The secret of joy in the Christian Way is this:
God LOVES us-- yes. Everything God does for us, he does so that we can be his child, but also so that we may be his friend.
Being a child and a friend are not always one and the same thing. We love our families; but we aren't always really friends! It is a defining nonent when a child wakes up to the fact that her parents are more than providers and protectors. It is amazing when conversation begins on what approaches an adult level.
Babies are wonderful!
Junior high . . . hmmmmm ..interesting times!
High school--has its moments.
But happy, happy, happy is the parent whose kids grow up to be his friends.
I revel in the fact that I can call God "Father."
I probably never will get over the gimmees in dealing with the heavenly Father.
But I aspire to be His friend as well....
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Feelings hurt?
Colossians 3
Luke 12
Tell it to Jesus . . .
Another Family Dispute
This wasn't the first time for this sort of thing. For the second time in just a little while Jesus was asked to step into a family disagreement. First it was Martha and Mary. Now it was a brother against his brother over settling an inheritance. People have a way of wanting to use Jesus to put their relatives in line.
There certainly isn't anything wrong with telling Jesus when you have a problem with someone. Particularly someone close. In fact that is what we always ought to do first. It is not wrong to hate injustice.
It is human to have feelings hurt. It doesn't mean you're not holy enough yet. Anyone that says he never feels slighted about anything has a real problem.
The only thing is when we tell Jesus about someone else, Jesus looks deep inside of us and knows what is really troubling us. He may or may not go to work in answer to prayer to straighten out the other person or persons involved. We have to leave that up to him. But you can be sure that he hears us, that he loves us, and his answer will begin with the one who is troubled.
As you certainly remember, Martha was upset because she thought Mary ought to be helping her in the kitchen. Jesus told Martha she didn't need to be troubled. He spoke to her about good, better, and best.
This brother was upset because he thought he was being cheated.
"Lord, make my brother divide the inheritance with me!" He probably had a legitimate problem. Somehow Jesus saw that he had a deeper problem than being cheated. He was in danger of corroding his own soul in hatred and greed. So instead of a "ruling" or a judgment,"
Jesus told him a story. We call the story the parable of the rich fool.'
Maybe we can focus too much on the details of the story itself. We think it is about rich people. Bill Gates. PowerBall winners. But the man in Jesus' parable wasn't a fool because he was rich. He was a fool because he forgot what was really important. He was a fool because he decided for himself what was really important. He was a fool because he thought and acted as if there were no God but himself.
"I've done all this! I will pull down these warehouses, and build bigger!" [ There is a bumper sticker that reads, "The one who dies with the most toys WINS!" Jesus might have had a bumper sticker: "The one who dies with the most toys DIES!"] There is no sadder name for a person than fool. Jesus ended the story by saying: "So is everyone who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Martha got a word about focus.
This wounded brother got a word about perspective.
Colossians chapter 3 has an interesting idea about perspective. It says as Christians we are raised up with Christ. We are so to identify with our Lord that we can find and accept HIS way of looking at life. We know that he died for us, and we die with him in baptism. We know he rose again from the dead, and we are alive in him to God and the things of the Spirit. But that is not all that this
means:
"If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the
things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
We are raised to God with Christ! God's own way of seeing things!
What is important to God becomes important to God's people! In Ephesians 2 it is even clearer; there we read: "Even when we were dead in our transgressions (God) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."
Life in Christ is really all about finding the proper perspective.
Some ways of looking at life will corrode and destroy instead of strengthen. Self-centered living at any level is corrosive. There are attitudes that will destroy us spiritually. Even when we are in the right as far as the dispute is concerned. It goes without saying there are some attitudes that are always sinful, some actions that are simply wrong: "Put to death," the Bible says, "sexual immorality, uncleanness, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed." But there are also some legitimate, humanly understandable feelings that need to be dealt with and put aside as well, feelings that come when injustice is done, especially when the injustice is done to you or yours. The Bible puts it this way: "Put these aside also: anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech from your mouth."
It isn't easy or natural to have God's perspective on life. God loves.
God loves you. God loves your sister, your brother. God loves your enemy. When we identify with Jesus Christ we have been chosen to "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Instead of a life-view that will destroy us spiritually, we have the view from the Throne! It sounds impossible. It is impossible, apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit!
