There have been three births this past week of close friends. It is such a wonder to me how atheists are forced to explain the miracle of birth. All the intricacy and detail of the infant somehow just occurs I guess as a random event because of evolution. It is amazing to note the human body systems and how they function in sync. The heart and lungs, the liver and intestines, the glands, the brain, spinal column and nervous system all working together for life. To think that there isn't a Creator behind it all is just plain nuts if you ask me. (Not that anybody is asking-ahem).
Psalm 139: 13-16:
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
I used to be an evolutionist but since coming to the Lord I align myself with what the Scripture says is true about our origin. It is far more comforting and frankly sensible to be formed by a Creator God. Random chance leaves me despairing and distressed. These young lives were formed by God and He has a purpose and a plan for each one. Congratulations to the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings and everyone else who will have a part in raising up the children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Showing posts with label Christian Community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Community. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
God's Sovereignty in Community
Today I spent a good part of my time with the children of some good friends. One of the kids and I went for a walk. As we passed houses my younger friend named the neighbors who lived there. she explained how she had met the children in the given home. It was an interesting excursion in the sovereignty of God. She told of how when they first moved to their street one young boy introduced them to many others. I realized the providence of God in all the affairs of men. Nothing happens by chance. All is overseen and accomplished by a living, loving and wise Father in heaven. He governs the universe and all that is in it.
It is a ponderous thought and one quite frankly our finite minds can't quite grasp. Yet the Bible is clear about God's hand in the all the events of mankind. Think about it. He even controls the small things in our lives. He guides those people who come into our lives and also leads them out in His time. Our times are in His hands and no where else. He sets the boundaries of life for us. It is a comforting thought to the believer in Jesus Christ to know that the all wise, all knowing and every where present God is working on our behalf to accomplish that which concerns us. Look around at the community God has placed you in and be grateful to Him for it.
It is a ponderous thought and one quite frankly our finite minds can't quite grasp. Yet the Bible is clear about God's hand in the all the events of mankind. Think about it. He even controls the small things in our lives. He guides those people who come into our lives and also leads them out in His time. Our times are in His hands and no where else. He sets the boundaries of life for us. It is a comforting thought to the believer in Jesus Christ to know that the all wise, all knowing and every where present God is working on our behalf to accomplish that which concerns us. Look around at the community God has placed you in and be grateful to Him for it.
Monday, November 11, 2013
More On High Tech / Low Touch
I worked retail for a couple of months at the customer service desk. When I first started my manager told me "Greet, greet, greet." So I did. I tried to engage everyone one coming in the door. I missed a few which was my bad. (She later told me that just in case I hadn't noticed!). But often I said hello or welcome to someone well engaged in a cell phone conversation.
I guess I can understand the rudeness walking in the door but it really bothered me much more at the checkout counter. To carry on a conversation on the phone when trying to check out is just plain rude. I fear however, we have come to such a thing. A few people would either put the phone person on hold or actually hang up and engage in the checkout process.
I grieve what society is becoming. First we lost the big front porch and the chance it afforded to sit and shoot the breeze with neighbors and friends. Then we lost clothesline in the backyard where women could chat over the fence while hanging the laundry out to dry. Then we lost the single telephone with a busy single when the line was tied up. Does anyone remember party lines? I do. Now we are so engrossed in our cellphone conversations as to ignore the person next to or in front of us. It is a scary thing to depersonalize so much. God created us in His image and as such we are social beings. We need to interact. Next time you are in a store on the phone, hang up. You just might make the cashier's day.
I guess I can understand the rudeness walking in the door but it really bothered me much more at the checkout counter. To carry on a conversation on the phone when trying to check out is just plain rude. I fear however, we have come to such a thing. A few people would either put the phone person on hold or actually hang up and engage in the checkout process.
I grieve what society is becoming. First we lost the big front porch and the chance it afforded to sit and shoot the breeze with neighbors and friends. Then we lost clothesline in the backyard where women could chat over the fence while hanging the laundry out to dry. Then we lost the single telephone with a busy single when the line was tied up. Does anyone remember party lines? I do. Now we are so engrossed in our cellphone conversations as to ignore the person next to or in front of us. It is a scary thing to depersonalize so much. God created us in His image and as such we are social beings. We need to interact. Next time you are in a store on the phone, hang up. You just might make the cashier's day.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Community--High Touch / Low Tech
Tonight I was able to gather with a large group of believing women who love the Lord Jesus Christ. We celebrated the fact that God had knit a baby boy in his mother's womb. It was good to be with the sisters to laugh, share and pray with and for one another. The fellowship was sweet and much needed. There is nothing that can replace a smile, a hug and face to face conversation.
