While recently rummaging through a somewhat familiar place, I quickly realized the need for some illumination. The introduction of a mere wisp of light made all the difference between a safe and successful search and potential disaster.
A conversation with friends last evening reminded me of that simple incident and the important lesson it provided. Other life situations also sometimes require a little illumination.
Believers carry about within us a light, the Holy Spirit. There is never a situation so dark that His illuminating presence isn’t there to guide and assist us. There are times, though, when we can run ahead and miss this great gift. Thinking we know best we can sometimes barge into a situation with a quick fix or admonition without reference to God’s timing or an awareness of the larger circumstances. The potential for doing harm can be great. It is precisely at those times when we need to slow down and listen. Maybe the Spirit has different plans and can shine His light into the situation more fully. Taking time to assess what is going on will promote greater discernment regarding the issues at hand and will reveal the more effective path to take.
The light of Scripture encourages us to ‘wait upon the LORD’. Patient faith will rest in the light of knowing that God is in control. Redemption, after all, is singularly his work and domain. The calling to be faithful witnesses simply means to channel His light into the world and the situations presented to us each day. People are drawn to the light in the darkness. It dispels despair and fear, replacing it with comfort and security. Generally, people will also find the right path when sufficient light is applied. Allow God to grow and develop the measure of wisdom He has given everyone.
In love and gentleness, lift Him high and He will draw others to Himself. God bless you as you bear the light of his Holy Spirit into the darkness of this fallen world.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Revival
In many Christian circles, evangelicals in particular, is found an overbearing desire and claim for revival. The desire to be revived is not bad or wrong. However, the way we go about it, I believe, is completely wrong and bordering on madness.
Often we hear about it being talked about, prayed for, pleaded for, coerced, and claimed with no discernible difference in a person or community. People chase after it. They attempt to ‘speak it’ into existence, as if that were possible.
Revival, the act of being revived, is an intentional act. It isn’t simply brought about by claiming it, singing the right songs, saying the right words, praying the right prayers, or ‘creating an atmosphere’ for it to happen. It is simply going to the source, reaching for the very thing that can revive.
If you were parched, needing a reviving drink of water, what would you do? Would you just sing about it? Would you just sit down where you are and simply shout for someone to bring you a drink? Would you need to create an atmosphere where someone would want to bring you a drink? No, those are ineffective methods for quenching your thirst and becoming revived. You would instead go to the tap, to the store, to the stream, and you would simply drink and become revived.
As Believers in the Water of Life - Christ Jesus - if we want to be revived, we simply need to come to Him and drink. God through his Word says “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1) Jesus also says “...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). In the final revelation of Jesus Christ, God proclaimed “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6).
Come freely. Come quickly to Him who offers you revival. Come as you are. Come drink freely. Be filled even if you have nothing to give but a poor, parched spirit. Be revived by God and then share with others needing revival.
Be encouraged today. God bless.
Often we hear about it being talked about, prayed for, pleaded for, coerced, and claimed with no discernible difference in a person or community. People chase after it. They attempt to ‘speak it’ into existence, as if that were possible.
Revival, the act of being revived, is an intentional act. It isn’t simply brought about by claiming it, singing the right songs, saying the right words, praying the right prayers, or ‘creating an atmosphere’ for it to happen. It is simply going to the source, reaching for the very thing that can revive.
If you were parched, needing a reviving drink of water, what would you do? Would you just sing about it? Would you just sit down where you are and simply shout for someone to bring you a drink? Would you need to create an atmosphere where someone would want to bring you a drink? No, those are ineffective methods for quenching your thirst and becoming revived. You would instead go to the tap, to the store, to the stream, and you would simply drink and become revived.
As Believers in the Water of Life - Christ Jesus - if we want to be revived, we simply need to come to Him and drink. God through his Word says “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1) Jesus also says “...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). In the final revelation of Jesus Christ, God proclaimed “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6).
Come freely. Come quickly to Him who offers you revival. Come as you are. Come drink freely. Be filled even if you have nothing to give but a poor, parched spirit. Be revived by God and then share with others needing revival.
Be encouraged today. God bless.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Loneliness
Loneliness is real. In an ever connected world, one would imagine we would be closer to each other. However, the opposite is true.
While technology has allowed us to enter into the happenings of other people’s lives and experiences, it has not given us community. We are meant for fellowship. We grow stronger, healthier and more complete when we are in physical contact with each other.
Let’s not forsake the gathering together as some are inclined to do. Go visit that friend you have. Spend some time with your siblings. Attend that community event. Let’s come together and help each other overcome the loneliness that is so pervasive in our society today.
If you’re in the area, drop by for a coffee. Would love to see you. God bless.
While technology has allowed us to enter into the happenings of other people’s lives and experiences, it has not given us community. We are meant for fellowship. We grow stronger, healthier and more complete when we are in physical contact with each other.
Let’s not forsake the gathering together as some are inclined to do. Go visit that friend you have. Spend some time with your siblings. Attend that community event. Let’s come together and help each other overcome the loneliness that is so pervasive in our society today.
If you’re in the area, drop by for a coffee. Would love to see you. God bless.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Spiritual discipline (Hebrews 12:4-17)
It seems we often do not put much stock in spiritual discipline. However, I believe it is of immense importance that we exercise discipline in our spiritual lives. Many of us have become so caught up in wanting things here and now that we become impatient whenever God asks that we wait. Did you know that waiting is not meant to be a time of idleness? No, it must be a time of preparation, of exercising spiritual discipline.
I am reminded of the warning given regarding Esau in Hebrews 12:16:17. He was hungry and wanted to be fed. The warning was not about eating or satisfying his hunger. Eating food for sustenance is not a bad thing. It is good to eat to satisfy your hunger. However, the warning is regarding how he went about satisfying that hunger - that real need he felt. Esau was impatient and wanted food NOW. So much so that he surrendered his birthright for a bowl of stew. He gave up the long term blessing and benefits of his birthright for the immediate gratification of feeling full in the belly. Esau should have exercised a little discipline and patiently prepared a meal to satiate his hunger instead of trading everything for a momentary reprieve of his hunger.
Are we doing the same? Are we trading the eternal for the temporary in our lives? Is there an area that we are not willing to wait and are risking everything for immediate satisfaction?
I encourage you - no, I implore you - to seek God with patience and intention. Wait upon him - your strength will be renewed, your real need met. While you wait, prepare your hearts to receive. Exercise spiritual discipline - pray, read and study Scripture, sing, meet with other Believers and encourage each other to do good to and for all, encourage each other in the faith. The God of all grace, mercy and providence will keep your hearts secure (Hebrews 10:19-25; 36-39). Keep your eyes upon the destination of dwelling in the House of the LORD forever - don't trade it for anything else in the world, especially not for a momentary and passing comfort.
May God bless and keep you today.
I am reminded of the warning given regarding Esau in Hebrews 12:16:17. He was hungry and wanted to be fed. The warning was not about eating or satisfying his hunger. Eating food for sustenance is not a bad thing. It is good to eat to satisfy your hunger. However, the warning is regarding how he went about satisfying that hunger - that real need he felt. Esau was impatient and wanted food NOW. So much so that he surrendered his birthright for a bowl of stew. He gave up the long term blessing and benefits of his birthright for the immediate gratification of feeling full in the belly. Esau should have exercised a little discipline and patiently prepared a meal to satiate his hunger instead of trading everything for a momentary reprieve of his hunger.
Are we doing the same? Are we trading the eternal for the temporary in our lives? Is there an area that we are not willing to wait and are risking everything for immediate satisfaction?
I encourage you - no, I implore you - to seek God with patience and intention. Wait upon him - your strength will be renewed, your real need met. While you wait, prepare your hearts to receive. Exercise spiritual discipline - pray, read and study Scripture, sing, meet with other Believers and encourage each other to do good to and for all, encourage each other in the faith. The God of all grace, mercy and providence will keep your hearts secure (Hebrews 10:19-25; 36-39). Keep your eyes upon the destination of dwelling in the House of the LORD forever - don't trade it for anything else in the world, especially not for a momentary and passing comfort.
May God bless and keep you today.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
What's Next?
It has been awhile since I put pen to paper. It seems that among the first things to be put aside in life are often the things that help keep us sane! How often we seek comfort and solace in the passing, temporal and imperfect.
Since we last spoke, I have had a few major life changes. My children are all adults with the youngest graduating high school this year. We have bought a house. I have changed careers and am enjoying my new work immensely. It is demanding and I am doing my best to address these new demands on my life both personal and professional.
I find myself praying more often. Recently I completed a study on the 'Sermon on the Mount'. A great teaching and road map for life as presented by Jesus Christ to his followers - the Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the middle of his teachings on what a Citizen of Heaven is like, He taught his followers to pray. I have been doing my best to pray through this prayer each morning I get up. I would like to say that it has miraculously changed my life and outlook, but I would be lying. However, it is serving to refocus my attention on my Heavenly Father. I am relearning to depend on Him.
I am fearful. I look around at the challenges in my family - age, health, the future, etc. - and I find myself often becoming more anxious. It is during those times that I am disciplining myself to seek first the Kingdom of God - making my prayers and petitions known to Him and thanking Him for his continued presence, protection, salvation and the process of sanctification in our lives.
I am becoming more aware of my shortcomings as a person. I realize I am not the man I have wanted to be and I am not the person I often present publically. It is humbling to acknowledge that I am not a self-made man and that I do indeed need a Saviour. However, in this I am again reminded that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. This, after all, is for His glory, by His power and for Him alone.
Where will this lead me? What will next take place in my life? I am not sure. But I am trying to fasten my faith and confidence to the 'Rock which cannot move' and to continue building my life on that sure and firm foundation - Jesus Christ.
I am reminded of the words of the old chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
May God, in his Infinite Wisdom and according to his Riches in Glory, be with us, be before us and behind. May He hold our hand and lead us safely to Heaven. May we experience the peace and love of Christ that is both immeasurable and unfailing. Amen.
Since we last spoke, I have had a few major life changes. My children are all adults with the youngest graduating high school this year. We have bought a house. I have changed careers and am enjoying my new work immensely. It is demanding and I am doing my best to address these new demands on my life both personal and professional.
I find myself praying more often. Recently I completed a study on the 'Sermon on the Mount'. A great teaching and road map for life as presented by Jesus Christ to his followers - the Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the middle of his teachings on what a Citizen of Heaven is like, He taught his followers to pray. I have been doing my best to pray through this prayer each morning I get up. I would like to say that it has miraculously changed my life and outlook, but I would be lying. However, it is serving to refocus my attention on my Heavenly Father. I am relearning to depend on Him.
I am fearful. I look around at the challenges in my family - age, health, the future, etc. - and I find myself often becoming more anxious. It is during those times that I am disciplining myself to seek first the Kingdom of God - making my prayers and petitions known to Him and thanking Him for his continued presence, protection, salvation and the process of sanctification in our lives.
I am becoming more aware of my shortcomings as a person. I realize I am not the man I have wanted to be and I am not the person I often present publically. It is humbling to acknowledge that I am not a self-made man and that I do indeed need a Saviour. However, in this I am again reminded that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. This, after all, is for His glory, by His power and for Him alone.
Where will this lead me? What will next take place in my life? I am not sure. But I am trying to fasten my faith and confidence to the 'Rock which cannot move' and to continue building my life on that sure and firm foundation - Jesus Christ.
I am reminded of the words of the old chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
May God, in his Infinite Wisdom and according to his Riches in Glory, be with us, be before us and behind. May He hold our hand and lead us safely to Heaven. May we experience the peace and love of Christ that is both immeasurable and unfailing. Amen.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Fasten Your Lifeline!
In CS Forester's book "Hornblower in the West Indies", the story's protagonist Horatio Hornblower encounters a fierce hurricane on his way home. The only way he can survive is to tie him and his wife, Barbara, to the mainmast of the "Pretty Jane" with a lifeline. The storm raged, the ship neared foundering in the viciousness of the wind, rain and waves. The waves did its best to claw them overboard. The rain pelted them in a torrential downpour that threatened to drown them where they stood. The wind howled, ripping anything and everything not tied down overboard. However, Hornblower and Barbara survived. They were sore, exhausted, battered and beaten, but they were alive. The lifeline Hornblower had the foresight to use held them tight and refused to let them go.
The writer to the Hebrews states in 12:26 that God has made a promise. "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." There is a storm coming.
Everywhere you look you can see foreshadowing of a storm. The global economy is in various stages of meltdown. People betray one another or trample each other in their bid to become wealthy. The earth reels about with unusual weather patterns, earthquakes, tsunamis and a marked warming of global temperatures. Isaiah 24 gives a good description of what seems to be happening. Christ also warns of coming catastrophe in Matthew 24.
I do not consider myself a doomsday prophet, nor do I make any claims to any prophetic vision. However, I believe Scripture is quite clear on the fact that a storm will come that will shake the earth to its very foundation. Given this, I have to ask, do you have a lifeline?
When Hornblower saw the storm, he strapped himself and the one he loved to the only firm thing on board - the mainmast of the ship.
What will you strap yourself and your loved ones to? What is your lifeline? Is it your job? Your wealth? Your strong hands and back? Your good name?
Or is it something more enduring, more everlasting?
To use the words of the old hymn by Priscilla Owens I ask:
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
I encourage you to anchor your lifeline to the Everlasting, the Ancient of Days, God Almighty and His promise to "Never leave us or forsake us" (Deuteronomy 31:6) and His assurance of Salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:14-17; Romans 5:12-20; Hebrews 9:27)
Friends, we can be safe though the world shatter and fall to pieces around us. If we but lay a hold to God's promises and assurances in His Word, we will be saved. Christ is returning. He declares in Revelation 22:12-13 "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." If you have a lifeline attached to this firm foundation - Christ Jesus - you will survive whatever happens in this world.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
Be encouraged in Christ and fasten your lifeline!