It isn't easy or natural to have God's perspective on life. We are born into earth-bound circles, and have earth-sensitive sense receptors. We see and hear things from where we happen to be.
When all the world around us is celebrating self-worship, Jesus' call to follow Him and take up a cross sounds stupid. When money and youth and power are what count, and people are valued because they can make their own rules it seems backwards to value the poor, and care about the helpless.
[ Rudyard Kipling was addressing a graduating class once and said
"You will go out from here and very likely you'll make a lot of
money, and one day you'll meet someone for whom that means very
little. Then you will know how poor you are." - Leadership 1995]
Fools act as if there is no God. They build and tear down on their own advice. They make plans that don't take God into the equation at all. Self is the center and circumference of living.
God's life within and His love come with God's enabling gifts: the peace of God, the Word of God, and the name of Jesus. It goes beyond both the time restraints and the parameters of the epistle lesson to develop fully these gifts to us that give us the divine perspective.
But in this same third chapter of Colossians we read:
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. When we come to God
humbly to receive life in him our sins are forgiven, and we have
peace with God. As we walk with Him increasingly we know the
peace of God. Whatever disturbs that peace we need to take
seriously. Check out everything that disturbs your conscience.
Don't let me or anyone else condemn you but let the peace of God
rule.
Let the Word of God dwell in your richly as you worship privately
and together with fellow Christians. The Word of God is our
living guide for living. No one becomes a strong mature Christian
who does not spend time with the Word until the Word becomes at
home' in every part of living.
(Finally) Let the name of Jesus dominate everything you do! If
you can't do it in the company of Jesus, don't do it! Jesus' name
is more than just an ending for our prayers. It is the signature
at the bottom of God's checking account for all you need to do His
holy will. But it is also our family name,' that we uphold with
honor everywhere we go.
What would happen if every time we had a disagreement in our families we brought our grievances to Jesus? As a matter of fact that is exactly what we need to do! Tell Jesus how angry we are! Tell Him exactly how we feel!
But then, let's wait and listen as Jesus talks to us about US! We can pray until we have rolled the burden over on Jesus but Jesus won't let us get away just feeling sorry for ourselves . . .
Let's remember his gifts: his peace, his Word, his Name! And by God's help let's remember where we really are: Seated with Jesus in the heavenlies! "Keep looking down!"
Prayer
Luke 12
Tell it to Jesus . . .
Another Family Dispute
This wasn't the first time for this sort of thing. For the second time in just a little while Jesus was asked to step into a family disagreement. First it was Martha and Mary. Now it was a brother against his brother over settling an inheritance. People have a way of wanting to use Jesus to put their relatives in line.
There certainly isn't anything wrong with telling Jesus when you have a problem with someone. Particularly someone close. In fact that is what we always ought to do first. It is not wrong to hate injustice.
It is human to have feelings hurt. It doesn't mean you're not holy enough yet. Anyone that says he never feels slighted about anything has a real problem.
The only thing is when we tell Jesus about someone else, Jesus looks deep inside of us and knows what is really troubling us. He may or may not go to work in answer to prayer to straighten out the other person or persons involved. We have to leave that up to him. But you can be sure that he hears us, that he loves us, and his answer will begin with the one who is troubled.
As you certainly remember, Martha was upset because she thought Mary ought to be helping her in the kitchen. Jesus told Martha she didn't need to be troubled. He spoke to her about good, better, and best.
This brother was upset because he thought he was being cheated.
"Lord, make my brother divide the inheritance with me!" He probably had a legitimate problem. Somehow Jesus saw that he had a deeper problem than being cheated. He was in danger of corroding his own soul in hatred and greed. So instead of a "ruling" or a judgment,"
Jesus told him a story. We call the story the parable of the rich fool.'
Maybe we can focus too much on the details of the story itself. We think it is about rich people. Bill Gates. PowerBall winners. But the man in Jesus' parable wasn't a fool because he was rich. He was a fool because he forgot what was really important. He was a fool because he decided for himself what was really important. He was a fool because he thought and acted as if there were no God but himself.
"I've done all this! I will pull down these warehouses, and build bigger!" [ There is a bumper sticker that reads, "The one who dies with the most toys WINS!" Jesus might have had a bumper sticker: "The one who dies with the most toys DIES!"] There is no sadder name for a person than fool. Jesus ended the story by saying: "So is everyone who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Martha got a word about focus.
This wounded brother got a word about perspective.
