The book of Jude is an intense book. It is like the writer has x-ray vision. Jesus is the deity whose influence stretches the length of history... enemies are predestined because the kingdom they unwittingly serve is old... spiritual warfare is real... fallen angels are beings rattling chains in a set location... intense.
I want to crawl into Jude's head and see what he sees. He isn't hiding anything. It is right out there.
"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." - Jude 1:3-4 ESV
Wow. This is the heart of the book. This man wants to write and fellowship with us but he sees danger. He is like a person who sees his friend and waves a greeting across a crowded street but then he sees a tractor-trailer closing in on his buddy and his tone changes and he must yell, 'Watch out!'.
"But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, 'In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.' It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." - Jude 1:17-21 ESV
I don't want to be the guy who talks about hell and demons. I want to hug people, fellowship and feed people but spiritual warfare is real and the time is short. Life is short. Jesus is the Ark that will ave people from the coming storm and people need to know that truth.
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Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Monday, October 28, 2019
Saturday, April 21, 2018
The Sugar Cube
The other night at coffee we began talking about Richard Wurmbrand. In the prisons that man was in a sugar cube was like medicine because they were all starving. Just one cube was precious and could keep a dying prisoner alive for a few more days. Pastor Wurmbrand spoke of a time one of the men in his cell was close to death and another prisoner spoke up and proclaimed that he had a sugar cube. They watched as he slowly unwrapped it. The whiteness of it struck them. Nothing was white in that prison. Someone in the group said, 'It is like Heaven' the others agreed and the small group of starving, pale men dressed in rags began to dance for joy. Heaven's presence was felt in that cell and the dying man told them to put the sugar cube away and give it to someone in a worse state than he was. The joy of his fellows and the power of that moment had revived him.
It is rumoured that that sugar cube was passed from prisoner to prisoner for years... maybe decades...
"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see." - Revelation 3:17-18 ESV
God, please lead us today. All of us who have received the Gospel have the brightness of Heaven to offer to our fellow but only those who truly know their need will see the value of it. Lead us. We treasure it but it is not a thing to keep for ourselves it is a thing to be given away and we want to give it away to those who are close to death but may not even know it.
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It is rumoured that that sugar cube was passed from prisoner to prisoner for years... maybe decades...
"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see." - Revelation 3:17-18 ESV
God, please lead us today. All of us who have received the Gospel have the brightness of Heaven to offer to our fellow but only those who truly know their need will see the value of it. Lead us. We treasure it but it is not a thing to keep for ourselves it is a thing to be given away and we want to give it away to those who are close to death but may not even know it.
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Wednesday, February 21, 2018
The Special Ingredient
"You have heard that it was said... But I say to you..." - Matthew 5:43a-44a ESV
Jesus uses this construction several times in the Gospels and it is interesting to me this morning. It kind of reminds me of a cooking show where the chef is cooking for the audience and he is going to present a new spin on an old dish.
The chef is white outfit says to the studio audience, 'How many of you have had french toast before? Raise your hand.' He is beating eggs quickly with a wisk as he asks and the audience is filled with people raising their hands. 'Well. I am about to make you some french toast with a special ingredient. Orange zest!' The audience explodes with applause. 'These are special oranges I grow in my orchard down in Warm-and-Beautiful, FL' The video shifts to a shot of a camera following the chef through his orchard in Florida but you can still hear him whisking the eggs now in time and space.
Jesus has a special ingredient. He has a special perspective. He brings something to the Earthly table that comes from a Heavenly garden.
"And he said to them, 'Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.' " - Matthew 13:52 ESV
Only a person who Is seated above can do this. The scribe is the student. Grace and mercy are Heavenly ingredients that put a new spin on an old concept that people are familiar with. Grace is always fresh.
As Jesus is speaking we get a glimpse of His home and the culture of His home. A 'scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven' brings that culture everywhere they go like an ambassador.
I want to be the person who says, 'You have heard it said... But this is what Jesus says... here is his secret ingredient. He wants you to have it and use it. He wants you to come with Him to Warm-and-Beautiful, FL. It is a real place. You can wander the groves and eat the sweet oranges you pick from His trees.'
--
Jesus uses this construction several times in the Gospels and it is interesting to me this morning. It kind of reminds me of a cooking show where the chef is cooking for the audience and he is going to present a new spin on an old dish.
The chef is white outfit says to the studio audience, 'How many of you have had french toast before? Raise your hand.' He is beating eggs quickly with a wisk as he asks and the audience is filled with people raising their hands. 'Well. I am about to make you some french toast with a special ingredient. Orange zest!' The audience explodes with applause. 'These are special oranges I grow in my orchard down in Warm-and-Beautiful, FL' The video shifts to a shot of a camera following the chef through his orchard in Florida but you can still hear him whisking the eggs now in time and space.
Jesus has a special ingredient. He has a special perspective. He brings something to the Earthly table that comes from a Heavenly garden.
"And he said to them, 'Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.' " - Matthew 13:52 ESV
Only a person who Is seated above can do this. The scribe is the student. Grace and mercy are Heavenly ingredients that put a new spin on an old concept that people are familiar with. Grace is always fresh.
As Jesus is speaking we get a glimpse of His home and the culture of His home. A 'scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven' brings that culture everywhere they go like an ambassador.
I want to be the person who says, 'You have heard it said... But this is what Jesus says... here is his secret ingredient. He wants you to have it and use it. He wants you to come with Him to Warm-and-Beautiful, FL. It is a real place. You can wander the groves and eat the sweet oranges you pick from His trees.'
--
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Hospitality In Heaven And On Earth
This morning I'm thinking of the concept of 'sheltering people' in a crisis.
Every home has a different culture, doesn't it? Some people live very private lives. I picture the quiet couple that doesn't ever really entertain. They have a home that they live in but not many people ever see it. Then there is the family that has a home like grand central station... children... other peoples children... company that stays over... there is a closet filled with extra bedding.
Then the crisis comes. The flood, fire, war, repression or migration.
Which family opens their doors? Perhaps the decision is different for these different households.
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." - John 14:1-3 ESV
As far as I know there were not many, if any, people in Heaven when Jesus said this. Heaven's doors were not open to people yet. Jesus is the One who would open those doors.
When people died they went to a place we call Abraham's bosom. Jesus speaks of it below and we think of it as an actual place because Jesus uses proper names. He didn't use names in parables.
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'" - Luke 16:19-26 ESV
Jesus opens Heaven. He says that to Mary in the Garden after He is raised from the dead.
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' ' " - John 20:16-17 ESV
Jesus is preparing a place for us.
Does that excite you? It excites me.
I'm praying this morning for all the folks out there in the world who are preparing 'a place' for people because they have compassion in their hearts. The private ones and the ones who are used to feeding many mouths. Their hospitality is not unknown in Heaven. God does that also.
