In this Christmas season we are joyfully reminded of why Christ came into the world. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus Christ came into the world revealing God the Father (John 14:9;1:18).
1 John 4:8 says that God is love. Jesus came to earth to demonstrate this love. He came to earth humbling Himself by becoming a man and submitted to death on the cross for our sakes (Philippians 2:5-8). In describing this incredible demonstration of grace Paul said in 2 Corinthians 8:9 that He became poor that we might become rich! For in Christ we are the children of God, heirs to God Himself (Romans 8:17)!
I love the song, "When Love Came Down," by Stuart Townend. In the first verse and chorus he writes:
When Love came down to earth and made His home with man
The hopeless found a hope, the sinner found a friend
Not to the powerful, but to the poor He came
And humble, hungry hearts were satisfied in Him
What joy, what peace has come to us
What hope, what help, what love
Amen!!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Power of Giving Thanks
What a great national holiday, Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to God for what He has so graciously given us. In giving thanks we praise God as our Provider. Giving thanks to God reminds us that what we have is because of God's gracious provision.
Even when we approach God to ask Him for something, we are to start with giving Him thanks for what He has already done for us (Philippians 4:6). When I give thanks to God for my blessings, I grow in my appreciation for what I already have. It is no wonder that being thankful for what we have is a key to contentment and peace in our lives (Philippians 4:6,7,11-13). Notice in Philippians 4:11-13 that Paul connects contentment with the statement in verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Now, that's power!
Even when we approach God to ask Him for something, we are to start with giving Him thanks for what He has already done for us (Philippians 4:6). When I give thanks to God for my blessings, I grow in my appreciation for what I already have. It is no wonder that being thankful for what we have is a key to contentment and peace in our lives (Philippians 4:6,7,11-13). Notice in Philippians 4:11-13 that Paul connects contentment with the statement in verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Now, that's power!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
What is God's Name?
When God called Moses to go to Egypt to lead Israel from captivity, Moses said to God (in Exodus 3:13): "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" In verse 14, "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Then, in verse 15 He revealed Himself further: "The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is My name forever, and this is My memorial name to all generations."
The English word, LORD,used in this passage in many Bibles is actually, YHVH in the Hebrew (the original language of this text). This name is thought to be a derivation of "I AM THAT I AM." This phrase is thought to describe God's self existence, eternal nature, and unchanging nature. Some have said that the phrase, I AM THAT I AM, is a "...etc" type phrase. In other words it would be like saying, "I AM THAT I AM THAT I AM THAT I AM..." It is conceptually challenging for us to understand that God is eternal and eternally faithful! I agree with David that knowing God is "too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it" (Psalm 139:6). I need God's revelation to even start to try to understand in a small way His omnipresence (He is everywhere) and His omniscience (He is all-knowing) and His omnipotence (He is all powerful)!
The English word, LORD,used in this passage in many Bibles is actually, YHVH in the Hebrew (the original language of this text). This name is thought to be a derivation of "I AM THAT I AM." This phrase is thought to describe God's self existence, eternal nature, and unchanging nature. Some have said that the phrase, I AM THAT I AM, is a "...etc" type phrase. In other words it would be like saying, "I AM THAT I AM THAT I AM THAT I AM..." It is conceptually challenging for us to understand that God is eternal and eternally faithful! I agree with David that knowing God is "too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it" (Psalm 139:6). I need God's revelation to even start to try to understand in a small way His omnipresence (He is everywhere) and His omniscience (He is all-knowing) and His omnipotence (He is all powerful)!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
David Inquired of the Lord
A very important phrase is repeated in 2 Samuel about David. In 2 Samuel 2:1-2, "Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?" And the Lord said to him, "Go up." So David said, "Where shall I go up?" And He said, "To Hebron." So David went up there..."
David inquired of the Lord before he acted. When God answered him, David did according to what God had said. In 2 Samuel 5:19,20 and 5:23-25 we find David inquiring of the Lord, God answering him, and David obeying God.
The result of this relationship is described in 2 Samuel 5:10, "David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him."
David inquired of the Lord before he acted. When God answered him, David did according to what God had said. In 2 Samuel 5:19,20 and 5:23-25 we find David inquiring of the Lord, God answering him, and David obeying God.
The result of this relationship is described in 2 Samuel 5:10, "David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him."
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
New Wine in Old Wineskins?
Matthew 9:16,17 - "But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."
Jesus addresses our tendency to believe that the key to fresh encounters with God is the religious activity that at one time was accompanied by the presence of God. In this context the practice of fasting seemed to accompany the Spirit-filled preaching of John the Baptist. So, the fasting by John's disciples must have been the key to the powerful moves of the Holy Spirit in John's preaching.
Such a mindset can cause such spiritual or religious activities to become a new orthodoxy or even devolve into superstition, both of which are devoid of God's Spirit. God wants us to hunger for His presence and pursue His will today. We need to keep seeking Him (Col 3:1,2), deep calling deep (Psalm 42:7). God is enthroned upon the praises (Hebrew = tehillah = singing a new song of praise) of His people (Psalm 22:3). The newness of the praise is tied to the continuing (fresh) experience of God's presence in the believer's life. God's fresh wine response of His presence truly does bless us.
Jesus addresses our tendency to believe that the key to fresh encounters with God is the religious activity that at one time was accompanied by the presence of God. In this context the practice of fasting seemed to accompany the Spirit-filled preaching of John the Baptist. So, the fasting by John's disciples must have been the key to the powerful moves of the Holy Spirit in John's preaching.
Such a mindset can cause such spiritual or religious activities to become a new orthodoxy or even devolve into superstition, both of which are devoid of God's Spirit. God wants us to hunger for His presence and pursue His will today. We need to keep seeking Him (Col 3:1,2), deep calling deep (Psalm 42:7). God is enthroned upon the praises (Hebrew = tehillah = singing a new song of praise) of His people (Psalm 22:3). The newness of the praise is tied to the continuing (fresh) experience of God's presence in the believer's life. God's fresh wine response of His presence truly does bless us.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
He Stills the Storms
In today's reading of the One Year Bible: Psalm 107:28-30 - "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."
Being in the middle of a storm at sea is a very scary experience! Perhaps, we can understand the fear of the disciples on the boat with Jesus in the middle of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). They cried out to the Lord to save them. And, He did! He commanded the storm to be still and the sea became calm. He demonstrated His authority and power in a way that identified Him with God as Psalm 107 describes. We should place definitely place our trust in Him and give Him glory!
Being in the middle of a storm at sea is a very scary experience! Perhaps, we can understand the fear of the disciples on the boat with Jesus in the middle of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). They cried out to the Lord to save them. And, He did! He commanded the storm to be still and the sea became calm. He demonstrated His authority and power in a way that identified Him with God as Psalm 107 describes. We should place definitely place our trust in Him and give Him glory!
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Living Water
In today's reading of the One Year Bible I love Jesus' description of the life we have in Him as He talks to the Samaritan woman: "Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water..." (John 4:13-15). I pray that many will respond to Jesus' invitation the way this Samaritan woman did..."Sir, give me this water."
Monday, April 19, 2010
Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves
Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you out in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." He said this to His disciples as He was sending them out to preach that the "kingdom of heaven is at hand."
This warning and instruction is very applicable to us today.
As Christians we live in a hostile environment. The world has an agenda that is against us. We are attacked on multiple fronts. It should be no surprise to us. In this same context Jesus warned, "You will be hated by all because of My name...(v. 22). So, we must wise...shrewd and intentional. Our adversaries are strategic and relentless in their actions against us. We need to be alert and on guard against the attacks. And, we need to go on the offensive.
The gospel message is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. We need to speak this powerful message. We need to live as Jesus' disciples. We need to be ready to give an answer to those who question our faith and way of life (1 Pet 3:15). We need to be active in our communities (including governmental activities), our schools, our neighborhood associations, our state and national governments. We should join with Paul going to individuals and to rulers (Acts 9:15). Time is flying by and the enemy is active. Let's rise up and engage!
This warning and instruction is very applicable to us today.
As Christians we live in a hostile environment. The world has an agenda that is against us. We are attacked on multiple fronts. It should be no surprise to us. In this same context Jesus warned, "You will be hated by all because of My name...(v. 22). So, we must wise...shrewd and intentional. Our adversaries are strategic and relentless in their actions against us. We need to be alert and on guard against the attacks. And, we need to go on the offensive.
The gospel message is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. We need to speak this powerful message. We need to live as Jesus' disciples. We need to be ready to give an answer to those who question our faith and way of life (1 Pet 3:15). We need to be active in our communities (including governmental activities), our schools, our neighborhood associations, our state and national governments. We should join with Paul going to individuals and to rulers (Acts 9:15). Time is flying by and the enemy is active. Let's rise up and engage!
