I had a dream last night.
You ever have one of those where you wake up thinking: what brought that on?
A dear brother in Christ and I were desponding over folks who profess Jesus as savior, but seem not to desire Him as Lord.
Now, I have a ever-increasing awareness of the beam in my own eye. It is, as the old song says, HARD to be humble. Not because I'm so great, but because of the tendency of the heart toward pride.
So as the the dream progressed, our hearts became increasingly broken for those who can't seem to want to claim the abundant life of surrender to Jesus' Lordship.
Not that any of us ever acheive it completely, but there are those who dwell in misery (unnecessarily) as they seek to accomplish their will through their power.
And so we were driven to tears and prayer.
And then I woke up.
What a strange dream.
This salvation.
How is it that some skip across its surface like stones across a pond, while others plunge deep into its cooling, refreshing waters?
The promise is for everyone who thirsts.
Aren't you thirsty?
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
It is Enough
Been thinking about the children of Israel. I owe them an apology.
It's a biblical fact that their faith faltered as God led them through the wilderness. And I used to look down my nose at them and think, "How could they be so stupid?!"
But I think I found out how. They received just exactly enough manna for each day, In fact they were told not to gather up more than a day's supply or it would rot.
Kinda reminds you of what Jesus said about piling up treasure here on earth, huh?
So I think that each day as they used the last of the manna for the evening meal, they looked at the empty container and began to worry. Or even panic. "Oh no! It's all gone. What if God doesn't send any tomorrow? What will we eat? We'll starve!!!"
See, each and every creature on the face of God's earth is dependent on God for their daily bread (just like in the prayer, right? Or did you think Jesus would teach us to mouth empty platitudes?)
Of course, when I was working, I relied on that paycheck every week. This is sad for a Christian to have to admit: I sometimes forgot that my Heavenly Father was the One doing the providing.
So back to "enough."
That is what we get. But the children of Israel complained because they didn't have an abundance each and every day. Enough was not enough.
But I would never do that, right?
Hmmm.
Maybe it's just me.
Or not.
It's a biblical fact that their faith faltered as God led them through the wilderness. And I used to look down my nose at them and think, "How could they be so stupid?!"
But I think I found out how. They received just exactly enough manna for each day, In fact they were told not to gather up more than a day's supply or it would rot.
Kinda reminds you of what Jesus said about piling up treasure here on earth, huh?
So I think that each day as they used the last of the manna for the evening meal, they looked at the empty container and began to worry. Or even panic. "Oh no! It's all gone. What if God doesn't send any tomorrow? What will we eat? We'll starve!!!"
See, each and every creature on the face of God's earth is dependent on God for their daily bread (just like in the prayer, right? Or did you think Jesus would teach us to mouth empty platitudes?)
Of course, when I was working, I relied on that paycheck every week. This is sad for a Christian to have to admit: I sometimes forgot that my Heavenly Father was the One doing the providing.
So back to "enough."
That is what we get. But the children of Israel complained because they didn't have an abundance each and every day. Enough was not enough.
But I would never do that, right?
Hmmm.
Maybe it's just me.
Or not.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Work, Witness, Worship
It has been said that "great minds think alike." So if we have "the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16b)," how much more so?
On pondering the work that God has been doing in my life recently, I have been reminded of Egypt. God delivered his people "from the house of bondage." In fact, the phrase, "out of Egypt," occurs 74 times in the KJV.
The most awesome writer that I personally know is Camille Kendall. Her latest blog post is:
http://hurricane-camille.blogspot.com/2012/06/good-work.html
Ah, my brothers and sisters in Christ! This is God's ideal for His children.
When He took them out of Egypt, He took them through a place where they had no resource but God alone. Have you ever thought what a scary place that is? Have you ever been blessed by following God through that place?
Of course, for them and for us, the Land of Promise is the ultimate goal. You may equate that with heaven as I have done.
But here's a question: when we speak of entering God's rest, does that mean the hammock or the fishing hole? Or something else?
You see, that's what makes Camille's post such a blesing to me. The children of Israel entered the promised land to work, to worship and to witness. This was God's command.
This promise is for God's children today as much as it was then. That we take joy in all we do and understand how God is glorified when we faithfully follow His leading. Even if He leads us through a dark and scary place.
On pondering the work that God has been doing in my life recently, I have been reminded of Egypt. God delivered his people "from the house of bondage." In fact, the phrase, "out of Egypt," occurs 74 times in the KJV.
The most awesome writer that I personally know is Camille Kendall. Her latest blog post is:
http://hurricane-camille.blogspot.com/2012/06/good-work.html
Ah, my brothers and sisters in Christ! This is God's ideal for His children.
When He took them out of Egypt, He took them through a place where they had no resource but God alone. Have you ever thought what a scary place that is? Have you ever been blessed by following God through that place?
Of course, for them and for us, the Land of Promise is the ultimate goal. You may equate that with heaven as I have done.
But here's a question: when we speak of entering God's rest, does that mean the hammock or the fishing hole? Or something else?
You see, that's what makes Camille's post such a blesing to me. The children of Israel entered the promised land to work, to worship and to witness. This was God's command.
This promise is for God's children today as much as it was then. That we take joy in all we do and understand how God is glorified when we faithfully follow His leading. Even if He leads us through a dark and scary place.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Epilogue
God's church began in the Old Testament. There we see Him choosing a people and calling them to Himself.
It is fitting that Grace Pres. began in the old Jewish Center. It is in the Old Testament that the coming Christ of God is first revealed, and men were saved because they believed in the One to come.
The faith of the New Testament church is based on the revealed word of God.
As we have seen, our practices in worship and system of church government are based on the Apostolic Church, as nearly as we can perceive her, outlined in the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul, Peter, John, James and the rest.
But we are Israel, grafted onto the Old Testament church, which God established from ancient times.
In many churches across the land in our day, the Word of God is no longer being preached. What is heard instead are the words of Pelagius, the words of James Arminius, the words of Charles Finney, the words of Karl Barth.
Lies are being proclaimed, from the father of lies. It is no wonder that church attendance is dropping like a rock, when such God-dishonoring rubbish is spewed forth from the pulpits.
It is our prayer that this story might prove encouraging to its readers. Let the defects of the author be overlooked and let the reader be inspired by this tale of a people who remained true to God's holy, inerrant, infallible Word. In spite of their flaws, their weaknesses, they hungered for every word which proceedeth from the mouth of God.
We are their heirs and successors. May we remain faithful, as they did, to the legacy of scripture. May we cling to His word, His truth, His salvation as the only rule of our faith.
This is our prayer.
It is fitting that Grace Pres. began in the old Jewish Center. It is in the Old Testament that the coming Christ of God is first revealed, and men were saved because they believed in the One to come.
The faith of the New Testament church is based on the revealed word of God.
As we have seen, our practices in worship and system of church government are based on the Apostolic Church, as nearly as we can perceive her, outlined in the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul, Peter, John, James and the rest.
But we are Israel, grafted onto the Old Testament church, which God established from ancient times.
In many churches across the land in our day, the Word of God is no longer being preached. What is heard instead are the words of Pelagius, the words of James Arminius, the words of Charles Finney, the words of Karl Barth.
Lies are being proclaimed, from the father of lies. It is no wonder that church attendance is dropping like a rock, when such God-dishonoring rubbish is spewed forth from the pulpits.
It is our prayer that this story might prove encouraging to its readers. Let the defects of the author be overlooked and let the reader be inspired by this tale of a people who remained true to God's holy, inerrant, infallible Word. In spite of their flaws, their weaknesses, they hungered for every word which proceedeth from the mouth of God.
We are their heirs and successors. May we remain faithful, as they did, to the legacy of scripture. May we cling to His word, His truth, His salvation as the only rule of our faith.
This is our prayer.
Monday, May 14, 2012
To Keep from Crying
Do you know anybody who doesn't laugh?
Even if you try really hard to make them laugh?
Can it be that the Father of all blessings has not blessed some of His children with a sense of the ridiculous?
You've heard the saying, "It's better to laugh than to cry." What about those who are unable to see how preposterous life sometimes is?
There's this man I know. A good guy. A sincere person. In fact, if I were to think of a word to describe him, it would be "earnest." Not the guy who made all those stupid movies, either.
See what I mean? It's the ability to make that leap. It's automatic, I think, in most of us to connect one meaning of a word with another sillier meaning. It's like how you sometimes step outside a non-funny situation to see the absurdity of the whole thing. And you crack a joke. And you laugh.
This guy I know. He doesn't laugh. Actually, he sometimes looks slightly pained. Most of the time, being a really good guy, he simply pauses for a moment, waiting politely, while I get hold of myself.
You know what's really strange? His mom is so droll. She'll say something totally off the wall, then watch you crack up before she breaks into this little smile. I love this lady!
Hey, I can be serious too. No really. I'm not kidding.
Here's a question: can there be joy without laughter? I think maybe so, but I'm not sure how.
What do you think?
Even if you try really hard to make them laugh?
Can it be that the Father of all blessings has not blessed some of His children with a sense of the ridiculous?
You've heard the saying, "It's better to laugh than to cry." What about those who are unable to see how preposterous life sometimes is?
There's this man I know. A good guy. A sincere person. In fact, if I were to think of a word to describe him, it would be "earnest." Not the guy who made all those stupid movies, either.
See what I mean? It's the ability to make that leap. It's automatic, I think, in most of us to connect one meaning of a word with another sillier meaning. It's like how you sometimes step outside a non-funny situation to see the absurdity of the whole thing. And you crack a joke. And you laugh.
This guy I know. He doesn't laugh. Actually, he sometimes looks slightly pained. Most of the time, being a really good guy, he simply pauses for a moment, waiting politely, while I get hold of myself.
You know what's really strange? His mom is so droll. She'll say something totally off the wall, then watch you crack up before she breaks into this little smile. I love this lady!
Hey, I can be serious too. No really. I'm not kidding.
Here's a question: can there be joy without laughter? I think maybe so, but I'm not sure how.
What do you think?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Prayer For the Dead
What's this? No such thing, I hear you say. Surely Jesus teaches us in Luke 16:19-31 that there is no redemption after death.
Which is true. But hear me out.
The psalmist in the 88th Psalm feels so estranged from God that he likens himself to one already dead. The Psalm ends with no ray of hope as most of the lament psalms do.
The final line? "...darkness is my closest friend." And that brings me to the point of tears. But not for the psalmist.
We were born dead. In at least three places (Ephesians 2:1; 2:5; Colossians 2:13), Paul teaches us this. He also speaks of quickening to those of us who have received Christ.
So I weep for those of my loved ones who are still at enmity with God; who want no part of his worship, or fellowship with his saints, or any comfort from his holy word.
Yes they still walk around above ground, breathing God's good air and enjoying the blessings of life on this earth. But their hearts are dead (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26).
May God have mercy on them and quicken their hearts of stone.
I pray for the dead.
Which is true. But hear me out.
The psalmist in the 88th Psalm feels so estranged from God that he likens himself to one already dead. The Psalm ends with no ray of hope as most of the lament psalms do.
The final line? "...darkness is my closest friend." And that brings me to the point of tears. But not for the psalmist.
We were born dead. In at least three places (Ephesians 2:1; 2:5; Colossians 2:13), Paul teaches us this. He also speaks of quickening to those of us who have received Christ.
So I weep for those of my loved ones who are still at enmity with God; who want no part of his worship, or fellowship with his saints, or any comfort from his holy word.
Yes they still walk around above ground, breathing God's good air and enjoying the blessings of life on this earth. But their hearts are dead (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26).
May God have mercy on them and quicken their hearts of stone.
I pray for the dead.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Master of Puppets
Master of puppets,
I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams.
Sounds like addiction, hmm? Name your poison.
As I peruse the lyrics,
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/metallica/master+of+puppets_20092140.html
maybe I can see something else there. The thing behind the addiction. The appetite behind all the destruction.
Sin.
And its author.
The thief. He comes to kill, steal and destroy.
The father of lies. Look at the lyrics again:
Master, master, where's the dreams that I've been after?
Master, master, promised only lies.
Sound familiar?
The fruit was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable to make one wise. Remember?
John Owen said "Be sure to be killing sin or it will be killing you."
It will make you a slave and take your life.
Listen to the master of puppets gloat:
Come crawling faster, obey your master.
It doesn't have to be this way.
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemy triumph over me (Psalm 25:2
I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams.
Sounds like addiction, hmm? Name your poison.
As I peruse the lyrics,
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/metallica/master+of+puppets_20092140.html
maybe I can see something else there. The thing behind the addiction. The appetite behind all the destruction.
Sin.
And its author.
The thief. He comes to kill, steal and destroy.
The father of lies. Look at the lyrics again:
Master, master, where's the dreams that I've been after?
Master, master, promised only lies.
Sound familiar?
The fruit was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable to make one wise. Remember?
John Owen said "Be sure to be killing sin or it will be killing you."
It will make you a slave and take your life.
Listen to the master of puppets gloat:
Come crawling faster, obey your master.
It doesn't have to be this way.
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemy triumph over me (Psalm 25:2
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