June 29 - the more things change, the more they should stay the same...

2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5

I wonder what the average Jew, from either Judah or Israel, must have been thinking etching the persistent sinfulness around him or her. Perhaps they remembered God's commands, from a time when obedience seemed so much more simple, perhaps forgetting obedience at the time meant forging forward in faith into the sea, and marching in the desert for years without the certainty of food or water.

But times had changed, and it was harder to stay obedient to God by the ways He had communicated, the old ways. So there were other idols, and persistent Asherah poles, and sinful places of sacrifice in the high places. There were alliances with, and cries for help from, other kings and kingdoms.

Perhaps all this was justified - after all, times were different. They had their kingdoms to protect and to prosper, and those who led surely knew what they were doing, surely could be permitted their own judgement. And, after all, what could an ordinary citizen do?

It sounds so much like what is going on today, when governments, societies, and yes, even churches are finding reason and justification to turn backs on God's commands. After all, things are different in the enlightenment of today,

I don't know about anyone else reading this, but I struggle enough with my own sinfulness, and cannot help but wish to live in a world that makes it easier to be obedient - not more difficult. How much better, how much less discouraging it would be to live where, yes, everyone was still a sinner, but everyone was moving in the same direction. Rather like the time described in today's NT reading, when the realization of who Jesus was caused people to renounce their sinfulness, at great earthly cost.

How grateful am I to be part of a body of believers moving in the direction of God - the one I want my family to take, my children to learn. And how even more grateful am I to know that, despite all the sinfulness in today's Old Testament reading, God's plan was unchanged, unaffected. A king of David's line was still to come.


Jon Lanuza

6/28/13

6/28/13

Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26 NLT)

Today we learn a little bit about a teacher named Apollos. And we also learn about the teachability that it requires to become a good teacher. Apollos had it right...mostly. So when Aquila and Pricilla heard him speak, saw the power and conviction that he spoke with, and yet realized that he did not understand fully, they pulled him aside and explained the him the rest of the story. "They explained the ways of God even more accurately." Good teachers are constantly learning. They study their subject matter with passion, and they learn everything new about it that they can. Apollos was proving that he was teachable and that he was going to become and even greater teacher. In fact, in a later passage, in 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions the work of Apollos: "Paul planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." This guy was a convert, not an original follower. Perhaps he was one of the 3000 that were there on Pentacost, and he went back to Alexandria and did his research. Or maybe he was just a good student, and the Lord tugged on his heart, and pointed him to Jesus. Whatever he was, he was now becoming a powerful speaker, and a great ally to the believers.

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Thursday, June 27

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

2 Kings 10:32–12:21

Acts 18:1–22

Psalm 145:1–21

Proverbs 18:1

 

 

“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.  The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.” (2 Kings 12:2,3)

 

Throughout the history of the divided kingdom, we read variously about the kings’ weak to half-hearted to earnest attempts to honor God’s law and to shepherd His people according to it.  Quite a few times, we encounter the qualifier “however,” indicating that the king in question did demonstrate a desire to follow his commitments to the One True King but fell short of whole-hearted devotion.  These shortcomings often revolved around allowing the ongoing worship of pagan deities, introduced from the surrounding communities, whose influence had infiltrated the Israelite nation through intermarriage and poor spiritual boundary-setting.  Despite his great wisdom, King Solomon even fell victim to sowing syncretistic practices.

 

Turning to ourselves, we all face numerous “however” defects of character.  Through God’s grace, we may become fruitful for His Kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).  Keenly aware of his human frailty, Paul could joyfully testify:  “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

 

As an aside, I recently reviewed an article from The Atlantic magazine.  Written by David Brooks in 2001, “The Organization Kid” discusses Princeton University students’ motivations.    Brooks observed a strong desire for conformity and achievement, according to socially acceptable paths.  Yet, despite this hunger to conform, the students placed shockingly no emphasis on character development, substituting worldly success for strong character as the ultimate goal.  In the article, Brooks explains:

 

“The most striking contrast between that elite [previous generation] and this one is that its members were relatively unconcerned with academic achievement but went to enormous lengths to instill character.  We, on the other hand, place enormous emphasis on achievement but are tongue-tied and hesitant when it comes to what makes for a virtuous life…  Today’s students do not inherit a concrete and articulated moral system – a set of ideals to instruct privileged men and women on how to live, how to see their duties, and how to call upon their highest efforts.  Although today’s Princeton and today’s parents impose all sorts of rules to reduce safety risks and encourage achievement, they do not go to great lengths to build character, the way adults and adult institutions did a century ago.”

 

 

We will witness the deleterious effects of this departure from character formation in the years to come.  As a practical matter, as Christ-followers, we must redouble our commitment to growing in Christlikeness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and seeking to honor God on a moment-by-moment basis.  We must remind ourselves that our achievements will disappear like a vapor, but our character may sow eternal benefits via transformed hearts and minds.

“One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision:  ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9,10)

 

How we all long for these “status report”-type encouragements from our loving Father!  The Lord Jesus had anointed Paul for the purpose of witnessing:  first to the Jews and now turning to the Gentiles.  While opposition may have mounted, Paul boldly proclaimed the truth of the Gospel, knowing that, while life and limb may suffer, it is indeed well with our souls.

 

While this message specifically applied to Paul’s situation in Corinth, we have Christ’s overwhelming promise of Matthew 28:20b to carry us through difficult patches:  “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

 

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

                slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all;

                he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord;

                your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom

                and speak of your might,

so that all men may know of your mighty acts

                and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

                and your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:8–13)

 

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways

                and loving towards all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

                To all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

                he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him,

                but all the wicked he wicked he will destroy.” (Psalm 145:17–20)

 

Psalm 145 echoes this call to proclamation of God’s goodness and that of His Kingdom.  His compassion extends even to us, and we may rejoice and share about His grace, compassion, richness of love, and slowness to become angry with our stubborn disobedience.  While He is wholly other and entirely holy, we have multiple promises in Scripture and life experience to portray His immanence and relational closeness to His children.  It amazes me to fathom that:  “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;/ he hears their cry and saves them.” (19)

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are indeed near and care deeply for Your followers.  Please help us to develop characters that reflect Your heart and draw others winsomely to Your throne.  Please prepare fields in which we may serve You – for Your glory. In Your precious Name, Amen.

________________________________________
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BlogPost_Monday, June 24, 2013 [Lord, What Are You Doing?]

Monday, June 24, 2013 [Lord, What Are You Doing?]

2 Kings 6

They were completely surrounded. Elisha's servant woke up to find that the king of Aram had sent his troops to surround the city of Dothan, where Elisha lived, and capture the prophet.  Why?  Because Every time the king of Aram prepared a plan to attack Israel, Yahweh gave Elisha their plans and Elisha would tell the king of Israel.  Israel was able to avoid every attack because God gave them wisdom through Elisha.  But, now Elisha and his servant are surrounded by troops from Aram.  Terrified, Elisha's servant asks his master, "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?"

"Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (2 Kings 6:16-17)

When afraid, the servant ran to his master and his master prayed that the servant's spiritual eyes would be opened that he might see what God was already doing.  Notice, the Scriptures don't say that Elisha called on the Lord to send this heavenly army to his aid.  God had a plan already in place.  All that the servant needed was to be able to see!

I am routinely attacked by a fear of public speaking nearly every time that I have to say anything in front of a group of people, large or small.  It's the craziest thing in the world.  I have sung songs in front of thousands of people at one time without fear, but there's something about speaking.  My calling to preach makes me think that God definitely has a sense of humor.  Yet, more than a sense of humor, I think God has a desire to open my spiritual eyes.  The only thing that gives me any calm or composure when I speak in front of people is asking the question, "God, what are you doing in this moment right now?"  It's in those moments after I ask that question that I've been allowed to see through the eyes of faith how God is ministering to His people.  My confidence comes when I realize that God was already working His plan before I opened my mouth.

Lord, what are You doing on my job today?

Lord, what are You doing in this supermarket?

Lord, what are You doing at this little league game?

God is always working before we get there.  It's natural to be overwhelmed by different situations and circumstances.  But, the answer to that natural feeling is our Supernatural God.  

Lord, what are You doing?  I know You have a plan.  What's my part?

--

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26)

Kenny Sullivan

(201) 218-0751

שלום

Our sin, God's action, Our response

2 Kings 3:1-4:17

Acts 14:8-28

Psalm 140:1-13

Proverbs 17:22

I am astounded that, despite Joram's sinfulness, God saw fit to rescue him from the predicament he and the kings of Judah and Edom found themselves in - in the deep desert, seeking to wage war, but without water and poised for defeat.  Not only did God provide the armies with water, He used that water as an instrument of their victory in battle.  And He provided the water, and used it, in ways man could not have imagined.  

And yet today's readings demonstrate how God's love overcomes our sinfulness and transcends our lives...and how our response, while well meaning, can be extremely misguided.  After the victory God gave Joram, Jehoshaphat and the King of Edom, we read how God provides for the widow and son of a prophet who obeyed the Lord, and how He rewards a couple who took care of His servant, Elisha.  And finally, we read of how, through Paul, God healed a lame many in Lystra, a city where, it appears, they worshipped the Greek gods; and where, perhaps with the best of intentions, the citizens concluded that Paul and Barnabas were those gods come to earth, a mistake the disciples corrected, which the Jews then used to get the crowd to try and kill Paul.

After reading today's scripture, I am struck with gratitude for the overwhelming nature of God's love, a love that is willing to forgive our sinfulness, recognize our kindness, and come to our aid however undeserving we might be; and I am left with the realization that, in my sinful nature, I am very susceptible to misunderstanding the manifestations of God's love, and to responding to them sinfully.  And I find myself praying today's psalm, and realizing that I may need rescuing from my own tendencies to sin and wickedness.

June 23

We Americans have an unreasonable preoccupation with celebrities and superstars. The amount of attention we give Kim Kardashian and Lebron James is staggering. But there is a vast difference between a superstar and a true hero. Our reading today in 2 Kings 5 points us to a true hero, a hero who found significance in her obscurity. We remember the names of Naaman, Elisha and Gehazi from the chapter but how many can recall the name of the little servant girl in this story? The truth is no one knows her name; she is simply called, "Naaman's wife's servant."

How does one become Naaman's servant girl? Most likely she is the spoil of a war that General Naaman fought. This servant girl suffered the loss of her family, her village and all hopes of what we would call a normal life.

Her dream of a man sweeping her off her feet, having a home and a family are all but dead. And who is responsible for her ruined life? General Naaman would be the culprit.

So payback day finally arrives. Naaman has leprosy. The man responsible for destroying her dreams, stealing her future, and condemning her life to slavery has a dreaded disease.

We expect to find her getting ready to dance on his grave. We can hear her whispering in the hallway, "Great, another finger fell off today!" But that is not what we see. This heroine did not stay a victim to the cruel circumstances of her life. She rose above bitterness and forgave Naaman. She was the one who encouraged him to seek healing from the prophet Elisha. The words, "If only my master" are the words of love from her lips.

That is my definition of a hero. It stands in stark contrast to what I would have done in this situation. Yet when we reflect on what she did, it is so gracious it almost seems supernatural.

And the impact of her life-giving grace transcends the corridors of time. Because Naaman was not only cured of his leprosy, he was cured of his sin too. And so this obscure little girl was able to impact his eternal destiny by her love.

So today think small.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

6-21-13

6-21-13, day 172
As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, "My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!" And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah's cloak and cried out, "Where is the L ord , the God of Elijah?" Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, "Elijah's spirit rests upon Elisha!" And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. (1 Kings 2:11-15 NLT)

i like the symbolism in this passage. Did God have to use the cloak? Did that symbolism have to be there to show that Elisha was going to become God's new guy? The answer is of course, no. But God used the symbolism to show us, and to show the other prophets there that He had chosen a successor. One of the key things that I notice in this passage is that Elijah and Elisha's relationship follows in the same idea of discipleship. Elisha took on Elijah's yoke, his way of teaching, and he ran with it. This was the Jewish way. It was the way of a rabbi. So what Jesus did by choosing 12 close followers to himself was not a new thing. It was just the way things were. It was the norm. And so was it here with Elijah. God works through the idea of discipleship. He has worked this way for a long time, and he will continue to work this way. We need to embrace this idea. We need to be on the look out for our disciples. We need to be praying for God to be stirring hearts, and preparing people to follow our teaching. This is not a pastor led thing. It needs to be a everyone led thing. We all need to take people under our wing, mentor them, and show them God. We need to get back to the rabbinical way, and get away from leaning so hard on one person's teaching. It's about diving in to the Word, and bowing that word to people, then teaching a close group to do the same.

Thursday, June 20

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

1 Kings 22:1–53

Acts 13:16–41

Psalm 138:1–8

Proverbs 17:17,18

 

 

“Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.  The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet, in condemning him, they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.  Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.  When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from a tree and laid him in a tomb.  But God raised him from the dead, and, for many days, he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  They are now his witnesses to our people.” (Acts 13:26–31)

 

Paul’s preaching invites ready scrutiny into these near-historical events.  Given the likely dating of the Jerusalem council of Acts 15 to AD 50, this sermon must have occurred in AD 48 or 49, approximately 15 years after the events so described had transpired.  Logically, the apostles could not have duped their hearers with tall tales, considering that many eyewitnesses could easily have corroborated or refuted their testimony.

 

Though having experienced an earthly birth and the pulls of temptation, the Lord Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life.  As the God-man, He served as an all-sufficient sacrifice for man’s sin and thus faced the full-blown wrath that we rightly deserved.  As we have discussed several times through this blog, the greatest signal of His authenticity lies in the empty tomb.  This historical fact prompted “his witnesses to our people,” both then and into the present.  We may confidently stand in the promise of resurrection and eternal life as a result of the empty tomb.

 

 

“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that, through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.  Through him, everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38,39)

 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)

 

In these two passages, Paul proclaims the Gospel message:  that, by grace (unmerited favor), God lavishes His forgiveness on those who have received Christ into their hearts through faith (trusting God at His promises).  This forgiveness brings justification (being declared righteous) and salvation – that is, freedom from punishment and condemnation.  In the Acts 13 passage, Paul relates the concept of works to the Mosaic law, explaining that his listeners could never have received justification through adherence.  Instead, the Gospel message provided for redemption (being bought back from sin) through Jesus Christ alone.  The Ephesians 2 verses, written to Gentile believers, divorces salvation from works.  If one could earn salvation through actions, then we would rightly have reason to boast.  The only righteous boasting, however, comes through pointing to His glory (Jeremiah 9:23,24)

 

 

“Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly,

                but the proud he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

                you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;

                with your right hand, you save me.” (Psalm 138:6,7)

 

“A friend loves at all times,

                and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:7)

 

In these two passages, we see that the heart of friendship arises from the heart of God:  compassionate, loving, protective.  How we interact with others during their times of adversity points to the strength and depth of the relationship.  How blessed we are to have friends with whom we may share our struggles and know that, by prayer and wise counsel, we will find support and encouragement!

 

As you reflect on godly friendship, I recommend thinking about becoming a friend who “loves at all times” and loving like a brother “born for adversity.”  Please seek the empowerment through the fruit of the Spirit (“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”; Galatians 5:22,23a) and prepare to respond and refresh during those challenging moments.  

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You that Paul’s testimony does ring true.  Thank You for taking the place that we rightly deserved on the cross and providing a means of freedom from the bondage of sin.  We desire to live wholly for You during these challenging days and to refresh Your people through loving at all times, even through adversity.  Please equip us by Your Holy Spirit to respond as You would in tough moments.  In Your precious Name, Amen.

 

QUESTIONS

1.       How have you witnessed the effects of redemption in your own life?

2.       How may you “hunger and thirst for righteousness” today?

________________________________________
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I Kings 20-21:29, Acts 12:24-13:15, Psalms 137:1-9, Proverbs 17:16

I Kings 20-21:29, Acts 12:24-13:15, Psalms 137:1-9, Proverbs 17:16

 

            Last Thursday we read Acts 9 and on Sunday Pastor Scott gave a great message about Ananias.  You should have seen me bouncing in the car after.  I was pumped!  He is one of my favorites in the Bible…for real.  I know I will never be a Paul, a Charles Spurgeon, or a Billy Graham, but maybe I can be an Ananias.  In the coming years if that chapter ever land on my day, I will run with it more.  But in the mean time we were challenged at the end of the service with practical ways we can live like Ananias.  How are those challenges going?  How have you been kind, radically generous, a friend to the unfriendly?  Today we will take it a step further...how to live like an Ananias and a Paul on a spiritual level.   

 

            Acts 13 tells the story of the beginning of Paul's missionary journeys across the Mediterranean.  Paul went out to new lands, different languages, strange foods, and to people that had not heard or known the truth and hope of Christ.  This is the beginning of history…the beginning of how the world changed and how God used these men to do it.  These men were "In the church…and while they were WORSHIPING the Lord and FASTING, the Holy Spirit said, 'SET APART for me Barnabas and Saul [Paul] for the work to which I have called them."  So after they had FASTED and PRAYED, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:1-3)  These are the ways that God's mission was accomplished by men. 

           

            The people of the church are found in a community.  They are together in church at this moment.  (But mind you, they can be in community where ever, not necessarily church.)  Together this community of believers worshiped The Lord.  They most likely were together in song, in prayer, and in study about the Lord.  They Worshiped together.  Next, they Fasted.  Nikkie truth: I have not done much fasting in my life.  A few times, yes, but I have not practiced this much, but this is a way that God used these men.  In reference to this verse John Piper said, "They were fasting to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in the direction of their mission. You could call it Master Planning if you want to. The upshot was more magnificent than any other Master Planning effort the church has ever undertaken.

They were hungry enough for God's leading that they wanted to say it with the hunger of their bodies and not just the hunger of their hearts. "We want your leading, O God! O Holy Spirit, what is your will for the mission of this church?"  (http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/prayer-fasting-and-the-course-of-history) Through this they listen for direction, and they heard the voice of the Holy Spirit.  God spoke to their hearts…they heard His voice, they prayed, and they obeyed.  Barnabas and Saul were sent on a course that would change the world and thank God they obeyed.  These men and first leaders of the church lived through these actions and ways and God used them.  They were not stuck in the busy-ness that I talked about last week.  They lived a life of worship and this is how they did it.  Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen are men that we never hear of or talk about.  They were not like Paul, but were like Ananaias.  They were believers who prayed and equipped others in the background and god used them.  This is how God can use us to change our neighborhoods, our cities, our country and our world.    

Monday Blogpost_6/17/2013

Monday, June 17, 2013 [The Last Word]

1 Kings 18:1-46

Acts 11:1-30

Psalm 135:1-21

Proverbs 17:12-13

Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'  And SINCE GOD GAVE THESE GENTILES THE SAME GIFT HE GAVE US WHEN WE BELIEVED IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO WAS I TO STAND IN GOD'S WAY?"  When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, "We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life."

Rightfully so, God is to have the last word.  This discussion in Acts 11 is Peter's explanation for eating with Gentiles upon being criticized by the Jewish believers in Jerusalem.  He explained the whole story to the brothers and ends with this brilliant reasoning that we read in verse 16: "Since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"  The evidence of the presence of the Spirit of God was all that was necessary to confirm God's agreement – salvation is available to everyone (Galatians 3:28).  

The Lord had the last word (a tremendous understatement!) in the showdown on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.  With one blast of fire the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and soil, and the water in the trench was burned up.  Yes, God can burn water!  Why did this have to happen?  So that all of the people would know that Yahweh (the Lord) is God

Psalm 135:6 says, "The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths."  I think that the psalmist expresses this same notion differently in Psalm 46:10 – "Be still and know that I am God."  This is a challenge for me because I tend to always want to know what will happen next.  I think about "next steps" so intensely that I already know what I want God to do before I think He has done anything (and, I'm happy to give Him suggestions about what I think He should do).  The reality is that God has already mapped out His plans for us and is working in the unseen to bring about His purposes that we have no idea of – things we couldn't understand even if we tried (Isaiah 55:8, 9).  

So, who are we to stand in God's way?

--

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26)

Kenny Sullivan

(201) 218-0751

שלום

June 16

Acts 10

June 16, 2013

Scott Taylor is prejudicial. The word prejudice means to judge ahead of time, to judge someone before you know their whole story.

I see two young men with white dress shirts and skinny black ties walking on Courtland Ave. and immediately judge them as Mormons.

I see two ladies dressed provocatively standing near a street light and I immediately judge them prostitutes.

I see two gold-chain wearing, hooded, pant-saggers walking down the street and I immediately judge them as rappers.

Is this wrong? Is this what Jesus wants us to do? How are Christ followers to think when it comes to race and cultural differences?

This was a huge problem for the early church. Not only did the Jews label the Gentiles, but their attitudes also separated them from any meaningful interaction. Jews did not associate with Gentiles at all. (28) So they put a label on people and felt that gave them the right to never find out their story. There was nothing accidental about the result of prejudice in the first century.

Addressing racism in a Biblical way requires us to invest time and energy on many different levels. To be effective it must be very personal in its scope. It will never take place if we view racism passively.

I am convinced that the greatest hope for racial reconciliation occurs when the gospel leads the way.

The gospel says God loves all people.

The gospel says the "image of God" is tattooed on every person.

The gospel says to "GO" and be the initiator. 

The gospel says to pray for your enemies.

The gospel says to share the love of God with all groups.

The gospel says to sacrifice and give our lives for others.

In the end God wants to reconcile Mormons, prostitutes and rappers into his kingdom. So this requires fresh thinking on our part. The next time you are ready to slap a label on someone walking down the street, ask God how he wants you to reach that person with the gospel. In the end the label becomes the pathway toward reconciliation.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

June 15 - Twas the night before Father's Day, and all through the house...

1 Kings 14:1-15:24

Acts 10:1-23a

Psalm 133:1-3

Proverbs 17:7-8

Ahead of Father's Day, it is amazing to read how important fathers and their actions are to their children and their descendants.  Jeroboam rejected God, and his son bore the consequences of his actions.  Solomon disobeyed God by taking on foreign wives (seriously: seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines?) and then, perhaps with the best of intentions, permitting and promoting the worship of their foreign gods...and Rehoboam, his son and heir, lost almost all the kingdom he would have otherwise inherited.  But David obeyed God, and because of his obedience, God showed mercy on David's sinful descendants, and restored the throne to one of David's line - our Lord, Jesus.  

On the eve of Father's Day, I find myself reflecting upon the great privilege and responsibility fatherhood is and, however smart, strong or honest one might be, how thoroughly unprepared each of us is for what it represents.  Indeed, often we fathers do not even begin to comprehend the task before us, and what we should aspire to achieve.  Our sinfulness, our selfishness and our pride get in the way of asking even the most basic questions about the task ahead of us.

I've made the joke before, but it is true.  Think about it - you buy anything today, you get a manual.  A computer?  Manual.  A car?  Two manuals.  But you have a child?  All you get is a placenta.  So where does a father turn for guidance?  How wonderful to see we serve a God prepared to be explicitly clear in His instructions, if we are prepared to listen.  "Go to Joppa, talk to Peter - he's at Simon the tanner's house.  No, not Simon the computer repair guy, the tanner.  Yes, Joppa.  Get moving."  Or "Jeroboam's wife is coming to talk to you, pretending she's someone else.  You will tell her this, exactly..." - and then it comes to pass.

On the eve of Father's Day, I am grateful for many things - for the privilege and responsibility God has seen fit to grant me in my three children; for the promise of His guidance so long as I am prepared to listen and obey; and for the example of yet another of God's great blessings to me - a father who seeks to walk in His ways daily.

6/14/13

6/14/13

'There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas ). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as soon as possible!" So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.' (Acts 9:36-41 NLT)

Tabitha (Dorcas) shows us a picture of a loved woman of God. We know this, not just because it says that she was always being kind and helping the poor, but also because of the glimpse that we are given. It says here that the room was full of widows, who were showing the coats and other clothes that Tabitha had made for them. This gives us some insight into what kind of woman Tabitha was. She loved people. She clothed widows. She invited them into her home. This is the kind of people we are called as believers to be. We have the keys to the kingdom of Heaven. Let's share them with others. God wasn't done with Tabitha, and He revealed His power through her. Her mission here on earth was not yet complete. Neither is ours. Love God. Love others. Pour God's love into those in need. We can change the world!

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Thursday, June 13

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

1 Kings 11:1–12:19

Acts 9:1–25

Psalm 131:1–3

Proverbs 17:4,5

 

“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go!  This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.

 

“Then Ananias wen to the house and entered it.  Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’  Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  He got up and was baptized, and, after taking some food, he regained his strength.” (Acts 9:15–19a)

 

In Saul-turned-Paul, we may view God’s amazing transformative power.  His mission begins with the goal of destroying the church:

 

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.  He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

 

 

God then sends a vision of the Lord Jesus to Paul, Who points out that Paul’s actions have amounted to a persecution of Jesus.  You may recall from our reading earlier this week in Acts 5:33–39.  As a background, Peter and John had continued preaching in the temple courts, despite the Sanhedrin’s warning to refrain:

 

“When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.  But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  Then he addressed the Sanhedrin:  ‘Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him.  He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt.  He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  Therefore, in the present case I advise you:  Leave these men alone!  Let them go!  For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.’”

 

 

Saul had studied assiduously under Gamaliel, and he would soon learn the truth embedded in this statement.  Prior to his conversion on the Damascus road, Saul had tried to “stop these men” but now found himself “fighting against God.”

 

Although Saul could immediately offer testimony of the Lord’s visitation, the other believers approached him with skepticism, starting with Ananias.  The church prudently wished to avoid unnecessary attention and persecution, but God’s actions and clear approval of this brother Saul would eventually soften their hearts.  The Gospel message would receive a rich display through this man’s radical turn:

 

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15–17)

 

 

Saul’s conversion brought two thoughts to mind:

 

1.       Blessedly, each Christ-follower may speak confidently of God’s personal intervention.  We recognize that we have each fallen short of the glory of God.  In our own strength, we have not achieved the holiness that God desires for us, but rather we have pursued selfish gain.  Yet, by His grace through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, our hearts became inclined to seek repentance:  both forgiveness and renewal.  We may each speak of His providential care and His impact in our coming to know Him better.  In short, we have a loving Father Who has not left us orphaned.  Our testimonies portray a living One Who will never leave us or forsake us and to Whom we may submit everything.

 

2.       The Kingdom of God truly stands apart by its contrasts.  God has used the weak to shame the strong and the foolish to shame the “wise.”  What man intended for evil – as in the case of Joseph’s brothers’ selling him into slavery or Saul’s murderous threats – God repositioned for massive Kingdom gain.  So often, I center my spiritual seeking around learning what to expect, studying God like He follows a computer algorithm or machine-like process.  Instead, His Personhood enables Him to grieve, love, and rejoice.  While there may be uncertainty and flexibility, it lies in the hands of an ever-faithful Father.

 

 

“He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;

                whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 17:5)

 

What a profound message in such a compact verse!  Each person, created in God’s image, deserves respect as a valuable creation.  We should not cheer at another’s misfortune or take pride in our blessings.  As an extension, though their actions may cause us to grimace, difficult people still deserve our best efforts to display the love of Christ.  When we find ourselves struggling with another’s action, we may step back and ask:  How may I treat this individual in light of the good deposit placed in me?    How may I overcome negativity with God’s help?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing work in the Apostle Paul, which has directly impacted us, even 2,000 years later.  Thank You that Your power may transform the hardest hearts and that Your work continues to this day.  Help us to see others with Your eyes and to believe and seek Your transformative grace for others and for ourselves.  May Your Holy Spirit guide and empower us to testify to the truth.  Change our hearts, O God, to follow hard after Yours.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, Amen.

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I Kings 9:1-10:29, Acts 8:14-40, Psalm 130:1-8, Proverbs 17:2-3

I Kings 9:1-10:29, Acts 8:14-40, Psalm 130:1-8, Proverbs 17:2-3

 

            It's funny how God puts messages, themes, and convictions in life that all happens at the same time.  It has been one of those weeks for me, and mind you, it's only Wednesday.  I suffer from a little sickness that I like to call "hurriedness."  It can be thought of as a disease at time, but if you know anything about me or have ever talked to me, I will describe my state, well being, and life as , "Great, good, fine, busy, busy, a lot going on, busy, etc."  I think you get the picture.  I have a brain that moves a thousand miles an hour…always thinking, analyzing, going on and on.  I have a crashing day about once a week where I spend my day off glued to the tv, Netflix, and the internet.  I am stuck in my generational stereotypes of technology, smart phones, communication overload, and everything that comes with it: isolation, depression, anxiety, and emptiness.  Truth.  I work in place where I am constantly surrounded by people, more than 1,000 people walk through my doors everyday.  Busy, busy, busy is what I live off of (with the exception of those days off I just described.)  The last few days I have been over whelmed with anxiety, stress, and feeling like I'm going to suffocate in my own thoughts.  I have been fighting a message that God wants me to hear and tonight I give up.  You may be fighting the same.  Maybe you have before or will in the future. 

           

            Psalm 130 is a prayer and cry out to God.  It is from a person in the "depths of despair" (NLT) that cries out.  I don't know if I have been in the depths of despair (and I won't use an Anne of Green Gables comparison two weeks in a row,) but I know how deep my life can feel and how deep my heart can feel from God.  This is a psalm that cries out to God, for Him to hear, for Him to listen.  The awesome things about today's reading is that God never changes.  He listened to Solomon in I Kings, he listened to the Psalmist, and He listens to me tonight.  Verse 5-6 is the message God has written on the mirror in front of me three days in a row now: "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.  My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchman wait for the morning."  Waiting on the Lord – we have all had to wait: Divan waits for me when I'm getting ready, when I' shopping, when I'm finishing up at work.  It is an act that the whole body, emotions, and mind does in unison.  Notice what his hope is put into: the word.  Not His Creation, not God's mystery, not anything that surrounds us every day.  Hope if found in the Word.  This is where God reveals His voice, His promises, His being, and we can find hope in it.  Waiting for God more than a watchman waits for morning.  This is waiting.  There have been many sleepless nights where morning couldn't come fast enough.  The minute just dragged and dragged.  Why does a watchman wait for morning?  Physically being tired, the night can be scary, quiet, lonely, empty.  When first light comes, it means warmth, new life, new day, relief, and rest for that watchman. 

 

            On Monday night at Campaigners (Young Life Bible Study) Rico challenged us to take on the example of Jesus in Mark 1:35, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed."  Rico asked us , "When was the last time you spend time with God, totally alone?  No phones, now distractions, just time between you and God?"  I couldn't remember the last time it was just the 2 of us, without distractions, a time of stillness.  My mom asked me tonight as I shared with here my anxiety, "Do you fill in all the minutes of your day because you're afraid of being alone?  Because as long as you pack in all these things, day after day (busy and busy,) then you don't have to confront yourself, or listen to what maybe God is trying to say?"  Boom.  I am a work in progress, very messy, but I am challenged to be still, one morning a week (this is a lot for me) where I put everything away, learn how to be still, listen, and wait on the Lord.  Start learning to listen for Him.  Putting my hope on the Word, not myself, my job, or others.  Don't let yourself and consumed by this disease if hurriedness and busy-ness.  Be like the watchman and wait on God, wait for him.  Listen, be still, and "put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption."