Friends, I will be away from Glossa Water for a while, probably at least through the end of the semester (mid-May). Am focusing on completing some work related to my doctorate, and some work related to my husband's degree completion and upcoming performances.
You're welcome to peruse the archive of older blogs in the meantime!
Blessings and peace to you.
Love,
Genise
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Big Elephant. Bigger God.
As we anticipate next week's celebration of Pastor Sam's tenth year at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, I will take today's blog to talk about the elephant in the room.
The "elephant" is a metaphor for a small, but powerful, contingent of persons at BBCN who are dissatisfied with the direction God is moving in, and they are pouring out their dissatisfaction at the feet of Pastor Sam. In my five years at Bronx Bethany, I've seen some interesting and disturbing activities launched in a prolonged attack designed to discourage our senior pastor: Negativity spread through emails and phone calls. Refusal to give the Lord His tithe. Stealing Pastor Sam's portrait from the church lobby while leaving behind the portrait of the pastor who preceded him. Presenting a spirit of unbelief in the face of an appeal to exercise faith.
This contingent stands as representatives of the dominion of darkness. Their purpose is to undermine the plan and program of God. While God moves forward, they marshal every resource under their control in order to maintain the status quo. They are worshipping denominations, traditions, and cultural expectations. If you see yourself in this group, please know that I love you... and because I love you, I am warning you that God is not pleased. If God is calling us to move forward, and you are standing still, then you are in disobedience.
My prayer is that, instead of worshipping the Bronx Bethany of thirty years ago, or the Bronx Bethany of ten years ago, each one of us will joyfully embrace and fully support what God is doing today. Let's start by worshipping God and God alone. Let's continue by joyfully embracing and fully supporting our senior pastor as he seeks to carry out the will of God.
Pastor Sam, I love you and thank God for you. God bless you with health, strength, and a heart to always obey our great King regardless of what it costs you. "Stay in your lane." -Genise
Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. (from Second Chronicles 20:20)
The "elephant" is a metaphor for a small, but powerful, contingent of persons at BBCN who are dissatisfied with the direction God is moving in, and they are pouring out their dissatisfaction at the feet of Pastor Sam. In my five years at Bronx Bethany, I've seen some interesting and disturbing activities launched in a prolonged attack designed to discourage our senior pastor: Negativity spread through emails and phone calls. Refusal to give the Lord His tithe. Stealing Pastor Sam's portrait from the church lobby while leaving behind the portrait of the pastor who preceded him. Presenting a spirit of unbelief in the face of an appeal to exercise faith.
This contingent stands as representatives of the dominion of darkness. Their purpose is to undermine the plan and program of God. While God moves forward, they marshal every resource under their control in order to maintain the status quo. They are worshipping denominations, traditions, and cultural expectations. If you see yourself in this group, please know that I love you... and because I love you, I am warning you that God is not pleased. If God is calling us to move forward, and you are standing still, then you are in disobedience.
My prayer is that, instead of worshipping the Bronx Bethany of thirty years ago, or the Bronx Bethany of ten years ago, each one of us will joyfully embrace and fully support what God is doing today. Let's start by worshipping God and God alone. Let's continue by joyfully embracing and fully supporting our senior pastor as he seeks to carry out the will of God.
Pastor Sam, I love you and thank God for you. God bless you with health, strength, and a heart to always obey our great King regardless of what it costs you. "Stay in your lane." -Genise
Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. (from Second Chronicles 20:20)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Tautologia.
This past Sunday, Evangelist Creary shared an alliterative tool to help us remember God's word to Solomon (which we find in Second Chronicles 7:14):
Principles;
Plans;
Prescriptions;
Promises.
We have this great "if-then" statement. If My people will do certain things, then I will do certain things. If we aren't doing what God asked, then perhaps we should not be surprised when we fail to experience God in His fullness.
A question: what is it that keeps you from humbling yourself, praying, seeking God's face, and turning from wickedness (forgetting God, forsaking God, ignoring God)?
