In the mind of many followers of Christ, the responsibility of sharing the Good News or discipling the nations is really not for them and should be left to the professionals. Yet a quick study of the New Testament proves that although Paul and the other Apostles were key figures in proclaiming the Word, the church grew exponentially because the average persons were sharing their new found faith with their neighbors, coworkers, family members and so on.
Alan Hirsch has said a study of the New Testament brings one to the conclusion that every Christian is a church planter and every church a church planting church. By that he means that every believer should naturally be sowing the message of Christ into their community of relationships. In time, as that community of relationships becomes followers of Christ, it inevitably becomes a "church" that "meets in the house of" the original follower, just like the church that met in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. That church then becomes a church planting church because the individual members of that "newly formed church/biblical community" all have relationships other than those of that newly formed church. The cycle should then continue to repeat itself.
However, the average church goer doesn't feel qualified to share their faith or to extend Christ to their community of relationships. Most feel intimidated to even bring up the subject of their faith in Christ. Yet, it's obvious here in chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians that Paul says that's when the gospel is the most powerful. Sharing our faith or the Good News isn't about selling ourselves or our eloquence. He says it's simply a process of allowing the light that God shined into our darkened heart to illuminate His glory to others.
Paul likens us to jars of clay that contain an incredible treasure. Sure we're not worthy to encase such a valuable commodity. That's what is so powerful. Our inadequacies only allow God to shine all the more for more people to see His glory. If people see us, then God and His message of victory gets lost. But if people experience the love of God through us and see the transformation God has made in our life, they will be drawn to the life changing power of God for their own lives. So what if we take a few shots or a little abuse for our faith once in a while, as long as God is seen and glorified?
God, I confess I feel pretty inadequate as a messenger of your Good News. I'm so inconsistent in my own life. How can I ever be effective in proclaiming your truth? I'm an old clay pot for sure. In fact, I probably have plenty of cracks. I'm just a nobody with no talent and no special skills. I'm definitely not a people magnet nor am I eloquent in speech. All I can do is let people know that I care because Jesus cares. So God, I'm making myself available to you. You're gonna have to shine through me because I'm pretty dim myself. Thanks for bringing light to my life. Let me be a reflection of your light to someone else.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Daily Reflections on Job 31:1-12 (A Covenant with Your Eyes)
A couple is sitting at an outdoor cafe. An attractive young lady walks by, but he never glances her way and never loses eye contact with his wife. The announcer states, "Give that man a Klondike Bar." In another scene a different couple is sitting at an outdoor cafe. As an attractive young lady, the man zeros in on her. As she passes, he takes out his new shiny surface cell phone and watches her reflection. He receives a text message from the girl he is sitting at the cafe with that says, "U r a pig!"
One of the toughest temptations a man faces from the time he reaches puberty is his visual attraction to the opposite sex. It doesn't take much for most men to be visually stimulated. The stimulation is a natural response that God wired into men. Yet, the visual stimulation by itself isn't the problem. It's what one does with about the stimulation.
Prostitution has often been called the world's oldest profession. Seductive dress or attire has always seemed to be a part of that trade. Although I'm sure prostitution is still very active worldwide, the pornography industry has no doubt surpassed it in participation. The internet has made viewing pornography easy for anyone to access while still maintaining a sense of privacy. In fact it's hard to avoid it on the internet. Various spam and personal filters have help, but doesn't make you immune.
My guess is that many men, who claim to be followers of Christ, struggle with the temptation to view porn. My guess is that there are many Christian men who actually have an addiction to porn. They may never visit a prostitute or have an affair with a coworker or neighbor. But they regularly are drawn to porn sites.
I think we men would do well to do as Job did, make a covenant with our eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. Job said he wouldn't let his heart be led with his eyes and that he wouldn't let his hands be defiled. He said he wouldn't allow another woman to entice his heart or go lurking as his neighbor's door. Why? Because Job knew the consequences for his own relationship with his wife. He knew that it would lead to disaster and destruction. He confessed that someone else would no doubt end up eating his food and sleeping in his bed.
Even though we might think that viewing porn doesn't hurt anyone and no one is else is watching us, we're wrong. First of all, God is watching and we will hold us accountable. Second, it does impact our relationship with our wife whether she finds out or not. Third, continued viewing will destroy you. Job says it is a fire that burns to destruction.
Guys, we need a covenant with our eyes. If you're married, you already made a covenant with your wife. If you're not married, you have an obligation to your future wife. Besides, if you get hooked on porn before you meet that future wife, it will affect your future relation.
God, just like every other guy I struggle with visual stimulation. Remind me of my covenant to my wife. Help me to keep my covenant with my eyes.
One of the toughest temptations a man faces from the time he reaches puberty is his visual attraction to the opposite sex. It doesn't take much for most men to be visually stimulated. The stimulation is a natural response that God wired into men. Yet, the visual stimulation by itself isn't the problem. It's what one does with about the stimulation.
Prostitution has often been called the world's oldest profession. Seductive dress or attire has always seemed to be a part of that trade. Although I'm sure prostitution is still very active worldwide, the pornography industry has no doubt surpassed it in participation. The internet has made viewing pornography easy for anyone to access while still maintaining a sense of privacy. In fact it's hard to avoid it on the internet. Various spam and personal filters have help, but doesn't make you immune.
My guess is that many men, who claim to be followers of Christ, struggle with the temptation to view porn. My guess is that there are many Christian men who actually have an addiction to porn. They may never visit a prostitute or have an affair with a coworker or neighbor. But they regularly are drawn to porn sites.
I think we men would do well to do as Job did, make a covenant with our eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. Job said he wouldn't let his heart be led with his eyes and that he wouldn't let his hands be defiled. He said he wouldn't allow another woman to entice his heart or go lurking as his neighbor's door. Why? Because Job knew the consequences for his own relationship with his wife. He knew that it would lead to disaster and destruction. He confessed that someone else would no doubt end up eating his food and sleeping in his bed.