--
Every home has a different culture, doesn't it? Some people live very private lives. I picture the quiet couple that doesn't ever really entertain. They have a home that they live in but not many people ever see it. Then there is the family that has a home like grand central station... children... other peoples children... company that stays over... there is a closet filled with extra bedding.
Then the crisis comes. The flood, fire, war, repression or migration.
Which family opens their doors? Perhaps the decision is different for these different households.
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." - John 14:1-3 ESV
As far as I know there were not many, if any, people in Heaven when Jesus said this. Heaven's doors were not open to people yet. Jesus is the One who would open those doors.
When people died they went to a place we call Abraham's bosom. Jesus speaks of it below and we think of it as an actual place because Jesus uses proper names. He didn't use names in parables.
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'" - Luke 16:19-26 ESV
Jesus opens Heaven. He says that to Mary in the Garden after He is raised from the dead.
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' ' " - John 20:16-17 ESV
Jesus is preparing a place for us.
Does that excite you? It excites me.
I'm praying this morning for all the folks out there in the world who are preparing 'a place' for people because they have compassion in their hearts. The private ones and the ones who are used to feeding many mouths. Their hospitality is not unknown in Heaven. God does that also.
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Monday, June 26, 2017
Coffee Can Contributions
This morning I'm thinking of 'coffee can' savings accounts. Put a little in and a little more and a little more. Lots of deposits but very rare withdrawals. Then when the big day comes those cans get opened and all the little sacrifices become one big party.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew 12:33-37 ESV
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" - Matthew 6:21-23 KJV
Notice in each there are two varieties of treasure. Grace treasure and dark treasure. No gray. No combinations. You either know God and have a coffee can of light or you don't and have a coffee can of darkness.
"Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat." - Hebrews 13:9-10 ESV
Grace is directly linked to Jesus. No Jesus. No grace. Know Jesus and know grace.
This morning I am refocused on the big party coming later. I will be there because of Jesus. Just looking at Him adds something to my life that is contributing something to the party later on. Every faith thought and every time we value grace as something to receive, give and live it adds a degree of light to a treasure of light.
Amazing.
--
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew 12:33-37 ESV
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" - Matthew 6:21-23 KJV
Notice in each there are two varieties of treasure. Grace treasure and dark treasure. No gray. No combinations. You either know God and have a coffee can of light or you don't and have a coffee can of darkness.
"Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat." - Hebrews 13:9-10 ESV
Grace is directly linked to Jesus. No Jesus. No grace. Know Jesus and know grace.
This morning I am refocused on the big party coming later. I will be there because of Jesus. Just looking at Him adds something to my life that is contributing something to the party later on. Every faith thought and every time we value grace as something to receive, give and live it adds a degree of light to a treasure of light.
Amazing.
--
Friday, May 19, 2017
Reigned For One Thousand Years
Taking a look at the millennial reign this morning. Most people focus on Heaven as being our 'life after this life' but a literal translation of the scriptures points to a robust and diverse future. God is not done with our planet after the apocalypse (seven year time of Jacob's trouble). Israel is going to see it's nation in full bloom like an olive tree producing oil and fruit. We see governmental Israel restored now but God is going to make Israel the center of the world.
Sukkot (the feast of tabernacles) and Solomon's life are pictures of the millennial reign. Solomon is a type of Christ and his reign was a shadow of the kingdom to come. He even sits on a 'great white throne'.
"The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest gold." - 1 Kings 10:18 ESV
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them." - Revelation 20:11 ESV
Yes, Heaven is amazing but God is training us to reign with Him.
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:" - 2 Timothy 2:12 KJV
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." - Revelation 20:1-4 ESV
"Speak to the people of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month and for seven days is the Feast of Booths to the LORD. On the first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. For seven days you shall present food offerings to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work." - Leviticus 23:34-36 ESV
"You shall keep the Feast of Booths seven days, when you have gathered in the produce from your threshing floor and your winepress. You shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your towns. For seven days you shall keep the feast to the LORD your God at the place that the LORD will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful." - Deuteronomy 16:13-15 ESV
In the garden of Eden Adam had this organic unity with God. When it came time to name the animals He just knew by observation what to name them. When this corruptible puts on incorruptible we will think with God in an adult way. Our childhood will be resolved. Our weakness will be filled in with strength. Our sin consciousness will be replaced with glory and integrated thinking.
What we operate in now will be the template that our future will be framed with.
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV
Could it be that the choices we make today affect our activity and even responsibility for 1,000 years? The feast of tabernacles isn't far away on the prophetic calendar. We have more to look forward to then harps and clouds. There will be the reclamation of our world and the glory of God will be on display like never before. Angels will be visible. There will be territory to take and victories to be won. The dominoes of what happened at the cross will still be falling and every loose end revealed in the book of Genesis will be tied up again in the end.
Are we spectators or are we participants? Do we have a template of wood, hay and stubble or is our life built on the gold, silver and precious stones of Christ's life and accomplishments?
--
Sukkot (the feast of tabernacles) and Solomon's life are pictures of the millennial reign. Solomon is a type of Christ and his reign was a shadow of the kingdom to come. He even sits on a 'great white throne'.
"The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest gold." - 1 Kings 10:18 ESV
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them." - Revelation 20:11 ESV
Yes, Heaven is amazing but God is training us to reign with Him.
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:" - 2 Timothy 2:12 KJV
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." - Revelation 20:1-4 ESV
"Speak to the people of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month and for seven days is the Feast of Booths to the LORD. On the first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. For seven days you shall present food offerings to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work." - Leviticus 23:34-36 ESV
"You shall keep the Feast of Booths seven days, when you have gathered in the produce from your threshing floor and your winepress. You shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your towns. For seven days you shall keep the feast to the LORD your God at the place that the LORD will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful." - Deuteronomy 16:13-15 ESV
In the garden of Eden Adam had this organic unity with God. When it came time to name the animals He just knew by observation what to name them. When this corruptible puts on incorruptible we will think with God in an adult way. Our childhood will be resolved. Our weakness will be filled in with strength. Our sin consciousness will be replaced with glory and integrated thinking.
What we operate in now will be the template that our future will be framed with.
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV
Could it be that the choices we make today affect our activity and even responsibility for 1,000 years? The feast of tabernacles isn't far away on the prophetic calendar. We have more to look forward to then harps and clouds. There will be the reclamation of our world and the glory of God will be on display like never before. Angels will be visible. There will be territory to take and victories to be won. The dominoes of what happened at the cross will still be falling and every loose end revealed in the book of Genesis will be tied up again in the end.
Are we spectators or are we participants? Do we have a template of wood, hay and stubble or is our life built on the gold, silver and precious stones of Christ's life and accomplishments?
