My son Joshua works at Starbucks in Seattle. My son-in-law John was a Starbucks barista too. Is there anybody reading this that doesn’t know somebody who works at Starbucks? Seems we are all affected (or infected) by Starbucks (for some of you it may be Peets or some other local coffee restaurant).
According to author Bryant Simon, Starbucks’ impact is not good, claiming in his book “Everything but the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks,” our lives have been shaped unconstructively. He refers in particular to what-he-calls “conversation-killing Wi-Fi” which has diminished meaningful conversation and spontaneous discussion—a sense of community is missing. Instead, he observes, the couches, plush chairs and tables are used for sterile business meetings or solo laptop users.
Now whether you agree with his assessment or not, you have to admit it has merit. As a student of psychology and sociology, I have my own perceptions of what-I-call the “cubicalization” of America—meaning, we all live and work in spaces, (whether at home or work you could call them “cubicles”) that afford a sense of privacy while however unintentionally fostering a culture of separation and isolation. People are lonely behind their walls.
As Christians we should be wary of this same spirit of separation. It is so easy to attend a large church and never really connect with anyone. In light of this, reflect on these words from Hebrews 10: 24-25:
Think of ways to encourage one another to...love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Are You Eating Stale Bread!?
These days everyone is trying to be a frugal shopper, purchasing extra items when they are on sale. We have several friends who love the thrill of bargain hunting at thrift stores, like Salvation Army.
Another kind of thrift store we frequent is our local Thrift Bakery where ‘day-old’ bread is half-priced. You may not shop at a Thrift Bakery; but that doesn’t mean you are not eating ‘day-old’ bread. Modern preservatives and innovate packaging allow us to keep a loaf of bread on our shelves for days! In the developing world where there is neither preservative nor packaging, bread goes stale overnight, and is thrown out to dogs or pigs the next day. When I lived in Afghanistan, we bought our bread (‘Nan’) hot and fresh every day right out of the baker’s clay oven. By next morning it was as hard as a rock.
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray for their daily bread, he spoke metaphorically as well as literally: He Himself was the bread of life, even the Bread which comes down from heaven (Jn. 6:33, 35). They knew He meant the ‘manna’ God had showered on their ancestors in the wilderness—fresh bread from heaven every morning for 40 years. But it had to be eaten that day—not saved. Any thrifty Jewish mother trying to save any found it spoiled overnight. God was teaching them at least two important lessons: 1) He provides all we need daily, and 2) He likes things “fresh.”
After our rebirth, we are told to walk in the newness of life (Ro. 6:4)! The word newness means something is never old—it is always fresh. When you walk in the newness of life, you will always have some fresh experience with the Lord, or a fresh slice of the Word to share with others. If your relationship with God seems stale at times, perhaps you're eating day-old bread. If you eat a daily serving of God’s fresh bread, not only will you be fresh, you will freshen others.
Another kind of thrift store we frequent is our local Thrift Bakery where ‘day-old’ bread is half-priced. You may not shop at a Thrift Bakery; but that doesn’t mean you are not eating ‘day-old’ bread. Modern preservatives and innovate packaging allow us to keep a loaf of bread on our shelves for days! In the developing world where there is neither preservative nor packaging, bread goes stale overnight, and is thrown out to dogs or pigs the next day. When I lived in Afghanistan, we bought our bread (‘Nan’) hot and fresh every day right out of the baker’s clay oven. By next morning it was as hard as a rock.
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray for their daily bread, he spoke metaphorically as well as literally: He Himself was the bread of life, even the Bread which comes down from heaven (Jn. 6:33, 35). They knew He meant the ‘manna’ God had showered on their ancestors in the wilderness—fresh bread from heaven every morning for 40 years. But it had to be eaten that day—not saved. Any thrifty Jewish mother trying to save any found it spoiled overnight. God was teaching them at least two important lessons: 1) He provides all we need daily, and 2) He likes things “fresh.”
After our rebirth, we are told to walk in the newness of life (Ro. 6:4)! The word newness means something is never old—it is always fresh. When you walk in the newness of life, you will always have some fresh experience with the Lord, or a fresh slice of the Word to share with others. If your relationship with God seems stale at times, perhaps you're eating day-old bread. If you eat a daily serving of God’s fresh bread, not only will you be fresh, you will freshen others.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Why is Everyone Telling Us to “Wash Our Hands”?
When I was a child, my mother reminded me to wash my hands before coming to dinner. Now, with the onslaught of swine flu, even the President of the United States is telling me to wash my hands.
After David had sinned, he entreated God to “wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Ps. 51:7) Have you ever prayed that way? Be careful what you ask for. If you think David was asking for the gentle waters of a whirlpool, you’re wrong. The word ‘wash’ is not the word for bathing one’s body, but for washing one’s clothes. And in those days, as it still is today in the developing world, washing clothes was done by hand in the local river where clothes are beaten against the rocks to “separate” the dirt from the fabric. Our modern washing machines simulate this violent action on our garments.
Technically, we don't need to pray as David did because Jesus has pronounced us clean (Jn. 13:10; 15:3). But even though we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, our hearts can still get soiled by uncrucified flesh. So how can we keep our hearts clean? By washing with the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26). Though we find God's Word comforting, like the gentle action of a “rinse cycle,” at other times, the cleansing is more aggressive. Then the Word becomes like a sword that cuts deep into the fabric of our soul, separating the filthy flesh and purifying our spirit. (Heb. 4:12) But even then, it is done by Jesus with the tenderness of the groom washing His Bride that He might present her in all her glory, without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27)
When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He said “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.” (Jn. 13:10). When we were born again, we were cleansed by His blood, separated from the penalty and power of sin. But until we are completely separated from the presence of sin in this world, our hearts— “feet”—are going to get dirty. We will need to wash them in the Word every day. (1 Jn. 1:9) And don’t be surprised if every once in awhile God gives them a more thorough cleansing! I don’t think David was expecting the “gentle wash cycle.”
After David had sinned, he entreated God to “wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Ps. 51:7) Have you ever prayed that way? Be careful what you ask for. If you think David was asking for the gentle waters of a whirlpool, you’re wrong. The word ‘wash’ is not the word for bathing one’s body, but for washing one’s clothes. And in those days, as it still is today in the developing world, washing clothes was done by hand in the local river where clothes are beaten against the rocks to “separate” the dirt from the fabric. Our modern washing machines simulate this violent action on our garments.
