Occupiers are Holding Fast

You probably think I’m really “milking” this “Occupy” movement, but it is so loaded with analogies, I can’t help myself. Yesterday, writing about the apparent dementia that affects the rank and file of Bible believing Christians, I quoted Hebrews 2:1, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we [our thoughts] do not drift away.”

Significantly, the Greek word translated "pay attention" means "to turn the mind to or to occupy oneself with a thing or thought." The believers to whom the author was writing had heard the gospel, but didn’t occupy themselves with their new-found faith; they were in danger of drifting away, or, in my words, “losing their minds.”

Though the various cities around the country are attempting to evict “occupiers” from the spaces they occupy, those in occupation of them are holding fast. This reminds me of another warning by the author of Hebrews, “We are God’s house [people] IF we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end” (3:6), implying that it may be harder to “hold fast” as we approach the “end.” Even Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have” (Rev. 3:11).

Brain Freeze, Dementia, or Just Not Paying Attention?

The pundits and late-night comics pounced on Rick Perry’s embarrassing 53-second memory loss, which occurred in a debate earlier this month. What the experts dubbed a brain freeze was Perry’s inability to remember one of the 3 federal agencies he wants to shut down when he becomes president.

Knowing a little bit about the human brain (I am, after all, a psychologist!), I’ve learned that forgetting is something the brain does when it is overloaded, like deleting data from your ‘documents’ folder. But just like the brain, deleting files doesn't actually remove the data from your computer; it just “forgets to remember” the data. And if needed, can be retrieved.

In I Corinthians 6, the phrase “Don’t you know” appears seven times. This repetition makes one wonder if the Corinthian church was an elderly population suffering from dementia. But Paul knew that they knew these things—he was simply reminding them of what they had seemingly forgotten. Likewise, we are in danger, if we do not “pay more careful attention to what we have heard” (Heb. 2:1).

Are You Prepared to Leave?

Our government urges every individual and family to have an emergency preparedness plan when (not if) a disaster strikes. FEMA has written “An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness: Are You Ready?” providing step-by-step instructions that include putting together a disaster supply kit.

It seems to me that as we see the signs of Christ’s return, we should be making preparations too. But there is a striking difference in our plan. The earthlings are preparing to stay. The believers are preparing to leave.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world … then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (1 Peter 1:13; Colossians 3:3).

Are You Longing for His Return?

Yesterday, I wrote that increasing earthquakes are a sign of Jesus’ return. Even as I did so, I was aware that not everyone is longing for Him. Personally, I am tired of the suffering, the lawlessness, and the evil in the world.  I long for His return.  Did you know that Jesus promises a special crown to those who love, or long for, His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8 NIV)?

So, what would keep someone from longing for the return of the Lord? What quenches that appetite? Could it be a longing for the things in the world (1 John 2:15)? Though my generation is not exempt from such longings, it is generally the younger generation that is especially vulnerable because they don’t want to consider the likelihood they won’t have their opportunity to live a full and happy life.

This “you can have it all” promise is one of Satan’s most effective strategies to quench people’s longing for God, distracting them from the things that are really worth going after.  When we truly see that the world is passing away and we are just passing through it (1 John 2:171 Peter 1:17), and the more we see ourselves as "aliens and strangers” in it (Eph. 2:19), the greater will be our longing for His return.  Why would you want to stay here when there is "something so much better waiting for you" (Heb. 10:34).

Earthquakes

Today’s post is not a prophetic word; nor a prediction; it is just information worth paying attention to. But first a question: does it seem to you there are more earthquakes these days than in the past? Well, you’re not imagining it—it’s true.

According to the U.S. Geological Service, the number of earthquakes is increasing daily. Presently, on any given day, there are over 300 earthquakes around the world. Sixty years ago, the total number of earthquakes per day was less than two. And not only has there been an exponential increase in the frequency of earthquakes, but the intensity as well. The number of earthquakes above 6.5 remained fairly constant until the 1950s, four or less per decade. We are now approaching nearly 60 per year.

Of course we are well aware that Jesus said there would be an increase in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes (Mark 13:8) just prior to His return to the earth. Despite the facts of this dramatic increase, many believers are quite ambivalent about Jesus’ return, thinking it is not likely to happen in their lifetime. What will it take? an earthquake?

Black and White

If you’ve been reading this blog for any time at all, you’d be surprised if I didn’t say something on the day that is called “Black Friday” (in the States). In the Bible, the color black or the word “darkness” symbolizes sin and death. The color white portrays purity, righteousness, joy, and light.

As born again people, we live in a world of black and white—darkness and light! Those living in darkness are subject to Satan—the god and ruler of this world (2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31). Even though God's light came into the world, through Jesus, people love the darkness more than the light (John 3:19).

Satan’s system of consumerism/materialism will be working today like the law of gravity, pulling people further into darkness.  Black Friday serves as a good reminder to us to beware of getting pulled in by this spirit. Paul said that once we are born again, we should no long live like the Gentiles (non-believers) whose darkened minds (and Black Fridays) leave them in a state of futility (Eph. 4:17-18). 

Thank God Tim Tebow won’t shut up and stop talking about Jesus!

Even while we watch college football experience its darkest hour (Penn State sexual abuse), we are witnessing a National Football League star being born: Tim Tebow.

Tim first came to national attention when Focus on the Family featured him in an anti-abortion campaign ‘spot’ during the Super Bowl two years ago. After contracting a disease during her pregnancy, Tim’s mother was advised by her doctors to abort the ‘unborn’ to protect her life. Undaunted, she refused—and  both she and baby Tim lived. Tim excelled in everything he did.  In 2007, Tim Tebow not only became the youngest ever to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, he earned numerous other  awards as the nation's most outstanding amateur athlete.

Now, in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he credits his 4-1 record to his faith in Jesus. One sports commentator said, “I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates… I don’t hate him because of that [talking about Jesus]; I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff.”

There is an account in early church history when the Jewish leaders commanded Peter and John to stop speaking or teaching Jesus. Their response: "We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." (Act 4:18-20) Likewise, I don’t think Tim Tebow is going to shut up stop talking about Jesus anytime soon. Thank God for Tim Tebow.

If God can speak through a donkey...

Let me share with you a very credible prophetic word I heard today: “It’s hard to see how we get out of this [political gridlock], unless some third force emerges, which wedges itself into one of the two parties, or unless we have a devastating fiscal crisis—a brutal cleansing flood, after which the sun will shine again.”

Who gave the prophetic utterance? David Brooks, syndicated columnist for the NY Times. “He’s not a prophet,” you say? Well of course he isn’t. But when the earthlings share such observations, making statements like this, I pay attention. Another example of an earthling’s observations and warnings (which seem prophetic) is Glenn Beck. I can guarantee you he is not ‘hearing’ God—though he may claim to be. He is just a natural man with natural powers of observation. And a lot of what he says just makes sense.

But the Church needs more than the natural intuition of normal men. The Church needs those who can discern the truth because they know the Lord and they have spiritual insight (Daniels 11:33). They don’t need to be prophets; they just need to know the Lord and be able to recognize His voice. If God’s people are silent, God may make the rocks talk (Luke 19:40) or even a donkey (Numbers 22:28) or even David Brooks or Glenn Beck. My brothers and sisters, there has never been a more crucial time to pay attention. God is speaking.

Super Committee commits Super Failure: How can they live with themselves?

Yesterday, when the Congressional "super committee" announced it had failed to forge a deficit reduction deal, it was immediately referred to as a “super” failure. I wondered what the difference is between a 'simple' failure and a ‘super' failure?'  Considering the “super” committee’s potential for influence, it must refer to the scope of the consequences. (Don't you think Adam’s malfunction qualifies as a super failure?)

But even though our failures have differing consequences, the reality is that failure is threaded through fallen humanity—built into our DNA. But proud and self-esteeming earthlings refuse to accept that reality. They believe in intrinsic goodness. Any contrary notion is simply unacceptable.

The spiritual truth is that the more we accept that we can do no good in our flesh (Romans 7:18), the more freedom we have—from self-effort & condemnation. The Bible provides lots of examples of men & women whose failings adversely affected the entire nation of Israel—Moses and David come to mind immediately! Peter is my favorite New Testament example of failure! His failure influenced the other Disciples, and threatened to undo 3 years of faith building.  But God turned it around for the good of the kingdom!

