Him again. I want to know Him in His suffering. This is where I grow. This is where my life means something in this intersection of joy and pain.”
I had to take them at their word because I can’t change their testimony. And by the end of that year, it was my testimony as well. I was like David. “The wicked look pretty happy to me. Surely I’m keeping my hands pure in vain. But if I’d said those things out loud I would have betrayed Your children because I was wrong. Following You, doing the right thing, pursuing purity -- it’s hard to understand why. But Your principles for life are good, and being with You is good.”
At the end of the day, God won the case, and I left with a great sense of urgency. All these things I thought I wanted -- security, safety for my family, comfort -- they’re all good things but they’re not the Kingdom. They’re not the whole story that God is telling.
I don’t want my kids to see me here full of bitterness and cynicism. I want them to see me passionate about the Gospel even if that’s dangerous. I want them to see me walking in faith. I want to serve Him, saying, “I’ve swallowed the sovereignty pill, and You are sovereign.”
cbn
Sara Groves
As told to Jennifer E. Jones
I began building a case against God shortly after my first son was born. Everything seemed unfair. The world felt very chaotic. I had a friend who lost a baby, and a very young family member died tragically, just as he was getting his life together. It was a hard series of events.
I have nothing to compare to Job but we all wonder why bad things happen to good people. I was trying to swallow the "sovereignty pill" and was having a hard time choking it down.
At the same time, I was exhausted so I didn’t have the reserves to fight the good fight.
I never rebelled. I served the Lord faithfully all my life. I have great parents who taught me about worldview and C.S. Lewis. I didn’t have rebellion until my late 20s, early 30s, and that’s gonna look a lot different than 16-year-old's. But it’s still a rebellious heart.
I was really tired. I was done fighting. I had a lot of ideas about guilt, and my conscience never stopped. It was always hammering me -- how I could do this or that better. I remember telling a friend, "I locked my conscience in the attic and duck-taped her mouth." I had a year to two years where I didn’t care.
There were things that I knew were true. I would say, “I know You’re God. I know I’m a fool but I just don’t understand.”
God said, “Finally, we’re talking. This is a real conversation.”
I went to the Bible to find comfort, and I found a lot of good men, who had committed their lives to the Lord, getting beat up. I used them as witnesses in my case.
I started cross-examining Job. You don’t just give a man a second family and say that’s okay. He lost his kids, and that hit a tender point with me. I was worried about us on the road. I told someone, “If something happens to Kirby [my son], I don’t think my faith would survive that.” A good friend replied, “If you can create a scenario where your faith can’t survive, then it’s not surviving now.”
My faith had been exposed, and I really didn’t believe God. He’s not working these things out for my good. It sounds too trite. How does that deal with these people and their pain?
I said to the Lord, “You have to help me believe in You because I don’t have it in me to do it.”
The Lord took me back to these men, and He cross-examined my witnesses. I found that I can tell Job all I want, “Curse God and die.” But he still stands up in the middle of this trial and says, “I know my redeemer lives.”
So I asked God what did Job know to say this in the middle of these trials? What did David know to say, “Even though wicked men prosper all around me, who have I in heaven but You? You are the strength of my life and my portion forever. It is good to serve God”?
And then there’s Paul, who’s in chains, saying everything gained -- everything that appears to be good in life is garbage compared to knowing Him. It was like he told me, “Sara, I met the Man on the road to Damascus, and I want to know Him again. I want to know Him in His suffering. This is where I grow. This is where my life means something in this intersection of joy and pain.”
I had to take them at their word because I can’t change their testimony. And by the end of that year, it was my testimony as well. I was like David. “The wicked look pretty happy to me. Surely I’m keeping my hands pure in vain. But if I’d said those things out loud I would have betrayed Your children because I was wrong. Following You, doing the right thing, pursuing purity -- it’s hard to understand why. But Your principles for life are good, and being with You is good.”
At the end of the day, God won the case, and I left with a great sense of urgency. All these things I thought I wanted -- security, safety for my family, comfort -- they’re all good things but they’re not the Kingdom. They’re not the whole story that God is telling.
I don’t want my kids to see me here full of bitterness and cynicism. I want them to see me passionate about the Gospel even if that’s dangerous. I want them to see me walking in faith. I want to serve Him, saying, “I’ve swallowed the sovereignty pill, and You are sovereign.”
cbn
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
HEARTSCAN
Psalm 139:23--140:6
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 1 Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, 2 who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. 3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. Selah 4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. 5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. Selah 6 O Lord, I say to You, "You are my God." Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy.
They're lurking in your computer. Tiny programs that sneak into your hard drive--hidden inside many free downloads from the Web. Known as adware and spyware, they act as electronic espionage agents, reporting on your Web-browsing habits to people who want to spam you with ads for their products or to sell your personal information to other companies. In some cases, spyware can record keystrokes during online transactions and steal credit card numbers or other private data.
One respected technology writer says no Internet user is immune. The way to get rid of these cyber-moles is to run a program that will scan your computer, identify the unwanted files, and ask if you want to eliminate them. One click will do the job but it requires choice and action. Fortunately, many good anti-spyware programs are free and readily available online.
This new technological threat reminds me of an age-old spiritual danger. Each of us possesses a vulnerable spiritual storage area of mind, emotion, and will. The Bible calls it our "heart"--the center of our being. Every day we take in sounds, sights, ideas, and feelings, some of which must be identified and eliminated before they cause spiritual harm. The psalmist recognized his need for a heartscan when he prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).