Technically, we don't need to pray as David did because Jesus has pronounced us clean (Jn. 13:10; 15:3). But even though we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, our hearts can still get soiled by uncrucified flesh. So how can we keep our hearts clean? By washing with the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26). Though we find God's Word comforting, like the gentle action of a “rinse cycle,” at other times, the cleansing is more aggressive. Then the Word becomes like a sword that cuts deep into the fabric of our soul, separating the filthy flesh and purifying our spirit. (Heb. 4:12) But even then, it is done by Jesus with the tenderness of the groom washing His Bride that He might present her in all her glory, without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27)
When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He said “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.” (Jn. 13:10). When we were born again, we were cleansed by His blood, separated from the penalty and power of sin. But until we are completely separated from the presence of sin in this world, our hearts— “feet”—are going to get dirty. We will need to wash them in the Word every day. (1 Jn. 1:9) And don’t be surprised if every once in awhile God gives them a more thorough cleansing! I don’t think David was expecting the “gentle wash cycle.”
Friday, September 25, 2009
Who Wants to Spend Their Weekends Pulling Weeds?
This Tuesday was the first day of Fall—the rainy season will be here before you know it. On one hand, I'm glad I won't have to water the yard. But on the other hand, rain-soaked soil is going to germinate ‘weed seeds’ that have been dormant all summer! Over the next few months, these weeds are going to sprout and increase in number and size until they take over my plants and shrubs. I loathe the thought, but the day of reckoning (pulling weeds) is inescapable.
Do you remember Jesus’ parable on “sowing,” in which He says the Word of God is a seed (Luke 8:11)? Jesus illustrates how the seed planted in good soil (our receptive hearts) will sprout, spring up, grow and increase. Peter also uses this metaphor, saying we have been born of imperishable seed through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23). The problem is that when we were born again from this “living” seed, our hearts were already seeded and weeded with misbeliefs and unbelief. The uprooting of these weeds and replacing them with good seed is called “transformation.” (Ro. 12:2)
James explains that the transformation cannot be effective unless the Word is “engrafted.” (1:21) Used only this one time in the Bible, the word means to implant or embed. The seed must be deeply planted within the “soil” of a heart where it can sprout, spring up, and increase until it controls the mind, heals the emotions, and realigns the will. But for this to happen, the Word must be embedded, and remain there in a permanent fixed position long enough to be deeply rooted.
What is keeping the Word of God from “growing like a weed” in your heart? God’s powerful Word should be taking over and pushing out everything in its way. Perhaps you’ve been putting off the day when you will have to pull those weeds of unbelief from your heart to make room for new seeds of truth. Stop ignoring your weeds: the day of reckoning has arrived.
Do you remember Jesus’ parable on “sowing,” in which He says the Word of God is a seed (Luke 8:11)? Jesus illustrates how the seed planted in good soil (our receptive hearts) will sprout, spring up, grow and increase. Peter also uses this metaphor, saying we have been born of imperishable seed through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23). The problem is that when we were born again from this “living” seed, our hearts were already seeded and weeded with misbeliefs and unbelief. The uprooting of these weeds and replacing them with good seed is called “transformation.” (Ro. 12:2)
James explains that the transformation cannot be effective unless the Word is “engrafted.” (1:21) Used only this one time in the Bible, the word means to implant or embed. The seed must be deeply planted within the “soil” of a heart where it can sprout, spring up, and increase until it controls the mind, heals the emotions, and realigns the will. But for this to happen, the Word must be embedded, and remain there in a permanent fixed position long enough to be deeply rooted.
What is keeping the Word of God from “growing like a weed” in your heart? God’s powerful Word should be taking over and pushing out everything in its way. Perhaps you’ve been putting off the day when you will have to pull those weeds of unbelief from your heart to make room for new seeds of truth. Stop ignoring your weeds: the day of reckoning has arrived.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up!?
When I was growing up, television was brand new, making its mark on the Baby Boomer generation. Not surprisingly, game shows were common then as now. And one especially popular show was “To Tell the Truth.” Three panelists would ask questions to guess which of three contestants was telling the truth about his identity [an actor, scientist, doctor, athlete, etc]. After each panelist made his guess, the host would say “Will the real [John Doe] please stand up!”
We are seeing so many different versions of Jesus today, I want to shout “Will the real Jesus please stand up?” To social conservatives, He is a champion of the poor; to amoralists, all-loving and nonjudgmental; to prosperity teachers, a dream-maker; to new-agers, the personification of all that is good in us.
Do you know that Paul warns us about those preaching another Jesus (2 Co. 11:4)? Jesus Himself said many would come saying “I am the Christ,” misleading even the elect. (Mat 24:5, 24) Like me, you are probably convinced you could never be deceived. But we should avoid presumption, and heed Jesus’ words, even if for the sake of helping others more susceptible. How can anyone be sure they KNOW the real Jesus?
To be ‘known,’ Jesus must be ‘learned’ (Eph. 4:20). Isn’t that true in any relationship? We learn to know our spouses, over a lifetime of living with and loving them! And any friendship grows stale if there is not a continual learning about and from each other. If it is the same with Jesus, how do we ‘learn’ Him?
We learn Jesus by “hearing” the Word (Mat. 11:15; Rev. 2:7). Not enough to “hear” the Word, we must “do” the Word (James 1:22). And “doing” the Word requires "practice" (Phil. 4:9; 2 Pe. 1:10). And finally, we cannot continue to learn Jesus unless we “hold fast” to the things we have already learned (Rev. 3:11).
Let me assure you. If you make it your ambition to 'learn' Jesus (hearing, doing, practicing and holding fast to HIM who is the Word) you will NOT be like one of those panelists falling for the wrong person.
We are seeing so many different versions of Jesus today, I want to shout “Will the real Jesus please stand up?” To social conservatives, He is a champion of the poor; to amoralists, all-loving and nonjudgmental; to prosperity teachers, a dream-maker; to new-agers, the personification of all that is good in us.
Do you know that Paul warns us about those preaching another Jesus (2 Co. 11:4)? Jesus Himself said many would come saying “I am the Christ,” misleading even the elect. (Mat 24:5, 24) Like me, you are probably convinced you could never be deceived. But we should avoid presumption, and heed Jesus’ words, even if for the sake of helping others more susceptible. How can anyone be sure they KNOW the real Jesus?
To be ‘known,’ Jesus must be ‘learned’ (Eph. 4:20). Isn’t that true in any relationship? We learn to know our spouses, over a lifetime of living with and loving them! And any friendship grows stale if there is not a continual learning about and from each other. If it is the same with Jesus, how do we ‘learn’ Him?
We learn Jesus by “hearing” the Word (Mat. 11:15; Rev. 2:7). Not enough to “hear” the Word, we must “do” the Word (James 1:22). And “doing” the Word requires "practice" (Phil. 4:9; 2 Pe. 1:10). And finally, we cannot continue to learn Jesus unless we “hold fast” to the things we have already learned (Rev. 3:11).
Let me assure you. If you make it your ambition to 'learn' Jesus (hearing, doing, practicing and holding fast to HIM who is the Word) you will NOT be like one of those panelists falling for the wrong person.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
How Can You Minister to People Who don’t Want to Change?
I lived in Afghanistan for almost two years. While there, I traveled to remote villages as an invited guest to my students’ homes. And though the Peace Corps cautioned us against it (because of such strong cultural differences), I lived with an Afghan family. Since I am intimately acquainted with the culture of this country, I am more than the casual observer of events there.
Recently, I read a statement by a U.S. commander who said ‘walking through Afghanistan is like walking through the Old Testament.’ I can attest to that. People live today as they have for centuries. And most Afghans outside of Kabul are very isolated from the outside world. They have been ruled for centuries by local ‘heads of clan,’ called warlords. I can assure you these warlords do not want to change! As America and its allies attempt to develop a successful strategy in Afghanistan they must answer this question: How do you help people who don’t want to change and may not even like you for trying?
Then in this morning’s Mercury I read: “Bristling with impatience, Obama sternly prodded Israel and Palestinian leaders to re-launch Mideast peace negations…” Of course for this to happen, these two countries will have to change. It is unlikely to happen; neither one wants to.
Whether global or personal, it is the same. Who doesn’t know the frustration of trying to help someone who doesn’t believe he needs help. I am quite sure that in your own sphere of influence even right now you are experiencing this frustration—perhaps as a parent, or spouse, or close friend. Do you feel like giving up? I am sure that you, like me, would prefer helping people who are responsive and grateful for your concern.
What is my point? Helping people will always cost you—in ways you can’t anticipate. How will you handle the reality that others don’t want to change and don’t want your help? Will you give up and walk away? Will you lose control and blow up? Whether it’s ungrateful Afghans, stubborn Palestinians, feckless Pakistanis, or just annoying neighbors, the hardest thing you will ever do is love someone who doesn’t even like you let alone appreciate how you may be trying to help them.
Reflect on the words of Peter: “Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. Christ is your example. Follow in his steps. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. He did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Peter 3:9; 2:20-23 NLT, abbreviated)
We would all like to see the fruit of our labor more quickly. But the reality is long-standing, entrenched patterns of thought and behavior change slowly. Don’t get angry. Don’t give up! God never gave up on you.
Recently, I read a statement by a U.S. commander who said ‘walking through Afghanistan is like walking through the Old Testament.’ I can attest to that. People live today as they have for centuries. And most Afghans outside of Kabul are very isolated from the outside world. They have been ruled for centuries by local ‘heads of clan,’ called warlords. I can assure you these warlords do not want to change! As America and its allies attempt to develop a successful strategy in Afghanistan they must answer this question: How do you help people who don’t want to change and may not even like you for trying?
Then in this morning’s Mercury I read: “Bristling with impatience, Obama sternly prodded Israel and Palestinian leaders to re-launch Mideast peace negations…” Of course for this to happen, these two countries will have to change. It is unlikely to happen; neither one wants to.
Whether global or personal, it is the same. Who doesn’t know the frustration of trying to help someone who doesn’t believe he needs help. I am quite sure that in your own sphere of influence even right now you are experiencing this frustration—perhaps as a parent, or spouse, or close friend. Do you feel like giving up? I am sure that you, like me, would prefer helping people who are responsive and grateful for your concern.
What is my point? Helping people will always cost you—in ways you can’t anticipate. How will you handle the reality that others don’t want to change and don’t want your help? Will you give up and walk away? Will you lose control and blow up? Whether it’s ungrateful Afghans, stubborn Palestinians, feckless Pakistanis, or just annoying neighbors, the hardest thing you will ever do is love someone who doesn’t even like you let alone appreciate how you may be trying to help them.
Reflect on the words of Peter: “Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. Christ is your example. Follow in his steps. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. He did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Peter 3:9; 2:20-23 NLT, abbreviated)
We would all like to see the fruit of our labor more quickly. But the reality is long-standing, entrenched patterns of thought and behavior change slowly. Don’t get angry. Don’t give up! God never gave up on you.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Are You Trying to Make God Fit Your Image?
Marriage counselor for 25 years, and a student (undergraduate) of my own marriage for the same time, I speak with confidence when I say this. In the beginning of marriage, husbands and wives endeavor to conform their partners to meet their expectations! In time, healthy partners recognize the self-centeredness of this ‘goal’, and begin to accept one another, making adjustments as necessary.
This selfish desire to conform others to “fit” us is not limited to marriage. Parents do this with their children as well, struggling to fashion them into the persons they want them to be.
Even worse, we conform God to fit our ideals of Him. For example, if we are unable to reconcile parts of God's character, i.e., His wrath with His love, we underplay the former and overstate the latter. And if challenged with our inconsistencies, we say “Well, that’s not the kind of God I believe in,” in effect making God fit our own image.
Do you believe it is possible to really know God? A.W. Tozer says “we are made in God’s image, [and] have within us the capacity to know Him.” That's not to say it's easy! Plumbing the depths of God’s Person is not for the faint of heart! God is NOT like us—“You thought I was like you” (Ps. 50:21) but “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways" (Isa. 55:8).
Through relationships God teaches us about differences, called "otherness." Just as our spouses are "other" than us, God is “Other” than us. But, thankfully, He promises He will be known (John 14:21). A great freedom will be ours when we explore the “Otherness” of God (as well as our spouses) and stop trying to make Him, and them, fit our image!
This selfish desire to conform others to “fit” us is not limited to marriage. Parents do this with their children as well, struggling to fashion them into the persons they want them to be.
Even worse, we conform God to fit our ideals of Him. For example, if we are unable to reconcile parts of God's character, i.e., His wrath with His love, we underplay the former and overstate the latter. And if challenged with our inconsistencies, we say “Well, that’s not the kind of God I believe in,” in effect making God fit our own image.
Do you believe it is possible to really know God? A.W. Tozer says “we are made in God’s image, [and] have within us the capacity to know Him.” That's not to say it's easy! Plumbing the depths of God’s Person is not for the faint of heart! God is NOT like us—“You thought I was like you” (Ps. 50:21) but “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways" (Isa. 55:8).
Through relationships God teaches us about differences, called "otherness." Just as our spouses are "other" than us, God is “Other” than us. But, thankfully, He promises He will be known (John 14:21). A great freedom will be ours when we explore the “Otherness” of God (as well as our spouses) and stop trying to make Him, and them, fit our image!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Every Disciple of Jesus Should Gain ‘Weight’
Most of my adult life, I’ve had to work at maintaining my proper weight. Speaking genetically, I have ‘fat genes’ (not ‘jeans’) which cannot be indulged! But as long as I eat nutritionally I am OK.
The Word of God is rich, nourishing food for the spirit and soul—promoting a spiritual vitality. Even as a person who fails to eat right can be physically weak and ill, so those who neglect to consume the Word will be spiritually underdeveloped and anemic, consequently, failing to reflect the innate glory of the new creation.
In both Hebrew and Greek the word “glory” means to be ‘heavy’ or ‘weighty.’ If someone has a lot of authority or celebrity, we say idiomatically that person “carries a lot of weight.” They have a big reputation; they are held in high esteem, honor, and perhaps majesty (kings are more ‘glorious’, more weighty than paupers). Spiritually speaking, the more we feast on the Word, the greater we manifest this innate glory. (Don't worry about eating too much; it's impossible to gain too much of this 'weight'.)
Jesus prayed He would be glorified in His disciples. How do we glorify Jesus? We bear His image (which is in us). As others see Him, they see His glory: He is glorified. Paul says we grow in this as we “behold Jesus,” and are increasingly “transformed into [His] image from glory to glory.” (1 Cor. 3:18) The question before us is this: are you feeding your ‘fat spiritual genes?’ Are you gaining in this ‘weightiness’? Can you say: I count all things loss that I may gain Christ (Phil. 3:8)?
The Word of God is rich, nourishing food for the spirit and soul—promoting a spiritual vitality. Even as a person who fails to eat right can be physically weak and ill, so those who neglect to consume the Word will be spiritually underdeveloped and anemic, consequently, failing to reflect the innate glory of the new creation.
In both Hebrew and Greek the word “glory” means to be ‘heavy’ or ‘weighty.’ If someone has a lot of authority or celebrity, we say idiomatically that person “carries a lot of weight.” They have a big reputation; they are held in high esteem, honor, and perhaps majesty (kings are more ‘glorious’, more weighty than paupers). Spiritually speaking, the more we feast on the Word, the greater we manifest this innate glory. (Don't worry about eating too much; it's impossible to gain too much of this 'weight'.)
Jesus prayed He would be glorified in His disciples. How do we glorify Jesus? We bear His image (which is in us). As others see Him, they see His glory: He is glorified. Paul says we grow in this as we “behold Jesus,” and are increasingly “transformed into [His] image from glory to glory.” (1 Cor. 3:18) The question before us is this: are you feeding your ‘fat spiritual genes?’ Are you gaining in this ‘weightiness’? Can you say: I count all things loss that I may gain Christ (Phil. 3:8)?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Just Desserts or Just Deserts?
Last year when I had finished the first draft of my book, I asked my friend Janet to proof it for me. One of the first spelling errors she found was the word “dessert.” In a chapter on Israel’s trek through the Wilderness, I misspelled “desert” as “dessert,” giving the impression Israel had travelled 40 years through layers of chocolate cake. The words desert (arid land) and dessert (something sweet after a meal) are distinguished only by the additional ‘s’ in the latter.
In San Francisco, there is a restaurant called “Just Desserts.” The name is a pun, implying they only serve desserts— just desserts; or, the name suggests you deserve a sweet treat—a just reward.
When you are going through a desert experience, you persuade yourself you don’t “deserve” this—you are receiving an unjust dessert. Be careful. You will hear a little voice from your flesh saying “God is just giving me deserts”—just deserts! Or the opposite—you will say “God must be giving me what I deserve”— this must be my just dessert.
Then you will hear a voice “you deserve to treat yourself.” By rewarding yourself you will gain temporary relief. But do not be overtaken by such wrong thinking. Instead consider Jesus: During His worst desert experience, He focused on the joy of presenting His Father a just dessert (Heb. 12:2). Doesn’t our Heavenly Father deserve the same from us?
In San Francisco, there is a restaurant called “Just Desserts.” The name is a pun, implying they only serve desserts— just desserts; or, the name suggests you deserve a sweet treat—a just reward.
When you are going through a desert experience, you persuade yourself you don’t “deserve” this—you are receiving an unjust dessert. Be careful. You will hear a little voice from your flesh saying “God is just giving me deserts”—just deserts! Or the opposite—you will say “God must be giving me what I deserve”— this must be my just dessert.
Then you will hear a voice “you deserve to treat yourself.” By rewarding yourself you will gain temporary relief. But do not be overtaken by such wrong thinking. Instead consider Jesus: During His worst desert experience, He focused on the joy of presenting His Father a just dessert (Heb. 12:2). Doesn’t our Heavenly Father deserve the same from us?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
USA Today asks “What Happened to Civility?”
A United State House member calls the President a liar; a tennis star explodes into an expletive-laced tirade against a line judge; and a famous rapper rushes the stage of an award ceremony, grabs the microphone from the winner, and proclaims another should have won.
The surprise is not that these people were offensive, but that the offenses occurred in a forum where there was a breach of etiquette—they were uncivil. The USA Today journalist quotes an expert who claims the increase in uncivil behavior is related to the Internet, which has changed how people talk to each other. With the speed of light, anyone can give vent to their feelings! And this “say-what-you-think-at-all-costs” manner of expression is finding its way into people’s conversation and conduct.
Two thousand years ago, New Testament writers Paul, Peter and Jude warned against a breakdown of civility in the last days—self-willed, despising government, and speaking evil of those in authority (Titus 1:7, 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8). A “self-willed” person is one who asserts his own rights but is reckless to those of others. “Speaking evil” is a compound verb: hurt + reputation = to defame.
