Worshipping The Right Thing

 

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

This is a picture of a cross made by a good friend and partner in the Gospel, John Turnbull. John is with the Lord now. John lived in Northern California among the Redwoods.  He made crosses from Redwood for Pathfinder Mission that we gave to each family in Mississippi after we finished restoring their homes. John gave Martie and me this cross for our home - whether it be a conventional home, and RV or a rental in Jacmel or Jeremie Haiti.

On one occasion, while we were in Haiti, I was asked by a Haitian woman why Americans worshipped the cross. Initially I was surprised by the question, but then after thinking about realized that from an outsider's perspective we seem to have an infatuation with crosses which might be construed as idol worship. Something that Haitian Christians have rejected when they embraced salvation by grace through faith. Just like you and me.

The most significant thing that has happened to me had eternal consequences. All of my accomplishments in this life pale in significance to the day that I laid my life down in faith in the One who was crucified for my sin - paid the eternal penalty for me falling short of the glory of God. What we do while we breathe the air on this planet will fade with our passing from our natural life. Like the hand in the bucket of water. Once you remove your hand, the water will settle and there will be no evidence that you hand was in it at all. 

The cross is not something to be revered and worshipped. That reverence and worship is reserved for the One who was crucified on that cross. It is a reminder that - 

"It’s about the cross. It’s about my sin. It’s about how Jesus came to be born once. So that we could be born again. It’s about the stone. That was rolled away. So that you and I could have real life someday  It’s about the cross" - It’s About The Cross, Words and music by Jamison J. Statema, © 2006 Found Free Music (ASCAP)

But it is not really about the cross, it's all about Jesus and all about grace!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

The Most Important Thing

"Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." - John 6:26-27

The people followed after Jesus because He had fed them and they wanted more food. That thought challenged me. What is the most important thing about my relationship with Jesus? All too often my desire to be close to God is focused on satisfying my natural - earthly needs. Physical health - paying my bills - avoiding personal hardship.

The thing is, those things are not nearly so important to God as they are to me?  I might be tempted to accuse God of not caring about my circumstances? Is it OK that things don't go my way. Is material benefit the reason I seek God? A Janis Joplin song just flashed through my mind - 

"Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends So, oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV? Dialing For Dollars [ today it would be the lottery] is trying to find me I wait for delivery each day until three  So, oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?"

Jesus said that I should be more concerned with eternal food or nourishment. Being saved is not something that happens and then we move on with our natural life. It is what defines us. Or should define us. Having an eternal perspective will cause the natural to fade in significance. 

"In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." - John 4:31-34

There is nothing wrong with satisfying your hunger. What is wrong is that we lack spiritual perspective. The disciples did not get it. And I am afraid most Christians don't either.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Taking Your New Life To A New Level

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” -  James 4:17

Think about that verse.  You agree that God’s Word is Truth, right?  Then that verse is truth, but probably a truth that we would prefer to not think about.  We have all kinds of reasons – good reasons – why we don’t do something.  Perhaps it’s just not the right time.  More than likely "not the right time" means that it would not be convenient .. it would disrupt our plans or preferences.  Like the woman I mentioned the other day who looked at us with indignation when we suggested she give a Bible we offered to her to one of her neighbors.  

Consider Romans 12:1-2.  I often quote those verses .. “offer yourself as a sacrifice … don’t be conformed to this world [and its ways] but be transformed … thereby proving God’s good and perfect will”  

It’s not enough to sit in the pew .. listen to Christian radio … watch preachers on TV … or even read the Bible … God expects you and me to bear fruit … Do you remember Jesus encountering the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22)? That was not a good day for the fig tree.  Simply agreeing with the “rightness” of what you hear or read is not good enough .. not nearly good enough.  

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - James 1:22

Being satisfied with being a spectator - sitting in the stands ... is a common problem among the Called .. our old nature at work. That is why the Word admonishes us to take action.  I have always been amazed at how engaged people who attend or watch sporting events can become. They become very passionate, displaying a wide range of emotions from euphoria to disbelief and even anger. All that emotion spent over a game that they paid handsomely to attend sitting in uncomfortable seats, eating a 50 cent hot dog that may have cost them $10. They are playing the game - Football - Baseball - Basketball - Hockey vicariously through the players on the field, court or ice. They would never, ever consider putting on a uniform and joining in the game. They are out of shape, lack the skill, determination, and commitment. Sadly, that can be said of many of us Christians. We are content to sit in the stands and cheer or complain, all the while, God is saying - suit up - I want you on the field not in the stands. But how could you possibly be ready to join the team?  Here is a thought.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:10-18

That's how. 

"I (you) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13

So what position has God called you to play? And be assured it is not to sit on the bench.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Serving When It's Not Convenient

Arise, shine… —Isaiah 60:1

"Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery— washing fishermen’s feet. He then says to them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).”- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

God will not make us obey and step out .. we must choose to obey Him .. What God asks you to do will be contrary to the desires of your old nature.  It may not be glorious … it most likely will be mundane … You may never stand before thousands like a Billy Graham … you more than likely be called to kneel before one, like Jesus.  I shared the other day that the Lord had given me Galatians 6:2 as a command to focus on for this year … more correctly, from this year on …. 

“Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”  

Refer to Matthew 22:37-39 to read about the “law of Christ”.  Martie and I sat with a woman while we were serving in Houston and listened to her as she poured her heart out for over 3 hours.  The whole while, I was reminding myself of Galatians 6:2.  I mean most of us are willing to give someone a few minutes .. but three hours?  When I was talking with the same woman about repairs to her home a few days later she commented on her visit to our office.  She told me that she was talking to her friend about it.  She told her friend “These people listened to me talk about things I have not ever shared with anyone for over three hours!  Where did these people come from?  Why are they here?”  I told her that we are here because God sent us here.  I told her that we are here not to merely help restore the houses but primarily to help the people who live in those houses.  That help is more than sheetrock and paint … nails and lumber … it is meant to bring comfort from the God of all comfort … Laying our lives and livelihood down and coming to disaster area does not mean we are heroes … it simply means we are obedient.  We have some dear friends who told us that they “live simply so others can simply live”.  A wonderful model for us.

I was speaking to a home owner the other day. We had to return to her home to reposition the shed we had placed there.  She apologized for being such an inconvenience.  I told her that she was worth the inconvenience. She looked at me surprised and then her eyes welled up with tears. That opened up a conversation about her telling me about her faith struggle. I was able to encourage her to not lose hope and be confident that God is faithful. so it really wasn't about the shed at all.

God has a purpose for each of us .. has equipped us each for that purpose.  Our responsibility is to walk in obedience by faith and fulfill whatever it is the He has planned for us. No matter how inconvenient.  

"What does the Lord require of you, O’ man.  But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 

God does not actually say “Go” by yourself .. He says “Come to where I am” So …. what are you waiting for? Arise and Shine!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Who Am I Praying To When I Pray?

"In that day you will ask in My name…for the Father Himself loves you…" —John 16:26-27

You know about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. You know they are referred to as the Trinity or Godhead. Three in one. But maybe it is a bit of a mystery to you.  Because you don't fully understand it does not make it any less true. We visited one of our granddaughters this past weekend. I installed a light fixture for her. She pointed at the Service Panel where all of the circuit breakers are and asked if she needed to turn the breaker off. I then explained how electricity flows through the black wire to where the light fixture was going through the light switch and what the purpose of the switch is. Which is to interrupt the flow of electricity from the circuit breaker to the fixture. I could see that I was telling her how to build a watch and not merely what time it was. A simple "No" would have been sufficient for her. She doesn't fully understand how electrical circuits work, but she does know it turns lights on. Do you remember the verse about the man and woman becoming "one flesh"?

 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." - Mark 10:7-9

You know that, and yet do you understand its deep spiritual significance? You do know that the marriage of a man and woman is sacred before God. Martie and I are one and yet we are unique human beings.  

Ok that is the context - not fully understanding what is true? Last Sunday there was a significant storm early that morning so we hunkered down and streamed the church service into our RV. As I listened to the preacher praying - he addressed Jesus as if he was praying to Jesus. I do not believe that the Bible tells us to pray to anyone but the Father.  When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He did not say, "Pray to me."  

"Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one." - Luke 11:1-4

He did say that we should ask in His name. Jesus is not the Father, He is the Son and He has a specific place and purpose in the Godhead. By His authority we are able to approach the Father to ask for anything. Through the shed blood of Jesus, His sacrifice for our sins. We pray to the Father. Jesus is our high priest making intercession for us - meaning that His sacrifice offered, once for all, is sufficient for eternity. He is our propitiation - the One who satisfied God's wrath toward our sin. 

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." - Romans 8:1

For that reason we should always claim the name of Jesus when we pray. It is only because of Jesus that the Father will hear our prayers. And what about the Spirit?

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27

I think it is pretty simple. Each member of the Godhead has a role in our prayers and petitions. 

But wait there's more!!!!  We must be careful that we ask consistent with the Father’s will. That we don't we ask for things and then “tack” – in Jesus name – on the end as if somehow that makes our request irresistible to the Father.  I’m concerned that we don’t give enough consideration to our personal  spiritual condition when we approach God the Father.  As if it does not matter – hey! I said PLEASE!  When we say “in Jesus name” it should be a reminder to us that the only reason the Father hears us is because of Jesus.  So it is more of an acknowledgement than a guarantee of a positive answer to our prayer.  James wrote (James 4:3) that “we have not because we ask not and that for which we do ask, we ask amiss.”  Much of our time in prayer has to do with physical and relational issues, not spiritual.  What do you imagine that Jesus prayed about?  I think it was about His relationship with His Father.  Intimate conversations. In Philippians 4, Paul makes it clear that we are to “be anxious for nothing but in everything let our requests be made known to God”. Peter wrote that we are to “cast all our cares on Him” (1 Peter 5:7).  But the assumption is that the context is our desire to be one with Jesus even as He is one with the Father.  How about it?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

What Does Your Yes Mean?

"Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made. But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.  All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37

I work with a lot of different people - well meaning people. People who tell you they are going to do something, but then some of them don't. I call it the 50 percent rule.  Half of the people who tell you they are going to do something, actually do it. Guys are especially bad about it. If they tell you they are going to help what that often really means is that so long as something more interesting doesn't come along they will be there ... maybe. And most often, they don't tell you they have changed their plans - they just don't show up.

Jesus said that we should let our yes be yes and our no - no. If we are not sure then make it clear that we are not giving a firm yes. There should only be one kind of yes - a committed one. It's like we say "yes" so people will think well of us. Then when we don't live up to the "yes", we think nothing of it - but the one to whom the promise was made does - disappointed. 

"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ." - 2 Corinthians 1:18-20

Like God, we should and must be true to our commitments. To say yes and mean it, even if it costs us personally to fulfill the promise. Even if we miss out on something that we really would like to have done instead. It gets down to the fact that fact that we have a heart problem. If our heart is not sincere, neither will our words be. That not applies to our dealings with other people, but with our faith and commitment to God. Let your "Yes" be yes to both God and men.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Knowing and Doing - There Is a Difference

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." - James 1:22-25

Do you know someone who went to college, graduated with a degree in some particular discipline and then did something else, totally unrelated? They never applied the discipline they went to school for and paid for with the intent of using the skill to earn a living. That is a similar issue to what James is addressing with respect to reading and or listening to the Word of God. God gave us the Word for a reason. His intent was that we use it to live this new life of ours.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, SO that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Did you catch that word "SO"? The expectation of our hearing or reading the Word of God is SO we would apply the Word of God in our lives - all the time - in all circumstances. It is all too easy to be like the "man in the mirror". The purpose of God giving us the Word is to teach us, rebuke us, correct us and train us SO we are able to fulfill our purpose while we walk this earth - to be a faithful, God honoring witnesses to a world that is running full steam toward the gates of hell.  

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, SO that you may be careful to do everything written in it. THEN you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:8-9

There is that word "SO" again. Be careful you don't treat the Word like it is a Facebook post from God. Just click LIKE and keep scrolling. SO!!!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone