Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
The Soils (Mark 4:1-20; Matt. 13:1-23; Luke 8:1-15).
Hard Soil/Along the path [v. 4] As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. The soil was packed hard because people had been walking on it. Since many feet had hardened the path, the seed didn't penetrate it.
Rocky Soil [v. 5-6] Some [seed] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow, but when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and withered because they had no root. Because the soil was shallow and mingled with rocks, there was no depth, and the plant withered.
Thorny Soil [v. 7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants so that they did not bear again. This soil must have been decent because other seeds had grown in it. Apparently the good seed was added while there were negative seeds there as well. The soil was not weeded out.
Good Soil [v. 8] Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying 30, 60, or even 100 times. It produced a crop beyond what was expected.
In the Matthew 13 passage, Jesus tells the same parable, but with a little conversational interlude we don't find in the other gospels. With that as background, we will go back and look at the parable.
The Secrets
Matthew 13:10-11: The disciples came to him and asked, Why do you speak to the people in parables? [11] He replied, The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
A secret is that which cannot be known by the exercise of human wisdom and knowledge; i.e., words, knowledge or truth from God alone. How do we get these secrets? How do we get on the inside track? How can we hear the Lord teaching?
"We don't want to hear these grand parables, Lord, we want to know what's really going on. What are you trying to say to us?" the disciples seem to be saying. You know, the Lord continues to use parables in some of our lives, because we are not listening. They are illustrations for us, sometimes tragic ones.
Truth principles:
Truth must be acted upon in order to be retained (v. 12). "Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." This truth applies to all kinds of soil, and is true in two ways:
Truth applied grows—v. 12a. "Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance." Obedience is the key to having more truth. If you want to know the secrets of God, to know God's truth, then obey what you know. Do what is before you, and as you do, more truth will be given to you. Some of us are not growing in our spiritual lives because we're doing nothing with what we have. We know it, but we're not using it.
Truth rejected is lost—v. 12b. "Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Some people believe that if you just throw out the truth, it will not return void. Certainly the Scripture says in Isaiah 5:11 that what the Lord says will be accomplished. But the Word of God will have impact on us only if we are open to it.
Truth is eventually concealed from the disobedient—v. 13b-15. Not only is it lost, but eventually, if we don't apply it, it is concealed from us. "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." Wow! That sounds tough! Why the concealment? "For this people's heart has become callused: they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
The Lord is not withdrawing truth from certain individuals simply because He doesn't like them. He's not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. In fact, the truth is available to everyone. There is no secret truth for some little select group of folks. If we hear and obey, all the truth is available to us. But if our hearts are hardened, we will not be given more and more truth.
Truth applied blesses—v. 16-17. "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. [17] For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." What a wonderful day we live in! All the Old Testament prophets longed to see and hear what we can access as believers. The Disciples were the first recipients of an understanding. The Old Testament saints had kind of a picture book of truth. We, however, have the reality!
Rocky Soil [v. 5-6] Some [seed] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow, but when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and withered because they had no root. Because the soil was shallow and mingled with rocks, there was no depth, and the plant withered.
Thorny Soil [v. 7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants so that they did not bear again. This soil must have been decent because other seeds had grown in it. Apparently the good seed was added while there were negative seeds there as well. The soil was not weeded out.
Good Soil [v. 8] Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying 30, 60, or even 100 times. It produced a crop beyond what was expected.
In the Matthew 13 passage, Jesus tells the same parable, but with a little conversational interlude we don't find in the other gospels. With that as background, we will go back and look at the parable.
The Secrets
Matthew 13:10-11: The disciples came to him and asked, Why do you speak to the people in parables? [11] He replied, The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
A secret is that which cannot be known by the exercise of human wisdom and knowledge; i.e., words, knowledge or truth from God alone. How do we get these secrets? How do we get on the inside track? How can we hear the Lord teaching?
"We don't want to hear these grand parables, Lord, we want to know what's really going on. What are you trying to say to us?" the disciples seem to be saying. You know, the Lord continues to use parables in some of our lives, because we are not listening. They are illustrations for us, sometimes tragic ones.
Truth principles:
Truth must be acted upon in order to be retained (v. 12). "Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." This truth applies to all kinds of soil, and is true in two ways:
Truth applied grows—v. 12a. "Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance." Obedience is the key to having more truth. If you want to know the secrets of God, to know God's truth, then obey what you know. Do what is before you, and as you do, more truth will be given to you. Some of us are not growing in our spiritual lives because we're doing nothing with what we have. We know it, but we're not using it.
Truth rejected is lost—v. 12b. "Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Some people believe that if you just throw out the truth, it will not return void. Certainly the Scripture says in Isaiah 5:11 that what the Lord says will be accomplished. But the Word of God will have impact on us only if we are open to it.
Truth is eventually concealed from the disobedient—v. 13b-15. Not only is it lost, but eventually, if we don't apply it, it is concealed from us. "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." Wow! That sounds tough! Why the concealment? "For this people's heart has become callused: they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
The Lord is not withdrawing truth from certain individuals simply because He doesn't like them. He's not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. In fact, the truth is available to everyone. There is no secret truth for some little select group of folks. If we hear and obey, all the truth is available to us. But if our hearts are hardened, we will not be given more and more truth.
Truth applied blesses—v. 16-17. "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. [17] For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." What a wonderful day we live in! All the Old Testament prophets longed to see and hear what we can access as believers. The Disciples were the first recipients of an understanding. The Old Testament saints had kind of a picture book of truth. We, however, have the reality!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Will & The Kingdom..
"This [praying for the Will and the Kingdom] is not a frivolous thing. It is calling for a revolution in the way things are. It is commanding all that IS to make room for all that IS TO COME. It is calling for the end of all things pertaining to man, this present world, and the defeated devil. "Thy Kingdom come." In this Kingdom Christ alone has authority and power. Think of the implications. For this to be realized it will mean either the elimination or the subjection of every earthly government to Jesus Christ. It will mean the eradication of every religious institution, denomination, movement, group, cult, false religion, doctrine - anything which fails to give the Son the preeminence, and certainly those things which misrepresent, malign, distort, or bear false witness to the Lord Jesus. It will also mean the abolition of everything pertaining to the kingdom of darkness, every principality, power, and eventually, satan himself. The souls of men that refuse to submit to Christ must also be judged and dealt with once and for all. The Creation which groans and travails in pain must be purified by fire, liberated, and recreated again. We are talking about a major upheaval.
"I wonder if we really grasp the import of this kind of praying. I doubt if we really perceive how critical this sort of prayer is to God's purpose."
"I wonder if we really grasp the import of this kind of praying. I doubt if we really perceive how critical this sort of prayer is to God's purpose."
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards
The following list is from volume one of The Works of Jonathan Edwards. This two volume set can be purchased or read online for free.Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.
5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.
9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
© Desiring GodPermissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way, you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction, and you do not make more than 1,000 physical copies. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be explicitly approved by Desiring God.
