"...but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
I played catch on Sunday for the first time in a long time, and two days later my shoulder is a bit sore. The playing catch was part of our Father's day celebration and I totally loved it. I couldn't keep from smiling as I remembered the joy of many hours of playing catch with my kids as they grew up. The only sad part for me, is that years ago my shoulder never hurt a couple of days after playing catch!
The day got me thinking about the call of fatherhood and what a great privilege it is. As I was pondering fatherhood a thought struck me that at first didn't seem like a big deal, but then I realized it might be a big deal after all. It hit me that my children have always called me Dad. They have never called me "Father", or "Sir", or "Pastor", or "Your Highness", they have always called me Dad. It might not seem to be a big deal to you, but to me it speaks of a closeness of relationship, a familiarity, a friendship. There was no doubt that I took the role of Father, with authority and headship in the home, but they called me Dad, and I would feel odd if they called me anything else.
A reflection of God's heart for us is that He would have us to know Him as Father, and even more as Abba, or Dad. As Father we know Him as that One to whom we submit to, as He guides, protects, and even disciplines us. As Dad He would have us know Him intimately in warmth and communion, One who we might even have fun playing catch with.
As a Dad my heart is melted to think that the God of the universe desires to have a Dad type relationship with me. I wonder what joy we forfeit when we fail to cultivate a loving, close, familiar friendship, with or wonderful Heavenly Dad. Today take the time to sit with Him, know His voice, enjoy His presence, and rest in His care.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Hearing In The Storm
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind" Job 38:1
I would much rather that I would best be able to hear God speak in the calm sunny circumstances of life. I know that God does speak to me in the calm sunny circumstances of life, but I'm not so sure I'm always listening. It seems that I hear Him most clearly and listen most attentively when He speaks to me out of the storm.
It appears to be in our nature, that when the way is easy we look less to God and get lackadaisical in our communion with Him. When the way is wide and flat, the breeze is cool upon our face, and there are no blisters on our feet, our tendency is to become self-sufficient. We love the easy way, but can easily be in error as we get it in our heads that we can make this journey on our own, by our own strength.
When the way turns and gets narrow and steep, when the whirlwind batters us, our legs are aching and we are not able to go on. A good thing happens, we remember that we are insufficient, we cry out to the Lord, and our ears are open and attentive even straining to hear the Lord speak. We all instinctively know that it is in these stormy seasons that we draw most near to the Lord.
May we all learn "sunny day" discipline, to keep focused and connected during the good seasons, and may we not grow weary in the storm, it has been allowed. He is in the whirlwind, listen for His voice.
I would much rather that I would best be able to hear God speak in the calm sunny circumstances of life. I know that God does speak to me in the calm sunny circumstances of life, but I'm not so sure I'm always listening. It seems that I hear Him most clearly and listen most attentively when He speaks to me out of the storm.
It appears to be in our nature, that when the way is easy we look less to God and get lackadaisical in our communion with Him. When the way is wide and flat, the breeze is cool upon our face, and there are no blisters on our feet, our tendency is to become self-sufficient. We love the easy way, but can easily be in error as we get it in our heads that we can make this journey on our own, by our own strength.
When the way turns and gets narrow and steep, when the whirlwind batters us, our legs are aching and we are not able to go on. A good thing happens, we remember that we are insufficient, we cry out to the Lord, and our ears are open and attentive even straining to hear the Lord speak. We all instinctively know that it is in these stormy seasons that we draw most near to the Lord.
May we all learn "sunny day" discipline, to keep focused and connected during the good seasons, and may we not grow weary in the storm, it has been allowed. He is in the whirlwind, listen for His voice.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Fish and Loaves
Jesus' disciples had only five loaves of bread and a couple of small fish, and Jesus had called on them to feed over five thousand people. This was of course an impossible task for them to accomplish with their very limited resources, the fish and loaves would never meet the need. I'm sure you remember what happened in this miracle, as Jesus blessed the small amount the disciples brought to Him and it was multiplied so that there was enough to feed the multitude with leftovers.
I remember a faith building "fish and loaves"moment for me, back when I was a twenty three year old, newlywed, newly hired youth pastor. I was hired by a denominational church to oversee the youth, and my first assigned task was to meet with the parent leaders of the church's "teen club". I was sure zealous for Jesus and for His word, and I just knew these parent leaders would be also. Boy was I wrong!
As I met with the parents, the first thing I did was get rid of the name "teen club". I told them we weren't a club, but a ministry. I then canceled all of the club activities for the next couple of months, and told them our main focus would be a Sunday night Bible study. We would have social activities eventually, but at first I wanted to make the Word of God the clear foundation of the ministry. So, it was out with the bowling night and the miniature golf night, and in with the Bible study.
I really thought that the parent leaders would be as excited as I was about this new direction, but they weren't. There was at least an hour of resistance and lecturing on how I was out of touch with the youth of the day. It was difficult, but I didn't back down on what I knew the Lord was calling me to do. By the end of the evening all but one of the fifteen or so leaders resigned. The night I had been so excited about blew up in my face, and the parents I was so sure would be behind me, were hoping for my failure.
As I drove home feeling pretty weak and alone, I prayed a prayer that I have said many times since that night, it went like......Lord I think I'm in over my head, but I have to obey what You are calling me to do, so here I am, I have Your Spirit, Your word, and I can pray, help!!
As in the Gospels, this "fish and loaves" story also had a miraculous ending. Within a couple of months our Sunday night study overflowed the church library with over one hundred high school students, and many young people came to salvation through the ministry.
How we need to continue to learn this lesson of the "fish and loaves" and realize it's not about us, but all about Jesus, He's the miracle worker. Our job is to bring what we have to Him, and have Him bless and multiply and be glorified.
I remember a faith building "fish and loaves"moment for me, back when I was a twenty three year old, newlywed, newly hired youth pastor. I was hired by a denominational church to oversee the youth, and my first assigned task was to meet with the parent leaders of the church's "teen club". I was sure zealous for Jesus and for His word, and I just knew these parent leaders would be also. Boy was I wrong!
As I met with the parents, the first thing I did was get rid of the name "teen club". I told them we weren't a club, but a ministry. I then canceled all of the club activities for the next couple of months, and told them our main focus would be a Sunday night Bible study. We would have social activities eventually, but at first I wanted to make the Word of God the clear foundation of the ministry. So, it was out with the bowling night and the miniature golf night, and in with the Bible study.
I really thought that the parent leaders would be as excited as I was about this new direction, but they weren't. There was at least an hour of resistance and lecturing on how I was out of touch with the youth of the day. It was difficult, but I didn't back down on what I knew the Lord was calling me to do. By the end of the evening all but one of the fifteen or so leaders resigned. The night I had been so excited about blew up in my face, and the parents I was so sure would be behind me, were hoping for my failure.
As I drove home feeling pretty weak and alone, I prayed a prayer that I have said many times since that night, it went like......Lord I think I'm in over my head, but I have to obey what You are calling me to do, so here I am, I have Your Spirit, Your word, and I can pray, help!!
As in the Gospels, this "fish and loaves" story also had a miraculous ending. Within a couple of months our Sunday night study overflowed the church library with over one hundred high school students, and many young people came to salvation through the ministry.
How we need to continue to learn this lesson of the "fish and loaves" and realize it's not about us, but all about Jesus, He's the miracle worker. Our job is to bring what we have to Him, and have Him bless and multiply and be glorified.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Soft Touch Evangelism?
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23
I recently saw a set of interesting questions used by Asian Access, a Christian missions agency in South Asia. The questions are used to determine the readiness of a new convert to follow Christ. As you will see their evangelism technique is very different than what we use here in the States.....see what you think.
*Are you willing to leave home and lose the blessing of your father?
*Are you willing to lose your job?
*Are you willing to go to the village and those who persecute you, forgive them, and share the love of Christ with them?
*Are you willing to give an offering to the Lord?
*Are you willing to be beaten rather than deny your faith?
*Are you willing to go to prison?
*Are you willing to die for Jesus?
At first these seemed to be pretty harsh questions to be putting to someone who is near to coming to Christ. I felt like they were almost making it too difficult to commit to Jesus. But when you consider the intense persecution that Christians are under in South Asia, you realize it is right that these new converts should be told the truth about the cost of following Jesus.
There are many blessings promised to those who commit to Christ, but an easy life here on earth is not one of them. Our path in following Jesus is heading in a completely opposite direction than the path of this world, therefore we ought to expect resistance and harassment.
I heard one pastor who felt that because of all of our freedoms here in America, we proclaim what he termed "soft touch" evangelism. He said this type of evangelism does not speak of the cost of discipleship. That got me wondering, along with him, if the "soft touch" breeds Christians who are soft in their commitment, and who wither too quickly when trials arise. Not that we should make it difficult to accept Jesus, but that we should more fully explain what it means to take up the cross daily.
How would you have answered the questions that Asian Access puts to their new converts? I'm hoping you would answer yes to all of them, I know I would. And though we may never be confronted with the same persecution facing our brothers and sisters in South Asia, may we have the same resolve to follow our beloved Jesus, no matter the cost.
I recently saw a set of interesting questions used by Asian Access, a Christian missions agency in South Asia. The questions are used to determine the readiness of a new convert to follow Christ. As you will see their evangelism technique is very different than what we use here in the States.....see what you think.
*Are you willing to leave home and lose the blessing of your father?
*Are you willing to lose your job?
*Are you willing to go to the village and those who persecute you, forgive them, and share the love of Christ with them?
*Are you willing to give an offering to the Lord?
*Are you willing to be beaten rather than deny your faith?
*Are you willing to go to prison?
*Are you willing to die for Jesus?
At first these seemed to be pretty harsh questions to be putting to someone who is near to coming to Christ. I felt like they were almost making it too difficult to commit to Jesus. But when you consider the intense persecution that Christians are under in South Asia, you realize it is right that these new converts should be told the truth about the cost of following Jesus.
There are many blessings promised to those who commit to Christ, but an easy life here on earth is not one of them. Our path in following Jesus is heading in a completely opposite direction than the path of this world, therefore we ought to expect resistance and harassment.
I heard one pastor who felt that because of all of our freedoms here in America, we proclaim what he termed "soft touch" evangelism. He said this type of evangelism does not speak of the cost of discipleship. That got me wondering, along with him, if the "soft touch" breeds Christians who are soft in their commitment, and who wither too quickly when trials arise. Not that we should make it difficult to accept Jesus, but that we should more fully explain what it means to take up the cross daily.
How would you have answered the questions that Asian Access puts to their new converts? I'm hoping you would answer yes to all of them, I know I would. And though we may never be confronted with the same persecution facing our brothers and sisters in South Asia, may we have the same resolve to follow our beloved Jesus, no matter the cost.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Testimony
"and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places," Ephesians 1:19-20
Most of us have heard a few radical testimonies. We are amazed as we hear of lives that were in ruins, being instantly transformed and reborn. How marvelous it is that these radical transformations are through the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these saints.
Have you ever found yourself a little jealous wanting to have that same power working in your life? Well guess what, you do have that power in your life! If you have committed your life to Jesus, then the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit is in you and has given you life. We have to remember that His power is not just to bring us to salvation, but also to enable us to live a victorious life that will serve as a testimony to His great love and grace. The more we know Jesus, and learn to seek, trust, and obey Him, the more we will know His mighty power. The Lord has given us each a radical testimony, a testimony that did not end the day of our salvation, but continues today for His glory.
Most of us have heard a few radical testimonies. We are amazed as we hear of lives that were in ruins, being instantly transformed and reborn. How marvelous it is that these radical transformations are through the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these saints.
Have you ever found yourself a little jealous wanting to have that same power working in your life? Well guess what, you do have that power in your life! If you have committed your life to Jesus, then the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit is in you and has given you life. We have to remember that His power is not just to bring us to salvation, but also to enable us to live a victorious life that will serve as a testimony to His great love and grace. The more we know Jesus, and learn to seek, trust, and obey Him, the more we will know His mighty power. The Lord has given us each a radical testimony, a testimony that did not end the day of our salvation, but continues today for His glory.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Start Today
"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer that when we first believed." Romans 13:11
Today I saw a sign over a man's desk that gave a great challenge. The sign gave a simple two word message...."start today".
Right around the first of the year I picked up an article on New Years resolutions. The article focused on the number one resolution, which is to go on a diet to lose weight. It took an interesting angle in looking at success in dieting, based on what day of the week you began the diet. A study was cited that indicated that it didn't seem to matter much what day of the week you started, except they did find, that the highest number of diets that failed were started on Mondays. The feeling was that those who put things off, are not really serious about what they are putting off, and if your going to put something off, you'll usually put it off until Monday. The point they made in the article was that those who are really serious about dieting, start right away.
How is your relationship with the Lord? If you are not happy with your spiritual walk, if you feel you need to be more disciplined and spend more time in prayer and in the word. Don't tell yourself that you will start getting serious on Monday, or when things slow down, or as soon as you finish this or that. The great need for us all is to be strong in the Lord, and to be spiritually disciplined. There is no better time to begin than now. Don't put it off, let's start today!
Today I saw a sign over a man's desk that gave a great challenge. The sign gave a simple two word message...."start today".
Right around the first of the year I picked up an article on New Years resolutions. The article focused on the number one resolution, which is to go on a diet to lose weight. It took an interesting angle in looking at success in dieting, based on what day of the week you began the diet. A study was cited that indicated that it didn't seem to matter much what day of the week you started, except they did find, that the highest number of diets that failed were started on Mondays. The feeling was that those who put things off, are not really serious about what they are putting off, and if your going to put something off, you'll usually put it off until Monday. The point they made in the article was that those who are really serious about dieting, start right away.
How is your relationship with the Lord? If you are not happy with your spiritual walk, if you feel you need to be more disciplined and spend more time in prayer and in the word. Don't tell yourself that you will start getting serious on Monday, or when things slow down, or as soon as you finish this or that. The great need for us all is to be strong in the Lord, and to be spiritually disciplined. There is no better time to begin than now. Don't put it off, let's start today!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Keep Going
"....and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
It is pretty tough to run a marathon. And while the race itself is a grueling twenty six point two miles, I think the toughest part is not the race, but the months of training before the race.
I've talked to people who have set out to train for a marathon and quit early on. They start out and run two or three miles and feel horrible, after some quick math, it is concluded that if they feel this bad at two miles, how could they ever run twenty four more! The problem is that they get overwhelmed by focusing on the longer distance, which they can't run.....yet. The key to training for the marathon is to stay strong day in and day out at the shorter distances. As you are disciplined in the shorter runs, soon running two miles will be easy, then four and eight and so on, until twenty six point two is not so overwhelming.
The problems you have today might seem as daunting as a marathon, and your temptation might be to throw up your hands and pull out of the race, thinking you can never make it. If your focus becomes the how far, or the how long, you can easily get weary and discouraged. Your job is to be faithful to Jesus day by day and allow Him to take care of the results. As with marathon training, when you keep your focus on daily faithfulness, soon your strength will grow, and you will no longer be defeated by what once seemed impossible to overcome.
It is pretty tough to run a marathon. And while the race itself is a grueling twenty six point two miles, I think the toughest part is not the race, but the months of training before the race.
I've talked to people who have set out to train for a marathon and quit early on. They start out and run two or three miles and feel horrible, after some quick math, it is concluded that if they feel this bad at two miles, how could they ever run twenty four more! The problem is that they get overwhelmed by focusing on the longer distance, which they can't run.....yet. The key to training for the marathon is to stay strong day in and day out at the shorter distances. As you are disciplined in the shorter runs, soon running two miles will be easy, then four and eight and so on, until twenty six point two is not so overwhelming.
The problems you have today might seem as daunting as a marathon, and your temptation might be to throw up your hands and pull out of the race, thinking you can never make it. If your focus becomes the how far, or the how long, you can easily get weary and discouraged. Your job is to be faithful to Jesus day by day and allow Him to take care of the results. As with marathon training, when you keep your focus on daily faithfulness, soon your strength will grow, and you will no longer be defeated by what once seemed impossible to overcome.
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