Wanted: A Candle Of Peace.

On this second Sunday of Advent, many liturgical churches focus on the subject of Christ as our peace. One of the names of our Lord Jesus is Prince of Peace: "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Are you looking for endless peace? Peace is found in a Person: our eternal God. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) "LORD, You establish peace for us: all that we have accomplished You have done for us. O LORD, our God, other lords beside You have ruled over us, but Your name alone do we honor." (Isaiah 26:12-13)

Where do we find ourselves today? Have we submitted ourselves to the Prince of Peace? Or are we found bowing to idols who rule our thoughts and deeds while robbing us of the peace we so desperately desire? Or, are we caught in circumstances that move us to heave and weave, unsteady, unsure, and overcome in the chaos?

From time to time Pastor Sam shares a few words with me. These words, when I can remember them, help me to find peace in this stormy life. I share them here in the hope that they'll be helpful to you as well.

*Relax.
*It'll be all right.
*God is aware.
*Let's pray.

Today is a good day to light a candle of peace. Not a candle of revenge. Not a candle to start an angry firestorm. Not even a candle of self-preservation. Just a simple candle to remind ourselves that Jesus, the Light of the world, has come into the world to establish His peace.

Have a peaceful day.

Prince of Peace, establish Your peace in us as we trust in You. Give us hearts to receive and reflect Your word of peace today. Amen.

All Dressed Up, But Not Ready To Go.

“It is a vital thing to prepare yourself for what God is going to do decisively. This kind of decisive coming of God is not something that He must make catch you unawares or unprepared.” –Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel

The unprepared. In this past Sunday’s sermon Pastor Sam spoke of the parable of the ten virgins. All ten were dressed and waiting for the bridegroom, but when the bridegroom finally arrived five of the virgins were unprepared to go out to meet him. Though they were in the right place and in the right attire, they lacked the supply of oil needed to light their way. (see Matthew 25:1-13) As we engage in Christian ministry and activity today, we are warned that not everyone who adopts Christian culture is ready to meet the Christ we claim to serve.

The unaware. The purpose of the life and ministry of John the Baptist was to serve as one who prepared people for the ministry of Jesus Christ (see Luke 1:5-17). Our pastor shared: “The Holy Spirit took care to fill John the Baptist from his mother’s womb.” In the same way, the Holy Spirit is present today to make us aware of our need to renounce idolatry and seek the presence and blessing of the Lord. John the Baptist exhorted the people of his day to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8a); we are encouraged to do the same.

v  Are we producing fruit that shows the world we have embraced repentance, or do our lives show a lack of joyful obedience to God’s word?

v  Are we prepared to meet our Lord Jesus at any time, or are we harboring known sin and self-serving works?

v  Are we aware of our need to give ourselves, completely, to the ministry of the Holy Spirit?

Come In, Please.

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared with us that the Advent of Christ is a phenomenon that transcends time.

Christ came. As we noted in Tuesday's post, we have historical record that Jesus was born into a particular time and place.

Christ comes. As Christians, we walk in a lived experience of Jesus being present in us. Every day we embrace a new opportunity to see the life and ministry of Jesus being represented in the way we treat ourselves and others.

Christ will come. At some future point in time, our Lord will return to bring the righteous into eternal life, and the wicked into eternal punishment (see Matthew 25).

How do we respond to this truth? We look back with gratitude; we live today with joy; we look forward with hopeful expectation.

Our pastor noted that Christ is the King in the kingdom of God: He is the already, and the not yet.

Believe this truth.
Live in accordance with this truth.
Proclaim this truth.
Veni, Emmanuel.

Know Your History.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) (Luke 2:1-2)

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-- when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. (Luke 3:1-2)

Luke was intentional in naming names and establishing context. He shares with us the names and titles of political and religious leaders: those who were in office at the time Jesus was born (Luke 2), and those who ruled at the time Jesus entered into His earthly ministry (Luke 3). We are privileged to know that the life of Jesus is not myth, but fact.

Our senior pastor shared a few words which I would us to reflect on for today:

"There is a historical celebration of Advent. When we come at this time of year, we as Christians can tell you, 'At the time when Quirinius was governor of Syria'. And we are not just in some kind of fable, you know, 'once upon a time there was a Jesus'. No. We are telling you what time. 'And when Augustus was Caesar.' There is a particular point in history when God, the One who is outside of history, stepped into history and came into the world. We celebrate a historical fact of the coming. Jesus Christ came." (Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel)

Jesus, the Christ, came into the world. Be encouraged.

Cycle "G".

Happy New Year!

Yesterday was the first day of the 2013-2014 liturgical year. For Christians, the first Sunday of Advent ushers in a new cycle of praise, worship, prayer, and reflection. Who is the subject and object of our attention? He is God: our Father, Savior, Lord, King, and Advocate.

In yesterday’s English-language sermons, Pastor Sam encouraged us to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s influence in the Advent themes. Over the next few weeks, we’ll consider the Spirit’s role in four areas: preparation, yearning, expectation, and hope.

For today, let’s read (or re-read) one of the Scripture passages our pastor referenced: Luke 3:1-18.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”

Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.

(Luke 3:1-18, NIV)

Thankful. Always.

"It is not you doing it yourself when you can look back and say, like Joseph to his brothers, 'You meant it for evil but God meant it for good.' It's not you. That is not normal and that is not natural. You have to be under something in order to be able to say that." -Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-20)

When we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we exhibit behavior which is produced by the presence of the Spirit. It is a behavior that confounds the enemy of our souls and confuses those who are not in relationship with Jesus Christ. Even when we are marginalized or persecuted, we do not seek rescue. Instead, we rest in the fact of our having been reconciled to Christ. That rest produces a heart filled with thanks and praise.