1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.
5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.
9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
© Desiring GodPermissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way, you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction, and you do not make more than 1,000 physical copies. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be explicitly approved by Desiring God.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Check this out:
Check out this blog if you have time..the guy is a photographer and is in India right now..wow, really want to go there sometime. Anyway I am posting a quote from his blog so here it is:
I want 2007 to be a year of much less so it can be a year of much more; a year letting the "good" pass me by so I'll have ready hands and hearts to grab hold of the "better" when it comes. A year of internal over external, kingdom values over the crappy substitutes and shoddy knock-offs. Because, simply, there must be more.
May this year bring you the great discomfort expressed in this prayer:
May God bless you with discomfortAt easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationshipsSo that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with angerAt injustice, oppression and exploitation of peopleSo that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tearsTo shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and warSo that you may reach out your hand to comfort themAnd turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishnessTo believe that you can make a difference in the world,So that you can do what others claim cannot be doneTo bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
**
I had something more to say; something about our apetites for the new, the shiny, the conspicuous. Something about those apetites preventing us within the Church from lives of self-denial and sacrifice, about our apetites being the very thing that gives life to the evil we all so bemoan, how I wonder if Jesus was saying something deeply profound when He taught about the love of money. But I'm so weary of the preaching, of calling people to embrace something whole-heartedly and without compromise when I grasp the same thing haltingly and with failing trepidation. I'm running out of words and inclined within my spirit to beleive that it's time to shut up and show up.
May God bless you with discomfortAt easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationshipsSo that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with angerAt injustice, oppression and exploitation of peopleSo that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tearsTo shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and warSo that you may reach out your hand to comfort themAnd turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishnessTo believe that you can make a difference in the world,So that you can do what others claim cannot be doneTo bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
**
I had something more to say; something about our apetites for the new, the shiny, the conspicuous. Something about those apetites preventing us within the Church from lives of self-denial and sacrifice, about our apetites being the very thing that gives life to the evil we all so bemoan, how I wonder if Jesus was saying something deeply profound when He taught about the love of money. But I'm so weary of the preaching, of calling people to embrace something whole-heartedly and without compromise when I grasp the same thing haltingly and with failing trepidation. I'm running out of words and inclined within my spirit to beleive that it's time to shut up and show up.
I want 2007 to be a year of much less so it can be a year of much more; a year letting the "good" pass me by so I'll have ready hands and hearts to grab hold of the "better" when it comes. A year of internal over external, kingdom values over the crappy substitutes and shoddy knock-offs. Because, simply, there must be more.
**Go to www.pixelatedimage.com
if you'd like to check out his photography blog..
Monday, January 22, 2007
Safe…in the Hands of God
The times were not great for King David. He was sad. In Psalm 31 he expressed his frustration to the Lord. Some of the words he used to describe his situation were: trapped (v. 4); afflicted (v. 7); distressed (v. 9); anguish (v. 10a); weak (v. 10b); forgotten (v. 12); slandered (v. 13a); conspired against (v. 13b), and lied about (v. 18). It sounds like he had just received the worst job review of his life.
David did what we all can do when we receive bad news—he sang. He was not in denial. He was in pain. His psalm was a song of affirmation and confidence in God. He knew the source of his strength; it was the Lord God. He proclaimed (in verse 14), “I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.”
In his sermon, “My Times Are in Thy Hand,” C.H. Spurgeon observed that “the Psalmist now stays him-self upon a grand old doctrine, one of the most wonderful that was ever revealed to men…he had no fear as to his circumstances, since all things were in the divine hand.”
How comforting is that? Major, I would say. What “times” were included in David’s song? Take your pick; they all were there. They included his highs and lows…his health (or lack of it)…his family… his wealth (or lack of it)…his security (or lack of it)…his enemies…his friends and former friends…his supporters and those who conspired against him…the honorable and the wicked—virtually everything and everyone in his life were in the hands of God.
Apply David’s psalm to your life. Affirm that it is not fate or chance, but God who arranges for the events of your life to unfold. Declare that God is your rock and fortress. Commit all of your “times” to God. Pray the prayer that David prayed in verse 5—the same prayer that was voiced in part by Jesus when he was dying on the Cross:
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.”
Spurgeon continued, “If our lives were not appointed of heaven, we should wish they were. If there were no overruling Providence , we would crave for one. We would merge our own wills in the will of the great God and cry, ‘Not as we will, but as thou wilt.’ It would be a hideous thought to us if any one point of our life-story were left to chance, or to the frivolities of our own fancy; but with joyful hope we fall back upon the eternal foresight and the infallible wisdom of God, and cry, ‘Thou shalt choose our inheritance for us.’”
One of the great hymns written by William F. Lloyd sums up the thinking of the Psalmist:
My times are in Thy hand; My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave—Entirely to Thy care.
My times are in Thy hand; Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright—As best may seem to Thee.
My times are in Thy hand; Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause—His child a needless tear.
My times are in Thy hand; Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced—are now my guard and guide.
My times are in Thy hand, I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand—I shall forever be.
Wherever you are in your pilgrimage with God, make this hymn-prayer yours. Beginning today.
~ Tom Barnard
David did what we all can do when we receive bad news—he sang. He was not in denial. He was in pain. His psalm was a song of affirmation and confidence in God. He knew the source of his strength; it was the Lord God. He proclaimed (in verse 14), “I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.”
In his sermon, “My Times Are in Thy Hand,” C.H. Spurgeon observed that “the Psalmist now stays him-self upon a grand old doctrine, one of the most wonderful that was ever revealed to men…he had no fear as to his circumstances, since all things were in the divine hand.”
How comforting is that? Major, I would say. What “times” were included in David’s song? Take your pick; they all were there. They included his highs and lows…his health (or lack of it)…his family… his wealth (or lack of it)…his security (or lack of it)…his enemies…his friends and former friends…his supporters and those who conspired against him…the honorable and the wicked—virtually everything and everyone in his life were in the hands of God.
Apply David’s psalm to your life. Affirm that it is not fate or chance, but God who arranges for the events of your life to unfold. Declare that God is your rock and fortress. Commit all of your “times” to God. Pray the prayer that David prayed in verse 5—the same prayer that was voiced in part by Jesus when he was dying on the Cross:
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.”
Spurgeon continued, “If our lives were not appointed of heaven, we should wish they were. If there were no overruling Providence , we would crave for one. We would merge our own wills in the will of the great God and cry, ‘Not as we will, but as thou wilt.’ It would be a hideous thought to us if any one point of our life-story were left to chance, or to the frivolities of our own fancy; but with joyful hope we fall back upon the eternal foresight and the infallible wisdom of God, and cry, ‘Thou shalt choose our inheritance for us.’”
One of the great hymns written by William F. Lloyd sums up the thinking of the Psalmist:
My times are in Thy hand; My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave—Entirely to Thy care.
My times are in Thy hand; Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright—As best may seem to Thee.
My times are in Thy hand; Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause—His child a needless tear.
My times are in Thy hand; Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced—are now my guard and guide.
My times are in Thy hand, I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand—I shall forever be.
Wherever you are in your pilgrimage with God, make this hymn-prayer yours. Beginning today.
~ Tom Barnard
Friday, January 19, 2007
Some thoughts...
Jesus told us 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you.' (Heb 13:5) This is true of born again Christians for eternity. But we all go through periods (sometimes prolonged) where his presence doesn't seem with us. Its not that he isn't with us, it just doesn't seem like he is. He is trying to teach us the nature of faith. That faith is not based on our feelings or our sense of his presence, but his character and truth which never changes.
We should not be surprised by the presence of God coming and going.. Look at King David, a 'man after God's own heart', and read his psalms. Often you find him crying out not knowing where God is, and not understanding why God is so silent. He had great highs and awesome fellowship with God, but he also had terrible lows where God seemed nowhere. God used them both.
What is the offering that God wants today? He wants us to offer ourselves.'Therefore, I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is your spiritual service of worship.' (Rom 12:1) So that is what people do, but its done with "self" sitting in the offering room in the temple. We offer him our abilities and strengths. We consecrate ourselves and re-surrender time and time again but it only amounts to offering up the old man because we have forgotten one very important principle. And that is, that we are to offer and 'present ourselves to God as those alive from the dead.' (Rom 6:13) If self is sitting in the temple we will seek to by-pass the death sentence on ourselves and offer God our natural strength. The offering that God accepts is as one alive from the dead. Recognising that we died with Christ and have no strength in ourselves, we offer to God our bodies to live in and through.
Even Faithful from Pilgrim's Progress was tempted to go after the Old Man (our self nature) ..But please look at what happened after he had been talking to the Old Man. It's long but I have to write the whole thing!
Christian: Did you meet with any other assault as you traveled? Faithful: When I came to the hill of difficulty, I met a very aged man who asked me who I was and where I was going. I told him that I was a pilgrim going to the Celestial City. Then he said "You look like an honest fellow; would you be content to live with me for the wages I shall give you?" Then I asked him his name and where he lived. He said his name was the First Adam and that he lived in the town of Deceit. I asked him then what kind of work he had and what wages he would pay.He told me that his work contained many delights and for my wages I should be his heir. I asked him what kind of house he had and what other servants. So he told me that his house contained all the delicious things in the world and his servants were his children. He said he had but three daughters: The Lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and that I could marry them all if I liked. Then I asked him how long he wanted me to live with him, and he said as long as he himself lived. At first I was somewhat inclined to go with this man... but looking at his forehead as I talked with him, I saw written "Put off the old man with his deeds." Christian: And then what? Faithful: I told him that he could quit talking for I would not come near the door of his house. Then he reviled me and told me he would send one after me who would make my way miserable...Now when I had got about half way up, I looked behind and saw someone coming after me swift as the wind...As soon as the man overtook me, he knocked me down. When I came to myself I asked him why he had treated me so. He said "Because of your secret interest in the First Adam."
I'm not trying to be a moaner here. It's just that Jesus was the ultimate non-showman. He didn't 'perform' for people or try to win them at any cost. When he became popular and they wanted to make him king, he withdrew and walked away by himself. (John 6:15). When many decided not to follow him anymore, his reaction was 'for this reason I said to you that nobody can come to me unless it is granted him from the Father.' (John 6:65) He didn't play on people's emotions or pressure them into following him. He said and did what he heard the Father saying and doing, and let truth pierce the heart.
Ok, so even a trickster could lead someone to Christ and the salvation would be genuine because God looks at the heart of the person coming to him. But he's even more likely to be a contributing factor in the 80-90% fall away rate that American evangelists now ACCEPT, through crusades and local church preaching. (Ray Comfort - Hells Best Kept Secret.)
The number one reason the law was given. To show a fallen race that they desperately need a savior. And how it does it is by showing, exposing, & increasing our sin. Rom 5:20 'The Law was added so that sin would INCREASE.' Rom 7:7 'I would not have come to know what sin was except through the law...but sin, taking the opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind.' 1Cor 15:56 'The sting of death is sin, and THE POWER OF SIN IS THE LAW!' If you read the Bible as a list of rules and laws, of course you will try to keep them, and of course you'll end up using your own strength, and of course Moses will whack you!
I've heard some good sermons on guarding the tongue and watching what it says. Usually from James (uh, the book, not the speaker.). All about how it can cause fires or steer ships or something. Anyway, that's all true, but guarding what comes out of your mouth is not where it's at. The problem is much deeper and much worse! What kind of victory is it to be fuming inside, but to keep it down by biting your tongue? Isn't the true problem the attitudes and thoughts of the heart? That's where the cleansing is needed.
It’s easy to deal with outward sins, trying to pick them off one by one, and forget about the source of those sins. This cleansing dealt to the person of Tobiah. Watchman Nee gave the best example of this that I can remember (hope I can!) Lets say you got fed up with all the alcohol in the city and decided to get rid off it all. Well, you go from house to house, finding and smashing all the bottles, determined to get on top of the situation. The problem is, that while you are going from house to house, the local factory is producing more and more bottles! If you don't go to the source of the problem (the factory) you are wasting your time! The Apostle Paul made a wonderful discovery that finally set him free. He found out that he was the problem! (Rom 7:24-25) And if he was the problem, then he couldn't be the answer. He then discovered 2 things: that the law of the Spirit of life can set you free from the law of sin and death. And that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8.1-2)
We should not be surprised by the presence of God coming and going.. Look at King David, a 'man after God's own heart', and read his psalms. Often you find him crying out not knowing where God is, and not understanding why God is so silent. He had great highs and awesome fellowship with God, but he also had terrible lows where God seemed nowhere. God used them both.
What is the offering that God wants today? He wants us to offer ourselves.'Therefore, I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is your spiritual service of worship.' (Rom 12:1) So that is what people do, but its done with "self" sitting in the offering room in the temple. We offer him our abilities and strengths. We consecrate ourselves and re-surrender time and time again but it only amounts to offering up the old man because we have forgotten one very important principle. And that is, that we are to offer and 'present ourselves to God as those alive from the dead.' (Rom 6:13) If self is sitting in the temple we will seek to by-pass the death sentence on ourselves and offer God our natural strength. The offering that God accepts is as one alive from the dead. Recognising that we died with Christ and have no strength in ourselves, we offer to God our bodies to live in and through.
Even Faithful from Pilgrim's Progress was tempted to go after the Old Man (our self nature) ..But please look at what happened after he had been talking to the Old Man. It's long but I have to write the whole thing!
Christian: Did you meet with any other assault as you traveled? Faithful: When I came to the hill of difficulty, I met a very aged man who asked me who I was and where I was going. I told him that I was a pilgrim going to the Celestial City. Then he said "You look like an honest fellow; would you be content to live with me for the wages I shall give you?" Then I asked him his name and where he lived. He said his name was the First Adam and that he lived in the town of Deceit. I asked him then what kind of work he had and what wages he would pay.He told me that his work contained many delights and for my wages I should be his heir. I asked him what kind of house he had and what other servants. So he told me that his house contained all the delicious things in the world and his servants were his children. He said he had but three daughters: The Lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and that I could marry them all if I liked. Then I asked him how long he wanted me to live with him, and he said as long as he himself lived. At first I was somewhat inclined to go with this man... but looking at his forehead as I talked with him, I saw written "Put off the old man with his deeds." Christian: And then what? Faithful: I told him that he could quit talking for I would not come near the door of his house. Then he reviled me and told me he would send one after me who would make my way miserable...Now when I had got about half way up, I looked behind and saw someone coming after me swift as the wind...As soon as the man overtook me, he knocked me down. When I came to myself I asked him why he had treated me so. He said "Because of your secret interest in the First Adam."
I'm not trying to be a moaner here. It's just that Jesus was the ultimate non-showman. He didn't 'perform' for people or try to win them at any cost. When he became popular and they wanted to make him king, he withdrew and walked away by himself. (John 6:15). When many decided not to follow him anymore, his reaction was 'for this reason I said to you that nobody can come to me unless it is granted him from the Father.' (John 6:65) He didn't play on people's emotions or pressure them into following him. He said and did what he heard the Father saying and doing, and let truth pierce the heart.
Ok, so even a trickster could lead someone to Christ and the salvation would be genuine because God looks at the heart of the person coming to him. But he's even more likely to be a contributing factor in the 80-90% fall away rate that American evangelists now ACCEPT, through crusades and local church preaching. (Ray Comfort - Hells Best Kept Secret.)
The number one reason the law was given. To show a fallen race that they desperately need a savior. And how it does it is by showing, exposing, & increasing our sin. Rom 5:20 'The Law was added so that sin would INCREASE.' Rom 7:7 'I would not have come to know what sin was except through the law...but sin, taking the opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind.' 1Cor 15:56 'The sting of death is sin, and THE POWER OF SIN IS THE LAW!' If you read the Bible as a list of rules and laws, of course you will try to keep them, and of course you'll end up using your own strength, and of course Moses will whack you!
I've heard some good sermons on guarding the tongue and watching what it says. Usually from James (uh, the book, not the speaker.). All about how it can cause fires or steer ships or something. Anyway, that's all true, but guarding what comes out of your mouth is not where it's at. The problem is much deeper and much worse! What kind of victory is it to be fuming inside, but to keep it down by biting your tongue? Isn't the true problem the attitudes and thoughts of the heart? That's where the cleansing is needed.
It’s easy to deal with outward sins, trying to pick them off one by one, and forget about the source of those sins. This cleansing dealt to the person of Tobiah. Watchman Nee gave the best example of this that I can remember (hope I can!) Lets say you got fed up with all the alcohol in the city and decided to get rid off it all. Well, you go from house to house, finding and smashing all the bottles, determined to get on top of the situation. The problem is, that while you are going from house to house, the local factory is producing more and more bottles! If you don't go to the source of the problem (the factory) you are wasting your time! The Apostle Paul made a wonderful discovery that finally set him free. He found out that he was the problem! (Rom 7:24-25) And if he was the problem, then he couldn't be the answer. He then discovered 2 things: that the law of the Spirit of life can set you free from the law of sin and death. And that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8.1-2)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
GOD HAS NO GRANDCHILDREN
To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to his it is sin. James 4:17
Gibbon describes the degeneration of Christianity under the Greek scholars of the 10th century, who handled the literature and spoke the language of the spiritual but knew not the life: "They held in their lifeless hands the riches of their fathers without inheriting the spirit which had created and imparted that sacred patrimony. They read; they praised; they compiled; but their languid souls seemed alike incapable of thought and action."
The Pharisees of Jesus' day handled the things of God, read the Scriptures, faithfully kept the letter of the law, were painstakingly separated from sinners. But the publicans and harlots went into the Kingdom before them.
To have grown up in a Christian home and in a church, early fluent in the speech of the Kingdom, familiar with its subjects and observing its practices, yet never a citizen, produces a type of sinner often harder to awaken than the most ignorant heathen. Truth long heard and not acted upon means awful self-deception (James 1:22).
Second generations do not inherit salvation. God has no grandchildren.
Vance Havner
Gibbon describes the degeneration of Christianity under the Greek scholars of the 10th century, who handled the literature and spoke the language of the spiritual but knew not the life: "They held in their lifeless hands the riches of their fathers without inheriting the spirit which had created and imparted that sacred patrimony. They read; they praised; they compiled; but their languid souls seemed alike incapable of thought and action."
The Pharisees of Jesus' day handled the things of God, read the Scriptures, faithfully kept the letter of the law, were painstakingly separated from sinners. But the publicans and harlots went into the Kingdom before them.
To have grown up in a Christian home and in a church, early fluent in the speech of the Kingdom, familiar with its subjects and observing its practices, yet never a citizen, produces a type of sinner often harder to awaken than the most ignorant heathen. Truth long heard and not acted upon means awful self-deception (James 1:22).
Second generations do not inherit salvation. God has no grandchildren.
Vance Havner
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Foundation Stands - 2 Timothy 2:16-21
"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:16-21, KJV).
In verse 19 of this text there is an important lesson for everybody, especially Christians who may be discouraged or disillusioned. In order to bring out this lesson we must become familiar with the context.
The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to "shun profane and vain babblings." Any irreverent talk or conversation that would lead to ungodliness (express irreverence toward Deity), Timothy was to avoid. "But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness," (verse 16).
In verse 17, Paul made Timothy aware of the cancerous influence of such babblings. This time, by naming two men who were guilty of this. "And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some." So, Timothy was to avoid (shun) the kind of vain babblings that came from these kind of people.
It must have been distressing then (for we know it is today) - when men like Hymenaeus and Philetus do their evil deeds and overthrow the faith of some. It can discourage and dishearten. But, here's where verse 19 cones in: "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity'."
By giving in to temptation, individual members of the house of God fall into sin; they dishonor themselves and place their souls in eternal peril. BUT, THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDS! It is neither weakened nor destroyed by the back-slidings of men! And, it doesn't matter how many individuals you witness who fall into iniquity. STILL, the firm foundation of God stands. The apparent success of false teachers, wicked men and unbelievers IS NOT EVIDENCE THAT GOD'S PLAN OR GOD'S HOUSE HAS FAILED!
This is the lesson we need to remember. We know (because the New Testament says it, and we see it) - that there will be false teachers to arise from within the church; that there will be men who delight in creating strife; the faith of some will be overthrown, and some will turn away their ears from sound doctrine. We know things like this will happen. But Paul assures Timothy (and us) that THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH! If you are a faithful child of God, you
belong to a building that has a firm, indestructible foundation! Even if men like Hymenaeus and Philetus arose every hour - STILL, the firm foundation stands. The house of God (the church) has been "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone," (Eph. 2:20). THIS IS THE BUILDING YOU ARE A PART OF!
