In Luke 4:1-13, we are given a template of how the devil seeks to lure people away from the will of God. We can be sure that if Satan tried to sway Jesus from His calling, then everyone who submits to the Lordship of Christ is threatened with the same diabolic attack. The attack has three key elements, which Pastor Sam highlighted at the close of his sermon this past Sunday:
1) Pride of occupation (Luke 4:3). The devil wants us to believe that our worth is based in what we do, rather than in who we are.
2) Pride of possessions (Luke 4:6). The devil wants us to base our worth on the things we own, rather than in the Almighty Lord God who owns us.
3) Pride of reputation (Luke 4:9). The devil wants us to seek respect from people, rather than seeking redemption from the living God.
How do we escape the devil's onslaught of lies? In the Luke passage, we see that Jesus responded with the awesome, inerrant Word of God. We would do well to follow the example that Jesus has set for us.
Thanks You God, for giving us Your inerrant Word. Indeed, by it we are warned. And by it we are taught how to live a life pleasing to You, a life victorious. All we need is found in You! Thank You for teaching us these awesome truths. Please help us to not just learn Your word, but to live it out every day. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Crumbs Taste As Good As The Bread.
From time to time Pastor Sam will toss out a little phrase or sentence that, on its own, is well worth reflecting on for days upon end. As we continue thinking about the Lord's Prayer, the strategies of our enemy, and the need for us as Christians to be conscious of the fight we're in, let's consider the following quotations from our beloved senior pastor.
"It's God's air you're breathing." Having recently returned from my father's memorial service, I'm very much reminded that it is God who has numbered our days. God controls everything. Not as a tyrant, but as a Lover who seeks union and communion with each of us. Jesus's prayer in John 17 is a wonderful reminder of the great love-fest we experience as children of God.
"When they see you, they see Jesus." Is the character of God evident in us? Do our lives reflect His tendencies? Are we loving and forgiving and patient? Scripture is filled with clear examples of the character of God. If you need some starter references, see Galatians 5:13-24 and Philippians 2:1-16.
"Diabolic things must not be petted and powdered." If you have not read C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, I urge you to read it. The book is a powerful example of how the devil seeks to lure us into complacency when we should be vigilant and alert. As we have discussed earlier this week, the presence of the diabolic must be met with an immediate rebuke (see Matthew 16:22-23; Luke 4:3-13; Zechariah 3:1-2).
Our Father, how we thank You for these little phrases that, on reflection, are not so little. Please help us to reflect Your love, Your forgiveness, Your truth. Please deliver us from the evil one who is relentless in his accusations. Thank You, Lord, for salvation and deliverance and freedom. We pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.
"It's God's air you're breathing." Having recently returned from my father's memorial service, I'm very much reminded that it is God who has numbered our days. God controls everything. Not as a tyrant, but as a Lover who seeks union and communion with each of us. Jesus's prayer in John 17 is a wonderful reminder of the great love-fest we experience as children of God.
"When they see you, they see Jesus." Is the character of God evident in us? Do our lives reflect His tendencies? Are we loving and forgiving and patient? Scripture is filled with clear examples of the character of God. If you need some starter references, see Galatians 5:13-24 and Philippians 2:1-16.
"Diabolic things must not be petted and powdered." If you have not read C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, I urge you to read it. The book is a powerful example of how the devil seeks to lure us into complacency when we should be vigilant and alert. As we have discussed earlier this week, the presence of the diabolic must be met with an immediate rebuke (see Matthew 16:22-23; Luke 4:3-13; Zechariah 3:1-2).
Our Father, how we thank You for these little phrases that, on reflection, are not so little. Please help us to reflect Your love, Your forgiveness, Your truth. Please deliver us from the evil one who is relentless in his accusations. Thank You, Lord, for salvation and deliverance and freedom. We pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Screwtape...So Twenty-First Century.
During this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam suggested that we read (or, re-read) the C.S. Lewis classic, The Screwtape Letters.
The book is a fantastic rendering of the hierarchies and strategies used by the devil in order to lure people away from the rule and reign of Christ.
Over the past few days I've had the pleasure of re-reading the book. There were moments I had to cringe, and pray, as I saw glimpses of my own faults and challenges revealed in its pages. Thank God for His grace that leads us to repentance!
I also read the associated short story, Screwtape Proposes A Toast. It is a prophetic warning, a warning that sadly we've failed to heed over the past several decades. It is a reminder that the devil even uses religion as a means of deceiving, disgracing, and destroying people. I hope this short excerpt (below) will be an impetus for earnest prayer.
All said and done, my friends, it will be an ill day for us if what most humans means by "religion" ever vanishes from the Earth. It can still send us the truly delicious sins. The fine flower of unholiness can grow only in the close neighborhood of the Holy. Nowhere do we tempt so successfully as on the very steps of the altar. -Screwtape, from Screwtape Proposes A Toast by C.S. Lewis (Copyright 1961)
The book is a fantastic rendering of the hierarchies and strategies used by the devil in order to lure people away from the rule and reign of Christ.
Over the past few days I've had the pleasure of re-reading the book. There were moments I had to cringe, and pray, as I saw glimpses of my own faults and challenges revealed in its pages. Thank God for His grace that leads us to repentance!
I also read the associated short story, Screwtape Proposes A Toast. It is a prophetic warning, a warning that sadly we've failed to heed over the past several decades. It is a reminder that the devil even uses religion as a means of deceiving, disgracing, and destroying people. I hope this short excerpt (below) will be an impetus for earnest prayer.
All said and done, my friends, it will be an ill day for us if what most humans means by "religion" ever vanishes from the Earth. It can still send us the truly delicious sins. The fine flower of unholiness can grow only in the close neighborhood of the Holy. Nowhere do we tempt so successfully as on the very steps of the altar. -Screwtape, from Screwtape Proposes A Toast by C.S. Lewis (Copyright 1961)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Rapid Dismissal.
The devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone.'” (Luke 4:3-4)
In reflecting on the Genesis 3 passage (noted in yesterday's blog), we see a key error in Eve's conversation with the devil: she engaged the conversation.
Rather than seeking to justify our status, our response to the enemy must be with swift, sure reference to the word of God. Jesus teaches us how to do this:
A rebuke of the enemy. As Pastor Sam has noted over the past few weeks, we must appeal to the sovreignty and greatness of God, invoking His authority over our enemy: “The LORD rebuke you!” (see Zechariah 3:1-5)
A reminder of the Word. As we see in the Luke passage above, Jesus's reply to the devil is grounded in the word of God. The Word is a living, inerrant, and eternal truth. The truth is the weapon we wield when faced with temptations from Satan, who is the father of lies.
Lord, thank You for Your word which is truth. Thank You for Your name, all-powerful and able to subdue the enemy of our souls. Give us Your grace, Lord, so that we might stand against the enemy and withstand his attempts to delude us. Help us to always, with immediacy, rebuke the devil in the name of the LORD.
In reflecting on the Genesis 3 passage (noted in yesterday's blog), we see a key error in Eve's conversation with the devil: she engaged the conversation.
Rather than seeking to justify our status, our response to the enemy must be with swift, sure reference to the word of God. Jesus teaches us how to do this:
A rebuke of the enemy. As Pastor Sam has noted over the past few weeks, we must appeal to the sovreignty and greatness of God, invoking His authority over our enemy: “The LORD rebuke you!” (see Zechariah 3:1-5)
A reminder of the Word. As we see in the Luke passage above, Jesus's reply to the devil is grounded in the word of God. The Word is a living, inerrant, and eternal truth. The truth is the weapon we wield when faced with temptations from Satan, who is the father of lies.
Lord, thank You for Your word which is truth. Thank You for Your name, all-powerful and able to subdue the enemy of our souls. Give us Your grace, Lord, so that we might stand against the enemy and withstand his attempts to delude us. Help us to always, with immediacy, rebuke the devil in the name of the LORD.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
"D" List.
In continuing the series on the Lord's Prayer, we at Bronx Bethany are taking more time to consider the petition "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (see Matthew 6:13).
The devil is our enemy. As we discussed last week, his goal is to deceive us, disgrace us, and destroy us.
This week we will consider the enemy's strategy of deluding the people of God. As preparation for the rest of the week's blogs, let us re-visit the Genesis passage Pastor Sam used on Sunday (Genesis 3:1-7).
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
The devil is our enemy. As we discussed last week, his goal is to deceive us, disgrace us, and destroy us.
This week we will consider the enemy's strategy of deluding the people of God. As preparation for the rest of the week's blogs, let us re-visit the Genesis passage Pastor Sam used on Sunday (Genesis 3:1-7).
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Fasting For The Nation(s)
(Our Sunday blogs during Lent will focus on the subject of fasting.)
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don't eat and don't drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way." (Esther 4:15-16)
When faced with the spectre of genocide, Queen Esther called for a complete fast to be conducted by the Jewish community living in Susa. Complete fasts are rarely mentioned in Scripture. Such fasts seem to be reserved for extreme emergencies (as we see in the book of Esther) or extreme crises of faith (as seen in the life of Saul/Paul, Acts 9:9).
This act of not eating for three days and three nights is a plea for God to step in swiftly and mightily. It may be for physical deliverance of a nation, as we see in Esther's appeal to the king. Or it may be for personal insight that will ultimately result in the spiritual transformation of nations, as we see in Paul's ministry to the Gentiles.
Has God shown you something so shocking that it pushes you into this extreme fasting mode? If He has, then fast faithfully with a sincere heart. God is no respecter of persons. As He answered Esther and Paul, so will He answer you.
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don't eat and don't drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way." (Esther 4:15-16)
When faced with the spectre of genocide, Queen Esther called for a complete fast to be conducted by the Jewish community living in Susa. Complete fasts are rarely mentioned in Scripture. Such fasts seem to be reserved for extreme emergencies (as we see in the book of Esther) or extreme crises of faith (as seen in the life of Saul/Paul, Acts 9:9).
This act of not eating for three days and three nights is a plea for God to step in swiftly and mightily. It may be for physical deliverance of a nation, as we see in Esther's appeal to the king. Or it may be for personal insight that will ultimately result in the spiritual transformation of nations, as we see in Paul's ministry to the Gentiles.
Has God shown you something so shocking that it pushes you into this extreme fasting mode? If He has, then fast faithfully with a sincere heart. God is no respecter of persons. As He answered Esther and Paul, so will He answer you.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
War Course.
The devil has a strategy for destroying Christians. Pastor Sam outlined that strategy during his sermon. Let's reflect on it today, as a warning and as a reminder.
Deception. Satan seeks to confuse us, and to make us believe that God is withholding information or material from us that we "need" to have in order to be more like God. The devil's goal is to make us feel justified in our disobedience to God.
Disgrace. If the devil succeeds in causing us to sin, he will then seek to subject us to public humiliation. Satan wants to parade our weaknesses to the world as a means of discrediting the name of God.
Destruction. If the devil does not succeed in causing us to sin, he will appeal to God for permission to send afflictions and sufferings: an attempt to get us to deny or question God's love for us. We see this strategy clearly outlined in the early chapters of the book of Job.
What can we do? We can remind ourselves that the LORD is our anchor, our shield, our defense, our Lover, our Father. The Lord God, in His love and mercy, will always do what is best for us.
Lord God, help us to remember Your love that transcends all afflictions. We will cling to You no matter what happens.
Deception. Satan seeks to confuse us, and to make us believe that God is withholding information or material from us that we "need" to have in order to be more like God. The devil's goal is to make us feel justified in our disobedience to God.
Disgrace. If the devil succeeds in causing us to sin, he will then seek to subject us to public humiliation. Satan wants to parade our weaknesses to the world as a means of discrediting the name of God.
Destruction. If the devil does not succeed in causing us to sin, he will appeal to God for permission to send afflictions and sufferings: an attempt to get us to deny or question God's love for us. We see this strategy clearly outlined in the early chapters of the book of Job.
What can we do? We can remind ourselves that the LORD is our anchor, our shield, our defense, our Lover, our Father. The Lord God, in His love and mercy, will always do what is best for us.
Lord God, help us to remember Your love that transcends all afflictions. We will cling to You no matter what happens.
Friday, March 23, 2012
"Jesus! Jesus! Deliver Me!"
During Pastor Sam's sermon, he told a little story about one of his relatives who would call out to Jesus in his sleep. I laughed. A lot of us in the congregation laughed. I think we were laughing because we thought it was so funny that a man who deeply loved the Lord would be compelled to cry out for deliverance, even in his sleep.
Something happened while I was laughing: the Spirit of the Lord told me that perhaps I should not be laughing so. And then Pastor Sam put words to the prompting that I felt: he told us that even though we might not be hanging out in places of ill repute, it is equally likely that the devil will seek to destroy us. Even in our own homes. In our own bedrooms. Even in our own minds.
We all stopped laughing.
Do you love the LORD with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Have you made the commitment to follow Jesus no matter what? Then, my friend, you have a target on your back. The devil wants to destroy you. And the devil knows you are not in the bar and not in the club, so he has plotted other means of getting to you.
And that is why every believer who prays The Lord's Prayer must appeal to God for deliverance. We all need to be delivered from the evil one.
Have you prayed today?
Something happened while I was laughing: the Spirit of the Lord told me that perhaps I should not be laughing so. And then Pastor Sam put words to the prompting that I felt: he told us that even though we might not be hanging out in places of ill repute, it is equally likely that the devil will seek to destroy us. Even in our own homes. In our own bedrooms. Even in our own minds.
We all stopped laughing.
Do you love the LORD with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Have you made the commitment to follow Jesus no matter what? Then, my friend, you have a target on your back. The devil wants to destroy you. And the devil knows you are not in the bar and not in the club, so he has plotted other means of getting to you.
And that is why every believer who prays The Lord's Prayer must appeal to God for deliverance. We all need to be delivered from the evil one.
Have you prayed today?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Say Yes To The Mess.
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You! But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23)
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam spoke of Simon Peter as a naive apostle. And between Sunday and today, I have noticed that I still cringe when I think of this part of the sermon. Perhaps it's the reality check of seeing that, in our efforts to "protect" the ones we love, we might actually stray outside of the will of God and be co-opted into the service of the devil.
Peter's challenge, when we look at it, does sound like the devil's strategy we saw outlined in Genesis 3. As we shared in yesterday's blog, Satan used language to imply that God's words to Adam and Eve were incorrect. In the Matthew 16 passage above, we see that Peter uses language to imply that Jesus's words to His disciples was incorrect.
What did Jesus say? He said He would go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised. That was the plan of God.
What did Peter say? Peter rebuked Jesus with two points:
Far be it from You, Lord- in other words, “Jesus, may You be removed from experiencing Your calling.”
This shall not happen to You!- in other words, “Jesus, may You not complete the purpose for which You were sent.”
I am glad that Jesus didn't let Peter's comments slide. We must learn this lesson. Our love, respect, and concern for our friends and leaders does not give us an excuse to reject the Lord's commands concerning the sufferings they may experience as a part of their calling.
O Lord, forgive us for the times we have sought to shield the ones we love from the cost of following You. Help us to always do Your will, chasing obedience, whatever it may cost.
As Pastor Sam said some years ago, and it is still true now, “Embrace the pain in light of the purpose.”
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam spoke of Simon Peter as a naive apostle. And between Sunday and today, I have noticed that I still cringe when I think of this part of the sermon. Perhaps it's the reality check of seeing that, in our efforts to "protect" the ones we love, we might actually stray outside of the will of God and be co-opted into the service of the devil.
Peter's challenge, when we look at it, does sound like the devil's strategy we saw outlined in Genesis 3. As we shared in yesterday's blog, Satan used language to imply that God's words to Adam and Eve were incorrect. In the Matthew 16 passage above, we see that Peter uses language to imply that Jesus's words to His disciples was incorrect.
What did Jesus say? He said He would go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised. That was the plan of God.
What did Peter say? Peter rebuked Jesus with two points:
Far be it from You, Lord- in other words, “Jesus, may You be removed from experiencing Your calling.”
This shall not happen to You!- in other words, “Jesus, may You not complete the purpose for which You were sent.”
I am glad that Jesus didn't let Peter's comments slide. We must learn this lesson. Our love, respect, and concern for our friends and leaders does not give us an excuse to reject the Lord's commands concerning the sufferings they may experience as a part of their calling.
O Lord, forgive us for the times we have sought to shield the ones we love from the cost of following You. Help us to always do Your will, chasing obedience, whatever it may cost.
As Pastor Sam said some years ago, and it is still true now, “Embrace the pain in light of the purpose.”
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Snake Cables.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" -Genesis 3:1
On Sunday we were reminded that our enemy the devil presents himself as a crafty, cunning accuser. He uses argument and rationale to turn people away from the desire and will of God. Genesis 3 gives us a warning of the devices of the devil:
"Has God indeed said..." (Genesis 3:1) The devil tries to convince us that we heard God incorrectly, or (worse) that God spoke incorrectly.
"You will not surely die." (Genesis 3:4) The devil tries to convince us that God has withheld information from us, or (worse) that God is lying.
"You will be like God..." (Genesis 3:5) The devil tries to convince us that, though we are finite, we can acquire infinite wisdom by means of disobedience to the command of God.
The devil, through the ages, has used this tactic of sending false messages to our minds in an attempt to cause us to ignore what God has said. What is our solution? To know, believe, and appropriate the word of God in all circumstances.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart. (Psalm 119:27,29, 32)
On Sunday we were reminded that our enemy the devil presents himself as a crafty, cunning accuser. He uses argument and rationale to turn people away from the desire and will of God. Genesis 3 gives us a warning of the devices of the devil:
"Has God indeed said..." (Genesis 3:1) The devil tries to convince us that we heard God incorrectly, or (worse) that God spoke incorrectly.
"You will not surely die." (Genesis 3:4) The devil tries to convince us that God has withheld information from us, or (worse) that God is lying.
"You will be like God..." (Genesis 3:5) The devil tries to convince us that, though we are finite, we can acquire infinite wisdom by means of disobedience to the command of God.
The devil, through the ages, has used this tactic of sending false messages to our minds in an attempt to cause us to ignore what God has said. What is our solution? To know, believe, and appropriate the word of God in all circumstances.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart. (Psalm 119:27,29, 32)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Masquerade.
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared insights related to the devil's use of disguises in order to deceive the faith-filled Christian.
The Scripture tells us that satan disguises himself as an angel of light. In modern society, this disguise shows up in various forms. We have the academic, the intellectual, the one for whom church is merely a ritual. These persons are in the "right" places saying the right things, but their hearts are not turned towards God (see Psalm 50).
But God steps in and does an amazing thing: He heals, delivers, and sets men free. He gives us the desire to execute His will in the earth, for the sake of His kingdom.
We know His voice and follow His path.
We remain vigilant and diligent in prayer.
We keep at the forefront of our mind that we are in a fight.
Friend, what is the state of your soul today? Beware of those who, like Judas, are ever present but ever plotting against the ministry of our Lord.
The Scripture tells us that satan disguises himself as an angel of light. In modern society, this disguise shows up in various forms. We have the academic, the intellectual, the one for whom church is merely a ritual. These persons are in the "right" places saying the right things, but their hearts are not turned towards God (see Psalm 50).
But God steps in and does an amazing thing: He heals, delivers, and sets men free. He gives us the desire to execute His will in the earth, for the sake of His kingdom.
We know His voice and follow His path.
We remain vigilant and diligent in prayer.
We keep at the forefront of our mind that we are in a fight.
Friend, what is the state of your soul today? Beware of those who, like Judas, are ever present but ever plotting against the ministry of our Lord.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Special Delivery.
In yesterday's sermon, Pastor Sam continued the sermon series on The Lord's Prayer. We turned our attention to “Part Two” of the petition “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (see Matthew 6:13).
As we learned on Sunday, the Bible clearly indicates that our appeal for deliverance is not a plea to be delivered from a general philosophy or abstract notion of evil, but from a specific entity. It is the devil himself, satan, the accuser. And our only hope of deliverance is to, each day, seek God's intervening power.
This week in our blogs we will consider the ways in which the devil deceives the people of God. Why? Because his primary modus operandi is deception, and if we have an understanding of his tactics then we will have a clearer platform from which we can pray specifically and intentionally.
Remember, friends, we are in a fight. Let's get battle-ready.
So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
As we learned on Sunday, the Bible clearly indicates that our appeal for deliverance is not a plea to be delivered from a general philosophy or abstract notion of evil, but from a specific entity. It is the devil himself, satan, the accuser. And our only hope of deliverance is to, each day, seek God's intervening power.
This week in our blogs we will consider the ways in which the devil deceives the people of God. Why? Because his primary modus operandi is deception, and if we have an understanding of his tactics then we will have a clearer platform from which we can pray specifically and intentionally.
Remember, friends, we are in a fight. Let's get battle-ready.
So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Fasting As Divine Imperative
(Our Sunday blogs during Lent will focus on the subject of fasting.)
