“I Can Do”

When the chips are down we reach into the box of our favorite scriptures and pull out Philippians 4:10. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV When we lack resources we remind ourselves that God is able to supply our needs.

It is always important to check the context of any verse that we are seeking to apply to our lives. The context helps us understand the intention of the verse. This is especially true with our verse in Philippians. What is the context?

The Philippian Christians have sent Paul a gift of money. He is thankful but explains that he has learned to be content no matter what he has or doesn’t have. He says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil 4:12-13, NIV)

As I meditated on these words I began to wonder which state: in need or plenty, do I need God’s strength most? Normally I think of relying on God when I lack, but perhaps the biggest challenge is when we have plenty. We are tempted to go it alone. We leave our humble state of dependence upon God and do it solo. Faith is not needed. We are in control…that is until we run into a dead end and realize our need again. Perhaps to live in plenty takes more God-strength than we realize.

Where do you find yourself today—in plenty or in need? Whatever condition you find yourself in, lean deeply into God who can supply you with all you need to live fully for him.

Church folks have divergent views about what ought to happen when we gather for worship. We have our expectations about singing and sermons and length. But have you ever wondered what God wants for us in worship?

One of the clearest pictures of the early church in worship is found in 1 Corinthians 14:26-33. It begins with "When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All these must be done for the strengthening of the church."

This picture of the Spirit-filled church tells me that God is present when we gather. He wants to speak to us so that we will grow in Christ. Now he could do that with an audible voice, but he chooses to use me and you. Because of this we need to encourage Christians to learn to listen to the Spirit and to be bold enough to share whatever God wants to bring to his people. The rest of this passage assumes that we will mess up in being God's voice to one another. We will hog the limelight, we will focus on one spiritual gift and ignore others. So God provides guidelines so we will lovingly bring what God is saying to us. Let us welcome the Holy Spirit into our gatherings. Expect God to show up and use us to communicate his message to us. 

We know about war. Vibrant pictures of mayhem and destruction flood into our living rooms each time war breaks out around the world. Jesus says that war with the rise and fall of nations will continue as a sign until he returns.

"Then he said to them: 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.'" (Luke 21:10). 

Signs point to something else. They give us information or warning. What does the sign of war and national turmoil say to us?

I believe that when we see the rise and fall of nations it reminds us of the deep impact of sin on all of humanity and all of its institutions. Sometimes we forget that and get too tied into earthly kingdoms. Our own country has been rare in its aspirations for justice and freedom. Yet America, too, is tainted by sin. If you need convincing, remember how Africans were enslaved or the massacres of Native Americans. This world is suffering under the affect of fallen creation. These signs should remind us of our need of the Savior. They should remind us to live daily looking for the return of our Redeemer. We should focus on what is eternal and lasting. The sign of war should remind us not to put our hope in this world but seek to expand the heavenly kingdom into every person possible. 

We look forward with hope. Come, Lord Jesus! 

What will be said of you?

1 Chronicles begins with numerous chapter of genealogy. In the list of names are inserted a few comments about some of the individuals. When it comes to the person of King Saul his life is summarized as “unfaithful to the Lord.” (See 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.) What a devastating comment! How terrible if that were how you or I were remembered.

It is interesting to note why Saul was considered unfaithful. The writer of Chronicles lists three evidences of his unfaithfulness. First, “he did not keep the word of the Lord.” You may recall that at the beginning of Saul’s reign he was told to wipe out the Amalekites. He spared the king and the best animals. Samuel pronounced judgment on Saul because he did not do exactly as he was told by God. It really matters how you respond to the Scriptures.

Secondly, he was called unfaithful because he consulted with a medium for guidance. He was desperate for advice. We are only to seek guidance from God. And that is the third aspect of unfaithfulness: “he did not inquire of the Lord.” It is not enough not to seek guidance elsewhere. To be faithful we must seek to be led by the Lord.

It seems to me that a church which is permeated with a desire to seek after God is one that can be thought of as faithful. A church which is walking in the Spirit is a group of people who can share frequently about how God is speaking and responding to his direction.

Saul’s life is a lesson for us both individually and as the body of Christ. May God declare us faithful!

A Word from God

Some of us understand that faith is not simply about knowing and holding to a group of facts about God and trying to live consistently with them. True religion has to do with a relationship of intimacy with the Lord. Because of that understanding, we value knowing and hearing from the Holy Spirit. 

As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, it is tempting to validate ourselves by sharing every detail about our relationship with God. Every experience and every impression we get we want others to know. Let me caution you that knowing God does not mean sharing everything in your personal, intimate, relationship. You don't need to prove your connection with Him. Only share what He asks you to share for the benefit of the body.

Secondly, words or impressions from God can have differing application. Sometimes we miss why God reveals things to us. In Acts 21 several prophets warned Paul of impending trouble as he traveled to Jerusalem. They tried to persuade him to turn back. Paul discerned that though the danger was real he still must go. Danger was not to be avoided. Safety was not God's plan for Paul. (It is interesting how safety is often the main focus of our prayers) As we read on in the following chapters we learn that God's plan was for Paul to witness in Jerusalem and to be taken to Rome as a prisoner. There, too, he would have opportunity to witness.

Seek to know God intimately. Seek also to know what to share and what to ponder privately. When you do share something be careful about the conclusions you draw. God's ways are mysterious and wonderful. Keep seeking Him and listen!