LORD, You have laid out the blueprint, and it is crystal clear. Give us courage to obey You without concern for what the world may say or do. Give us hearts to follow You exclusively and obey You without hesitation. Amen.
Principles;
Plans;
Prescriptions;
Promises.
We have this great "if-then" statement. If My people will do certain things, then I will do certain things. If we aren't doing what God asked, then perhaps we should not be surprised when we fail to experience God in His fullness.
A question: what is it that keeps you from humbling yourself, praying, seeking God's face, and turning from wickedness (forgetting God, forsaking God, ignoring God)?
LORD, You have laid out the blueprint, and it is crystal clear. Give us courage to obey You without concern for what the world may say or do. Give us hearts to follow You exclusively and obey You without hesitation. Amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Nobis, Culpa, Domine.
Let's continue our reflections on this past Sunday's sermon from Evangelist Creary.
In describing the phrase "turn from their wicked ways" (see Second Chronicles 7:14), we were given a short list of the ways in which wickedness manifests itself:
-forsaking God;
-forgetting God;
-rejecting God.
Our tendency is to associate "wickedness" with external activities such as murder, incest, or other sins that directly affect the lives of innocents. Or, we associate wickedness with activity that occurs outside of the church. But God indicates to us that His concept of wickedness relates directly to our treatment of Him and His holiness (see Jeremiah 23:11-16 as an example of this).
Are you saying things that are contrary to what God has said? Today is a good day to change your ways.
Lord, we are guilty: please forgive us of our wickedness: the pride, the ignoring of Your word, the lie to think that we can live our lives without seeking after You. We repent and we ask You to help us to change. Make us true representatives of Your holiness. May our lives turn the world to You. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
In describing the phrase "turn from their wicked ways" (see Second Chronicles 7:14), we were given a short list of the ways in which wickedness manifests itself:
-forsaking God;
-forgetting God;
-rejecting God.
Our tendency is to associate "wickedness" with external activities such as murder, incest, or other sins that directly affect the lives of innocents. Or, we associate wickedness with activity that occurs outside of the church. But God indicates to us that His concept of wickedness relates directly to our treatment of Him and His holiness (see Jeremiah 23:11-16 as an example of this).
Are you saying things that are contrary to what God has said? Today is a good day to change your ways.
Lord, we are guilty: please forgive us of our wickedness: the pride, the ignoring of Your word, the lie to think that we can live our lives without seeking after You. We repent and we ask You to help us to change. Make us true representatives of Your holiness. May our lives turn the world to You. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Four Score.
This past Sunday we had a guest speaker. Evangelist McCreary used Second Chronicles 7:14 as his text. This week we'll take some time to think about the principles that were shared during the sermon.
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and heal their land.
In this verse, we see four qualifications God expects from His people:
...humble themselves... When we recognize the greatness of God in light of our frailty and weakness, we respond in submission and humble obedience to Him.
...pray... The key to true revival is found in prayer: not formulaic prayers, but prayers from the heart.
...seek... As has been mentioned by our own pastoral staff, the soul who loves Jesus will always desire to know Him more intimately.
...turn from their wicked ways... Our wickedness is a snare that prevents our prayers from being heard (see Isaiah 59:2). If we want a response from God, then we must adhere to His standard of holiness and righteous living.
LORD, we pray that when You see us, you see these four things evident in us. Help us to obey You in these things, so that our prayers might be heard by You. We love You. In Jesus's name, Amen.
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and heal their land.
In this verse, we see four qualifications God expects from His people:
...humble themselves... When we recognize the greatness of God in light of our frailty and weakness, we respond in submission and humble obedience to Him.
...pray... The key to true revival is found in prayer: not formulaic prayers, but prayers from the heart.
...seek... As has been mentioned by our own pastoral staff, the soul who loves Jesus will always desire to know Him more intimately.