The LORD's angelic messenger came back again, touched Elijah, and said, "Get up and eat, for otherwise you won't be able to make the journey." So he got up and ate and drank. That meal gave him the strength to travel forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (First Kings 19:7-8)
This incident occurs as part of a curious scene: Elijah, the prophet of God who had just killed the prophets of Baal, was running for his life. Queen Jezebel had threatened his life following the deaths of her false prophets, and Elijah took her threat seriously.
How did God respond to Elijah's angst? By providing a meal that miraculously sustained Elijah through a forty-day fast. Some scholars believe that this may have actually been two forty-day fasts, as Elijah was later instructed to go back the way he came (see First Kings 19:15).
At Mount Horeb, Elijah received important instruction from the LORD: he was to anoint the new king of Syria (Hazael), the new king of Israel (Jehu), and the prophet (Elisha) that would succeed Elijah. Elijah also received important information concerning God's human resource management. The LORD told Elijah, "I still have left in Israel seven thousand followers who have not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed the images of him." (19:18).
What an encouragement to know that as we journey in obedience to the living God, He miraculously sustains us. Let us fast according to His imperative, expecting to receive instruction and information that will advance the kingdom of God.
The LORD's angelic messenger came back again, touched Elijah, and said, "Get up and eat, for otherwise you won't be able to make the journey." So he got up and ate and drank. That meal gave him the strength to travel forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (First Kings 19:7-8)
This incident occurs as part of a curious scene: Elijah, the prophet of God who had just killed the prophets of Baal, was running for his life. Queen Jezebel had threatened his life following the deaths of her false prophets, and Elijah took her threat seriously.
How did God respond to Elijah's angst? By providing a meal that miraculously sustained Elijah through a forty-day fast. Some scholars believe that this may have actually been two forty-day fasts, as Elijah was later instructed to go back the way he came (see First Kings 19:15).
At Mount Horeb, Elijah received important instruction from the LORD: he was to anoint the new king of Syria (Hazael), the new king of Israel (Jehu), and the prophet (Elisha) that would succeed Elijah. Elijah also received important information concerning God's human resource management. The LORD told Elijah, "I still have left in Israel seven thousand followers who have not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed the images of him." (19:18).
What an encouragement to know that as we journey in obedience to the living God, He miraculously sustains us. Let us fast according to His imperative, expecting to receive instruction and information that will advance the kingdom of God.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Radical Reconciliation: Memories of Dad.
Glossa Water was started on August 31, 2008. I started the blog on what we believed was my dad's birthday, although (as I mentioned in that first blog) the sketchy records of a Depression-era birth in the rural south left us wondering whether anyone knew his real birthdate.
On March 14th of this week my dad passed away. Though I and my family miss him, we are deeply grateful to God for Dad's time on this earth.
I am particularly indebted to Pastor Sam, who back in 2005 instructed me on the value of reconciliation. My parents divorced when I was a very young child, and in my early adulthood I drifted out of Dad's life, but in my mid-life years I was finally able to reconnect with my dad. It was wonderful to get to know Dad as he went into his twilight years, especially the past three or four years.
What will I remember about him? His incredible work ethic. His quick wit and humor. His consistency and transparency as he dealt with the challenges of old age.
The grace of God is indeed amazing. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of reconciliation.
On March 14th of this week my dad passed away. Though I and my family miss him, we are deeply grateful to God for Dad's time on this earth.
I am particularly indebted to Pastor Sam, who back in 2005 instructed me on the value of reconciliation. My parents divorced when I was a very young child, and in my early adulthood I drifted out of Dad's life, but in my mid-life years I was finally able to reconnect with my dad. It was wonderful to get to know Dad as he went into his twilight years, especially the past three or four years.
What will I remember about him? His incredible work ethic. His quick wit and humor. His consistency and transparency as he dealt with the challenges of old age.
The grace of God is indeed amazing. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of reconciliation.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Radical Revelation: A Vision Of Mission.
Dr. Las, in his closing thoughts, said that "we are not called to send missionaries; we are sent out as missionaries."
I wonder what the Bronx will look like, what the world will look like, when every Christian embraces the call to be missional.
Jesus's instructions in Luke 10 are so straightforward. We are sent out as lambs among wolves. And we are empowered to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. And not everyone will welcome us; but for those who do, we can become agents of salvation, deliverance, peace, and healing.
I pray that we will embrace this vision and engage in mission, to the glory of God.
I wonder what the Bronx will look like, what the world will look like, when every Christian embraces the call to be missional.
Jesus's instructions in Luke 10 are so straightforward. We are sent out as lambs among wolves. And we are empowered to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. And not everyone will welcome us; but for those who do, we can become agents of salvation, deliverance, peace, and healing.
I pray that we will embrace this vision and engage in mission, to the glory of God.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Radical Joy: The Ultimate Book Signing.
Luke 10 is a wonderful look into the specifics of Jesus's ministry program. In Luke 10:17 we see that the disciples returned with joy, excited about their opportunity to be a part of real, radical, life-changing ministry.
And Jesus is filled with joy as well! But our Lord makes a critically important statement. This past Sunday, Dr. Las reminded us of the most important reason to be happy: "...rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20)
And Pastor Sam underlined this thought. In the introduction to his pastoral prayer, we were reminded that there are people who are involved in powerful ministry, but they themselves have never surrendered their hearts to Jesus. It is a fearful thought to know that, after years of service, some will hear the Lord's rejection (see Matthew chapter 25). We would do well to heed the warning.
Friend, are you a part of this joy-fest?
Lord, thank You for giving us grace to receive Your revelation. Thank You for writing our names in Your book. Thank You for equipping us to do Your work. We are eternally grateful. The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!
And Jesus is filled with joy as well! But our Lord makes a critically important statement. This past Sunday, Dr. Las reminded us of the most important reason to be happy: "...rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20)
And Pastor Sam underlined this thought. In the introduction to his pastoral prayer, we were reminded that there are people who are involved in powerful ministry, but they themselves have never surrendered their hearts to Jesus. It is a fearful thought to know that, after years of service, some will hear the Lord's rejection (see Matthew chapter 25). We would do well to heed the warning.
Friend, are you a part of this joy-fest?
Lord, thank You for giving us grace to receive Your revelation. Thank You for writing our names in Your book. Thank You for equipping us to do Your work. We are eternally grateful. The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Radical Risk: Lambs Among Wolves.
In reflecting on Luke 10, Dr. Las reminded us of a most radical analogy: The Christian in the world as a lamb among wolves (see Luke 10:3).
What can a lamb do in the face of wolves?
The battle is a lost cause unless we pray. Dr. Las shared, and I paraphrase here, that intercessory prayer is the one tool that can release more workers into the harvest field.
But, although we pray, we must keep in mind the words of Jesus: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." (Luke 10:2) Dr. Las spoke emphatically about the work of ministry as "too few doing too much", and that reality will not change.
Pastor Sam picked up this thought during his pastoral prayer. He alluded to the passage where Jesus describes His people as "the salt of the earth" (see Matthew 5:13). And, as we know, it doesn't take much salt to transform a meal.
Yes! Let us be few! One lamb, covered in intercessory prayer, can take on a pack of wolves. At the end of the day, the wolves will be ravaged and the lamb will be victorious.
What can a lamb do in the face of wolves?
The battle is a lost cause unless we pray. Dr. Las shared, and I paraphrase here, that intercessory prayer is the one tool that can release more workers into the harvest field.
But, although we pray, we must keep in mind the words of Jesus: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." (Luke 10:2) Dr. Las spoke emphatically about the work of ministry as "too few doing too much", and that reality will not change.
Pastor Sam picked up this thought during his pastoral prayer. He alluded to the passage where Jesus describes His people as "the salt of the earth" (see Matthew 5:13). And, as we know, it doesn't take much salt to transform a meal.
Yes! Let us be few! One lamb, covered in intercessory prayer, can take on a pack of wolves. At the end of the day, the wolves will be ravaged and the lamb will be victorious.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Radical Engagement: Get Up And Go.
In Luke chapter 10, as Dr. Las shared with us, we are given a snapshot of Jesus as the ultimate mission leader. There are two terms Dr. Las gave us:
1. Trial Run. This passage is the first account we have of our Lord sending out dozens of people whom He had empowered to do His work in the world. The specificity of the assignment implies that this was the first time these seventy-two disciples had gone on mission "on their own".
2. Training Exercise. These teams of disciples were receiving their first taste of what Christ Himself did as an itinerant minister of the gospel. Rather than the sick and needy of the world coming to the disciples, it was contingent upon the disciples to go out to the places where the need was.
A question for us to reflect on: Are we going out into the towns, or are we waiting for the towns to come to us?
1. Trial Run. This passage is the first account we have of our Lord sending out dozens of people whom He had empowered to do His work in the world. The specificity of the assignment implies that this was the first time these seventy-two disciples had gone on mission "on their own".
2. Training Exercise. These teams of disciples were receiving their first taste of what Christ Himself did as an itinerant minister of the gospel. Rather than the sick and needy of the world coming to the disciples, it was contingent upon the disciples to go out to the places where the need was.
A question for us to reflect on: Are we going out into the towns, or are we waiting for the towns to come to us?
Monday, March 12, 2012
A Las!
This week's blogs will reflect on Sunday's sermon. Our guest speaker, Dr. Las Newman, gave a powerful and challenging message based on Luke 10:1-12 and 17-24.
The passage details the mission of the seventy-two commissioned by Jesus to minister. Dr. Las shared several points related to what he termed "radical calls".
Perhaps it is best to begin with a recap of the scripture today, then over the next few days we'll reflect on the radical calls every true Christian must deal with.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. He replied, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No-one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no-one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
(Verses from the UK New International Version)
The passage details the mission of the seventy-two commissioned by Jesus to minister. Dr. Las shared several points related to what he termed "radical calls".
Perhaps it is best to begin with a recap of the scripture today, then over the next few days we'll reflect on the radical calls every true Christian must deal with.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. He replied, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No-one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no-one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
(Verses from the UK New International Version)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Fasting As Impassioned Plea
Our Sunday blogs during Lent will focus on the subject of fasting.
"The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it became ill. David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them." (Second Samuel 12:15-17).
Perhaps in our more skeptical moments we could say this engagement of fasting was a lost cause from the start. The prophet Nathan had already decreed to David that the child would certainly die (verse 14). But David had a depth of knowledge of the mercy of God which he expressed in this "against-all-odds" fast.
How do we know this? Because David said so. "While the child was still alive I fasted and wept because I thought, 'Perhaps the LORD will show pity and the child will live.'" (verse 22)
What about you? Are you facing a situation that seems to be a lost cause? In the face of hopelessness, you can still appeal to the mercy of God. Who knows? Perhaps the LORD will show pity.
"The Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it became ill. David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them." (Second Samuel 12:15-17).
Perhaps in our more skeptical moments we could say this engagement of fasting was a lost cause from the start. The prophet Nathan had already decreed to David that the child would certainly die (verse 14). But David had a depth of knowledge of the mercy of God which he expressed in this "against-all-odds" fast.
How do we know this? Because David said so. "While the child was still alive I fasted and wept because I thought, 'Perhaps the LORD will show pity and the child will live.'" (verse 22)
What about you? Are you facing a situation that seems to be a lost cause? In the face of hopelessness, you can still appeal to the mercy of God. Who knows? Perhaps the LORD will show pity.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Judas, It's 11:59 P.M.
Judas, sadly, never goes away.
Judas Iscariot was a person, but his name is also a metaphor for the presence of evil in the midst of ministry.
So Jesus said to the Twelve, "You don't want to go away too, do you?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!" Jesus replied, "Didn't I choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is the devil?" (Now he said this about Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for Judas, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.) (John 6:67-71)
In our interactions with other believers, every now and then we find that a person has committed themselves to the works of the devil. It is a strange juxtaposition- seeing faithfulness and consistency and results in ministry work, but also seeing an undercurrent of selfishness, greed, or other vices contrary to the heart of God.
What do we do in such cases?
What did Jesus do?
Well, we see that Jesus didn't fire Judas. Up to the bitter end of his life, Judas was counted among the Twelve, Jesus's hand-picked disciples who followed Him for three years. Simon Peter reminds us that Judas was not a "fake" disciple: "For he was counted as one of us and received a share in this ministry" (see Acts 1:17).
Judas had three years of opportunity to repent and fully commit himself to Jesus. And during that time, Jesus never publicly called out Judas as a problematic ministry partner. What grace was extended by our Lord!
I believe we are called to extend that same grace to fellow believers: not making slanderous judgements, but seeking to teach and instruct them in the ways of the Kingdom of God. Seeking to keep them in community so that there is ample opportunity for repentance.
Judas, we are praying for you. Please turn your heart to the Lord while there is time.
Judas Iscariot was a person, but his name is also a metaphor for the presence of evil in the midst of ministry.
So Jesus said to the Twelve, "You don't want to go away too, do you?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!" Jesus replied, "Didn't I choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is the devil?" (Now he said this about Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for Judas, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.) (John 6:67-71)
In our interactions with other believers, every now and then we find that a person has committed themselves to the works of the devil. It is a strange juxtaposition- seeing faithfulness and consistency and results in ministry work, but also seeing an undercurrent of selfishness, greed, or other vices contrary to the heart of God.
What do we do in such cases?
What did Jesus do?
Well, we see that Jesus didn't fire Judas. Up to the bitter end of his life, Judas was counted among the Twelve, Jesus's hand-picked disciples who followed Him for three years. Simon Peter reminds us that Judas was not a "fake" disciple: "For he was counted as one of us and received a share in this ministry" (see Acts 1:17).
Judas had three years of opportunity to repent and fully commit himself to Jesus. And during that time, Jesus never publicly called out Judas as a problematic ministry partner. What grace was extended by our Lord!
I believe we are called to extend that same grace to fellow believers: not making slanderous judgements, but seeking to teach and instruct them in the ways of the Kingdom of God. Seeking to keep them in community so that there is ample opportunity for repentance.
Judas, we are praying for you. Please turn your heart to the Lord while there is time.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Really Do The Right Thing.
In reflecting on this past Sunday's sermon, I found my thoughts turning to Old and New Testament passages that give us examples of how dangerous it is to give in to temptation. Today let's consider a conversation between the LORD and Cain.
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it." (Genesis 4:6-7)
The LORD first addresses Cain in response to Cain's offering, which was unacceptable to God. And the implication in God's opening statement, "Why are you angry?", is that Cain himself knew the offering was unacceptable. In other words, "Cain, why are you pouting? You really expect Me to accept this? You know better."
God's second statement contained the "how-to": how to be positioned to experience shalom, true peace. "If you do what is right, you will be fine." Implied in the statement is that Cain was aware of what it meant to "do right".
Next, our Lord reiterated the how-to by explaining its opposite: "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door." Here we see an amazing connection between unacceptable worship and the entrance of sin into the life of the worshipper. Slipshod worship is an entryway for the influence of the demonic.
And fourth, God reveals the plan of the devil and how that plan can be thwarted: "It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it." Acceptable worship is a means of preventing the devil from having inroads into our lives. It gives us the means necessary to avoid being dominated by sin.
Thank You Lord, that You always show Your people the way of escape. Please give us Your grace so that we will not give in to temptation. But, if Your divine will demands that we face temptation, please stay close to us and cause us to experience Your deliverance. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it." (Genesis 4:6-7)
The LORD first addresses Cain in response to Cain's offering, which was unacceptable to God. And the implication in God's opening statement, "Why are you angry?", is that Cain himself knew the offering was unacceptable. In other words, "Cain, why are you pouting? You really expect Me to accept this? You know better."
God's second statement contained the "how-to": how to be positioned to experience shalom, true peace. "If you do what is right, you will be fine." Implied in the statement is that Cain was aware of what it meant to "do right".
Next, our Lord reiterated the how-to by explaining its opposite: "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door." Here we see an amazing connection between unacceptable worship and the entrance of sin into the life of the worshipper. Slipshod worship is an entryway for the influence of the demonic.
And fourth, God reveals the plan of the devil and how that plan can be thwarted: "It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it." Acceptable worship is a means of preventing the devil from having inroads into our lives. It gives us the means necessary to avoid being dominated by sin.
Thank You Lord, that You always show Your people the way of escape. Please give us Your grace so that we will not give in to temptation. But, if Your divine will demands that we face temptation, please stay close to us and cause us to experience Your deliverance. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Name, Rank, And Serial Number.
But even when Michael the archangel was arguing with the devil and debating with him concerning Moses's body, he did not dare to bring a slanderous judgement, but said, "May the Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 1:9).
Well, when Pastor Sam spoke on this verse during Sunday's sermon I really listened closely because Jude 1:9 is one of those verses that makes me stop and wonder. (Jude has other verses in that mode, like 1:14 where Jude refers to a prophetic statement made by Enoch.)
Jude, how is it you're saying these profound things?
But here we are focusing on verse 9.
Jude brings up a name and title: Michael, the archangel. The angel who fights and wins in the name of the LORD. I wonder if Michael was the "one angel" sent to destroy thousands of people, as we see in First Chronicles 21 and Isaiah 37. I don't know about those chapters. But we do know Michael gets mentioned by name a couple of times in Daniel chapter 10: "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia" (Daniel 10:13).
Michael, the go-to angel in spiritual warfare.
Michael, described by Pastor Sam as "the angel you DON'T want a visit from".
Michael, who can stand toe-to-toe in a debate with the devil.
But in the face of the argument and the debate over Moses's body, the great archangel does not make a slanderous judgement of the devil. Instead, Michael follows the model set up by God Himself which we read in Zechariah: "The LORD rebuke you!" Friends, the only way we can "win" an argument with the devil is to invoke the name of the LORD and declare God's sovreignty and power over all creation and all situations. It's the LORD's battle, not ours.
"Satan, the LORD rebuke you!"
Well, when Pastor Sam spoke on this verse during Sunday's sermon I really listened closely because Jude 1:9 is one of those verses that makes me stop and wonder. (Jude has other verses in that mode, like 1:14 where Jude refers to a prophetic statement made by Enoch.)
Jude, how is it you're saying these profound things?
But here we are focusing on verse 9.
Jude brings up a name and title: Michael, the archangel. The angel who fights and wins in the name of the LORD. I wonder if Michael was the "one angel" sent to destroy thousands of people, as we see in First Chronicles 21 and Isaiah 37. I don't know about those chapters. But we do know Michael gets mentioned by name a couple of times in Daniel chapter 10: "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia" (Daniel 10:13).
Michael, the go-to angel in spiritual warfare.
Michael, described by Pastor Sam as "the angel you DON'T want a visit from".
Michael, who can stand toe-to-toe in a debate with the devil.
But in the face of the argument and the debate over Moses's body, the great archangel does not make a slanderous judgement of the devil. Instead, Michael follows the model set up by God Himself which we read in Zechariah: "The LORD rebuke you!" Friends, the only way we can "win" an argument with the devil is to invoke the name of the LORD and declare God's sovreignty and power over all creation and all situations. It's the LORD's battle, not ours.
"Satan, the LORD rebuke you!"
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Checking Account.
"Yet even angels, who are much more powerful, do not bring a slanderous judgement against (the unrighteous) before the Lord." (Second Peter 2:11)
In this second letter from Simon Peter, the famed disciple gives us a clue as to how things work in the heavenly realms. We are told that even the angels do not slander the unrighteous. How interesting, the use of this word "slander" in a context where there is clearly unrighteousness going on. Apparently, even if the judgements are true, it is still defined as slander. The implication is that if angels do not make judgements, then human beings should not do so either.
I am reminded of one of Pastor Sam's sermons from a few years ago. In discussing Psalm 50, our pastor gave the illustration of the psalm as a courtroom scene: the people of God were called to assembly, and God judged the people. The problem was that, though their sacrifices were regular and correct, their hearts were filled with malice and slander. And, the condition of the people's hearts made their sacrifices unacceptable. Who made the assessment? God Himself.
On Sunday Pastor Sam gave us a valuable phrase: "We can't manage the devil". On a parallel track, we can also say something like "We can't claim to be Christians and behave like the devil." Slander is never justifiable. Just a few verses down from the Matthew account of Lord's prayer, Jesus teaches that we are not to judge (see Matthew 7:1). May God help us to avoid the devil's trap by not giving in to the temptation to sit in judgement of others.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:13)
In this second letter from Simon Peter, the famed disciple gives us a clue as to how things work in the heavenly realms. We are told that even the angels do not slander the unrighteous. How interesting, the use of this word "slander" in a context where there is clearly unrighteousness going on. Apparently, even if the judgements are true, it is still defined as slander. The implication is that if angels do not make judgements, then human beings should not do so either.
I am reminded of one of Pastor Sam's sermons from a few years ago. In discussing Psalm 50, our pastor gave the illustration of the psalm as a courtroom scene: the people of God were called to assembly, and God judged the people. The problem was that, though their sacrifices were regular and correct, their hearts were filled with malice and slander. And, the condition of the people's hearts made their sacrifices unacceptable. Who made the assessment? God Himself.