I haven't been texting too long and love having the feature on my phone. But there is a caveat with it. It is surely high tech but low on the touch meter. Texting has its purpose. It is wonderful to let others know when you might arrive somewhere or agree to a place to meet. It can be a sweet quick reminder that a friend is praying for you. But when it replaces in person communication I think it can be dangerous. At least it was for me. I relied more on texting and less on touching.
I realized I was losing something that God created for humans. He means for us to be relational on a personal level. He wants us to know and see one another. One study showed that 7% of communication is vocabulary, 38% is tone or inflection and 55% is non verbal cues. 93% of our communication is not reliant on our words. A telephone screen leaves off a lot of what it means to be human. Am I giving up the text feature? No indeed. But I am going to be more careful to call or visit and thus enjoy the high touch low tech means of communicating.
I haven't been texting too long and love having the feature on my phone. But there is a caveat with it. It is surely high tech but low on the touch meter. Texting has its purpose. It is wonderful to let others know when you might arrive somewhere or agree to a place to meet. It can be a sweet quick reminder that a friend is praying for you. But when it replaces in person communication I think it can be dangerous. At least it was for me. I relied more on texting and less on touching.
I realized I was losing something that God created for humans. He means for us to be relational on a personal level. He wants us to know and see one another. One study showed that 7% of communication is vocabulary, 38% is tone or inflection and 55% is non verbal cues. 93% of our communication is not reliant on our words. A telephone screen leaves off a lot of what it means to be human. Am I giving up the text feature? No indeed. But I am going to be more careful to call or visit and thus enjoy the high touch low tech means of communicating.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
"Surprise" Christians
Today I visited my Dad at the facility where he resides. I was wheeling him back to his room from the dining area. A praise song we sang at church ran through my head. As I turned the corner to my Dad's room I heard a male voice singing the same song. I looked at the guy and the first thought in my head was "Surely he's not a believer is he?." I'm not saying that singing praise songs necessarily means you know the Savior. But it does indicate the presence of some fruit perhaps.
I was astonished at my bias. There really was no reason for me to judge him one way or another. In fact, I don't know why my first thought was that he wasn't a believer. I think I wasn't expecting to find a Christian in the facility. It is a foolish thought because I've talked to others there who seem very genuine in their faith. Later when talking with the Lord the Spirit convicted me of my prejudice. The man was the same race as I, near the same age as I and could have been my next door neighbor. I judged him unfairly. It was sinful and wrong. I hope I'm more aware of it in the future. It blessed me afterwards to think that he is a brother. I hope I see him again. Maybe we can sing the praise song together next time. I'm going to be on the lookout for more "Surprise Christians."
I was astonished at my bias. There really was no reason for me to judge him one way or another. In fact, I don't know why my first thought was that he wasn't a believer. I think I wasn't expecting to find a Christian in the facility. It is a foolish thought because I've talked to others there who seem very genuine in their faith. Later when talking with the Lord the Spirit convicted me of my prejudice. The man was the same race as I, near the same age as I and could have been my next door neighbor. I judged him unfairly. It was sinful and wrong. I hope I'm more aware of it in the future. It blessed me afterwards to think that he is a brother. I hope I see him again. Maybe we can sing the praise song together next time. I'm going to be on the lookout for more "Surprise Christians."
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Practicing Hospitality
Romans 12: 13 indicts us to practice hospitality. I haven't been very good at obeying this command. Today I had five women over for a singles group meeting. I enjoyed the time. It took a while to prepare and clean my apartment. (I always love it when I have company. My apartment is never so clean.) The ladies and I prayed, fellowshipped and discussed some Bible passages with one another. It was an edifying time that hopefully brought glory to the Lord. What a blessing it is to get together with other believers and enjoy one another. There as a situation in which one member was graciously corrected by the others. It was done in a loving and edifying manner. Exactly how God's Word commands us to do it.
In these days of high tech it is wonderful to get together face to face and commune. I'm not knocking the technology. I write and receive a lot of emails. Tomorrow hopefully I'll start texting if I get my phone plan changed. I just think it nice to do things the old fashioned way by sitting down together, breaking bread and fellowshipping in the Acts 2: 40ff kind of way. Grateful I attend a church where such hospitality is encouraged and blessed.
In these days of high tech it is wonderful to get together face to face and commune. I'm not knocking the technology. I write and receive a lot of emails. Tomorrow hopefully I'll start texting if I get my phone plan changed. I just think it nice to do things the old fashioned way by sitting down together, breaking bread and fellowshipping in the Acts 2: 40ff kind of way. Grateful I attend a church where such hospitality is encouraged and blessed.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Messy Ministry
On Wednesdays I usually have dinner at my Mom's church. We often play Mexican Train before we eat. Today there was an uncomfortable situation that I need not describe here except to say one of the players left in tears. The remaining players were stunned and saddened that any body's feelings were hurt. It seemed to me that there is much more to it than this singular incident. As I sat among all the fallout of the departure I thought about how messy ministry can be. I've been on both sides of the mess by the way. Some times I've needed the massive grace of others around me and have been commanded by the Lord to offer such grace at other times.