How is that we can be singing in the midst of evil days? The person under the influence of the Holy Spirit understands that God is able to use even the worst of situations in order to glorify His own name. Pastor Sam referenced Romans 5:1-5 (click here to link to the passage): we glory in our sufferings because we know that God is doing something. I encourage us all to take time today to read and meditate on the Romans passage, recognizing that we do not have to wait for rescue before we break out in shouts of rejoicing. There is much to be thankful for, even in the midst of crisis, and so we give thanks to our great God.

Lord God, today we do not seek rescue, and we do not seek revenge. We are simply resting and rejoicing. May You find our hearts always thankful.

Thankful. Really.

"If you are finding that thanksgiving is not an integral part of your reality and your experience, maybe I will be bold enough to say you're not really promoting healing." -Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel

Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17-18)

In this past Sunday's sermon introduction, Pastor Sam briefly made reference to the account of the healing of ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 (to read the account, please click here). Our pastor noted Jesus's response as one man of Samaria returned to thank Him: "Where are the other nine?"

It seems that Jesus has this expectation of His people: be thankful. If we have been touched by the healing hand of Jesus, then there should be a spirit of thankfulness resident in we who were healed. In addition, that spirit of thankfulness should not be kept silent; it should be expressed outwardly.

Exude thankfulness on the inside.
Express thankfulness on the outside.
Be thankful.
Say "Thank You."

Are we genuinely thankful for all that God does for us, or do we take His grace for granted?
How does our spirit of thankfulness affect those who hear our testimony?

Thankful For The Spirit Of Christ.

We want to avoid the trap of what we call moralism: in other words, there is a danger, when you are pursuing holiness, that you hear the call to holiness as a call to do better and try harder. It is a trap where people find it easier to pretend than to actually experience. -Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel (paraphrase mine)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam reminded us of the good news: holiness is not about trying harder. "The good news of holiness... is that people here and now can experience God's Spirit. And what we are about, in this community, is to announce the possibility and the necessity of experiencing the Holy Spirit."

Our pastor shared with us that we are not a community convicted by our inability to accomplish holiness in our own strength. Rather, we are a community converted, renouncing any attempts at delivering ourselves, and submitting ourselves to the Spirit of Christ. It is His presence and power that free us to obey His word.

Are you submitted to the Spirit?
Are you aware of His presence?
Are you empowered by Him?

Lord God, I recognize that I am not strong enough to live a life of holiness by my own means. Today, once again, I submit my entire being to You. Live in me! Work in me! Move through me! No part of my life is off-limits to You. Do as You will; shine Your perfection through my imperfect frame. 

Thankful For The Word, Part Two.

Today we continue our devotional reflections by reading the second passage Pastor Sam referred to on Sunday: Galatians chapter 5.

I pray that our lives will be authentic demonstrations of the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.

I once was bound, but now I'm free:
Free to embrace God's grace;
Free to love Him exclusively;
Free to serve Him faithfully.

Galatians 5 (NIV)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Thankful For The Word, Part One And A Half.

Yesterday I posted Ephesians chapter 5 as a devotional reading. At Pastor Sam's request I am re-posting the same chapter today using the NIV translation, and will move on to Galatians chapter 5 on Wednesday. I pray that the reinforcement of this word will be a profound blessing to you, and that the Lord will give you new insights as you read.

Ephesians 5 (NIV)

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Thankful For The Word, Part One.

The Lord brought a powerful word to Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene through Pastor Sam yesterday. This week we will reflect on his message Pursuing Holiness, Promoting Healing, As Thanksgiving.

Early in the sermon our senior pastor recommended that we read Ephesians chapter 5, as well as the book of Galatians (giving special attention to Galatians chapter 5). For today and tomorrow, let’s take time to read God's Word. Below is Ephesians chapter 5 as today’s devotional exercise.

Ephesians 5 (NET Bible)

Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

 

Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth –  trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:

“Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”

Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body. But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own body but he feeds it and takes care of it, just as Christ also does the church, for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Out Of Office.

Yet Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

In last Sunday’s sermon Pastor Andy shared with us that Jesus knew when to be fully engaged in ministry, and He knew when to step away from the crowds. He knew the importance of staying in close communion with His Father.

I wonder how many of us are immersed in ministry, and as a result have become “too busy” to step away and reconnect with God. For some of us, the prospect of taking a day off (or even half a day) is met with a frown and a litany of reasons why we can’t break away from our ministry assignments.

Guess what? The canon indicates that Jesus frequently took time to engage the discipline of solitude.

A few years ago, a pastor I interviewed said that he intentionally reserved one day per week as a day of solitude. He did no work on that day. He answered no inquiries. He was unavailable to anyone except God. His intent was to enjoy fellowship with God, joyfully sacrificing a full day and seeking to grow closer to the Lord he so lovingly served.

The Lord is worthy of our praise. Is He also worthy of our time?

Let Them Talk.