--
Friday, April 14, 2017
He Was And Is Full Of Surprises
Jesus was continuously surprising His disciples. He was more approachable than they thought. His zeal was more. He cried over Jerusalem. He was not only willing to die. He went to the cross like a lamb. He was gracious and true graciousness is shocking. If you see it you are amazed by it. There is no polite applause. There is a heartfelt response or just plain silence. Grace is polarizing. Jesus was and Is polarizing.
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.' And they remembered his words," - Luke 24:1-8 ESV
All of Heaven's shocking beauty will reaffirm Jesus' words. Heaven was witnessing and hearing what those disciples were witnessing also.
Some think they will get to Heaven and after asking about Christ they will find out He was only a fiction but little do those people know that if Jesus is not in their life before they go they aren't going to go to a happy, bright and shockingly beautiful place. Jesus is the surprising doorway into all that God graciously has to offer. He Is the victory over death.
This has been a hard week for me. People have seen me struggle. There was a time when that would have made me self-conscious but now I see it as an opportunity. As I sit here my prayer is that somehow I would be a testimony of something divine and surprising gracious. I'm not going to strive for it. I belong to God because of Jesus Christ and He has risen from the grave just as He said He would. I know He has put treasure in this earthen vessel. I pray people would see that treasure and that they would receive it for themselves also.
Dazzling beings are looking in today on our lives. Oh God... let them see Jesus. Let God be glorified here in the world because we have been available to the gracious One.
--
"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.' And they remembered his words," - Luke 24:1-8 ESV
All of Heaven's shocking beauty will reaffirm Jesus' words. Heaven was witnessing and hearing what those disciples were witnessing also.
Some think they will get to Heaven and after asking about Christ they will find out He was only a fiction but little do those people know that if Jesus is not in their life before they go they aren't going to go to a happy, bright and shockingly beautiful place. Jesus is the surprising doorway into all that God graciously has to offer. He Is the victory over death.
This has been a hard week for me. People have seen me struggle. There was a time when that would have made me self-conscious but now I see it as an opportunity. As I sit here my prayer is that somehow I would be a testimony of something divine and surprising gracious. I'm not going to strive for it. I belong to God because of Jesus Christ and He has risen from the grave just as He said He would. I know He has put treasure in this earthen vessel. I pray people would see that treasure and that they would receive it for themselves also.
Dazzling beings are looking in today on our lives. Oh God... let them see Jesus. Let God be glorified here in the world because we have been available to the gracious One.
--
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Those Who Turn Many
Those who are wise shall shine...
"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." - Daniel 12:1-3 ESV
'Those who turn many' is one word in Hebrew. It is 'rab' (Strong's H7227) and as an adjective, it means many, abounding in or 'more numerous than.' but it can also be used as a noun and as a noun it means Captain or leader.
Here is a different translation...
"And those teaching do shine as the brightness of the expanse, and those justifying the multitude as stars to the age and for ever." - Daniel 12:3 YLT
In other words... We provide leadership in presenting divine viewpoint and many turn to God. The term 'soul winner' sounds antiquated or religious to some but it is a good fit for what Daniel is proclaiming here. A person who has made it their mission to provide leadership in seeing many people turn to God and His righteousness. It isn't a person who pounds people over the head about their sin. It is the person who points to the graveyard and says, 'All those people are going to stand before God. Some will 'wake' to everlasting life and others to shame and everlasting contempt. Believe in Jesus, the righteous One, and you won't be ashamed.'
This isn't about a natural leadership gift. This brightness will be determined by a decision to live a life that gives others exposure to divine viewpoint. Anyone can shine. Shy people and outgoing ones... quiet and loud... intellectual and plain speaking people. We provide leadership through imparting wisdom and God does the turning.
--
"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." - Daniel 12:1-3 ESV
'Those who turn many' is one word in Hebrew. It is 'rab' (Strong's H7227) and as an adjective, it means many, abounding in or 'more numerous than.' but it can also be used as a noun and as a noun it means Captain or leader.
Here is a different translation...
"And those teaching do shine as the brightness of the expanse, and those justifying the multitude as stars to the age and for ever." - Daniel 12:3 YLT
In other words... We provide leadership in presenting divine viewpoint and many turn to God. The term 'soul winner' sounds antiquated or religious to some but it is a good fit for what Daniel is proclaiming here. A person who has made it their mission to provide leadership in seeing many people turn to God and His righteousness. It isn't a person who pounds people over the head about their sin. It is the person who points to the graveyard and says, 'All those people are going to stand before God. Some will 'wake' to everlasting life and others to shame and everlasting contempt. Believe in Jesus, the righteous One, and you won't be ashamed.'
This isn't about a natural leadership gift. This brightness will be determined by a decision to live a life that gives others exposure to divine viewpoint. Anyone can shine. Shy people and outgoing ones... quiet and loud... intellectual and plain speaking people. We provide leadership through imparting wisdom and God does the turning.
--
Thursday, January 5, 2017
The Idea Of An Anchor
"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." - Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV
I'm just sitting here thinking about those big anchors they have on the big boats and then of the one man fishing boat and the anchor that one man may have.
What a great idea an anchor is. If I don't have one I will drift. I can safely take a nap if I have an anchor and not lose my position.
Those big anchors plunge into the depths of dark seas but we have an anchor to the eternal holy place. We are never lost because this anchor holds. We can rest without worrying that we will be swept out to sea.
The storms of life may move us but we won't go very far and we are never out of Heaven's reach.
Thank You God. I am little and often foolish but You have connected me to Heaven and I am thankful. I'm going fishing today and it won't be fish I am looking searching for. I will fish unafraid knowing that I won't be swept out to sea. Thank You God.
--
I'm just sitting here thinking about those big anchors they have on the big boats and then of the one man fishing boat and the anchor that one man may have.
What a great idea an anchor is. If I don't have one I will drift. I can safely take a nap if I have an anchor and not lose my position.
Those big anchors plunge into the depths of dark seas but we have an anchor to the eternal holy place. We are never lost because this anchor holds. We can rest without worrying that we will be swept out to sea.
The storms of life may move us but we won't go very far and we are never out of Heaven's reach.
Thank You God. I am little and often foolish but You have connected me to Heaven and I am thankful. I'm going fishing today and it won't be fish I am looking searching for. I will fish unafraid knowing that I won't be swept out to sea. Thank You God.
--
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
A Prepared Place
This booklet I'm reading Is very intense (Last Looks, Last Thoughts, Last Words).
"I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven," - Matthew 8:11 ESV
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." - John 14:1-3 ESV
The prepared place. The family place where Abraham and Jacob fellowship even though they are from different generations and couldn't know each other on Earth.
Isn't it good to have a place... a reserved seat in the crowded event. It is so good.
"But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him." - Genesis 8:9 ESV
I think of the Church. There was a great flood and the dove looked for land but there was none yet. The waters were too high. Things were not settled yet so it came back and found a place on Noah's arm. People go and search for a while but then they come back because there is a place to rest in the Church.
But then just past the end of time we see this terrible scene.
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:11-15 ESV
It is almost to hard to look at and imagine. No place at the table. No arm to rest on. No friend with connections. No place.
I have faced social rejection. The ones I have loved the most have said, 'Bye, Bye' and there is no other feeling like it. (I apologize if this stirs those memories up in you as you read. I am weeping as I write it.)
Jesus will never say, 'Bye, Bye' or 'Oops, There must have been some mix up.' If you know Him He has made a place for you. If you you believe the place is yours and Jesus will have prepared it special just for you. You will sit next to your favorite people. The ones you know and the ones that came before your time and never got to know in this life.
Imagine it... a special place or no place... there is no in between. Wow. The different is one small decision. One conversation. One faith transaction. One 'Jesus I believe in you... Save me.'
I'm praying for my friends that need a place right now. We can take it for granted when we have one but when we need one it becomes so vital. Please God have mercy on them. Thank you God. You have made Heaven our home. You have opened up your home to us and what glorious home it will be.
Lord, I believe if you are preparing one there then you can do it here also. This isn't 'pie in the sky' theology. Show that your hand is strong for these people we, the writer and the reader, are thinking of. Your arm isn't short. You can save. You have before so many times and we believe you will again. Thank You God. Thank You for the great security You have given those who believe in You. Wow. You are amazing.
--
"I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven," - Matthew 8:11 ESV
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." - John 14:1-3 ESV
The prepared place. The family place where Abraham and Jacob fellowship even though they are from different generations and couldn't know each other on Earth.
Isn't it good to have a place... a reserved seat in the crowded event. It is so good.
"But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him." - Genesis 8:9 ESV
I think of the Church. There was a great flood and the dove looked for land but there was none yet. The waters were too high. Things were not settled yet so it came back and found a place on Noah's arm. People go and search for a while but then they come back because there is a place to rest in the Church.
But then just past the end of time we see this terrible scene.
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:11-15 ESV
It is almost to hard to look at and imagine. No place at the table. No arm to rest on. No friend with connections. No place.
I have faced social rejection. The ones I have loved the most have said, 'Bye, Bye' and there is no other feeling like it. (I apologize if this stirs those memories up in you as you read. I am weeping as I write it.)
Jesus will never say, 'Bye, Bye' or 'Oops, There must have been some mix up.' If you know Him He has made a place for you. If you you believe the place is yours and Jesus will have prepared it special just for you. You will sit next to your favorite people. The ones you know and the ones that came before your time and never got to know in this life.
Imagine it... a special place or no place... there is no in between. Wow. The different is one small decision. One conversation. One faith transaction. One 'Jesus I believe in you... Save me.'
I'm praying for my friends that need a place right now. We can take it for granted when we have one but when we need one it becomes so vital. Please God have mercy on them. Thank you God. You have made Heaven our home. You have opened up your home to us and what glorious home it will be.
Lord, I believe if you are preparing one there then you can do it here also. This isn't 'pie in the sky' theology. Show that your hand is strong for these people we, the writer and the reader, are thinking of. Your arm isn't short. You can save. You have before so many times and we believe you will again. Thank You God. Thank You for the great security You have given those who believe in You. Wow. You are amazing.
--
Monday, February 1, 2016
Larkin's Charts
This morning I am reviewing the images of Clarence Larkin.
Perhaps you have never heard of him. He was born in 1850 in Pennsylvania. He became a Pastor and wrote a few books. He is best known for His Dispensational orientation (a literal view of scripture that breaks history down into time periods and makes the claim that God showcases different aspects of His character in unique ways for periods of time) and his charts that illustrate visually what the scripture says about history and prophetic events.
This past Sunday (yesterday) the Church in Baltimore spoke much about the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10 and related verses 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 11:2f, Revelation 5:9-10, 2 John 1:8).
It is such an edifying study because when we see How gracious God Is it removes any fear we might have.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 ESV
This reward stretches beyond what we will see in this lifetime in this age. It can seem like people are punished for their spiritual success on Earth if you look at the difficulties they face but God is not punishing people. Sin has been paid for and a provision has been made.
We can store treasure in Heaven for this great day...
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' " - Luke 18:22 ESV
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
"For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." - Hebrews 10:37-39 ESV
Yes. It is good to look at Larkin's charts and think about all that God has in store for the world. Some of it is scary and intense because God deals with everyone and not just those who have been brought into His family through faith in Jesus Christ.
Inside God's house there is warmth and generosity. I think we will be overwhelmed by it and shocked at how kind He Is.
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11 ESV
Yes. This theme is very motivating. If we walk by faith we can look forward to a good Bema seat judgement.
--
Perhaps you have never heard of him. He was born in 1850 in Pennsylvania. He became a Pastor and wrote a few books. He is best known for His Dispensational orientation (a literal view of scripture that breaks history down into time periods and makes the claim that God showcases different aspects of His character in unique ways for periods of time) and his charts that illustrate visually what the scripture says about history and prophetic events.
This past Sunday (yesterday) the Church in Baltimore spoke much about the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10 and related verses 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 11:2f, Revelation 5:9-10, 2 John 1:8).
It is such an edifying study because when we see How gracious God Is it removes any fear we might have.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 ESV
This reward stretches beyond what we will see in this lifetime in this age. It can seem like people are punished for their spiritual success on Earth if you look at the difficulties they face but God is not punishing people. Sin has been paid for and a provision has been made.
We can store treasure in Heaven for this great day...
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' " - Luke 18:22 ESV
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
"For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." - Hebrews 10:37-39 ESV
Yes. It is good to look at Larkin's charts and think about all that God has in store for the world. Some of it is scary and intense because God deals with everyone and not just those who have been brought into His family through faith in Jesus Christ.
Inside God's house there is warmth and generosity. I think we will be overwhelmed by it and shocked at how kind He Is.
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11 ESV
Yes. This theme is very motivating. If we walk by faith we can look forward to a good Bema seat judgement.
--
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Just As I Am... Now And Later
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.' And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' And he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.' " - Revelation 21:4-8 ESV
"But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths." - Genesis 3:4-7 ESV
Over time my view of Heaven has changed.
Many writers write about Heaven as this cure all, fix all pie in the sky place... but we will still be the person we are right now inside. Maybe we don't want that.
"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 ESV
Adam woke up one morning and life was good and he went to sleep that night and life was bad because his thinking had changed. The fruit gave him forbidden knowledge that he used against himself, his wife and then ultimately God. Things started to decay from that moment on and sin began to add to sin causing ever worsening problems as time passed.
