March, 2015

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Strong

Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

thefi5thgospel

The Bible is full of paradoxes.

“To be first you must become last.”

“Love your enemies. Pray for those who use you.”

“To become great you must  be the servant of all.”

“To become strong you must become weak.”

One of the hardest things for people to understand is that latter one. How in the world can a person become strong by becoming weak? Such a strange paradox. Hudson Taylor put it another way:

All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.

That flies in the face of our modern-day thinking. It flew in the face of thinking in Jesus’ day. I’m sure the Romans who heard that must have thought He was off His rocker. Life and success was defined by strength. So to hear becoming weak makes a person strong “does not compute!”

Slaying giants is big stuff. “March Madness” usually includes a Cinderella team. They are often called “Giant Slayers” because they bring the bigger teams to their knees.

God often puts us in the position of being giant slayers. That entails a willingness to be used by Him. Bobby put it well: “The weaker we become, the greater God’s power is released in our lives.” (p.142) We don’t have to lose. We don’t have to be seen as losers. The weak become strong!

That is a paradox worth knowing!

Posted in Book Discussion, Christian living, Pick me Up, Scripture look | 10 Responses »

Original

Monday, March 30th, 2015

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know we often try to mold people into our idea or view of what should be. It is one thing to talk about “not making God fit into our mold”; it is another to then turn around and try to do the same to people. For various reasons, it is wrong.

No one likes to be someone’s idea of what they ought to be. For years society has rebelled against the “Barbie” idea of little girls. We realize not all boys can fit the “superhero” mold.

Why then, do we try to form people into our mold when it comes to following Jesus? Be as I am. Think as I think. Act like I act. Talk like I talk. Dress as I dress. All nice and cookie-cutter like. We ought to run as far away from that as we do a skunk when it crosses our path. That type of thinking smells THAT bad.

While reading Mary DeMuth’s new book, Everything, I ran across a quote I had long forgotten (to my detriment I might add):

Never make a principle out of your experience; let God be as original with other people as He is with you. Oswald Chambers

WOW! That hit the nail on the head!! Just as I don’t like to be put into a mold, neither should I expect God to work the same in another person’s life as He does mine. God chooses to work in our lives in different ways. Stop expecting a “ditto” performance.

Have you struggled with this in any way? What have you done about it?

Posted in Christian living, God, Just a Quote, Just Wondering, Opinion | 12 Responses »

Reader

Sunday, March 29th, 2015

Product Details

 

Since I wasn’t sure what my weekend would bring, I thought I would write about something I am using and have been using for close to a year now: the ESV Reader’s Bible.

If you read the Bible at all, or are at least somewhat familiar with it, you know it is filled with chapters, divisions, verse numbers, often notations, and a host of other things (i.e. helps which turn into distractions). This Bible is different. When I first saw this I wondered about the wisdom of a Bible like this…and whether I would ever use it. But one day last year I decided to buy it…as quirky as it seemed.

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I HAVE ENJOYED USING IT!

Late last summer I embarked on a journey. I began reading Galatians through Colossians in preparation for my 2015 sermon series on Freedom. Along with that I continued my practice of reading the Psalms and also Proverbs (every other month). My most trying leg of the journey though has been to read the whole Old Testament no matter how long it took. To date, that leg has me in I Kings 10. Yeah…long journey. 🙂

But I have thoroughly enjoyed just reading the Bible. No verses. No chapter headings. No notes to be distracted by. Just reading it like a novel. It doesn’t work as a study Bible. Nor will you want to take it to worship to use as the pastor preaches. But to just read the Bible like a novel? This is it!

I’d like to suggest you invest in one. I know of only one style (check out the link above for more information). I honestly believe your Bible reading will be enriched by it and you will find the Bible coming alive. Oh…be careful though: it just might change your life! 🙂

Posted in Bible, Book Review, Scripture look, Worship | 5 Responses »

Driven

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

When we say someone is “driven” we are commenting on their desire to get things done, their oomph, so to speak. We will especially note their passion or what makes them tick.

When we say someone is “driven” we will often tag them a label- like OCD- or something like that.  They may not have or be OC but their “drive” keeps them hopping and desiring that of others as well.

