Priorities….
[Mark 2:1-5]
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
I find it interesting that Jesus didn’t rail on these guys for the vandalism that they had just committed. I’m sure the owner of the house couldn’t have had a smile on his face as he watched his roof get destroyed. It doesn’t even appear that this paralytic’s friends asked the owner permission to tear his roof up.
In fact, I get the crazy notion that all of this pleased Jesus when he saw their faith. It’s not a notion. The scripture says as much! Jesus knows what’s important. So did this guy's friends. They forsook the trivial and temporal for the eternal. Gray areas? Exceptions to the rule? I don’t know. Your guess would be as good as mine. Sometimes there are things that are unclear in the Word just to force us to listen to his Spirit; a Spirit who is not the author of confusion (that’s the devil’s job), in whom is no variableness or shadow of change, who is the author of liberty, and who is by nature designed to be our comforter.
If I find myself one day violating some copyright law in order to print Bibles or Bible passages in some remote country, I’ll feel fine in my conscious on judgment day. God knows what is important.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
WINE
[John 2:2-10]
V2. Jesus is invited to the wedding. No one can hear the gospel unless they are open to give it a chance. When the gospel is preached to us, we can do one of two things. We can shut our ears to it, or we can invite it to sink into our ears. We consider it, meditate on it, and if we make the right choice, accept it. The fact that Jesus’ disciples were invited with him shows that the servants of God will be accepted with him. If one has judged themselves worthy of the gospel [willing to hear], the messenger will be accepted as Christ himself. This is why Jesus tells us that what we have done for his servants, we have done for him [Matthew 25:37-40]. Wherever Jesus is invited, we are invited. Were we are not welcome, he is not welcome. This is proved in Jesus’ commission to the 70 when he sends them out. He tells them to stay where people are worthy, and shake the dust off their sandals when the house is not worthy [Matthew 10:13-5]
His first miracle is performed at a wedding. Ironic that his ministry begins at a wedding, and will end at a wedding [Revelation 19:9].
V3. They have no wine. The wine here symbolizes happiness/fulfillment/peace [Psalms 104:15, Ecclesiastes 10:19]. The fact that they ran out of wine means that there was a previous happiness with life. Finally, the things of this world no longer satisfied the inherent craving of man. The void in man can only be filled with Christ. Although one can have fun in this life and find temporary pleasure in the things of the world, true happiness and a glad heart only come from a relationship with God. Note that Mary came to Jesus with this problem. The position that Mary represents in this story knows that Christ alone can solve the problem that the human race suffers. She went to the right place.
V4. It could be assumed that Jesus’ referral to his mother as “woman,” could be disrespectful. This means a lot concerning the spiritual meaning of this miracle he is about to perform. It is true, as most teachers assert that Jesus was separating himself to his ministry with this statement. He is no longer Jesus the carpenter and son of Mary and Joseph. He is now proclaiming himself as the messiah, set apart for a unique task. He is the son of God. He is the Lord and savior of the world. However, this reference to his mother has an even deeper spiritual meaning concerning who Mary symbolizes in the course of this story. For this purpose, we are given a clue that for the rest of the verses contained in this story, we are not to look at Mary as Jesus’ mother. She represents a type in the scripture and I will explain that further at the appropriate time.
Jesus also says that his hour has not yet come. Does this mean that he must have changed his mind to perform the miracle he is about to perform? No. It is true that his hour had not yet come to accomplish what this miracle represents. The miracle itself could still be performed, but like all of Jesus’ miracles, it was prophetic. The miracle itself represents what Jesus’ overall goal was in his ministry.
V5. Mary tells the servants, “Whatever he tells you to do, do it.” Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, tells what he wants us to do. We can have pastors, mentors, teachers and elders who can give us advice and confirm God’s calling on our lives. It is not their responsibility, however, to chart our lives for us. The mark of a true mentor is that they will point us toward the one we should obey. That one is Christ. If we have the Holy Spirit, He speaks to us personally [1 John 2:27]. Once we’ve been pointed in the right direction, we are to obey God. Mary represents a good counselor. She pointed the servants to Christ, and then stepped out of the way. Jesus’ instruction from that point forward by-passed Mary and went strait to the servants.
V6. The water pots have a double meaning. For one they represent souls who have never heard the gospel. In a more Jewish context, or even a general religious context, they show the fruitlessness of religion. The water pots were to be used in the Jewish manner of purification. Religion leaves one dry. Many souls live dry lives due to their religion. Some are even officers in that religion, unable to quench the thirst of their practitioners because they are empty and dry themselves.
V7. Jesus tells the servants to fill the pots with water. We are to just obey God, and let him worry about changing the water into wine. We give the gospel and keep it simple. We can not do the Holy Spirit’s job for him. Our commission is simple. Give the gospel and let God do the rest. One of Jesus’ sower parables [Mark 4:26-9] makes this same point. The sower sows, and then rises at day and finds that the seed grew of itself, and he couldn’t understand how. Once we’ve put the water in the pots, God will change it into wine.
V8. The master of the feast represents the world that will now witness the lives of the new converts.
V9. As the master tastes the wine, he doesn’t know where it came from, but the servants knew. Tasting of the wine is the visible testimony of the believer that is witnessed by those in the world. They see a changed life but can’t really understand what it was that changed that life. We [the servants] know very well that it was Christ that changed this person’s life.
V10. “you have kept the best wine ‘til now.” This is the bringing in of the new covenant. The law was the old wine, grace is the new. This was Jesus’ ultimate calling; to usher in a new and better covenant. God saved the best for last.
[John 2:2-10]
V2. Jesus is invited to the wedding. No one can hear the gospel unless they are open to give it a chance. When the gospel is preached to us, we can do one of two things. We can shut our ears to it, or we can invite it to sink into our ears. We consider it, meditate on it, and if we make the right choice, accept it. The fact that Jesus’ disciples were invited with him shows that the servants of God will be accepted with him. If one has judged themselves worthy of the gospel [willing to hear], the messenger will be accepted as Christ himself. This is why Jesus tells us that what we have done for his servants, we have done for him [Matthew 25:37-40]. Wherever Jesus is invited, we are invited. Were we are not welcome, he is not welcome. This is proved in Jesus’ commission to the 70 when he sends them out. He tells them to stay where people are worthy, and shake the dust off their sandals when the house is not worthy [Matthew 10:13-5]
His first miracle is performed at a wedding. Ironic that his ministry begins at a wedding, and will end at a wedding [Revelation 19:9].
V3. They have no wine. The wine here symbolizes happiness/fulfillment/peace [Psalms 104:15, Ecclesiastes 10:19]. The fact that they ran out of wine means that there was a previous happiness with life. Finally, the things of this world no longer satisfied the inherent craving of man. The void in man can only be filled with Christ. Although one can have fun in this life and find temporary pleasure in the things of the world, true happiness and a glad heart only come from a relationship with God. Note that Mary came to Jesus with this problem. The position that Mary represents in this story knows that Christ alone can solve the problem that the human race suffers. She went to the right place.
V4. It could be assumed that Jesus’ referral to his mother as “woman,” could be disrespectful. This means a lot concerning the spiritual meaning of this miracle he is about to perform. It is true, as most teachers assert that Jesus was separating himself to his ministry with this statement. He is no longer Jesus the carpenter and son of Mary and Joseph. He is now proclaiming himself as the messiah, set apart for a unique task. He is the son of God. He is the Lord and savior of the world. However, this reference to his mother has an even deeper spiritual meaning concerning who Mary symbolizes in the course of this story. For this purpose, we are given a clue that for the rest of the verses contained in this story, we are not to look at Mary as Jesus’ mother. She represents a type in the scripture and I will explain that further at the appropriate time.