The Humble Birth

I was visiting an elderly woman in her home when she commented that most people associate sacrifice with Good Friday and Easter. She went on to say: “Actually the greatest sacrifice is seen at Christmas.” In Philippians 2:6-8 the sacrifice of God is clearly revealed. Listen to these words.

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!” NIV

 Imagine the drop in position from sitting in the heavenly throne room draped with glory to a baby born in a manger. He set aside his power and glory to become like us. He came knowing that he must live a life of obedience, suffering and death. Now that is huge sacrifice!

Take time to worship our Savior this Christmas season. Thank him for his great sacrifice!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

It 'tis the season for a lot of celebrating. Unfortunately, we are all aware that our celebrations of Christmas often neglect the real focus of Christmas. We forget the precious gift that has been deposited in the sinful world. We neglect the one who gives us hope. Every year we vow again to be more Christ-centered during the Christmas season. Every year we get sucked back into the rat-race of overspending, overeating, and over-committing our time.

John Piippo has written an insightful blog deconstructing our Christmas celebration. I invite you to take a look at it:  http://www.johnpiippo.com/2007/12/deconstructing-holidays.html 

Did you read it? Now instead of making hollow statements about how we ought to change our focus during Christmas...just do it! Figure out one way to start the process of recovering a God-centered celebration. Then, do it! 

Send me an email. I would love to hear your creative way of refocusing upon Jesus during the Christmas season.

“Got Faith?”
 
Jesus was exhausted after hours of ministry. On the ride across the lake Jesus curled up for a nap in the small boat. A ferocious storm struck that water craft. Jesus snoozed in perfect peace. The disciples panicked, fearing their lives.  Finally, the disciples were able to rouse Jesus from his slumber. He asks the first of two very important questions: “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25a)

Jesus often raises that question. He is amazed at how difficult it is for his followers to believe. He wonders if when he returns he will find faith. We only need a mustard seed sized faith to move mountains, so why is it so difficult? It is one thing to trust the promise of salvation, but it seems it is often more difficult to trust God in the struggles of life.

A second question gets at the issue of the lack of faith. The disciples are the ones who pose this question after Jesus calms the storm:  “Who is this?” (Luke 8:25b) What we think of Jesus will encourage or discourage faith. As Jesus commanded the storm to cease, he demonstrated the power of God. God is great! He is able to do far above what we can imagine. Reading the scriptures forms a more accurate picture in our heart of the power of God. So one answer to the question is God is all powerful.

There is another answer that is needed. Suppose God was all powerful but didn't care about using that power to help us in our real needs. Or even worse he delighted in using his power to torment us. Jesus’ ministry cleared up any fears about God’s compassion. Multiple times the Gospel writers observe that Jesus reached out to heal because of his compassion.

Will Jesus ask of you, “Where is your faith?” Let’s seek to discover more about the power and compassion of Jesus. Let faith arise in our hearts!

As the American proverb states: “We can't see the forest because of the trees.” In Bible study we often focus on one passage at a time. It does us well to step back and look at the bigger picture. Did you know that at least 13 times in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus carefully distinguished between real followers and the merely religious? Obviously, he wants us to be very sure that we are truly following Him.

Scott McKnight writes in his book, One Life: “This seems so obvious, but just listen to many in churches today who think following Jesus is an option or the dessert or what only the fanatics manage to accomplish…Those who aren’t following Jesus aren’t his followers. It’s that simple. Followers follow, and those who don’t follow Jesus aren’t followers.”

In Luke 6:43-49 Jesus describes two houses. One is built on the rock and the other on the sand. They represent the differences between real followers and those who don’t really follow him. Both groups hear the word, but the ones built on the rock also obey what Jesus commanded. Obedience to Jesus is the crucial mark of a real follower.

Since this is true we need to diligently learn what Jesus teaches and commands his disciples. We must be careful to pursue a correct understanding of Jesus’ words. It is easy to read in or miss the meaning of scripture because of our culture or experience. One area that clashes with our culture is Jesus’ teachings on wealth, for example. So we need to be careful to really hear and obey Jesus’ words on money. A humble and teachable heart makes all the difference. Let’s get real!

“Seek”

 

A favorite Psalm of mine is the 40th. This offering from David alternates from a cry for help to earnest attention to the Lord. He concludes with these lines:

Let all that seek you rejoice and be glad in you,

Let those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

As for me I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought of me

You are my help and my deliverer, do not tarry, O, my God.

These words sum up my earnest seeking for renewal in my life and in the church. The first thing I have learned about walking in renewal is that it involves wholehearted seeking. Jesus in his inaugural sermon inviting us into the kingdom put it this way: “Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) This is in contrast to the Gentiles whose focus is on seeking temporal stuff like food and clothing. When something is first it is a matter of priority. It comes first over all other things. My first task each day is putting God’s will first. I simply want to know what God wants me to do and then I obey. First also refers to focus. Seeking God means I keep my attention on God and spiritual things. Some things that help me pay attention to God are daily worship and reading of scripture. Perhaps you have noticed things that keep you focused on him. Whatever they are we need to put God first.

Take a moment and evaluate your life. If an outsider were to size up your heart expressed in your activity would they say that you are earnestly seeking after God? I urge you to follow Jesus by seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness.