So, I know I haven't posted on here in a while. God has been doing a lot in me, working out a lot of junk that just needs to go, and in the process is beginning to show me the vision of who I really am in Him. Today's devos for me were really powerful. I'm going to be really transparent here. Things are not always great in life. And right now, things at home just aren't what they can and should be. But God's working on it. I don't have any power in myself to fix it, but God does.
My verse came out of yesterday's readings, so I kind of felt like I was cheating, but God knows what he's doing, and he drew my eyes there for a reason.
James 4:1-2
"What causes quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God."
I know James is talking to people quarreling within the church, but this speaks to me for all relationships. The only reason anyone argues is essentially because they are not getting what they want and think they deserve. It's not necessarily about anger or hurt toward someone else (even though that may be present), but the root comes from the "desires within you." We look to others to supply what we should be asking from God, and when they fail us, we fight.
Ouch! Am I seeking God first for what I want and need? Or do I look to those who are close to me first and then get angry when they don't fulfill what I think I deserve out of relationships. Right now my relationship with my husband seems to stand out. I want so badly for our relationship to look like my ideal relationship with God. And it should. But it needs to be a reflection, not a replacement. My relationship with God needs to be where everything begins. I need to look to God to see how I am loved and the worth that he has breathed into me. If I desire to be comforted and lifted up, I need to look to and ask God first. Because if that is not enough for me then my priorities are seriously out of whack.
My prayer:
Thank you, Father, for revealing more of yourself and your heart to me today. Please forgive me for relying on myself and others before you. Please help me to be a better wife, show me what I need to do to continue to make my marriage better, closer to what you designed it to be. Thank you for your patience with me, for guiding me gently. I love you and am so glad I can look to you for help, direction, and comfort. Please bless my family as we learn to draw closer to you. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
True Testimony
So, this is not really a new lesson that God revealed to me today. Sometimes He tells me the same things, over and over and over. But in spite of already "knowing" the concept that I'm writing, it was still very important for me to hear it today. Hindsight is 20/20, for the most part, and it's easy to look back after the fact and see how God was working all things for good, but I've really been striving to see the good in all things during the process. It's a simple concept, but one that requires an amazing amount of emotional maturity that I'm not afraid to say that I just haven't achieved yet. But I'm in process. So I'm going to sing praise that He hasn't given up on me, and thank Him for refocusing my perspective.
Usually, when I post about my daily reading I will reformat and expand upon ideas that I've written in my journal, but today I've pretty much copied my writings word for word. I'm not sure if this is something that you need to hear today, but it was in perfect timing for me...
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me up out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and the mire;
he set my fee on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord."
Psalm 40:1-3
Here David is giving some of his testimony, talking about the things that God has delivered him from. Telling us how God heard his prayer in His perfect timing, after patience and faithfulness in prayer. He was delivered and his sorrow was turned to joy. But it's most important to see that the reason for this testimony is so that others may see how God has worked in his life and in turn put their trust in the Lord.
God is good and He is faithful. But he doesn't always rescue us from our trials immediately. I need to be patient, and continue to pray, waiting on God's timing. He will bring me through all things, and as a result I will grow stronger in faith and character and have an incredible testimony (or evidence in my life) of God's amazing work, so that maybe through my mess, other might more clearly see the hand of God and put their faith in Him.
God, you are so good. In all things. Not just in the deliverance, but through the process as well. Thank you for reminding me that I need to rejoice and be grateful in the journey as much (or more) as the destination because that is where the richness of life is found. I pray that you would take my burdens and use them for your glory, that someone might catch a glimpse of you in my life, seek you, and be changed.
Usually, when I post about my daily reading I will reformat and expand upon ideas that I've written in my journal, but today I've pretty much copied my writings word for word. I'm not sure if this is something that you need to hear today, but it was in perfect timing for me...
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me up out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and the mire;
he set my fee on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord."