Jesus did something amazing when He redeemed us.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:28-31 ESV
If we have received Christ then God has given us an identity in Heaven and we are not spiraling up to meet that identity. We are that person. It is just hidden in a body that hasn't been redeemed yet.
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 ESV
Adam hated himself. If we know God then we have no reason to live that way anymore. Adam blamed others for his actions. We have no reason to do that anymore because of what Jesus has done.
"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:52 ESV
Yes. What a glorious day that will be. That day does give us hope.
Today we don't have to live hoping that day will come to change us and fix everything. We can live in the present reality of the new nature. Yes. There is still pain and sorrow to deal with.
Adam was grumbling before he left the garden and got much more to grumble about. We can praise God when we are still on the Earth expecting that it won't be long before we are surrounded by glory all the time.
Living in grace uncovers who people really are now. Heaven will make that which is invisible visible... death will harden the mold of the decisions we have made in this life forever.
"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." - Daniel 12:2-3 ESV
Living in the truth now will add more light to what we see later.
--
"But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths." - Genesis 3:4-7 ESV
Over time my view of Heaven has changed.
Many writers write about Heaven as this cure all, fix all pie in the sky place... but we will still be the person we are right now inside. Maybe we don't want that.
"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 ESV
Adam woke up one morning and life was good and he went to sleep that night and life was bad because his thinking had changed. The fruit gave him forbidden knowledge that he used against himself, his wife and then ultimately God. Things started to decay from that moment on and sin began to add to sin causing ever worsening problems as time passed.
Jesus did something amazing when He redeemed us.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:28-31 ESV
If we have received Christ then God has given us an identity in Heaven and we are not spiraling up to meet that identity. We are that person. It is just hidden in a body that hasn't been redeemed yet.
"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 ESV
Adam hated himself. If we know God then we have no reason to live that way anymore. Adam blamed others for his actions. We have no reason to do that anymore because of what Jesus has done.
"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:52 ESV
Yes. What a glorious day that will be. That day does give us hope.
Today we don't have to live hoping that day will come to change us and fix everything. We can live in the present reality of the new nature. Yes. There is still pain and sorrow to deal with.
Adam was grumbling before he left the garden and got much more to grumble about. We can praise God when we are still on the Earth expecting that it won't be long before we are surrounded by glory all the time.
Living in grace uncovers who people really are now. Heaven will make that which is invisible visible... death will harden the mold of the decisions we have made in this life forever.
"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." - Daniel 12:2-3 ESV
Living in the truth now will add more light to what we see later.
--
Monday, August 24, 2015
Special Family Status
"Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, 'Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.' But he answered them, 'My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.' " - Luke 8:19-21 ESV
I often think of this verse if I give a missionary money because I was taught by my family that giving cash as a gift to family members was an acceptable but it was better to give a thoughtful item to non-family members. So every time I hand someone cash I think, 'You are family.'
Our family has a special place in our hearts and minds. It is a unique place. Not everyone has family. Many of us have interesting relationships with our families. There are different boundaries drawn. We are willing or unwilling to do things because people are in a different category when they are considered family.
Jesus is displaying His deity when He says, 'My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.'
Some teach this verse this way... 'If you obey God's commands you will have special status with God. He will make concessions for you like you do for family.'
But, This verse comes to mind.
"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;" - 1 Peter 1:22-23 ESV
Our first birth gave us an Earthly family but our second birth makes us children of Heaven.
Jesus was speaking prophetically about those who would mix faith with the Gospel and that good news would go deep into them and create a new person who would value what God values and function in the reality that God speaks about. At times that would come easy and at other times there would just be a sense of obedience absent from emotion.
The person who never hears the truth has only one family... the one who sometimes can't make it through the crowd to get to them because natural circumstances hinder natural love.
The person who hears the word of God and does it can love both families. Prayer transcends the crowd and all natural barriers. There is a provision for the things that drive us crazy and put wedges between brother, sister, father and mother.
A great feast is coming and God has room at His table for more family members. They are out there waiting to be found. Maybe today God will put us in front of a person who has never heard the truth and will truly hear it deep inside their soul today if it is spoken today in a fresh way.
Help us God. Help us not to be respecters of persons. Give us room in our hearts for more family members. Heal us where we need to be healed. It it easy to get wounded and hindered but we want to love with the freedom that only You can give us.
Thank You God for taking us in and giving us a special place at your table.
--
I often think of this verse if I give a missionary money because I was taught by my family that giving cash as a gift to family members was an acceptable but it was better to give a thoughtful item to non-family members. So every time I hand someone cash I think, 'You are family.'
Our family has a special place in our hearts and minds. It is a unique place. Not everyone has family. Many of us have interesting relationships with our families. There are different boundaries drawn. We are willing or unwilling to do things because people are in a different category when they are considered family.
Jesus is displaying His deity when He says, 'My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.'
Some teach this verse this way... 'If you obey God's commands you will have special status with God. He will make concessions for you like you do for family.'
But, This verse comes to mind.
"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;" - 1 Peter 1:22-23 ESV
Our first birth gave us an Earthly family but our second birth makes us children of Heaven.
Jesus was speaking prophetically about those who would mix faith with the Gospel and that good news would go deep into them and create a new person who would value what God values and function in the reality that God speaks about. At times that would come easy and at other times there would just be a sense of obedience absent from emotion.
The person who never hears the truth has only one family... the one who sometimes can't make it through the crowd to get to them because natural circumstances hinder natural love.
The person who hears the word of God and does it can love both families. Prayer transcends the crowd and all natural barriers. There is a provision for the things that drive us crazy and put wedges between brother, sister, father and mother.
A great feast is coming and God has room at His table for more family members. They are out there waiting to be found. Maybe today God will put us in front of a person who has never heard the truth and will truly hear it deep inside their soul today if it is spoken today in a fresh way.
Help us God. Help us not to be respecters of persons. Give us room in our hearts for more family members. Heal us where we need to be healed. It it easy to get wounded and hindered but we want to love with the freedom that only You can give us.
Thank You God for taking us in and giving us a special place at your table.
--
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Seated Together
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, 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, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:4-9 ESV
Which is more miraculous? Is it the fact that we are seated with Him in Heaven or that we are seated together with Him?
Fisherman and tax collectors... together. Protestants and Catholics... together. Generations of families will finally be together. Great great grand fathers will have animated conversations with their children's children's children. All of us will be ageless.
Our differences will be nonexistent. Our relationships will be closer. There will be no skeletons in our closets. Our scars will not hinder us from trusting.
At our Church we have something called a 'rap' and during this time people can ask questions. My old friend and I were at one a few nights ago and he leaned over and commented on how he loves that people who are struggling to apply what they just heard can ask questions even if they are struggling even to get the words of the question right. A long time ago we were in many raps together with all sorts of characters. He had his young son with him at this one. Who would have thought we would get so old and responsible.