I thought of that when I read the following quote from Jesus Continued by J.D.Greear:

Let me remark that being ‘led by the Spirit of God’ is a remarkable expression. The Bible does not say, ‘As many as are driven by the Spirit of God.’ No, the devil is a driver, and when he enters either into me or into hogs he drives them furiously. (p.87)

The reference to the hogs is from Mark 5:1-20.

Jesus once said, “And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32) Interesting word used  there. Jesus uses the word “draw” not “drag.” The word for draw in the Greek is used for “to draw like a magnet.” Not drag. Not force. Draw. I have a loved one I am praying for. He said he once loved Jesus and now gives no credence to Him at all. My daily prayer? “Lord, draw Him to You.” He can’t be driven. He has to be drawn by the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Trying to drive people or to drag them to Jesus never has worked and never will. Besides, it is a much more responsive awareness to be drawn and make a decision of our own volition.

I’m leaving Friday morning for Ohio to bring my grandson back to Indiana for a week. I will be out of touch for 2-3 days. I will see you on Sunday night or Monday (whichever works for you). Have a great weekend. Please say a prayer for Ryan since he will be preaching Sunday on Jesus’ final sayings #5 & 6.

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, God, Jesus | 10 Responses »

Fools

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

thefi5thgospel

Growing up calling or being called a “Fool” was not a compliment.  It, of course, represented someone who did something dumb or stupid. The meaning of the word hasn’t changed. It can also mean someone or something that is different. Someone who doesn’t fit the mold or status quo.

The word is used several times in the Bible:

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” Ps.53:1

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Pr.12:15 (Great comparison)

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” Pr.28:26  (Another great comparison)

“You fool. Tonight your soul will be required of you.” Luke 12:20

Needless to say, even in Bible days, being called a fool was not a compliment. So, why in the world would Paul write, “We are fools for Christ’s sake”?

Bobby’s idea is “embracing the ridiculous.” (p.122) My translation? Following Jesus is not always the easiest thing, nor is it always the the “sanest and safest thing.” Followers of Jesus will often do things which go against the grain (in a good way). They will stretch their faith and their spiritual muscles to advance the cause of Christ.

Numerous examples abound in the Bible of this very thing:

Abraham was to be the father of many and then is asked to kill his son.

Joshua is to battle Jericho but not to raise a single arm in aggression. Just walk and shout.

Isaiah is told to walk around naked for 3 years to get his message across. (not sure that would go over well) 🙂

Naaman, the leper, told to dip 7 times in the Jordan and be cleansed.

Gideon’s army being whittled down from thousands to 300 to fight the Midianites.

God still asks His people to do amazing things. If that is what it means to be a “fool,” then count me in. Only…be real careful in which context you call me one. 🙂

How about you?

 

 

Posted in Book Discussion, Christian living, God, Just Wondering, Scripture look | 17 Responses »

Job

Monday, March 23rd, 2015

I had a friend who was seeking once say he discovered and read the book of Job (pronounced like the thing we do every day). I chuckled and told him it was pronounced Job (long “o”). What struck him was the reality of Job’s life. He was going through a tough time which included a fire, children taken away, false accusations, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

This post is not about that Job. It is about the other job. You know…the thing we do to earn our keep in this world.

I love my job. If I was independently wealthy and was not being paid by the church, I would do this gig for free. I love it that much. On April 13th I will celebrate 40 years of my ordination into the ministry. At that time the ordination was the “official” day. I had been preaching since the end of my sophomore year in college (1972), but on April 13, 1975 I put on my “big pastor pants” and become official. Official what I’m not sure…but I did. I’ll actually write a post about that day on that day, but for now suffice it to say it was an important day.

I love my job. Other than a few times when I (for reasons mostly mine) found myself having to move, i.e. being asked to leave (a whole ‘nother story), I have never regretted doing what I do. Not even when I have nights like last night where a crisis has me running on 3 hours sleep over the last 36 hours (at this point). I told our youth pastor when I left him at 3:15 am: “This is ministry because it is about people.” Not all days are like this. Not all “seasons of ministry” are like this. But this is what it is all about:

PEOPLE.

Helping. Caring. Supporting. Encouraging. And more.

Yeah…I love my job…even in seasons like this. 🙂

How about you?

Posted in Church, Leadership, Opinion, Story | 17 Responses »

CRY

Saturday, March 21st, 2015

If you read my last post, I wrote about the agony of alone-ness Jesus experienced on the cross. From the concern for His mother-whose life she placed with John-to His own guttural scream at His Father’s “absence,” Matthew includes the incident and phrase which none of the others include.

I realize there are those who say Jesus never experienced separation on the cross. He would never be abandoned. But the way I read John’s account leaves little doubt in my mind.

We expect Him to cry out of pain. And He did. What He did not do was get even with His crucifiers and abusers. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.” I Peter 3:21

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter…so He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7

The one time He did was a guttural scream directed at His Father. Interesting fact (which you may already know): three times He spoke to His Father. “Father, forgive them.” “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Sandwiched in between is the one: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Notice the word change from Father to God? For the first time He experienced the lack of intimacy He never had before.

What a difference a word makes! “Father.” “God.” I’ve known a lack of intimacy with God. There have been times “Father”-Abba- was on my lips. But so has “God”- a cry of desperation and loneliness.

I’m glad my relationship is not based on my feelings, but on the truth of Scripture. Two cries. Two different meanings. For Jesus. For me. For you.

How was that alone-ness resolved for you? What steps did you take to alleviate that pain?

Posted in Doctrine, Jesus, Just Wondering, Scripture look, Sermon Series/Topic, Sin | 15 Responses »

One

Thursday, March 19th, 2015

Chances are good when you saw the title a song filtered through your mind. Harry Nilson, the writer, sure wrote truth in those lyrics. I found an article dated May 8, 2014 which said Britain was the loneliest capital in the world. It also said more young people suffer from loneliness than those over 55. It is linked to increased stress, depression, paranoia, anxiety, addiction, cognitive decline and is a known factor in suicide.

We all know people who are lonely…and lonely for different reasons. What is it like to be abandoned? I can remember the panic Jo & I felt when we turned around and our oldest daughter was gone. They found her at the other end of the mall looking for us because she couldn’t find us and had heard we were going to go to a certain store. Trust me when I say she (and us) was scared.

One is a lonely number. No one wants to be alone. He was thinking of His mother when he looked at John and said, “Behold, your mother.” But then the spotlight turns on Him when He experiences something He had never experienced before: separation from His Father. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

A-L-O-N-E. For the first time ever. This wasn’t a whimper either; it was a guttural scream. Estrangement. ONE.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but in every respect has been tempted as we are, but without sin.” Heb.4:15 (ESV)

There you go. Never alone. He understands.

My sermon Sunday is on the two referenced incidents while Jesus was on the cross. Thanks for your prayers.

Posted in Jesus, Preaching, Scripture look, Sermon Series/Topic | 4 Responses »

GoodSpeech

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015

I started off this week with a post on Speech. I followed it up with a post on Speech. I conclude it with this post on (what else?)…speech. But rather than take my word for it, I thought I would allow some passages from the book of Proverbs do my speaking (Ahem) for me! 🙂

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” 10:11

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” 10:19

“The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” 10:20-21

“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.” 10:31-32

“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” 11;12

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” 12:18-19

There are tons more. Enough to keep me repenting all day long! 🙂 So rather than “speak” too much, let me just ask you this: what is one of your favorite “speaking” verses?

Posted in Christian living, Just a Quote, Miscellaneous, Scripture look | 14 Responses »

Suffering

Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

thefi5thgospel

Some people know suffering. And some people KNOW suffering.

Stories abound right now about followers of Jesus in countries like India, China and all places associated with Islam, where life is horrendous because of following Jesus. Children, parents, friends and others they love massacred before their eyes. That is suffering!

But then again, so is someone dealing with past shame.

But then again, so is someone dealing with childhood abuse.

But then again, so is someone dealing with ongoing health issues and chronic pain.

Suffering has no favorites. The depth and intensity might differ, but suffering is part and parcel of living on this planet.

But it matters not what we are going through; it is how we go through it. It is making sure we don’t quit. It is trusting in an all-sufficient Father who feels our pain and promises to never leave us.

We can choose to allow suffering to do us in, or we can choose to use suffering as a stepping stone to a deeper walk with Jesus. The enemy has a sinister plan: to drive a wedge between us and God. He gets us to question the wisdom and presence of God. “Are you really sure He loves you? If He did, why in the world would he allow this to happen to you?”

Bobby’s chapter on suffering delves into some of the questions we struggle with far more than I have here. I recommend checking out his book.

What are your thoughts on suffering?

Posted in Book Discussion, Christian living, Opinion | 25 Responses »

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