Isa 6:1-4(1) In the year that King Uzziah died I then saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.(2) Above it stood the seraphs; each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.(3) And one cried to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of Hosts; the whole earth full of His glory.(4) And the doorposts moved at the voice of the one who cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
In this temple vision that Isaiah had, he sees the glory of God filling the temple. He describes great grandeur; the whole earth is filled with His glory!
Then there's a subtle little statement... the doorposts moved. Some translations say the foundations - others say 'the pillars'. The temple pillars moved at the sound of His voice.
Every congregation has pillars. We discussed these just the other night - the 5-fold ministry as given in Ephesians chapter 4. Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists are the pillars of the church. They NEED to shake and be moved at the sound of His voice.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Perspective
Can we have wrong-minded faith? Have we ever heard this statement… or perhaps even said it: I just KNEW he/she was the one for me! God told me He would provide and he/she was that provision! I just knew it!
Abraham ‘thought’ that Ishmael was the answer to God’s promise of an heir. He ‘knew’ it. He was sure of it, after all, he was 99 years old and all was well. Then God comes along and says “I’m about to make good on my word.” Abraham falls out. This does not negate the fact that Abraham had faith – and had believed God – that God had answered his prayer for an heir and had given him just such an heir, Ishmael. His faith was there, but he was wrong. However the faith of Abraham was attributed unto him as righteousness.
Abraham bargains with God for the fate of Sodom – for his nephew Lot lived there. God agreed that if even 10 righteous were found, He would spare the city. The next day, Abraham watches from a distance as smoke rises from Sodom. Abraham did not have the luxury of the scriptures to know the fate of his nephew. What was Abraham’s view of God’s mercy at that point? Not even 10.
Abraham ‘thought’ that Ishmael was the answer to God’s promise of an heir. He ‘knew’ it. He was sure of it, after all, he was 99 years old and all was well. Then God comes along and says “I’m about to make good on my word.” Abraham falls out. This does not negate the fact that Abraham had faith – and had believed God – that God had answered his prayer for an heir and had given him just such an heir, Ishmael. His faith was there, but he was wrong. However the faith of Abraham was attributed unto him as righteousness.
Abraham bargains with God for the fate of Sodom – for his nephew Lot lived there. God agreed that if even 10 righteous were found, He would spare the city. The next day, Abraham watches from a distance as smoke rises from Sodom. Abraham did not have the luxury of the scriptures to know the fate of his nephew. What was Abraham’s view of God’s mercy at that point? Not even 10.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Burned
Once upon a time there was a powerful judge who was very unhappy at home. One day he was on official business out of town and decided to make a stop at the home of a prostitute, even though prostitution was illegal. The prostitute's price was not a sum of money, but rather a small used car. The judge was unprepared to pay the price, naturally, but promised that in return for her services he would have the car sent. She agreed only if the judge would leave some colateral, for which he left his driver's license and credit card (judges aren't always that smart). The judge tries to have the car sent to the prostitute in order to retrieve his driver's license and credit card, but the prostitute is gone.
A few weeks later, the very same unwed woman shows up in the judge's court, pregnant, being accused of prostitution. The judge does not recognize the woman at all but sentences her to death. At this point, the woman produces the credit card and drivers license and announces that the owner is also the father.
Burned.
This exact scenario took place in scripture. It happened to Judah, the son of Israel from whom the Messiah would emerge. The story is in Genesis 38 and it describes Judah being framed by his daughter-in-law, Tamar, whom he should be giving to his son in marriage. However, Judah doesn't like her at all and wont give her the go-ahead to marry. So Tamar sees Judah preparing to go out of town and she dresses up like a prostitute, seduces him for the price of a goat (there's a joke there, I know it...) and takes his signet, cord, and staff as colateral. When Tamar showed up pregnant, Judah very quickly suggests she be burned to death - which solves his marriage problem. But, Tamar produces the staff and signet...
Judah was not smart. He trades one form of immorality (unlawfully denying Tamar the right to his son) with another kind of immorality (sleeping with her) with yet another - extreme hypocrisy. It's called sin management, and it doesn't work.
God said this: Luk 12:2-3(2) For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor anything hidden that shall not be known.(3) Therefore whatever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light. And that which you have spoken in the ear in secret rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
A few weeks later, the very same unwed woman shows up in the judge's court, pregnant, being accused of prostitution. The judge does not recognize the woman at all but sentences her to death. At this point, the woman produces the credit card and drivers license and announces that the owner is also the father.
Burned.
This exact scenario took place in scripture. It happened to Judah, the son of Israel from whom the Messiah would emerge. The story is in Genesis 38 and it describes Judah being framed by his daughter-in-law, Tamar, whom he should be giving to his son in marriage. However, Judah doesn't like her at all and wont give her the go-ahead to marry. So Tamar sees Judah preparing to go out of town and she dresses up like a prostitute, seduces him for the price of a goat (there's a joke there, I know it...) and takes his signet, cord, and staff as colateral. When Tamar showed up pregnant, Judah very quickly suggests she be burned to death - which solves his marriage problem. But, Tamar produces the staff and signet...
Judah was not smart. He trades one form of immorality (unlawfully denying Tamar the right to his son) with another kind of immorality (sleeping with her) with yet another - extreme hypocrisy. It's called sin management, and it doesn't work.
God said this: Luk 12:2-3(2) For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor anything hidden that shall not be known.(3) Therefore whatever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light. And that which you have spoken in the ear in secret rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Despising Your Birthright
Gen 25:34(34) Then Jacob gave Esau bread and soup of lentils. And he ate and drank, and rose up and went his way. And Esau despised his birthright.
Most of us know the story. If you are fuzzy on it, read Genesis 25. Esau traded what was rightly his for the immediate satisfaction of a perceived need.
Gen 25:32(32) And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying, and what profit shall this birthright be to me?
If Esau had really been on his deathbed, there would have been no argument over food. Jacob would have given him something to eat. But the fact of the matter was, Esau wasn't dying, as tired and hungry as he was. Impatient, however - he was. To that end, he really did not esteem what his father had to give with any regard at all.
A birthright, by definition, is the right to possess something (unearned) passed down by your father. It could be land, material wealth, governmental position.
Our Father has adopted us as heirs, agreeing to pass on ALL that is his. Yet we sometimes forfeit what He has to give, qualifying our decision by chasing a perceived 'need'. For instance:
My wife hasn't been paying me much attention, so I had to go sow a few wild oats for my own well-being. It's lentils.
Or...
I've been so tired lately, I just haven't had the energy to go to church. Saturday is the family day and I've just got to have some down-time.
Beans.
Scripture also records the average 'Christian' response, too.
Gen 27:36(36) And he said, It is because his name is called Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing. And he said, Have you not reserved a blessing for me?
Victimized. That didn't get very far with Esau's father. How far will it get us with ours?
Most of us know the story. If you are fuzzy on it, read Genesis 25. Esau traded what was rightly his for the immediate satisfaction of a perceived need.
Gen 25:32(32) And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying, and what profit shall this birthright be to me?
If Esau had really been on his deathbed, there would have been no argument over food. Jacob would have given him something to eat. But the fact of the matter was, Esau wasn't dying, as tired and hungry as he was. Impatient, however - he was. To that end, he really did not esteem what his father had to give with any regard at all.
A birthright, by definition, is the right to possess something (unearned) passed down by your father. It could be land, material wealth, governmental position.
Our Father has adopted us as heirs, agreeing to pass on ALL that is his. Yet we sometimes forfeit what He has to give, qualifying our decision by chasing a perceived 'need'. For instance:
My wife hasn't been paying me much attention, so I had to go sow a few wild oats for my own well-being. It's lentils.
Or...
I've been so tired lately, I just haven't had the energy to go to church. Saturday is the family day and I've just got to have some down-time.
Beans.
Scripture also records the average 'Christian' response, too.
Gen 27:36(36) And he said, It is because his name is called Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing. And he said, Have you not reserved a blessing for me?
Victimized. That didn't get very far with Esau's father. How far will it get us with ours?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Little Mermaid Bathmats
I'm in my bathroom today and notice a Little Mermaid (copyright Walt Disney 19xx) Bathmat. Yes... my life has changed. Now there was a day when I would have looked upon something like that with TOTAL disdain. Maybe a sneer... maybe a grimace, but at the very best - indifference. But now I look upon that silly object with fondness because my daughters like the Little Mermaid (copyright Walt Disney 19xx). I don't want it to get dirty, I don't want it torn, I don't want it moved or stolen or misplaced. I want it there - for their enjoyment.
I'm serious, serious, dead serious, too.
So when I take a step back and look at that, I think of all the things that I get pleasure from that my Father in Heaven protects. Maybe it's the late-night walk in the neighborhood. Maybe it's that old truck I drive, or the bike trail, or chocolate chip cookies, or... you name it. It's entirely possible that the ONLY reason certain parts of Beaver Lake haven't been blown away by the enemy is that my Father knows I love to go there.
Do you know what you Father protects for you? Do you know what He has preserved simply because He knows how much you delight in... whatever it is? It's like this... you plant a little tiny tree in your yard. You hire a lawn service to come in and mow, but you give them specific instructions to mow AROUND that tree, or there will be hell toupe'. I hear the enemy mowing, but I strongly suspect my tree is safe.
I'm serious, serious, dead serious, too.
So when I take a step back and look at that, I think of all the things that I get pleasure from that my Father in Heaven protects. Maybe it's the late-night walk in the neighborhood. Maybe it's that old truck I drive, or the bike trail, or chocolate chip cookies, or... you name it. It's entirely possible that the ONLY reason certain parts of Beaver Lake haven't been blown away by the enemy is that my Father knows I love to go there.
Do you know what you Father protects for you? Do you know what He has preserved simply because He knows how much you delight in... whatever it is? It's like this... you plant a little tiny tree in your yard. You hire a lawn service to come in and mow, but you give them specific instructions to mow AROUND that tree, or there will be hell toupe'. I hear the enemy mowing, but I strongly suspect my tree is safe.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Testing - Who Benefits?
When God wishes to teach us a lesson, He may test us. That seems backwards because typically (or hopefully) we've learned the lesson before the test. Humanity is a stiff-necked group, however, and sometimes the test is the means of the lesson.
But what about Job? He walked carefully so as to avoid that kind of testing, and he was tested like none other! It seems unavoidable, doesn't it. Walk carelessly, invite testing... walk carefully, invite testing.
But God is really into one thing - faith building. He wants to build our faith.
The Message says this:1Pe 1:7 Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
I've heard many use this passage to say that God tests us so He can find out if our faith is genuine. That's really a silly notion. God already knows if our faith is genuine. God tests us in order to prove to ourselves that our faith is genuine. After all, it's our own faith that moves the mountain. It's faith in who we are in God that permits the miraculous.
But what about Job? He walked carefully so as to avoid that kind of testing, and he was tested like none other! It seems unavoidable, doesn't it. Walk carelessly, invite testing... walk carefully, invite testing.
But God is really into one thing - faith building. He wants to build our faith.
The Message says this:1Pe 1:7 Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
I've heard many use this passage to say that God tests us so He can find out if our faith is genuine. That's really a silly notion. God already knows if our faith is genuine. God tests us in order to prove to ourselves that our faith is genuine. After all, it's our own faith that moves the mountain. It's faith in who we are in God that permits the miraculous.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Unimagined Promises of God
My daughters LOVE to sit in my lap when they play. They are just over 1 year old but when given an opportunity, they would rather look at a book than to play with toys.
This gives me so much joy. It's hard to describe why... but their curiosity is so attractive, and they receive much happiness from looking at pictures. My spirit rejoices within me because I know this is the start of a love affair between my daughters and the word of God.
As a result, I have promised to them in my own heart to give them all the books they wish to consume, and that they should never be without a word to feed their spirits. It's a promise from me to them that they have no concept of. It's unimagined by them.
How many promises has our Heavenly Father made us because He takes joy in what (or whom) we are pursuing?
John 16:22-24(22) And therefore you now have sorrow. But I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.(23) And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you.(24) Before now you have asked nothing in My name; ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.
So Jesus says that the more we sit in the lap of the Father, and the more we read His face, it will be so that we ask those things that we know He delights to give us - just as my own daughters are learning to do.
This scripture says that God gives us the answers to our prayers in order to make our joy 'full'. When we ask Him to give us things we already possess... we rob ourselves of the joy of receiving. Instead, we replace this miraculous, joyful experience with the boring task of grocery-list prayer... and perceive we've received nothing. That's a different blog... or a past one... or something...
I want my girls to be full of joy when they are in my presence. I wish to give them all they long for... yet I don't concentrate too much on providing more of what they are already holding in their hands. Nor are they asking.
This gives me so much joy. It's hard to describe why... but their curiosity is so attractive, and they receive much happiness from looking at pictures. My spirit rejoices within me because I know this is the start of a love affair between my daughters and the word of God.
As a result, I have promised to them in my own heart to give them all the books they wish to consume, and that they should never be without a word to feed their spirits. It's a promise from me to them that they have no concept of. It's unimagined by them.
How many promises has our Heavenly Father made us because He takes joy in what (or whom) we are pursuing?
John 16:22-24(22) And therefore you now have sorrow. But I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.(23) And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you.(24) Before now you have asked nothing in My name; ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.
So Jesus says that the more we sit in the lap of the Father, and the more we read His face, it will be so that we ask those things that we know He delights to give us - just as my own daughters are learning to do.
This scripture says that God gives us the answers to our prayers in order to make our joy 'full'. When we ask Him to give us things we already possess... we rob ourselves of the joy of receiving. Instead, we replace this miraculous, joyful experience with the boring task of grocery-list prayer... and perceive we've received nothing. That's a different blog... or a past one... or something...
I want my girls to be full of joy when they are in my presence. I wish to give them all they long for... yet I don't concentrate too much on providing more of what they are already holding in their hands. Nor are they asking.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
A New Thing
Mar 6:45-50(45) And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.(46) And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray.(47) And when even was come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.(48) And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:(49) but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;(50) for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
It's really not news anymore that Jesus is willing to do a new thing. It's not only about what He has done, it's what He is doing and what He will do. Viewed in that light, does it not seem silly to only celebrate past moves of God?
The disciples were perhaps the greatest Christians to ever live - by our standards. They walked with him, literally. They knew His teachings, they watched the miracles, and they were used to many of His ways. Then Jesus shows up walking on the water - doing a new thing. They freaked. They were not used to it, and they were highly uncomfortable.
There's the lesson. It was His voice, though, that rang out reassurance. They knew His voice. Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." Even if God decides to do something different in our midst, we can still be reassured by His voice. Maybe that's why so many congregations refuse a new thing. They aren't His sheep, and they do not recognize the voice.
It's really not news anymore that Jesus is willing to do a new thing. It's not only about what He has done, it's what He is doing and what He will do. Viewed in that light, does it not seem silly to only celebrate past moves of God?
The disciples were perhaps the greatest Christians to ever live - by our standards. They walked with him, literally. They knew His teachings, they watched the miracles, and they were used to many of His ways. Then Jesus shows up walking on the water - doing a new thing. They freaked. They were not used to it, and they were highly uncomfortable.
There's the lesson. It was His voice, though, that rang out reassurance. They knew His voice. Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." Even if God decides to do something different in our midst, we can still be reassured by His voice. Maybe that's why so many congregations refuse a new thing. They aren't His sheep, and they do not recognize the voice.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Letting Yourself Go
So you finally meet the girl of your dreams. (I'm a guy, this will be from my perspective.) She is gorgeous. Perfect features, great smile, charming, witty, good natured, and just dumb enough to fall for you. Life is great! Then something happens. She shaves her head, stops brushing her teeth, stops eating veggies and adopts cake, and you discover the charm and wit have been replaced with a vile attitude. Apparently, she used all of these things to get to a place of comfort - her goal all along - and then just let it all go.
That strikes a scary chord with many Christians and their 'faith'. They've found faith useful for getting into the family of God and checking salvation off of their list of life's to-do's. The scripture does speak of this.
1Co 3:12-15
(12) And if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw,
(13) the work of each will be revealed; for the Day will make it known, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire will prove the work of each, what sort it is.
(14) If the work of anyone which he built remains, he will receive a reward.
(15) If the work of anyone shall be consumed, he shall suffer loss; but he will be saved, but so as through fire.
I dare say that this is good enough for many. They want to secure their spot in eternity but would rather live like the world until then. What a sad and dangerous place to be. Faith is the key to eternal life, yes, but it is also the water our physical boat floats on. We are to live by faith. It is impossible to please God without faith. Why do we spend so much time and energy trying to take the 'risk' of faith out of our daily lives? The answer is not polite.
That strikes a scary chord with many Christians and their 'faith'. They've found faith useful for getting into the family of God and checking salvation off of their list of life's to-do's. The scripture does speak of this.
1Co 3:12-15
(12) And if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw,
(13) the work of each will be revealed; for the Day will make it known, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire will prove the work of each, what sort it is.
(14) If the work of anyone which he built remains, he will receive a reward.
(15) If the work of anyone shall be consumed, he shall suffer loss; but he will be saved, but so as through fire.
I dare say that this is good enough for many. They want to secure their spot in eternity but would rather live like the world until then. What a sad and dangerous place to be. Faith is the key to eternal life, yes, but it is also the water our physical boat floats on. We are to live by faith. It is impossible to please God without faith. Why do we spend so much time and energy trying to take the 'risk' of faith out of our daily lives? The answer is not polite.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Certain Inalienable Rights
There comes a point in the Christian walk when it is helpful to do a 'state of the union address', or a personal assessment of exactly what it means to be a child of the King. Very few Christians do this, and I know it's true because if they did their behaviors and attitudes would be completely different. A child of the King... what would anyone think of anyone else whose father was the king? Spoiled? Rich? Power-hungry perhaps? Out of touch?
Being a child of the King of Kings, I have certain inalienable rights. To be honest, I've never done such an assessment, so I may miss a few that haven't even occurred to me.
I have the right to be joyful despite any circumstance. Watch the news at 6:00 and tell me that right isn't worth much.
I have the right to healing that the most gifted physicians in the world can only dream of, AND, I have the right to share it.
I have the right to speak to mountains and move them if they're in my way. That's silly, you say. Ignorance is everywhere, just watch out for moving mountains.
I have the right to the cattle on your hill. I am content to let you keep them until it's my turn.
I have the right to speak to a short list of storms. That list is growing.
I have the right to command powers and dignitaries in high places. They greatly fear my lineage.
I have a right to a certain white horse, in a certain stable, attached to a certain house that is prepared for me.
I have a right to speak life or death to others - I always speak life.
So am I spoiled? I wouldn't disagree. Rich? Without a doubt. Power-hungry? Probably not in a way that would satisfy Merriam-Webster. Out of touch? Only with certain things. I'm trying to change the way I think. It's not to create an air of loftiness, but it's to foster what God has intended for me all along. Know who I am. Know who you are. Why give the enemy ground for free?
Being a child of the King of Kings, I have certain inalienable rights. To be honest, I've never done such an assessment, so I may miss a few that haven't even occurred to me.
I have the right to be joyful despite any circumstance. Watch the news at 6:00 and tell me that right isn't worth much.
I have the right to healing that the most gifted physicians in the world can only dream of, AND, I have the right to share it.
I have the right to speak to mountains and move them if they're in my way. That's silly, you say. Ignorance is everywhere, just watch out for moving mountains.
I have the right to the cattle on your hill. I am content to let you keep them until it's my turn.
I have the right to speak to a short list of storms. That list is growing.
I have the right to command powers and dignitaries in high places. They greatly fear my lineage.
I have a right to a certain white horse, in a certain stable, attached to a certain house that is prepared for me.
I have a right to speak life or death to others - I always speak life.
So am I spoiled? I wouldn't disagree. Rich? Without a doubt. Power-hungry? Probably not in a way that would satisfy Merriam-Webster. Out of touch? Only with certain things. I'm trying to change the way I think. It's not to create an air of loftiness, but it's to foster what God has intended for me all along. Know who I am. Know who you are. Why give the enemy ground for free?
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Beating the Spiritual Dead Horse
Most boredom in the Christian life where it pertains to prayer comes from praying for things we already possess.
It is really true. How much time have I spent asking for necessities... health, home, food, money, etc...?
My daughters still cannot talk. Yet to this point, they still have not gone without food in their bellies or a roof over their head. In fact, they have more toys than they can play with in a day. When they are able to talk, I'm fairly certain I do NOT want them asking me daily to 'please give me food today'. Or 'dad, please do not let anyone come in a hurt us today!' I'm their dad... and that stuff is a given. I'd be a bit hurt if I thought they had so little faith in me that they continually had to ask that.
How much time do I spend in prayer going down my 'list' of the same old stuff that God has already ordained for me as 'a given'? It's time to change the way we think about prayer. It's time to bring 'all kinds of requests and petitions' to Him.
It is really true. How much time have I spent asking for necessities... health, home, food, money, etc...?
My daughters still cannot talk. Yet to this point, they still have not gone without food in their bellies or a roof over their head. In fact, they have more toys than they can play with in a day. When they are able to talk, I'm fairly certain I do NOT want them asking me daily to 'please give me food today'. Or 'dad, please do not let anyone come in a hurt us today!' I'm their dad... and that stuff is a given. I'd be a bit hurt if I thought they had so little faith in me that they continually had to ask that.
How much time do I spend in prayer going down my 'list' of the same old stuff that God has already ordained for me as 'a given'? It's time to change the way we think about prayer. It's time to bring 'all kinds of requests and petitions' to Him.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Dried Up From The Roots
Mar 11:12-14
(12) And on the next day, they going out of Bethany, He was hungry.
(13) And seeing a fig-tree with leaves afar off, He went to it, if perhaps He might find anything on it. And when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season of figs.
(14) And Jesus answered and said to it, No one shall eat fruit of you forever. And His disciples heard.
This is somewhat a puzzling story on the surface. Why would Jesus curse something for not producing out of season? The answer lies in appearances. The tree had leaves - which drew Jesus from a distance. The leaves were a clue that the tree was bearing - only it bore no fruit.
Interjected in this count is the story of Jesus entering the temple, only to find money-changers at work greedily making a profit for themselves. Once again, the temple appeared to be a place of God... only it was not. In the case of the temple, it was cleansed by Jesus as He chased out the profiteers. On the way out, however, the disciples noticed the tree had whithered from the roots up.
What appearances do we give when Christ passes by? Do we acknowledge we don't have it all together? Are we so used to the ditch that we accept it as normality and just don't realize we are sadly lacking? If we cannot find a place in our lives to be honest - to show our real vulnerabilities, ineptitudes, failures - emptiness... then how do we reach a spot where we can cry out to God? If Christ comes in, He can cleanse us - with whips made of cords if need be. But if He doesn't come in, we whither away from the roots up.
(12) And on the next day, they going out of Bethany, He was hungry.
(13) And seeing a fig-tree with leaves afar off, He went to it, if perhaps He might find anything on it. And when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season of figs.
(14) And Jesus answered and said to it, No one shall eat fruit of you forever. And His disciples heard.
This is somewhat a puzzling story on the surface. Why would Jesus curse something for not producing out of season? The answer lies in appearances. The tree had leaves - which drew Jesus from a distance. The leaves were a clue that the tree was bearing - only it bore no fruit.
Interjected in this count is the story of Jesus entering the temple, only to find money-changers at work greedily making a profit for themselves. Once again, the temple appeared to be a place of God... only it was not. In the case of the temple, it was cleansed by Jesus as He chased out the profiteers. On the way out, however, the disciples noticed the tree had whithered from the roots up.
What appearances do we give when Christ passes by? Do we acknowledge we don't have it all together? Are we so used to the ditch that we accept it as normality and just don't realize we are sadly lacking? If we cannot find a place in our lives to be honest - to show our real vulnerabilities, ineptitudes, failures - emptiness... then how do we reach a spot where we can cry out to God? If Christ comes in, He can cleanse us - with whips made of cords if need be. But if He doesn't come in, we whither away from the roots up.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Third Day
"After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight" (Hos. 6:2).
Hosea was speaking of millennial days. We are now in that third day. That third day is very interesting.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
"Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
"But he spake of the temple of his body" (Jn. 2:19-21).
God has ordained some neat things for the third day - patterned, I believe, after the resurrection of Jesus Himself. I think Jesus' resurrection wasn't the event (as phenomenally important as it was) but the pattern!
By the way, the temple IS about to be rebuilt... in the third day...
So what happened on the third day of literal creation? Two things: God divided the earth - the land from the sea, and he created seed which sprouted... all in one day. God spoke seed into being, and it was, then it sprouted, then it bore fruit bearing more seed... all in one day. That's productivity. That's the prosperity of the unadulterated word of God.
Jesus was the seed of Life, which when planted in the ground for three days bore the Fruit of Spirit and the seed of the Church - a million times more than Satan thought he'd killed. The third day was a good day. But I'm telling you... it's only a pattern of what is still to come! He was the First Fruits! He was the down payment! Watch out... we are in THE THIRD DAY. We don't have a CLUE what is about to transpire!
Hosea was speaking of millennial days. We are now in that third day. That third day is very interesting.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
"Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
"But he spake of the temple of his body" (Jn. 2:19-21).
God has ordained some neat things for the third day - patterned, I believe, after the resurrection of Jesus Himself. I think Jesus' resurrection wasn't the event (as phenomenally important as it was) but the pattern!
By the way, the temple IS about to be rebuilt... in the third day...
So what happened on the third day of literal creation? Two things: God divided the earth - the land from the sea, and he created seed which sprouted... all in one day. God spoke seed into being, and it was, then it sprouted, then it bore fruit bearing more seed... all in one day. That's productivity. That's the prosperity of the unadulterated word of God.
Jesus was the seed of Life, which when planted in the ground for three days bore the Fruit of Spirit and the seed of the Church - a million times more than Satan thought he'd killed. The third day was a good day. But I'm telling you... it's only a pattern of what is still to come! He was the First Fruits! He was the down payment! Watch out... we are in THE THIRD DAY. We don't have a CLUE what is about to transpire!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A Second Touch
Mar 8:22-25
(22) They came to Bethsaida, where some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him.
(23) Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. After spitting on the man's eyes, Jesus placed his hands on him and asked him, "Can you see anything?"
(24) The man looked up and said, "Yes, I can see people, but they look like trees walking around."
(25) Jesus again placed his hands on the man's eyes. This time the man looked intently, his eyesight returned, and he saw everything clearly.
We go to a place every year that we refer to as 'the Mountain'. It's a special place where guys can be real, honest, and open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Every year we see miracles happen in the lives of men. They get set free of horrible things - some which they've been carrying their entire lives. We have seen men freed from depression, rage, physical ailments, self-worth issues... you name it. But some guys, as much as they want to be free, still leave with needs that have not been addressed. Perhaps they got free of lust, but remain entangled in unforgiveness. They need a second touch.
The Christian walk is one where God continually calls us to the next level - the next click. There is no 'arrival', as we've discussed before. Holiness is a process that we walk in - as God molds us into the likeness of His Son. So, too, is being freed of bondage. Sometimes God touches us and we are free. But sometimes we need that second touch to see clearly. Once you are freed by the Son, however, you are free. Indeed. Keep going to the mountain. Keep striving for holiness. Abide in Him and He will not let you leave half-healed.
(22) They came to Bethsaida, where some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him.
(23) Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. After spitting on the man's eyes, Jesus placed his hands on him and asked him, "Can you see anything?"
(24) The man looked up and said, "Yes, I can see people, but they look like trees walking around."
(25) Jesus again placed his hands on the man's eyes. This time the man looked intently, his eyesight returned, and he saw everything clearly.
We go to a place every year that we refer to as 'the Mountain'. It's a special place where guys can be real, honest, and open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Every year we see miracles happen in the lives of men. They get set free of horrible things - some which they've been carrying their entire lives. We have seen men freed from depression, rage, physical ailments, self-worth issues... you name it. But some guys, as much as they want to be free, still leave with needs that have not been addressed. Perhaps they got free of lust, but remain entangled in unforgiveness. They need a second touch.
The Christian walk is one where God continually calls us to the next level - the next click. There is no 'arrival', as we've discussed before. Holiness is a process that we walk in - as God molds us into the likeness of His Son. So, too, is being freed of bondage. Sometimes God touches us and we are free. But sometimes we need that second touch to see clearly. Once you are freed by the Son, however, you are free. Indeed. Keep going to the mountain. Keep striving for holiness. Abide in Him and He will not let you leave half-healed.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Past the Point of No Return
Mar 8:1-3
(1) Not long afterward another large crowd came together. When the people had nothing left to eat, Jesus called the disciples to him and said,
(2) "I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat.
(3) If I send them home without feeding them, they will faint as they go, because some of them have come a long way."
These people literally followed Jesus beyond a point of safety. Some had come from long distances and had not brought enough food. Perhaps they were expecting to be able to buy food. Perhaps they had heard how He had fed the 5,000 and had hope that He would again provide.
He did.
Do we follow Jesus past the point of safety? Past the point of 'good judgment'? Jesus took a special notice of these who had come from a long distance. He had no intention of leaving to their own devices to get back home.
I wonder what became of the ones who left early because their bread had run out? I wonder if they heard the story of the miracle He did 'right after' they left. I wonder how often I left early and missed the miracle in my own life.
(1) Not long afterward another large crowd came together. When the people had nothing left to eat, Jesus called the disciples to him and said,
(2) "I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat.
(3) If I send them home without feeding them, they will faint as they go, because some of them have come a long way."
These people literally followed Jesus beyond a point of safety. Some had come from long distances and had not brought enough food. Perhaps they were expecting to be able to buy food. Perhaps they had heard how He had fed the 5,000 and had hope that He would again provide.
He did.
Do we follow Jesus past the point of safety? Past the point of 'good judgment'? Jesus took a special notice of these who had come from a long distance. He had no intention of leaving to their own devices to get back home.
I wonder what became of the ones who left early because their bread had run out? I wonder if they heard the story of the miracle He did 'right after' they left. I wonder how often I left early and missed the miracle in my own life.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Peace and Safety
From an article posted yesterday, Netanyahu made this statement to President Obama:
Obama, Netanyahu Agree on Peace, Differ on Priorities
"We're ready to do our share. We hope the Palestinians will do their share as well. If we resume negotiations, as we plan to do, then I think that the Palestinians will have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, will have to also enable Israel to have the means to defend itself. If those conditions are met -- Israel's security conditions are met, and there's recognition of Israel's legitimacy -- its permanent legitimacy, then I think we can envision an arrangement where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in dignity, security and in peace," he said.
I picked that up off the live news broadcast and it gave me a bit of a chill. When the news anchorwoman broke away from that story, the first thing she said was, "Security and peace, indeed."
1Th 5:1-4
(1) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,
(2) for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief by night.
(3) When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.
(4) But *ye*, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:
This is a last days prophecy. We don't know who 'they' are, but we know the cry is 'peace and safety'. We are to be watching while we are about our Kingdom business, that we would not be ignorant, but would have understanding of the times and a motivation to warn a lost world.
Obama, Netanyahu Agree on Peace, Differ on Priorities
"We're ready to do our share. We hope the Palestinians will do their share as well. If we resume negotiations, as we plan to do, then I think that the Palestinians will have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, will have to also enable Israel to have the means to defend itself. If those conditions are met -- Israel's security conditions are met, and there's recognition of Israel's legitimacy -- its permanent legitimacy, then I think we can envision an arrangement where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in dignity, security and in peace," he said.
I picked that up off the live news broadcast and it gave me a bit of a chill. When the news anchorwoman broke away from that story, the first thing she said was, "Security and peace, indeed."
1Th 5:1-4
(1) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,
(2) for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief by night.
(3) When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.
(4) But *ye*, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:
This is a last days prophecy. We don't know who 'they' are, but we know the cry is 'peace and safety'. We are to be watching while we are about our Kingdom business, that we would not be ignorant, but would have understanding of the times and a motivation to warn a lost world.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Falling Fire
In the Old Testament, how did they know that the sacrifices were accepted? History says that fire actually fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifices - totally - and that was the indication of acceptance. Our clearest picture of that is when Elijah offered the bulls on Mt Carmel. The fire of God came down in a violent display, leaving no question as to whether or not the sacrifice was acceptable.
As Christians, many of us want to see the fire of God in our lives. We want it to fall on us, personally! Whenever I see a man who literally has the fire of God upon him, I refocus my own passions upon God. There is only one way to obtain the fire of God in your life.
Rom 12:1-2
(1) Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.
(2) And be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God.
If there is no fire falling in your life, look to see if there has been any sacrifice.
As Christians, many of us want to see the fire of God in our lives. We want it to fall on us, personally! Whenever I see a man who literally has the fire of God upon him, I refocus my own passions upon God. There is only one way to obtain the fire of God in your life.
Rom 12:1-2
(1) Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.
(2) And be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God.
If there is no fire falling in your life, look to see if there has been any sacrifice.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Depth of Earth
Jesus said this in the parable of the sower:
Mar 4:5(5) And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
As if to say, if you have no depth, you may rise too fast. Or... without proper training, preparation, education, maturity, or patience, you develop no roots and you spring up because you have no other direction to go. And yet... you cannot stand.
Compare to Jesus. When He died He was buried. How far down did He go? All the way! Scripture says this:
Eph 4:8-10(8) Because of this, He says, "Having gone up on high, He led captivity captive," and gave "gifts to men." But that He went up, what is it except that He also first came down into the lower parts of the earth?(10) He that came down is the same who also went up above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.
The Lord is the master gardener. He will plant you where He wants you, water you, feed you, PRUNE you, and you will spring up at just the right time.
Mar 4:5(5) And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
As if to say, if you have no depth, you may rise too fast. Or... without proper training, preparation, education, maturity, or patience, you develop no roots and you spring up because you have no other direction to go. And yet... you cannot stand.
Compare to Jesus. When He died He was buried. How far down did He go? All the way! Scripture says this:
Eph 4:8-10(8) Because of this, He says, "Having gone up on high, He led captivity captive," and gave "gifts to men." But that He went up, what is it except that He also first came down into the lower parts of the earth?(10) He that came down is the same who also went up above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.
The Lord is the master gardener. He will plant you where He wants you, water you, feed you, PRUNE you, and you will spring up at just the right time.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Point of Acceptance
Sometimes as believers we just need to realize that God is God, He is Holy, and He does not have to share His glory with us at any point. I know I dwell, often, on the state of our nation and the world at large. It seems like such a downward spiral - it can easily grab your focus.
But my focus should be on Him. He's the reason. He sets up kings and brings them down. He promotes His children, and demotes them, as He sees fit to mold us.
He has a plan. None of this is happenstance, or out of control - as chaotic as it looks. I do believe He allows us to coast for extended periods of time upon His wave of grace, and I do believe we can prolong - or avoid altogether - judgment by simply repenting. Yet most of the time we as a culture do not. We push Him further and further away.
Godlessness shows up in our beauty pageants. In our legislation. In our foreign policy. In our churches. In our TV shows.
God, on the other hand, has no choice but to show up in everything else. If we'd honor Him with TV, He might not have to show up in the earthquake. If we'd honor him in our foreign policy, He might not have to show up in a hurricane.
God told Elijah that He was not in the violent shaking of the earth, the fire, or the wind... but rather a still small voice - to Elijah. Elijah belonged to God. Elijah honored God. For a world that does not know Him, or honor Him, I believe very often the only way He can grab attention is through quakes, fires, and floods.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Prophecy Unfolding
Below is from Pastor Mark Biltz. Highly interesting stuff... It reminds me that if we are not watching, we are not in obedience. If we are not praying for the Peace of Jerusalem, we are not in obedience.
Blair: New Mideast Peace Plan Unveiled in Weeks
An interesting quote from it is this:
President Barack Obama is holding separate meetings at the White House this month with the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders to hear their views. Once those meetings are over, the Quartet is to convene in Washington to discuss and present the new strategy, Blair said. The Quartet includes the U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and Russia. "I think that within the next five to six weeks, you will have a very clear picture of what the plan is," Blair said.
The haftarah portion from the prophets that is read around the world by Jews coming up June 6th is very significantly related. It is Zech 2-4. Here is the preface to it from Zech 1:
Zec 1:17-21 Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. And the LORD showed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to bring terror to them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
In Zechariah 2 we find Jerusalem is being measured. And then we find:
Zec 2:8-10 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
Blair: New Mideast Peace Plan Unveiled in Weeks
An interesting quote from it is this:
President Barack Obama is holding separate meetings at the White House this month with the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders to hear their views. Once those meetings are over, the Quartet is to convene in Washington to discuss and present the new strategy, Blair said. The Quartet includes the U.S., the United Nations, the European Union and Russia. "I think that within the next five to six weeks, you will have a very clear picture of what the plan is," Blair said.
The haftarah portion from the prophets that is read around the world by Jews coming up June 6th is very significantly related. It is Zech 2-4. Here is the preface to it from Zech 1:
Zec 1:17-21 Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. And the LORD showed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to bring terror to them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
In Zechariah 2 we find Jerusalem is being measured. And then we find:
Zec 2:8-10 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
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