Then He ordered the man to tell no one, but commanded him, “Go and show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But the news about Him spread even more, and large crowds were gathering together to hear Him and to be healed of their illnesses. (Luke 5:14-15)

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Andy shared commentary on the above verses. Let’s reflect on some of those comments today.

v  Go and show yourself to a priest. In biblical times, the priest was the only person in the community who could make an official pronouncement of healing. Jesus told the man to remain in obedience to the community’s protocol for determining whether healing had taken place.

v  Bring the offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded. The role of tithes and offerings was to ensure there was “food in God’s house” (see Malachi 3:10), God’s designated means of supporting the priesthood and maintaining the physical plant in which His presence resided.

v  A testimony to them. Jesus knew the man was healed. The man knew that he was healed. Yet Jesus, though Lord and King of all the earth, encouraged the man to continue in submission to the earthly authorities and structures that were set into place. It was not enough that the man have a private awareness of his healing; there had to be witnesses to this testimony of healing. The priest, in seeing the man’s healed body and receiving his offering, would stand as witness to the miraculous power of God (see Deuteronomy 19:15).

v  The news about Him spread even more. Pastor Andy succinctly said, “News spreads.” Indeed. It is the nature of news, good or bad, false or true, to travel quickly. Though Jesus had told the man to be discreet and not talk about the healing, the community quickly became aware that something amazing had happened.

v  Large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their illnesses. Our pastor shared the heart-narrative of the person who has heard of a miracle occurring in their midst: If Jesus healed that man’s leprosy, then He can heal my depression; He can heal my cancer. Let me go to this Jesus.

At Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, we are blessed to be witnesses to the testimonies of healing in our local faith community. Some of us have even been blessed to be the recipients of God’s healing of our bodies and minds. We do not intend disrespect to those of the faith who believe Diving healing ended with the first-century church. However, we bear the testimony: we assert that our God is our Healer. He has not changed. His abilities have not vanished. We are witnesses of these things. We are spreading the news.

No Lines, No Waiting.

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came to Him who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed down with his face to the ground and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” So He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. (Luke 5:12-13)

Immediately.

During this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Andy shared with us that the leprous man received an instant healing through the ministry of Jesus. The instant healing of a leper was a radical, previously unheard-of event. As we recall the details of Leviticus 13 and 14, the characteristics of skin diseases were such that the priests needed weeks to determine whether a healing had occurred. For the unnamed leper in Luke 5, his covering of leprosy was immediately and completely eradicated.

Have you had an experience of “immediately” in your household? Do you long for an experience of “immediately” for your community? We serve a great and loving God who is eager to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him and Him only (see Second Chronicles 16:7-9).  Ask God for help. Who knows? He may turn your circumstance today, in a profound way, to the glory of His name.

Raise The Standard!

 “Holiness has an object: the object of holiness is God.” –Reverend Andy Rubin

In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the sovereign master seated on a high, elevated throne. The hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs stood over him; each one had six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and they used the remaining two to fly. They called out to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord who commands armies! His majestic splendor fills the entire earth!” (Isaiah 6:1-3, NET Bible)

In this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Andy took a few minutes to remind us of our theme for this year: Pursuing Holiness, Promoting Healing. He shared with us some points that I’d like us to reflect on for today:

v  God is absolutely holy: when we pursue holiness, we pursue Him.

v  When we pursue the holiness of God, we will be changed into the image of Christ.

v  When we are changed into the image of Christ, our actions will be reflective of His character.

Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene is in the middle of its autumn Care Group cycle. Our small groups are learning a great deal about the character of the Spirit of Christ, based largely on Galatians 5:22-23. But let us remain cognizant of the other list: Galatians 5:19-21, in which we see a checklist of the works of the flesh that run counter to the fruit of the Spirit.

Our pastor noted that if we have been on board with our church’s theme since January of this year, then by now we should be better reflections of Jesus than we were ten months ago. I would like to encourage all of us to read Galatians 5:13-26 today. As we take inventory of the areas of our lives where the character of Christ is (or is not) present, let us appeal to our great God to help us live according to His standard: the standard of holiness.

Isolation Station.

"As for the diseased person who has the infection, his clothes must be torn, the hair of his head must be unbound, he must cover his mustache, and he must call out 'Unclean! Unclean!' The whole time he has the infection he will be continually unclean. He must live in isolation, and his place of residence must be outside the camp." (Leviticus 13:45-46, NET Bible)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Andy suggested to us that we read Leviticus 13 and Leviticus 14 for information on the way diseases were diagnosed and treated in the communities of ancient Israel. Our pastor noted, in particular, that lepers were required to make public announcement of their sickness. Because skin diseases were highly contagious, the community's response to an announcement of "Unclean!" was to stay far away from the sick person.

Our pastor shared with us that in today's church culture, we see a type of modern-day leper. Some in our community are carriers of spiritual disease: but, rather than coming close to experience the grace of Christ's Spirit, they instead remain far off. The convoluted message? "I'm sick. I need someone to help me. I'm here in this faith community. But I don't want anyone to come near me. Stay far away."

Oh, how we need a recognition of the power of our great God, who calls us to draw near for healing. In the New Testament, we see the account of a leper who understood the power of God at work in the person of Jesus Christ. That leper chose to draw near to Jesus, and experienced healing. Over this week we will take time to reflect on this amazing story of compassion and care.

"While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came to Him who was covered with leprosy." (Luke 5:12a) Guess what? Jesus is in your town. Will you come to Him?

Lord Jesus, where else can we go? When we are well, we will celebrate in Your community. When we are sick, we will cry out in Your community. You have made us to be the church: we are Your body, custodians of Your gifts and graces. Give us Your compassion so that we might become authentic agents of healing, to the glory of Your name. Amen.

Do You Have A Few Minutes?

Today's post is a reflection on Acts chapter 8: I encourage you to read the entire chapter today. Click here to read Acts 8.

In this past Sunday's sermon, Dr. Donovan Case shared a wonderful insight concerning the first-century church: The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch brought the gospel from the Middle East to Africa, and this happened before the apostle Paul was brought to salvation.

The Ethiopian eunuch was introduced to the Lordship of Jesus by the deacon Philip. Philip, along with other ordinary servants of God, ran for his life after the zealot Saul consented to the stoning death of Philip's colleague Stephen. Although there is nothing wonderful about having to run away from home, Philip and other early church members did a wonderful thing: they continued to speak of the good news of Jesus Christ, sharing His love and truth with those they met on their journeys.