Colossians chapter 3 has an interesting idea about perspective. It says as Christians we are raised up with Christ. We are so to identify with our Lord that we can find and accept HIS way of looking at life. We know that he died for us, and we die with him in baptism. We know he rose again from the dead, and we are alive in him to God and the things of the Spirit. But that is not all that this
means:
"If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the
things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
We are raised to God with Christ! God's own way of seeing things!
What is important to God becomes important to God's people! In Ephesians 2 it is even clearer; there we read: "Even when we were dead in our transgressions (God) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."
Life in Christ is really all about finding the proper perspective.
Some ways of looking at life will corrode and destroy instead of strengthen. Self-centered living at any level is corrosive. There are attitudes that will destroy us spiritually. Even when we are in the right as far as the dispute is concerned. It goes without saying there are some attitudes that are always sinful, some actions that are simply wrong: "Put to death," the Bible says, "sexual immorality, uncleanness, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed." But there are also some legitimate, humanly understandable feelings that need to be dealt with and put aside as well, feelings that come when injustice is done, especially when the injustice is done to you or yours. The Bible puts it this way: "Put these aside also: anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech from your mouth."
It isn't easy or natural to have God's perspective on life. God loves.
God loves you. God loves your sister, your brother. God loves your enemy. When we identify with Jesus Christ we have been chosen to "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Instead of a life-view that will destroy us spiritually, we have the view from the Throne! It sounds impossible. It is impossible, apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit!
It isn't easy or natural to have God's perspective on life. We are born into earth-bound circles, and have earth-sensitive sense receptors. We see and hear things from where we happen to be.
When all the world around us is celebrating self-worship, Jesus' call to follow Him and take up a cross sounds stupid. When money and youth and power are what count, and people are valued because they can make their own rules it seems backwards to value the poor, and care about the helpless.
[ Rudyard Kipling was addressing a graduating class once and said
"You will go out from here and very likely you'll make a lot of
money, and one day you'll meet someone for whom that means very
little. Then you will know how poor you are." - Leadership 1995]
Fools act as if there is no God. They build and tear down on their own advice. They make plans that don't take God into the equation at all. Self is the center and circumference of living.
God's life within and His love come with God's enabling gifts: the peace of God, the Word of God, and the name of Jesus. It goes beyond both the time restraints and the parameters of the epistle lesson to develop fully these gifts to us that give us the divine perspective.
But in this same third chapter of Colossians we read:
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. When we come to God
humbly to receive life in him our sins are forgiven, and we have
peace with God. As we walk with Him increasingly we know the
peace of God. Whatever disturbs that peace we need to take
seriously. Check out everything that disturbs your conscience.
Don't let me or anyone else condemn you but let the peace of God
rule.
Let the Word of God dwell in your richly as you worship privately
and together with fellow Christians. The Word of God is our
living guide for living. No one becomes a strong mature Christian
who does not spend time with the Word until the Word becomes at
home' in every part of living.
(Finally) Let the name of Jesus dominate everything you do! If
you can't do it in the company of Jesus, don't do it! Jesus' name
is more than just an ending for our prayers. It is the signature
at the bottom of God's checking account for all you need to do His
holy will. But it is also our family name,' that we uphold with
honor everywhere we go.
What would happen if every time we had a disagreement in our families we brought our grievances to Jesus? As a matter of fact that is exactly what we need to do! Tell Jesus how angry we are! Tell Him exactly how we feel!
But then, let's wait and listen as Jesus talks to us about US! We can pray until we have rolled the burden over on Jesus but Jesus won't let us get away just feeling sorry for ourselves . . .
Let's remember his gifts: his peace, his Word, his Name! And by God's help let's remember where we really are: Seated with Jesus in the heavenlies! "Keep looking down!"
Prayer
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Peace, Wonderful Peace
Lesson: Philippians 4:6-9 Text:12-18 ("What then?")
THE SPIRIT OF JESUS
PEACE THROUGH A HIGHER FOCUS
Preface: If a man in prison can tell me how to experience real joy and
peace- tell me in practical terms- and can demonstrate the same- I'll
buy the book! But we all already have the book! Let's look at it
these four Sundays in August! [One would-be master writer ... with
means ... made an idyllic place to write (I've forgotten his name;)
... Paul wrote about LOVE and about JOY and about PEACE from prison!]