When we offer that prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to move through our mind and heart, like an anti-spyware program, to show us things that are wrong. When He highlights a sinful thought, attitude, or action, we can confess it to the Lord and receive His forgiveness. As adware and attitudes are recurring, so is our need for the process that identifies and removes them.
Perhaps right now is the time for a heartscan. And as the on-screen message often says: "Please be patient--this may take a few minutes." --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* When was my last heartscan? What did I allow God to identify and eliminate?
* How can I make this a part of my time with the Lord each day?
LINKS:
How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?
bottom line: Our "heart-drive" needs a spiritual scan.
soul journey
Psalm 139:23--140:6
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 1 Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, 2 who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. 3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. Selah 4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. 5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. Selah 6 O Lord, I say to You, "You are my God." Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy.
They're lurking in your computer. Tiny programs that sneak into your hard drive--hidden inside many free downloads from the Web. Known as adware and spyware, they act as electronic espionage agents, reporting on your Web-browsing habits to people who want to spam you with ads for their products or to sell your personal information to other companies. In some cases, spyware can record keystrokes during online transactions and steal credit card numbers or other private data.
One respected technology writer says no Internet user is immune. The way to get rid of these cyber-moles is to run a program that will scan your computer, identify the unwanted files, and ask if you want to eliminate them. One click will do the job but it requires choice and action. Fortunately, many good anti-spyware programs are free and readily available online.
This new technological threat reminds me of an age-old spiritual danger. Each of us possesses a vulnerable spiritual storage area of mind, emotion, and will. The Bible calls it our "heart"--the center of our being. Every day we take in sounds, sights, ideas, and feelings, some of which must be identified and eliminated before they cause spiritual harm. The psalmist recognized his need for a heartscan when he prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).
When we offer that prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to move through our mind and heart, like an anti-spyware program, to show us things that are wrong. When He highlights a sinful thought, attitude, or action, we can confess it to the Lord and receive His forgiveness. As adware and attitudes are recurring, so is our need for the process that identifies and removes them.
Perhaps right now is the time for a heartscan. And as the on-screen message often says: "Please be patient--this may take a few minutes." --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* When was my last heartscan? What did I allow God to identify and eliminate?
* How can I make this a part of my time with the Lord each day?
LINKS:
How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?
bottom line: Our "heart-drive" needs a spiritual scan.
soul journey
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
WHAT A HUMAN WANTS
Acts 1:1-8
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when they met together, they asked Him, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jen just knew she would get the job that was posted at her office. She had the necessary skills and experience, and she was motivated and talented. It seemed the perfect ticket out of her current dead-end. Obviously, God was about to provide for her in a wonderful way.
But when the interview song-and-dance concluded, the company hired someone else--someone less qualified, less talented, and less experienced. Disheartened, Jen quit her job.
She was careful not to direct her anger at God, but flashes of rage occasionally scorched an unsuspecting friend or family member who stumbled into her crosshairs. And deep down, Jen was angry at God.
Eventually she got a job that permitted her to work online--a job that challenged her and made better use of her skill-set. It wasn't what she had thought she wanted, but she discovered a peace and contentment she hadn't known possible.
The disciples in the infant church didn't get what they thought they wanted either. In the days following Jesus' resurrection, His followers understandably expected everything to be different. Everything would go as planned--that is, just as they expected. So they asked, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). They thought the answer to their prayers--the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies--would be a political answer. The Romans would be ousted, the Messiah would rule in Jerusalem, and the disciples would become political leaders.
But Jesus had something drastically different in mind, and He soon set them straight. His answer involved waiting--though not for very long. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you," He said (v.8). Not political power but a power beyond anything they had imagined. They proceeded to turn the world upside down, and we are the beneficiaries.
It's okay to have good expectations. But make sure they're aligned with what Jesus has in mind for you. His ways eclipse our wildest dreams. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* What goals am I setting that advance the cause of Jesus?
* When have I been frustrated because things didn't turn out as I had planned?
* Have I ever given my frustration to God?
bottom line: Pencil in your plans and give God the eraser.
soul journey
Acts 1:1-8
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when they met together, they asked Him, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jen just knew she would get the job that was posted at her office. She had the necessary skills and experience, and she was motivated and talented. It seemed the perfect ticket out of her current dead-end. Obviously, God was about to provide for her in a wonderful way.
But when the interview song-and-dance concluded, the company hired someone else--someone less qualified, less talented, and less experienced. Disheartened, Jen quit her job.
She was careful not to direct her anger at God, but flashes of rage occasionally scorched an unsuspecting friend or family member who stumbled into her crosshairs. And deep down, Jen was angry at God.
Eventually she got a job that permitted her to work online--a job that challenged her and made better use of her skill-set. It wasn't what she had thought she wanted, but she discovered a peace and contentment she hadn't known possible.
The disciples in the infant church didn't get what they thought they wanted either. In the days following Jesus' resurrection, His followers understandably expected everything to be different. Everything would go as planned--that is, just as they expected. So they asked, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). They thought the answer to their prayers--the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies--would be a political answer. The Romans would be ousted, the Messiah would rule in Jerusalem, and the disciples would become political leaders.
But Jesus had something drastically different in mind, and He soon set them straight. His answer involved waiting--though not for very long. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you," He said (v.8). Not political power but a power beyond anything they had imagined. They proceeded to turn the world upside down, and we are the beneficiaries.
It's okay to have good expectations. But make sure they're aligned with what Jesus has in mind for you. His ways eclipse our wildest dreams. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* What goals am I setting that advance the cause of Jesus?
* When have I been frustrated because things didn't turn out as I had planned?
* Have I ever given my frustration to God?
bottom line: Pencil in your plans and give God the eraser.
soul journey