Even though we might think that viewing porn doesn't hurt anyone and no one is else is watching us, we're wrong. First of all, God is watching and we will hold us accountable. Second, it does impact our relationship with our wife whether she finds out or not. Third, continued viewing will destroy you. Job says it is a fire that burns to destruction.
Guys, we need a covenant with our eyes. If you're married, you already made a covenant with your wife. If you're not married, you have an obligation to your future wife. Besides, if you get hooked on porn before you meet that future wife, it will affect your future relation.
God, just like every other guy I struggle with visual stimulation. Remind me of my covenant to my wife. Help me to keep my covenant with my eyes.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Daily Reflections on 2 Cor. 2:12-17 (Did You Smell That?)
There are certain aromas that just grab you and entice you. There's nothing like the smell of someone grilling out. One whiff and our mouths are salivating. We are magnetically drawn to the wafts of that steak sizzling over the charcoal. Wow that smells good. Have you the seen the Taco Bell commercial where the girl puts a burrito in her purse to attract men. Or how about the one where the less than attractive young lady rubs a cashew behind her ears and on her neck and then walks down the street with men following her. Certain scents are powerful.
While some aromas draw us, there are others that repulse us. Rotten eggs, sour milk, skunks or decaying trash certainly can do a number on any olfactory receptor. Instead of being drawn to that scent we cover our nose and look for a way of escape. "That stinks," are words that immediately pour from our lips.
Americans go to great deal of trouble to keep ourselves from emanating repulsive or offensive odors. We shower and bath with perfumed enhanced shampoos, soaps and body washes. We slap on the antiperspirant or deodorant. Then for added effort we apply the perfume, cologne, or aftershave. We put on clothing that has been washed in some sort of fresh scent laundry detergent. One last touch, we brush our teeth and gargle for that minty fresh feel and to ensure that our friends, family and coworkers are blown away by our bad breath.
The Apostle Paul talks about a different aroma in 2 Corinthians that we give off as followers of Christ. According to Paul, the aroma of Christ has a powerful affect on both those who are being saved and those who are perishing. He says to some it is the smell of death. To others it is the fragrance of life.
I have to ask myself the question, when people encounter me, what do they smell. Do they draw in the fragrance of the knowledge and presence of Christ? Or do they smell my humanity, my selfishness, my apathy, my piety, my legalism, my dogmatism, my sectarianism? Unfortunately, I have to answer that question with a qualified, "depends." It depends on the day, my mood, my circumstance. I'm sure that some days people are drawn to the aroma of Christ upon me. And I'm also sure that other days people say to themselves, "He stinks."
Allowing Christ to constantly flow through my pores is a daily challenge. I'm still growing in that area. Too much of me seeps through. Somehow, I don't think I'm alone. My encounter with other believers gives me a sense of why many who are perishing are repulsed by Christianity and/or churches. The odor isn't the fragrance of Christ or the fragrance of life.
God, I'm so inconsistent. Sometimes I really smell. I need to be showered in your cleansing presence. I need you to apply the fresh scent of your spirit upon me and in me. I don't want to look like one of those white washed tombs that may look good on the outside but smells like rotting flesh on the inside. I want people who encounter me to be drawn to the scent of your glory and hope and promise and love. I want to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ throughout my world.
While some aromas draw us, there are others that repulse us. Rotten eggs, sour milk, skunks or decaying trash certainly can do a number on any olfactory receptor. Instead of being drawn to that scent we cover our nose and look for a way of escape. "That stinks," are words that immediately pour from our lips.
Americans go to great deal of trouble to keep ourselves from emanating repulsive or offensive odors. We shower and bath with perfumed enhanced shampoos, soaps and body washes. We slap on the antiperspirant or deodorant. Then for added effort we apply the perfume, cologne, or aftershave. We put on clothing that has been washed in some sort of fresh scent laundry detergent. One last touch, we brush our teeth and gargle for that minty fresh feel and to ensure that our friends, family and coworkers are blown away by our bad breath.
The Apostle Paul talks about a different aroma in 2 Corinthians that we give off as followers of Christ. According to Paul, the aroma of Christ has a powerful affect on both those who are being saved and those who are perishing. He says to some it is the smell of death. To others it is the fragrance of life.
I have to ask myself the question, when people encounter me, what do they smell. Do they draw in the fragrance of the knowledge and presence of Christ? Or do they smell my humanity, my selfishness, my apathy, my piety, my legalism, my dogmatism, my sectarianism? Unfortunately, I have to answer that question with a qualified, "depends." It depends on the day, my mood, my circumstance. I'm sure that some days people are drawn to the aroma of Christ upon me. And I'm also sure that other days people say to themselves, "He stinks."
Allowing Christ to constantly flow through my pores is a daily challenge. I'm still growing in that area. Too much of me seeps through. Somehow, I don't think I'm alone. My encounter with other believers gives me a sense of why many who are perishing are repulsed by Christianity and/or churches. The odor isn't the fragrance of Christ or the fragrance of life.
God, I'm so inconsistent. Sometimes I really smell. I need to be showered in your cleansing presence. I need you to apply the fresh scent of your spirit upon me and in me. I don't want to look like one of those white washed tombs that may look good on the outside but smells like rotting flesh on the inside. I want people who encounter me to be drawn to the scent of your glory and hope and promise and love. I want to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ throughout my world.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Daily Reflections on Job 23:1-7 (How Did He Do It?)
I'm impressed. After losing his family, his house, his business, his income, his status, his life savings, the respect of the community and also his wife, his health, and his friends Job still says that he is hanging onto his faithfulness and integrity before God. Wow. I get kicked around by a few life circumstances that don't compare in intensity to anything Job experienced and I'm a mess.