Monday, March 01, 2010
God's Timing
After Paul was commissioned by God in Acts 9:15 to "bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel," Paul went to Arabia for three years. Barnabas came and found in him in Tarsus to help him with the new work in Antioch (Acts 11). Then, in Acts 13:1-3 the prophets and teachers are fasting and praying. The Holy Spirit tells them to set apart Barnabas and Saul "for the work to which I have called them." So, Barnabas and Saul (Paul) go on what is known as the first missionary journey of Paul. In Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Silas start the second missionary journey. On this trip the Holy Spirit prohibited Paul and Silas to preach in Asia Minor (Acts 16:6). When they tried to go into Bithynia to preach the gospel, the Holy Spirit did not permit them (Acts 16:7).
Paul was commissioned and sent out by the Holy Spirit to Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. That is very broad. It is also very straight forward. Yet, Paul was obey his charge from God according to God's timing and God's leading. It is far too easy to get busy working "for" God and yet fail to pursue His continued leading and timing. After Paul was prohibited from preaching the gospel in Bithynia, he received a vision of a man calling for him to "come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9-10). By Paul yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading, he received word from God through a vision as to where he was to go and preach. When he obeyed this call, he bore fruit in Macedonia (Acts 16:14-40).
And, that is my desire...to bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10). Even when we know what we are called by God to do, we must continue to seek God's will and direction and timing.
Paul was commissioned and sent out by the Holy Spirit to Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. That is very broad. It is also very straight forward. Yet, Paul was obey his charge from God according to God's timing and God's leading. It is far too easy to get busy working "for" God and yet fail to pursue His continued leading and timing. After Paul was prohibited from preaching the gospel in Bithynia, he received a vision of a man calling for him to "come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9-10). By Paul yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading, he received word from God through a vision as to where he was to go and preach. When he obeyed this call, he bore fruit in Macedonia (Acts 16:14-40).
And, that is my desire...to bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10). Even when we know what we are called by God to do, we must continue to seek God's will and direction and timing.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Back in the States
I am back from Africa. I was in western Kenya for the first week and in Uganda for the second week. Once again, I feel like I am more the beneficiary than benefactor in this visit. I met a number of very hard-working and selfless individuals pursuing solutions for those in need of daily things like food and shelter and clothing...and in need of the Lord. These workers inspire me. They teach me. They are living in their faith in a selfless and very serving way.
A message I believe the Lord put on my heart for this visit was about unleashing the power of God's word through obedience. In both countries there is an abundance of banners and signs proclaiming "Jesus is Lord." Yet, the challenge (much like in the USA) is in living that beautiful confession and proclamation. Jesus' lordship is vital. God's word is powerful, living and active. Romans 1:16 says that the gospel is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. God speaks words about our behavior in relationships and on the job, etc. When we obey His words, His power is released into the setting of those relationships. Much like the description in 1 Peter 3:1-2 (the godly wife who wins her husband without a word through obedience) people can be affected by God's power that is unleashed in our obedience to His words. A family is blessed when the husband is faithful to his wife. Children receive the powerful heritage of a stable home and family provided through this obedience. Many more areas could be identified. But, you get the idea. Let's trust in God and obey His word and watch what power is released to transform and bless others around us!
A message I believe the Lord put on my heart for this visit was about unleashing the power of God's word through obedience. In both countries there is an abundance of banners and signs proclaiming "Jesus is Lord." Yet, the challenge (much like in the USA) is in living that beautiful confession and proclamation. Jesus' lordship is vital. God's word is powerful, living and active. Romans 1:16 says that the gospel is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. God speaks words about our behavior in relationships and on the job, etc. When we obey His words, His power is released into the setting of those relationships. Much like the description in 1 Peter 3:1-2 (the godly wife who wins her husband without a word through obedience) people can be affected by God's power that is unleashed in our obedience to His words. A family is blessed when the husband is faithful to his wife. Children receive the powerful heritage of a stable home and family provided through this obedience. Many more areas could be identified. But, you get the idea. Let's trust in God and obey His word and watch what power is released to transform and bless others around us!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
One Pearl of Great Value
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:44-46).
What would we sell all to acquire? Jesus teaches us about valuing the kingdom of heaven. His kingdom is worth selling out for...joyfully! How much value do we place on the presence of God in our lives? How much is His reign and righteousness worth?
Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God's presence brings life and life abundantly (John 10:10)! God's presence is full of His eternal glory! There is no greater worth!
What would we sell all to acquire? Jesus teaches us about valuing the kingdom of heaven. His kingdom is worth selling out for...joyfully! How much value do we place on the presence of God in our lives? How much is His reign and righteousness worth?
Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God's presence brings life and life abundantly (John 10:10)! God's presence is full of His eternal glory! There is no greater worth!
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