Someone reading this may think his or her failure is so super,  it is irredeemable.  Not so. The mature Christian knows God’s grace exceeds the worst super failure imaginable.  In fact, world history is an account of man’s failures, “But where sin [failure] increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20).

A Bad Apple

Apples appear in many religious traditions, often as a mystical or forbidden fruit. In the development of language, the word "apple" was used as a generic term for all fruit. For instance, in Europe, tomatoes were first called "love apples,” and cucumbers and potatoes were fist called "earth-apples.” In some languages, oranges are called "golden apples" or "Chinese apples.” To this day, many uneducated persons refer to the forbidden fruit on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil as an apple.

The proverb “a bad apple spoils the bunch,” means a bad person who can have a negative influence on those around him or her. It occurs to me that our negative thoughts can be like ‘bad apples.” A basic premise of the therapeutic approach, called “cognitive restructuring,” is that there are “lies” or wrong beliefs that drive our unwanted behaviors. Think of your mind like like the "produce" department at Safeway, and the fruits representing our many thoughts: the ‘bad apples’ are spoiling everything.  I wonder, was Hosea referring to ‘bad apples,’ when he said, “You have eaten the fruit of lies” (10:15). To get rid of the bad apples, we must eat a diet of God’s thoughts (the Word) in order to recognize our bad ones. Without the Bible’s renewing affect on our minds, we will continue "eating the fruit of lies [those bad apples].”

Remember the Great Reward

Is God allowing you to go through hard times? Then now is a great time to learn endurance! Don't give up! Don’t avoid it! Endurance is learned by enduring, not by avoiding it. How could Paul have said “I exult [revel, rejoice] in my tribulations?” Because Paul knew it was not only God’s way of building his character, he knew it was producing a great eternal reward.

In case you’re wondering if this is my automatic reaction to hardship, the answer is a resounding ‘no.’ It is not natural to welcome hardship nor to revel in our hard times. Avoiding hardship is what natural people do. But you and I are not “natural,” but “spiritual” persons. And in order to welcome hardships, and even more, to have joy in them requires a “supernatural” mindset—to see God’s great reward.

“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ… Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised” (Hebrews 10:32, 34-36).

At the Speed of Thought

What is faster than the speed of light? Answer: the speed of thought.

Last weekend, I read that actor Ashton Kutcher had to apologize for an inappropriate ‘tweet’ he made about the Penn State debacle that seemed to trivialize child abuse.  It’s not the first time someone had post-tweeting shame. It is inherently dangerous to be able to share your thoughts at the speed of light!

A guiding principle in information technology has been to help people perform tasks at the “speed of thought.” As fast as you can think it, you can do it. But acting on our inappropriate thoughts at the speed of light will certainly cause us pain and embarrassment (not unlike Ashton Kutcher’s untimely tweet).

If only we could learn to stop our thoughts with the same speed as our instant devices transmit them, we would be saved from the grief of hurtful communications and destructive behaviors. I’ve always thought the first part of the phrase “be quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19) means to stop and pay attention to the emotionally charged thoughts racing through your mind to make sure they are lined up with Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).  Only then will we be slow to speak. 

Are You Heartless?

The expression “I have no heart for that” means to have no enthusiasm for it. The phrase came to my mind after reading this quote by Andrew Murray: “Jesus has carried away our hearts with Him. We have no heart left for anyone but Him, or for anything that He is not part of.” The phrase “she/he stole my heart” also came to mind. Logically (I thought), if someone’s heart had been carried away or stolen, then they would have no heart—they would be heartless.

Now of course the word “heartless” has an entirely different connotation, doesn't it!  It means ‘devoid of feelings.’ I fear, however, that this word may indeed be more characteristic, than not, of too many professing Christians who have little or no heart for the deeper things of God.

Jesus said the entire Law could be summed up in this statement: “Love the Lord God with all your heart” (Matt. 22:37). Think about it!  If we truly did that, we would be anything but “heartless.” We would be “heartfull”—because God would fill our hearts with His love, comfort, and joy; he would fill us with the fruit of righteousness, with the knowledge of His will; we would be full of His Spirit, who would then fill us with His fullness. (Rom. 5:5; 2 Cor. 7:4; Eph 5:18; Phil. 1:11; Col 1:9; Eph 3:19).  Heartless? No! "Heartfull?" Yes! 