Let's consider three aspects of Philip's evangelistic moment with the Ethiopian official:

Philip's evangelism was Spirit-led, not research-based. Philip did not casually pick the official's chariot based on his own intellect or intuition, neither on socio-economic or regional factors; it was God who led Philip to speak to the eunuch.

Philip's evangelism was spontaneous, not rehearsed. There was no booklet, no pre-set speech. Philip simply asked, "What are you reading?", and from there he preached the simple message of Jesus Christ and His love for the world.

Philip's evangelism was shared, not remunerated. After Philip's ministry work was done, the Lord did not leave the official in a position to compensate Philip: the evangelist was supernaturally moved by God to another location. Though he was materially wealthy, the only "remuneration" the Ethiopian could give was to share the salvation story with others, just as it had been freely shared with him. And, interestingly enough, the act of sharing his new-found faith proved far more valuable.

• Do you have any stories of men, women, or children who shared their faith with you?
• Have you ever taken time to share the story of Jesus with someone else?
• Is your approach to evangelism based on culture, convenience, the leading of the Holy Spirit, or a combination of things?

Imperfect Attendance.

“In church every Sunday for twenty years, but still ‘shacking’.” –Dr. Donovan Case

How can the twenty-first-century church operate with first-century principles? By knowing and doing the will of God.

When our guest speaker, Dr. Donovan Case, made the statement about shacking, he took a bold step to point at the gross, sick, diseased underbelly of the church—not just our local body, but the sickness of church communities across the globe. We are eager and zealous to do some great things for God, but we have neglected to take the time to sit still and allow God to do some miraculous things in us. It seems that in spite of our spending time every day with the Healer, we’d prefer to stay sick.

In reflecting on Bronx Bethany’s 2013 theme Pursuing Holiness, Promoting Healing, we have had almost a year’s worth of sermons, seminars, and community events designed to help people move towards complete healing. There has been much discussion on healing pertaining to physical, mental, and financial areas of life. But, are we as a community also committed to full pursuit of the healing of lifestyles? Are we ready to admit to God (and ourselves) that some of our lifestyles are deeply damaged, and are damaging to the faith community we claim to love?

For those of you who are not familiar with the term shacking, it refers to the pursuit and maintenance of sexual relationships with one or more persons to whom an individual is not married. In some cases, shacking also includes the sharing of a household and finances. For persons who claim to be solid Christians, shacking is a sin that stands in stark opposition to God’s word concerning how we are to live (see Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:3-12; First Corinthians 6:12-7:17).

Dr. Case’s statement, though, goes beyond the issue of an anonymous individual’s choice to ignore God’s commands. It moves all of us to reflection, each holding a mirror to our own faces. We all can take inventory of our lives, and we may see one or more areas in which we have repeatedly failed to walk in obedience to the One we claim as our Lord and Master. What grief have we caused the Spirit of God when we have chosen to spend years, or decades, engaged in actions that He abhors? Whether those actions are as blatant as murder or as subtle as self-righteous pride, the Lord has given us a wake-up call through Dr. Case. It is time to repent.

Lord, You see us engaged in a worshiping community, and You speak to each of us individually. Speak to our hearts today. Give us ears to hear You. Give us hearts that are happy to obey You. Give us wisdom to renounce and reject everything that pulls us away from Your gracious presence. Give us courage to say no to the sins that seem to be satisfying us, when in fact they are destroying us. Spirit of God, we need Your help. Form and reform us: make us reflections of Your glorious image.

Class: Acts.

On this past Sunday, Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene was privileged to have Dr. Donovan Case as our guest speaker. He spoke from the book of Acts, sharing with us the theme "Just Ordinary Saints."

Let's read Acts 11:19-26 as a reminder of Dr. Case's main text:

So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Today, let's consider the question Dr. Case asked at the start of his sermon:

How can the twenty-first-century church operate with first-century principles?

The Society Of Professional Bench-Warmers.

Minister Vivian Talbot took a moment from sharing his testimony to exhort us, as a community, to be fully engaged in the work of the Lord: "God did not save you in order for you to 'warm bench'."

Brother Vivian, you hit the nail right on the head.

For those of us at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, this was not a new word. Several of our pastors, over the past few years, have been led by God to exhort us to live out the mission and vision of our church in practical ways.

Our example is Christ Himself, who did not spend His earthly years seated in a room waiting for people to come to Him. Instead, He went to them. He walked miles upon miles, bringing hope, healing, and salvation to the people He encountered on the roads. He went to peoples' homes for meals and conversations. He attended weddings and religious festivals.

In light of our mission, Bronx Bethany cannot justify simply coming to church and warming the benches when God has called us to "respond practically and compassionately to human need in the name of Christ." The question of ministry has never been concerned with whether to go, because every believer of Christ Jesus is called to go (see The Great Commission, noted in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18). The question is, Where does God want me to go, and what does He desire for me to do?

We note in the book of Acts that the early church engaged in various ministry opportunities. Some people were itinerant preachers. Some were table-waiters, ensuring that local widows were fed. Some worked miracles of healing and deliverance. Some extended hospitality by opening their home to travelers. Some transacted in real estate and other sales, donating the proceeds to the church. Some were immersed in cross-cultural ministry. The early church was a dynamic, vibrant, moving church, and people served Jesus within the bounds of their specific callings and spiritual gifts.

Scripture warns each of us against being the type of person who, in light of the goodness and gifts our Master bestows, opts to do nothing (see The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30). The parable notes that bench-warmers are not only lazy, but also wicked, and have no place in God's eternal kingdom. Our loving God sent Brother Vivian to remind us, because we needed to be reminded: there is work for us to do.

Are you a worker, or a bench-warmer?

Lord, we long to be found living in joyful obedience to Your word. Inspire us to be glad doers of the works You have called us to do.

"Brethren, I Want To Know That God."

"We're talking about the saving grace and the miraculous hand of God into the life of anyone who will dare to trust Him... There's no rocket science to it, you know. Because that's where I was when I couldn't even read and write." -Minister Vivian Talbot

In this past weekend's sermons, Minister Vivian Talbot shared with us how he was miraculously delivered from being killed by a group of dozens of fellow inmates. Although he was not adept at reading or writing, he had cultivated a relationship with God that allowed him the privilege of praying. Brother Vivian conversed with God as his dear Friend, not worrying about finding "the right words" to pray to the Lord. In moments of crisis, our concern is not to sound good or look good. As our brother told us, "God is not impressed with our intellects. God is impressed with our hearts."

Brother Vivian had no ministerial education. All he had was a love relationship with God and a trust in Him, and that was sufficient for God to hear and answer the prayer of his heart. And, true to His nature, our great God answered above and beyond the original prayer. A fellow inmate, who Brother Vivian had in past time prayed for God to destroy, was instead brought to salvation because of the miraculous way in which God rescued Brother Vivian from the gang that conspired to kill him. What was supposed to be a day of death became the day that Jesus poured life into a prison community.

Do you know the God who saves lives?
Do you know the God who can turn enemies into friends?
Do you know the God who can pull joy out of devastating situations?
Do you know the God who redeems hopeless cases?

I know Him. I have a love relationship with Him. I trust Him. How about you?

Trusting Our Trustworthy God.

Over this past weekend's English-language services, Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene had a guest speaker. Minister Vivian Talbot, who was recruited into gang activity when he was only twelve years old, was miraculously saved by God and is now a living witness to His power. We at Bronx Bethany had the privilege of hearing his testimony.

Brother Vivian shared with us that while it is fine to laugh and hear nice stories in church, the key is to recognize and comprehend the action of God in the story. When we by faith "see" God's divine action in the lives of His people, we can also by faith "hear" His divine speech to us as individuals. The Lord uses circumstances, our own and others', to speak to our hearts. Minister Vivian Talbot shared: "I am trusting God to speak to your hearts." "If we become one with God's Spirit, then we will understand God's heart."

And, just as he trusted God to speak to us, Brother Vivian encouraged us to trust God in our individual circumstances.

"The only responsibility we have, and it's so easy-- can you imagine that?--, is to trust Him... once you trust God, prayer will line up; praise will line up; reading the Word will line up; faith will line up; everything will fall in line once you trust God."

In saying this, Brother Vivian brought out a concern of our individual faith-walks: some of us are engaging in external spiritual disciplines, but the disciplines are being exercised apart from the necessary element of trust in God. As we are instructed in Scripture, trust is the key that opens our hearts to recognize and understand the counsel of God. Without trust, we will not see; we will not hear; we will not know.

Do you trust Him today?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

Build And Keep Building.

"Don't stop at the building. As much as we need it, and we need it, don't stop there, because that's only a launching pad for what God is going to do..." -Reverend Art Alexander

One of the things I appreciate about Reverend Art Alexander is that he doesn't have a problem with being prophetic. As District Superintendent, and as our brother in the Lord, he came to us last Sunday and told us what we needed to hear. Today, let's consider the implications of the above quote.

The physical building is a necessary means of adhering to our mission. We recognize that God has placed us in the Bronx, and we have a responsibility to serve the community in which our main properties exist. Part of our strategy in having "a place for everyone" is to create spaces where everyone can be served. For years now, our community children and youth have been relegated to spaces that are inadequate; today, we are on the threshold of opening new spaces of service for the youngest in our faith community. With our donations and our construction, we are going beyond words and moving into actions that fulfill our mission and vision.

"Don't stop at the building." Pastor Art noted that the building is only one of several steps our church must take in fulfillment of mission and vision. There are some actions that have already begun, as evidenced by our Summer Serve initiatives. We are showing the love of Jesus to our community not merely through providing food, but also through connecting with local community leaders and politicians. Being "practical and compassionate" goes beyond Bible study. We are cleaning sidewalks. We are informing residents of educational and civic concerns. We are getting out of the church buildings and into the neighborhood, because the neighborhood also needs to be built up.

The launching pad. Pastor Art, in tagging our new building as a launching pad, hinted at our Christian responsibility to not just serve, but also to send. Our Lord allowed us to see a glimpse of this last summer as several people from our church went on their first missions trip to Colombia, South America. In its first few decades of existence, Bronx Bethany was known as "the singing church". Today, we are moving into being identified as a serving church. Our future, if we are to be "a redemptive influence in the Bronx and in the world", must involve a significant number of persons being sent from our church to the far reaches of the world as true ambassadors of Christ. Let us pray that over the next few decades, we will be identified as a sending church.

"... for what God is going to do." Over all these things, Pastor Art reminded us that any work "we" accomplish must be made manifest by the work of God's Spirit in and with us. God has graciously allowed us the privilege of participation in His project. We must never forget that without God's hand upon us, Bronx Bethany cannot do anything of merit. Let us continually submit ourselves to the Lord, giving ourselves completely and exclusively to Him, so that He can freely do His works through us.

Yes, Lord, we submit individually. We submit corporately. We serve faithfully. Please teach us and position us to be sent as Your ambassadors locally and globally. Thank You for the physical and spiritual buildings You have spoken into being. We look forward to the future You have planned for Your people. We love You, Lord Jesus.

Art, And Signs Of Propulsion.