There was no solution in the situation thus far. One of the ladies called the departee but got her answering machine. Others talked to the pastor and were told it was best to pray. As we ate there was a pall at the table for one of ours was missing and hurt. I remained quiet for the most part. Each lady offered some opinion in terms of what could be wrong but I fear there are some things that remain known to the Lord alone I've joined the group of pray-ers. As an outside to this church, I feel my role is to intercede about the situation. The whole experience reminded me of how truly hard ministry can be. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit to grant grace, wisdom and love; ministry is impossible.
There was no solution in the situation thus far. One of the ladies called the departee but got her answering machine. Others talked to the pastor and were told it was best to pray. As we ate there was a pall at the table for one of ours was missing and hurt. I remained quiet for the most part. Each lady offered some opinion in terms of what could be wrong but I fear there are some things that remain known to the Lord alone I've joined the group of pray-ers. As an outside to this church, I feel my role is to intercede about the situation. The whole experience reminded me of how truly hard ministry can be. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit to grant grace, wisdom and love; ministry is impossible.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Shout Out for Home School Moms
Yesterday it was the school program at BSF. This morning I spent about three hours helping a mother of seven (four still at home) school her children. I had a great time. There is a coach / teacher person inside of me waiting to emerge. We studied science this morning and read about frogs. I'm a "tadpole teacher" of sorts. I've heard about home school for a long time especially so since my coming to Calvary Bible Church. I had very little, if any, experience actually being a part of the process.
I have helped children with homework before but this was different. It was kind of like diving in the deep end. I loved it. It made my heart glad to hear mother and son learn the grammatical principles related to pronouns as objects of prepositions. (That's fodder for another post!). I loved listening to the kids read and helping with the math. I learned the differences between frogs and toads. I heard that Albert Einstein was ridiculed as a school boy. I did some math problems and got the right answers. Okay it was fourth grade math so no big deal. The eldest son was studying physics. I told him he was on his own...
Okay I digress. I saw a brief moment of the effort it takes to home school children. I have a far greater appreciation for the parents who do it day in and day out. I especially have much respect for the fact that often there are six, seven or eight children in a family. I imagine that like most things it gets a bit easier as you do it more. By the time you get to the last child, it perhaps does feel like a breeze. Anyway, here's a shout out for home school Moms. You rock.
I have helped children with homework before but this was different. It was kind of like diving in the deep end. I loved it. It made my heart glad to hear mother and son learn the grammatical principles related to pronouns as objects of prepositions. (That's fodder for another post!). I loved listening to the kids read and helping with the math. I learned the differences between frogs and toads. I heard that Albert Einstein was ridiculed as a school boy. I did some math problems and got the right answers. Okay it was fourth grade math so no big deal. The eldest son was studying physics. I told him he was on his own...
Okay I digress. I saw a brief moment of the effort it takes to home school children. I have a far greater appreciation for the parents who do it day in and day out. I especially have much respect for the fact that often there are six, seven or eight children in a family. I imagine that like most things it gets a bit easier as you do it more. By the time you get to the last child, it perhaps does feel like a breeze. Anyway, here's a shout out for home school Moms. You rock.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Iron Sharpens Iron
This morning I got to my church at 7:30am to help set up for a women's fellowship. The parking lot already was busy. It confused me for a second and I thought maybe it was later, much later, than I expected it to be. When I got into the fellowship hall it was such a blessing to see 20 or so men joined together for prayer and Bible Study. These guys got up early on a Saturday morning--the one day they could sleep in--to come and learn how to be better leaders for their families. Warmed my heart immensely to be made aware of it.
Biblical accountability is so important. These men call it iron sharpens iron from Proverbs 27: 17. However it is referenced it is so vital to have people in our lives that can call us out on our sin and encourage us when we are pleasing to the Lord in our actions and attitudes. The body of Christ desperately need one another especially in these difficult last days!
Biblical accountability is so important. These men call it iron sharpens iron from Proverbs 27: 17. However it is referenced it is so vital to have people in our lives that can call us out on our sin and encourage us when we are pleasing to the Lord in our actions and attitudes. The body of Christ desperately need one another especially in these difficult last days!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Church Community
I've been thinking a lot about the concept of community. Tonight I spent the evening at the assisted living facility where I volunteer. They call themselves family. They do spend more time with each other than with their biological family members. I'm glad to be a part of it. But there is a significant lack of a deep fellowship. We don't pray with one another. We don't encourage one another with God's truth. We don't hold each other accountable. We don't do any of the one anothers mentioned in the Scripture. You'll find that only among the community of Christian believers.