...turn from their wicked ways... Our wickedness is a snare that prevents our prayers from being heard (see Isaiah 59:2). If we want a response from God, then we must adhere to His standard of holiness and righteous living.
LORD, we pray that when You see us, you see these four things evident in us. Help us to obey You in these things, so that our prayers might be heard by You. We love You. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Fight! Fight!
Friends,
As we close out this week, I'd like to reflect a bit on Pastor Benji's comments that were shared towards the end of the sermon. In essence, Pastor Benji asked us to consider the reality of demonic oppression and how the realm of darkness presents itself in this twenty-first century.
In Bible times, demonic oppression was connected to physiological manifestations. So, we read in Scripture about people who were mute, or deaf, or blind, or prone to psychotic behaviors.
But is it limited to that?
In past blogs, I called for fasting and prayer concerning the actions and intents of Governor Paterson (for a sampling, see my blogs from 10/28/2009 and 12/3/2009). And I asked for fasting and prayer because I believed that certain decisions, if made law, would ultimately undermine both our society and our religious liberty. Do you think that some legislative endeavors are diametrically opposed to the advancement of the kingdom of God? I do. Would you go so far as to say that some legislative decisions are driven not by economy or politics, but by unseen demonic forces? I would.
So, what do we do when we recognize a spiritual force that is undermining the work of God's kingdom?
-We pray.
-We fast.
-We declare the word of God fearlessly.
-We inform and warn our community.
Speaking the truth occasionally lands us into trouble, especially when we have a microphone in our hands while we're speaking that truth. (Yes, I'm referring to that incident where some "dominion-of-darkness-supporter" person complained to headquarters about our senior pastor. As if that's going to stop us from speaking the truth.)
Guess what? We are in a war. Not a war against people or systems, but against principalities, powers, and unseen rulers (see Ephesians 6:12).
So fight on, my friends. Just make sure you're fighting on behalf of our victorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Never be found fighting against Him.
See you next week!
As we close out this week, I'd like to reflect a bit on Pastor Benji's comments that were shared towards the end of the sermon. In essence, Pastor Benji asked us to consider the reality of demonic oppression and how the realm of darkness presents itself in this twenty-first century.
In Bible times, demonic oppression was connected to physiological manifestations. So, we read in Scripture about people who were mute, or deaf, or blind, or prone to psychotic behaviors.
But is it limited to that?
In past blogs, I called for fasting and prayer concerning the actions and intents of Governor Paterson (for a sampling, see my blogs from 10/28/2009 and 12/3/2009). And I asked for fasting and prayer because I believed that certain decisions, if made law, would ultimately undermine both our society and our religious liberty. Do you think that some legislative endeavors are diametrically opposed to the advancement of the kingdom of God? I do. Would you go so far as to say that some legislative decisions are driven not by economy or politics, but by unseen demonic forces? I would.
So, what do we do when we recognize a spiritual force that is undermining the work of God's kingdom?
-We pray.
-We fast.
-We declare the word of God fearlessly.
-We inform and warn our community.
Speaking the truth occasionally lands us into trouble, especially when we have a microphone in our hands while we're speaking that truth. (Yes, I'm referring to that incident where some "dominion-of-darkness-supporter" person complained to headquarters about our senior pastor. As if that's going to stop us from speaking the truth.)
Guess what? We are in a war. Not a war against people or systems, but against principalities, powers, and unseen rulers (see Ephesians 6:12).
So fight on, my friends. Just make sure you're fighting on behalf of our victorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Never be found fighting against Him.
See you next week!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Close Call.
Hello Friends,
Today let's finish up the "calls" from Pastor Benji's sermon:
A call to intimacy. One sign of our love for Jesus is evidenced in our knowledge of Him. Because we love Him, our desire is to get to know Him better every day.
A call to involvement. Our task is to make the kingdom of God known to everyone. In order to do so, we must act upon what we believe. We are called to share our faith, not keep it to ourselves.
A call to impact. The power of "we": no one is working alone. Though we each have different roles and tasks, the collaborative effort of Christians around the world is a powerful and relevant force.
A question to ponder: How can Bronx Bethany impact the local community?
Today let's finish up the "calls" from Pastor Benji's sermon:
A call to intimacy. One sign of our love for Jesus is evidenced in our knowledge of Him. Because we love Him, our desire is to get to know Him better every day.
A call to involvement. Our task is to make the kingdom of God known to everyone. In order to do so, we must act upon what we believe. We are called to share our faith, not keep it to ourselves.
A call to impact. The power of "we": no one is working alone. Though we each have different roles and tasks, the collaborative effort of Christians around the world is a powerful and relevant force.
A question to ponder: How can Bronx Bethany impact the local community?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Abandoned, Building.
In Luke 6:12-16 and Mark 3:13-19, we see that Jesus selected twelve of His followers and called them to a closer walk with Him. They obeyed, and Jesus equipped them with power to demonstrate signs of His kingdom.
Pastor Benji noted that these followers of Jesus has already embraced "the messianic hope": prior to Jesus's ministry, they had been followers of John the Baptist, Jesus's cousin who preached repentance. And when John identified Jesus as the Messiah, many of John's followers left to follow Jesus (see John 3:26-36).
Of the many, Jesus chose twelve.
These twelve, as was the custom in that culture, abandoned everything else and spent three years seeing Jesus up-close. They had a front row seat from which they could watch Him live. Pastor Benji shared with us that this "front row seat" allowed the twelve to see how Jesus responded to insults, misunderstanding, and prejudice. They saw how Jesus conducted Himself in ministry. And Scripture shows us that eleven of the twelve learned from watching Him.
To summarize, Pastor Benji gave us a short list of what this abandonment entailed:
-the Twelve abandoned people;
-the Twelve abandoned places;
-the Twelve abandoned practices.
What's that, you say? Leave my family? My neighborhood? My employment?
Yes! Who better to build up the kingdom of God than the men and women who are fully abandoned to Him?
Would you be willing to do a homework assignment? Read Matthew 19:27-30.
Lord, help us to be fully abandoned to You!
Pastor Benji noted that these followers of Jesus has already embraced "the messianic hope": prior to Jesus's ministry, they had been followers of John the Baptist, Jesus's cousin who preached repentance. And when John identified Jesus as the Messiah, many of John's followers left to follow Jesus (see John 3:26-36).
Of the many, Jesus chose twelve.
These twelve, as was the custom in that culture, abandoned everything else and spent three years seeing Jesus up-close. They had a front row seat from which they could watch Him live. Pastor Benji shared with us that this "front row seat" allowed the twelve to see how Jesus responded to insults, misunderstanding, and prejudice. They saw how Jesus conducted Himself in ministry. And Scripture shows us that eleven of the twelve learned from watching Him.
To summarize, Pastor Benji gave us a short list of what this abandonment entailed:
-the Twelve abandoned people;
-the Twelve abandoned places;
-the Twelve abandoned practices.
What's that, you say? Leave my family? My neighborhood? My employment?
Yes! Who better to build up the kingdom of God than the men and women who are fully abandoned to Him?
Would you be willing to do a homework assignment? Read Matthew 19:27-30.
Lord, help us to be fully abandoned to You!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
One Degree Of Separation.
Hello Friends,
We'll spend the remainder of this week sharing a few of the notes from Pastor Benji's sermon. I found the sermon personally challenging, and the Lord has really impressed upon me the necessity of not just hearing His word, but acting upon it. I pray that He is doing the same in your life, and that you're feeling the urge to respond to Him in loving obedience.
Today, let's consider two of the "calls" mentioned in the sermon.
The call to salvation. It's a call given out to everyone: the Lord desires that we all would be saved. May we lose our desire for sin, and every day draw closer to His grace and glory.
The call to service. Once we have been saved, then the Lord equips us for His service. We should heed the warning not to confuse talent with calling. There are many gifted orators, singers, and administrators in the church world. But the offering of talent, without one's having previously accepted the call to salvation, is an unacceptable offering. Jesus wants your heart above all else you can give.
Salvation first, then service. Have you ordered your "calls" correctly? If not, today is a great day to fix that!
Lord, please help us to be sure of where we stand in You. As we are warned in Scripture, please give us strength and courage to give You our hearts first, then give You our gifts. We trust You to accomplish this in us by Your Spirit. Amen.
We'll spend the remainder of this week sharing a few of the notes from Pastor Benji's sermon. I found the sermon personally challenging, and the Lord has really impressed upon me the necessity of not just hearing His word, but acting upon it. I pray that He is doing the same in your life, and that you're feeling the urge to respond to Him in loving obedience.
Today, let's consider two of the "calls" mentioned in the sermon.
The call to salvation. It's a call given out to everyone: the Lord desires that we all would be saved. May we lose our desire for sin, and every day draw closer to His grace and glory.
The call to service. Once we have been saved, then the Lord equips us for His service. We should heed the warning not to confuse talent with calling. There are many gifted orators, singers, and administrators in the church world. But the offering of talent, without one's having previously accepted the call to salvation, is an unacceptable offering. Jesus wants your heart above all else you can give.
Salvation first, then service. Have you ordered your "calls" correctly? If not, today is a great day to fix that!
Lord, please help us to be sure of where we stand in You. As we are warned in Scripture, please give us strength and courage to give You our hearts first, then give You our gifts. We trust You to accomplish this in us by Your Spirit. Amen.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Love Songs.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. -Psalm 24:10
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. -Psalm 118:27
Who is this that we have met in the songs of Psalms 24 and 118?
He is God, the One with an army of angels too huge to count (see Revelation 5:11).
He is Jesus, the One who even now intercedes on our behalf (see Hebrews 7:25).
He is the Holy Spirit, the One who illuminates our understanding and guides us into all truth (see John 16:13).
My prayer is that you know Him.
My prayer is that you love Him.
My prayer is that you obey Him.
Lord, Lord of the armies of heaven, Lord of life, help us to embrace Your discipline, Your suffering, Your righteousness, and Your glory. You are our Lord: please help us live lives that show the world we belong to You. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. -Psalm 118:27
Who is this that we have met in the songs of Psalms 24 and 118?
He is God, the One with an army of angels too huge to count (see Revelation 5:11).
He is Jesus, the One who even now intercedes on our behalf (see Hebrews 7:25).
He is the Holy Spirit, the One who illuminates our understanding and guides us into all truth (see John 16:13).
My prayer is that you know Him.
My prayer is that you love Him.
My prayer is that you obey Him.
Lord, Lord of the armies of heaven, Lord of life, help us to embrace Your discipline, Your suffering, Your righteousness, and Your glory. You are our Lord: please help us live lives that show the world we belong to You. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Do You Really Want To Be Blessed?
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. -Psalm 24:5
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. -Psalm 118:26
Ah, blessings. Everyone wants to be blessed. But in Psalms 24 and 118, we see a pattern: blessings do not stand alone.
How do we obtain blessing? In these Psalms, blessing is what comes after purification. Blessing is what comes after chastening. God help the preacher, or the Christian, who is quick to quote Psalm 118:25 ("send now prosperity") out of context.
Why is it that we don't want to share in the sufferings of Christ, but we long to experience His blessings? Friends, we can't have one without the other.
Our Lord takes this one step further: He gives a definition of "blessings" that we don't often hear from postmodern pulpits or Christian media. Jesus says, "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake" (Luke 6:22).
Let's long for that. Chastening from the Lord, and criticism from men.
Lord, take us there.
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. -Psalm 118:26
Ah, blessings. Everyone wants to be blessed. But in Psalms 24 and 118, we see a pattern: blessings do not stand alone.