"We all just have a short window of history to live in... God wanted you here at this time." -Reverend Art Alexander

"Get ready! Cross the Jordan River!" (from Joshua 1:2)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Art reminded us that Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene is in a kairos moment. He shared with us that now is our time to move into the future; to go where we have never been before; to cross the river.

Our guest pastor used Joshua chapter 1 to illustrate where we are today. Moses's work was finished, and Joshua was called to take the people of God into new territory. As a community of faith and as individuals in the Christian faith, we are grateful for the generations who laid the groundwork for where we are today. But our God has called us beyond gratitude for the past; He has called us to take steps forward, moving into the new things He has ordained for us.

We have a strong sense of our corporate act of moving forward. It's a tangible thing: a building to serve our growing population of children, teens, and young adults. But what of our individual acts of moving forward? Are you and I aware of what God has asked us to move into? Are we prepared to face our own Jordan Rivers that God has called us to cross over, even though they rage at flood stage?

Today, I pray that Pastor Art's words will resound in our hearts: God wanted us here at this time. So here we are. And He has things for us to do, beginning with the scary, necessary, prophetic act of crossing the Jordan. We cross for our church. We cross for our community. We cross for ourselves.

Get ready.

Lord God, we trust You unequivocally. We will take steps forward, crossing our Jordan and believing in Your power to tame the raging current. Take us into a new place in You.

Art-postolic.

This past Sunday's guest speaker, Reverend Art Alexander, spoke to us under an apostolic anointing and gave voice to the deep concerns of our hearts. Pastor Art took pages from the life of Joshua and transplanted them into our own lives, giving us insights and counsel to help us in our individual walks of faith. Today, let's consider one point that Pastor Art unpacked for us:

• If you want to be used of God, let go of doubt.

"If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won't correct you for asking. But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can't make up your mind, and you surely can't be trusted. So don't expect the Lord to give you anything at all." (James 1:5-8, Contemporary English Version, italics mine)

Pastor Art said to us, "A lot of people believe their doubts and doubt their beliefs." Every day we face the hazards of life with competing voices in our heads: the words of knowledge from God and God's faithful servants and God's written word clash with the voices of discouragement and hopelessness. For some of us, this has become a constant fight. And, like the description found in James chapter 1, we have become completely untrustworthy. Our faith is so wishy-washy that no one, not even God, will position themselves to respond to our needs. Why? Because our actions say, "Well, Lord, we're here in church and we read the Bible and pray, but we really don't trust You; we have to try to make our own solutions."

Severe pressure has a way of causing us to doubt ourselves. Pastor Art noted some of the issues faced by Joshua: he was the successor to Moses, Israel's famed leader. He was tasked to lead battles against several enemy nations. He had to lead hundreds of thousands of people into unfamiliar territories. All his mentors and colleagues had died in the wilderness except for Caleb. Joshua, feeling the pressure, came into his promotion filled with doubt.

Doubt is a slippery slope that often results in fear. Perhaps that is why God, in calling Joshua to leadership, repeated the admonition to not be afraid. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

What about you? Where is your heart today? Are you afraid? Are you terrified? Are you discouraged? Is there one area of your life where you feel that failure is imminent? Take heart, and appropriate the word of the Lord to Joshua: it is a word for all of us. Be strong. Be courageous. Be careful to obey the law of the Lord. Be diligent in meditating on His word. Be happy and eager to do what God says. Be filled with faith.

Lord, You know our hearts. You know who trusts You and who doubts You. Give us grace to always be found as Your trusting and trustworthy servants. We give to You the areas of our lives in which we have been doubting and wavering. You, our Captain, have called and equipped us; we will do as You say. We love You exclusively. We trust You unequivocally. We give ourselves to Your service completely.

Joshua... And You.

For several years, the story of Joshua has cycled through Bronx Bethany: from time to time, guest speakers will pass through and remind us of God's word to Joshua. It's an old story that some of us are very familiar with.

One of the dangers of "old stories" is that, after a few rounds of hearing them, we stop listening to the words. We stop asking God to show us new things. We start assuming that because we have heard the passage before, God must be repeating it for some other person and not us.

In Sunday's sermons, Reverend Art Alexander spoke from Joshua chapter 1. The temptation is to solely ascribe the message to persons in leadership positions; however, it is a message for every person who heard. As Pastor Art shared, we cannot exclude ourselves from the call of God because of assumptions about our age, station in life, or preparedness for the task.

For today, let's read Deuteronomy 34:9 and Joshua 1:1-9, taking the time to think about what these passages say to us.

What has God granted to you?
What has God asked you to do?
How have you responded to God?

Rest And Restitution.

"Every valley will be exalted; every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places plain." (Isaiah 40:4)

As Bronx Bethany continues its weekend-long commemoration of forty-nine years in ministry, she also eagerly awaits year fifty. In last night's Anniversary Service Pastor Sam reminded us of Leviticus 25, the passage in which Jubilee is explained. Our pastor shared that after year forty-nine, we enter into Jubilee; we stand back and see God work; and no one else can take the credit.

One of the joys of Jubilee is that we are reminded that God owns us. For those of us who are completely and exclusively His, we rest in the knowledge of God's ability to do whatever He pleases, on behalf of His own name.

Today, let's revisit Leviticus 25 and meditate on its messages to us:

• There is a time to let go of the things we've corralled.
• No one, and nothing, is dispensable.
• God will cause our land, literally and figuratively, to rest and to be replenished.

God bless you as you worship and obey our great God, our Lord of the Jubilee.

Forty-Nine And Doing Fine.

This weekend, Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene celebrates forty-nine years of ministry.

Thus far, Bronx Bethany has remained in the same geographic location. We believe that God has called our local body of believers to serve Him by serving the community in the Northeast Bronx, and that is where our local church will be based unless He says otherwise.

Our challenge, though, is that although we are called to rest in a particular geographic location, we are never called to rest on our laurels. It is fun and perhaps even appropriate to spend the entire weekend celebrating what God has done for us over the past forty-nine years. But we must also remain open to the call of God concerning the new things He wants us to do as we approach year fifty and beyond.

There is much I could say about particular programs or outreach efforts, but I think it might be more expedient to ask one question: If you worship at Bronx Bethany, are you moving forward with what God has chosen to establish in Bronx Bethany?

And, for those readers who are not members of Bronx Bethany, the essence of the question stands. Do you want to be found doing what God has asked His people to do? Or, are you exerting energy toward the undermining of His work?

Today, I invite us all to reflect on the first chapter of Second Thessalonians. May it teach us as we consider God's goodness toward His churches, His communities, and His people.

Lord, Ruler and Owner of all things, You have blessed Bronx Bethany! You have kept it alive and thriving these forty-nine years. We pray that You will always find her faithful to Your word, joyfully obeying every command You have given. We are deeply grateful for Your love toward us. Live in us. Work though us. Keep us holy. We are so happy to be identified with Your Son, Jesus, whose work on the cross bought our triumph. We ask that Your Spirit of truth will help us accurately represent You in the Bronx and in the world, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

"Where Is Your God Story?"

This past weekend our guest speaker, Dr. Herman Norman, shared with us that our faithful obedience to God results in a "God Story": that is, we will be able to share our testimony of the miracles God has done on our behalf.

Dr. Norman said, "You can  have both Heaven and heaven on earth with a God Story." He referenced Luke 18:28-30, in which Jesus assures his disciples that their sacrificial giving will be recognized and rewarded by God Himself.

"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." (Luke 18:30)

It's wonderful news! But, it is a promise reserved only for those who give all. As our guest speaker shared, the God Story cannot be told by those who stay in the boat. Like Peter, who obeyed Jesus's call to step out of the boat in spite of the raging winds (see Matthew 14:22-33), we must have ears open to hear and hearts willing to follow our Lord.

Do you have a God Story?

Lord God, some of us are like Peter: we can honestly say that we have left everything we had in order to follow You. Thank You for Your promise of abundant supply, a testimony to us and to the world that You care for Your servants. We are grateful for Your provision, sent on Your timetable, to the glory of Your name.

Circumstance And Evidence.

On this past Sunday, Dr. Norman shared part of his testimony concerning his response to God’s call to give. Our guest speaker said that when God asked him to give more to ministry efforts, his initial response was to look at his circumstances. The extreme indebtedness of his family, along with the looming costs of three children nearing college age, initially caused Dr. Norman to take a negative stance toward giving to God.

Are we in the same situation today?

Our God has called Bronx Bethany to prepare a building for the children and youth of our community. Our prayer is to raise at least another $250,000 (or, ideally, $450,000) by next Sunday. We are challenged, individually and corporately, to band together and give towards this goal.

Do you see it happening? Or do you see a thousand reasons why it can't or won't happen?

Dr. Norman reminded us that the apostle Paul did not browbeat any of the churches he visited. Instead, Paul had this stance toward giving: Friends, do what you can with what you have. That is our task. And that is what we do, regardless of our individual circumstances.

We can do this because, far above the realm of circumstances, we see life through the realm of faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)  Those of us who were in last weekend's English-language services heard testimonies, some in person and some on video, of men and women whose faith in God's power transcended their seemingly hopeless circumstances.

In the midst of indebtedness, the Spirit of God inspired Dr. Norman and his family to embrace the grace of giving. They eventually obeyed by faith and through action, and experienced the joy of doing what God led them to do. If our giving is, as our speaker said, a spiritual decision, then we can rest in God regardless of the circumstances we face.

Have faith. Trust God.

Lord God, I pray that You will encourage us to give.  You, great Giver of life and all good things, have called Your children to reflect Your character. We pray that You will transform and change us from obligated donors to joyful givers.

A Message: Two: You.

Over last weekend's English-language services Bronx Bethany had a guest speaker. Dr. Herman Norman returned to us to encourage us in the Lord as we continue our Lifestyle Stewardship Capital Campaign. Dr. Norman shared with us that there was a time where the apostle Paul visited churches and asked them to give, then visited again a year later for a "progress report." Our speaker, who returned after a two-year absence, quipped, "I'm a year late."

Can you remember the previous two years of our lives? Some members of our church have moved; some have obtained new or better employment; some have become unemployed. But whether our lives have changed drastically or stayed the same, we as a community of faith continue to embrace this call to give.

Dr. Norman brought to our remembrance one of the sayings of our campaign: "Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice." He also noted that the apostle Paul was very frank in stating that his "giving" churches were in fact extremely poor, yet they gave joyfully to the work of the Lord.

Today, the Lord brings us to His side and asks us to confess where we stand concerning giving to His work. Yes, He already knows the answer. But He has given us confession as a means of spiritual discipline. We have the privilege of being open and transparent in the presence of our Lord who loves us. Will you take time to talk with Him today about your attitude toward giving to Him?

Lord God, give us the grace we need to give to You with authentic joy and gratitude.

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (Second Corinthians 8:1-2)

"Jam" Session.

Jimmy Jam (center). Audio Engineering Society Convention 2013. (Photo credit: Ramon Zuniga)

Forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands. (Isaiah 43:18-19)


This year I attended the Audio Engineering Society convention. I could not afford the All-Access registration, but was able to get a free badge for the exhibits and a few other events. One of those events was a keynote address by Jimmy Jam. Though his business partner Terry Lewis was not there, Jimmy Jam shared both their hearts concerning the intersection of songwriting, recording, engineering, and producing.