God intends for us to be in unity if we know the Savior. He wants us to obey the one another commands. We should be known by our love for one another. Satan loves to brind disharmony and disunity. He particularly loves it in a local church. That's why we must fight against anything that ends in discord. We need to be quick to forgive and quick to restore the peace. Praise God for His body.
God intends for us to be in unity if we know the Savior. He wants us to obey the one another commands. We should be known by our love for one another. Satan loves to brind disharmony and disunity. He particularly loves it in a local church. That's why we must fight against anything that ends in discord. We need to be quick to forgive and quick to restore the peace. Praise God for His body.
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Wages of Sin is Death
Romans 6:23 states: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." There are deep theological explanations of verse 23. But today the very practical aspect hit me right between the eyes and then pierced my heart. Lately I have taken a very lax attitude toward my sin. I have not only sinned against the Lord but others in my life. The wages of sin is death whether it is spiritual death, a death of a friendship or any other myriad negative consequences of our sin. Gratefully faithful are the wounds of a friend. A triad of people who love me and know my life rightly rebuked me sternly yet in love.
My walk right now is a stench in the nostril of a holy and high God. I've created idols in my own heart that I serve and prefer over the kind, generous, gracious, great and glorious God of the Bible. Scripture commands us to flee idolatry. If we don't do so quickly and fully, there is a tremendous price to pay. What I was reminded of today is that price isn't only ours but innocent others as well. I hope my rebuke serves as a wake up call for us all.
My walk right now is a stench in the nostril of a holy and high God. I've created idols in my own heart that I serve and prefer over the kind, generous, gracious, great and glorious God of the Bible. Scripture commands us to flee idolatry. If we don't do so quickly and fully, there is a tremendous price to pay. What I was reminded of today is that price isn't only ours but innocent others as well. I hope my rebuke serves as a wake up call for us all.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Reflect the Image of Christ
God's primary goal for the Christian is to become increasingly more like His Son. We are to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, the love of the brethren, a passion for holiness, a desire to please the Lord, and many other things as we focus on the beauty of Jesus Christ. Today I saw much of that played out in my life. First, there was a much needed direct and stern rebuke for a very sinful choice I made. The person who exhorted me had every right to do so. She did it privately and specifically with the intended result of my repentance. Jesus rebuked His disciples at times when it was appropriate and necessary.
Then another person and I asked for mutual forgiveness for a conversation that had occurred earlier. We both reached for the phone to call one another at the same time. Forgiveness was granted and we are able to move on in our respective walks. It is not always easy being in the body of Christ and living in community. In fact my sinful edges rubbed a number of people today. Unfortunately Much of my contribution to my own and others sanctification today was my sin.
Then I sought the forgiveness of a couple I had hurt deeply by my selfishness and outright rudeness. They both were quick to forgive and move on. It's been rather rare for me to see forgiveness offered in such a godly manner. To be honest it's been so rare for me over the 58 years I was shocked. It was hard to trust and I attempted to offer some sort of penitence. None was necessary they said. They moved right on with loving me as much or more as they did before the offense. I'm still rather shocked tonight. What a blessing to see Christlikeness played out in real life.
Finally, I saw the intercession of God's people in prayer on my behalf. Christ sits at the right hand of the Father forever interceding. We as His people get to join Him in praying for others. So many people stopped to pray for me as it was obvious I was having a bad day. As I look back over the day I'm not proud of my responses. But I am humbled and amazed by the godly responses of so many that surrounded me. There's a song by Doris Akers that I love. The lyrics are written below:
There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Chorus
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You're the one to profit when you say,
"I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you're weak, you're bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
Today I experienced the Sweet Heavenly Dove right among us filling us with His love. It was a wonderful experience for me. I pray for personal revival as I deal with my sin and seek the forgiveness of God through confession and repentance. I continual to solicit your prayers as I walk down the sometimes long and windy road of repentance.
Then another person and I asked for mutual forgiveness for a conversation that had occurred earlier. We both reached for the phone to call one another at the same time. Forgiveness was granted and we are able to move on in our respective walks. It is not always easy being in the body of Christ and living in community. In fact my sinful edges rubbed a number of people today. Unfortunately Much of my contribution to my own and others sanctification today was my sin.
Then I sought the forgiveness of a couple I had hurt deeply by my selfishness and outright rudeness. They both were quick to forgive and move on. It's been rather rare for me to see forgiveness offered in such a godly manner. To be honest it's been so rare for me over the 58 years I was shocked. It was hard to trust and I attempted to offer some sort of penitence. None was necessary they said. They moved right on with loving me as much or more as they did before the offense. I'm still rather shocked tonight. What a blessing to see Christlikeness played out in real life.