How do we obtain blessing? In these Psalms, blessing is what comes after purification. Blessing is what comes after chastening. God help the preacher, or the Christian, who is quick to quote Psalm 118:25 ("send now prosperity") out of context.
Why is it that we don't want to share in the sufferings of Christ, but we long to experience His blessings? Friends, we can't have one without the other.
Our Lord takes this one step further: He gives a definition of "blessings" that we don't often hear from postmodern pulpits or Christian media. Jesus says, "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake" (Luke 6:22).
Let's long for that. Chastening from the Lord, and criticism from men.
Lord, take us there.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Whom The Lord Loves...
The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. -Psalm 118:18
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart... -Psalm 24:3 and following
In my estimation, one of the great dangers in Christendom is the practice of individuals singing songs. It's not a matter of vocal safety. It's the habit of persons singing out of routine, without regard to the implications of what they are singing.
"Purify my heart..." "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee..." "I surrender all..."
Are we really ready for God to wash our hands? Do we know the true cost of heart purification?
Yes, LORD, I have counted the cost and I am ready to follow You. Please do whatever is necessary in order to bring me into deeper relationship with You. I know that when You discipline, it is always for good and never for harm. I love You and I trust You to do what is right. You, my perfect, awesome, loving Lord. I embrace all that You send.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart... -Psalm 24:3 and following
In my estimation, one of the great dangers in Christendom is the practice of individuals singing songs. It's not a matter of vocal safety. It's the habit of persons singing out of routine, without regard to the implications of what they are singing.
"Purify my heart..." "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee..." "I surrender all..."
Are we really ready for God to wash our hands? Do we know the true cost of heart purification?
Yes, LORD, I have counted the cost and I am ready to follow You. Please do whatever is necessary in order to bring me into deeper relationship with You. I know that when You discipline, it is always for good and never for harm. I love You and I trust You to do what is right. You, my perfect, awesome, loving Lord. I embrace all that You send.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Gate Way.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. -Psalm 24:7
Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. -Psalm 118:19-20
Thus saith the Lord GOD: The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate... -Ezekiel 46:1 and following
What a wonderful picture. Everyone who came to the temple brought offerings, but not everyone entered the temple in the same manner. Most worshippers entered through the north and south gates. But there was a special entrance for the prince, the leader of the people who had access to enter by the east gate. It was an exclusive entrance that would only be opened for the prince, and which would be shut immediately upon his leaving.
The writer of Psalm 118 offers a profound prophetic thought: "Open the gate... The righteous shall enter". Yes, we have access to enter the courts of the Lord through a special entrance. Not because of our own merit, but because we have submitted ourselves to the King of glory, the Prince of Peace, the Savior of all men. Jesus's righteousness has encompassed us, and we can offer ourselves to God wholeheartedly.
Jesus, my self to You I bring,
Abandoned in this offering;
Purge and heal,
As I appeal
For You to become my everything.
Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. -Psalm 118:19-20
Thus saith the Lord GOD: The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate... -Ezekiel 46:1 and following
What a wonderful picture. Everyone who came to the temple brought offerings, but not everyone entered the temple in the same manner. Most worshippers entered through the north and south gates. But there was a special entrance for the prince, the leader of the people who had access to enter by the east gate. It was an exclusive entrance that would only be opened for the prince, and which would be shut immediately upon his leaving.
The writer of Psalm 118 offers a profound prophetic thought: "Open the gate... The righteous shall enter". Yes, we have access to enter the courts of the Lord through a special entrance. Not because of our own merit, but because we have submitted ourselves to the King of glory, the Prince of Peace, the Savior of all men. Jesus's righteousness has encompassed us, and we can offer ourselves to God wholeheartedly.
Jesus, my self to You I bring,
Abandoned in this offering;
Purge and heal,
As I appeal
For You to become my everything.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Follow The Leader.
Friends,
Many of you know that my husband works at two churches. Each Sunday we start our day of worship at BBCN's first service, then we head up to a different church in Westchester for their morning service, then we come back to the Bronx for the remainder of BBCN's second service.
But, there is one Sunday of the year when our routine doesn't work... yes, that would be Easter Sunday.
Bronx Bethany worshippers were at Truman High School (to hold one service in a space that could accommodate all its members and guests) at 11 a.m. And I was in Westchester with my husband, at a service that began at 11 a.m.
I don't have this past Sunday's BBCN sermon notes!
But there will still be postings for the rest of the week. I hope you'll visit between now and Saturday, and that the Lord will bless each of us as we reflect upon His word.
As preparation for the next blog, I'm asking that you read Psalm 24 and Psalm 118.
See you online tomorrow.
Many of you know that my husband works at two churches. Each Sunday we start our day of worship at BBCN's first service, then we head up to a different church in Westchester for their morning service, then we come back to the Bronx for the remainder of BBCN's second service.
But, there is one Sunday of the year when our routine doesn't work... yes, that would be Easter Sunday.
Bronx Bethany worshippers were at Truman High School (to hold one service in a space that could accommodate all its members and guests) at 11 a.m. And I was in Westchester with my husband, at a service that began at 11 a.m.
I don't have this past Sunday's BBCN sermon notes!
But there will still be postings for the rest of the week. I hope you'll visit between now and Saturday, and that the Lord will bless each of us as we reflect upon His word.
As preparation for the next blog, I'm asking that you read Psalm 24 and Psalm 118.
See you online tomorrow.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Tag Team Wrestling.
Friends, we are in a war for souls.
I suppose that's not a huge revelation for you: most of you who read this are associated with the Christian faith, and you know one of our main tenets is that there are two sides in this fight: the Lord's side, and the side of our enemy Satan.
Although there are two sides in the fight, there is only one true Captain. The Captain of the army is Jesus. (In this culture, we might say He's the commander-in-chief).
One of the characteristics of Satan is that he has a hatred of mankind: so, even if you think you're supporting the advancement of the dominion of darkness, that earns you no points with the devil. He will use you while you're useful to him, and then he will destroy you.
Jesus, on the other hand, longs to bring you fully into the knowledge and presence of Himself. He is a Captain who protects and defends His troops as we each live in obedience to Him. He will never discard or disown those who belong to Him.
During the Good Friday service, Pastor Sam and Pastor Benji shared words of hope, salvation, and warning. Our leaders are our fellow soldiers on the battlefield in this war for souls. They love the people that God has placed under their ministry, and their desire is to see us grow and mature in the faith. I hope that's what we all want: maturity, perfection, obedience, holiness, love.
Remember, friends, this fight only has one victor.
Who is on the LORD's side?
I suppose that's not a huge revelation for you: most of you who read this are associated with the Christian faith, and you know one of our main tenets is that there are two sides in this fight: the Lord's side, and the side of our enemy Satan.
Although there are two sides in the fight, there is only one true Captain. The Captain of the army is Jesus. (In this culture, we might say He's the commander-in-chief).
One of the characteristics of Satan is that he has a hatred of mankind: so, even if you think you're supporting the advancement of the dominion of darkness, that earns you no points with the devil. He will use you while you're useful to him, and then he will destroy you.
Jesus, on the other hand, longs to bring you fully into the knowledge and presence of Himself. He is a Captain who protects and defends His troops as we each live in obedience to Him. He will never discard or disown those who belong to Him.
During the Good Friday service, Pastor Sam and Pastor Benji shared words of hope, salvation, and warning. Our leaders are our fellow soldiers on the battlefield in this war for souls. They love the people that God has placed under their ministry, and their desire is to see us grow and mature in the faith. I hope that's what we all want: maturity, perfection, obedience, holiness, love.
Remember, friends, this fight only has one victor.
Who is on the LORD's side?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Check To See Whether Jesus Is Singing or Sobbing.
"For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." (Luke 19:43-44)
Friends, ignorance is not bliss.