Jesus also says that his hour has not yet come. Does this mean that he must have changed his mind to perform the miracle he is about to perform? No. It is true that his hour had not yet come to accomplish what this miracle represents. The miracle itself could still be performed, but like all of Jesus’ miracles, it was prophetic. The miracle itself represents what Jesus’ overall goal was in his ministry.
V5. Mary tells the servants, “Whatever he tells you to do, do it.” Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, tells what he wants us to do. We can have pastors, mentors, teachers and elders who can give us advice and confirm God’s calling on our lives. It is not their responsibility, however, to chart our lives for us. The mark of a true mentor is that they will point us toward the one we should obey. That one is Christ. If we have the Holy Spirit, He speaks to us personally [1 John 2:27]. Once we’ve been pointed in the right direction, we are to obey God. Mary represents a good counselor. She pointed the servants to Christ, and then stepped out of the way. Jesus’ instruction from that point forward by-passed Mary and went strait to the servants.
V6. The water pots have a double meaning. For one they represent souls who have never heard the gospel. In a more Jewish context, or even a general religious context, they show the fruitlessness of religion. The water pots were to be used in the Jewish manner of purification. Religion leaves one dry. Many souls live dry lives due to their religion. Some are even officers in that religion, unable to quench the thirst of their practitioners because they are empty and dry themselves.
V7. Jesus tells the servants to fill the pots with water. We are to just obey God, and let him worry about changing the water into wine. We give the gospel and keep it simple. We can not do the Holy Spirit’s job for him. Our commission is simple. Give the gospel and let God do the rest. One of Jesus’ sower parables [Mark 4:26-9] makes this same point. The sower sows, and then rises at day and finds that the seed grew of itself, and he couldn’t understand how. Once we’ve put the water in the pots, God will change it into wine.
V8. The master of the feast represents the world that will now witness the lives of the new converts.
V9. As the master tastes the wine, he doesn’t know where it came from, but the servants knew. Tasting of the wine is the visible testimony of the believer that is witnessed by those in the world. They see a changed life but can’t really understand what it was that changed that life. We [the servants] know very well that it was Christ that changed this person’s life.
V10. “you have kept the best wine ‘til now.” This is the bringing in of the new covenant. The law was the old wine, grace is the new. This was Jesus’ ultimate calling; to usher in a new and better covenant. God saved the best for last.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
TEMPTATION
[Matthew 4:1-11]
V1. Note that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. This stands in contrast to what the Lord taught us to pray for ourselves, “lead us not into temptation.” Why the contradiction? The answer is substitution. Christ was not only our substitution as payment for our sin on the cross; but he substituted for us in every aspect of our lives. His substitution counts for our sin [Romans 3:25], our sorrow [Isaiah 53:4], our sickness [Isaiah 53:5] and even the temptations that confront us day to day. We can trust in his substitution that he forgives us of sin [1 John 1:9], will grant healing when we ask for it in faith, give us joy in times of sorrow [Romans 14:17], and deliver us from temptation. It’s one thing to ask God to forgive us after we have sinned; but Christ’s substitution goes so far that it gives us the right to call on his name for deliverance from temptation even before sin is committed! He is our refuge.
V2. There is a parallel between Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness. Forty years/days has throughout the Bible been a symbolic period of testing/purifying/or establishing. In Israel’s case, many died in the wilderness and weren’t allowed into the promised land because of unbelief [Hebrews 3:17-8]. Those who were allowed to enter were a purified, set apart people. Those who did believe and were counted righteous [Genesis 15:6], still had to go through their 40 years of wilderness. In Christ’s case, he was holy and righteous from the beginning; but still had to endure the temptation for the sake of being the perfect sacrifice. The ability to remain sinless through temptation was the validation of his identity.
The story tells us that Jesus was hungry. This represents the empty void in our lives. We try to fill that void with the things of this world and never quite find satisfaction. Christ chose [as we should…] to fill that void with the Word of God rather than bread [the things of this world].
V3. Satan’s first challenge was an attempt to make Jesus doubt his identity. Jesus [although God] was in a human body with a human brain; a brain in which memory can recall experience according to things seen, heard, smelt, tasted and touched within the duration of the brain’s existence. I don’t believe Jesus had a recollection of creating the world or walking with Adam in the cool of the day. His knowledge of his own identity came from the inborn truth given to him by the Father; not to mention the countless prophecies about himself that his understanding was no doubt opened to [see Luke 4:18-21]. I will qualify this by saying that this is only my theory and no formal doctrine taught by orthodox Christianity. This is an aspect of Christ that most do not ponder. I’m persuaded to believe that it must be this way if we are to claim that Jesus was completely human. Satan’s first word to Jesus was “if.’ This was an attempt to spark doubt. This was the same tactic that he used with Eve in the Garden of Eden [Genesis 3:1]. Doubt is one of Satan’s favorite tools. He wants us to doubt our salvation. He wants us to doubt the truthfulness of the Bible. He wants us to doubt the existence of God. He wants us to doubt our identity as children of God.
The first temptation was two-fold. If the Devil couldn’t get Jesus to doubt his identity, maybe he could get Jesus to act without waiting any longer on the Father. “Command these stones to be made bread.” In trials, it’s always best to wait on the Lord. Sometimes we may see a way of escape that seems perfectly logical. We must request the Lord’s counsel or we may be putting ourselves into an even worse situation. It would have been easy for Jesus to turn those stones into bread and eat, but he preferred to wait on deliverance from his Father. There is also a component here that shows another aspect of Jesus’ Character. Jesus never did anything for himself. His power was always used for others.
V4. Jesus used the scriptures to combat the devil. The devil had no choice but to desist from the attack and choose another approach.
V6. Satan will also use God’s Word; but remember that he is the Father of lies [John 8:44], and he corrupts the Word. He will use bits and pieces taken out of context, omitting words and phrases in an attempt to manipulate and distort. If he can’t use doubt in a frontal attack, he’ll start with confusion, then lead a person into doubt. It is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to learn and become grounded in the Word! Verse 6 is a great example of how Satan uses this device. He quotes from Psalms 91:11-2. The phrase, “to keep you in all your ways,” is conveniently left out by Satan. This changes the meaning of the scripture in a dramatic way. The left out phrase would divulge that God promises his protection as someone ministers or goes about their business as normal. It excludes a person who has gone out of their way to tempt God. A good juxtaposition to demonstrate this would be a comparison between Paul gathering firewood on the island of Malta and the practice of snake handling in some Appalachian Churches. Paul was gathering wood to build a fire; a perfectly normal routine for anyone shipwrecked on an island. Paul was simply about his business, or “[in] his way.” He was bitten by a poisonous viper, but was supernaturally protected by God. The Maltese thought he was a god. This obviously gave Paul the credibility he needed to preach a Gospel to them that would be readily received. It turned out for God’s glory. The snake handlers [in accordance with their interpretation of Mark 16:18], on the other hand, engage in their practice to prove their faith or their spirituality. Although they may be sincere, they are unwittingly tempting God. In fact, many have died from snake bites. Satan knows the Bible very well. His use, however, is contra-contextual and manipulative. What’s even more dangerous is that he energizes false prophets with unholy power. He bestows evil gifts, such as supernatural influence and mind-manipulation ability on his servants. David Koresh, Jim Jones and Adolf Hitler are a few examples of people who through the power of Satan were able to manipulate and persuade masses to do the unconceivable [2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 4:3]. The same spirit that will give the Antichrist his power is in the world today. How important it is to know God’s Word!