The writer to the Hebrews states in 12:26 that God has made a promise. "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." There is a storm coming.
Everywhere you look you can see foreshadowing of a storm. The global economy is in various stages of meltdown. People betray one another or trample each other in their bid to become wealthy. The earth reels about with unusual weather patterns, earthquakes, tsunamis and a marked warming of global temperatures. Isaiah 24 gives a good description of what seems to be happening. Christ also warns of coming catastrophe in Matthew 24.
I do not consider myself a doomsday prophet, nor do I make any claims to any prophetic vision. However, I believe Scripture is quite clear on the fact that a storm will come that will shake the earth to its very foundation. Given this, I have to ask, do you have a lifeline?
When Hornblower saw the storm, he strapped himself and the one he loved to the only firm thing on board - the mainmast of the ship.
What will you strap yourself and your loved ones to? What is your lifeline? Is it your job? Your wealth? Your strong hands and back? Your good name?
Or is it something more enduring, more everlasting?
To use the words of the old hymn by Priscilla Owens I ask:
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
I encourage you to anchor your lifeline to the Everlasting, the Ancient of Days, God Almighty and His promise to "Never leave us or forsake us" (Deuteronomy 31:6) and His assurance of Salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:14-17; Romans 5:12-20; Hebrews 9:27)
Friends, we can be safe though the world shatter and fall to pieces around us. If we but lay a hold to God's promises and assurances in His Word, we will be saved. Christ is returning. He declares in Revelation 22:12-13 "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." If you have a lifeline attached to this firm foundation - Christ Jesus - you will survive whatever happens in this world.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
Be encouraged in Christ and fasten your lifeline!
Why is Being a Christian difficult?
Is it just me or is being a Christian difficult?
I am not being facetious. I am legitimately asking.
To clarify, I have recently been receiving "Voice of the Martyrs". I am bothered by the fact that many Believers around the world are paying for their faith with life and limb while I struggle with living my faith outwardly. Why? It is not like I will pay for my belief with anything more than having someone maybe snicker at me. Though this is true, I still struggle with showing my faith.
Could it be that I am too comfortable and distracted?
When I consider how pampered we are in the West, it is easy to see how there seems to be no room for God. We have exceptional free healthcare; relatively affordable housing; an endless parade of entertainment possibilities; a good socio-economic safety net and an array of other opportunities to meet any need - real or imagined.
Reminds me of another society from years ago. Laodicea. They were wealthy, healthy and wise - or so they thought. God saw it differently. He called them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
Could this be true about us...about me?
Maybe we can take counsel from God. He counselled the people of Laodicea to buy from Him gold refined in fire so they may be rich, white clothing to cover their nakedness, and salve to heal their blinded eyes. Maybe we should do the same.
I think the first step in doing this is repentance. Repent of our arrogant attitudes toward God and truly humble ourselves in obedience to His Holy Word and the sanctifying work of His Holy Spirit.
God forgive me. Holy Spirit sanctify me. Christ lead me.
Press on, it gets harder but more rewarding.
I am not being facetious. I am legitimately asking.
To clarify, I have recently been receiving "Voice of the Martyrs". I am bothered by the fact that many Believers around the world are paying for their faith with life and limb while I struggle with living my faith outwardly. Why? It is not like I will pay for my belief with anything more than having someone maybe snicker at me. Though this is true, I still struggle with showing my faith.
Could it be that I am too comfortable and distracted?
When I consider how pampered we are in the West, it is easy to see how there seems to be no room for God. We have exceptional free healthcare; relatively affordable housing; an endless parade of entertainment possibilities; a good socio-economic safety net and an array of other opportunities to meet any need - real or imagined.
Reminds me of another society from years ago. Laodicea. They were wealthy, healthy and wise - or so they thought. God saw it differently. He called them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
Could this be true about us...about me?
Maybe we can take counsel from God. He counselled the people of Laodicea to buy from Him gold refined in fire so they may be rich, white clothing to cover their nakedness, and salve to heal their blinded eyes. Maybe we should do the same.
I think the first step in doing this is repentance. Repent of our arrogant attitudes toward God and truly humble ourselves in obedience to His Holy Word and the sanctifying work of His Holy Spirit.
God forgive me. Holy Spirit sanctify me. Christ lead me.
Press on, it gets harder but more rewarding.
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