Jesus, while weeping over the city, pronounces the judgement that will fall upon the city. He prophesies destruction, a merciless killing brought on by the enemies of Israel. He does this while the crowd shouts His praises and lines the streets of the city.
Friends, as we draw near to the end of Lent, let's be careful to not attend services out of habit... or just to follow the crowd... or to get a closer look at the Lord for the sake of "paparazzi-ism" rather than for the sake of a deeper relationship with Him.
Lord, please teach us of Your ways so that we will not be swept away with the ignorant crowd. Amen.
Friends, ignorance is not bliss.
Jesus, while weeping over the city, pronounces the judgement that will fall upon the city. He prophesies destruction, a merciless killing brought on by the enemies of Israel. He does this while the crowd shouts His praises and lines the streets of the city.
Friends, as we draw near to the end of Lent, let's be careful to not attend services out of habit... or just to follow the crowd... or to get a closer look at the Lord for the sake of "paparazzi-ism" rather than for the sake of a deeper relationship with Him.
Lord, please teach us of Your ways so that we will not be swept away with the ignorant crowd. Amen.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Judas Wasn't The Only Thief.
On this past Sunday evening, Pastor Sam preached at Butler Memorial United Methodist Church. His sermon focused on a part of the 'triumphal entry' story that is frequently left out: verses 45 and 46 of Luke 19.
And He went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; saying unto them, "It is written, 'My house is the house of prayer': but ye have made it a den of thieves."
The temple of God had been polluted by those who sought financial gain from the act of worship. And our Lord Jesus stepped in to clean house.
Specifically, a portion of the temple court that was intended for prayer had instead become a marketplace for the purchase of "acceptable" sacrifices and the exchange of currency. Gentiles who came to this court to seek the face of God were met with the bleating of sheep and the noises of buying and selling.
Jesus's rebuke, "You have made this house of prayer into a den of thieves", still echoes in the halls of some churches today. In this twenty-first century we are faced with the reality of church used as a cover for creative marketing. We face the reality of prayer marketed as a way to force God to give us what we want. Worship becomes an opportunity to sell CDs and videos. In this maze of fraudulence and gimmickry, the true worshipper is sabotaged and shortchanged. Based on Jesus's reaction, I think we can safely say that God has a problem with that. It's called thievery: stealing property, stealing money, and stealing the opportunity for authentic worship.
If you are part of the den of thieves, I ask you to repent and reform. It's a dangerous thing to be found standing against the plan of God. To paraphrase Pastor Sam's sermon points, our Lord still weeps... and our Lord still whips.
Friends, don't be so foolish as to break God's heart. After God cries, He will judge.
And He went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; saying unto them, "It is written, 'My house is the house of prayer': but ye have made it a den of thieves."
The temple of God had been polluted by those who sought financial gain from the act of worship. And our Lord Jesus stepped in to clean house.
Specifically, a portion of the temple court that was intended for prayer had instead become a marketplace for the purchase of "acceptable" sacrifices and the exchange of currency. Gentiles who came to this court to seek the face of God were met with the bleating of sheep and the noises of buying and selling.
Jesus's rebuke, "You have made this house of prayer into a den of thieves", still echoes in the halls of some churches today. In this twenty-first century we are faced with the reality of church used as a cover for creative marketing. We face the reality of prayer marketed as a way to force God to give us what we want. Worship becomes an opportunity to sell CDs and videos. In this maze of fraudulence and gimmickry, the true worshipper is sabotaged and shortchanged. Based on Jesus's reaction, I think we can safely say that God has a problem with that. It's called thievery: stealing property, stealing money, and stealing the opportunity for authentic worship.
If you are part of the den of thieves, I ask you to repent and reform. It's a dangerous thing to be found standing against the plan of God. To paraphrase Pastor Sam's sermon points, our Lord still weeps... and our Lord still whips.
Friends, don't be so foolish as to break God's heart. After God cries, He will judge.