Here Job is sitting in an ash heap, covered from head to toe with nasty boils just trying to find relief from his physical misery and he is maintaining his passion for God. Me? I'd be throwing a temper tantrum at best. After all he'd been through and yet his so called friends are hammering Job telling him what a lowlife he really is and that he deserves his plight. I'm afraid I'd lose my integrity at that point. Somebody else would be feeling pain.
Job admits to the bitterness of his plight yet still believes that eventually God will bring him relief. He still trusts God and believes in His justness. He won't give up or give in to his circumstances even though he doesn't understand why he has to suffer so much before God intervenes. It's no wonder that God said to the Devil, "consider my servant Job," in the opening chapters of this book. Job is a standout guy with great love for God and great faith.
I wish I were Job. Not that I'm inviting calamity on or in my life. I don't seem to have to invite it. It just shows up on a regular basis. I wish I had Job's faith and steadfastness. I wish I could endure the hammering by friends and associates, church members and pagans, even family with the integrity of Job. I have God's Holy Spirit in me and I get depressed when someone questions my teaching or motives or actions.
How did Job do it? How did he hang in there through it all? Why didn't he just walk away? Why didn't he just tell everyone where to get off? I think it's because his faith in who God was was greater than his understanding of the circumstances he faced. He really trusted God to ultimately make things right, to rescue him, to redeem him, to restore him. Not just because he was a righteous person and innocent of all accusations being thrown at him. It was because he knew in his heart the character of God.
God, I can't say that I've ever experienced all the Job did in such a short order. I can say that I have experienced many of the things and emotions Job did over the last few years. It's painful and depressing and hard to keep going at times. I guess I need a shot of Job's endurance and faith. I get really tired at times and feel all alone. It's a rough place to be. I'm trusting you to rescue me and redeem me and restore me. Not because I deserve it or have earned it, but because you are a great God of grace and mercy. In fact, I could use a shot of assurance today because I'm sitting here in the ash heap scraping off a few personal, spiritual and emotional boils.
Here Job is sitting in an ash heap, covered from head to toe with nasty boils just trying to find relief from his physical misery and he is maintaining his passion for God. Me? I'd be throwing a temper tantrum at best. After all he'd been through and yet his so called friends are hammering Job telling him what a lowlife he really is and that he deserves his plight. I'm afraid I'd lose my integrity at that point. Somebody else would be feeling pain.
Job admits to the bitterness of his plight yet still believes that eventually God will bring him relief. He still trusts God and believes in His justness. He won't give up or give in to his circumstances even though he doesn't understand why he has to suffer so much before God intervenes. It's no wonder that God said to the Devil, "consider my servant Job," in the opening chapters of this book. Job is a standout guy with great love for God and great faith.
I wish I were Job. Not that I'm inviting calamity on or in my life. I don't seem to have to invite it. It just shows up on a regular basis. I wish I had Job's faith and steadfastness. I wish I could endure the hammering by friends and associates, church members and pagans, even family with the integrity of Job. I have God's Holy Spirit in me and I get depressed when someone questions my teaching or motives or actions.
How did Job do it? How did he hang in there through it all? Why didn't he just walk away? Why didn't he just tell everyone where to get off? I think it's because his faith in who God was was greater than his understanding of the circumstances he faced. He really trusted God to ultimately make things right, to rescue him, to redeem him, to restore him. Not just because he was a righteous person and innocent of all accusations being thrown at him. It was because he knew in his heart the character of God.
God, I can't say that I've ever experienced all the Job did in such a short order. I can say that I have experienced many of the things and emotions Job did over the last few years. It's painful and depressing and hard to keep going at times. I guess I need a shot of Job's endurance and faith. I get really tired at times and feel all alone. It's a rough place to be. I'm trusting you to rescue me and redeem me and restore me. Not because I deserve it or have earned it, but because you are a great God of grace and mercy. In fact, I could use a shot of assurance today because I'm sitting here in the ash heap scraping off a few personal, spiritual and emotional boils.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Daily Reflections on 2 Cor. 1:3-11 (Comfort in Our Struggles)
Struggles are a part of life. We all endure them from time to time. Some struggles are obviously more severe than others. I love the promise in this passage in 2 Corinthians. Paul, who had more than his share of struggles, praises God for being the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He proclaims that God comforts in all our troubles with His own personal comfort. In other words, God is always there personally bringing us comfort.
But God also has a purpose behind His comfort. He comforts us personally so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we have received from God. God is concerned deeply about each and everyone of our needs no matter how great or small. Jesus said that God has the very hairs on our head numbered. If God knows when a sparrow falls, why wouldn't He be involved in our lives. God is always there and willing to extend His comfort. But sometimes I'm not paying attention to God's comfort.
If God is so concerned about the issues and needs of all us, as a follow of Christ, then I should be my concern too. God expects me to bring comfort to others who are struggling. The comfort that God brings to us in our time of suffering gives us the ability, knowledge, insights into bringing comfort to others, especially those who suffer from a similar plight as ours. Having been through the ups and downs, ins and outs, trenches of spiritual, emotional, physical, relational warfare, we can lend a hand to others that brings true understanding, encouragement and comfort to them.
God is able to use all of our experiences in life, even the painful disasters to minister to someone else. He never lets those experiences go to waste. What I've found is that I receive even greater healing when I extend myself to others to comfort them in their time of personal struggle. I have a greater assurance of God's presence in my own life. If I were to sit around and wallow in my own grief and struggles, the comfort that God brings to me is of little value or help. I only grow deeper in my depression and pain. But when I take even the smallest amount of comfort I've received and pass it on to someone else, my comfort gets multiplied and I have greater strength to endure.
God, I can't say that I'm thankful for my struggles and pain in life. But I am thankful for your constant presence and comfort. It'd be easy for me to just sit in my corner and pout and cry and whine. To be honest, Lord, I'd really prefer to do that, but I know that only pushes me deeper into my own suffering and makes life even darker. Help me to pass on to others what I have received. Help me be a comfort to others.