On Sunday Pastor Sam gave us a valuable phrase: "We can't manage the devil". On a parallel track, we can also say something like "We can't claim to be Christians and behave like the devil." Slander is never justifiable. Just a few verses down from the Matthew account of Lord's prayer, Jesus teaches that we are not to judge (see Matthew 7:1). May God help us to avoid the devil's trap by not giving in to the temptation to sit in judgement of others.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:13)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Have You Met My Dad?
"The LORD said to Satan, 'May the LORD rebuke you, Satan! May the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Isn't this man like a burning stick snatched from the fire?'" (Zechariah 3:2)
On Sunday Pastor Sam spoke of the power of the name of God. The verse from Zechariah (above) shows that God, in His power, invokes His own name as a rebuke to Satan's accusations of Joshua the priest.
Who is our defender? He is God, past, present, and future. The one who was, is, and is to come! The one who formed the universe and formed you and me. The one who we address as "Our Father". The one who says of Himself, "There is nothing too difficult for Me" (see Jeremiah 32:27).
God alone has the power to rescue us from the grip of sin and temptation that the devil uses to cause us to fail in our faith. It is only right that when we pray, we follow the example that God has set. We pray, invoking the powerful name of our eternal Father, and He steps in on our behalf to defend and rescue us.
Lord, how we thank You for your powerful name. Please help us to remember that You are the one who, as is said in Malachi 3, "rebukes the devourer". We are so grateful for Your covering. Thank You for rescuing us. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
On Sunday Pastor Sam spoke of the power of the name of God. The verse from Zechariah (above) shows that God, in His power, invokes His own name as a rebuke to Satan's accusations of Joshua the priest.
Who is our defender? He is God, past, present, and future. The one who was, is, and is to come! The one who formed the universe and formed you and me. The one who we address as "Our Father". The one who says of Himself, "There is nothing too difficult for Me" (see Jeremiah 32:27).
God alone has the power to rescue us from the grip of sin and temptation that the devil uses to cause us to fail in our faith. It is only right that when we pray, we follow the example that God has set. We pray, invoking the powerful name of our eternal Father, and He steps in on our behalf to defend and rescue us.
Lord, how we thank You for your powerful name. Please help us to remember that You are the one who, as is said in Malachi 3, "rebukes the devourer". We are so grateful for Your covering. Thank You for rescuing us. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2012
"Ask and Keep Asking."
In yesterday's sermon, Pastor Sam continued his series on The Lord's Prayer.
"...lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one..." (Matthew 6:13)
In the sermon, we were encouraged to petition God: for His direction and guidance, and for His deliverance.
Though there were many interesting things pointed out by Pastor Sam, this week's blogs will focus on Scriptures that warn us of the reality of Satan's attack, and the reality of God's powerful Presence which delivers us from evil.
May I encourage you to meditate on these Scriptures as preparation for the remainder of this weeks blogs:
Zechariah 3:2
Second Peter 2:11
Jude 1:9
Genesis 4:7
John 6:70
"...lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one..." (Matthew 6:13)
In the sermon, we were encouraged to petition God: for His direction and guidance, and for His deliverance.
Though there were many interesting things pointed out by Pastor Sam, this week's blogs will focus on Scriptures that warn us of the reality of Satan's attack, and the reality of God's powerful Presence which delivers us from evil.
May I encourage you to meditate on these Scriptures as preparation for the remainder of this weeks blogs:
Zechariah 3:2
Second Peter 2:11
Jude 1:9
Genesis 4:7
John 6:70
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Fasting As Preparation
Our Sunday blogs during Lent will focus on the subject of fasting.
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2).
After Jesus was baptized, He spent more than a month in the wilderness fasting. The temptations that followed his season of fasting were intense.
Temptation 1: Use Your creative power to re-order nature. The scripture tells us that Jesus was hungry, and as God He had the power to order stones to transform themselves into bread.
Temptation 2: Show the world who You really are. The Jewish people had long anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, and a demonstration of power to jump off of buildings without dying would certainly have been a dramatic sign to the people.
Temptation 3: Take a short-cut to regaining what Adam lost. In the fall of man, Adam lost his dominion and Satan took rule of the kingdoms of the world. By worshipping the devil, Jesus could regain those kingdoms without having to go to the cross.
But buried in each of these temptations are lies! The devil offered half-truths designed to trick Jesus out of fulfilling His purpose. The Old Testament prophecies spoke of a Messiah whose earthly life would be marked by rejection, suffering, and death (see Isaiah 53). No easy road, no short-cuts.
The extended season of fasting gave Jesus the spiritual strength He needed to withstand the onslaught of temptations designed to sway Him from the fulfillment of His purpose. Are you a person of purpose? Then fast. Fast for strength, so that the devil will never succeed in turning you from the path God has called you to walk.
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2).
After Jesus was baptized, He spent more than a month in the wilderness fasting. The temptations that followed his season of fasting were intense.
Temptation 1: Use Your creative power to re-order nature. The scripture tells us that Jesus was hungry, and as God He had the power to order stones to transform themselves into bread.
Temptation 2: Show the world who You really are. The Jewish people had long anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, and a demonstration of power to jump off of buildings without dying would certainly have been a dramatic sign to the people.
Temptation 3: Take a short-cut to regaining what Adam lost. In the fall of man, Adam lost his dominion and Satan took rule of the kingdoms of the world. By worshipping the devil, Jesus could regain those kingdoms without having to go to the cross.
But buried in each of these temptations are lies! The devil offered half-truths designed to trick Jesus out of fulfilling His purpose. The Old Testament prophecies spoke of a Messiah whose earthly life would be marked by rejection, suffering, and death (see Isaiah 53). No easy road, no short-cuts.
The extended season of fasting gave Jesus the spiritual strength He needed to withstand the onslaught of temptations designed to sway Him from the fulfillment of His purpose. Are you a person of purpose? Then fast. Fast for strength, so that the devil will never succeed in turning you from the path God has called you to walk.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Vessel. Vassal. Vassel.
Matthew 25 consists of three sections. We have the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (25:1-13), the parable of the talents (25:14-30), and the explanation of the judgement (25:31-46).
One of the scary things about this chapter is that, on the surface, there seems to be no distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful. In the first parable, all the virgins look alike. In the second parable, the master entrusted property to all of his servants. In the explanation of the judgement, Jesus tells us that "all the nations will be assembled before him" (25:31). So we have a scenario where these groups appear unified in position, placement, and purpose.
But then, Jesus comes along and points out certain distinctives that reveal the people who are really His, versus the people who are serving the devil.
For the virgins, the distinctive is not the oil in their lamps, but the extra oil reserves in their jars. The wise virgins have chosen to carry a heavier burden, a chabod, the weight of extra flasks of oil (which alludes to the fullness of the Spirit in their lives). The foolish virgins were content to just get by with whatever was in their lamp. But in the end, those foolish virgins were refused admittance to the Bridegroom's banquet.