In the 1980's, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were in Minneapolis earning less than $200 per week and spending their own money to fly to Los Angeles on weekends, bunking at a friend's home and recording tracks in the bathroom (the only room in the home with good acoustics). Their early work, often hailed as "innovative", was often done with minimal equipment under less than optimal conditions. They did their best with what they had. One day, though, "the new" appeared. Their work garnered public notice. The early days of limitation vanished. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis became as well-known as the artists whose works they produced.

Fast-forward thirty years: Jimmy Jam, who has every right to rest in his accomplishments of the past, spoke of the importance of seeing "the new" of today. There are new songs to write, new tracks to record, new technologies to learn. He said, "See which way the wind is blowing today, and adjust your sails accordingly." In other words, Embrace the new. Navigate the new. Strong winds may be blowing, but you will learn to make your way through them. Don't be afraid.

In reflecting on this keynote, I was reminded of Pastor Richie's sermon. God has said, "Look! I am doing something new. Do you see it?" Our pastor shared with us a wonderful phrase: We serve a God who makes the impossible possible. A God who can take a Casio keyboard, bathroom acoustics, and a young man's love for the recording arts, and turn the mix into a stellar career. A God who can surpass the great things He did for us in the 1970s and 1980s and 1990s and 2000s, and astound us with the amazing new things He is doing today. Our God is awesome.

Today, let's take time to thank God for the new things He is doing in the life of His church... and the new things He is doing for us as individuals.

What's New With You?

Second Kings 4:18-37 gives us the account of the demise and revival of the Shunammite’s son. In her moment of greatest crisis, the Shunammite’s response was to appeal to the man who had given her an accurate prophetic word in prior years. 

How do we react when our God-given dreams die? We can take a few pointers from the Shunammite woman:

• Don’t bury the dream just yet. What looks dead may only be asleep, waiting to be revived.
• Say what God sees. The Shunammite had a wonderful phrase: “All is well.” Even though nothing about her crisis seemed good, she spoke a positive word.
• Stay close to God’s representatives. The Shunammite did not discuss any details with her friends, servants, nor even her husband. She limited her communication-in-crisis to the ones who had been a part of God’s program from the beginning.

It’s pretty easy for us to read (or listen to) the Shunammite woman’s story. Perhaps it’s not as easy for us to live her story.

Let’s be real. There are some things, and some people, that we have completely given up on. There are some dreams that have faded into virtual nothingness. There are some options that we have dropped, because we are tired and we don’t want to waste time or energy on such things anymore. In that light, the word from the Lord through Pastor Richie is an extremely challenging one… but that is the word God gave, and we have to deal with it.

God is the Giver of new life, new hope, and new victories. He holds “the new” in heaven’s storehouses, and we are now in a season where “the new” will become our lived experience—on earth as it is in heaven. God has spoken: it will come to pass.

I pray that the promise of the new will encourage and sustain you.

Even If You Don't See Something, Say Something.

“What can we do for her?” Elisha asked Gehazi. Gehazi replied, “I do know that her husband is old, and she doesn’t have a son.” “Ask her to come here again,” Elisha told his servant. He called for her, and she came and stood in the doorway of Elisha’s room. Elisha said to her, “Next year at this time, you’ll be holding your own baby son in your arms.” “You’re a man of God,” the woman replied. “Please don’t lie to me.” But a few months later, the woman got pregnant. She gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had promised. (Second Kings 4:14-17)

“Don’t get my hopes up.”

What a response to a prophetic word! After all, the woman knew that Elisha was a man of God. She had made an incredible sacrificial offering on his behalf by building an addition to her home for his personal use. And her compassionate service resulted in her receiving a prophetic word. But, as Pastor Richie shared with us this past Sunday, in the face of being told the deepest desire of her heart would be fulfilled she replied, No thanks. Don’t resurrect my pain. It’s too late for me.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Don’t think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.” God invites us to use our eyes of faith to look into the future; to see what He sees; to bring Him offerings of praise and gratitude for the new thing that He is doing in, with, and through us.

How do we respond to God’s promise of doing something new? The easy response is to push away the prophetic word. For those of us who have lived through decades of unfulfilled dreams, it is indeed a painful thing to pick up the promise again. We are weary of the disappointments. We are afraid of being hurt again. We have decided that the dream, as exciting and fulfilling as it seemed, is no longer worth the wait. We are done. In our minds, it’s over.

But Scripture calls us to be concerned not with what is on our own mind, but what is on God’s mind. What has God said? What is His opinion? What word has He put in the mouths of His prophets concerning your dreams?

It’s hard to be hopeful after so many years of disappointments. But in the prophetic realm, we are no longer dealing with the fickle heart of man nor the instability of world systems. We are dealing with God, King of glory and Lord of all the earth. His word stands forever. His word is absolutely trustworthy. And if He says a dream is restored, then it is restored. No riders, no qualifiers. What shall our reply be?

There were a couple other instances of prophetic birth announcements in the New Testament, found in Luke chapter 1. Zechariah responded to the word of the Lord with doubt in his heart and was chastised for his doubt. Mary responded to the word of the Lord with humble acceptance and was commended. In both cases though, without respect to the faith level of the person involved, the word of the Lord came to pass.

Perhaps that can be our thought to meditate on today: The word of the Lord comes to pass. It may take a year, or ten, or forty, but God can be counted on to do what He says. Let us cast away doubt, embrace faith, and rejoice in the good He is sending to His people.

Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to what you have said.” (Luke 1:38)