V7. Once again, Jesus fights temptation with scripture and wins!
V8. To this point, the devil has tested the Lord with doubt, carnality [physical rather than spiritual bread], and testing the Father [one who has faith doesn’t need to test God]. Now, finally, he tempts Jesus with wealth and power.
V9. Note that the fall of man to a desire for wealth/power always involves the worship of something other than God. One can have doubt and still be a worshiper of God. One can temporarily fall to a carnal temptation in the moment and still be a worshiper of God at heart [look at David]. I think all of us have put God to the test. It’s not right, but God always proves himself. However, when one compromises his principles and convictions for wealth [1 Timothy 6:10] or earthly power, they have made the object of that desire their god. From this verse, I am almost persuaded to believe that the worship of anyone or anything besides God, is the worship of Satan himself. God help us.
V10. As always, Jesus uses the scriptures to ward off Satan’s attack. Each and every temptation was defended against using God’s Word! How important it is to diligently study the scriptures [2 Timothy 3:16]. The devil had no choice but to leave at this point. The 40 days were over and Christ had suffered all temptation necessary to be our perfect substitution.
Conclusion:
I believe that the most important theme that the Holy Spirit wants to establish behind this study is the importance of knowing God’s Word. It is the weapon he has given us to battle temptation. To the new Christian, I have two pieces of advice:
1. Commit totally to learning from the Word. Read the Bible everyday. Pray for God’s help to understand it, and wisdom to know how to apply it to every situation. READ!!
2. In the meantime, hold to foundational verses such as 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 [We’ve been given the power to take our thoughts captive], and James 4:7.
These are a couple of good passages for a new Christian to start out with as memory verses.
[Matthew 4:1-11]
V1. Note that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. This stands in contrast to what the Lord taught us to pray for ourselves, “lead us not into temptation.” Why the contradiction? The answer is substitution. Christ was not only our substitution as payment for our sin on the cross; but he substituted for us in every aspect of our lives. His substitution counts for our sin [Romans 3:25], our sorrow [Isaiah 53:4], our sickness [Isaiah 53:5] and even the temptations that confront us day to day. We can trust in his substitution that he forgives us of sin [1 John 1:9], will grant healing when we ask for it in faith, give us joy in times of sorrow [Romans 14:17], and deliver us from temptation. It’s one thing to ask God to forgive us after we have sinned; but Christ’s substitution goes so far that it gives us the right to call on his name for deliverance from temptation even before sin is committed! He is our refuge.
V2. There is a parallel between Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness. Forty years/days has throughout the Bible been a symbolic period of testing/purifying/or establishing. In Israel’s case, many died in the wilderness and weren’t allowed into the promised land because of unbelief [Hebrews 3:17-8]. Those who were allowed to enter were a purified, set apart people. Those who did believe and were counted righteous [Genesis 15:6], still had to go through their 40 years of wilderness. In Christ’s case, he was holy and righteous from the beginning; but still had to endure the temptation for the sake of being the perfect sacrifice. The ability to remain sinless through temptation was the validation of his identity.
The story tells us that Jesus was hungry. This represents the empty void in our lives. We try to fill that void with the things of this world and never quite find satisfaction. Christ chose [as we should…] to fill that void with the Word of God rather than bread [the things of this world].
V3. Satan’s first challenge was an attempt to make Jesus doubt his identity. Jesus [although God] was in a human body with a human brain; a brain in which memory can recall experience according to things seen, heard, smelt, tasted and touched within the duration of the brain’s existence. I don’t believe Jesus had a recollection of creating the world or walking with Adam in the cool of the day. His knowledge of his own identity came from the inborn truth given to him by the Father; not to mention the countless prophecies about himself that his understanding was no doubt opened to [see Luke 4:18-21]. I will qualify this by saying that this is only my theory and no formal doctrine taught by orthodox Christianity. This is an aspect of Christ that most do not ponder. I’m persuaded to believe that it must be this way if we are to claim that Jesus was completely human. Satan’s first word to Jesus was “if.’ This was an attempt to spark doubt. This was the same tactic that he used with Eve in the Garden of Eden [Genesis 3:1]. Doubt is one of Satan’s favorite tools. He wants us to doubt our salvation. He wants us to doubt the truthfulness of the Bible. He wants us to doubt the existence of God. He wants us to doubt our identity as children of God.
The first temptation was two-fold. If the Devil couldn’t get Jesus to doubt his identity, maybe he could get Jesus to act without waiting any longer on the Father. “Command these stones to be made bread.” In trials, it’s always best to wait on the Lord. Sometimes we may see a way of escape that seems perfectly logical. We must request the Lord’s counsel or we may be putting ourselves into an even worse situation. It would have been easy for Jesus to turn those stones into bread and eat, but he preferred to wait on deliverance from his Father. There is also a component here that shows another aspect of Jesus’ Character. Jesus never did anything for himself. His power was always used for others.
V4. Jesus used the scriptures to combat the devil. The devil had no choice but to desist from the attack and choose another approach.
V6. Satan will also use God’s Word; but remember that he is the Father of lies [John 8:44], and he corrupts the Word. He will use bits and pieces taken out of context, omitting words and phrases in an attempt to manipulate and distort. If he can’t use doubt in a frontal attack, he’ll start with confusion, then lead a person into doubt. It is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to learn and become grounded in the Word! Verse 6 is a great example of how Satan uses this device. He quotes from Psalms 91:11-2. The phrase, “to keep you in all your ways,” is conveniently left out by Satan. This changes the meaning of the scripture in a dramatic way. The left out phrase would divulge that God promises his protection as someone ministers or goes about their business as normal. It excludes a person who has gone out of their way to tempt God. A good juxtaposition to demonstrate this would be a comparison between Paul gathering firewood on the island of Malta and the practice of snake handling in some Appalachian Churches. Paul was gathering wood to build a fire; a perfectly normal routine for anyone shipwrecked on an island. Paul was simply about his business, or “[in] his way.” He was bitten by a poisonous viper, but was supernaturally protected by God. The Maltese thought he was a god. This obviously gave Paul the credibility he needed to preach a Gospel to them that would be readily received. It turned out for God’s glory. The snake handlers [in accordance with their interpretation of Mark 16:18], on the other hand, engage in their practice to prove their faith or their spirituality. Although they may be sincere, they are unwittingly tempting God. In fact, many have died from snake bites. Satan knows the Bible very well. His use, however, is contra-contextual and manipulative. What’s even more dangerous is that he energizes false prophets with unholy power. He bestows evil gifts, such as supernatural influence and mind-manipulation ability on his servants. David Koresh, Jim Jones and Adolf Hitler are a few examples of people who through the power of Satan were able to manipulate and persuade masses to do the unconceivable [2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 4:3]. The same spirit that will give the Antichrist his power is in the world today. How important it is to know God’s Word!
V7. Once again, Jesus fights temptation with scripture and wins!
V8. To this point, the devil has tested the Lord with doubt, carnality [physical rather than spiritual bread], and testing the Father [one who has faith doesn’t need to test God]. Now, finally, he tempts Jesus with wealth and power.
V9. Note that the fall of man to a desire for wealth/power always involves the worship of something other than God. One can have doubt and still be a worshiper of God. One can temporarily fall to a carnal temptation in the moment and still be a worshiper of God at heart [look at David]. I think all of us have put God to the test. It’s not right, but God always proves himself. However, when one compromises his principles and convictions for wealth [1 Timothy 6:10] or earthly power, they have made the object of that desire their god. From this verse, I am almost persuaded to believe that the worship of anyone or anything besides God, is the worship of Satan himself. God help us.
V10. As always, Jesus uses the scriptures to ward off Satan’s attack. Each and every temptation was defended against using God’s Word! How important it is to diligently study the scriptures [2 Timothy 3:16]. The devil had no choice but to leave at this point. The 40 days were over and Christ had suffered all temptation necessary to be our perfect substitution.
Conclusion:
I believe that the most important theme that the Holy Spirit wants to establish behind this study is the importance of knowing God’s Word. It is the weapon he has given us to battle temptation. To the new Christian, I have two pieces of advice:
1. Commit totally to learning from the Word. Read the Bible everyday. Pray for God’s help to understand it, and wisdom to know how to apply it to every situation. READ!!
2. In the meantime, hold to foundational verses such as 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 [We’ve been given the power to take our thoughts captive], and James 4:7.
These are a couple of good passages for a new Christian to start out with as memory verses.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Incense (prayer)...
[Exodus 30:1-9]
And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne Rev 8:3
And you shall put it in front of the veil that is above the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is above the testimony, where I will meet with you. Exo 30:6
This verse from the sacred Torah is God's direction to Moses where to put the Altar of incense. The incense Altar was to go directly in front of the mercy seat much the same way we stand in front of the throne of grace when we pray.
and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations. Exo 30:8
A regular incense offering means constant prayer to us. The Holy Spirit revealed this to me a while back. It has slowly began to impress itself into my conscience. My fault. God wanted me to understand this a couple of months ago; but the urge grew slowly(undoubtedly my fault). God has drawn my best friend and I into a new revival in our prayer life. Not only that, he is already answering our prayers in ways that can't be denied. We got the first confirmation today. God is stirring up people's hearts for prayer! I got the second confirmation tonight. I love you Lord! Halleluia (it is also spelled by some Hallelujah:inside joke to a friend; )
[Exodus 30:1-9]
And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne Rev 8:3
And you shall put it in front of the veil that is above the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is above the testimony, where I will meet with you. Exo 30:6
This verse from the sacred Torah is God's direction to Moses where to put the Altar of incense. The incense Altar was to go directly in front of the mercy seat much the same way we stand in front of the throne of grace when we pray.
and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations. Exo 30:8
A regular incense offering means constant prayer to us. The Holy Spirit revealed this to me a while back. It has slowly began to impress itself into my conscience. My fault. God wanted me to understand this a couple of months ago; but the urge grew slowly(undoubtedly my fault). God has drawn my best friend and I into a new revival in our prayer life. Not only that, he is already answering our prayers in ways that can't be denied. We got the first confirmation today. God is stirring up people's hearts for prayer! I got the second confirmation tonight. I love you Lord! Halleluia (it is also spelled by some Hallelujah:inside joke to a friend; )
Monday, December 18, 2006
Bondage and Promise...
[Galatians 4:21-31]
This is one of the best shots against legalism you can find in Paul's writings. He basically recounts the story of Ishmael and Issac. Ishmael is born into bondage entirely by human effort. Issac's birth is somewhat miraculous considering the age of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Issac to Sarah. God really does like to perform miracles! In miracles, we can't just disclaim God's part unless we are being disingenuous or just willfully ignorant. Issac's birth was miraculous; but no more miraculous than the Gospel it represents. Paul divulges that the allegory shows that bondage to the law will inevitably lead to a casting away:
You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4
The story is very interesting. You can read it in Genesis 21:8-21. Notice the parallels.
Ishmael mocks Issac. The early Jerusalem Church was persecuted vehemently by the Jews. Abraham and Sarah(being one in marraige, representing two emotions of God)are typical. Sarah wants justice, Abraham wants mercy...He loves Ishmael just as God loves Israel[v. 11]. He's told by God to cast her away. It's interesting that in the very next chapter, chapter 22:2, God refers to Issac as Abraham's ONLY son. A familiar theme if you recall Jesus' words to the pharisees, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works that Abraham did." Hagar's water eventually depletes and she accepts the fact that her son will die. But he doesn't...
There are also prophetic overtones in Ishmael's deliverance. There is no water. When the lad cries unto God, God OPENS HAGAR'S EYES and she sees a well of water.
The day will come when Israel's eyes are opened and they will know their Messaiah. Maybe this will happen when their children cry unto God.
Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob" Romans 11:25-6
[Galatians 4:21-31]
This is one of the best shots against legalism you can find in Paul's writings. He basically recounts the story of Ishmael and Issac. Ishmael is born into bondage entirely by human effort. Issac's birth is somewhat miraculous considering the age of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Issac to Sarah. God really does like to perform miracles! In miracles, we can't just disclaim God's part unless we are being disingenuous or just willfully ignorant. Issac's birth was miraculous; but no more miraculous than the Gospel it represents. Paul divulges that the allegory shows that bondage to the law will inevitably lead to a casting away:
You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4
The story is very interesting. You can read it in Genesis 21:8-21. Notice the parallels.
Ishmael mocks Issac. The early Jerusalem Church was persecuted vehemently by the Jews. Abraham and Sarah(being one in marraige, representing two emotions of God)are typical. Sarah wants justice, Abraham wants mercy...He loves Ishmael just as God loves Israel[v. 11]. He's told by God to cast her away. It's interesting that in the very next chapter, chapter 22:2, God refers to Issac as Abraham's ONLY son. A familiar theme if you recall Jesus' words to the pharisees, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works that Abraham did." Hagar's water eventually depletes and she accepts the fact that her son will die. But he doesn't...
There are also prophetic overtones in Ishmael's deliverance. There is no water. When the lad cries unto God, God OPENS HAGAR'S EYES and she sees a well of water.
The day will come when Israel's eyes are opened and they will know their Messaiah. Maybe this will happen when their children cry unto God.
Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob" Romans 11:25-6
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Reclaiming the Ark...
[2 Samuel 6:6-22]
So the story goes something like this: While carrying the Ark back to Jerusalem, Uzzah tries to steady the Ark when some oxen stumble. Only the levitical priests were allowed to touch the Ark. This was a fatal BOO-BOO. God struck Uzzah dead. Verse 8 says that David was angry because of the Lord's wrath. Hummn. Out of Fear, David decides to leave the Ark in the home of Obed-Edom. Over the next few months, Obed-Edom's home is greatly blessed because of the presence of the Ark. David, wanting to funnel those blessings on Israel as a whole, decides to go back and take the Ark again and bring it to Jerusalem. As they enter the city, David dances in praise to the Lord and promises his spiteful wife that he will "become even more undignified than this."
I was carrying my Ark proudly during one point in my life. Then something very tragic happened that I really didn't understand. I too, like David, became angry with God. My options? Continue to pray to God with bitterness in my heart, or stop pretending and just pout, cease to pray. I left my Ark in a stranger's home. I was miserable while all my Christian Obed-Edom friends continued to enjoy their relationship with God. As I watched Roy and others relish the spiritual blessings of intimacy with God, I was moved with envy. I realized that I could just not have joy until I decided to reclaim my Ark. Envy? It's not what we consider an admirable emotion, but it would later transform itself into a pure desire to become what I was made to be. My life became even more undignified than it was before and it will become even more undignified than this.
[2 Samuel 6:6-22]
So the story goes something like this: While carrying the Ark back to Jerusalem, Uzzah tries to steady the Ark when some oxen stumble. Only the levitical priests were allowed to touch the Ark. This was a fatal BOO-BOO. God struck Uzzah dead. Verse 8 says that David was angry because of the Lord's wrath. Hummn. Out of Fear, David decides to leave the Ark in the home of Obed-Edom. Over the next few months, Obed-Edom's home is greatly blessed because of the presence of the Ark. David, wanting to funnel those blessings on Israel as a whole, decides to go back and take the Ark again and bring it to Jerusalem. As they enter the city, David dances in praise to the Lord and promises his spiteful wife that he will "become even more undignified than this."
I was carrying my Ark proudly during one point in my life. Then something very tragic happened that I really didn't understand. I too, like David, became angry with God. My options? Continue to pray to God with bitterness in my heart, or stop pretending and just pout, cease to pray. I left my Ark in a stranger's home. I was miserable while all my Christian Obed-Edom friends continued to enjoy their relationship with God. As I watched Roy and others relish the spiritual blessings of intimacy with God, I was moved with envy. I realized that I could just not have joy until I decided to reclaim my Ark. Envy? It's not what we consider an admirable emotion, but it would later transform itself into a pure desire to become what I was made to be. My life became even more undignified than it was before and it will become even more undignified than this.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Caaninites?
Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, "I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.' But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." Judges 2:1-3
I don't want to leave any Caaninites in my life. What implications does this scripture have for us? Well, I was brought out of Egypt about seven years ago. I'm truly thankful that the Lord has promised not to break his covenant with me, but it should be disturbing to any Christian to know that if we "make covenants with the inhabitants of the land," that God assures us he will NOT drive them out before us. This is why Jesus told us to cut off our hand if it offends us. Why do we expect God to miraculously cure us of certain sin, but allow ourselves into compermising situations that make us vulnerable to sin? This is not cutting off the hand. When we allow certain things in our life that we know hinder us, they become thorns in our sides. When we do all things necessary to "break down the altars," God's power and grace flows through us in a supernatural way that we can't explain.
Entertainment of thoughts is one example. A year or two ago, I was counseling someone in my small group and used this scripture:
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ... 2 Corinthians 10:5
Later that night, actually it could have been later that week, a dear Christian Lady(who happens to my best friend) gave me her take on that verse because it had been an important verse to her in her walk. She's far more descriptive than I am, so I'll paraphrase what she told me. She compared the battlefeild of the mind to a host at a party. When a guest of the baser sort arrives, the host has some options. The host can say that it is ok for the sorted charecter to stay as long as they don't cause a problem. On the Other hand, the host can simply grab the unwanted guest by the seat of the pants and throw them out the door. If the former is observed, the guest will eventually cause problems and become a thorn in the side, all the while making it more difficult to get rid of him. Sure it's possible to gain victory, but it is far more difficult than if the latter option had been taken. If the latter option is observed and the worm is promptly tossed out, then that joker had absolutly no effect on the party. In a moment's time, he will have been forgoten and the host will have no consequences of broken glasses, destroyed furniture or offended friends. The host can face the rest of her guests with no shame or nothing she has to apologize for.
Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, "I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.' But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." Judges 2:1-3
I don't want to leave any Caaninites in my life. What implications does this scripture have for us? Well, I was brought out of Egypt about seven years ago. I'm truly thankful that the Lord has promised not to break his covenant with me, but it should be disturbing to any Christian to know that if we "make covenants with the inhabitants of the land," that God assures us he will NOT drive them out before us. This is why Jesus told us to cut off our hand if it offends us. Why do we expect God to miraculously cure us of certain sin, but allow ourselves into compermising situations that make us vulnerable to sin? This is not cutting off the hand. When we allow certain things in our life that we know hinder us, they become thorns in our sides. When we do all things necessary to "break down the altars," God's power and grace flows through us in a supernatural way that we can't explain.
Entertainment of thoughts is one example. A year or two ago, I was counseling someone in my small group and used this scripture:
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ... 2 Corinthians 10:5
Later that night, actually it could have been later that week, a dear Christian Lady(who happens to my best friend) gave me her take on that verse because it had been an important verse to her in her walk. She's far more descriptive than I am, so I'll paraphrase what she told me. She compared the battlefeild of the mind to a host at a party. When a guest of the baser sort arrives, the host has some options. The host can say that it is ok for the sorted charecter to stay as long as they don't cause a problem. On the Other hand, the host can simply grab the unwanted guest by the seat of the pants and throw them out the door. If the former is observed, the guest will eventually cause problems and become a thorn in the side, all the while making it more difficult to get rid of him. Sure it's possible to gain victory, but it is far more difficult than if the latter option had been taken. If the latter option is observed and the worm is promptly tossed out, then that joker had absolutly no effect on the party. In a moment's time, he will have been forgoten and the host will have no consequences of broken glasses, destroyed furniture or offended friends. The host can face the rest of her guests with no shame or nothing she has to apologize for.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
I wrote this in my study notes on e-sword for Genises 1:3
The first words spoken by God were' "Let there be light." Compare with John 1:4. Note that it was not until the 4th day that God created the sun, moon and stars. His light was present before; maybe physically, maybe spiritually or maybe both. John 1:9 states that the TRUE light lights every one who comes into the world. If Christ is the true light, then we must regard physical light as only reflective of God's light. See John 12:35-6. The light spoken of in verse 3 is not the sun, moon or stars. It is the revelation of God to the world. Christ is mankind's experience of God. This doesn't mean that Christ was created in verse three. It means that the function of his nature within the God head is to begin here. Christ is man's divine introduction to the express image of God where otherwise God could not be experienced. John 1:18 says that no one has seen God at any time, the only begotten of the father has declared him. We know that many saw God. Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Moses etc. They saw Christ. This happened because of God's commandment in verse 3: "Let there be Light"
This is proved in the last chapter of the Bible.
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:5
The first words spoken by God were' "Let there be light." Compare with John 1:4. Note that it was not until the 4th day that God created the sun, moon and stars. His light was present before; maybe physically, maybe spiritually or maybe both. John 1:9 states that the TRUE light lights every one who comes into the world. If Christ is the true light, then we must regard physical light as only reflective of God's light. See John 12:35-6. The light spoken of in verse 3 is not the sun, moon or stars. It is the revelation of God to the world. Christ is mankind's experience of God. This doesn't mean that Christ was created in verse three. It means that the function of his nature within the God head is to begin here. Christ is man's divine introduction to the express image of God where otherwise God could not be experienced. John 1:18 says that no one has seen God at any time, the only begotten of the father has declared him. We know that many saw God. Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Moses etc. They saw Christ. This happened because of God's commandment in verse 3: "Let there be Light"
This is proved in the last chapter of the Bible.
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:5
Monday, April 03, 2006
Carved Images...
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Exodus 20:4
And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live." Numbers 21:8
What?!! Why would the Lord command Moses to do something that was in direct conflict with his own Word? We know that's just not possible! There could be a couple of possible explanations for this. In the Exodus scripture, the prepositional phrase "for yourself" could be of some importance. Could it be that we are not supposed to build things for ourselves; and we can when God tells us to? Possible. It would also be helpful to put this in context with verse 5 of Exodus 20.
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me...
Its obvious that the commandment in verse 4 would be specific to idols. Otherwise, the carvings of the cherubims on the Ark of the Covenant (anything that is heaven above..) would also be contradictory instruction from God. What else would be abominations to God? Children's toys, nativity scenes at Christmas, crucifix necklaces, and fish emblems on cars.
The serpent lifted up in the wilderness was not to be an object of worship. It wasn't faith in the brass serpent that healed the Israelites, it was faith in God's commandment and obedience to his instruction. In fact, the fiery serpent stayed with the children of Israel until the day they decided to use it for a purpose God never intended it to be used for..