Psalm 40:1-3
Here David is giving some of his testimony, talking about the things that God has delivered him from. Telling us how God heard his prayer in His perfect timing, after patience and faithfulness in prayer. He was delivered and his sorrow was turned to joy. But it's most important to see that the reason for this testimony is so that others may see how God has worked in his life and in turn put their trust in the Lord.
God is good and He is faithful. But he doesn't always rescue us from our trials immediately. I need to be patient, and continue to pray, waiting on God's timing. He will bring me through all things, and as a result I will grow stronger in faith and character and have an incredible testimony (or evidence in my life) of God's amazing work, so that maybe through my mess, other might more clearly see the hand of God and put their faith in Him.
God, you are so good. In all things. Not just in the deliverance, but through the process as well. Thank you for reminding me that I need to rejoice and be grateful in the journey as much (or more) as the destination because that is where the richness of life is found. I pray that you would take my burdens and use them for your glory, that someone might catch a glimpse of you in my life, seek you, and be changed.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Heart, Soul, and Strength
So, this post is going to be a little different from the ones I usually write, but is still stemmed from my daily readings. The last few days the bulk of the Life Journal reading has been in Deuteronomy (one of my favorite books), and God has brought an idea that I've had for a while now to the front of my mind.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Virtually every time I read this passage (or the accompanying passage in Deut. 11:18-20) a vision pops into my head of starting a line of wristbands, hats, pendants, and door plaques. I know that there are Jewish versions of these items (tefillin or phylacteries, and mezuzah), but I have yet to come across a contemporary version that I'd want to wear daily, simply out of remembrance instead of religious ritualism.
I know there is some controversy in taking these verses literally, and that Jesus himself accused the Pharisees of using the phylacteries as a means of showing off their pride: "Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long... (Matt. 23:5)", but I think it's important to note that Jesus was speaking to people who were familiar with what phylacteries were. That's why the Pharisees were able to feel good about themselves wearing them in public where everyone who saw it knew what it was. I'm not trying to say that wearing a wristband or hat inscribed with scripture doesn't include the risk of religious pride, but let's be real, that could be said about pretty much anything. I'm not going to say that my intention is not for all men to see, because it is. But it's intention is to serve as a reminder to the one who wears it to seek the will of God in all things, as well as serve as a conversation starter to someone who sees them wearing it and asks what it is.
There are many verses in the bible that urge us to seek God's will first (Matthew 6:33 is probably the most commonly referenced verse on this subject for Christians), but I really like the practicality of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 because it lays things out in a very literal way. Here's what I get when I read the passage, paraphrased by me:
- Love God with all that you are, above all other things your heart desires, through all of your thoughts, and in all things you concentrate your efforts on (Deut 6:5)
- Take his will for your life into your heart and seek it always (v. 6)
- Teach your children to love God above all things through leading by example (v. 7a)
- Talk about God at home and in public (v. 7b)
- Center your discussions on Him morning and night (v. 7c)
- Keep reminders for yourself so you will remember Him constantly and what He has promised you (v. 8)
- Post your love for God on your homes and city gates, showing you are unashamed, so all will know your priorities and the God you serve (v. 9)
That is basically where my heart for this project lies. Launching this idea is probably a ways off, and I'm still in the process of praying about it and more completely developing the idea. But I have started looking into costs of wristband manufacturing and hat embroidery. I'm not necessarily looking to turn a profit, so I'd probably end up selling the items for around what it costs me to order them. I'd love any ideas anyone has about any aspect of the project. Thanks for your support and input :)
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Virtually every time I read this passage (or the accompanying passage in Deut. 11:18-20) a vision pops into my head of starting a line of wristbands, hats, pendants, and door plaques. I know that there are Jewish versions of these items (tefillin or phylacteries, and mezuzah), but I have yet to come across a contemporary version that I'd want to wear daily, simply out of remembrance instead of religious ritualism.
I know there is some controversy in taking these verses literally, and that Jesus himself accused the Pharisees of using the phylacteries as a means of showing off their pride: "Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long... (Matt. 23:5)", but I think it's important to note that Jesus was speaking to people who were familiar with what phylacteries were. That's why the Pharisees were able to feel good about themselves wearing them in public where everyone who saw it knew what it was. I'm not trying to say that wearing a wristband or hat inscribed with scripture doesn't include the risk of religious pride, but let's be real, that could be said about pretty much anything. I'm not going to say that my intention is not for all men to see, because it is. But it's intention is to serve as a reminder to the one who wears it to seek the will of God in all things, as well as serve as a conversation starter to someone who sees them wearing it and asks what it is.
There are many verses in the bible that urge us to seek God's will first (Matthew 6:33 is probably the most commonly referenced verse on this subject for Christians), but I really like the practicality of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 because it lays things out in a very literal way. Here's what I get when I read the passage, paraphrased by me:
- Love God with all that you are, above all other things your heart desires, through all of your thoughts, and in all things you concentrate your efforts on (Deut 6:5)
- Take his will for your life into your heart and seek it always (v. 6)
- Teach your children to love God above all things through leading by example (v. 7a)
- Talk about God at home and in public (v. 7b)
- Center your discussions on Him morning and night (v. 7c)
- Keep reminders for yourself so you will remember Him constantly and what He has promised you (v. 8)
- Post your love for God on your homes and city gates, showing you are unashamed, so all will know your priorities and the God you serve (v. 9)
That is basically where my heart for this project lies. Launching this idea is probably a ways off, and I'm still in the process of praying about it and more completely developing the idea. But I have started looking into costs of wristband manufacturing and hat embroidery. I'm not necessarily looking to turn a profit, so I'd probably end up selling the items for around what it costs me to order them. I'd love any ideas anyone has about any aspect of the project. Thanks for your support and input :)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Behind the Scenes
It's been a while since I've posted; life seems to always be trying to get the best of what's important. So, here I am, dusting myself off, and moving forward.
I'm going to pick up my blogging on my writings from today's reading from the Life Journal plan. For the sake of brevity I'm not going to detail the whole story, so if you aren't familiar with the story of Balaam (and his donkey) you may want to catch up by reading Numbers 22-24. Trust me, it's a cool story, don't be scared off by the book that it's in.
"And he spoke his message: 'The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes were opened' (Numbers 24:3-4)"
I know this is kind of a cryptic verse to choose to base a blog posting off of, but I really believe it gives us quite a bit of insight into Balaam and his role in the story.
Sometimes it seems like God only talked to Israelite prophets before Jesus came and left us with the Holy Spirit, almost as if the Israelite people had a monopoly on the voice of God. But the story of Balaam shows us otherwise. Balaam was not an Israelite, in face he was a well-known seer (kind of like a psychic) who used divination to cast blessings or curses (Num. 22:6, 24:1). In fact, we know he wasn't affiliated with the Israelites at all since the Amalekite king had to explain to him who they were. Besides, he wouldn't have agreed to go curse them if he had been an Israelite, right?
But as we can see through the course of the story, God revealed himself to Balaam in a very powerful way, even though sometimes Balaam was downright uncooperative (22:12, 22:18, 22:31, 23:5, 23:16, 24:1-4, 24:16), and Balaam could not deny the source of his prophecies. Balaam says repeatedly in his prophecies that God opened his eyes and he hears the words of God. We can plainly see here that the Spirit of God was moving in people aside from the Israelites, from the beginning, as a part of the great orchestration of his master plan to eventually provide reconciliation to himself for ALL people.
And not only does this story prove that God chooses who he speaks to, regardless of their religious affiliation (provided that they submit themselves to hearing his voice), it also provides us with an awesome view of God working behind the scenes. Through this whole story, the Israelites were still in their camp, going about their business in planning to go up against the Amalekites, without the knowledge that Balaam had been summoned to curse them. But, through the (somewhat reluctant) obedience of Balaam to listen to the voice of the true God, God was able to use this situation to bless the Israelites instead.
We can't always see the plan or the big picture as God does, and I'm sure there are many times when God is bestowing great blessing on our lives that we cannot see. He is always working all things for the good of those who love him. And that is an amazing truth to be able to trust in.
I hope you enjoy reading my posts. Please follow my blog or subscribe by email (in the top right corner of my blog page), and also feel free to share this post or any others on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Buzz! Thanks for your support!
I'm going to pick up my blogging on my writings from today's reading from the Life Journal plan. For the sake of brevity I'm not going to detail the whole story, so if you aren't familiar with the story of Balaam (and his donkey) you may want to catch up by reading Numbers 22-24. Trust me, it's a cool story, don't be scared off by the book that it's in.
"And he spoke his message: 'The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes were opened' (Numbers 24:3-4)"
I know this is kind of a cryptic verse to choose to base a blog posting off of, but I really believe it gives us quite a bit of insight into Balaam and his role in the story.
Sometimes it seems like God only talked to Israelite prophets before Jesus came and left us with the Holy Spirit, almost as if the Israelite people had a monopoly on the voice of God. But the story of Balaam shows us otherwise. Balaam was not an Israelite, in face he was a well-known seer (kind of like a psychic) who used divination to cast blessings or curses (Num. 22:6, 24:1). In fact, we know he wasn't affiliated with the Israelites at all since the Amalekite king had to explain to him who they were. Besides, he wouldn't have agreed to go curse them if he had been an Israelite, right?
But as we can see through the course of the story, God revealed himself to Balaam in a very powerful way, even though sometimes Balaam was downright uncooperative (22:12, 22:18, 22:31, 23:5, 23:16, 24:1-4, 24:16), and Balaam could not deny the source of his prophecies. Balaam says repeatedly in his prophecies that God opened his eyes and he hears the words of God. We can plainly see here that the Spirit of God was moving in people aside from the Israelites, from the beginning, as a part of the great orchestration of his master plan to eventually provide reconciliation to himself for ALL people.
And not only does this story prove that God chooses who he speaks to, regardless of their religious affiliation (provided that they submit themselves to hearing his voice), it also provides us with an awesome view of God working behind the scenes. Through this whole story, the Israelites were still in their camp, going about their business in planning to go up against the Amalekites, without the knowledge that Balaam had been summoned to curse them. But, through the (somewhat reluctant) obedience of Balaam to listen to the voice of the true God, God was able to use this situation to bless the Israelites instead.
We can't always see the plan or the big picture as God does, and I'm sure there are many times when God is bestowing great blessing on our lives that we cannot see. He is always working all things for the good of those who love him. And that is an amazing truth to be able to trust in.
I hope you enjoy reading my posts. Please follow my blog or subscribe by email (in the top right corner of my blog page), and also feel free to share this post or any others on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Buzz! Thanks for your support!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
I Will Be Worth It All
This song speaks for itself.
It will be worth it all someday
It will have been worth it to go the straight and narrow way
When we finally see his face
And feel his warm embrace
It will be worth it all that day
And these present troubles don't compare
To all the glory our God, he has prepared
Cause when we finally see his face
And feel his strong embrace
It will be worth it all that day
And I can see the angels as they celebrate
And they call your name
And I can hear the Father, with a tear in his eye
And He says well done my good and faithful servant
Well done...
And it will be worth it all
It will be worth it all
It will be worth it all that day
It will be worth it all someday
It will have been worth it to go the straight and narrow way
When we finally see his face
And feel his warm embrace
It will be worth it all that day
And these present troubles don't compare
To all the glory our God, he has prepared
Cause when we finally see his face
And feel his strong embrace
It will be worth it all that day
And I can see the angels as they celebrate
And they call your name
And I can hear the Father, with a tear in his eye
And He says well done my good and faithful servant
Well done...
And it will be worth it all
It will be worth it all
It will be worth it all that day
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Defining Popularity
Hey everyone, I was busy with church service and family yesterday and didn't have a chance to blog, but I wanted to blog today on yesterday's reading since God spoke some powerful things to me that I'd like to share. I also wanted to mention that when I list the reading for the day I'm referring to the assigned reading from the Life Journal plan, and generally I will just choose one passage from the daily reading to write about. So, hopefully it's not confusing that I don't pull scripture from all of the chapters and instead focus on one main verse(s).
Reading: Exodus 23-24, Psalm 14, Acts 5
Acts 5:12-14 "The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number."
The early church was a crazy thing. They were a dynamic group of on-fire, sold-out, never-look-back followers of the example of Jesus Christ. There was an excitement and urgency in their presence that was impossible to ignore. Everywhere they went people noticed them, wanted to hear what they had to say, and their numbers increased rapidly. They performed miracles, healed people, and were highly regarded by the people in Jerusalem. Everyone knew who they were. They had a reputation. People could see just by looking at them and they authority they carried themselves with that there was something different about them. Christians were popular among people who desired a changed life. They wanted to see them, they wanted to know what it was that made them different, how they could do such amazing things.
The disciples of the early church were powerful people through the Holy Spirit and were able to perform great works. In fact, it even says that "people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed (Acts 5:15-16)."
That's some Jesus-like stuff...healing sick people just by being passed over with a shadow? But let me tell you, that's faith. Faith that the power of God will accomplish what He has said. Peter wasn't a super hero. He was discipled personally by Jesus so sometimes it seems like some of that Jesus power just rubbed off on him so that's why he was able to do the things that he did. I mean, it's true that Peter was the guy who walked on water with Jesus, so I mean, he must have some supernatural power, right? Well...yeah, he did have supernatural power...the power of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus while he was alive, that was gifted to the believers at Pentecost, is the very same Holy Spirit that abides in all of us the moment we are saved. We have that same power and authority if we would only have the faith to walk it out and use it. It wasn't Peter's shadow that was magical, it was the power of the faith he and the sick who were healed had that God would deliver on what he had promised.
And people took notice. Including the leaders of the traditional Jewish faith. There was power in the early Christian church and it was growing, which made the leaders jealous and feel threatened. They worried that if too many people believed in Jesus and were actually changed that the Sanhedrin (the elders of Israel) would been seen as guilty for the death of Christ, and also that they would lose authority as religious leaders.
So they arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But guess what happened? The apostles miraculously escaped from prison in the night without the guards even knowing. An angel came to them, opened the doors, and said, "Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life (Acts 5:20)". Their faith was so powerful that a jail could not hold them, literally.
When the Sanhedrin finally figured out what had happened, they found them in the courtyard preaching the gospel as usual. They brought them in for questioning, saying "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood (Acts 5:28)".
I can just see the apostles laughing under their breath in this situation, because their reply shows how confident they were in the truth...
"Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29)"
Come jail, persecution, hell or high water, they answer to God, not men.
Right about now Christianity might seem pretty unpopular, right? I mean...how many people are going to jump up and volunteer for a life calling that's going to get them arrested and thrown in prison?
Why were the people of Jerusalem so captivated by the Christians? Why were they held in high regard?
Because there was EVIDENCE of something different in their lives that you couldn't find anywhere else. They had already proven that they could not be contained in a jail, and went on their way to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus and walking out the example of what a changed life really looks like. They had a genuine community of people who cared for each other instead of just expecting donations in the sanctuary and ritualistic requirements. They took notice of peoples' needs and did something about it. You can talk about Jesus all you want, but until there is something tangible to show that you are different because of Him, then it is just a story, a philosophical idea, or a religious obligation you have adopted.
Ultimately the Sanhedrin weren't threatened by the Christians talking about Jesus, they were threatened because it was changing peoples' lives in a radical way that they could not control.
Why doesn't the church today look like that? Why don't people line the streets in hopes that we will just pass by them...why don't OUR shadows heal people? The apostles were just normal people. They were just average guys who had no extraordinary talents, and they certainly didn't have the resources we have today to reach out, connect, and communicate with people (hello...I bet they would have given their left leg to have a blog like this one). All they had was an amazing, earth-shaking, mountain-moving kind of faith.
Why can't the church look like that today? If people could see the great work of God through the lives of Christians...if we didn't just look and act like everybody else...maybe people would be compelled to come and check the Jesus thing out, just see what the deal is, what it is that causes a Christian to be someone who is different, why Christians love crazy and care crazy and reach out crazy and actually do stuff that makes things change around them.
Maybe, just maybe, if we followed the example of Jesus himself, just like the early Christians did...something radical would happen...and it would begin to spread...until the whole world was changed.
Father...please show me how to be a living example of your goodness and grace. To teach about your love, even (and especially) when it is unpopular...so that maybe through my life you would be glorified and people would see that their lives can truly be transformed. And maybe, one by one, day by day, your name would become popular. And that we as a church would stand up and proclaim your name, even in the face of social consequences, because we answer to you, not to men.
Reading: Exodus 23-24, Psalm 14, Acts 5
Acts 5:12-14 "The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number."
The early church was a crazy thing. They were a dynamic group of on-fire, sold-out, never-look-back followers of the example of Jesus Christ. There was an excitement and urgency in their presence that was impossible to ignore. Everywhere they went people noticed them, wanted to hear what they had to say, and their numbers increased rapidly. They performed miracles, healed people, and were highly regarded by the people in Jerusalem. Everyone knew who they were. They had a reputation. People could see just by looking at them and they authority they carried themselves with that there was something different about them. Christians were popular among people who desired a changed life. They wanted to see them, they wanted to know what it was that made them different, how they could do such amazing things.
The disciples of the early church were powerful people through the Holy Spirit and were able to perform great works. In fact, it even says that "people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed (Acts 5:15-16)."
That's some Jesus-like stuff...healing sick people just by being passed over with a shadow? But let me tell you, that's faith. Faith that the power of God will accomplish what He has said. Peter wasn't a super hero. He was discipled personally by Jesus so sometimes it seems like some of that Jesus power just rubbed off on him so that's why he was able to do the things that he did. I mean, it's true that Peter was the guy who walked on water with Jesus, so I mean, he must have some supernatural power, right? Well...yeah, he did have supernatural power...the power of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus while he was alive, that was gifted to the believers at Pentecost, is the very same Holy Spirit that abides in all of us the moment we are saved. We have that same power and authority if we would only have the faith to walk it out and use it. It wasn't Peter's shadow that was magical, it was the power of the faith he and the sick who were healed had that God would deliver on what he had promised.
And people took notice. Including the leaders of the traditional Jewish faith. There was power in the early Christian church and it was growing, which made the leaders jealous and feel threatened. They worried that if too many people believed in Jesus and were actually changed that the Sanhedrin (the elders of Israel) would been seen as guilty for the death of Christ, and also that they would lose authority as religious leaders.
So they arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But guess what happened? The apostles miraculously escaped from prison in the night without the guards even knowing. An angel came to them, opened the doors, and said, "Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life (Acts 5:20)". Their faith was so powerful that a jail could not hold them, literally.
When the Sanhedrin finally figured out what had happened, they found them in the courtyard preaching the gospel as usual. They brought them in for questioning, saying "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood (Acts 5:28)".
I can just see the apostles laughing under their breath in this situation, because their reply shows how confident they were in the truth...
"Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29)"
Come jail, persecution, hell or high water, they answer to God, not men.
Right about now Christianity might seem pretty unpopular, right? I mean...how many people are going to jump up and volunteer for a life calling that's going to get them arrested and thrown in prison?
Why were the people of Jerusalem so captivated by the Christians? Why were they held in high regard?
Because there was EVIDENCE of something different in their lives that you couldn't find anywhere else. They had already proven that they could not be contained in a jail, and went on their way to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus and walking out the example of what a changed life really looks like. They had a genuine community of people who cared for each other instead of just expecting donations in the sanctuary and ritualistic requirements. They took notice of peoples' needs and did something about it. You can talk about Jesus all you want, but until there is something tangible to show that you are different because of Him, then it is just a story, a philosophical idea, or a religious obligation you have adopted.
Ultimately the Sanhedrin weren't threatened by the Christians talking about Jesus, they were threatened because it was changing peoples' lives in a radical way that they could not control.
Why doesn't the church today look like that? Why don't people line the streets in hopes that we will just pass by them...why don't OUR shadows heal people? The apostles were just normal people. They were just average guys who had no extraordinary talents, and they certainly didn't have the resources we have today to reach out, connect, and communicate with people (hello...I bet they would have given their left leg to have a blog like this one). All they had was an amazing, earth-shaking, mountain-moving kind of faith.
Why can't the church look like that today? If people could see the great work of God through the lives of Christians...if we didn't just look and act like everybody else...maybe people would be compelled to come and check the Jesus thing out, just see what the deal is, what it is that causes a Christian to be someone who is different, why Christians love crazy and care crazy and reach out crazy and actually do stuff that makes things change around them.
Maybe, just maybe, if we followed the example of Jesus himself, just like the early Christians did...something radical would happen...and it would begin to spread...until the whole world was changed.
Father...please show me how to be a living example of your goodness and grace. To teach about your love, even (and especially) when it is unpopular...so that maybe through my life you would be glorified and people would see that their lives can truly be transformed. And maybe, one by one, day by day, your name would become popular. And that we as a church would stand up and proclaim your name, even in the face of social consequences, because we answer to you, not to men.
Friday, January 28, 2011
True Community
Reading: Exodus 21-22, Psalm 12, Acts 4
Acts 4:32-34a "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them."
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say some hard stuff. I'm going to disclaimer this by saying that I'm not trying to take a political stance, sell any propaganda, take a swipe at anyone's political views or standings, or even say that I know the answers to all of our socioeconomic problems. And I'm not denouncing tithing (which I will probably end up talking about in a later post...but if you have questions about my standings and why I tithe please just ask me). I'm just going to say what this particular passage means to me.
Often times Christians are pigeon-holed as "conservatives" (whether they are or not), which in many cases translates into a perceived financial stinginess, or at least the common conception that are against "sharing the wealth". When you draw the lines of political wings, Christians tend to be lumped on the republican end, and republicans are decidedly less "liberal" (pun intended) with the way they choose (or want) to spread around their finances. But when you look at what the Bible says, being a "conservative" coincides with being overly generous, particularly by sharing resources throughout the community.
Now, I'm not trying to say that imposed socialism is going to solve the world economy, but if you look at the model of the early church, all of their resources were shared for the purpose of furthering the gospel, AND there were no needy persons among them. We're not talking about a church funded charity (or "ministry") to help the poor, we're talking about a true verb-driven, real life COMMUNITY, powered by the grace of God working through all of them.
Man, that's some craziness. We're talking about people selling their own land and possessions for the sake of the well-being of their neighbors. That's like someone saying, "Here, let me sell my car to cover the cost of your past due mortgage." How often does that happen, among Christians especially! That's a tough thing. We have such a "look out for yourself or no one else will" kind of mentality in our society that it really is a stretch of faith to do something of that magnitude for someone else, because we are so afraid that we will fall into a situation where we are in need and there won't be anyone willing to help us out. It's a scary thing to give something up that you weren't already going to throw out to help support someone else who is not necessarily tied to you. That's challenging to me!
A pastor of mine spoke about this one time and when faced with the question of whether it could possibly work to have that type of genuine community in the church today, his only retort was, "Why not?"
It may seem like as long as we tithe or make offerings to our church congregation that puts the responsibility of the "church" to do the "ministry" and "help people", but the fact of the matter is that WE ARE THE CHURCH. You and me. I think it's time that we take a good look at what the word says and not only just read it, but actually DO it. Because it doesn't mean anything until you actually start doing something that changes your life and the lives of those around you. And I'm not trying to give some extremist model saying that if you don't sell everything you have and give it to the church then you're not doing it right. But just maybe we can take a start, and be the church by giving something of ourselves, of our own, that can benefit someone (A REAL PERSON) and just give it.
It's a crazy thing to think about, but since you and I are both "The Church"...if you give something to someone who needs it, then you ARE giving to The Church. I think if we started to think of our giving as actual gifts that mean something and have a tangible effect (instead of just percentages of income), maybe we might be able to more clearly see the heart of God for the community of His people.
Why not? Even just as an experiment. Even just for one time (at least to try) to see what it feels like, and what happens. Why not?
Father, please help me to learn to be more generous through your love and grace working in me. Please provide me with opportunities to invest in true community with my time and my resources. Thank you for all that you have blessed me with, so that I can bless others.
Acts 4:32-34a "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them."
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say some hard stuff. I'm going to disclaimer this by saying that I'm not trying to take a political stance, sell any propaganda, take a swipe at anyone's political views or standings, or even say that I know the answers to all of our socioeconomic problems. And I'm not denouncing tithing (which I will probably end up talking about in a later post...but if you have questions about my standings and why I tithe please just ask me). I'm just going to say what this particular passage means to me.
Often times Christians are pigeon-holed as "conservatives" (whether they are or not), which in many cases translates into a perceived financial stinginess, or at least the common conception that are against "sharing the wealth". When you draw the lines of political wings, Christians tend to be lumped on the republican end, and republicans are decidedly less "liberal" (pun intended) with the way they choose (or want) to spread around their finances. But when you look at what the Bible says, being a "conservative" coincides with being overly generous, particularly by sharing resources throughout the community.
Now, I'm not trying to say that imposed socialism is going to solve the world economy, but if you look at the model of the early church, all of their resources were shared for the purpose of furthering the gospel, AND there were no needy persons among them. We're not talking about a church funded charity (or "ministry") to help the poor, we're talking about a true verb-driven, real life COMMUNITY, powered by the grace of God working through all of them.
Man, that's some craziness. We're talking about people selling their own land and possessions for the sake of the well-being of their neighbors. That's like someone saying, "Here, let me sell my car to cover the cost of your past due mortgage." How often does that happen, among Christians especially! That's a tough thing. We have such a "look out for yourself or no one else will" kind of mentality in our society that it really is a stretch of faith to do something of that magnitude for someone else, because we are so afraid that we will fall into a situation where we are in need and there won't be anyone willing to help us out. It's a scary thing to give something up that you weren't already going to throw out to help support someone else who is not necessarily tied to you. That's challenging to me!
A pastor of mine spoke about this one time and when faced with the question of whether it could possibly work to have that type of genuine community in the church today, his only retort was, "Why not?"
It may seem like as long as we tithe or make offerings to our church congregation that puts the responsibility of the "church" to do the "ministry" and "help people", but the fact of the matter is that WE ARE THE CHURCH. You and me. I think it's time that we take a good look at what the word says and not only just read it, but actually DO it. Because it doesn't mean anything until you actually start doing something that changes your life and the lives of those around you. And I'm not trying to give some extremist model saying that if you don't sell everything you have and give it to the church then you're not doing it right. But just maybe we can take a start, and be the church by giving something of ourselves, of our own, that can benefit someone (A REAL PERSON) and just give it.
It's a crazy thing to think about, but since you and I are both "The Church"...if you give something to someone who needs it, then you ARE giving to The Church. I think if we started to think of our giving as actual gifts that mean something and have a tangible effect (instead of just percentages of income), maybe we might be able to more clearly see the heart of God for the community of His people.
Why not? Even just as an experiment. Even just for one time (at least to try) to see what it feels like, and what happens. Why not?
Father, please help me to learn to be more generous through your love and grace working in me. Please provide me with opportunities to invest in true community with my time and my resources. Thank you for all that you have blessed me with, so that I can bless others.
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