For the servants, the distinctive was not their possession of talents, but the manner in which those talents were stewarded. In telling this parable Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom of God does not tolerate cowardice. In fact, the unfaithful steward's action (that is, his lack of action) is interpreted as laziness and wickedness. And in the end, that wicked lazy steward is evicted: thrown into "outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". He is banished to a place absent of the Light, and his talent is taken away and given to a faithful servant (25:28-30).
In the explanation of the judgement, Jesus says that He will separate the nations into two categories. The separation is based on how the people of the world respond to the poor, the sick, and the disenfranchised. Perhaps the most amazing thing in this passage is that Jesus puts Himself in the center of the issue: "I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did it for me." (25:40).
As Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, and I paraphrase here, the only thing that will make us take risks is an overwhelming love for God. And this love comes from God! It is He who empowers us to love enough to risk bearing the weight of His Presence, to take the risk of investing in His kingdom, and to risk expending the energy necessary to serve the downtrodden of the world.
So here we are, in the twenty-first century, confronted with Matthew 25. And we need to respond.
What will you do, virgin?
What will you do, steward?
What will you do, people of the world?
One of the scary things about this chapter is that, on the surface, there seems to be no distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful. In the first parable, all the virgins look alike. In the second parable, the master entrusted property to all of his servants. In the explanation of the judgement, Jesus tells us that "all the nations will be assembled before him" (25:31). So we have a scenario where these groups appear unified in position, placement, and purpose.
But then, Jesus comes along and points out certain distinctives that reveal the people who are really His, versus the people who are serving the devil.
For the virgins, the distinctive is not the oil in their lamps, but the extra oil reserves in their jars. The wise virgins have chosen to carry a heavier burden, a chabod, the weight of extra flasks of oil (which alludes to the fullness of the Spirit in their lives). The foolish virgins were content to just get by with whatever was in their lamp. But in the end, those foolish virgins were refused admittance to the Bridegroom's banquet.
For the servants, the distinctive was not their possession of talents, but the manner in which those talents were stewarded. In telling this parable Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom of God does not tolerate cowardice. In fact, the unfaithful steward's action (that is, his lack of action) is interpreted as laziness and wickedness. And in the end, that wicked lazy steward is evicted: thrown into "outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". He is banished to a place absent of the Light, and his talent is taken away and given to a faithful servant (25:28-30).
In the explanation of the judgement, Jesus says that He will separate the nations into two categories. The separation is based on how the people of the world respond to the poor, the sick, and the disenfranchised. Perhaps the most amazing thing in this passage is that Jesus puts Himself in the center of the issue: "I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did it for me." (25:40).
As Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, and I paraphrase here, the only thing that will make us take risks is an overwhelming love for God. And this love comes from God! It is He who empowers us to love enough to risk bearing the weight of His Presence, to take the risk of investing in His kingdom, and to risk expending the energy necessary to serve the downtrodden of the world.
So here we are, in the twenty-first century, confronted with Matthew 25. And we need to respond.
What will you do, virgin?
What will you do, steward?
What will you do, people of the world?
Friday, March 2, 2012
Yes, Sir!
The (steward) who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more. In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. (Matthew 25:16-17)
"Right away."
There are some people in my life who I obey immediately, without question and without backtalk. I am okay with these people having authority over me, because I love them dearly and I trust them unequivocally. They expressed love and trust of me in moments where I was really messed up and unlovable, and I am eternally indebted to them. So when they ask me to do something, and especially when they authorize me to act on their behalf, I do it. No conditions attached.
The faithful stewards' eagerness in their work was an expression of their love and trust of the master who loved and trusted them. Jesus tells this parable as an example of how things work in the kingdom of God: it is a kingdom of love, love expressed in joyful vigorous service to our Lord.
How amazing that God allows us to act on His behalf! We are the body of Christ, and His Spirit has empowered us to do things for the sake of the kingdom of God. In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared two characteristics found in faithful stewards:
Faithful stewards risk everything. In the parable, we see that the faithful stewards did not hold anything back. They worked hard, they took risks, and they received returns on their investments.
Faithful stewards act immediately. They did not second-guess their master's choices. They didn't seek to modify their work assignment. They went out right away and got to work immediately. They made excellent use of the time they had. And when their master returned, they were able to present a positive accounting of how they handled his resources.
How about you? Is your life an expression of faithful stewardship?
"Right away."
There are some people in my life who I obey immediately, without question and without backtalk. I am okay with these people having authority over me, because I love them dearly and I trust them unequivocally. They expressed love and trust of me in moments where I was really messed up and unlovable, and I am eternally indebted to them. So when they ask me to do something, and especially when they authorize me to act on their behalf, I do it. No conditions attached.
The faithful stewards' eagerness in their work was an expression of their love and trust of the master who loved and trusted them. Jesus tells this parable as an example of how things work in the kingdom of God: it is a kingdom of love, love expressed in joyful vigorous service to our Lord.
How amazing that God allows us to act on His behalf! We are the body of Christ, and His Spirit has empowered us to do things for the sake of the kingdom of God. In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared two characteristics found in faithful stewards:
Faithful stewards risk everything. In the parable, we see that the faithful stewards did not hold anything back. They worked hard, they took risks, and they received returns on their investments.
Faithful stewards act immediately. They did not second-guess their master's choices. They didn't seek to modify their work assignment. They went out right away and got to work immediately. They made excellent use of the time they had. And when their master returned, they were able to present a positive accounting of how they handled his resources.
How about you? Is your life an expression of faithful stewardship?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire.
In this past Sunday's sermon on Matthew 25:14-30, Pastor Sam shared two key points about the unfaithful steward.
Satanic misconception. "Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed," (Matthew 25:24). In other words, the unfaithful steward's disapproval of the master's business plan "justified" his inactivity. Further, the unfaithful steward made a false character assessment of the master. Misrepresentation (of God and God's servants) is a hallmark trait of the activity of Satan, who constantly accuses and lies (see Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:10).
Self-interested motivation. "so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours." (Matthew 25:25). Hiding is an expression of fear (see Genesis 3:10), and Scripture informs us that cowards have no place in the kingdom of God- in fact, cowards lead the list of those destined for eternal punishment (see Revelation 21:8).
Are you afraid to work with what God has entrusted to you? Are you blaming God for your own unwillingness to "work while it is day" (John 9:4)? If so, then seek God for forgiveness. He will change your attitude so that you can become a successful steward of His gifts and graces.
Satanic misconception. "Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed," (Matthew 25:24). In other words, the unfaithful steward's disapproval of the master's business plan "justified" his inactivity. Further, the unfaithful steward made a false character assessment of the master. Misrepresentation (of God and God's servants) is a hallmark trait of the activity of Satan, who constantly accuses and lies (see Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:10).
Self-interested motivation. "so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours." (Matthew 25:25). Hiding is an expression of fear (see Genesis 3:10), and Scripture informs us that cowards have no place in the kingdom of God- in fact, cowards lead the list of those destined for eternal punishment (see Revelation 21:8).
Are you afraid to work with what God has entrusted to you? Are you blaming God for your own unwillingness to "work while it is day" (John 9:4)? If so, then seek God for forgiveness. He will change your attitude so that you can become a successful steward of His gifts and graces.