He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it... 2 Kings 18:4
Hezekaiah wasn't being sacrilegious to destroy the serpent God had commanded Moses to fashion and had used to heal the Israelites. Hezekaiah destroyed the serpent for the same reason God buried Moses in a place where no one would ever find him, the same reason Noah's Ark has never been found, the same reason the ark of the Covanent mysteriously disappeared somewhere between the time of David and Christ's ministry on earth, and the same reason that angels told humans to not worship them every time they attempted to do so.
"You shall have no other gods before me!" Exodus 20:3
There is nothing wrong with the works of your hands. In fact the Lord is pleased with those who work diligently. The problem comes when the works of our hands become our gods. We forget about God, we neglect our families, and we adapt worldly attitudes closing our eyes and ears to the face and voice of God. This is also possible in ministry. There are many different ministries in the Lord's service, but Jesus is the focal point of all ministry. When the ministry becomes more important to us than Jesus, it's no longer a ministry. It's a fiery serpent that no longer has the power to heal.
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Exodus 20:4
And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live." Numbers 21:8
What?!! Why would the Lord command Moses to do something that was in direct conflict with his own Word? We know that's just not possible! There could be a couple of possible explanations for this. In the Exodus scripture, the prepositional phrase "for yourself" could be of some importance. Could it be that we are not supposed to build things for ourselves; and we can when God tells us to? Possible. It would also be helpful to put this in context with verse 5 of Exodus 20.
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me...
Its obvious that the commandment in verse 4 would be specific to idols. Otherwise, the carvings of the cherubims on the Ark of the Covenant (anything that is heaven above..) would also be contradictory instruction from God. What else would be abominations to God? Children's toys, nativity scenes at Christmas, crucifix necklaces, and fish emblems on cars.
The serpent lifted up in the wilderness was not to be an object of worship. It wasn't faith in the brass serpent that healed the Israelites, it was faith in God's commandment and obedience to his instruction. In fact, the fiery serpent stayed with the children of Israel until the day they decided to use it for a purpose God never intended it to be used for..
He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it... 2 Kings 18:4
Hezekaiah wasn't being sacrilegious to destroy the serpent God had commanded Moses to fashion and had used to heal the Israelites. Hezekaiah destroyed the serpent for the same reason God buried Moses in a place where no one would ever find him, the same reason Noah's Ark has never been found, the same reason the ark of the Covanent mysteriously disappeared somewhere between the time of David and Christ's ministry on earth, and the same reason that angels told humans to not worship them every time they attempted to do so.
"You shall have no other gods before me!" Exodus 20:3
There is nothing wrong with the works of your hands. In fact the Lord is pleased with those who work diligently. The problem comes when the works of our hands become our gods. We forget about God, we neglect our families, and we adapt worldly attitudes closing our eyes and ears to the face and voice of God. This is also possible in ministry. There are many different ministries in the Lord's service, but Jesus is the focal point of all ministry. When the ministry becomes more important to us than Jesus, it's no longer a ministry. It's a fiery serpent that no longer has the power to heal.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Where is your faith?
Luke 8:22-5
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Raging storms will always arise on our lives. It is at these times, the Lord is helping us find our faith. Why else does he ask us where our faith is at unless he wanted us to consider that? What did we do with our faith? It seems that sometimes I have to learn the same lesson over and over again. Hence a new cycle of storms. The Lord wishes that one of those times that we have to rediscover our faith, we'll keep it in a place where we know that we will not loose it again; thereby breaking the cycle of storms.
Jesus said all that was necessary in verse 22: "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." In that instant, the disciples should have known that they were going to make it no matter what would befall them on the way. When the Lord tells us to do something, in that instant, we should know that we're going to make it. Whatever trouble will befall us along the way is negligable to God. Even in matters when after the initial call, we hear nothing else from the Lord; matters where it seems that the Lord is asleep (verse 23). We think that because the Lord spoke to us and we were obedient, that he owes it to us to continue to speak.
After all of this comes the storm! The disciples (although their Lord told them that they were to go to the other side of the lake) were absolutly sure they were going to perish (verse 24). Where was their faith? Where is my faith every time that I obey the Holy Spirit and afterward doubt or fear? Where is the christian's faith every time we have the oppertunity to help the less fortunate but can't because we are afraid that we will not be able to pay a bill? Where is our faith every time that we are led to do something the world sees as crazy, and we opt for the more stable and socially acceptable? Where is our faith?!!
Once Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples glorified him; "what kind of man is this?" They acknowledged the awesome power of the great I AM, only to doubt him again countless times afterward; the same thing that we do constantly 2000 years later.
All it takes is one time. Let's make it the next time. The next time that we refind our faith, lets put it in front of us and not take our eyes off of it. Lets make a covenant to never misplace it again.
John (not the Apostle)
Luke 8:22-5
One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Raging storms will always arise on our lives. It is at these times, the Lord is helping us find our faith. Why else does he ask us where our faith is at unless he wanted us to consider that? What did we do with our faith? It seems that sometimes I have to learn the same lesson over and over again. Hence a new cycle of storms. The Lord wishes that one of those times that we have to rediscover our faith, we'll keep it in a place where we know that we will not loose it again; thereby breaking the cycle of storms.
Jesus said all that was necessary in verse 22: "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." In that instant, the disciples should have known that they were going to make it no matter what would befall them on the way. When the Lord tells us to do something, in that instant, we should know that we're going to make it. Whatever trouble will befall us along the way is negligable to God. Even in matters when after the initial call, we hear nothing else from the Lord; matters where it seems that the Lord is asleep (verse 23). We think that because the Lord spoke to us and we were obedient, that he owes it to us to continue to speak.
After all of this comes the storm! The disciples (although their Lord told them that they were to go to the other side of the lake) were absolutly sure they were going to perish (verse 24). Where was their faith? Where is my faith every time that I obey the Holy Spirit and afterward doubt or fear? Where is the christian's faith every time we have the oppertunity to help the less fortunate but can't because we are afraid that we will not be able to pay a bill? Where is our faith every time that we are led to do something the world sees as crazy, and we opt for the more stable and socially acceptable? Where is our faith?!!
Once Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples glorified him; "what kind of man is this?" They acknowledged the awesome power of the great I AM, only to doubt him again countless times afterward; the same thing that we do constantly 2000 years later.
All it takes is one time. Let's make it the next time. The next time that we refind our faith, lets put it in front of us and not take our eyes off of it. Lets make a covenant to never misplace it again.
John (not the Apostle)
Monday, February 13, 2006
When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Exodus 3:4
Why did God wait until Moses turned aside to see the bush before he called out to him?
You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD... Jeremiah 29:13-4
There will always come a time in our lives that we see the burning bush. We have to decide if it's important enough to stop and investigate. Some of us are too busy to stop. Some see nothing that could tangibly benefit them in the bush. Some find it alluring and decide that they'll check the bush out sometime in the future when it is more convenient for them. Others forget about their herd and their responsibilities to their Father-in-Law, and go strait to that bush thirsting for something that Canaan, Egypt, Jethro and the beauty of pyramids could never satisfy. It is these people that the Lord calls; and when the Lord calls, they answer, "here am I."
Why did God wait until Moses turned aside to see the bush before he called out to him?