We must watch our hearts lest we become mired in the attitude of the day. After his description of these uncivil behaviors, Paul says those who are entrusted with God's work must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not violent, loving what is good, self-controlled, subjecting ourselves to the authorities and even praying for them. We are not to malign anyone nor be contentious, but gentle and considerate of all men. (Titus 1:7-8; 3:1-2)
Let these recent uncivil events remind us to us to remain vigilant against the spirit of incivility that is in the world today.
The surprise is not that these people were offensive, but that the offenses occurred in a forum where there was a breach of etiquette—they were uncivil. The USA Today journalist quotes an expert who claims the increase in uncivil behavior is related to the Internet, which has changed how people talk to each other. With the speed of light, anyone can give vent to their feelings! And this “say-what-you-think-at-all-costs” manner of expression is finding its way into people’s conversation and conduct.
Two thousand years ago, New Testament writers Paul, Peter and Jude warned against a breakdown of civility in the last days—self-willed, despising government, and speaking evil of those in authority (Titus 1:7, 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8). A “self-willed” person is one who asserts his own rights but is reckless to those of others. “Speaking evil” is a compound verb: hurt + reputation = to defame.
We must watch our hearts lest we become mired in the attitude of the day. After his description of these uncivil behaviors, Paul says those who are entrusted with God's work must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not violent, loving what is good, self-controlled, subjecting ourselves to the authorities and even praying for them. We are not to malign anyone nor be contentious, but gentle and considerate of all men. (Titus 1:7-8; 3:1-2)
Let these recent uncivil events remind us to us to remain vigilant against the spirit of incivility that is in the world today.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Do You Pray Before You Plan?
Both our son and daughter are just starting out in life: they have lots of plans and dreams. This is normal and a good thing. Of course it isn’t only young people who make plans. Entering our retirement years, Altha and I too are ‘making plans.’ And my parents who are in their 80’s are making plans for their years ahead. But, we must be careful for it is all too common even for Christians to plan first, and pray later.
James says “Look here, you people who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year...’ How do you know what will happen tomorrow? ...What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”’ (James 4:13-15)
There is nothing wrong with making plans. But, once you have given your life to Christ, He expects your priorities to change. Jesus said “Seek first His kingdom…” (Matt. 6:33) In Luke’s gospel, we see how “busy” men responded to Jesus’ when He called them to discipleship. They said, “Let me first…and then I will…” THEY HAD ALREADY MADE THEIR PLANS.
As you make plans for your future, don't forget good planning is preceded by plenty of prayer.
James says “Look here, you people who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year...’ How do you know what will happen tomorrow? ...What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”’ (James 4:13-15)
There is nothing wrong with making plans. But, once you have given your life to Christ, He expects your priorities to change. Jesus said “Seek first His kingdom…” (Matt. 6:33) In Luke’s gospel, we see how “busy” men responded to Jesus’ when He called them to discipleship. They said, “Let me first…and then I will…” THEY HAD ALREADY MADE THEIR PLANS.
As you make plans for your future, don't forget good planning is preceded by plenty of prayer.
Monday, September 14, 2009
God Wants Children Who Look Like Him!
I just received an email from a friend with a picture of his newborn grandson, the most beautiful thing ever born, according to him. I have a feeling that is how God thinks of his newborns too! And because God is perfect, He wants His ‘sons’ (generically speaking) to bear His image! (Gen 1:26). Adam was made to look like God in personality, intellect, emotions, and will. And thereafter, to reproduce this divine image in his progeny. Unfortunately after Adam sinned, he lost God’s likeness, and reproduced a broken image.
But God’s plan was not to be thwarted—through His only begotten Son Jesus, God carried out His plan of having ‘sons’ made after His image. “For whom God foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Ro. 8:29).
Perhaps you think it is impossible that you, with all you flaws, can be changed into His likeness. Have hope. A new identity is your birthright (John 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:17), setting in motion a process whereby you increasingly assume the image of Jesus as you exchange your old self-image for the new self (Eph. 4:23-24). But God’s image does not begin by DOing but by SEEing.
Ray Stedman explains: We think that we have to change the way we act in order to be different; God says ‘no,’ I have made you different, and when you believe it [see it] you will automatically change the way you act. It is a new self-image that delivers us.
God thinks you are beautiful. He has put His own nature inside you so that you will bear His image. Why not begin today to SEE yourself as God does. What do you have to lose? (just your old self-image.)
But God’s plan was not to be thwarted—through His only begotten Son Jesus, God carried out His plan of having ‘sons’ made after His image. “For whom God foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Ro. 8:29).
Perhaps you think it is impossible that you, with all you flaws, can be changed into His likeness. Have hope. A new identity is your birthright (John 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:17), setting in motion a process whereby you increasingly assume the image of Jesus as you exchange your old self-image for the new self (Eph. 4:23-24). But God’s image does not begin by DOing but by SEEing.
Ray Stedman explains: We think that we have to change the way we act in order to be different; God says ‘no,’ I have made you different, and when you believe it [see it] you will automatically change the way you act. It is a new self-image that delivers us.
God thinks you are beautiful. He has put His own nature inside you so that you will bear His image. Why not begin today to SEE yourself as God does. What do you have to lose? (just your old self-image.)
Friday, September 11, 2009
"Pick Up Your Cross"
Crucifixion was quite common in the Roman world—used for military enemies, violent criminals, robbers and slaves. So when Jesus told the disciples to “pick up your cross,” did they interpret it metaphorically, a commitment worth dying for? Did they understand it was a sentence of death to their self-life? What does “your cross” mean to you?
I think a lot of Christians define their cross as bearing up under a difficult relationship, circumstance, handicap, or a deprivation. They say “this is my cross to bear.” This is only partially true. “Your cross” is not an external thing. “Your cross” is a heart work. As your ‘reaction’ to these circumstances brings out the worst in you, you give up your right to have things the way you want.
Jesus knew He would die a painful death one day on a cross for of our sins. He lived His entire life under this death sentenced. "Dead man walking" is a term that is used in our penal system when someone who is sentenced to death is on their way to be executed—their last walk. As Jesus walked to Calvary, He was under the “sentence of death.” But after He died and was buried, He rose to new life—not only for Himself but for all who died with Him that day. And now we are alive in Christ.
When you pick up your cross and follow Jesus, you are agreeing to keep your flesh under the sentence of death, that you might live every day alive in Christ! “Your cross” is the path to abundant life.
"I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).
I think a lot of Christians define their cross as bearing up under a difficult relationship, circumstance, handicap, or a deprivation. They say “this is my cross to bear.” This is only partially true. “Your cross” is not an external thing. “Your cross” is a heart work. As your ‘reaction’ to these circumstances brings out the worst in you, you give up your right to have things the way you want.
Jesus knew He would die a painful death one day on a cross for of our sins. He lived His entire life under this death sentenced. "Dead man walking" is a term that is used in our penal system when someone who is sentenced to death is on their way to be executed—their last walk. As Jesus walked to Calvary, He was under the “sentence of death.” But after He died and was buried, He rose to new life—not only for Himself but for all who died with Him that day. And now we are alive in Christ.
When you pick up your cross and follow Jesus, you are agreeing to keep your flesh under the sentence of death, that you might live every day alive in Christ! “Your cross” is the path to abundant life.
"I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Do You Have an “H” in your name?
I do not go by my first name, which is Harold, though I do use the letter H, as in “H. Greg.” For this reason, I was amused in discovering the meaning of the Hebrew letter “H.”
In Hebrew culture, names signified character and purpose. Notably, when God changed someone's name, He was altering identity, character and function. Accordingly, then, God changed Abram to Abraham—“high father" to "father of multitudes,” and Sarai to Sarah—“my princess” to “mother of nations” (Gen. 17:15). In both, their names were changed by the adding the letter “h” (the letter “hay” in Hebrew).
The letter “h” represents holiness—when Jewish people write God's name, they abbreviate it (because you are not allowed to write it out) with the “hay” letter with an apostrophe. What’s more, the Hebrew letter "h" (because of its sound) signifies the BREATH of God. [Just try to pronounce the “h” sound (as in holy) without expelling any air!] Amazingly, the Hebrew word “spirit” also means “breath”/“air.” When God “breathed” into Adam the “breath of life” (His Spirit), he became a living being. Just as Adam had no life apart from God’s breath, so Abraham and Sarah could not accomplish God’s work without the same.
God could have used a "p" or a "t", but He didn't! I would like to suggest that by adding an “h” to their names, God was not only proclaiming their new roles, but revealing He would impart His life to them that they might become the Father and Mother of nations. Likewise, you and I will not be able to do the work God created us to do without an “h” in our name!
It is the Spirit who gives life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. (John 6:63 NLT)
In Hebrew culture, names signified character and purpose. Notably, when God changed someone's name, He was altering identity, character and function. Accordingly, then, God changed Abram to Abraham—“high father" to "father of multitudes,” and Sarai to Sarah—“my princess” to “mother of nations” (Gen. 17:15). In both, their names were changed by the adding the letter “h” (the letter “hay” in Hebrew).
The letter “h” represents holiness—when Jewish people write God's name, they abbreviate it (because you are not allowed to write it out) with the “hay” letter with an apostrophe. What’s more, the Hebrew letter "h" (because of its sound) signifies the BREATH of God. [Just try to pronounce the “h” sound (as in holy) without expelling any air!] Amazingly, the Hebrew word “spirit” also means “breath”/“air.” When God “breathed” into Adam the “breath of life” (His Spirit), he became a living being. Just as Adam had no life apart from God’s breath, so Abraham and Sarah could not accomplish God’s work without the same.
God could have used a "p" or a "t", but He didn't! I would like to suggest that by adding an “h” to their names, God was not only proclaiming their new roles, but revealing He would impart His life to them that they might become the Father and Mother of nations. Likewise, you and I will not be able to do the work God created us to do without an “h” in our name!
It is the Spirit who gives life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. (John 6:63 NLT)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Was Jesus a Non-Conformist?
I spent most of my young adult years as an alleged non-conformist. Ironically, I was just conforming to counter culture. None of us is immune to the influence of our society's customs and beliefs. In every age, a great threat to the people of God was conformity to the age they lived in!
In Paul’s well-known “Be not conformed to this world,” the word “conform” is the same word for “fashion” (Ro. 12:2). As everyone knows, fashions are fickle. If defined by “fashion,” people end up with nothing but insecurity, vanity, and a closet full of out-of-date clothes! But Paul was not talking of apparel. He was warning against fashioning one’s mind (values, beliefs, ethics) after the world’s ways of thinking, which are just as fleeting as yesterday’s garments. Is this not, in part, what John meant by “the things of this world are passing away” (1 John 2:16)?
A few years ago, I asked the Lord to show me how I was being affected, albeit unknowingly, by my culture—American movies, television, music, ideals, values, and morals. If you and I are not vigilant to watch how the world’s values and fashions are affecting us, we may reach the end of our journey on earth and realize we had been conformed to this world. We must watch and pray!
Jesus was not affected by the mores, traditions, or fashions of His day. Not because he was a non-conformist—but because He was not of this world.
In Paul’s well-known “Be not conformed to this world,” the word “conform” is the same word for “fashion” (Ro. 12:2). As everyone knows, fashions are fickle. If defined by “fashion,” people end up with nothing but insecurity, vanity, and a closet full of out-of-date clothes! But Paul was not talking of apparel. He was warning against fashioning one’s mind (values, beliefs, ethics) after the world’s ways of thinking, which are just as fleeting as yesterday’s garments. Is this not, in part, what John meant by “the things of this world are passing away” (1 John 2:16)?
A few years ago, I asked the Lord to show me how I was being affected, albeit unknowingly, by my culture—American movies, television, music, ideals, values, and morals. If you and I are not vigilant to watch how the world’s values and fashions are affecting us, we may reach the end of our journey on earth and realize we had been conformed to this world. We must watch and pray!
Jesus was not affected by the mores, traditions, or fashions of His day. Not because he was a non-conformist—but because He was not of this world.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
From “I” to “We”
When Altha and I first got married, it took me awhile to transition from “I” to "we." As “two become one,” I was no longer the individual and independent “Greg” I had been. Easier said than done—I was accustomed to working alone! Similarly, Paul’s often-quoted words “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20) can be mystifying. You ask “where am ‘I’ in this new relationship?"
If you read this blog regularly, you know that the “no longer I” is the “old self” that was crucified with Christ (Ro. 6:6). However, “Christ lives in me” can be perplexing. Rightfully, you ask what the “me” in this relationship is. Is this like the aliens in the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers?” Can Paul mean Christ has taken over his body, destroying free will and thought, obliterating his personality?
No, Paul is expressing that “I” has become a “we.” It is the unique partnership expressed by Paul in Ephesians 2:10. “We” work together: He in me (“I” am His workmanship) so that “I” can do what He created me to do. Unless His Spirit works to bring me to the end of my ‘self,’ I can do nothing.
The “old self” is dead. The “new self” is born. We do not exist independent of Him anymore. Paul explains: “For to me to live is Christ” and “Christ is our life” (Phil 1:21; Col. 3:4). “No longer I” does not mean you have lost your identity; it means you have found a new one—from “I” to “we.” And “Christ in me” means He is filling your life increasingly with Himself until you have no life apart from Him.
Are you consciously making the transition from “I” to "we"?
If you read this blog regularly, you know that the “no longer I” is the “old self” that was crucified with Christ (Ro. 6:6). However, “Christ lives in me” can be perplexing. Rightfully, you ask what the “me” in this relationship is. Is this like the aliens in the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers?” Can Paul mean Christ has taken over his body, destroying free will and thought, obliterating his personality?
No, Paul is expressing that “I” has become a “we.” It is the unique partnership expressed by Paul in Ephesians 2:10. “We” work together: He in me (“I” am His workmanship) so that “I” can do what He created me to do. Unless His Spirit works to bring me to the end of my ‘self,’ I can do nothing.
The “old self” is dead. The “new self” is born. We do not exist independent of Him anymore. Paul explains: “For to me to live is Christ” and “Christ is our life” (Phil 1:21; Col. 3:4). “No longer I” does not mean you have lost your identity; it means you have found a new one—from “I” to “we.” And “Christ in me” means He is filling your life increasingly with Himself until you have no life apart from Him.
Are you consciously making the transition from “I” to "we"?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Do You Have the Monday Blahs?
As I drove down the freeway the other day, a billboard caught my attention. At first, I could only see the top half which said “Beat the Blah Out of Monday.” I wondered, as I came nearer to the billboard, what the bottom half of the message would be! Then I saw it: “Watch Monday Night Football.”
The psychology of the advertisement is hard to miss. When you are feeling bored or even a little depressed, start looking forward to something better. Speaking as a Biblical counselor, I can tell you the downside to this philosophy. If the thing you are looking forward to doesn’t meet your expectations, then you will be set up for disappointment and more depression. Even if it does relieve your boredom, it will only be temporary—and you will soon be looking for the next stimulating event.
The way to avoid this roller coaster effect in our lives is to look forward to something permanent—an undeviating mindset! Abraham looked forward to the “city build by God” (Heb. 11:10). Moses looked forward to an eternal reward (Heb. 11:26). Paul looked forward to the “things above” (Col. 3:2). Jesus looked forward to the “joy set before Him” (Heb 12:2).
Yes, we can validate the psychology of the billboard’s message. But it isn’t Monday Night Football that will get you through the day (what if your team loses?). It must be something more reliable than that. The cure for your Monday blahs is “looking forward to what lies ahead… the end of the race… the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).
The psychology of the advertisement is hard to miss. When you are feeling bored or even a little depressed, start looking forward to something better. Speaking as a Biblical counselor, I can tell you the downside to this philosophy. If the thing you are looking forward to doesn’t meet your expectations, then you will be set up for disappointment and more depression. Even if it does relieve your boredom, it will only be temporary—and you will soon be looking for the next stimulating event.
The way to avoid this roller coaster effect in our lives is to look forward to something permanent—an undeviating mindset! Abraham looked forward to the “city build by God” (Heb. 11:10). Moses looked forward to an eternal reward (Heb. 11:26). Paul looked forward to the “things above” (Col. 3:2). Jesus looked forward to the “joy set before Him” (Heb 12:2).
Yes, we can validate the psychology of the billboard’s message. But it isn’t Monday Night Football that will get you through the day (what if your team loses?). It must be something more reliable than that. The cure for your Monday blahs is “looking forward to what lies ahead… the end of the race… the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Way of the Cross, by Zac Poonen
Jesus, as our Forerunner (One Who has run the same race ahead of us), has opened a way for us to enter the Father's presence and dwell there all the time. This way is called "the new and living way" (Heb.10:20).
Paul speaks of it as "always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus" (2 Cor.4:10). He once said, as his personal testimony, that he was crucified with Christ and lived himself no longer. It was Christ that now lived in him because he himself had died on Calvary. This was the secret of his amazing life and usefulness to God.
Jesus once said that no one would be able to follow Him, unless he decided to deny himself DAILY and to die to himself DAILY (Lk.9:23). It is impossible to follow Jesus if we don't deny ourselves daily. We may be cleansed in Christ's blood, have received the Holy Spirit and have a deep knowledge of the Word. But if we don't die to ourselves daily, we cannot follow the Lord Jesus.
The way of the cross is the way of spiritual progress. If you are not overcoming sins like anger, irritation, impatience, lustful thinking, dishonesty, jealousy, malice, bitterness, and the love of money etc., the answer lies here: You have avoided the way of the cross. A dead man does not stand up for his rights. He does not fight back. He does not care about his reputation. He will not take revenge. He cannot hate anyone or have a bitterness against anyone. This is what it means to die to Self.
[The foregoing is in excerpt from: http://www.cfcindia.com/web/mainpages/word_for_the_week.php?display=01_05&year=06]
Paul speaks of it as "always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus" (2 Cor.4:10). He once said, as his personal testimony, that he was crucified with Christ and lived himself no longer. It was Christ that now lived in him because he himself had died on Calvary. This was the secret of his amazing life and usefulness to God.
Jesus once said that no one would be able to follow Him, unless he decided to deny himself DAILY and to die to himself DAILY (Lk.9:23). It is impossible to follow Jesus if we don't deny ourselves daily. We may be cleansed in Christ's blood, have received the Holy Spirit and have a deep knowledge of the Word. But if we don't die to ourselves daily, we cannot follow the Lord Jesus.
The way of the cross is the way of spiritual progress. If you are not overcoming sins like anger, irritation, impatience, lustful thinking, dishonesty, jealousy, malice, bitterness, and the love of money etc., the answer lies here: You have avoided the way of the cross. A dead man does not stand up for his rights. He does not fight back. He does not care about his reputation. He will not take revenge. He cannot hate anyone or have a bitterness against anyone. This is what it means to die to Self.
[The foregoing is in excerpt from: http://www.cfcindia.com/web/mainpages/word_for_the_week.php?display=01_05&year=06]
Thursday, September 3, 2009
There Are No Shortcuts on the Freeway to Faith, but Lots of Wrong Exits
I was caravanning with my son-in-law last week, following behind him when he abruptly exited the crowded freeway and took a shortcut. His “shortcut” caused us to reach our destination ten minutes later than if we had stayed on the freeway. I understood his impatience: we were in a hurry! Besides, I have done the same thing myself many times! As a young man, I too was always looking for shortcuts. But that youthful enthusiasm was transferred to my spiritual jouney. And as a young believer, I thought I could shortcut the road to mature faith.
Mature faith is developed by patience. That's how it was with Abraham, wasn't it? Already an old man when God called him, God still made him wait another twenty-five years for the promised son. With the passage of time, God tests our faith and builds our character: faith matures.
I have become used to seeing impatience in the young men I mentor. Isn’t that how Satan tried to tempt the young Jesus? Promising Jesus all of the kingdoms of the earth if He would bow down and worship him, Satan was offering Jesus a quicker way to the things He had been promised. It is still Satan’s strategy: persuading us we can shortcut the process.
The Scriptures are full of exhortations to wait on God, but not one that tells us to hurry. People in a hurry risk taking a wrong exit off the freeway of faith, looking for a shortcut to success! “Patience…is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” (Heb. 10:36 NLT)
Mature faith is developed by patience. That's how it was with Abraham, wasn't it? Already an old man when God called him, God still made him wait another twenty-five years for the promised son. With the passage of time, God tests our faith and builds our character: faith matures.
I have become used to seeing impatience in the young men I mentor. Isn’t that how Satan tried to tempt the young Jesus? Promising Jesus all of the kingdoms of the earth if He would bow down and worship him, Satan was offering Jesus a quicker way to the things He had been promised. It is still Satan’s strategy: persuading us we can shortcut the process.
The Scriptures are full of exhortations to wait on God, but not one that tells us to hurry. People in a hurry risk taking a wrong exit off the freeway of faith, looking for a shortcut to success! “Patience…is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” (Heb. 10:36 NLT)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
"Aliens in the Attic"
I enjoy a good sci-fi movie. And sometimes a not-so-good one like “Aliens in the Attic” that was in theaters three weeks ago. No surprise it’s already gone! But still, a great title for a Blog post! When Peter used the word “alien” to describe Christians (1 Peter 2:11), could he have known that 2,000 years later “aliens” would also refer to extraterrestrial beings?
The word “aliens” is fitting—after all, we are extraterrestrial: not of this world, as Jesus said speaking of Himself and us (John 17:14). The word “again” in the phrase “born again,” is an adverb of “time” OR “place.” As such, it can be translated “from above”—born “from above.” Later, Paul said “set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2), being mindful of, and loyal to, our “home planet.”
In the aforementioned movie, the aliens lived in the attic. (Just as we, who are aliens in this world, should occupy the space “above.”) But guess what? The aliens went downstairs. (The pull of downstairs is strong, isn't it?!) Now I am not being true to the plot of the movie, but imagine this: at first, the aliens tell themselves it’s OK to go downstairs to look around—after all, they must be familiar with the culture. Well-intentioned as it may be, it’s not long before the aliens are spending more time downstairs than upstairs! Eventually, they become acclimated to life on earth, developing deep friendships and attachments. (Of course, by now you know I’m really talking about us.)
Now I know that every analogy has its limits. But in context of this illustration, reflect on Peter’s words: “Dear brothers and sisters, you are ALIENS here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.”
The word “aliens” is fitting—after all, we are extraterrestrial: not of this world, as Jesus said speaking of Himself and us (John 17:14). The word “again” in the phrase “born again,” is an adverb of “time” OR “place.” As such, it can be translated “from above”—born “from above.” Later, Paul said “set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2), being mindful of, and loyal to, our “home planet.”
In the aforementioned movie, the aliens lived in the attic. (Just as we, who are aliens in this world, should occupy the space “above.”) But guess what? The aliens went downstairs. (The pull of downstairs is strong, isn't it?!) Now I am not being true to the plot of the movie, but imagine this: at first, the aliens tell themselves it’s OK to go downstairs to look around—after all, they must be familiar with the culture. Well-intentioned as it may be, it’s not long before the aliens are spending more time downstairs than upstairs! Eventually, they become acclimated to life on earth, developing deep friendships and attachments. (Of course, by now you know I’m really talking about us.)
Now I know that every analogy has its limits. But in context of this illustration, reflect on Peter’s words: “Dear brothers and sisters, you are ALIENS here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.”
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
How Does God Measure Success?
In the 11th chapter of Hebrews we find the Old Testament “hall of fame” for men and women of great faith, from Abel to Abraham, from David to all the prophets. This inventory of great ones includes a group of unnamed who were tortured, persecuted, beaten, thrown into prison, destitute, wandering in deserts, living in caves and holes in the ground, having died without receiving the promise (11:36-39). These unnamed heroes of faith reveal how God measures success.
They gained approval through their faith, without which they could not have pleased God. (11: 6,39)
God is honored when His children want nothing but to please Him, when they are satisfied with Him alone. in John Piper’s words, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."
God is pleased when you are content with what you have, sometimes testing your contentment by withholding “things.” He is pleased when he sees you doing your work as unto Him, whether or not you receive that promotion or salary increase. God is pleased when you have peace about your finances, in spite of losses in your portfolio.
The heroes of faith of the Old Testament believed that God is [enough] and knowing Him and pleasing Him was the only reward they sought. (11:6)
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him boast about this: that he understands and knows Me. (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
They gained approval through their faith, without which they could not have pleased God. (11: 6,39)
God is honored when His children want nothing but to please Him, when they are satisfied with Him alone. in John Piper’s words, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."
God is pleased when you are content with what you have, sometimes testing your contentment by withholding “things.” He is pleased when he sees you doing your work as unto Him, whether or not you receive that promotion or salary increase. God is pleased when you have peace about your finances, in spite of losses in your portfolio.
The heroes of faith of the Old Testament believed that God is [enough] and knowing Him and pleasing Him was the only reward they sought. (11:6)
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him boast about this: that he understands and knows Me. (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
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