Why are you keeping your distance?

With few exceptions (for example, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses), the Old Testament “believers” didn’t get too close to God. Do you remember how afraid the Israelites were at Mt. Sinai?  They said to Moses, “you go, and we’ll stay here," (Ex. 20:21), preferring to maintain a safe distance.  Even the “High Priest” entered the Holy of Holies once a year with feelings of trepidation, taking the blood offering to God on behalf of those who remained in the outer court, at a safe distance.

So it was an extraordinary event when Jesus was crucified and the veil that separated the worshippers from God was torn in half, signifying that believers now have the privilege of worshiping God up close and personal.  The distance between God and man was at once and forever eliminated.

I once saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you’re feeling far away from God, guess who moved?” Don't let your feelings keep you away from God.  James promises that if you “draw near to God, He will draw near to you.” (4:8) And the writer of Hebrews says "let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water" (10:22).

“We can either have a hard decade or a bad century.”

A few weeks ago on CNN, NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman was interviewed about his new book, “That Used to Be Us,” regarding the economy's ruinous effect on the American dream. One ‘sound bite’ quote in particular caught my attention: “We can either have a hard decade or a bad century.” Of course he is referring to the hard choices we must make now for the sake of our grandchildren’s future. The statement not only captures the difficult dilemma of our generation, but states a principle that is pregnant with deeper meaning to those who have ears to hear it!

Perhaps unknowingly, Friedman has revealed a spiritual principle: short-term losses are necessary for long-term gains. In God’s economy, “time” is the short and “eternity” is long. Jesus stated it clearly: if you try to keep your life now, you will lose it in the future (no treasures in heaven) (Matthew 16:25; 6:20). And not only that, but our gain is also a present reality. To the degree we suffer the loss of all things now, we will gain Christ both now and in eternity (Phil 3:8), in the end, receiving “a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11).

You can’t really blame them for trying

Have you ever seen so much blame-shifting?  Blaming is the oldest trick in the book (Genesis 3), and Adam’s historical precedent repeats itself with each new generation, right up to the present.  Obama blames Bush, the Democrats blame the Republicans (and vice versa), Europe blames the U.S. (and vice versa), Main Street is blaming Wall Street; and now Herman Cain is blaming... well, you get the picture.

You have to admit, blaming is a rather effective diversion. Making someone else responsible for the problem takes the focus off the solution. Vilifying one’s opponents may work in the short run, but it makes any resolution even more impossible, with irreconcilable differences bringing deep separation.  Shortly, the world will be looking for a unifier (both Bush and Obama promised they would be). Of course the only One who can do that, and will do that, is Christ the Messiah. But until that happens, people will continue looking for one. I guess you can’t really blame them for trying.

On a much more personal note, if you’re honest about it, what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you have an interpersonal conflict that appears irreconcilable? Do you look at yourself first, or do you have an instant reaction, “It’s not my fault?” Through the prophet Hosea, God speaks to the blame-shifters, "Don't point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!” (Hosea 4:4).  That's good advice for today!

Don’t You Care?

Who has not at sometime (or many times?) in their walk with God uttered these infamous words, “Don’t you care?” They are spoken when there seems to be a universal conspiracy to make your life miserable. Most famously, Martha spoke these words, “don’t you care,” when Jesus’ actions seemed unfair (Luke 10:41).

One of my favorite teachers, Zac Poonen, says his life was transformed when he realized that Jesus, as a man, was tempted in all ways that we are (Heb. 2:18; 4:15). And Poonen thinks many people do not really believe that Jesus was tempted like us, believing that Jesus’ temptations were different—because he was God. Well, since God cannot be tempted, it has to be that Jesus was tempted as a man—just like us.

The “don’t you care” that comes out of us when we are frustrated reveals how we see Jesus. If we don’t believe that He understands our feelings, we won’t see Him as one who cares. The next time you are tempted to say “don’t you care,” remember what Peter (who knew Jesus as a man before he knew Him as God) said: “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Do You Talk to Yourself?

Martin Lloyd-Jones once said: "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?”

Each of us has negative thoughts—troubling and sometimes disturbing. If we pay attention to these negative thoughts, we energize them. You might say we feed them. So instead of listening to them, we should start talking to them.

For example, think how different things might have been if Eve had not listened to the serpent who twice planted doubts about what God had really said. If Eve had only talked back to Satan, perhaps she would have gained control of her thoughts! But her negative thinking actually allowed Satan to deceive her. Here’s the pattern: first Satan dictated her thoughts; then he deceived her mind. Don't let negative thinking dictate you. Turn the tables—make them take dictation! Talk to them assertively from the Word of truth until you have taken all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

If only we could turn back time as easily as we can turn back the clock!

Everyone (in the U.S.) will turn back their clocks one hour today. And I am afraid that some (or many) will wish they could turn back yesterday, or last year. They wish they could go back and turn back a decision that set them back.

But such is backward thinking. Your past is not fatal; your mistakes are not final; and your failures are not the end. God’s deposit in you is non-refundable, and His call is irrevocable. He does not change His mind, and He does not second-guess His decision. Jesus said no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom (Luke 9:62). And our Father in heaven refuses to bring back to His mind any of your past sins, declaring emphatically, "I will never think of them again.” (Is. 43:25)

God will never turn His back on you. So as you turn your clock back today, it's a good time to stop looking back, and start coming back to the new thing awaiting you. He who sits on the throne says, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Rev. 2:15)

Don't be Afraid to Lose what You cannot Keep

Paul makes the most amazing statement in his letter to the Corinthians. In the middle of his statements on marriage, he diverts to a more important topic—undistracted devotion to the Lord.

As if speaking right to our generation, Paul says, “The time is short. Therefore, from now on those who have wives should live as if they had none… those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep, and those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away; and I would like you to be free from concern. …I am saying this for your own good. … that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:29-35).

The fact is that most of us do have commitments that consume our time and attention.  In rather dramatic fashion, Paul is saying we should live almost as though these other commitments don’t matter (or even exist). Obviously we are not to ignore our spouses, or treat our houses and cars irresponsibly. But we must examine our thinking (Romans 12:2) to  make sure that even the good things in this life do not deter us from Jesus. “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).

Whatever Happened to Hope?

A few weeks ago I read this amusing remark/joke: “Ten years ago, Steve Jobs, Bob Hope, and Jonny Cash were all still alive. And now in 2011, we find ourselves without jobs, hope or cash.”

With good intentions, Barak Obama ran for president on a promise of restoring hope. How disappointed he must be at the hopelessness he found. Last week, with the announcement of a 2.4% growth in the 4th quarter economy, hope appeared on the horizon—the stock market soared. But then yesterday, the European debt crisis negotiations started to fall apart; hope began to vanish.

Let’s be honest. Ever since Adam forfeited his dominion to Satan, the world has continued on its path of hopelessness—even to the point of self-destruction (think of the two World Wars last century). Indeed Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4) and the author or hopelessness and despair. Even Jesus called him the prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30; 16:11).

Though Jesus has already redeemed fallen mankind from the power of Satan, the earth will not be restored until His 2nd coming. (Rom. 8:19-22) In the mean time, we mustn’t allow the spirit of despair and hopeless to infect us. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world, adding, “But take heart [courage and hope], for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). And by faith in Jesus’ victory, so will we “because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 5:4-5).

Occupy God

All this “Occupy” Wall Street and “Occupy” Oakland, ad infinitum, has got me thinking a lot about what it is I occupy and what it is that occupies me. I am afraid I am often so preoccupied with “life on earth” that I am not being fully occupied with God—or worse, allowing Him to occupy me.

Arthur W. Pink said, "How little real love there is for God."  In his opinion, the low level of spirituality in the church was a result of hearts being so little occupied with thoughts of God’s divine love. Then he went on to say, “The better we know His love—its character, its fullness, its blessedness, the more will our hearts be drawn out in love to Him." What greater occupation can there be, than to be occupied with seeking to comprehend, appreciate, and apprehend God’s love for us.

The majority of comments spoken by the “occupiers” of these various campaigns seem to spring from an underlying fear and insecurity. But for those who are occupied with God: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment [as with the Occupiers, a fear of harm that will come to them if ‘things’ don’t change]. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).