But God also has a purpose behind His comfort. He comforts us personally so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we have received from God. God is concerned deeply about each and everyone of our needs no matter how great or small. Jesus said that God has the very hairs on our head numbered. If God knows when a sparrow falls, why wouldn't He be involved in our lives. God is always there and willing to extend His comfort. But sometimes I'm not paying attention to God's comfort.
If God is so concerned about the issues and needs of all us, as a follow of Christ, then I should be my concern too. God expects me to bring comfort to others who are struggling. The comfort that God brings to us in our time of suffering gives us the ability, knowledge, insights into bringing comfort to others, especially those who suffer from a similar plight as ours. Having been through the ups and downs, ins and outs, trenches of spiritual, emotional, physical, relational warfare, we can lend a hand to others that brings true understanding, encouragement and comfort to them.
God is able to use all of our experiences in life, even the painful disasters to minister to someone else. He never lets those experiences go to waste. What I've found is that I receive even greater healing when I extend myself to others to comfort them in their time of personal struggle. I have a greater assurance of God's presence in my own life. If I were to sit around and wallow in my own grief and struggles, the comfort that God brings to me is of little value or help. I only grow deeper in my depression and pain. But when I take even the smallest amount of comfort I've received and pass it on to someone else, my comfort gets multiplied and I have greater strength to endure.
God, I can't say that I'm thankful for my struggles and pain in life. But I am thankful for your constant presence and comfort. It'd be easy for me to just sit in my corner and pout and cry and whine. To be honest, Lord, I'd really prefer to do that, but I know that only pushes me deeper into my own suffering and makes life even darker. Help me to pass on to others what I have received. Help me be a comfort to others.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Daily Reflections on Job 19:1-7, 14-22 (Friends; a Blessing or a Curse)
Are friends' advice a blessing or a curse? I suppose it could be both, depending upon your friends. One thing for sure is that advice from friends or acquaintances can vary widely. Some advice is sound while other advice is probably questionable. But sometimes a friends' advice can only complicate matters.
Reading through Job the last few days reminded me how important good friends are to managing life. After Job experienced all his tragedy, his closest buddies really weren't much of a help to him. His wife tells Job to curse God and die. His closest friends tell him basically that if he weren't such a sinner, he wouldn't be suffering so much. They tell him he should either repent from his evil ways or face the punishment.
To be honest, I'm not really sure what caused Job the most pain, the loss of his wealth, health and family or the abuse he took from his friends. Losing all that Job lost was certainly devastating and painful. But the accusations of his friends left Job completely alone. Instead of bringing comfort to Job, they brought even deeper pain.
As I read through these chapters I get a sense that Job wasn't really looking for answers to his plight. All he really wanted was comfort and assurance that somebody cared. He would have probably been content if those who were closest to him would simply sit in the ash heap with him and cry with him. Of the hundred plus funerals that I've performed through the years, I've never yet found the magic words to make the pain or feeling of loss go away. I've never been able to satisfactorily been able to answer the question, "why?" I've given away lots of hugs, held lots of hands, wiped plenty of tears and shed some myself, but I've never found the magic bullet that makes everything alright.
All the advice in the world doesn't mean as much as a friend who will come along side of you and sit with you in the ash heap. You ultimately have to make your own decisions, take your own steps, call your own play. Listening, empathizing, caring means a lot, especially if you're the one struggling. I just need to know that there is someone in my corner.
God, I know that you are always in my corner no matter how dark it appears. But it really helps, Lord, to have some flesh and bone there with me too. I just need someone to encourage me, comfort me, cry with me, agonize with me, listen to me. I don't always need advice and I definitely don't need someone telling me, "I told you so." Lord, help me to be that person to others. Help me know when to confront and when to comfort. Help know when to offer a hand and when to give a nudge. Give me your wisdom and your heart and your spirit.
Reading through Job the last few days reminded me how important good friends are to managing life. After Job experienced all his tragedy, his closest buddies really weren't much of a help to him. His wife tells Job to curse God and die. His closest friends tell him basically that if he weren't such a sinner, he wouldn't be suffering so much. They tell him he should either repent from his evil ways or face the punishment.
To be honest, I'm not really sure what caused Job the most pain, the loss of his wealth, health and family or the abuse he took from his friends. Losing all that Job lost was certainly devastating and painful. But the accusations of his friends left Job completely alone. Instead of bringing comfort to Job, they brought even deeper pain.
As I read through these chapters I get a sense that Job wasn't really looking for answers to his plight. All he really wanted was comfort and assurance that somebody cared. He would have probably been content if those who were closest to him would simply sit in the ash heap with him and cry with him. Of the hundred plus funerals that I've performed through the years, I've never yet found the magic words to make the pain or feeling of loss go away. I've never been able to satisfactorily been able to answer the question, "why?" I've given away lots of hugs, held lots of hands, wiped plenty of tears and shed some myself, but I've never found the magic bullet that makes everything alright.
All the advice in the world doesn't mean as much as a friend who will come along side of you and sit with you in the ash heap. You ultimately have to make your own decisions, take your own steps, call your own play. Listening, empathizing, caring means a lot, especially if you're the one struggling. I just need to know that there is someone in my corner.
God, I know that you are always in my corner no matter how dark it appears. But it really helps, Lord, to have some flesh and bone there with me too. I just need someone to encourage me, comfort me, cry with me, agonize with me, listen to me. I don't always need advice and I definitely don't need someone telling me, "I told you so." Lord, help me to be that person to others. Help me know when to confront and when to comfort. Help know when to offer a hand and when to give a nudge. Give me your wisdom and your heart and your spirit.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 14:18-25 (Understanding)
Recently in the news was the tragic story of the bus crash that killed several on its way to a Vietnamese religious celebration in Carthage, MO. Every year thousands of Vietnamese from across the country make the trek to the small Ozarks town of Carthage to celebrate Marian Days. Carthage is home to the largest Vietnamese Catholic Seminary in the US. The town of twelve thousand residents swells to a population of sixty to seventy thousand people for that first full week in August.
I pastored in Carthage for nearly thirteen years. The seminary was located directly across from our church. The roads leading to our church were always closed that week, including Sunday. Every year we took our girls and walked through the gathering. We would pick a food tent and experience the cuisine and the culture. The menus were in Vietnamese. The waiters and waitresses and crowd spoke Vietnamese. The music was Vietnamese. As Caucasian Americans, we were definitely a minority on the grounds. One of the first years we went, my oldest daughter remarked, "Dad, this doesn't feel like Carthage." It was always a surprise what we got to eat and drink.
In this passage in Corinthians, Paul gives some sound advice to the Corinthian church regarding speaking in tongues. Paul isn't anti speaking tongues, however he notes that if some unbeliever comes into their midst and everyone is speaking in tongues, they are going to be freaked out, thinking everyone is out of their minds. The likelihood of those people coming to Christ is going to be slim to none. He goes on to say, if there isn't any interpretation to the tongue being spoken, keep it to yourself.
On the other hand, Paul encourages prophesy. Prophesy in biblical terms isn't telling the future. It's sharing a message from God. Sometimes a prophesy comes with a warning, as often seen in the Old Testament. But the heart of prophesy is about speaking God's truth. Paul says that he would rather speak 5 intelligible words that teach people about God than 10,000 words in a tongue. Why? Because Paul is more concerned about people coming to Christ, learning about Christ, growing in Christ than about some personal experience.
It's amazing to me how many believers today want to experience something that makes them feel something special. They want some ecstatic experience or to be wowed or something that makes THEM feel alive in Christ. Although those experiences are great for us, what about those outside of Christ? What about those struggling in sin or confusion or loneliness or with direction for life? What about the people with real life questions?
People need to hear instruction to grow. They especially need to hear God's Good News if they are outside of Christ. The ecstatic experience only adds to the confusion of people seeking answers. It's like walking through a strange culture where you don't understand anyone and can't read the menus. The food or drink may not satisfy your need or nurture your soul.
God, as a believer it would be easy for me to just focus on soaking you in and experiencing more of you on a daily/weekly basis. Yet, God you called us to be your light, your messengers, your ambassadors to a world who needs to hear your message of hope and victory in Jesus. Help me, Lord, to speak your word clearly to those surrounding me, especially my neighbors, friends, acquaintances who need to hear your Good News.
I pastored in Carthage for nearly thirteen years. The seminary was located directly across from our church. The roads leading to our church were always closed that week, including Sunday. Every year we took our girls and walked through the gathering. We would pick a food tent and experience the cuisine and the culture. The menus were in Vietnamese. The waiters and waitresses and crowd spoke Vietnamese. The music was Vietnamese. As Caucasian Americans, we were definitely a minority on the grounds. One of the first years we went, my oldest daughter remarked, "Dad, this doesn't feel like Carthage." It was always a surprise what we got to eat and drink.
In this passage in Corinthians, Paul gives some sound advice to the Corinthian church regarding speaking in tongues. Paul isn't anti speaking tongues, however he notes that if some unbeliever comes into their midst and everyone is speaking in tongues, they are going to be freaked out, thinking everyone is out of their minds. The likelihood of those people coming to Christ is going to be slim to none. He goes on to say, if there isn't any interpretation to the tongue being spoken, keep it to yourself.
On the other hand, Paul encourages prophesy. Prophesy in biblical terms isn't telling the future. It's sharing a message from God. Sometimes a prophesy comes with a warning, as often seen in the Old Testament. But the heart of prophesy is about speaking God's truth. Paul says that he would rather speak 5 intelligible words that teach people about God than 10,000 words in a tongue. Why? Because Paul is more concerned about people coming to Christ, learning about Christ, growing in Christ than about some personal experience.
It's amazing to me how many believers today want to experience something that makes them feel something special. They want some ecstatic experience or to be wowed or something that makes THEM feel alive in Christ. Although those experiences are great for us, what about those outside of Christ? What about those struggling in sin or confusion or loneliness or with direction for life? What about the people with real life questions?
People need to hear instruction to grow. They especially need to hear God's Good News if they are outside of Christ. The ecstatic experience only adds to the confusion of people seeking answers. It's like walking through a strange culture where you don't understand anyone and can't read the menus. The food or drink may not satisfy your need or nurture your soul.
God, as a believer it would be easy for me to just focus on soaking you in and experiencing more of you on a daily/weekly basis. Yet, God you called us to be your light, your messengers, your ambassadors to a world who needs to hear your message of hope and victory in Jesus. Help me, Lord, to speak your word clearly to those surrounding me, especially my neighbors, friends, acquaintances who need to hear your Good News.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ps. 33:12-22 (Voting for Hope)
It's a famous passage, one that has been claimed by many US citizens for generations. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." It seems that every four years at the time of the presidential election, the awareness of this verse is raised by religious leaders. It's used often times to gain support for certain candidates and to repel support for others. As it gets closer to November, the rhetoric will get louder.
The promise was originally directed at Israel. It was part of their promise. God promised certain provisions and protections if the Israelites would remain faithful to God. The second part of this verse is generally not quoted. It says, "the people he chose for his inheritance." Obviously the reference is to the nation of Israel not the US. So to claim this promise as a US citizen is actually a stretch.
However the principle of this promise is applicable to God's people. If you look at nation as a people group, the interpretation changes slightly. It concerns me that today many people put more faith in the government than they do the Lord. They rely on the government to provide everything thing for them, to form the safety net for them, to solve all their problems. Alan Hirsch, in his book, The Forgotten Ways, notes that the rise of the nation-state as the mediator of protection and provision has led to the secularization of culture in the Western world. In other words, the church in the West has been taken from the center of the culture and increasingly pushed to the margins by the reliance on government to provide for all one's personal needs. Thus the church loses it's influence and God is lessened in our daily life.
The psalmist goes on to say the size and strength of a king's army can't save him. A soldier's strength or weaponry can't save him. He also says the the eyes of the Lord are on those who place their hope and faith in Him. I learned a long time ago that if you put your hope in people or governments get ready to be let down. The last few years many followers of Christ placed their hope in Republican candidates for national office only to be disappointed by the results.
The answer isn't placing our hope in a political candidate be it Republican or Democrat. The answer is placing our hope in the Lord, waiting in hope for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. Our hearts will rejoice when we place our full trust in God. The government will never show you love or even make you feel loved. But when we allow God to receive our full focus of trust, we will experience His presence of genuine love.
God, forget the government or people, I'm placing my trust in you.
The promise was originally directed at Israel. It was part of their promise. God promised certain provisions and protections if the Israelites would remain faithful to God. The second part of this verse is generally not quoted. It says, "the people he chose for his inheritance." Obviously the reference is to the nation of Israel not the US. So to claim this promise as a US citizen is actually a stretch.
However the principle of this promise is applicable to God's people. If you look at nation as a people group, the interpretation changes slightly. It concerns me that today many people put more faith in the government than they do the Lord. They rely on the government to provide everything thing for them, to form the safety net for them, to solve all their problems. Alan Hirsch, in his book, The Forgotten Ways, notes that the rise of the nation-state as the mediator of protection and provision has led to the secularization of culture in the Western world. In other words, the church in the West has been taken from the center of the culture and increasingly pushed to the margins by the reliance on government to provide for all one's personal needs. Thus the church loses it's influence and God is lessened in our daily life.
The psalmist goes on to say the size and strength of a king's army can't save him. A soldier's strength or weaponry can't save him. He also says the the eyes of the Lord are on those who place their hope and faith in Him. I learned a long time ago that if you put your hope in people or governments get ready to be let down. The last few years many followers of Christ placed their hope in Republican candidates for national office only to be disappointed by the results.
The answer isn't placing our hope in a political candidate be it Republican or Democrat. The answer is placing our hope in the Lord, waiting in hope for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. Our hearts will rejoice when we place our full trust in God. The government will never show you love or even make you feel loved. But when we allow God to receive our full focus of trust, we will experience His presence of genuine love.
God, forget the government or people, I'm placing my trust in you.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Daily Reflections on Prov. 21: 9, 21 (Dealing with a Quarrelsome Wife)
The last few days my wife and I took our oldest daughter to college. She is in her fourth year of college working on a dual degree. This year she moved into an apartment. The tough part for mom is that she's about 6 hours away from home. So in two short days we had to scrub down the apartment and set up everything to her satisfaction (Mom's more than my daughter's).
As we worked, dear old dad, begin to take a lot of unnecessary ribbing. They picked on my hair, my shirt, my physique and my mannerisms. They were having a lot of laughs and fun at my expense. As a father of two girls, I'm used to being the odd man out and I'm also used to being the object of jest. But sometimes as a man you just have to stand up for yourself.
As the good natured harassment continued, by day three I enjoined joke fest. Being the quick wit that I am, I got off a few volleys of my own. All in pure defense, mind you. As we sat down for a very late lunch, I was factiously commenting on how abused I was a husband. My wife was quick on the response. Then my daughter laughingly said, "You guys are really mean to each other." Although our humor was meant in fun, it did have a cynical nature to it.
Solomon has been said to be the wisest man ever to have lived. Some have to question that wisdom since he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. If anyone had an insight on wives however, you'd have to say it was Solomon. I figure he must have had his rounds with all those women in his household too. (It's been three against one for me the last 18 years. I can't imagine 1000 to one.)
It must have been one of those days when Solomon wrote Proverbs 21. Twice in the middle of his discourse in this chapter he inserts comments about a wife. First in verse 9 he says that it is better to live on the corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Then later in verse 19 he says that it is better to live in the desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
Let's face it guys, when your wife is in a quarrelsome or ill-tempered mood, you are in real trouble. I just go ahead and tell the dog to move over because I know before the nights over I'm going to be in his house. The corner of a roof may be a precarious place to be but according to Solomon it's a more desirable place to be in those moments.
Men, we generally have two choices under those circumstances. One, run and duck for cover. Two, stand and fight. Neither end up with the best results. There is a third option but it is toughest road to take. 1 Peter 3 tells husbands to live with your wife in an understanding way. Let's be honest, no man on the planet understands women. We just don't get it.
But Peter said it's about attitude not knowledge. He said "understanding way." More often than not when a wife is on a terror, something has caused the negative response. Our job as husbands is to demonstrate loving concern in those moments. The furor may continue for a while, but an understanding approach will before long quell the storm. It takes a big heart, lots of patiences, strong arms, a steady equilibrium and a loving determination.
My wife's onslaught the last couple of days had more to do with separation from my daughter than my own idiosyncrasies. From the time we left her apartment, tears flowed freely for several miles. At that moment, she didn't need me making defensive jabs. She just needed me.
God, after all these years, I'm still working at being a good husband. I need your wisdom and strength. Help me be the kind of husband, lover, mate, friend to my wife I need to be that allows our marriage to grow deeper and richer.
As we worked, dear old dad, begin to take a lot of unnecessary ribbing. They picked on my hair, my shirt, my physique and my mannerisms. They were having a lot of laughs and fun at my expense. As a father of two girls, I'm used to being the odd man out and I'm also used to being the object of jest. But sometimes as a man you just have to stand up for yourself.