So, when we observe apostasy; when we see weakness and sin and hear profane babblings - let us be concerned for the souls in danger...let us do what we can...let us carry out whatever scriptural actions are called for...but LET US NEVER THINK THAT THE FOUNDATION IS CRUMBLING! It stands. "We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken," (Heb. 13:28).
It was the practice back then, to engrave on the foundation stone of a building, some statement about the origin or purpose of the structure. We see this in Rev. 21:14, where the names of the apostles were written on the twelve foundations of the city of God. This same figure
is adapted by Paul in this passage.
First, An Inscription Of Assurance: "THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS!"
There are so many "bench-warmers" and "time-servers;" so many false teachers and vain babblers - we may have some difficulty separating the good from the bad; hypocrites may deceive us. The Lord has no such problem. He "knows those who are His," (Num. 16:5). God is able to distinguish between His real people, and impostors.
Second, An Inscription Of Duty: "LET EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF CHRIST DEPART FROM INIQUITY!"
If we want to be known by the Lord as one of His faithful people, let us shun profane babblings; let us shun those things that further ungodliness...LET US DEPART FROM INIQUITY. Many others may fall into sin, but if we will continually depart from iniquity - we know we shall be saved, for THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDS.
Daily, let us cleanse ourselves from dishonor, that we might be vessels for honor, "sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work," knowing that we stand upon an indestructible, firm foundation.
In verse 19 of this text there is an important lesson for everybody, especially Christians who may be discouraged or disillusioned. In order to bring out this lesson we must become familiar with the context.
The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to "shun profane and vain babblings." Any irreverent talk or conversation that would lead to ungodliness (express irreverence toward Deity), Timothy was to avoid. "But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness," (verse 16).
In verse 17, Paul made Timothy aware of the cancerous influence of such babblings. This time, by naming two men who were guilty of this. "And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some." So, Timothy was to avoid (shun) the kind of vain babblings that came from these kind of people.
It must have been distressing then (for we know it is today) - when men like Hymenaeus and Philetus do their evil deeds and overthrow the faith of some. It can discourage and dishearten. But, here's where verse 19 cones in: "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity'."
By giving in to temptation, individual members of the house of God fall into sin; they dishonor themselves and place their souls in eternal peril. BUT, THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDS! It is neither weakened nor destroyed by the back-slidings of men! And, it doesn't matter how many individuals you witness who fall into iniquity. STILL, the firm foundation of God stands. The apparent success of false teachers, wicked men and unbelievers IS NOT EVIDENCE THAT GOD'S PLAN OR GOD'S HOUSE HAS FAILED!
This is the lesson we need to remember. We know (because the New Testament says it, and we see it) - that there will be false teachers to arise from within the church; that there will be men who delight in creating strife; the faith of some will be overthrown, and some will turn away their ears from sound doctrine. We know things like this will happen. But Paul assures Timothy (and us) that THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH! If you are a faithful child of God, you
belong to a building that has a firm, indestructible foundation! Even if men like Hymenaeus and Philetus arose every hour - STILL, the firm foundation stands. The house of God (the church) has been "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone," (Eph. 2:20). THIS IS THE BUILDING YOU ARE A PART OF!
So, when we observe apostasy; when we see weakness and sin and hear profane babblings - let us be concerned for the souls in danger...let us do what we can...let us carry out whatever scriptural actions are called for...but LET US NEVER THINK THAT THE FOUNDATION IS CRUMBLING! It stands. "We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken," (Heb. 13:28).
It was the practice back then, to engrave on the foundation stone of a building, some statement about the origin or purpose of the structure. We see this in Rev. 21:14, where the names of the apostles were written on the twelve foundations of the city of God. This same figure
is adapted by Paul in this passage.
First, An Inscription Of Assurance: "THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS!"
There are so many "bench-warmers" and "time-servers;" so many false teachers and vain babblers - we may have some difficulty separating the good from the bad; hypocrites may deceive us. The Lord has no such problem. He "knows those who are His," (Num. 16:5). God is able to distinguish between His real people, and impostors.
Second, An Inscription Of Duty: "LET EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF CHRIST DEPART FROM INIQUITY!"
If we want to be known by the Lord as one of His faithful people, let us shun profane babblings; let us shun those things that further ungodliness...LET US DEPART FROM INIQUITY. Many others may fall into sin, but if we will continually depart from iniquity - we know we shall be saved, for THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDS.
Daily, let us cleanse ourselves from dishonor, that we might be vessels for honor, "sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work," knowing that we stand upon an indestructible, firm foundation.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Not Quite Alone
—Dale Ralph Davis (1944 – )
For Caleb the devotion of faith required courage, a willingness to stand alone, to go against the grain. The devotion of faith led to the isolation of faith. Such is often the case. The Christian teenager knows what this is like, when he or she must go against the moral-ethical flow of high-school culture. The Christian executive who tells his superior that he must either resign or be transferred to another department, because he refuses to line up prostitutes for the company’s weekend visitors—that man knows this loneliness. Even pastors know a good bit of this. So you have the gall, along with the other elders, to place someone under church discipline? You may seek to follow the Lord completely and at the same time reduce church membership. God’s people then must be prepared, for devoted faith frequently means lonely faith. And yet when Paul alluded to his first defense and lamented that “everyone deserted me,” he added in the next breath, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” (2 Tim. 4:16-17, NIV).
For Caleb the devotion of faith required courage, a willingness to stand alone, to go against the grain. The devotion of faith led to the isolation of faith. Such is often the case. The Christian teenager knows what this is like, when he or she must go against the moral-ethical flow of high-school culture. The Christian executive who tells his superior that he must either resign or be transferred to another department, because he refuses to line up prostitutes for the company’s weekend visitors—that man knows this loneliness. Even pastors know a good bit of this. So you have the gall, along with the other elders, to place someone under church discipline? You may seek to follow the Lord completely and at the same time reduce church membership. God’s people then must be prepared, for devoted faith frequently means lonely faith. And yet when Paul alluded to his first defense and lamented that “everyone deserted me,” he added in the next breath, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” (2 Tim. 4:16-17, NIV).
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The hardest words
in the world to say are,
"Will you forgive me?"
"I was wrong. Will you forgive me?" These words humble us. They also heal us and those we have harmed. They empower where it matters . . . in heavenly places. Should the offended one refuse to forgive you, graciously accept the refusal and continue to pray and forgive.
When we go to those we have harmed and sincerely ask for forgiveness and they refuse, we are forgiven by the Lord. We are loosed. It then becomes an issue between God and the one who refused to forgive. The operative word for us who are asking for forgiveness is "sincerely".
Forgiving Others
When someone does not realize or refuses to admit they have done anything wrong, we can forgive them in prayer to the Lord. Neither is it always necessary to confront someone who is unaware they have offended us with the wrong suffered nor tell them directly that we forgive them. If, however, after we pray we are still offended and struggling, then it is best to go to them. When all else fails, don't fail to communicate. And be gracious and kind about it.
It is important to make every attempt to resolve hurts with others whenever it is possible. This is usually done face-to-face.
Can I hold someone in bondage by my unforgiveness? Can someone hold me in bondage with theirs? No. No one walking in forgiveness can be held in bondage to anyone else. If, however, I am walking in unforgiveness, it's as if I'm walking around with a bull's eye on my back. I'm fair game for all outlaws and bounty hunters.
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
Forgiveness is the key to the prison door, and this lock opens from the inside. Forgiveness opens the prison door for me. At the same time it opens it for the one I forgive. If someone refuses to forgive me, I still have the key to my prison door. When I forgive another for their judgment against me, the prison door swings open and I go free.
Forgiveness is redemptive. As children of God, when we forgive, His redemption flows through us. We are trophies of God's redemption, and we are agents of God's redemption in the world. Spread it around!!!
I see the power of forgiveness in my life. I see it in the lives of hundreds of people every time I teach this vital message. Once we take hold of it and witness the changes it makes in us and those around us, mercy and forgiveness become a passionate desire instead of a wearisome and painful duty.
Jesus took God's wrath for sin upon Himself as He hung on the cross. He shed His blood to pay the price for every sin (Ephesians 1:7). All we have to do is believe and forgive. Even for those who believe, forgiveness is not an easy step to take, nor is it finished when we make the choice to forgive. It has only begun.
Once I understood the price we pay for unforgiveness—my own torment—and the iniquities passed down to my children, grand- children and great-grandchildren—and once I understood the power of forgiveness—the breaking of the patterns of behavior and the strongholds in the family to a thousand generations—I could not wait to get on with it.
Our nation needs to get on with it. Certainly the body of Christ needs to get on with it.
Forgiveness is the key to the prison door.
Tears Cleanse the Pain of our Heartaches, Disappointments and Broken Dreams
Repentance and godly sorrow are companions. We can't have one without the other.
"For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
The word "sorrow" in the Greek means heaviness, mourning and grief. This godly heaviness, mourning and grief produces repentance.
Repentance is not a choice, it is a fruit borne out of our griefs and sorrows in the presence of the Lord. Repentance isn't merely sorrow for our sins. Repentance doesn't just indicate a change of mind or a desire to change our mind. Repentance is a turning to God, and we can never turn to God and remain the same.
God transforms our souls in the midst of repentance. This repentance leads to salvation, which means "healing, wholeness and deliverance". The tears that have been begging to brim over all of our lives are the key to our healing. This is exactly what God created tears for—to brim over—to bring healing.
When we have not fought back our tears, we have shed them with shame because we did not understand their place in God's plan. That shame has created more pain and nullified the potential for healing.
Here is an important key. We know forgiveness takes place when we make that decision. Healing of our wounds, pain and disappoint- ment takes place in the brokenness of tears and repentance (turning to God).
Lord, so many offenses, so much unforgiveness, so much judgment. Where do I begin? Help me sort all of this out. Bring to my mind those against whom I am holding judgments, especially parents and other early authority figures. Also quicken to me those I have wounded. Make me a minister of reconciliation in my family, your church, our nation and your world. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
We know we are free
when our pain is gone.
Yes, it will go!
in the world to say are,
"Will you forgive me?"
"I was wrong. Will you forgive me?" These words humble us. They also heal us and those we have harmed. They empower where it matters . . . in heavenly places. Should the offended one refuse to forgive you, graciously accept the refusal and continue to pray and forgive.
When we go to those we have harmed and sincerely ask for forgiveness and they refuse, we are forgiven by the Lord. We are loosed. It then becomes an issue between God and the one who refused to forgive. The operative word for us who are asking for forgiveness is "sincerely".
Forgiving Others
When someone does not realize or refuses to admit they have done anything wrong, we can forgive them in prayer to the Lord. Neither is it always necessary to confront someone who is unaware they have offended us with the wrong suffered nor tell them directly that we forgive them. If, however, after we pray we are still offended and struggling, then it is best to go to them. When all else fails, don't fail to communicate. And be gracious and kind about it.
It is important to make every attempt to resolve hurts with others whenever it is possible. This is usually done face-to-face.
Can I hold someone in bondage by my unforgiveness? Can someone hold me in bondage with theirs? No. No one walking in forgiveness can be held in bondage to anyone else. If, however, I am walking in unforgiveness, it's as if I'm walking around with a bull's eye on my back. I'm fair game for all outlaws and bounty hunters.
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
Forgiveness is the key to the prison door, and this lock opens from the inside. Forgiveness opens the prison door for me. At the same time it opens it for the one I forgive. If someone refuses to forgive me, I still have the key to my prison door. When I forgive another for their judgment against me, the prison door swings open and I go free.
Forgiveness is redemptive. As children of God, when we forgive, His redemption flows through us. We are trophies of God's redemption, and we are agents of God's redemption in the world. Spread it around!!!
I see the power of forgiveness in my life. I see it in the lives of hundreds of people every time I teach this vital message. Once we take hold of it and witness the changes it makes in us and those around us, mercy and forgiveness become a passionate desire instead of a wearisome and painful duty.
Jesus took God's wrath for sin upon Himself as He hung on the cross. He shed His blood to pay the price for every sin (Ephesians 1:7). All we have to do is believe and forgive. Even for those who believe, forgiveness is not an easy step to take, nor is it finished when we make the choice to forgive. It has only begun.
Once I understood the price we pay for unforgiveness—my own torment—and the iniquities passed down to my children, grand- children and great-grandchildren—and once I understood the power of forgiveness—the breaking of the patterns of behavior and the strongholds in the family to a thousand generations—I could not wait to get on with it.
Our nation needs to get on with it. Certainly the body of Christ needs to get on with it.
Forgiveness is the key to the prison door.
Tears Cleanse the Pain of our Heartaches, Disappointments and Broken Dreams
Repentance and godly sorrow are companions. We can't have one without the other.
"For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
The word "sorrow" in the Greek means heaviness, mourning and grief. This godly heaviness, mourning and grief produces repentance.
Repentance is not a choice, it is a fruit borne out of our griefs and sorrows in the presence of the Lord. Repentance isn't merely sorrow for our sins. Repentance doesn't just indicate a change of mind or a desire to change our mind. Repentance is a turning to God, and we can never turn to God and remain the same.
God transforms our souls in the midst of repentance. This repentance leads to salvation, which means "healing, wholeness and deliverance". The tears that have been begging to brim over all of our lives are the key to our healing. This is exactly what God created tears for—to brim over—to bring healing.
When we have not fought back our tears, we have shed them with shame because we did not understand their place in God's plan. That shame has created more pain and nullified the potential for healing.
Here is an important key. We know forgiveness takes place when we make that decision. Healing of our wounds, pain and disappoint- ment takes place in the brokenness of tears and repentance (turning to God).
Lord, so many offenses, so much unforgiveness, so much judgment. Where do I begin? Help me sort all of this out. Bring to my mind those against whom I am holding judgments, especially parents and other early authority figures. Also quicken to me those I have wounded. Make me a minister of reconciliation in my family, your church, our nation and your world. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
We know we are free
when our pain is gone.
Yes, it will go!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Repentance..again??
Repentance Begins in the Church—Dwight L. Moody (1837 – 1899)
I firmly believe that the Church of God will have to confess her own sins, before there can be any great work of grace. There must be a deeper work among God’s believing people. I sometimes think it is about time to give up preaching to the ungodly, and preach to those who confess to be Christians. If we had a higher standard of life in the Church of God, there would be thousands more flocking into the Kingdom. So it was in the past; when God’s believing children turned away from their sins and their idols, the fear of God fell upon the people round about. Take up the history of Israel, and you will find that when they put away their strange gods, God visited the nation, and there came a mighty work of grace . . . The judgment of God must begin with us.
If . . . confession of sin is deep among believers, it will be so among the ungodly also. I never knew it to fail. I am now anxious that God should revive His work.
I firmly believe that the Church of God will have to confess her own sins, before there can be any great work of grace. There must be a deeper work among God’s believing people. I sometimes think it is about time to give up preaching to the ungodly, and preach to those who confess to be Christians. If we had a higher standard of life in the Church of God, there would be thousands more flocking into the Kingdom. So it was in the past; when God’s believing children turned away from their sins and their idols, the fear of God fell upon the people round about. Take up the history of Israel, and you will find that when they put away their strange gods, God visited the nation, and there came a mighty work of grace . . . The judgment of God must begin with us.
If . . . confession of sin is deep among believers, it will be so among the ungodly also. I never knew it to fail. I am now anxious that God should revive His work.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
More poision..
2 Timothy 2:14-26 (The Message)
Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as POISON in the soul. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples, throwing believers off stride and missing the truth by a mile by saying the resurrection is over and done with.
Meanwhile, God's firm foundation is as firm as ever, these sentences engraved on the stones:
god knows who belongs to him.
spurn evil, all you who name god as god.
In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as POISON in the soul. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples, throwing believers off stride and missing the truth by a mile by saying the resurrection is over and done with.
Meanwhile, God's firm foundation is as firm as ever, these sentences engraved on the stones:
god knows who belongs to him.
spurn evil, all you who name god as god.
In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Power of Words..
James 3:4-6 (The Message)
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
With this in mind, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to put a reign on our tongues that can be like poison .. also remembering that words can be written and still have the same impact...Psalm 140:3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips
poi·son
–noun 1. a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.
2. something harmful or pernicious, as to happiness or well-being: the poison of slander.
3. Slang. any variety of alcoholic liquor: Name your poison!
–verb (used with object) 4. to administer poison to (a person or animal).
5. to kill or injure with or as if with poison.
6. to put poison into or upon; saturate with poison: to poison food.
7. to ruin, vitiate, or corrupt: Hatred had poisoned his mind.
8. Chemistry. to destroy or diminish the activity of (a catalyst or enzyme).
–adjective 9. causing poisoning; poisonous: a poison shrub.
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
With this in mind, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to put a reign on our tongues that can be like poison .. also remembering that words can be written and still have the same impact...Psalm 140:3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips
poi·son
–noun 1. a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.
2. something harmful or pernicious, as to happiness or well-being: the poison of slander.
3. Slang. any variety of alcoholic liquor: Name your poison!
–verb (used with object) 4. to administer poison to (a person or animal).
5. to kill or injure with or as if with poison.
6. to put poison into or upon; saturate with poison: to poison food.
7. to ruin, vitiate, or corrupt: Hatred had poisoned his mind.
8. Chemistry. to destroy or diminish the activity of (a catalyst or enzyme).
–adjective 9. causing poisoning; poisonous: a poison shrub.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
A Heart Without Idols
(an exerpt from Francis Frangipane)
When we first come to Jesus, He accepts us just as we are: problems, sins, and all. As our needs are met, however, we gradually discover that God is seeking something from our lives. What He seeks is our worship. But true worship is the consequence, the result, of seeing God as He is. It springs naturally from a soul purified by love; it rises like incense from a heart without idols.
Christ does not personally destroy the idols of sin and self within us. Rather, He points to them and tells us to destroy them. This message is about repentance. If you withdraw from the sound of that word, it is because you need a fresh cleansing of your soul. In fact, we are talking about a type of repentance that is uncommon to those who only seek forgiveness but not change. We are speaking of deep repentance - a vigilant, contrite attitude that refuses to allow sin or self to become an idol in our hearts.
In Exodus we see Christ's view of idols. He warns,
"Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, lest it become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim - for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:12-14).
There are many aspects to the nature of Christ. He is the Good Shepherd, our Deliverer, and our Healer. We perceive God through the filter of our need of Him. And thus He has ordained, for He Himself is our one answer to a thousand needs.
But how does Jesus see us? Looking through His eyes, the church is His bride: bone of His bones and flesh of His flesh (Eph. 5:22-32). He has not saved us so we can live for ourselves again; He has saved us for Himself (Col. 1:16). True salvation is a betrothal. He purifies us for our marriage. From His perspective, our independent ways are idolatrous. They kindle the fires of His jealousy.
An idol is not an occasional sin; it is something that rules us and makes us its slave. For some, fear is an idol; for others it is lust; for still others it is rebellion or pride. Whatever challenges Jesus' right to our hearts becomes His enemy, which He will confront. Because of His jealousy toward us as His bride, in regard to these false gods, the Lord demands we destroy these idols ourselves.
When we first come to Jesus, He accepts us just as we are: problems, sins, and all. As our needs are met, however, we gradually discover that God is seeking something from our lives. What He seeks is our worship. But true worship is the consequence, the result, of seeing God as He is. It springs naturally from a soul purified by love; it rises like incense from a heart without idols.
Christ does not personally destroy the idols of sin and self within us. Rather, He points to them and tells us to destroy them. This message is about repentance. If you withdraw from the sound of that word, it is because you need a fresh cleansing of your soul. In fact, we are talking about a type of repentance that is uncommon to those who only seek forgiveness but not change. We are speaking of deep repentance - a vigilant, contrite attitude that refuses to allow sin or self to become an idol in our hearts.
In Exodus we see Christ's view of idols. He warns,
"Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, lest it become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim - for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:12-14).
There are many aspects to the nature of Christ. He is the Good Shepherd, our Deliverer, and our Healer. We perceive God through the filter of our need of Him. And thus He has ordained, for He Himself is our one answer to a thousand needs.
But how does Jesus see us? Looking through His eyes, the church is His bride: bone of His bones and flesh of His flesh (Eph. 5:22-32). He has not saved us so we can live for ourselves again; He has saved us for Himself (Col. 1:16). True salvation is a betrothal. He purifies us for our marriage. From His perspective, our independent ways are idolatrous. They kindle the fires of His jealousy.
An idol is not an occasional sin; it is something that rules us and makes us its slave. For some, fear is an idol; for others it is lust; for still others it is rebellion or pride. Whatever challenges Jesus' right to our hearts becomes His enemy, which He will confront. Because of His jealousy toward us as His bride, in regard to these false gods, the Lord demands we destroy these idols ourselves.
This is a keeper!
I just read this on "Distilled"'s blog and it was so encouraging I'm re-posting it here...
"Consecrate yourselves,
for tomorrow the LORD will do
amazing things among you."
Joshua 3:5
There's something about new years, new months, new days, new seasons and fresh starts. That knowing without a doubt that "the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am totally accepted and forgiven by His never-ever unending love, grace and mercy. This blows me away! And i utterly revel in it...
Several years ago i finally hit the place where there was no other way to go except up or die. I couldn't go on anymore. It was black and it hurt too much. And it may sound strange but i'm grateful for that place because that was where my pain made me into a desperate woman, and desperate people will do desperate things.
God led me to a woman i was acquainted with in church, a woman who i only really knew from a distance but i knew deep inside that i had to talk to her. And so i tentatively reached out to this woman for help, making one of those desperate pacts with myself to be totally real and honest with her no matter the cost to myself. We got together every week for several weeks. I talked. I told her things i had never told anyone else before - ever. I did it, i took the mask off and became real and transparent with her. I learnt to trust, i spoke from my heart and spoke truth about things that i'd never been allowed or able to speak about before. I cried for weeks where i hadn't been able to cry for years. God started to heal my heart. I could never have experienced the healing that God brought into my life at that time in any other way than through that God given flesh and blood relationship where i became real and more me than i had ever been before. The light i walked into there broke the darkness over me. I started to come alive again.
I know a lot about mercy, unconditional acceptance, who i am and my value because of it. I also know a lot about new days and fresh starts... and God's grace. This first week of 2007 isn't what i would have chosen but God is still God. Today it's time to consecrate myself again to the Lord, for tomorrow is a new day...
"Consecrate yourselves,
for tomorrow the LORD will do
amazing things among you."
Joshua 3:5
There's something about new years, new months, new days, new seasons and fresh starts. That knowing without a doubt that "the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am totally accepted and forgiven by His never-ever unending love, grace and mercy. This blows me away! And i utterly revel in it...
Several years ago i finally hit the place where there was no other way to go except up or die. I couldn't go on anymore. It was black and it hurt too much. And it may sound strange but i'm grateful for that place because that was where my pain made me into a desperate woman, and desperate people will do desperate things.
God led me to a woman i was acquainted with in church, a woman who i only really knew from a distance but i knew deep inside that i had to talk to her. And so i tentatively reached out to this woman for help, making one of those desperate pacts with myself to be totally real and honest with her no matter the cost to myself. We got together every week for several weeks. I talked. I told her things i had never told anyone else before - ever. I did it, i took the mask off and became real and transparent with her. I learnt to trust, i spoke from my heart and spoke truth about things that i'd never been allowed or able to speak about before. I cried for weeks where i hadn't been able to cry for years. God started to heal my heart. I could never have experienced the healing that God brought into my life at that time in any other way than through that God given flesh and blood relationship where i became real and more me than i had ever been before. The light i walked into there broke the darkness over me. I started to come alive again.
I know a lot about mercy, unconditional acceptance, who i am and my value because of it. I also know a lot about new days and fresh starts... and God's grace. This first week of 2007 isn't what i would have chosen but God is still God. Today it's time to consecrate myself again to the Lord, for tomorrow is a new day...
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Jesus Mean & Wild Quote
"It is a common expression in some Christian quarters to say, "I want to have the heart of God." The common meaning is, "I want to feel the love and compassion God has for all people." But to have the heart of God - if we really want that - means to feel the brokenness of God as he looks at his creation.
Another sentiment of the Christian life: "I want to be more godly." Another still: "I want to imitate Christ." And on it goes. Nearly every expression begins with the notion that we want to be like Christ, live as he lived, see the world from his perspective. But what we don't usually consider is that living that life means knowing an uncommon grief."
Another sentiment of the Christian life: "I want to be more godly." Another still: "I want to imitate Christ." And on it goes. Nearly every expression begins with the notion that we want to be like Christ, live as he lived, see the world from his perspective. But what we don't usually consider is that living that life means knowing an uncommon grief."
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Note from Kari's blog..thanks!
By compassion we make others’ misery our own
- Sir Thomas Browne
Sinners are led back to God by holy meekness better than by cruel scolding.– Francis
If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.—Jesus
Compassion is the sometimes fatal capacity for feeling what it’s like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too. —Fredrick Buechner
They should be glad to live among the social outcasts, among the poor and helpless, the sick and the lepers, and those who beg by the wayside. —Early Rule of St. Francis
If we don’t except Jesus in one another, we will not be able to give Him to others.—Mother Teresa
Love does not give money, it gives itself. If it gives itself first and a lot of money too, that is all the better. But first it must sacrifice itself.—-Thomas Merton
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.—St. Paul
We can never love our neighbour to much. There isnothing small in the service of God.–St. Francis De Sales
You should bear patiently the bad temper of other people, the slights, the rudeness that may be offered you.—St. John Bosco
Romans 12: 9-21
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil: hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. Do not be slothful in zea, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one for evil, but give thought to what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ” Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” To the contrary, ” if your enemy is hungry , feed him; if he is thirsty , give him something to drink: for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head. ” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Sir Thomas Browne
Sinners are led back to God by holy meekness better than by cruel scolding.– Francis
If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.—Jesus
Compassion is the sometimes fatal capacity for feeling what it’s like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too. —Fredrick Buechner
They should be glad to live among the social outcasts, among the poor and helpless, the sick and the lepers, and those who beg by the wayside. —Early Rule of St. Francis
If we don’t except Jesus in one another, we will not be able to give Him to others.—Mother Teresa
Love does not give money, it gives itself. If it gives itself first and a lot of money too, that is all the better. But first it must sacrifice itself.—-Thomas Merton
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.—St. Paul
We can never love our neighbour to much. There isnothing small in the service of God.–St. Francis De Sales
You should bear patiently the bad temper of other people, the slights, the rudeness that may be offered you.—St. John Bosco
Romans 12: 9-21
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil: hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. Do not be slothful in zea, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one for evil, but give thought to what is honourable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ” Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” To the contrary, ” if your enemy is hungry , feed him; if he is thirsty , give him something to drink: for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head. ” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Odd, but true...
A real Christian is an odd number. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen, talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see, expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another, empties himself in order to be full, admits he is wrong so he cannot be declared right, goes down in order to get up, is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is poorest, and happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, gives away so he can keep, sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge. ~ Tozer
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