The rap is a safe place. People who are hungry for more are there. People who have seen the value of fellowship are there. Some just have no where else to go but that is fine if the one place that remains is safe and has love with answers.
On the great day when we are all seated together with God we won't have anywhere else to go either... or will we? I don't know. I imagine however no one is going to go take a smoke break out back. No one will want to miss a moment of it. When Jesus opens His mouth to say something we will be hanging on every word.
I want to bring that rap everywhere I go. I want to bring it to dark places. I want to walk into heathen living rooms and have there be an oasis of safety where love can be communicated and exchanged. Then I want to visit again only to find that the living room is not heathen anymore.
"But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " - Matthew 19:26 ESV
Yes. Just getting us all to sit together is impossible with man but God makes a space for us to be together. It is a space filled with grace, mercy, love and answers.
Oh God! Heaven on Earth. Can it happen? Some of us have seen first hand how You unite people. Fill our spaces God. We want to sit in places with You here on Earth. We want to see people in chairs who are being loved and are being set free in safety. Your message can create these spaces. The Gospel of grace is the content that dissolves cliques and makes us all equal. Give us the stamina to linger longer. Give us the desire to meet where others are to afraid or unwilling to go. Make us missionaries right where we are and send us places. You are the One who builds Your Church but we long to see what You do planted in needy places.
--
Which is more miraculous? Is it the fact that we are seated with Him in Heaven or that we are seated together with Him?
Fisherman and tax collectors... together. Protestants and Catholics... together. Generations of families will finally be together. Great great grand fathers will have animated conversations with their children's children's children. All of us will be ageless.
Our differences will be nonexistent. Our relationships will be closer. There will be no skeletons in our closets. Our scars will not hinder us from trusting.
At our Church we have something called a 'rap' and during this time people can ask questions. My old friend and I were at one a few nights ago and he leaned over and commented on how he loves that people who are struggling to apply what they just heard can ask questions even if they are struggling even to get the words of the question right. A long time ago we were in many raps together with all sorts of characters. He had his young son with him at this one. Who would have thought we would get so old and responsible.
The rap is a safe place. People who are hungry for more are there. People who have seen the value of fellowship are there. Some just have no where else to go but that is fine if the one place that remains is safe and has love with answers.
On the great day when we are all seated together with God we won't have anywhere else to go either... or will we? I don't know. I imagine however no one is going to go take a smoke break out back. No one will want to miss a moment of it. When Jesus opens His mouth to say something we will be hanging on every word.
I want to bring that rap everywhere I go. I want to bring it to dark places. I want to walk into heathen living rooms and have there be an oasis of safety where love can be communicated and exchanged. Then I want to visit again only to find that the living room is not heathen anymore.
"But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " - Matthew 19:26 ESV
Yes. Just getting us all to sit together is impossible with man but God makes a space for us to be together. It is a space filled with grace, mercy, love and answers.
Oh God! Heaven on Earth. Can it happen? Some of us have seen first hand how You unite people. Fill our spaces God. We want to sit in places with You here on Earth. We want to see people in chairs who are being loved and are being set free in safety. Your message can create these spaces. The Gospel of grace is the content that dissolves cliques and makes us all equal. Give us the stamina to linger longer. Give us the desire to meet where others are to afraid or unwilling to go. Make us missionaries right where we are and send us places. You are the One who builds Your Church but we long to see what You do planted in needy places.
--
Monday, July 14, 2014
Well Known In Heaven
We have grace and peace on Earth because we are blessed in Heaven.
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places," - Ephesians 1:1-3 ESV
We are known there. We are blessed there.
God the Father asks about us. Jesus talks about us to His Father. The Spirit of God guides us and keys tabs on us. We are blessed in Heaven. We are known in Heaven.
This morning I imagine this conversation like it might happen with an Earthly parent...
"Good to see you Son of my right hand."
"Always good to see you Father."
"Say, How is that friend of yours. The one with the blond hair. I've been thinking about Him. You know the one. He asked to receive you in 1982 in the back of that little church in Alabama. You know who I mean..."
"Yes, I spoke to Him this morning. He has asked us for a few things."
"Oh, I like that boy. Let's make sure he gets what He needs."
"Sure thing Father. The Spirit is right on that and we will send angels to make that happen right now."
"Good. Good. What a great guy. Did he ever marry that nice brown haired girl..."
"No, They broke up in May of 1992"
"Oh, I like that girl... She received you in 1986 after the missionary came to her Church. Great girl."
"Yes, I haven't spoken to her lately."
"Please tell her I love her when you do speak to her. What a great young lady. Her parents are such a blessing to me."
We can imagine long conversations like that but between a Father and Son with infinite love and infinite knowledge of details. People here on Earth but being discussed in Heaven right now.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV
"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God." - Luke 12:7-9 ESV
"My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you." - Psalms 139:15-18 ESV
If we know the Son then the Father knows us and when the Father knows our name we have hope because who can resist the goodwill of the Father?
"For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' " - Hebrews 6:13-14 NKJV
No one could prevent that blessing.
We imagine a present tense conversation but in truth it happens in eternity so it echos from the past and into the future all at once.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." - Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV
God spoke a blessing within the Trinitarian counsel of Father, Son and Spirit in Heaven before the world was made and though we are here on the Earth that blessing is made to reach us now.
Not everyone is known.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" - Matthew 7:21-23 ESV
We are blessed to know God by His grace and not our works. We are known and spoken about. We will be known and spoken about.
Isolation is a terrible thing... We are known! The moment we received Christ by faith we can have great assurance that we are known and will be known forever.
--
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places," - Ephesians 1:1-3 ESV
We are known there. We are blessed there.
God the Father asks about us. Jesus talks about us to His Father. The Spirit of God guides us and keys tabs on us. We are blessed in Heaven. We are known in Heaven.
This morning I imagine this conversation like it might happen with an Earthly parent...
"Good to see you Son of my right hand."
"Always good to see you Father."
"Say, How is that friend of yours. The one with the blond hair. I've been thinking about Him. You know the one. He asked to receive you in 1982 in the back of that little church in Alabama. You know who I mean..."
"Yes, I spoke to Him this morning. He has asked us for a few things."
"Oh, I like that boy. Let's make sure he gets what He needs."
"Sure thing Father. The Spirit is right on that and we will send angels to make that happen right now."
"Good. Good. What a great guy. Did he ever marry that nice brown haired girl..."
"No, They broke up in May of 1992"
"Oh, I like that girl... She received you in 1986 after the missionary came to her Church. Great girl."
"Yes, I haven't spoken to her lately."
"Please tell her I love her when you do speak to her. What a great young lady. Her parents are such a blessing to me."
We can imagine long conversations like that but between a Father and Son with infinite love and infinite knowledge of details. People here on Earth but being discussed in Heaven right now.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV
"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God." - Luke 12:7-9 ESV
"My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you." - Psalms 139:15-18 ESV
If we know the Son then the Father knows us and when the Father knows our name we have hope because who can resist the goodwill of the Father?
"For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, 'Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.' " - Hebrews 6:13-14 NKJV
No one could prevent that blessing.
We imagine a present tense conversation but in truth it happens in eternity so it echos from the past and into the future all at once.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." - Ephesians 1:3-6 ESV
God spoke a blessing within the Trinitarian counsel of Father, Son and Spirit in Heaven before the world was made and though we are here on the Earth that blessing is made to reach us now.
Not everyone is known.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" - Matthew 7:21-23 ESV
We are blessed to know God by His grace and not our works. We are known and spoken about. We will be known and spoken about.
Isolation is a terrible thing... We are known! The moment we received Christ by faith we can have great assurance that we are known and will be known forever.
--
Friday, October 11, 2013
A Voice from Heaven
We are drawn by a voice. It is a sound we hear in our spirit not in our ears.
Something deep in God longs to connect with something deep in us.
"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." Psalms 42:7 KJV
The water of the sky meets the water of a lake or ocean and there is an upward drawing and intermingling.
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you." Philippians 3:13-15 ESV
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began" 2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV
The set apart Ones are not fooled by sight. Results are measured by focus on God's purpose and reveling in God's grace. They see outside of time and space because they hear a voice calling them that is eternal and sits speaking from eternity.
"Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house." Hebrews 3:1-2 ESV
Heavenly brothers, who share in a calling, fellowship around Jesus.
Faithfulness is not continuing to do something. It is continuing to hear someone and operate in what you are hearing in meekness and humility. What we hear can lead us into years and years of moving in a consistent direction. When someone serves for decades is registers as noteworthy to us. That is God. The call might result in a week long mission trip to a place we will never return to or a conversation with a stranger or loved one that is devoid of familiarity and filled with freshness. Those are also noteworthy and special.
If Heaven seems silent it is good to trace our lives back to the last thing we know we heard and dwell there for a while. That is a good place for the waterspout to touch down again. There is music in that event, place or word from Heaven. A called one has a soul that hears and is able to respond and sing along.
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:6 ESV
God's calling is seasoned with grace. What we speak is the manifestation of what we hear. Grace always communicates the high, the holy and the Heavenly.
Something deep in God longs to connect with something deep in us.
"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." Psalms 42:7 KJV
The water of the sky meets the water of a lake or ocean and there is an upward drawing and intermingling.
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you." Philippians 3:13-15 ESV
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began" 2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV
The set apart Ones are not fooled by sight. Results are measured by focus on God's purpose and reveling in God's grace. They see outside of time and space because they hear a voice calling them that is eternal and sits speaking from eternity.
"Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house." Hebrews 3:1-2 ESV
Heavenly brothers, who share in a calling, fellowship around Jesus.
Faithfulness is not continuing to do something. It is continuing to hear someone and operate in what you are hearing in meekness and humility. What we hear can lead us into years and years of moving in a consistent direction. When someone serves for decades is registers as noteworthy to us. That is God. The call might result in a week long mission trip to a place we will never return to or a conversation with a stranger or loved one that is devoid of familiarity and filled with freshness. Those are also noteworthy and special.
If Heaven seems silent it is good to trace our lives back to the last thing we know we heard and dwell there for a while. That is a good place for the waterspout to touch down again. There is music in that event, place or word from Heaven. A called one has a soul that hears and is able to respond and sing along.
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:6 ESV
God's calling is seasoned with grace. What we speak is the manifestation of what we hear. Grace always communicates the high, the holy and the Heavenly.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The Possibility of Identification
The fruit on the tree did not cause Adam to fall. It was identification with the kingdom that gave him the forbidden provision. Adam's nature is branded as identifying with evil. That is why justice demands that Adam go where Satan goes.
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' " Matthew 25:41 ESV
Christ on a cross and raised from the dead alone will not save a person. Identification with Christ by eating of the fruit of this new tree is what allows a person to be taken out from under the power of evil and into the Kingdom of God's dear Son and given a new nature.
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" Colossians 1:13 NKJV
We have tried to undo what was done in the garden... but identification with evil could not be undone. Adam is sold under sin because of it. It is not the sins. The sins will bring a payment of death but the actions are not the root issue. It is the nature that is branded as identifying with evil. Adam must go to Hell. He can not be saved or rehabilitated.
The new creature must go with Christ. The new man can not be corrupted and Christ has become an anchor for the believer inside the veil of Heaven.
What Christ did has unlimited power to save anyone and everyone but not everyone will identify with the person and so they will never identify with the power that could save them.
Today each person is given an unprecedented opportunity through the possibility of identification. Identification for salvation but also identification in grace to live a victorious life.
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' " Matthew 25:41 ESV
Christ on a cross and raised from the dead alone will not save a person. Identification with Christ by eating of the fruit of this new tree is what allows a person to be taken out from under the power of evil and into the Kingdom of God's dear Son and given a new nature.
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" Colossians 1:13 NKJV
We have tried to undo what was done in the garden... but identification with evil could not be undone. Adam is sold under sin because of it. It is not the sins. The sins will bring a payment of death but the actions are not the root issue. It is the nature that is branded as identifying with evil. Adam must go to Hell. He can not be saved or rehabilitated.
The new creature must go with Christ. The new man can not be corrupted and Christ has become an anchor for the believer inside the veil of Heaven.
What Christ did has unlimited power to save anyone and everyone but not everyone will identify with the person and so they will never identify with the power that could save them.
Today each person is given an unprecedented opportunity through the possibility of identification. Identification for salvation but also identification in grace to live a victorious life.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Brought into a Large Place
The Sunday morning message at our church here in Baltimore was so good. I was so affected by it. It was so fresh to me. The primary texts were these:
"He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." Ps 18:19
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." Rev 4:1-2
Others were used also but the concept presented that people have a life anchored to a relatively small geographical area in a town somewhere that is in a city. That city is in a country on a planet. But, as we travel upward and upward in scope all of it is contained in God Himself.
The Apostle John was taken out of his little prison into the big room of Heaven and shown the big picture of space but also of time and history. That picture is so vivid in my mind this morning.
An addiction is a prison that just seems to make my life a cell and that cell gets smaller and smaller. Jealous, envy, pride... small minded thoughts with very limiting scope.
People are looking for something that will enlarge them. To be empowered is in a way to be enlarged. Grace and truth do not enlarge us just in that way. The Father because of Christ brings us as little people into the large room of His thinking. In fact each member of the Trinity has a part in our tiny little lives to bring us out of bondage and into this expansive realm of thinking.
