I have been exploring the Baptist blogs and I have greatly been overwhelmed by the level of thought and overall quality and quantity of content. I have had an interest in the Baptist Identity Conference which was recently held at Union University. I downloaded the speakers onto my mp3 player and have been listening to the various speakers. I have for some time felt there is something in the Southern Baptist that does’t seem right. I have struggled to put my finger on the issue for years. I have had long debates on what it means to be a member of the SBC. I have thought of leaving many times. I think at times in the SBC I feel held back or my creative freedoms have been stifled under the SBC banner. Every movement has to pass the committee test and run through proper church protocol channels and lastly match Baptist tradition. I am new to pastoring…I am also new in many respects to the theological realm of being a pastor. I find myself desperately trying to understand the role of the church in this generation. I have read more in the last eight months than I have in my entire life. I find myself being challenged on all levels intellectually. I’m not a great speaker or writer. I will probably never write a book or speak in front of the men who hold various PhDs in theology. But the one thing I keep being driven back too while listening to all these great speakers at this conference and after reading the writers on the various blogs…is the need for the Bible and prayer.
I am driven to my knees when I hear about the lost in our great country. I am driven to my knees when I hear the word “program”. I am driven to the scripture to find the answer on how to reach the people in the state of California. I am overwhelmed by the desire to reach a people who have everything they need. I am convinced we have lost our desire for prayer…we have lost our ability to trust God in providing and answering prayer, because we have stopped earnestly praying. By not trusting in God we have lost our ability to recognize the Holy Spirit working in our communities. For fear of our discomfort we have been conditioned to look to the next best program, which contains an easy recipe for success. Prayer and a return to the Bible…We need to fall in love with knowing the Lord through prayer…we need to fall in love with the Bible…we need to saturate our lives with these basics. It is only from this position will we make a difference to the younger generation. When we authentically start to live out our faith in community, in our vocations, in our homes…only then will we start to see the change. It is from this pliable position God can start to use us to make inroads into new fields to plant, cultivate and harvest.
-ps
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Thinking…
I am currently in an evangelism and discipleship class. One of subject we covered tonight was our own testimonies. As I listened to each person story I was first struck by the diversity of the experiences. Each one of us has different backgrounds, all us has experienced life from a verity of angels and directions. Different Christian settings, some didn’t have any religion at all. But some how, some way Jesus found them. He took all of our experiences, good and bad, shaped them into a testimony about His greatness…His glory. It amazes me how little we in the church talk about what God has done in our lives. We hold the only key to hope, faith and love and for what ever reason, we don’t share our story.
The world today is need of a hero, someone who can change lives. People need a hero who will love people because of who they are, not by what they have. I think that hero needs to be the church. The church needs to get out and get into the lives of those around us. How do we do this and what is the price. We have to find a balance, we need to be culturally sensitive, yet not compromise the faith. I look at our churches and I am saddened by the loss of purpose. We have lost what we are here for; we have become a comfortable ship on the ocean without a rudder without a captain.
Listening to testimonies made me think about what joy I experience when I think about what God has done in my life and what he is doing and what he is going to do. I felt the joy of knowing my savior lives. He isn’t a statue in a shrine, He isn’t found in a grave. Nothing can contain Him, nothing compares to the joy of knowing my Christ, my Jesus. Jesus is everything, He is light in this very dark world…He is peace, He is joy…I think of the church and the billions who don’t know Jesus and are lost chasing dreams that will evaporate as soon as they are caught. How do we explain to the current generation who has more material possessions than any generation ever, and tell them they need Jesus.
Deep down we are all longing for our savior, it takes different forms and shapes. Desires we don’t understand a need that is never quite satisfied. We are all looking for hope and security. We all need something to cling to when the party is over. The church holds the key. The church needs to find its joy, it’s Jesus. It is through the relational testimony, what Jesus has done in my life that will resonate in the hearts of this generation. But we need to know Jesus personally; we need to have a real relationship with Him. It cannot be about religion it has to be something more, something deeper. This generation has seen and heard a lot about religion. It has 9/11 and host of other religious example to run from. We need to share Christ’s love with the world through word and deed. Our lives need to shine in this dark world. We need to take our light from under the bowls and shine.
Christ dies on the cross, because of love. It is because we love we share the gospel with others. We love because He first loved us. By loving us he has give you a testimony. A testimony of his love, it isn’t for you to put into a box. It’s meant to be shared with others. When was the last time you shared what Jesus has done in your life with someone else. Be the hero the world needs and share Jesus...
-ps
The world today is need of a hero, someone who can change lives. People need a hero who will love people because of who they are, not by what they have. I think that hero needs to be the church. The church needs to get out and get into the lives of those around us. How do we do this and what is the price. We have to find a balance, we need to be culturally sensitive, yet not compromise the faith. I look at our churches and I am saddened by the loss of purpose. We have lost what we are here for; we have become a comfortable ship on the ocean without a rudder without a captain.
Listening to testimonies made me think about what joy I experience when I think about what God has done in my life and what he is doing and what he is going to do. I felt the joy of knowing my savior lives. He isn’t a statue in a shrine, He isn’t found in a grave. Nothing can contain Him, nothing compares to the joy of knowing my Christ, my Jesus. Jesus is everything, He is light in this very dark world…He is peace, He is joy…I think of the church and the billions who don’t know Jesus and are lost chasing dreams that will evaporate as soon as they are caught. How do we explain to the current generation who has more material possessions than any generation ever, and tell them they need Jesus.
Deep down we are all longing for our savior, it takes different forms and shapes. Desires we don’t understand a need that is never quite satisfied. We are all looking for hope and security. We all need something to cling to when the party is over. The church holds the key. The church needs to find its joy, it’s Jesus. It is through the relational testimony, what Jesus has done in my life that will resonate in the hearts of this generation. But we need to know Jesus personally; we need to have a real relationship with Him. It cannot be about religion it has to be something more, something deeper. This generation has seen and heard a lot about religion. It has 9/11 and host of other religious example to run from. We need to share Christ’s love with the world through word and deed. Our lives need to shine in this dark world. We need to take our light from under the bowls and shine.
Christ dies on the cross, because of love. It is because we love we share the gospel with others. We love because He first loved us. By loving us he has give you a testimony. A testimony of his love, it isn’t for you to put into a box. It’s meant to be shared with others. When was the last time you shared what Jesus has done in your life with someone else. Be the hero the world needs and share Jesus...
-ps
Monday, February 26, 2007
At it again…
Reading out of Numbers 16 this morning we see rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korah, Dathan and Abiram all decide along with 250 other Israelites men…”You have gone to far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” these men charged…
The first sign of trouble for these guys was once they had made their statement Moses fell face down, or ducked depending on your perspective…and then Moses tells them in the morning the Lord will show who He is with. I don’t know about you but at this point I would hope I would realize I had made a big mistake. Have you ever found yourself in this position? You hear something and at first it sounds good, but when it is presented and you see the reaction of those receiving the message you realize maybe this isn’t such a good idea. Maybe we need to rethink this whole proposal. But we know this group by now and know they will carry out their idea in front of the entire community.