As the good natured harassment continued, by day three I enjoined joke fest. Being the quick wit that I am, I got off a few volleys of my own. All in pure defense, mind you. As we sat down for a very late lunch, I was factiously commenting on how abused I was a husband. My wife was quick on the response. Then my daughter laughingly said, "You guys are really mean to each other." Although our humor was meant in fun, it did have a cynical nature to it.
Solomon has been said to be the wisest man ever to have lived. Some have to question that wisdom since he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. If anyone had an insight on wives however, you'd have to say it was Solomon. I figure he must have had his rounds with all those women in his household too. (It's been three against one for me the last 18 years. I can't imagine 1000 to one.)
It must have been one of those days when Solomon wrote Proverbs 21. Twice in the middle of his discourse in this chapter he inserts comments about a wife. First in verse 9 he says that it is better to live on the corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Then later in verse 19 he says that it is better to live in the desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
Let's face it guys, when your wife is in a quarrelsome or ill-tempered mood, you are in real trouble. I just go ahead and tell the dog to move over because I know before the nights over I'm going to be in his house. The corner of a roof may be a precarious place to be but according to Solomon it's a more desirable place to be in those moments.
Men, we generally have two choices under those circumstances. One, run and duck for cover. Two, stand and fight. Neither end up with the best results. There is a third option but it is toughest road to take. 1 Peter 3 tells husbands to live with your wife in an understanding way. Let's be honest, no man on the planet understands women. We just don't get it.
But Peter said it's about attitude not knowledge. He said "understanding way." More often than not when a wife is on a terror, something has caused the negative response. Our job as husbands is to demonstrate loving concern in those moments. The furor may continue for a while, but an understanding approach will before long quell the storm. It takes a big heart, lots of patiences, strong arms, a steady equilibrium and a loving determination.
My wife's onslaught the last couple of days had more to do with separation from my daughter than my own idiosyncrasies. From the time we left her apartment, tears flowed freely for several miles. At that moment, she didn't need me making defensive jabs. She just needed me.
God, after all these years, I'm still working at being a good husband. I need your wisdom and strength. Help me be the kind of husband, lover, mate, friend to my wife I need to be that allows our marriage to grow deeper and richer.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Daily Reflections on Ezra 7:1-10, 27-28 (How About a Hand, God?)
I had shared a message one Sunday about the direction of our church. At the close of the message I asked the congregation to pray for God's hand to be on us. I received an extended note by one of our young ladies chastising me for not asking us to seek God's face instead. She was insistent that asking for the hand of God was "unspiritual." I wrote her back and agreed that we should seek the face of God. But I also noted that as we read through the Old Testament that it was the hand of God that caused things to happen.
Several times in today's passage, Ezra notes that he was able to secure what was needed to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem because the hand of God was on him. Verse 6 says that the king granted Ezra everything he asked for because "the hand of the Lord his God was on him." Verse 9 says that Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in a timely fashion because "the good hand of his God was on him." Verse 28 says that Ezra received favor from the king and the king's advisers and all the king's powerful officials because, in Ezra's own words, "the hand of the Lord my God was on me."
I need the hand of the Lord on me. I need to have the same attitude as the Apostle Paul who said, "When I am weak, then I am strong." The problem is that too many times I put my own hand on me or rather try to accomplish something by my own power, resources, smarts, energy, insights, ideas, or abilities. Sometimes things work out all right and sometimes they end in major disaster. When it comes to doing life and relationships and pursuing the things of the kingdom of God, I'd much rather do things with the hand of God on me.
Deferring to the hand of God isn't a weakness, it's actually wise. In Ezra's case, he was blessed beyond imagination. Everything he could have hoped for and more happened. Ezra could have tried to do some political maneuvering to get what he wanted, but no doubt he would have had to comprise something to get what he wanted. By trusting in God and allowing Him (His Hand) to go to work for him, Ezra saw not only a victory, but overwhelming favor in everyone's eyes.
God, help me keep my hands out of your business. I want your hand at work in my life, in the life the church you allow me to pastor. Forgive me when I get in your way. I want people to see you hand working in my behalf so that they can glorify you and come to know you. I just want to be your vessel, your humble servant. Place your hand upon me.
Several times in today's passage, Ezra notes that he was able to secure what was needed to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem because the hand of God was on him. Verse 6 says that the king granted Ezra everything he asked for because "the hand of the Lord his God was on him." Verse 9 says that Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in a timely fashion because "the good hand of his God was on him." Verse 28 says that Ezra received favor from the king and the king's advisers and all the king's powerful officials because, in Ezra's own words, "the hand of the Lord my God was on me."
I need the hand of the Lord on me. I need to have the same attitude as the Apostle Paul who said, "When I am weak, then I am strong." The problem is that too many times I put my own hand on me or rather try to accomplish something by my own power, resources, smarts, energy, insights, ideas, or abilities. Sometimes things work out all right and sometimes they end in major disaster. When it comes to doing life and relationships and pursuing the things of the kingdom of God, I'd much rather do things with the hand of God on me.
Deferring to the hand of God isn't a weakness, it's actually wise. In Ezra's case, he was blessed beyond imagination. Everything he could have hoped for and more happened. Ezra could have tried to do some political maneuvering to get what he wanted, but no doubt he would have had to comprise something to get what he wanted. By trusting in God and allowing Him (His Hand) to go to work for him, Ezra saw not only a victory, but overwhelming favor in everyone's eyes.
God, help me keep my hands out of your business. I want your hand at work in my life, in the life the church you allow me to pastor. Forgive me when I get in your way. I want people to see you hand working in my behalf so that they can glorify you and come to know you. I just want to be your vessel, your humble servant. Place your hand upon me.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Daily Reflections of Ps. 28 (Crying for Mercy)
When I was a kid we used to play variations of a game we used to call mercy. In one version we would interlock fingers and then invert our hands so palms would be up. It was at that point the game of punishing one another would begin. When one of the contestants couldn't stand the pain anymore, they would cry out, "Mercy." The game would end and the inflicter of the greater pain would declare victory.