You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD... Jeremiah 29:13-4
There will always come a time in our lives that we see the burning bush. We have to decide if it's important enough to stop and investigate. Some of us are too busy to stop. Some see nothing that could tangibly benefit them in the bush. Some find it alluring and decide that they'll check the bush out sometime in the future when it is more convenient for them. Others forget about their herd and their responsibilities to their Father-in-Law, and go strait to that bush thirsting for something that Canaan, Egypt, Jethro and the beauty of pyramids could never satisfy. It is these people that the Lord calls; and when the Lord calls, they answer, "here am I."
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them Mark 9:2
This is just one example of how Jesus kept Peter, James and John close to him. Did this mean that he loved the other disciples any less? No. But for some reason, Jesus called these three to a deeper and closer relationship to himself. Why? I can't say for sure although I could speculate for hours. The simple answer is this: It's the way the Lord wanted it.
Tonight, Mary and I went to hear my brother preach. I've heard him before and I am very proud of him and what the Lord has done in his life. Joel has a wonderful testimony. He says that there was a time when he was ashamed of his testimony and this was the reason that he fought his calling for such a long time. He didn't feel worthy. He finally realized that God wanted him to use his testimony to demonstrate how God can change a life. The worse he was before (the more truthful he is about his past), the more Christ is glorified in what he has become today. By exposing his own shame, he is exposing Christ's glory.
Of all the disciples, Peter James and John were the toughest cases. Once when passing through a village in Samaria, James and John suggested that they call fire down from heaven to consume the ungrateful city. They struggled with impulsive anger. Jesus nicknamed them the "sons of thunder". The Lord found thier imperfections almost humerous. I don't think it was actually the imperfections that humored him; I think it was the irony in what he knew they were to become.
No disciple was rebuked by the Lord more than Peter. So logically, he was the one that the Lord would choose to lead this rabble once he was gone. I believe that God loves the shock effect. It's what brings the most glory to his name. What about the rest of 'em. Jesus couldn't go with the priest's. It had to be ignorant fishermen and tax collectors. Lord, I thank you for devine irony.
Lord, help me to never forget what I was! Every time I get caught up into works, he reminds me of his grace. Thanks for the balence Lord. If I love you, I'll keep your comandments but never let me forget the basics:
And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness Romans 4:5
I serve you because I love you. You've already proved to me you love me and neither height, nor depth, nor any other creature; angels principalities, powers, things present or things to come will ever take that away from me.
Yes, like Peter, James and John; you've called me to a different type of relationship with you than some other Christians; not that I deserve it but be it according to your good pleasure. Help me to always know that they too are your disciples. Help me to be a Peter and stregnthen the brethren.
oh yeah!, I love Mary Thomas
This is just one example of how Jesus kept Peter, James and John close to him. Did this mean that he loved the other disciples any less? No. But for some reason, Jesus called these three to a deeper and closer relationship to himself. Why? I can't say for sure although I could speculate for hours. The simple answer is this: It's the way the Lord wanted it.
Tonight, Mary and I went to hear my brother preach. I've heard him before and I am very proud of him and what the Lord has done in his life. Joel has a wonderful testimony. He says that there was a time when he was ashamed of his testimony and this was the reason that he fought his calling for such a long time. He didn't feel worthy. He finally realized that God wanted him to use his testimony to demonstrate how God can change a life. The worse he was before (the more truthful he is about his past), the more Christ is glorified in what he has become today. By exposing his own shame, he is exposing Christ's glory.
Of all the disciples, Peter James and John were the toughest cases. Once when passing through a village in Samaria, James and John suggested that they call fire down from heaven to consume the ungrateful city. They struggled with impulsive anger. Jesus nicknamed them the "sons of thunder". The Lord found thier imperfections almost humerous. I don't think it was actually the imperfections that humored him; I think it was the irony in what he knew they were to become.
No disciple was rebuked by the Lord more than Peter. So logically, he was the one that the Lord would choose to lead this rabble once he was gone. I believe that God loves the shock effect. It's what brings the most glory to his name. What about the rest of 'em. Jesus couldn't go with the priest's. It had to be ignorant fishermen and tax collectors. Lord, I thank you for devine irony.
Lord, help me to never forget what I was! Every time I get caught up into works, he reminds me of his grace. Thanks for the balence Lord. If I love you, I'll keep your comandments but never let me forget the basics:
And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness Romans 4:5
I serve you because I love you. You've already proved to me you love me and neither height, nor depth, nor any other creature; angels principalities, powers, things present or things to come will ever take that away from me.
Yes, like Peter, James and John; you've called me to a different type of relationship with you than some other Christians; not that I deserve it but be it according to your good pleasure. Help me to always know that they too are your disciples. Help me to be a Peter and stregnthen the brethren.
oh yeah!, I love Mary Thomas
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Repentance?
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" - Romans 2:4
There is a common misconception of God in the world among "Christians." To get to the bottom line, I'll say that salvation is not a free ticket out of Hell. Its much more than that. Being saved from hell is just a part of it. When we view salvation from the stand point that its most important aspect is the fact that we are not going to hell; we are centering the universe, creation, sovereignty of God and his eternal plan around ourselves. It's not about us. Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God. The most important aspect of salvation is that he becomes our Lord. We paint a pretty little of picture of God the way we want to see him so we can live our life the way we want. "God loves me, so he'll give me what I want; and I can live the way I want because he loves me anyway." The truth is that God is God and we have to deal with it. Yes, he loves us no matter what but he is just and will not tolorate sin. Thats why repentance is key in salvation.
God's word doesn't contradict itself, and I know of certainty that "whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) I also know that not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord will enter[his] kingdom." Some might say that salvation doesn't come in a prayer, but I find it difficult to call on the name of the Lord without praying. God wants to know us, but it is difficult to know anyone without an introduction. However, praying that prayer is more than just the words that role off the tongue. It must be from the heart; through a faith that only God can give. I will also say that that same grace is what gives us Godly sorrow thats works the only true repentance necessary for salvation.
If one prays a prayer of salvation(even if they have been granted saving faith), but is unwilling to repent, their prayer means nothing. There is no forgiveness without repentance. Peter said to people in Jerusalem, "repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and you will be given the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38-9) When taken in context with Acts 10:44-7, we see that the thrust of Peter's statement was repentance, and baptism was the outward expression of the heart change. God's grace is to bring us to repentance necessary for salvation.
Back to Romans:
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10:9
The two things that both of these verses has in common is the Word : Lord.
we are to confess Jesus as LORD, not just savior. That's to confess him as Lord from the heart in Spirit and in Truth. You can't take half of Jesus. It's all or nothing. Any thing less would leave out the aspect of repentance. Confessing Jesus as Lord means that we are no longer the Lord of our life. He is now our Lord. We turn away from our will and turn to him to seek his will in our lives.
Let me make this a little more clear. This doesn't mean we are going to be perfect from that day forward. If anyone disagrees with that, I would like to hear your interpretation of Romans chapter 7. The word Repentance means "change of mind." That doesn't mean that a total change in action takes place immediately.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
Once we become children of God, it is our responsibility(if it were not, no commandment here would have been necessary because we would become perfect naturally) to allow the "renewal of the mind" to transform our outward behavior.
I find it sad to know that many "Christians" live selfish lives not caring at all what God's will is in their lives and think they are going to heaven.
love, (I write these things because I love you and want you to know the truth...Oh yeah, the truth will set you free)
John (not the Apostle)
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" - Romans 2:4
There is a common misconception of God in the world among "Christians." To get to the bottom line, I'll say that salvation is not a free ticket out of Hell. Its much more than that. Being saved from hell is just a part of it. When we view salvation from the stand point that its most important aspect is the fact that we are not going to hell; we are centering the universe, creation, sovereignty of God and his eternal plan around ourselves. It's not about us. Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God. The most important aspect of salvation is that he becomes our Lord. We paint a pretty little of picture of God the way we want to see him so we can live our life the way we want. "God loves me, so he'll give me what I want; and I can live the way I want because he loves me anyway." The truth is that God is God and we have to deal with it. Yes, he loves us no matter what but he is just and will not tolorate sin. Thats why repentance is key in salvation.
God's word doesn't contradict itself, and I know of certainty that "whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) I also know that not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord will enter[his] kingdom." Some might say that salvation doesn't come in a prayer, but I find it difficult to call on the name of the Lord without praying. God wants to know us, but it is difficult to know anyone without an introduction. However, praying that prayer is more than just the words that role off the tongue. It must be from the heart; through a faith that only God can give. I will also say that that same grace is what gives us Godly sorrow thats works the only true repentance necessary for salvation.
If one prays a prayer of salvation(even if they have been granted saving faith), but is unwilling to repent, their prayer means nothing. There is no forgiveness without repentance. Peter said to people in Jerusalem, "repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins and you will be given the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38-9) When taken in context with Acts 10:44-7, we see that the thrust of Peter's statement was repentance, and baptism was the outward expression of the heart change. God's grace is to bring us to repentance necessary for salvation.
Back to Romans:
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10:9
The two things that both of these verses has in common is the Word : Lord.
we are to confess Jesus as LORD, not just savior. That's to confess him as Lord from the heart in Spirit and in Truth. You can't take half of Jesus. It's all or nothing. Any thing less would leave out the aspect of repentance. Confessing Jesus as Lord means that we are no longer the Lord of our life. He is now our Lord. We turn away from our will and turn to him to seek his will in our lives.
Let me make this a little more clear. This doesn't mean we are going to be perfect from that day forward. If anyone disagrees with that, I would like to hear your interpretation of Romans chapter 7. The word Repentance means "change of mind." That doesn't mean that a total change in action takes place immediately.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
Once we become children of God, it is our responsibility(if it were not, no commandment here would have been necessary because we would become perfect naturally) to allow the "renewal of the mind" to transform our outward behavior.
I find it sad to know that many "Christians" live selfish lives not caring at all what God's will is in their lives and think they are going to heaven.
love, (I write these things because I love you and want you to know the truth...Oh yeah, the truth will set you free)
John (not the Apostle)
Thursday, September 15, 2005
FISHING (Not for Bass)
Luke 5:2-11
I think too many times I've been just like the fishermen in verse 2. I'm ready to give up so I bring the boat back to shore and get out and just start washing my nets. Then my own personal verse 3 comes and I have to make a decision. Jesus gets into my boat and tells me to go back out into the water. Yes, I normally obey if I'm listening; if I can hear the voice of the Spirit over my own complaints and grumblings while washing my net. I'm glad Peter heard. He obeyed the voice of the Lord so that the Lord could have better access to teach the people. So many times we are disobedient because we can't see how obeying this voice is going to advance our goals or the goals we think God has set for us. When it doesn't make any sense we conclude that it can't be the Holy Spirit. How selfish! Peter's obedience led to the word being preached to other people. It didn't matter what Peter would get out of this deal; he was only to obey. Once Peter(who had obviously spent the whole day on the lake and probably just wanted to get home) waited patiently till Jesus was done, Jesus decided to bless him. In verse 4, Jesus told Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your net for the catch." Many people are afraid to step out of the boat. Some are willing to step out of the boat but they want to just splash around in shallow water. Jesus told Peter to launch out into the DEEP. We half-do things because we're testing God. "I'll try this and if it works, I'll do a little more." God wants us to go all out and take a leap. He wants us to bet everything on him and his word. He wants us to launch out into the deep. If you're called to be a missionary; it is true you'll win some to Christ here by witnessing. One here, one there. But when you finally say the heck with it and you go to the place you're supposed to, God will give you the catching that he wants to give you. Same with everything else. If you're called to be a pastor, don't settle for teacher or preacher. If you are a couple and God has told you to adopt a child, don't settle for becoming a sponsor or pen-pal, adopt. Launch out into the deep. No one could say it better than Peter in verse 5. When the Spirit speaks to us, no matter how crazy it seems, we must just do it; "nevertheless at your word, I will let down the net."
Verse 6 is the repercussion of being crazy. God wants to give us a catching so great that our churches can't hold the number of souls he wants to save. The only thing standing between us and the catching is fear. Verse 7 tells us that the fishermen had to signal thier partners to help. There is no room for compitition in the Lord's service. We are a team and we are all in it together. Verses 8-10 tell us about the astonishment of all the people who witnessed this miracle.
verse 5: "we have toiled all night and have taken nothing."
verse 9: ...he was astonished,...
From hoplessness to astonishment; all because of obedience.
Verse 11: ..they forsook all and followed him. Have we really forsook all and followed him? Many of us havn't even reached the obedience part yet.
Let's think about it..
Peace from yesterday, today and forever
John(not the Apostle)
Luke 5:2-11
I think too many times I've been just like the fishermen in verse 2. I'm ready to give up so I bring the boat back to shore and get out and just start washing my nets. Then my own personal verse 3 comes and I have to make a decision. Jesus gets into my boat and tells me to go back out into the water. Yes, I normally obey if I'm listening; if I can hear the voice of the Spirit over my own complaints and grumblings while washing my net. I'm glad Peter heard. He obeyed the voice of the Lord so that the Lord could have better access to teach the people. So many times we are disobedient because we can't see how obeying this voice is going to advance our goals or the goals we think God has set for us. When it doesn't make any sense we conclude that it can't be the Holy Spirit. How selfish! Peter's obedience led to the word being preached to other people. It didn't matter what Peter would get out of this deal; he was only to obey. Once Peter(who had obviously spent the whole day on the lake and probably just wanted to get home) waited patiently till Jesus was done, Jesus decided to bless him. In verse 4, Jesus told Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your net for the catch." Many people are afraid to step out of the boat. Some are willing to step out of the boat but they want to just splash around in shallow water. Jesus told Peter to launch out into the DEEP. We half-do things because we're testing God. "I'll try this and if it works, I'll do a little more." God wants us to go all out and take a leap. He wants us to bet everything on him and his word. He wants us to launch out into the deep. If you're called to be a missionary; it is true you'll win some to Christ here by witnessing. One here, one there. But when you finally say the heck with it and you go to the place you're supposed to, God will give you the catching that he wants to give you. Same with everything else. If you're called to be a pastor, don't settle for teacher or preacher. If you are a couple and God has told you to adopt a child, don't settle for becoming a sponsor or pen-pal, adopt. Launch out into the deep. No one could say it better than Peter in verse 5. When the Spirit speaks to us, no matter how crazy it seems, we must just do it; "nevertheless at your word, I will let down the net."
Verse 6 is the repercussion of being crazy. God wants to give us a catching so great that our churches can't hold the number of souls he wants to save. The only thing standing between us and the catching is fear. Verse 7 tells us that the fishermen had to signal thier partners to help. There is no room for compitition in the Lord's service. We are a team and we are all in it together. Verses 8-10 tell us about the astonishment of all the people who witnessed this miracle.
verse 5: "we have toiled all night and have taken nothing."
verse 9: ...he was astonished,...
From hoplessness to astonishment; all because of obedience.
Verse 11: ..they forsook all and followed him. Have we really forsook all and followed him? Many of us havn't even reached the obedience part yet.
Let's think about it..
Peace from yesterday, today and forever
John(not the Apostle)
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