"For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place." Hos 4:16
Royal thinking is large room thinking. A king must see the large picture.
Grace thinking spans the scope of space and time. It traverses the landscape of the human experience like an eagle soaring above buoyed by the breeze of the Holy Spirit. It does not look down with disdain at what is below. Wisdom just sees it all in correct perspective.
It is great to know that God is here with me now sitting at my little desk. At the same time I am there with Him sitting in His Son at the right hand of the Father. I need both vantage points to properly interpret my life.
"He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." Ps 18:19
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." Rev 4:1-2
Others were used also but the concept presented that people have a life anchored to a relatively small geographical area in a town somewhere that is in a city. That city is in a country on a planet. But, as we travel upward and upward in scope all of it is contained in God Himself.
The Apostle John was taken out of his little prison into the big room of Heaven and shown the big picture of space but also of time and history. That picture is so vivid in my mind this morning.
An addiction is a prison that just seems to make my life a cell and that cell gets smaller and smaller. Jealous, envy, pride... small minded thoughts with very limiting scope.
People are looking for something that will enlarge them. To be empowered is in a way to be enlarged. Grace and truth do not enlarge us just in that way. The Father because of Christ brings us as little people into the large room of His thinking. In fact each member of the Trinity has a part in our tiny little lives to bring us out of bondage and into this expansive realm of thinking.
"For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place." Hos 4:16
Royal thinking is large room thinking. A king must see the large picture.
Grace thinking spans the scope of space and time. It traverses the landscape of the human experience like an eagle soaring above buoyed by the breeze of the Holy Spirit. It does not look down with disdain at what is below. Wisdom just sees it all in correct perspective.
It is great to know that God is here with me now sitting at my little desk. At the same time I am there with Him sitting in His Son at the right hand of the Father. I need both vantage points to properly interpret my life.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
It Is Already Waiting There
"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." 2 Cor 12:2-4
We surmise that this man who died was Paul Himself when He was stoned at Lystra in Acts 14. We don't know what was heard or seen there. With all that he writes about grace seems to be a more important topic to Paul than even this. But, In light of all the things he said and suffered passages like this intrigue me.
"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Tim 4:8 NKJV
The crown is already waiting there on the shelf. Paul's crown... but not just his. Is there a wall with shining crowns made of precious metals stored by the hundreds on velvet pillows in Heaven? Rows and rows of them waiting as far as the eye can see in the place where no dust has ever or will ever collect? Or is it something else? Time will tell.
The sight is one we can only imagine now but the statement, 'There is laid up for me...' remains clear in our minds. We can say it also. Because of Christ there is 'place card' at a table in Heaven with our name on it that is already written.
Now as we walk the Earth there are many rooms we walk into where there is no real place made for us. Rooms where no one knows our name or cares. Heaven isn't like that. If you are in Heaven then you belong and are known.
We haven't even scratched the surface of what God wants to give us.
We surmise that this man who died was Paul Himself when He was stoned at Lystra in Acts 14. We don't know what was heard or seen there. With all that he writes about grace seems to be a more important topic to Paul than even this. But, In light of all the things he said and suffered passages like this intrigue me.
"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Tim 4:8 NKJV
The crown is already waiting there on the shelf. Paul's crown... but not just his. Is there a wall with shining crowns made of precious metals stored by the hundreds on velvet pillows in Heaven? Rows and rows of them waiting as far as the eye can see in the place where no dust has ever or will ever collect? Or is it something else? Time will tell.
The sight is one we can only imagine now but the statement, 'There is laid up for me...' remains clear in our minds. We can say it also. Because of Christ there is 'place card' at a table in Heaven with our name on it that is already written.
Now as we walk the Earth there are many rooms we walk into where there is no real place made for us. Rooms where no one knows our name or cares. Heaven isn't like that. If you are in Heaven then you belong and are known.
We haven't even scratched the surface of what God wants to give us.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Grace: Heaven's Unique Export
"The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Pet 5:10b NASB
The God of the Bible is the God of 'all Grace'. I was thinking of that in two ways today.
Grace could be thought of like some rare spice that only grows in one place in the world and needs to be imported out of that place if it is to be had by anyone else. Grace is Heaven's unique export.
Also, It can be thought of like a smell of something that infuses everything a person owns so it becomes part of who they are. A candle maker who makes cinnamon scented candles. His clothes smell like cinnamon and so does the house he lives in. If he passes you on the street the smell precedes him and lingers after he passes. He becomes known as the 'cinnamon man'.
I think both thing are true. God is all grace and He has all grace.
This God has chosen to indwell men. He has brought the Heavenly into earthen vessels.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" 2 Cor 9:8
God's Spirit never leaves us so the supply is never cut off. The Spirit is the supply of intimacy. Grace is the basis of an eternal relationship with an eternal being who is ever kind and good. Jesus is always for us and always knows what we are going through intimately because he suffered just like we suffer and has rejoiced at small earthly comforts like we have. He smells just like His Father and was brought up in His Father's trade.
As God's children we learn the business we have been born into. Our words are filled with the smells of grace. We leave it's residue on everything we touch. We have been baptized and stained the color of grace. As our mind and Spirit wander through Heavenly fields on the way to linger in God's throne room only to return back to Earth that is what we carry with us.
Graceless Christianity must never go to the Throne of Grace to visit the God of all Grace.
The God of the Bible is the God of 'all Grace'. I was thinking of that in two ways today.
Grace could be thought of like some rare spice that only grows in one place in the world and needs to be imported out of that place if it is to be had by anyone else. Grace is Heaven's unique export.
Also, It can be thought of like a smell of something that infuses everything a person owns so it becomes part of who they are. A candle maker who makes cinnamon scented candles. His clothes smell like cinnamon and so does the house he lives in. If he passes you on the street the smell precedes him and lingers after he passes. He becomes known as the 'cinnamon man'.
I think both thing are true. God is all grace and He has all grace.
This God has chosen to indwell men. He has brought the Heavenly into earthen vessels.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" 2 Cor 9:8
God's Spirit never leaves us so the supply is never cut off. The Spirit is the supply of intimacy. Grace is the basis of an eternal relationship with an eternal being who is ever kind and good. Jesus is always for us and always knows what we are going through intimately because he suffered just like we suffer and has rejoiced at small earthly comforts like we have. He smells just like His Father and was brought up in His Father's trade.
As God's children we learn the business we have been born into. Our words are filled with the smells of grace. We leave it's residue on everything we touch. We have been baptized and stained the color of grace. As our mind and Spirit wander through Heavenly fields on the way to linger in God's throne room only to return back to Earth that is what we carry with us.
Graceless Christianity must never go to the Throne of Grace to visit the God of all Grace.
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