The game of mercy isn't just a children's game. It becomes more sophisticated as we grow to adulthood. We no longer interlock fingers and go at it and the pain that's inflicted tends to be more mental and emotional rather than physical. The other problem is that when we cry out for mercy, more often than not, the game doesn't end. In fact, many times the game only intensifies.
It's apparent that David faced his share of pressure and pain from people. He was the youngest of several brothers, which means he probably he experienced typical sibling abuse or at least heckling. We know that King Saul was jealous of him and tried to take David's life on several occasions. We know that he had plenty of enemies from surrounding kingdoms. We also know that his own kids caused him plenty of trouble. It's no wonder David cried out for mercy.
Pain and pressure doesn't always just come from other people. Sometimes it's self inflicted and sometimes in comes from the circumstances of life. It really doesn't matter where it comes from, all of us reach a point in life in which we find ourselves overwhelmed, frustrated, broken. It's at those points we find ourselves crying out for it to stop. We cry for mercy.
Instead of whining, David found that giving praise to God in the midst of turmoil brought him strength and comfort. He acknowledges that God is the rock, the strength he needs. He isn't relying on people or his wealth or his talents or his ingenuity or even the priests. David goes straight to the source of power.
God, you really are my strength and my shield. I trust in you because I'm incompetent and know that you alone can supply the help I really need. God, when I see you at work in my life, I have a sense of a deep inner relief. Surround me with your grace and power and give me the guidance I need to make the right decisions and steps.
The game of mercy isn't just a children's game. It becomes more sophisticated as we grow to adulthood. We no longer interlock fingers and go at it and the pain that's inflicted tends to be more mental and emotional rather than physical. The other problem is that when we cry out for mercy, more often than not, the game doesn't end. In fact, many times the game only intensifies.
It's apparent that David faced his share of pressure and pain from people. He was the youngest of several brothers, which means he probably he experienced typical sibling abuse or at least heckling. We know that King Saul was jealous of him and tried to take David's life on several occasions. We know that he had plenty of enemies from surrounding kingdoms. We also know that his own kids caused him plenty of trouble. It's no wonder David cried out for mercy.
Pain and pressure doesn't always just come from other people. Sometimes it's self inflicted and sometimes in comes from the circumstances of life. It really doesn't matter where it comes from, all of us reach a point in life in which we find ourselves overwhelmed, frustrated, broken. It's at those points we find ourselves crying out for it to stop. We cry for mercy.
Instead of whining, David found that giving praise to God in the midst of turmoil brought him strength and comfort. He acknowledges that God is the rock, the strength he needs. He isn't relying on people or his wealth or his talents or his ingenuity or even the priests. David goes straight to the source of power.
God, you really are my strength and my shield. I trust in you because I'm incompetent and know that you alone can supply the help I really need. God, when I see you at work in my life, I have a sense of a deep inner relief. Surround me with your grace and power and give me the guidance I need to make the right decisions and steps.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 2:1-5 (Intimidation)
"I'm not very good at talking about my faith," or "I can't talk about my faith 'cause I don't know very much." Whenever I hear someone tell me that I'm always reminded of Moses at the burning bush. When God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses was quick to explain how he was slow of speech. When it comes to making excuses for not being able to share their faith, some people can get real descriptive.
I love this passage from 1 Corinthians that Apostle Paul writes about how he came and shared the Gospel message with the people of Corinth. He tells them that he didn't come to them with eloquent speech or superior wisdom. He simply shared his testimony. He says he came to them in weakness and fear and "with much trembling." Sounds like most of us. He goes on to say he didn't use wise and persuasive words, he just relied on the Holy Spirit. He wasn't interested in drawing people to him, but to God.
I confess that it can be intimidating to share your faith in some circles. Paul obviously felt that way sometimes. Yet, Paul quickly learned that it wasn't about putting on a show or saying the perfect words or convincing people by your sharp wit and insight and clever speech. To be honest, I've never led anyone to Christ through some elaborate formula of words or my super intelligence or powerful arguments. Most of the time, people simply want to know why I came to Christ.
Jesus said that one of the reasons He gave us the Holy Spirit was to give us the words to say when we needed them. He told His disciple that they would be His witnesses. What does a witness do? A witness simply tells what they know, what they've seen or experienced. That's all Jesus really asks us to do. There are no magical words or fancy presentations. God doesn't call us to "wow" people. All he wants us to do is share what we know and rest in the Spirit.
God, I don't want people to be impressed with me. I want people to experience you. Give me the courage to simply share you and what you've done in my life with others outside of Christ.
I love this passage from 1 Corinthians that Apostle Paul writes about how he came and shared the Gospel message with the people of Corinth. He tells them that he didn't come to them with eloquent speech or superior wisdom. He simply shared his testimony. He says he came to them in weakness and fear and "with much trembling." Sounds like most of us. He goes on to say he didn't use wise and persuasive words, he just relied on the Holy Spirit. He wasn't interested in drawing people to him, but to God.
I confess that it can be intimidating to share your faith in some circles. Paul obviously felt that way sometimes. Yet, Paul quickly learned that it wasn't about putting on a show or saying the perfect words or convincing people by your sharp wit and insight and clever speech. To be honest, I've never led anyone to Christ through some elaborate formula of words or my super intelligence or powerful arguments. Most of the time, people simply want to know why I came to Christ.
Jesus said that one of the reasons He gave us the Holy Spirit was to give us the words to say when we needed them. He told His disciple that they would be His witnesses. What does a witness do? A witness simply tells what they know, what they've seen or experienced. That's all Jesus really asks us to do. There are no magical words or fancy presentations. God doesn't call us to "wow" people. All he wants us to do is share what we know and rest in the Spirit.
God, I don't want people to be impressed with me. I want people to experience you. Give me the courage to simply share you and what you've done in my life with others outside of Christ.
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