Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. . .etc. (see Matthew 28:19-20). We don't! At least not many of us do. We keep talking about being "Great Commission Churches" and yet the commission goes unheeded by almost everyone.
Ever wonder why? Simple! We have never adopted the "great commandment." (see Matthew 22:36-39)
Going follows lloving Him. Teaching follows lloving them. It's not that we have the cart before the horse; we've got no horse.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Life Verse
Job 13:5
There was a time somewhere back in the “olden” days (now remember, I’m pretty old) when people talked about their “life verse.” One doesn’t hear that much anymore, that is, someone taking a particular verse of Scripture and making it a daily thought, or an appropriate action for their spiritual operation, but it was fairly common once.
Somewhere along the way I chose a particular verse that seemed to suit me just perfectly. I made a large copy of the words and posted them on my office wall (they’re still there). Every time I see those words I am reminded how often I fail to live up to the principle.
My chosen verse is Job 13:5. It says, “O that you would be silent! And it would be your wisdom.” Now for those who know me, is that a chorus of “amen’s” I hear? I have learned (regardless of my practice) over the years that one of the best things I can say is nothing. Doing so helps to eliminate the “foot in mouth” problem, the “I wish I hadn’t said that” syndrome, the “I’m just saying it because it’s true” lie, and the always popular “I take it back” impossibility.
Paul (the Spirit of God, really) said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth.” (Ephesians 4:29) We would really do well to take that to heart and make it an overriding characteristic of our daily walk. Sometimes we say inappropriate and hurtful things. At other times we spread gossip or speak slander. We are quick with our verbal opinions and comments, and we speak before we think, or pray, or get the permission of God to say what we are confident needs to be said.
Wise folk have prudent lips. Wise folks watch what they say. Wise folk hear their own words before they leave the mouth and must be endured by others.
My constant prayer is for that kind of wisdom!
There was a time somewhere back in the “olden” days (now remember, I’m pretty old) when people talked about their “life verse.” One doesn’t hear that much anymore, that is, someone taking a particular verse of Scripture and making it a daily thought, or an appropriate action for their spiritual operation, but it was fairly common once.
Somewhere along the way I chose a particular verse that seemed to suit me just perfectly. I made a large copy of the words and posted them on my office wall (they’re still there). Every time I see those words I am reminded how often I fail to live up to the principle.
My chosen verse is Job 13:5. It says, “O that you would be silent! And it would be your wisdom.” Now for those who know me, is that a chorus of “amen’s” I hear? I have learned (regardless of my practice) over the years that one of the best things I can say is nothing. Doing so helps to eliminate the “foot in mouth” problem, the “I wish I hadn’t said that” syndrome, the “I’m just saying it because it’s true” lie, and the always popular “I take it back” impossibility.
Paul (the Spirit of God, really) said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth.” (Ephesians 4:29) We would really do well to take that to heart and make it an overriding characteristic of our daily walk. Sometimes we say inappropriate and hurtful things. At other times we spread gossip or speak slander. We are quick with our verbal opinions and comments, and we speak before we think, or pray, or get the permission of God to say what we are confident needs to be said.
Wise folk have prudent lips. Wise folks watch what they say. Wise folk hear their own words before they leave the mouth and must be endured by others.
My constant prayer is for that kind of wisdom!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Forgiveness
Someone said, "To err is human, to forgive divine." It's just one of those things you've heard for years. We always think about it in relationship to the fact that we mess up and God forgives.
What I see clearly now, is that while we are quite adept at foolish and sinful behavior, we are not so good, poor in fact, at forgiveness. God has given us the incredible power to forgive one another. There can't be any question in our minds that it is a most useful gift. But we choose not to exercise that power with reckless abandon.
I think we ought to! I know we need to!
What I see clearly now, is that while we are quite adept at foolish and sinful behavior, we are not so good, poor in fact, at forgiveness. God has given us the incredible power to forgive one another. There can't be any question in our minds that it is a most useful gift. But we choose not to exercise that power with reckless abandon.
I think we ought to! I know we need to!
Fixing the Leak
Watch yourselves so that you don’t lose what we have worked for. . . 2 John 1:8
We’ve got a leak in the men’s room. I put up the “do not use” sign a couple of weeks ago and so far we have had two or three plumbers turn down the job. Now don’t panic! It’s just a small split in a supply line water pipe, but no one wants to tackle the job for some reason.
It got me to thinking about John’s comment in his second letter to the Church. I think some of us are allowing for a little “leakage” in our containment of Truth.
John is talking about llove and Truth in his short letter to the Church, and reminding them that we are commanded to llove one another, to avoid listening to, and certainly following, the counsel of deceivers or those who work evil. In other words (actually in his words); watch yourself in these things.
When you and I fail to practice the disciplines of llove, or when we do not appropriate Truth on a consistent basis, even that which we have previously practiced and learned tends to slip (or leak, to keep the metaphor alive) away. It is impossible to practice the disciplines of llove toward those we never see or talk to. It is unlikely that we will apprehend much Truth if we are not involved in a teaching venue on a regular basis. Certainly I know that we learn on our own under the leadership of the Spirit, but God has given us the Body of Christ so that we might mutually edify one another and we can’t do that when we are apart.
Separation from the things of God and the people of God can’t be good. Everything we know leads us to understand that being diligent regarding our walk, especially in this matter of llove (2 John 1:4-6) requires faithful participation in the life of the Body.
Actually our family has some really good spiritual plumbers. They can fix those leaks and get the water of life flowing fully and freely through our soul. They can inspire a desire to know the Truth of God’s Word and to live in llove. And, like John, they want to do it face to face (2 John 1:12).
Check for leaks! You don’t want to lose anything God has placed within you to bring you to maturity of faith.
We’ve got a leak in the men’s room. I put up the “do not use” sign a couple of weeks ago and so far we have had two or three plumbers turn down the job. Now don’t panic! It’s just a small split in a supply line water pipe, but no one wants to tackle the job for some reason.
It got me to thinking about John’s comment in his second letter to the Church. I think some of us are allowing for a little “leakage” in our containment of Truth.
John is talking about llove and Truth in his short letter to the Church, and reminding them that we are commanded to llove one another, to avoid listening to, and certainly following, the counsel of deceivers or those who work evil. In other words (actually in his words); watch yourself in these things.
When you and I fail to practice the disciplines of llove, or when we do not appropriate Truth on a consistent basis, even that which we have previously practiced and learned tends to slip (or leak, to keep the metaphor alive) away. It is impossible to practice the disciplines of llove toward those we never see or talk to. It is unlikely that we will apprehend much Truth if we are not involved in a teaching venue on a regular basis. Certainly I know that we learn on our own under the leadership of the Spirit, but God has given us the Body of Christ so that we might mutually edify one another and we can’t do that when we are apart.
Separation from the things of God and the people of God can’t be good. Everything we know leads us to understand that being diligent regarding our walk, especially in this matter of llove (2 John 1:4-6) requires faithful participation in the life of the Body.
Actually our family has some really good spiritual plumbers. They can fix those leaks and get the water of life flowing fully and freely through our soul. They can inspire a desire to know the Truth of God’s Word and to live in llove. And, like John, they want to do it face to face (2 John 1:12).
Check for leaks! You don’t want to lose anything God has placed within you to bring you to maturity of faith.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Defining Christianity
In his "soon to be available" new book, my friend Jerry Adams defines Christianity by saying, "Trust the Christ, but watch out for the Christians."
As much as it hurts, he's absolutely right. So many of us live as if the disciplines of living a Godly life and practicing llove are options we can exercise at our leisure.
Think about whether or not you are someone who deserves the accolade - "Watch out!"
As much as it hurts, he's absolutely right. So many of us live as if the disciplines of living a Godly life and practicing llove are options we can exercise at our leisure.
Think about whether or not you are someone who deserves the accolade - "Watch out!"
Little Piece of Heaven
. . .and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the Earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10
There are some incredibly pretty places where men have chosen to build their homes or spend a significant portion of their time. One of those was described to me this week as “my little piece of Heaven.” It could be that Heaven will be a bit like that place, or totally different, we just don’t know. What we do know is that this Earth and everything on it will be destroyed. Only the people will survive – some destined for eternity with God, and some headed toward eternity separated from God. Baring a change of heart, i.e. the impartation of salvation to the soul of some folks, good and bad, their little piece of Heaven here on Earth is the only Heaven they will ever know.
How sad it is that one can labor a lifetime for something that strikes them as Heaven and still miss the greatest gift God has to offer. They never come to the knowledge that by exercising faith and receiving grace resulting in the redemption of our life from the wages of sin, that when “our earthly house is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
There is great beauty in this Earth, and I am a believer in seeing and enjoying as much of it as possible. I can’t help but believe that Heaven will have some of the beauty of this place we call home, but we’ll never know if we fail to focus on the reality that only a heart changed by the Spirit of God will ever have the opportunity to discover God’s infinite dwelling place.
One thing I hope; every House of Worship of the Living God will be a little piece of Heaven. It is there that we discover llove and peace and hope and healing. It is there that we find the Truth and its application to our daily life. It is there we immerse ourselves in the Family of God and journey toward Spiritual maturity. It is there we glimpse what eternity will embody and the llove we will share.
Find your little piece of Heaven. But, for Heaven’s sake, find Heaven.
There are some incredibly pretty places where men have chosen to build their homes or spend a significant portion of their time. One of those was described to me this week as “my little piece of Heaven.” It could be that Heaven will be a bit like that place, or totally different, we just don’t know. What we do know is that this Earth and everything on it will be destroyed. Only the people will survive – some destined for eternity with God, and some headed toward eternity separated from God. Baring a change of heart, i.e. the impartation of salvation to the soul of some folks, good and bad, their little piece of Heaven here on Earth is the only Heaven they will ever know.
How sad it is that one can labor a lifetime for something that strikes them as Heaven and still miss the greatest gift God has to offer. They never come to the knowledge that by exercising faith and receiving grace resulting in the redemption of our life from the wages of sin, that when “our earthly house is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
There is great beauty in this Earth, and I am a believer in seeing and enjoying as much of it as possible. I can’t help but believe that Heaven will have some of the beauty of this place we call home, but we’ll never know if we fail to focus on the reality that only a heart changed by the Spirit of God will ever have the opportunity to discover God’s infinite dwelling place.
One thing I hope; every House of Worship of the Living God will be a little piece of Heaven. It is there that we discover llove and peace and hope and healing. It is there that we find the Truth and its application to our daily life. It is there we immerse ourselves in the Family of God and journey toward Spiritual maturity. It is there we glimpse what eternity will embody and the llove we will share.
Find your little piece of Heaven. But, for Heaven’s sake, find Heaven.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
God On Display
I was driving down the freeway when I saw the two huge billboards. They were less than half-a-mile apart. The first one, in large letters proclaimed "Saving Grace." I think it's a new TV show or something. Anyway, that's not what crossed my mind!
Then, just a little way on down there was the second billboard and on it were the words "Millions Saved." It may have been something about electric service or some such. . .again not what crossed my mind!
That's the story we want to get out there, right? Millions have beens redeemed by His matchless, infinite saving grace! You are, or can be, one of them. There's great news on the freeeways around where I live. Maybe we should capitalize on it.
Then, just a little way on down there was the second billboard and on it were the words "Millions Saved." It may have been something about electric service or some such. . .again not what crossed my mind!
That's the story we want to get out there, right? Millions have beens redeemed by His matchless, infinite saving grace! You are, or can be, one of them. There's great news on the freeeways around where I live. Maybe we should capitalize on it.
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