Finally, I saw the intercession of God's people in prayer on my behalf. Christ sits at the right hand of the Father forever interceding. We as His people get to join Him in praying for others. So many people stopped to pray for me as it was obvious I was having a bad day. As I look back over the day I'm not proud of my responses. But I am humbled and amazed by the godly responses of so many that surrounded me. There's a song by Doris Akers that I love. The lyrics are written below:
There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Chorus
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You're the one to profit when you say,
"I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you're weak, you're bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
Today I experienced the Sweet Heavenly Dove right among us filling us with His love. It was a wonderful experience for me. I pray for personal revival as I deal with my sin and seek the forgiveness of God through confession and repentance. I continual to solicit your prayers as I walk down the sometimes long and windy road of repentance.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Body Life
I was thinking about the blessing of the church community. Sundays are such a wonderful day of fellowship with people in your local body. My pastor refers to them as your "nuclear family." These are usually the people with whom you accomplish the "one another" commands. Within this body you have all levels of intimacy. Some people you may talk to every day. Some you may be related in a biological way. For example, sisters may attend the same local church or parents and their adult children. Some people you may only see and talk to on Sunday. But these aren't the only believers in your life.
Today I had supper with my stepmother. She's a believer and in lieu of my Dad's confinement to a facility, she and I have spent more time together. I appreciate her encouragement. On the way home from her house my BSF leader called. BSF has about four or five hundred women meeting in one church. They are for the most part believers. We don't even talk about what church we attend but gather to study the Word of the Lord and to fellowship with one another. I'm sure a myriad of local churches are represented among the larger class.
Our church has a short term missions team in the Ukraine for eight days. They are meeting brothers and sisters in the Lord around the world. They left bearing some gifts but more importantly they are teaching, preaching, serving and encouraging these Ukrainian believers in various ways. What an opportunity for them. In fact, for the size of our church I am amazed at how many short term missions teams serve each year. I understand that another team will be heading to South Korea for three weeks sometime this summer. We have had teams go to Uganda and recently sent a family there on a more permanent basis. We all need to be a member of a local body but how blessed we are for the entire body of Jesus Christ.
Today I had supper with my stepmother. She's a believer and in lieu of my Dad's confinement to a facility, she and I have spent more time together. I appreciate her encouragement. On the way home from her house my BSF leader called. BSF has about four or five hundred women meeting in one church. They are for the most part believers. We don't even talk about what church we attend but gather to study the Word of the Lord and to fellowship with one another. I'm sure a myriad of local churches are represented among the larger class.
Our church has a short term missions team in the Ukraine for eight days. They are meeting brothers and sisters in the Lord around the world. They left bearing some gifts but more importantly they are teaching, preaching, serving and encouraging these Ukrainian believers in various ways. What an opportunity for them. In fact, for the size of our church I am amazed at how many short term missions teams serve each year. I understand that another team will be heading to South Korea for three weeks sometime this summer. We have had teams go to Uganda and recently sent a family there on a more permanent basis. We all need to be a member of a local body but how blessed we are for the entire body of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Who Are You Trusting God or ?
I was at church today helping to take down the holiday decorations. A close friend and I were talking about her children. She has two daughters still at home. The older one went to spend a week with her older brother and his wife who just had a baby. The younger daughter has never stayed in her bedroom alone. She was scared. She talked to her Mom about it. I loved my friend's counsel to her last child. "Who are you trusting in God or (her sister)." What an excellent question to ask ourselves as we ferret out relationship idols. Women have a tendency to seek from others only what God can provide. We want others to be only what He can be to us.
We can go too far the other way and refuse to fellowship. It's the "Jesus and I" mindset. It's equally deadly to the spiritual life. God has set us in local churches who serve as a nuclear spiritual family. We need one another in order to be able to obey the one another commands. We can be unbalanced in both directions. We lean too heavily on people and not on the Lord. That's why it is good to ask ourselves occasionally "Who Am I Trusting In God or?" The young girl found out who she truly trusted when her sister was gone. We often discover the existence of an idol when God removes it. It's much harder to have the Lord remove the idol than it is if we voluntarily give it up. Of course that means that we must examine our own hearts frequently to be able to spot the idols in our hearts.
Speaking of the one anothers. There were three of us putting plastic containers of various sizes in the church attic. One person was in the attic area where the Christmas decorations are stored. She arranged the boxes. I was pushing them up the ladder. A young (and strong) pastoral intern was moving them from the top of the ladder over to the attic area. We got done in an amazing short time. The work was much easier. I think our system resembled what it looks like when the individual body members work in unison and unity. It made an arduous task so much more enjoyable.
We can go too far the other way and refuse to fellowship. It's the "Jesus and I" mindset. It's equally deadly to the spiritual life. God has set us in local churches who serve as a nuclear spiritual family. We need one another in order to be able to obey the one another commands. We can be unbalanced in both directions. We lean too heavily on people and not on the Lord. That's why it is good to ask ourselves occasionally "Who Am I Trusting In God or?" The young girl found out who she truly trusted when her sister was gone. We often discover the existence of an idol when God removes it. It's much harder to have the Lord remove the idol than it is if we voluntarily give it up. Of course that means that we must examine our own hearts frequently to be able to spot the idols in our hearts.
Speaking of the one anothers. There were three of us putting plastic containers of various sizes in the church attic. One person was in the attic area where the Christmas decorations are stored. She arranged the boxes. I was pushing them up the ladder. A young (and strong) pastoral intern was moving them from the top of the ladder over to the attic area. We got done in an amazing short time. The work was much easier. I think our system resembled what it looks like when the individual body members work in unison and unity. It made an arduous task so much more enjoyable.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sam's and Costco Church
This afternoon I went to both wholesale clubs in close proximity to each other. I loved the hot dog deal you can get. A 1/4 all beef hot dog with a soft drink for $1.50. It's the best deal in town. So in we went for a few items for her. I mean a few items or she has much smaller handwriting than mine. Her list was literally an inch by an inch. There are advantages to being single sometimes. Anyway, once we got to Costco I started finding the food kiosks literally every time I turned around. I started snacking on every food and drink they were sampling. My friend is a strict vegetarian so she gave me her samples of any meat items. I was eating for two so to speak. I lost count of all the tidbits I ate but as we finished shopping I had lost any fervor for my beloved hot dog.
Then we went to Sam's Club just for kicks. The food nosh continued. I was stuffed but continued with the snacking. Deep down I wasn't satisfied. I also deceived myself that I had not eaten a real meal so all I ate didn't count. It is amazing the lies we tell ourselves. I got to thinking about so many churches in America. They are wholesale club churches in that they serve a tidbit of Bible truth, a tidbit of the means of grace and rarely if ever do they serve what's really good for a church--church discipline. Rather these churches are filled with movies not preaching or preaching about movies. The Bible is often relegated to being a prop in a skit. Communion is reserved for home groups served by any leader. Church discipline means someone is in a psychologically based program doing the twelve steps.
The reformers had it right. They defined the term church every narrowly. First, biblical preaching in an exegetical manner was primary. The pulpit remained sacred and foremost. Second, they regularly and with solemnity celebrated communion. Holy communion at that. I have heard of churches serving peanut butter crackers and punch as your drive through a window. No joke. Finally, church discipline was practiced by all members at all levels. Holiness was and is serious to God and the congregants knew that. We need to be careful not to snack our way through a day. It may satisfy superficially but it won't do so long term. It's also the worst way to eat in terms of your health. A diet of kiosk visits won't keep you healthy physically. A diet of kiosks in churches won't help your spiritual health much either.
Then we went to Sam's Club just for kicks. The food nosh continued. I was stuffed but continued with the snacking. Deep down I wasn't satisfied. I also deceived myself that I had not eaten a real meal so all I ate didn't count. It is amazing the lies we tell ourselves. I got to thinking about so many churches in America. They are wholesale club churches in that they serve a tidbit of Bible truth, a tidbit of the means of grace and rarely if ever do they serve what's really good for a church--church discipline. Rather these churches are filled with movies not preaching or preaching about movies. The Bible is often relegated to being a prop in a skit. Communion is reserved for home groups served by any leader. Church discipline means someone is in a psychologically based program doing the twelve steps.
The reformers had it right. They defined the term church every narrowly. First, biblical preaching in an exegetical manner was primary. The pulpit remained sacred and foremost. Second, they regularly and with solemnity celebrated communion. Holy communion at that. I have heard of churches serving peanut butter crackers and punch as your drive through a window. No joke. Finally, church discipline was practiced by all members at all levels. Holiness was and is serious to God and the congregants knew that. We need to be careful not to snack our way through a day. It may satisfy superficially but it won't do so long term. It's also the worst way to eat in terms of your health. A diet of kiosk visits won't keep you healthy physically. A diet of kiosks in churches won't help your spiritual health much either.
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Importance of Fellowship
.I have been continually impressed by the importance of the "one another" commands in Scripture. This has been a very difficult year for me and I truly don't know where I'd be without the Body of Christ. For about 5 weeks I was in facility with some other ladies who literally didn't know where they would live once they were released from the program. I had the blessing of coming back to my apartment where I've been surrounded by a caring, supportive and large group of believers. These are people who have reached out with the hand of fellowship and carried me along.
I remember a retreat a few years back when the speaker said that if one woman in our local church failed, we all failed. It seemed a bit harsh at the the time but I believe I better understand what she meant now. There is a mystical bond among true believers and when the body is functioning as it should and everyone is obeying the Lord, the church is edified, fellow believers grow in grace and God gets the glory. The unbelieving world watches and sees that there is a very personal, real and powerful Lord who is the head of His body and all the parts are joined together uner Him.
I remember a retreat a few years back when the speaker said that if one woman in our local church failed, we all failed. It seemed a bit harsh at the the time but I believe I better understand what she meant now. There is a mystical bond among true believers and when the body is functioning as it should and everyone is obeying the Lord, the church is edified, fellow believers grow in grace and God gets the glory. The unbelieving world watches and sees that there is a very personal, real and powerful Lord who is the head of His body and all the parts are joined together uner Him.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Electronic Cigarette Religion
My sister is trying to quit smoking. She's been at for about four months. She's using an electronic cigarette where you can reduce the amount of nicotine gradually until you are basically down to water vapor. That's the point she's at now. The only thing left to conquer is the feel and the gestures of smoking a cigarette. She's getting none of the tar, nicotine and whatever else they add into the tobacco. The electronic cigarette has the shape and feel of a real one but the resemblance stops there.
I was thinking about some people's religion. It's like that electronic cigarette with very little truth or Holy Spirit power. Some of it is totally devoid of truth and the Spirit. It's a powerless and anemic religion with the outer trappings or appearance of true religion but there is no essence of biblical Christianity. II Timothy 3: 5 speaks of men who hold to a form of religion although they deny its power. Ryrie says of this verse: "Having the outer semblance of it without its spiritual dynamic." I've grateful that the electronic cigarette has helped my sister to quit her smoking habit. It is a deadly one for sure. The less the nicotine and tar in the electronic cigarette the better it is for you. The reverse is true with religion. The mere outer appearance of religion is not good for you. In fact a form of godliness without the true power of the Holy Spirit is deadly--eternally so.
I was thinking about some people's religion. It's like that electronic cigarette with very little truth or Holy Spirit power. Some of it is totally devoid of truth and the Spirit. It's a powerless and anemic religion with the outer trappings or appearance of true religion but there is no essence of biblical Christianity. II Timothy 3: 5 speaks of men who hold to a form of religion although they deny its power. Ryrie says of this verse: "Having the outer semblance of it without its spiritual dynamic." I've grateful that the electronic cigarette has helped my sister to quit her smoking habit. It is a deadly one for sure. The less the nicotine and tar in the electronic cigarette the better it is for you. The reverse is true with religion. The mere outer appearance of religion is not good for you. In fact a form of godliness without the true power of the Holy Spirit is deadly--eternally so.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Idolatry of Privacy and Individualism
I'm reading a book by Elyse Fitzpatrick called "Because He Loves Me." I finished chapter 11 today. She stated quite emphatically that American individualism and the yen for privacy flies in the face of true biblical fellowship. To quote her: "This idolatry of privacy and individualism is one of the greatest detriments to sanctification in the church today." Her point is that the American church for the most part is as much a "tourist stop" as a church in many instances. People come for a visit on Sunday and are gone for another week. People rarely get together and share lives including struggles with sin, expected accountability and frequent confrontation and exhortation. I believe that my church is one of the rare exceptions but even it can grow in this area.
We need to have people in our lives who know our struggles and are willing to speak the radical truths of the Bible into our lives. To quote Fitzpatrick again: "Maturity in Christ does not occur because we attend Bible Studies. Maturity in Christ occurs when, by the Spirit and in God's grace, our brothers and sisters take biblical truth and apply it lovingly, patiently, boldly to our hearts." I've been a Christian for 33 years and I dare say only now do I have people in my life willing to do this. And that number is small. But I praise God for them. God calls us a family and intends for us to live like one. Our American culture esteems the "self made" man, the "rugged individualist" and other such beliefs that are simply killing orthodox Christianity. In fact, when missionaries come to the States they are often appalled. I've heard some say they wouldn't want to life here in the U.S. because the temptations are too great to be self reliant.
We need to take an account of ourselves with the new year looming. Are we more activity or people directed? Are there close friends with whom we could share any struggle with sin? Even the hidden ones? Are we willing to open our lives to the inspection of others? Are we willing to be so self sacrificial as to help others grow in the Lord Jesus Christ? Just what are our priorities? To be honest I fall way short. But the place to start is by confession and repentance. I am far off where I'd like to be but I can start moving in the right direction tonight. How about you?
We need to have people in our lives who know our struggles and are willing to speak the radical truths of the Bible into our lives. To quote Fitzpatrick again: "Maturity in Christ does not occur because we attend Bible Studies. Maturity in Christ occurs when, by the Spirit and in God's grace, our brothers and sisters take biblical truth and apply it lovingly, patiently, boldly to our hearts." I've been a Christian for 33 years and I dare say only now do I have people in my life willing to do this. And that number is small. But I praise God for them. God calls us a family and intends for us to live like one. Our American culture esteems the "self made" man, the "rugged individualist" and other such beliefs that are simply killing orthodox Christianity. In fact, when missionaries come to the States they are often appalled. I've heard some say they wouldn't want to life here in the U.S. because the temptations are too great to be self reliant.
We need to take an account of ourselves with the new year looming. Are we more activity or people directed? Are there close friends with whom we could share any struggle with sin? Even the hidden ones? Are we willing to open our lives to the inspection of others? Are we willing to be so self sacrificial as to help others grow in the Lord Jesus Christ? Just what are our priorities? To be honest I fall way short. But the place to start is by confession and repentance. I am far off where I'd like to be but I can start moving in the right direction tonight. How about you?
Monday, October 29, 2012
Trust and Obey
No, the title of the post isn't original. It's a hymn by D.B. Towner and J. H Sammis. This hymn has become particularly precious to me in these past months. These have been the most difficult months I've faced as a believer. I am learning the importance of trust and obedience to God and His Word. It sounds trite but "trust" me it's not. I pray that parents teach their children the necessity of taking their very active idol seeking heart captive to the Word of God early in life. It's a whole lot harder to learn at 58 years of age than 58 months. While I'm at it, let me mention the vital importance of true biblical accountability in the life of every believer. If you don't have it, find it immediately. Gather some mature believers who know your life and have the freedom to dramatically invade it if necessary. If you already have it, fall on your knees and thank God for His grace.
Here are the words to the hymn which are in the public domain.
Here are the words to the hymn which are in the public domain.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, June 23, 2012
"In My Father's House"
When my Mother died a number of years ago, she wanted the passge in John 14: 1-4 read at her funeral. In the gracious providence of God I read through the same passage in my daily Bible reading on the morning we buried her. John 14: 1- 6: “ Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." What a wonderful promise of comfort to Jesus' disciples then and now.
My pastor has just finished a series on community and the need to be involved in a local church. It has been life changing and frankly caused me to examine how I live my life as a single Christian. Christ stated that in His Father's house are many dwelling places. In heaven the body resides as one in the house of the Heavenly Father. We don't live isolated and lonely lives. Rather God calls us to community. There exist many counterfeits of biblical unity based on false doctrine. But I am increasingly suspicious that the American dream with its independent spirt is unscriptural. We are to be with the Triune God forever and live in community with all other true believers. I may know this truth on an intellectual level I must admit that I have done little to apply it to my life on a practical level.
Christ went to prepare a place for us. We don't live in heaven in isolation. Our journey on earth is preparation for us to live there eternally. We are pilgrims and aliens heading toward our heavenly home. Matthew Henry says: "The happiness of heaven is spoken of as in a father's house. There are many mansions, for there are many sons to be brought to glory. Mansions are lasting dwellings. Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will prepare us for it." We are being prepared here to live there.
I'm studying the epistles of John and refer often to the Gospel of John. John 13: 34-35 struck me deeply this week. I've often heard Ephesians 5 quoted frequently that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Certainly that is true and His standard. I was somewhat nonplussed to see that the same standard exists between believers. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." We are called to be hospital, kind, gracious, generous and merciful to one another now. We are to love one another as Christ loved us. We will live in the Father's mansion one day. It's best to learn how to do it in our lives presently.Let us radically love those whom God has given us with the same love He has shown us.
My pastor has just finished a series on community and the need to be involved in a local church. It has been life changing and frankly caused me to examine how I live my life as a single Christian. Christ stated that in His Father's house are many dwelling places. In heaven the body resides as one in the house of the Heavenly Father. We don't live isolated and lonely lives. Rather God calls us to community. There exist many counterfeits of biblical unity based on false doctrine. But I am increasingly suspicious that the American dream with its independent spirt is unscriptural. We are to be with the Triune God forever and live in community with all other true believers. I may know this truth on an intellectual level I must admit that I have done little to apply it to my life on a practical level.
Christ went to prepare a place for us. We don't live in heaven in isolation. Our journey on earth is preparation for us to live there eternally. We are pilgrims and aliens heading toward our heavenly home. Matthew Henry says: "The happiness of heaven is spoken of as in a father's house. There are many mansions, for there are many sons to be brought to glory. Mansions are lasting dwellings. Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will prepare us for it." We are being prepared here to live there.
I'm studying the epistles of John and refer often to the Gospel of John. John 13: 34-35 struck me deeply this week. I've often heard Ephesians 5 quoted frequently that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Certainly that is true and His standard. I was somewhat nonplussed to see that the same standard exists between believers. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." We are called to be hospital, kind, gracious, generous and merciful to one another now. We are to love one another as Christ loved us. We will live in the Father's mansion one day. It's best to learn how to do it in our lives presently.Let us radically love those whom God has given us with the same love He has shown us.
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