So they set up a trial by fire…notice the guys who came up with the idea are not with the 250 men holding the censers…Korah, Dathan and Abiram who stird up this rebellion stay in their tents while the “little” guys get tested…First rule of rebellion “if the leaders are not leading from the front your about to get toasted.” So as the 250 are getting ready for their trial Moses goes to the tents of the three main characters and tells everyone to move away from the tents. So imagine this group of people moving away from you and your tent, like people move when my son takes off his shoes in a crowd…you know something bad is about to happen. Not only does the Lord burn up the 250, but the ground opens and swallows the rebellious leaders who have gathered outside their tents…along with their entire families. Nothing is left, not their tents, not one descendant from these houses would remain to talk about the events of this day.
After seeing this you would think the message would have been received…but the people grumbled again against Moses and Aaron…”you have killed the Lord’s people’…It was only after Moses intercedes again does the Lord spare the people…
What does this all mean for you and me…many times in any group setting, work, church, family etc…we grumble about the leadership. We say if I was in charge I would do this or that. It’s the attitude of rebellion…I have experienced this attitude myself or have been caught up in a “movement” thinking it was the right thing to do only find out it caused more harm than good. We need to be extremely careful when grumbling against leadership…I have always believed “if your not part of the solution your part of the problem”.
This is especially true in church leadership. Being supportive of the pastor is critical. Many times we forget it was God who appointed our pastors. We start to think we are the ones who decide who will lead us and take God out of the equation all together. So if you take anything away from this, remember it is God who appoints the leadership…for better or worse…depending on your attitude.
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
The first sign of trouble for these guys was once they had made their statement Moses fell face down, or ducked depending on your perspective…and then Moses tells them in the morning the Lord will show who He is with. I don’t know about you but at this point I would hope I would realize I had made a big mistake. Have you ever found yourself in this position? You hear something and at first it sounds good, but when it is presented and you see the reaction of those receiving the message you realize maybe this isn’t such a good idea. Maybe we need to rethink this whole proposal. But we know this group by now and know they will carry out their idea in front of the entire community.
So they set up a trial by fire…notice the guys who came up with the idea are not with the 250 men holding the censers…Korah, Dathan and Abiram who stird up this rebellion stay in their tents while the “little” guys get tested…First rule of rebellion “if the leaders are not leading from the front your about to get toasted.” So as the 250 are getting ready for their trial Moses goes to the tents of the three main characters and tells everyone to move away from the tents. So imagine this group of people moving away from you and your tent, like people move when my son takes off his shoes in a crowd…you know something bad is about to happen. Not only does the Lord burn up the 250, but the ground opens and swallows the rebellious leaders who have gathered outside their tents…along with their entire families. Nothing is left, not their tents, not one descendant from these houses would remain to talk about the events of this day.
After seeing this you would think the message would have been received…but the people grumbled again against Moses and Aaron…”you have killed the Lord’s people’…It was only after Moses intercedes again does the Lord spare the people…
What does this all mean for you and me…many times in any group setting, work, church, family etc…we grumble about the leadership. We say if I was in charge I would do this or that. It’s the attitude of rebellion…I have experienced this attitude myself or have been caught up in a “movement” thinking it was the right thing to do only find out it caused more harm than good. We need to be extremely careful when grumbling against leadership…I have always believed “if your not part of the solution your part of the problem”.
This is especially true in church leadership. Being supportive of the pastor is critical. Many times we forget it was God who appointed our pastors. We start to think we are the ones who decide who will lead us and take God out of the equation all together. So if you take anything away from this, remember it is God who appoints the leadership…for better or worse…depending on your attitude.
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Stubborn People…
Reading in Numbers shows just how stubborn people can be. I’m reading about the Israelites and I’m thinking how stupid can you be! I mean God has done all these miracles, He is feeding you…everything you need is provided for you and all you can do is COMPLAIN! Sadly, the more I read the more I see myself….
Looking at the Israelites and hearing God saying, how long will these treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them…Numbers 14:11. I look at my life and I can almost hear the same being said about myself. How many of us go through life seeing all the signs and yet demand to live life on our own terms.
It breaks my heart….and yet here is God. Moses intervenes and the Lord says, “I have forgiven them”…not I will forgive, I have…God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ. All we have to do is believe in Him. To think Jesus is also there intervening on our behalf. All of this should be very humbling…so humbling it should cause you to revaluate what you’re doing in life. Think, if God was willing to intervene in human history and die on our behalf…to die on the cross for our sins and then personally defeat death again on our behalf…and by putting our faith in Him we become “children of God”….and what can you do to repay Him? What can we do to earn such an honor?
The answer is absolutely nothing…there is nothing you and I can do. We were bought with a price, just like the Israelites. We owe God everything…
So go to Church tomorrow and celebrate the Lord with a body of believers. Make the commitment now, not tomorrow morning…Seek time with God and give thanks for what he has already done on your behalf and what he continues to do in your life. We serve an awesome God…a mighty King…Amen
-ps
Daily Reading: Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
Looking at the Israelites and hearing God saying, how long will these treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them…Numbers 14:11. I look at my life and I can almost hear the same being said about myself. How many of us go through life seeing all the signs and yet demand to live life on our own terms.
It breaks my heart….and yet here is God. Moses intervenes and the Lord says, “I have forgiven them”…not I will forgive, I have…God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ. All we have to do is believe in Him. To think Jesus is also there intervening on our behalf. All of this should be very humbling…so humbling it should cause you to revaluate what you’re doing in life. Think, if God was willing to intervene in human history and die on our behalf…to die on the cross for our sins and then personally defeat death again on our behalf…and by putting our faith in Him we become “children of God”….and what can you do to repay Him? What can we do to earn such an honor?
The answer is absolutely nothing…there is nothing you and I can do. We were bought with a price, just like the Israelites. We owe God everything…
So go to Church tomorrow and celebrate the Lord with a body of believers. Make the commitment now, not tomorrow morning…Seek time with God and give thanks for what he has already done on your behalf and what he continues to do in your life. We serve an awesome God…a mighty King…Amen
-ps
Daily Reading: Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
Friday, February 23, 2007
Practice…
Practice, practice, practice…have you heard this before. If you have ever played a sport, an instrument, or anything you wanted to master. I think of playing basketball. I never had any natural talent; I practiced everyday for months at a time. Coach would yell at us if we thought, if you hesitated just a little bit…the slightest pause would bring “Don’t think!” Through practice coach was bringing us to the point where we just automatically passed the ball when we saw the open man, we automatically shot the ball when we where open and in our range. No thinking, just doing.
Reading in the book of Numbers we see God running the people of Israel through practice. Everyday they learn to follow God through repetition. Over and over again they pack up the Tabernacle and move, set up…tear down move…over and over. You never knew how long you were going to be in one spot, could be a day, week, month…whatever…you watched the cloud, you watch for God to move. If God moved you packed up and followed. What does this say for us…
Practice, practice, practice…I can’t say this enough. I am convinced we need daily discipline of getting up and reading our Bible and praying. You have to have a plan in place where you are meeting God, daily. We have to learn through repetition to depend on God. We cannot have victory in life if we are not seeking God, daily. We need to get to the point were we no longer think about it…just do it….it needs to become a reaction…like breathing.
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
I posted a link on the side (The Bible Through the Year) where all you have to do is click the link and the daily reading magically pops up and if you can't read it you can listen to it! All in the effort to change your life...:-)
Reading in the book of Numbers we see God running the people of Israel through practice. Everyday they learn to follow God through repetition. Over and over again they pack up the Tabernacle and move, set up…tear down move…over and over. You never knew how long you were going to be in one spot, could be a day, week, month…whatever…you watched the cloud, you watch for God to move. If God moved you packed up and followed. What does this say for us…
Practice, practice, practice…I can’t say this enough. I am convinced we need daily discipline of getting up and reading our Bible and praying. You have to have a plan in place where you are meeting God, daily. We have to learn through repetition to depend on God. We cannot have victory in life if we are not seeking God, daily. We need to get to the point were we no longer think about it…just do it….it needs to become a reaction…like breathing.
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
I posted a link on the side (The Bible Through the Year) where all you have to do is click the link and the daily reading magically pops up and if you can't read it you can listen to it! All in the effort to change your life...:-)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Grace and peace...
“Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you
the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Let’s break this down and take a closer look at this blessing…
The high priest emerges from the holy of holies to bless the people…the two main themes presented are “grace and peace”.
This isn’t a wish or even a prayer…it is an declaration of what the LORD imparts. It was binding and sure as a patriarchal blessing which once said was official and could not be broken. The priest here is pronouncing the word of the Lord, declaring to the congregation the outcome of the atonement.
For the Lord to make his face shine on them would mean to be gracious to them…it’s the picture of divine favor—the beaming face of a parent for his child.
The last line of blessing also has the first image and then the parallel interpretation—for God to lift up his face is for God to give peace. The idea of a fallen face is one of anger….a hidden face is to withholding support, favor, or peace. If God lifts his face towards his people, it means he has given them shalom—peace, prosperity, completeness, health, safety, general well-being, the whole ball of wax…
After reading this I can only think of one person…Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of this prayer. Jesus the High Priest...declares us righteous and it cannot be broken. Through Christ the Father see us has His child and he beams with pride and joy….through Jesus we can experience shalom—peace the surpasses all understanding!
Grace and peace....
So my prayer for you is this..."may God bless you and keep you through Christ Jesus, may you discover Jesus’ love for you from the cross…may the Father look upon you and beam with joy and pride through the crimson flood…May Christ give you true and lasting peace…Grace and peace forever and ever, ever, ever…amen
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you
the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Let’s break this down and take a closer look at this blessing…
The high priest emerges from the holy of holies to bless the people…the two main themes presented are “grace and peace”.
This isn’t a wish or even a prayer…it is an declaration of what the LORD imparts. It was binding and sure as a patriarchal blessing which once said was official and could not be broken. The priest here is pronouncing the word of the Lord, declaring to the congregation the outcome of the atonement.
For the Lord to make his face shine on them would mean to be gracious to them…it’s the picture of divine favor—the beaming face of a parent for his child.
The last line of blessing also has the first image and then the parallel interpretation—for God to lift up his face is for God to give peace. The idea of a fallen face is one of anger….a hidden face is to withholding support, favor, or peace. If God lifts his face towards his people, it means he has given them shalom—peace, prosperity, completeness, health, safety, general well-being, the whole ball of wax…
After reading this I can only think of one person…Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of this prayer. Jesus the High Priest...declares us righteous and it cannot be broken. Through Christ the Father see us has His child and he beams with pride and joy….through Jesus we can experience shalom—peace the surpasses all understanding!
Grace and peace....
So my prayer for you is this..."may God bless you and keep you through Christ Jesus, may you discover Jesus’ love for you from the cross…may the Father look upon you and beam with joy and pride through the crimson flood…May Christ give you true and lasting peace…Grace and peace forever and ever, ever, ever…amen
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
I AM…
One of my favorite verses in the whole Bible is simply the way God describes Himself. In Exodus 3 Moses encounters God in the burning bush. Moses has the unique conversation with God and is told he is going to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Moses tries to get out of the whole thing, which is another conversation in itself. Moses ask God, “when they ask me what your name is what do I tell them?” God said, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” Do you know what this word means? It simply means “I exist”….
God simply says I exist…I get goose bumps when I read this. I am the one and only living God. I exist….I’m real…there are no other god’s. Jump ahead to the gospel of John and Jesus makes this statement “I tell you the truth…before Abraham was born, I am!...
Jesus is saying ‘I AM”…I exist. You can argue Jesus wasn’t saying he was God…but I have to ask you to look at the next verse.
“At this they picked up stones to stone him…why would they want to stone him? Those who heard him could not interpret his claim as anything other than blasphemy, which was punishable by stoning.
Jesus said I am…not I was. He was expressing the eternity of His being and His oneness with the Father.
Look through John and see how many time Jesus said “I am”. It’s a great study and maybe someday we can go through them together.
But until then….I exist…think about that one!
-ps
God simply says I exist…I get goose bumps when I read this. I am the one and only living God. I exist….I’m real…there are no other god’s. Jump ahead to the gospel of John and Jesus makes this statement “I tell you the truth…before Abraham was born, I am!...
Jesus is saying ‘I AM”…I exist. You can argue Jesus wasn’t saying he was God…but I have to ask you to look at the next verse.
“At this they picked up stones to stone him…why would they want to stone him? Those who heard him could not interpret his claim as anything other than blasphemy, which was punishable by stoning.
Jesus said I am…not I was. He was expressing the eternity of His being and His oneness with the Father.
Look through John and see how many time Jesus said “I am”. It’s a great study and maybe someday we can go through them together.
But until then….I exist…think about that one!
-ps
I’m feeling reflective…
The last two weeks plus have been incredible on several levels. I have been busier, above normal. But at the same time God has been with me all the way. It seems to me the more you get your life together the more the storms come, sometimes one right after another. I have had to officiate one funeral and take part in a memorial service, I have preached twice, hosted a fund raising dinner for the youth, help feed the homeless with the Gathering Inn, found out my home refinancing didn’t go through and got a nice letter from the bank saying you are really late! The list goes on and on. But in all this I have had greater peace and confidence. I wake up knowing God is with me and He will get us through it all and He has! Yesterday I sort of took a day off, just tired to relax and really do as little as possible. It was nice, this morning I got up read my Bible and rode the bug (the bug is an elliptical trainer that takes up the space next to my bed. It’s there so I have no excuse not to exercise. Over the last few months the “bug” has become a nice cloth hanger….not any more…it’s time to exercise.) and got the kids off to school. I went to the church made some phone calls and got my tax returns from Don the finance guy. Eager to get them signed and in the mail I raced back home. As I turned the corner of my street…there was the brown van.
The brown van is loaded with Jehovah Witness and they were fanning out right in front of my house. My first thought was to keep going straight and call my wife when they had left…but I said alright Lord…So sure enough Darren now had an older more experienced guy with him named Bob. Bob and I had talked briefly before, when he had given me a pamphlet on the Trinity. Meeting me in my drive way I invited them in and said I would talk awhile. Needless to say no real head way was made on their part and I can only pray God would use the discussion to open their hearts. I prayed several time that God would give me the words to say and He would use me to be a witness to Jesus Christ. The only problem I have and maybe you can put my mind at ease, I feel as if I’m aiding the enemy. Bob on departing made the following comment, “I really am enjoying this, its is sharpening our skills.” Do I want him to use my arguments to get stronger? I feel he will go back and they will look to defend my arguments and use them against others.
I’m very confident in what I believe and there is no fear on my part of converting. The Jehovah Witness religious faith has so many things that do not add up. On the surface it make since, I can see where someone who has “some” Biblical knowledge could be tripped up. But it all comes back to “who do you say I am”. Jesus asked this of His disciples and he asks us the same question. They believe Jesus was created and was the perfect man…I believe Jesus was God who intervened into human history to set things right. He died for my sins and all I can do is put my faith in Him. Grace, I don’t deserve it and I can’t work for it. It is a gift from Jesus. Can a perfect man take away the sins of the world? And if it’s true Jesus was God…shouldn’t that have an enormous impact on the way I live my life? The answer is of course it would. I doubt a perfect man would command the same. It’s simple….
When Bob was leaving he said what can we talk about next time…how about the kingdom. I looked at him said how about grace I love grace!
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 3,4 Mark 3:22-35
The brown van is loaded with Jehovah Witness and they were fanning out right in front of my house. My first thought was to keep going straight and call my wife when they had left…but I said alright Lord…So sure enough Darren now had an older more experienced guy with him named Bob. Bob and I had talked briefly before, when he had given me a pamphlet on the Trinity. Meeting me in my drive way I invited them in and said I would talk awhile. Needless to say no real head way was made on their part and I can only pray God would use the discussion to open their hearts. I prayed several time that God would give me the words to say and He would use me to be a witness to Jesus Christ. The only problem I have and maybe you can put my mind at ease, I feel as if I’m aiding the enemy. Bob on departing made the following comment, “I really am enjoying this, its is sharpening our skills.” Do I want him to use my arguments to get stronger? I feel he will go back and they will look to defend my arguments and use them against others.
I’m very confident in what I believe and there is no fear on my part of converting. The Jehovah Witness religious faith has so many things that do not add up. On the surface it make since, I can see where someone who has “some” Biblical knowledge could be tripped up. But it all comes back to “who do you say I am”. Jesus asked this of His disciples and he asks us the same question. They believe Jesus was created and was the perfect man…I believe Jesus was God who intervened into human history to set things right. He died for my sins and all I can do is put my faith in Him. Grace, I don’t deserve it and I can’t work for it. It is a gift from Jesus. Can a perfect man take away the sins of the world? And if it’s true Jesus was God…shouldn’t that have an enormous impact on the way I live my life? The answer is of course it would. I doubt a perfect man would command the same. It’s simple….
When Bob was leaving he said what can we talk about next time…how about the kingdom. I looked at him said how about grace I love grace!
-ps
Daily Reading: Num 3,4 Mark 3:22-35
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sermon: Face to Face Daily
This sermon are in the format I use when I preach. They are not edited....
Face to Face: Daily
Last we started a conversation…
We took a look at Moses setting up a tent outside the camp of the Israelites.
Last Week…
We talked about how Moses had to get away from all the distractions that were inside the camp…so he could give God his full attention….
We talked about distraction in our own lives and how we need to get outside of them and spend time with God.
We need to be face to face with God…
Ex 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Moses had a “Face to face”….relationship with God….Moses was "at home" in this tent speaking with God.
Lastly we talked about having to protected this time with God…
Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
We have to protect our time with God. We need to guard it with everything we have…with our very best.
See this time we spend with God has to be important to us…we need to keep it from being taken from us. We need to protect it as if our lives depended upon it.
So I challenged you…to set apart time for God…I told you about what I started doing “No Bible…No Breakfast”…which I cannot take credit for, but I read it somewhere. But it works…for some people but the idea is to set time apart for God everyday….
Israel Depended on God Daily
Which brings me to what I want to talk about this morning…I want to expand this entire conversation and ask you why do we need to seek God daily.
But before answer this question lets look at the Bible and look at a time when the people had to depend on God daily. There is a beautiful picture of this in the 16th chapter of Exodus.
God has freed the people of Israel from over 400 years of slavery. He does so in a very dramatic way…you have the ten plaques, the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea…only to be brought out into a desert!
Think about this for a minute…what is in a desert? Nothing! Rocks and sand and more rocks and sand….heat, that is why it’s called a desert!
God bring then into nothing…for one reason…see the are about to get ready to go to the promise land. There they would become God’s people and He would be their God. From there the nation of Israel was to be the light of the entire world. But before they could get there they had to learn to depend on God…
So the Lord rained down bread from Heaven, manna. So in the morning there was manna and at night there was quail. So God provided for them daily. They were only to collect enough food for the day…no more and no less. If they tired to keep the food through the night in the morning it would be full of maggots and smell bad…it would be rotten.
So God taught them to depend on God daily…to trust Him everyday….to have faith in Him and Him alone…
Daily Prayer
So the question comes to mind how does this apply to me today?
See maybe you’re here today and you have come from some form of slavery…maybe a bad relationship, finances, there are all kinds of slavery. And you find yourself in a desert…alone and you can’t figure out why your there…
But the facts are you’re alone, physically, spiritually. And you want to experience freedom; you want to have your promise land.
Doesn’t Jesus promise a life more abundant? I mean Jesus says this and I don’t think he was taking about a new house or boat…He was talking about something great, something wonderful. Something I could have right here right now…the promise land.
See Jesus wants us to learn to depend on him daily. First Jesus called himself “the true bread from heaven”, he said, “I am the bread of life”, He said he was the living bread that came down from Heaven”….He also said in the Lords prayer give us our daily bread…to take up your cross daily…
Do you see the patterns…see many of us ask God to take away our hurt, take away the things that hold us back…Lord free me from this weight forever and I’ll serve you with everything I have…and God says no….