INTRO: 'DEFINING' "PEACE"
1. The word 'peace' is almost a cliché. What really is peace?
Defining "peace" is a little like defining "health." We usually use
negative terms: absence of disease. But health is MORE than just not
being sick; and God's peace is more than just absence of tension and
the storms of life. (Harmony/ tranquility/ serenity )
One thing we know is that Jesus gives peace to His people as
their right: He wills that we shall know His peace.
But having it in the "will" and appropriating real peace are two
different things.
2. 'Peace' does not mean we will never face tension or struggles or
storms of life. Peace does not mean we sail the wide seas no more.
Many of us struggle with emotions that will not behave at times;
some people know acute emotional stress. Still I believe that peace
that passes understanding, peace that keeps the heart and the mind are
for me and for you!
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF THIS PEACE JESUS HAS FOR HIS PEOPLE?
I. The Foundation for God's peace is a FREEDOM from THE GUILT and the
DOMINION of SIN.
There is a lack of awareness of sin in much of our world today.
That does not erase the fact that existential unrest - lack of peace-
exists where SIN, its GUILT and its POWER have not been dealt with.
TO ENTER GOD'S PEACE WE MUST KNOW OUR SINS FORGIVEN, AND OPEN OUR
HEARTS TO GOD'S CLEANSING
II. The Structure of God's peace is a SELF-WORTH that comes from
belonging to God, to His family. This peace connects directly to
what we call VALUABLE in life.
We cannot have peace if our self-worth depends on secondary good
things. WE CAN NEVER HAVE REAL PEACE IF OUR GOALS IN LIFE ARE WRONG,
OR IF THEY ARE FUZZY!
1. Real PEACE is built upon a separation from the idols that the
world worships. Almighty God is the enemy of all false gods, and He
will never give peace to those who worship lesser deities, whether
they are pagan idols, or whether they are "things" and "positions" and
"feelings."
2. Many of the things that the world worships are good servants,
and God is not diametrically opposed to "things;" He simply will not
give peace to those who make "things" first in their lives.
3. TWO THINGS are wrong with setting our first priorities on
'lesser gods.' (1) If we don't achieve them they frustrate us! and
(2) If we DO achieve them they frustrate us! To know God's peace we
can deliberately surrender our goals for God's transforming light
... ask Him to show us the privilege of being His children, and ask
Him to show us His goals for our lives!
III. The Experiencing of God's peace COMES IN 'LETTING GOD BE GOD!'
[Easy to say; not always easy to do!] It is when we can find
'detachment' from God's work! (We don't have to do it ourselves!)
GOD IS SOVEREIGN, HE IS IN CONTROL! AND GOD IS THE MASTER-
BUILDER, HE WILL ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE! We can trust Him that He will
do what He says He will do!
1. WE CAN EXPERIENCE Peace in the matter of CONTROL:
-WE DON'T HAVE TO SEEK TO CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE (We can't make
over that spouse! We are not living through that adult son or
daughter!) We cannot seek to STEER other people, situations!
-WE DON'T HAVE TO BE STEERED BY OUTSIDE PRESSURES!
2. AND WE CAN LEARN Peace in the matter of RESULTS!:
PAUL isn't building the church! Paul isn't RESPONSIBLE for
building the church! Paul IS responsible to do Paul's job! Paul
belongs to Jesus.
But when Paul has done his best and ends up in jail Paul can
honestly say, "So WHAT!" God WILL do what God alone can do! WE CAN
BE FREE FROM RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESULTS!
HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE THIS PEACE THAT JESUS GIVES?
Conclusion:
A simplistic start toward renewed peace in your life ... foolish
enough to speak of three simple steps:
(1) We can OPEN UP to God! Don't hide anything! Tell Him how you
feel! But be sure to confess your sin, your need of Him. And that
doesn't END when you are soundly saved! STAY OPEN! That's the
foundation!
(2) We can continue to SEEK AFTER God! [Paul: This ONE thing I do!]
Don't insist on YOUR way -- and don't let any person or any group tell
you what God's will is! Surrender your claims, your rights to God
alone! Ask HIM to give you life goals and values! Don't stoop to be
a multi-millionaire if God wants you to be a servant!
(3) And, by God's grace we can learn to LET GOD BE GOD! (20 'Christ
will be exalted in my body') This is a LEARNED thing! But as we do our
faithful best to obey because we love ... Paul says: THE PEACE OF GOD
WILL KEEP YOU! AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU! That's how Paul
could say: "So what!" Let HIM be responsible for the results!
Perhaps you and I are a bit behind Paul in the school of perfect
personal peace. But I am pretty certain that even Paul himself had to
work at the job of maintaining his peace.
You don't have to have a perfect setting to have peace .. nor [thank
God] do you have to be in jail, either!
#409 Singing I Go
THE SPIRIT OF JESUS
PEACE THROUGH A HIGHER FOCUS
Preface: If a man in prison can tell me how to experience real joy and
peace- tell me in practical terms- and can demonstrate the same- I'll
buy the book! But we all already have the book! Let's look at it
these four Sundays in August! [One would-be master writer ... with
means ... made an idyllic place to write (I've forgotten his name;)
... Paul wrote about LOVE and about JOY and about PEACE from prison!]
INTRO: 'DEFINING' "PEACE"
1. The word 'peace' is almost a cliché. What really is peace?
Defining "peace" is a little like defining "health." We usually use
negative terms: absence of disease. But health is MORE than just not
being sick; and God's peace is more than just absence of tension and
the storms of life. (Harmony/ tranquility/ serenity )
One thing we know is that Jesus gives peace to His people as
their right: He wills that we shall know His peace.
But having it in the "will" and appropriating real peace are two
different things.
2. 'Peace' does not mean we will never face tension or struggles or
storms of life. Peace does not mean we sail the wide seas no more.
Many of us struggle with emotions that will not behave at times;
some people know acute emotional stress. Still I believe that peace
that passes understanding, peace that keeps the heart and the mind are
for me and for you!
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF THIS PEACE JESUS HAS FOR HIS PEOPLE?
I. The Foundation for God's peace is a FREEDOM from THE GUILT and the
DOMINION of SIN.
There is a lack of awareness of sin in much of our world today.
That does not erase the fact that existential unrest - lack of peace-
exists where SIN, its GUILT and its POWER have not been dealt with.
TO ENTER GOD'S PEACE WE MUST KNOW OUR SINS FORGIVEN, AND OPEN OUR
HEARTS TO GOD'S CLEANSING
II. The Structure of God's peace is a SELF-WORTH that comes from
belonging to God, to His family. This peace connects directly to
what we call VALUABLE in life.
We cannot have peace if our self-worth depends on secondary good
things. WE CAN NEVER HAVE REAL PEACE IF OUR GOALS IN LIFE ARE WRONG,
OR IF THEY ARE FUZZY!
1. Real PEACE is built upon a separation from the idols that the
world worships. Almighty God is the enemy of all false gods, and He
will never give peace to those who worship lesser deities, whether
they are pagan idols, or whether they are "things" and "positions" and
"feelings."
2. Many of the things that the world worships are good servants,
and God is not diametrically opposed to "things;" He simply will not
give peace to those who make "things" first in their lives.
3. TWO THINGS are wrong with setting our first priorities on
'lesser gods.' (1) If we don't achieve them they frustrate us! and
(2) If we DO achieve them they frustrate us! To know God's peace we
can deliberately surrender our goals for God's transforming light
... ask Him to show us the privilege of being His children, and ask
Him to show us His goals for our lives!
III. The Experiencing of God's peace COMES IN 'LETTING GOD BE GOD!'
[Easy to say; not always easy to do!] It is when we can find
'detachment' from God's work! (We don't have to do it ourselves!)
GOD IS SOVEREIGN, HE IS IN CONTROL! AND GOD IS THE MASTER-
BUILDER, HE WILL ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE! We can trust Him that He will
do what He says He will do!
1. WE CAN EXPERIENCE Peace in the matter of CONTROL:
-WE DON'T HAVE TO SEEK TO CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE (We can't make
over that spouse! We are not living through that adult son or
daughter!) We cannot seek to STEER other people, situations!
-WE DON'T HAVE TO BE STEERED BY OUTSIDE PRESSURES!
2. AND WE CAN LEARN Peace in the matter of RESULTS!:
PAUL isn't building the church! Paul isn't RESPONSIBLE for
building the church! Paul IS responsible to do Paul's job! Paul
belongs to Jesus.
But when Paul has done his best and ends up in jail Paul can
honestly say, "So WHAT!" God WILL do what God alone can do! WE CAN
BE FREE FROM RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESULTS!
HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE THIS PEACE THAT JESUS GIVES?
Conclusion:
A simplistic start toward renewed peace in your life ... foolish
enough to speak of three simple steps:
(1) We can OPEN UP to God! Don't hide anything! Tell Him how you
feel! But be sure to confess your sin, your need of Him. And that
doesn't END when you are soundly saved! STAY OPEN! That's the
foundation!
(2) We can continue to SEEK AFTER God! [Paul: This ONE thing I do!]
Don't insist on YOUR way -- and don't let any person or any group tell
you what God's will is! Surrender your claims, your rights to God
alone! Ask HIM to give you life goals and values! Don't stoop to be
a multi-millionaire if God wants you to be a servant!
(3) And, by God's grace we can learn to LET GOD BE GOD! (20 'Christ
will be exalted in my body') This is a LEARNED thing! But as we do our
faithful best to obey because we love ... Paul says: THE PEACE OF GOD
WILL KEEP YOU! AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU! That's how Paul
could say: "So what!" Let HIM be responsible for the results!
Perhaps you and I are a bit behind Paul in the school of perfect
personal peace. But I am pretty certain that even Paul himself had to
work at the job of maintaining his peace.
You don't have to have a perfect setting to have peace .. nor [thank
God] do you have to be in jail, either!
#409 Singing I Go
Monday, August 17, 2009
Two Men went up to the Temple to Pray . . .
In our Wesleyan tradition we need to learn to live in the healthy tension between the call of God to holiness and the humility of knowing that our performance often comes short of God's glory. Our Savior can give us grace to live above willful sin in word thought and deed. Our Savior also taught us to pray every day, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors!"
Can we live with the paradox of not sinning and confessing our sins? Can we seek to be God's instruments and not seek to use God selfishly?
There is a prayer, an ancient prayer a dear friend and colleague taught me to pray. It is called The Jesus Prayer. I'm sure that a number of Nazarenes would not want to pray this prayer because we have been forgiven and are no longer in active, willful, outbroken sin, no longer in rebellion against God. . . .
I can still hear the wisdom of my elders saying "If we start calling mistakes 'sin,' it won't be long until we are calling sin 'mistakes.'" In other words we cannot excuse any willful sin in our lives.
Still the fact remains that Jesus has given us the Lord's Prayer-- and also he has given us the story of the two men who went up to the temple to pray to keep us from trusting in our own righteousness, and comparing it with others. Do you remember that story?
That ancient prayer, the Jesus Prayer simply goes like this:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Can we live with the paradox of not sinning and confessing our sins? Can we seek to be God's instruments and not seek to use God selfishly?
There is a prayer, an ancient prayer a dear friend and colleague taught me to pray. It is called The Jesus Prayer. I'm sure that a number of Nazarenes would not want to pray this prayer because we have been forgiven and are no longer in active, willful, outbroken sin, no longer in rebellion against God. . . .
I can still hear the wisdom of my elders saying "If we start calling mistakes 'sin,' it won't be long until we are calling sin 'mistakes.'" In other words we cannot excuse any willful sin in our lives.
Still the fact remains that Jesus has given us the Lord's Prayer-- and also he has given us the story of the two men who went up to the temple to pray to keep us from trusting in our own righteousness, and comparing it with others. Do you remember that story?
That ancient prayer, the Jesus Prayer simply goes like this:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
"In Jesus' name, Amen"
...more excerpt from "Gowing in Faith"
“In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Did you ever stop to think what these words with which we routinely close our prayers mean? What is praying ‘in Jesus’ name’?
I simply do not have a glib answer for this question, but at the very least it merits thoughtful reflection. The reason for the universal practice of closing our prayers “In Jesus’ name. Amen” probably comes from the promise in John 14:13,14, the words of Jesus: “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” What can this possibly mean? One thing I am sure, this is not a promise either to be taken lightly, nor to be used in any way that does not honor God.
To pray in Jesus’ name, then, obviously means more than simply tacking on a signature to a check we have filled out. In the very next chapter Jesus seems to amplify this same promise, in John 15:7,8 when he said “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so will be my disciples.” Evidently to pray in Jesus’ name means being on the same page with Him in what we really want to see happen.
But after we have explained more than we can ever know, there it is: the stark enormity of that promise: “whatever you ask in My name, that I will do!” I am happy to write about spiritual formation, and try to practice what I preach, but here is a source of power I know I have scarcely tapped. I can only say ‘Come along with me and dare to ask to bear MUCH fruit!’ The prayer to bear MUCH fruit is a prayer Jesus has promised to answer if we pray in order to glorify the Father, and if we let God decide what “MUCH” means. Perhaps the most fruitful people in God’s sight are not as we might think.
“In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Did you ever stop to think what these words with which we routinely close our prayers mean? What is praying ‘in Jesus’ name’?
I simply do not have a glib answer for this question, but at the very least it merits thoughtful reflection. The reason for the universal practice of closing our prayers “In Jesus’ name. Amen” probably comes from the promise in John 14:13,14, the words of Jesus: “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” What can this possibly mean? One thing I am sure, this is not a promise either to be taken lightly, nor to be used in any way that does not honor God.
To pray in Jesus’ name, then, obviously means more than simply tacking on a signature to a check we have filled out. In the very next chapter Jesus seems to amplify this same promise, in John 15:7,8 when he said “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so will be my disciples.” Evidently to pray in Jesus’ name means being on the same page with Him in what we really want to see happen.
But after we have explained more than we can ever know, there it is: the stark enormity of that promise: “whatever you ask in My name, that I will do!” I am happy to write about spiritual formation, and try to practice what I preach, but here is a source of power I know I have scarcely tapped. I can only say ‘Come along with me and dare to ask to bear MUCH fruit!’ The prayer to bear MUCH fruit is a prayer Jesus has promised to answer if we pray in order to glorify the Father, and if we let God decide what “MUCH” means. Perhaps the most fruitful people in God’s sight are not as we might think.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The church is...?
The Christian antidote for selfishness is the church.
We are called to live for each other, and share Jesus everywhere we go.
The church is not a super market, or a filling station or a country club. It is not a lecture hall or a pep rally, a dusty old museum, or a local pub. It is not a store front or a cathedral, although any and all of these figures, and many more, have been used to define or describe what some people think a church might be like.
The church is Jesus’ creation. Jesus loves the church. The Bible tells us it his bride. It is his creation. And the church loves Jesus. The church is God’s family.
Now that you have been told more than you really wanted to know about ecclesiology, how can you best participate in the faith community?
--more from Growing in Faith
We are called to live for each other, and share Jesus everywhere we go.
The church is not a super market, or a filling station or a country club. It is not a lecture hall or a pep rally, a dusty old museum, or a local pub. It is not a store front or a cathedral, although any and all of these figures, and many more, have been used to define or describe what some people think a church might be like.
The church is Jesus’ creation. Jesus loves the church. The Bible tells us it his bride. It is his creation. And the church loves Jesus. The church is God’s family.
Now that you have been told more than you really wanted to know about ecclesiology, how can you best participate in the faith community?
--more from Growing in Faith
Monday, August 10, 2009
Excerpt from "Growing in Faith"
Participation in the Church Universal
Dare to think globally even as you act locally. Think inclusively about your brothers and sisters in Christ of other denominations, races, cultures. Too often we emphasize the differences and even judge other sincere followers of our Lord. Let the Holy Spirit open your heart. Pray as you see the news of the world on your TV screen. Your prayers count!
(1) Pray big prayers! Be one member of the church universal who prays for the Coming of the King every day! After all, it is in that pattern prayer He taught us to pray! Thy kingdom come! Pray for genuine peace on earth. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6) Thank God the great Church of Jesus Christ is growing and is not limited to any one denomination.
(2) Pray about national and world affairs. Too many of us limit our intercession to family and known church needs. The prayer of literally millions of our brothers and sisters join together when we let the Holy Spirit guide our prayers for world leaders as well as national and world needs. Don’t leave important matters for others to care about. You pray about them! You are God’s precious child: your prayer is important!
(3) Turn criticism into intercession. It is only human to use our understanding of precious truths to draw circles and mentally exclude those we perceive to be outside. A negative attitude is deadly. Remember that Jesus is Lord of all His church and it is His to judge. Be thankful for all that is done in Jesus’ name. Pray for the Church of Jesus Christ in your town, and in your prayers deliberately include all who call Jesus Lord and Savior, and all who are sincerely seeking after God whether you know them or not.
Dare to think globally even as you act locally. Think inclusively about your brothers and sisters in Christ of other denominations, races, cultures. Too often we emphasize the differences and even judge other sincere followers of our Lord. Let the Holy Spirit open your heart. Pray as you see the news of the world on your TV screen. Your prayers count!
(1) Pray big prayers! Be one member of the church universal who prays for the Coming of the King every day! After all, it is in that pattern prayer He taught us to pray! Thy kingdom come! Pray for genuine peace on earth. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6) Thank God the great Church of Jesus Christ is growing and is not limited to any one denomination.
(2) Pray about national and world affairs. Too many of us limit our intercession to family and known church needs. The prayer of literally millions of our brothers and sisters join together when we let the Holy Spirit guide our prayers for world leaders as well as national and world needs. Don’t leave important matters for others to care about. You pray about them! You are God’s precious child: your prayer is important!
(3) Turn criticism into intercession. It is only human to use our understanding of precious truths to draw circles and mentally exclude those we perceive to be outside. A negative attitude is deadly. Remember that Jesus is Lord of all His church and it is His to judge. Be thankful for all that is done in Jesus’ name. Pray for the Church of Jesus Christ in your town, and in your prayers deliberately include all who call Jesus Lord and Savior, and all who are sincerely seeking after God whether you know them or not.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
"Think yoah smaht doncha!"
Whatever bumper stickers are made of- that shiny plastic with adhesive backing-- anyway someone brought in a pile of green stickers made of that stuff to church one Sunday morning. I think it was some local business’s safety slogan- the stickers were about the size of a large post card and they read “LIFE IS FRAGILE- HANDLE WITH CARE.”
I don’t know what we were supposed to do with the ugly green stickers- the donor thought maybe the Sunday School teachers would like them. I don’t recall any of the teachers being excited but the teens in the church enjoyed finding places to put these bumper-sticker-like signs “LIFE IS FRAGILE…”
John was about 15 as I recall (I think he is 53 now!!) and he was resourceful enough to find a use for even the margins that were left on the wax paper after the slogans had been removed from the center. When Sunday morning worship started he armed himself with a stack of “margins,” and each time the congregation stood to sing or pray or listen to scripture he peeled off a sticky green loop and laid it adhesive side up on the pew in front of him. In just a short time Sam Cook, the elderly gentleman who was sitting in front of John had a collage of green loops on the seat of his trousers. He made quite a sight as he left his seat on the aisle to walk to the rear of the church to take his place with the ushers receiving the offering.
The other ushers quickly peeled off the sticky loops so the entire congregation was spared ther scene John had had in mind. Just a few people had seen Sam Cook’s black suit decorated with the shiny green squares.
As soo as the offering was taken, and Sam Cook came back to his seat, not exactly in a worshipful spirit of love, he leaned over before he sat down and said in his native New England accent “Think yoah smaht doncha!”
John managed to keep his face straight but the row of teens were absolutely delighted with that morning’s service. “Think yoah smaht doncha!” became one of those short-hand family sayings every family has-- a phrase that stand for a whole story.
I don’t know what we were supposed to do with the ugly green stickers- the donor thought maybe the Sunday School teachers would like them. I don’t recall any of the teachers being excited but the teens in the church enjoyed finding places to put these bumper-sticker-like signs “LIFE IS FRAGILE…”
John was about 15 as I recall (I think he is 53 now!!) and he was resourceful enough to find a use for even the margins that were left on the wax paper after the slogans had been removed from the center. When Sunday morning worship started he armed himself with a stack of “margins,” and each time the congregation stood to sing or pray or listen to scripture he peeled off a sticky green loop and laid it adhesive side up on the pew in front of him. In just a short time Sam Cook, the elderly gentleman who was sitting in front of John had a collage of green loops on the seat of his trousers. He made quite a sight as he left his seat on the aisle to walk to the rear of the church to take his place with the ushers receiving the offering.
The other ushers quickly peeled off the sticky loops so the entire congregation was spared ther scene John had had in mind. Just a few people had seen Sam Cook’s black suit decorated with the shiny green squares.
As soo as the offering was taken, and Sam Cook came back to his seat, not exactly in a worshipful spirit of love, he leaned over before he sat down and said in his native New England accent “Think yoah smaht doncha!”
John managed to keep his face straight but the row of teens were absolutely delighted with that morning’s service. “Think yoah smaht doncha!” became one of those short-hand family sayings every family has-- a phrase that stand for a whole story.
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