Pastor Neely gave me a book to read…called The Necessity of Prayer…by E.M. Bounds. It’s an old book, it’s pages yellow with the years and some of the pages are “dog-eared”….At first I thought what is this….and then I went home that night and started to read…71 pages later I looked at the clock and to go to bed…
Here is something that stuck with me and hit me hard…listen to the words of Mr. Bounds…
When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread, we are in a measure, shutting tomorrow out of our prayer. We do not live for tomorrow but for today. We do not look for tomorrow’s grace or tomorrow’s bread. Those who live in the present thrive best and get the most out of life…
True prayers are born out of present trails and present needs. Bread is for today is enough. Bread given today is the strongest pledge there will be bread tomorrow. Victory today is the assurance of victory tomorrow…
Our prayers need to be focused on the present; today…we must trust God today and leave tomorrow to God. The present is ours, the future belongs to God. Prayer is the task and duty of each new day—daily prayer for daily needs…
Face to Face: Daily
I am convinced we need to seek God daily in prayer…to earnestly seek Him to be comfortable talking to Him, face to face: Daily with God.
If we want to get out of the deserts of our lives we have to learn to depend on God. How long you spend in those deserts of life is dependant on you…
How long does it take for you to learn to give up the one thing holding you in your desert? You simply have to give it to God daily…it took the Israelites 40 years in the desert to learn this simple task. So my question for you is how long have you been in your desert?
Conclusion
This morning we have talked about setting a time apart for God…to protect it and the importance of seeking God daily, to learn to depend on God for daily victory. By doing so we learn to trust God, it will build our faith and free our lives from the deserts.
It will empower you to make it to the promise land. The land of more abundantly, the land of freedom, peace and hope, but it all starts and ends with Jesus Christ. He is the daily bread we must seek, he is the one we are to trust for victory…he is our guide to the promise land.
And next week we are going to talk about Face to Face with Jesus. What was it like to be with Him and the daily choices we make that either free him in our daily lives or crucify him.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 26,27 Mark 2
Face to Face: Daily
Last we started a conversation…
We took a look at Moses setting up a tent outside the camp of the Israelites.
Last Week…
We talked about how Moses had to get away from all the distractions that were inside the camp…so he could give God his full attention….
We talked about distraction in our own lives and how we need to get outside of them and spend time with God.
We need to be face to face with God…
Ex 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Moses had a “Face to face”….relationship with God….Moses was "at home" in this tent speaking with God.
Lastly we talked about having to protected this time with God…
Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
We have to protect our time with God. We need to guard it with everything we have…with our very best.
See this time we spend with God has to be important to us…we need to keep it from being taken from us. We need to protect it as if our lives depended upon it.
So I challenged you…to set apart time for God…I told you about what I started doing “No Bible…No Breakfast”…which I cannot take credit for, but I read it somewhere. But it works…for some people but the idea is to set time apart for God everyday….
Israel Depended on God Daily
Which brings me to what I want to talk about this morning…I want to expand this entire conversation and ask you why do we need to seek God daily.
But before answer this question lets look at the Bible and look at a time when the people had to depend on God daily. There is a beautiful picture of this in the 16th chapter of Exodus.
God has freed the people of Israel from over 400 years of slavery. He does so in a very dramatic way…you have the ten plaques, the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea…only to be brought out into a desert!
Think about this for a minute…what is in a desert? Nothing! Rocks and sand and more rocks and sand….heat, that is why it’s called a desert!
God bring then into nothing…for one reason…see the are about to get ready to go to the promise land. There they would become God’s people and He would be their God. From there the nation of Israel was to be the light of the entire world. But before they could get there they had to learn to depend on God…
So the Lord rained down bread from Heaven, manna. So in the morning there was manna and at night there was quail. So God provided for them daily. They were only to collect enough food for the day…no more and no less. If they tired to keep the food through the night in the morning it would be full of maggots and smell bad…it would be rotten.
So God taught them to depend on God daily…to trust Him everyday….to have faith in Him and Him alone…
Daily Prayer
So the question comes to mind how does this apply to me today?
See maybe you’re here today and you have come from some form of slavery…maybe a bad relationship, finances, there are all kinds of slavery. And you find yourself in a desert…alone and you can’t figure out why your there…
But the facts are you’re alone, physically, spiritually. And you want to experience freedom; you want to have your promise land.
Doesn’t Jesus promise a life more abundant? I mean Jesus says this and I don’t think he was taking about a new house or boat…He was talking about something great, something wonderful. Something I could have right here right now…the promise land.
See Jesus wants us to learn to depend on him daily. First Jesus called himself “the true bread from heaven”, he said, “I am the bread of life”, He said he was the living bread that came down from Heaven”….He also said in the Lords prayer give us our daily bread…to take up your cross daily…
Do you see the patterns…see many of us ask God to take away our hurt, take away the things that hold us back…Lord free me from this weight forever and I’ll serve you with everything I have…and God says no….
Pastor Neely gave me a book to read…called The Necessity of Prayer…by E.M. Bounds. It’s an old book, it’s pages yellow with the years and some of the pages are “dog-eared”….At first I thought what is this….and then I went home that night and started to read…71 pages later I looked at the clock and to go to bed…
Here is something that stuck with me and hit me hard…listen to the words of Mr. Bounds…
When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread, we are in a measure, shutting tomorrow out of our prayer. We do not live for tomorrow but for today. We do not look for tomorrow’s grace or tomorrow’s bread. Those who live in the present thrive best and get the most out of life…
True prayers are born out of present trails and present needs. Bread is for today is enough. Bread given today is the strongest pledge there will be bread tomorrow. Victory today is the assurance of victory tomorrow…
Our prayers need to be focused on the present; today…we must trust God today and leave tomorrow to God. The present is ours, the future belongs to God. Prayer is the task and duty of each new day—daily prayer for daily needs…
Face to Face: Daily
I am convinced we need to seek God daily in prayer…to earnestly seek Him to be comfortable talking to Him, face to face: Daily with God.
If we want to get out of the deserts of our lives we have to learn to depend on God. How long you spend in those deserts of life is dependant on you…
How long does it take for you to learn to give up the one thing holding you in your desert? You simply have to give it to God daily…it took the Israelites 40 years in the desert to learn this simple task. So my question for you is how long have you been in your desert?
Conclusion
This morning we have talked about setting a time apart for God…to protect it and the importance of seeking God daily, to learn to depend on God for daily victory. By doing so we learn to trust God, it will build our faith and free our lives from the deserts.
It will empower you to make it to the promise land. The land of more abundantly, the land of freedom, peace and hope, but it all starts and ends with Jesus Christ. He is the daily bread we must seek, he is the one we are to trust for victory…he is our guide to the promise land.
And next week we are going to talk about Face to Face with Jesus. What was it like to be with Him and the daily choices we make that either free him in our daily lives or crucify him.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 26,27 Mark 2
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Leviticus…
Well if you have been keeping up with the reading you have ran straight into Leviticus. The Law in all it detail. At first when reading, it becomes very challenging. It reveals a side of God we don’t often read about or want to know about. The Law was the constitution of the nation of Israel. Its Laws would guide a people where God Himself was going to be their King. He would be their God and they would be His people. The people of Israel had to be different from the people around them. They where God’s representatives on earth and the nation would be a light to the world.
The Law was the best possible life for God’s people in that time and place. It was not the way of becoming God’s people; it was the way to reflect and proclaim the true God. Paul says, “the Law is just and right and good, but if I’m suppose to keep it for righteousness I’m not going to make it.” The Law cannot accomplish that because of the weakness of human flesh. Does that mean the Law was bad? Only if that was what the Law was trying to accomplish. The Law was good and holy that Paul concedes: “If a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law” Gal 3:21.
But such a law was never given. No, what the Law could not do and was not designed to do, God did by sending his Son. Atonement by grace has always been the key, and those who read the Law right knew it all along (Gal 2:15-16).*
Our focus is not the keeping of the Law as a merit system, but Jesus Christ himself. Our response is based on gratitude for what God has done in Christ. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). We forgive, because we are forgiven (Eph 4:32). We walk worthily because we have been graciously given a special calling (Eph 4:1). We honor God with our body because we, like ancient Israel, are bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20). No, the Law is not something we should ignore or give less attention to, it is something we need to study and understand. But then, don’t feature it as a centerpiece either. Only Jesus deserves that spot!
-ps
* Baylis, Albert H. 1996 ”From Creation to the Cross”, Zondervan
The Law was the best possible life for God’s people in that time and place. It was not the way of becoming God’s people; it was the way to reflect and proclaim the true God. Paul says, “the Law is just and right and good, but if I’m suppose to keep it for righteousness I’m not going to make it.” The Law cannot accomplish that because of the weakness of human flesh. Does that mean the Law was bad? Only if that was what the Law was trying to accomplish. The Law was good and holy that Paul concedes: “If a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law” Gal 3:21.
But such a law was never given. No, what the Law could not do and was not designed to do, God did by sending his Son. Atonement by grace has always been the key, and those who read the Law right knew it all along (Gal 2:15-16).*
Our focus is not the keeping of the Law as a merit system, but Jesus Christ himself. Our response is based on gratitude for what God has done in Christ. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). We forgive, because we are forgiven (Eph 4:32). We walk worthily because we have been graciously given a special calling (Eph 4:1). We honor God with our body because we, like ancient Israel, are bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20). No, the Law is not something we should ignore or give less attention to, it is something we need to study and understand. But then, don’t feature it as a centerpiece either. Only Jesus deserves that spot!
-ps
* Baylis, Albert H. 1996 ”From Creation to the Cross”, Zondervan
Here I Am…
Here I am sitting in the beauty of the day. Today is so beautiful outside, it’s warm and you can feel spring. The flowers and trees and starting to bloom. Life is returning, ever so slowly. I have turned off the TV and all the other noises. I opened the windows and shades to let the light and fresh air into our home. In the not to far distance is the sound of Jacob coughing from a bug he has, a reminder winter is still present.
Also in the distance I can hear a whistle blow of the train the runs through the town. If you listen closely you can hear the clicky-clack of the tracks. I pause and wonder. Most of the time during the day in Wheatland you don’t hear the train, but the trains are always there. You just grow use to the sound and it becomes a part of the fabric that makes up the community.
I wonder if the sound of the train is like the voice of God. At one time we hear him plain as day…as if He was standing right next to us. It was so clear it caused you to tremble in your heart. The voice was clearest when you where a child in the silence of the night. Over time you grew up and life’s sounds began to make the voice seem distant and unrecognizable. Over time it just seems to fade into the fabric of our lives.
Stop and listen…turn off the noise around you. Don’t speak for to do so would cause you to miss the whisper…the gentle whisper of your Heavenly Father. Take a moment and get away and seek the Lord…I’m amazed at how hard it is for us now to this simple thing. To shut off our minds and listen. It’s not some mystical experience, it’s not of movies and fair-tales. It just the simple…God enjoys the simple.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
Also in the distance I can hear a whistle blow of the train the runs through the town. If you listen closely you can hear the clicky-clack of the tracks. I pause and wonder. Most of the time during the day in Wheatland you don’t hear the train, but the trains are always there. You just grow use to the sound and it becomes a part of the fabric that makes up the community.
I wonder if the sound of the train is like the voice of God. At one time we hear him plain as day…as if He was standing right next to us. It was so clear it caused you to tremble in your heart. The voice was clearest when you where a child in the silence of the night. Over time you grew up and life’s sounds began to make the voice seem distant and unrecognizable. Over time it just seems to fade into the fabric of our lives.
Stop and listen…turn off the noise around you. Don’t speak for to do so would cause you to miss the whisper…the gentle whisper of your Heavenly Father. Take a moment and get away and seek the Lord…I’m amazed at how hard it is for us now to this simple thing. To shut off our minds and listen. It’s not some mystical experience, it’s not of movies and fair-tales. It just the simple…God enjoys the simple.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Thank you...Marie
Diane…Thank you for your kind words and I have been just as encouraged by you as you have been by me. Say that ten times…I have to admit prior to reading your post I was thinking I was wasting my time, blogging. But you changed all of that and I have been greatly touched. I will continue to pray for you and anyone else reading this blog.
We are on this journey together…it’s a long and hard road at time and we need each other. We keep our eyes focused on Christ. Pressing towards the goal as Paul says, forgetting what is behind us. We need each other…period. I am so grateful to have friends like Pastor Dave and Music Man Bob…Who sang so wonderful today at Marie’s funeral.
The songs you pick to have song at your funeral say a lot about who you are. “Go tell it on the Mountain”, How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden”. Four classic hymns song so beautifully it took your breath away…no music… a cappella…only “music” Bob could pull that off.
Classic songs for a classic women. Good-Bye Marie, I love you!
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will
be with them as their God. 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."
-Rev 21:1-4 ESV
Prayer:
According to your eternal plan, Lord
The body returns to the earth as it was
And the spirit to God who gave it.
Of all the material we say,
“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
But the spirit we cry…
“Now thou art free”
Free from pain and sickness and sorrow
Free from all physical handicaps
Free to dream and sing and work and love
Free to greet old friends and new and Jesus Christ
And to adventure with them forever”
Therefore we say,
Good-bye, good-bye until tomorrow”
In Jesus Name….Amen
-ps
We are on this journey together…it’s a long and hard road at time and we need each other. We keep our eyes focused on Christ. Pressing towards the goal as Paul says, forgetting what is behind us. We need each other…period. I am so grateful to have friends like Pastor Dave and Music Man Bob…Who sang so wonderful today at Marie’s funeral.
The songs you pick to have song at your funeral say a lot about who you are. “Go tell it on the Mountain”, How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden”. Four classic hymns song so beautifully it took your breath away…no music… a cappella…only “music” Bob could pull that off.
Classic songs for a classic women. Good-Bye Marie, I love you!
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will
be with them as their God. 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."
-Rev 21:1-4 ESV
Prayer:
According to your eternal plan, Lord
The body returns to the earth as it was
And the spirit to God who gave it.
Of all the material we say,
“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
But the spirit we cry…
“Now thou art free”
Free from pain and sickness and sorrow
Free from all physical handicaps
Free to dream and sing and work and love
Free to greet old friends and new and Jesus Christ
And to adventure with them forever”
Therefore we say,
Good-bye, good-bye until tomorrow”
In Jesus Name….Amen
-ps
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Sermon: Moses Face to Face
Moses Face to Face
Have you ever found yourself in a position where God seems so far away…?
The people of Israel found themselves in such a position while in the desert. While Moses was receiving the Commandments from God…who had written them with his own hand…
When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God…Exodus 31:18
But when the people saw Moses was delayed they built for themselves a Golden Calf to worship…
God gets so mad…he tells Moses
Ex 32:10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
It is only after Moses intercedes for the people does God show grace…
So the people of Israel where afraid of going forward without God…
This is where we pick up this morning…
Tent outside of the camp…
Ex 33:7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.
Ex 33:8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.
Ex 33:9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses.
Ex 33:10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent.
The first thing we notice Moses doing is setting up a tent outside the camp.
Moses had to get away from all the distractions that were inside the camp…he move it outside to separate himself from the business and to give his full attention to God….
Here is something I have become painfully aware of over the last few years…we are far too busy…pursuing the American dream…as a result we have sinned greatly against God…
We have erected our Golden Calves in our living rooms, only now the golden calf is seen on a high definition 52” plasma screen.
Listen to this stat the average American home now has more televisions sets than people…
--there a 2.73 TV sets in a typical home and 2.55 people…
The average home in America the set is on for 8 hours and 14 minutes…the average person watches 4 hours and 35 minutes…a day
Here another interesting stat along the same lines…
57% of teens have cell phones, while 80% of adults have cell phones…younger Americans are crazy for mobile technology…it’s in there ears, eyes and touch…they love it….
What’s the point….is all this bad have we greatly sinned against God? My point to all of this is distractions…we have so many distractions in our lives...it seems impossible to find God.
We are in bondage to credit cards to pay for all of our distractions…
Aug. 9, 2006 - For the first time ever recorded, Americans owe more money than they make. Household debt levels have now surpassed household income…according to a May 2006 study by the Center for American Progress. Consumer debt is now at a record $2.17 trillion, reports the Federal Reserve Board and consumers cashed out a whopping $431 billion in home equity last year.
Add the internet and busy teenagers…there are so many “things” working against having a relationship with God. The bottom line is you have to set up a tent outside the camp…you have to make it a daily event to get away and encounter God…daily.
Face to face…
Ex 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
What a picture for us of Moses and the Lord. And the question becomes can I have a relationship like this with God…I believe you can...
We can have such a relationship. Moses relationship was built through time spent together…it was built on trust…Moses trusted God…Moses had faith…
It was by faith Moses led the people of Israel…Moses knew God because he had spent time with God.
Face to face….meant the friendly relationship with Moses….Moses was "at home" in this tent speaking with God. Moses would derive courage from this when he interceded for the people
Listen…when I met Sharon and we started dating…I couldn’t think of anything else…I spent as much time as I could with her. I wanted to learn everything about her.
When I became a Christian I wanted to know God…I read my Bible, I couldn’t get enough…it consumed me…
The Bible says if we draw near to God he will draw near to us…
Through Christ we can approach the throne of God with confidence…As Children of God we access to the father in a special way.
What a privilege we have…we have Christ interceding for us…we have the Holy Spirit in us…guiding and directing us….
God wants a relationship with you…Do you know to what length he went to have this relationship? He sent his one and only Son to die for you and I, God so loved the world he sent his son, that whoever shall believe in Him has eternal life…that is being in relationship with God for eternity…
Through Bible study and prayer…we draw closer to God…through fellowship and obedience we draw closer to God….through Christ we draw closer to God…the more we know about Jesus…the closer we are to God
The last point I want to make is the most important point and is easily missed…
Protected Time
When I read the last line in this message I was somewhat confused. At first thought maybe the writer got it wrong…
Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
When Moses returned to camp Moses put his best man on the tent…Joshua was there to protect the tent of meeting. It wasn’t just someone on the tent…this place was important…
We have to protect our time with God. We need to guard it with everything we have…with our very best.
See this time we spend with God has to be important to us…we need to keep it from being taken from us. We need to protect it as if our lives depended upon it.
Because if we don’t we will lose…we will lose the battle against sin…
we will lose the battle to keep God in our lives…
God is holy and cannot be a part of sin…he can have no part of it.
The Challenge
So this morning I want to challenge you to set aside a time you will spend with God…I started something recently…No Bible…No Breakfast
Do what ever it takes to set a time aside for God….maybe at first it’s ten minutes…and you get longer and longer…but you have to set time aside….
Prayer…spend time in prayer…seek God daily…draw near to him. Turn off the radio when commuting…find creative ways to talk to God. Build the relationship…it is life changing!
…it is the most important thing you will ever do.
Have you ever found yourself in a position where God seems so far away…?
The people of Israel found themselves in such a position while in the desert. While Moses was receiving the Commandments from God…who had written them with his own hand…
When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God…Exodus 31:18
But when the people saw Moses was delayed they built for themselves a Golden Calf to worship…
God gets so mad…he tells Moses
Ex 32:10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
It is only after Moses intercedes for the people does God show grace…
So the people of Israel where afraid of going forward without God…
This is where we pick up this morning…
Tent outside of the camp…
Ex 33:7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.
Ex 33:8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.
Ex 33:9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses.
Ex 33:10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent.
The first thing we notice Moses doing is setting up a tent outside the camp.
Moses had to get away from all the distractions that were inside the camp…he move it outside to separate himself from the business and to give his full attention to God….
Here is something I have become painfully aware of over the last few years…we are far too busy…pursuing the American dream…as a result we have sinned greatly against God…
We have erected our Golden Calves in our living rooms, only now the golden calf is seen on a high definition 52” plasma screen.
Listen to this stat the average American home now has more televisions sets than people…
--there a 2.73 TV sets in a typical home and 2.55 people…
The average home in America the set is on for 8 hours and 14 minutes…the average person watches 4 hours and 35 minutes…a day
Here another interesting stat along the same lines…
57% of teens have cell phones, while 80% of adults have cell phones…younger Americans are crazy for mobile technology…it’s in there ears, eyes and touch…they love it….
What’s the point….is all this bad have we greatly sinned against God? My point to all of this is distractions…we have so many distractions in our lives...it seems impossible to find God.
We are in bondage to credit cards to pay for all of our distractions…
Aug. 9, 2006 - For the first time ever recorded, Americans owe more money than they make. Household debt levels have now surpassed household income…according to a May 2006 study by the Center for American Progress. Consumer debt is now at a record $2.17 trillion, reports the Federal Reserve Board and consumers cashed out a whopping $431 billion in home equity last year.
Add the internet and busy teenagers…there are so many “things” working against having a relationship with God. The bottom line is you have to set up a tent outside the camp…you have to make it a daily event to get away and encounter God…daily.
Face to face…
Ex 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
What a picture for us of Moses and the Lord. And the question becomes can I have a relationship like this with God…I believe you can...
We can have such a relationship. Moses relationship was built through time spent together…it was built on trust…Moses trusted God…Moses had faith…
It was by faith Moses led the people of Israel…Moses knew God because he had spent time with God.
Face to face….meant the friendly relationship with Moses….Moses was "at home" in this tent speaking with God. Moses would derive courage from this when he interceded for the people
Listen…when I met Sharon and we started dating…I couldn’t think of anything else…I spent as much time as I could with her. I wanted to learn everything about her.
When I became a Christian I wanted to know God…I read my Bible, I couldn’t get enough…it consumed me…
The Bible says if we draw near to God he will draw near to us…
Through Christ we can approach the throne of God with confidence…As Children of God we access to the father in a special way.
What a privilege we have…we have Christ interceding for us…we have the Holy Spirit in us…guiding and directing us….
God wants a relationship with you…Do you know to what length he went to have this relationship? He sent his one and only Son to die for you and I, God so loved the world he sent his son, that whoever shall believe in Him has eternal life…that is being in relationship with God for eternity…
Through Bible study and prayer…we draw closer to God…through fellowship and obedience we draw closer to God….through Christ we draw closer to God…the more we know about Jesus…the closer we are to God
The last point I want to make is the most important point and is easily missed…
Protected Time
When I read the last line in this message I was somewhat confused. At first thought maybe the writer got it wrong…
Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
When Moses returned to camp Moses put his best man on the tent…Joshua was there to protect the tent of meeting. It wasn’t just someone on the tent…this place was important…
We have to protect our time with God. We need to guard it with everything we have…with our very best.
See this time we spend with God has to be important to us…we need to keep it from being taken from us. We need to protect it as if our lives depended upon it.
Because if we don’t we will lose…we will lose the battle against sin…
we will lose the battle to keep God in our lives…
God is holy and cannot be a part of sin…he can have no part of it.
The Challenge
So this morning I want to challenge you to set aside a time you will spend with God…I started something recently…No Bible…No Breakfast
Do what ever it takes to set a time aside for God….maybe at first it’s ten minutes…and you get longer and longer…but you have to set time aside….
Prayer…spend time in prayer…seek God daily…draw near to him. Turn off the radio when commuting…find creative ways to talk to God. Build the relationship…it is life changing!
…it is the most important thing you will ever do.
So many things….
I have been so busy the last few days. I find myself racing around and constantly thinking about what I need to do. It is in these moments I feel like I’m being tested. I’m being tested on my resolve to seek God daily. Over the last week I feel God walking with me all the time. Right now I can feel His presence in ways I have not felt in a long time.
I am so grateful for this because I feel I need Him the most right now. Tomorrow is Marie’s funeral and I have barely had time to think about what I am going to say. I actually look forward to seeing a lot of old familiar faces from Northside Baptist. The people at Northside Baptist are some of the most amazing people I have ever known.
Leaving Northside and watching the old church close its doors was one of the hardest things I have had to do. It’s a story I will have to share on the site someday. Bottom line I wouldn’t be a pastor without Northside and its people. FBC Rocklin has been so gracious to Sharon and Me, it has been overwhelming. At times I feel as if I could never live up to the thier expectations.
How do you pastor people? When you look at all that is involved and how you affect lives in profound ways…it scares me to death. I know I can never do it on my own. It can only be done through the spirit. So tonight I am asking for your prayers. Pray for me as I oversee the funeral for one of God’s children. Pray for me and all the other pastors who everyday face the challenge of pastoring God’s people.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 18, 19 Matt 27:32-66
Remember if you follow the plan above…you will have read the entire Bible in a year.
I am so grateful for this because I feel I need Him the most right now. Tomorrow is Marie’s funeral and I have barely had time to think about what I am going to say. I actually look forward to seeing a lot of old familiar faces from Northside Baptist. The people at Northside Baptist are some of the most amazing people I have ever known.
Leaving Northside and watching the old church close its doors was one of the hardest things I have had to do. It’s a story I will have to share on the site someday. Bottom line I wouldn’t be a pastor without Northside and its people. FBC Rocklin has been so gracious to Sharon and Me, it has been overwhelming. At times I feel as if I could never live up to the thier expectations.
How do you pastor people? When you look at all that is involved and how you affect lives in profound ways…it scares me to death. I know I can never do it on my own. It can only be done through the spirit. So tonight I am asking for your prayers. Pray for me as I oversee the funeral for one of God’s children. Pray for me and all the other pastors who everyday face the challenge of pastoring God’s people.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 18, 19 Matt 27:32-66
Remember if you follow the plan above…you will have read the entire Bible in a year.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Crucified…
In today’s reading we find ourselves at the mock trial of Jesus. The innocent Son of God stands before the chief priest and elders and is condemned to die. At the sight of being handed over to Pilate, Judas the betrayer hangs himself.
Making no reply in front of Pilate, Jesus is put in front of the crowd. They are to choose to release Jesus Barabbas a well known prisoner, a life long criminal….or Jesus who is called the Messiah.
The crowd chooses to release the criminal and crucify the innocent Messiah, Jesus. Even Pilate, a hardened Roman washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, he said. “It is your responsibility! Matthew 27:24
All the people answered….”His blood is on us and on our children!”
What would have you done in the crowd? I have often thought I would have shouted for Christ to be released…but would I. Surrounded with the crowd…would I too be swept away in the moment?
Much too my dismay, I know I would have shouted crucify Him…because for many years I lived my life the way I wanted to…and Jesus would have simply been in the way…
It amazes me how we chose the criminal over the innocent and pure…how we choose sin over righteousness…self over Christ…
This morning picture yourself in the crowd…what are you shouting today?
Verse 26 simply reads “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified….
In your life have you released the criminal and crucified the Messiah or have you crucified the criminal and released the Messiah….
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 15-17 Mat 27:1-31
Making no reply in front of Pilate, Jesus is put in front of the crowd. They are to choose to release Jesus Barabbas a well known prisoner, a life long criminal….or Jesus who is called the Messiah.
The crowd chooses to release the criminal and crucify the innocent Messiah, Jesus. Even Pilate, a hardened Roman washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, he said. “It is your responsibility! Matthew 27:24
All the people answered….”His blood is on us and on our children!”
What would have you done in the crowd? I have often thought I would have shouted for Christ to be released…but would I. Surrounded with the crowd…would I too be swept away in the moment?
Much too my dismay, I know I would have shouted crucify Him…because for many years I lived my life the way I wanted to…and Jesus would have simply been in the way…
It amazes me how we chose the criminal over the innocent and pure…how we choose sin over righteousness…self over Christ…
This morning picture yourself in the crowd…what are you shouting today?
Verse 26 simply reads “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified….
In your life have you released the criminal and crucified the Messiah or have you crucified the criminal and released the Messiah….
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 15-17 Mat 27:1-31
Monday, February 12, 2007
Small World….
Today I was looking at who was reading this blog. Because I have to tell you I was thinking “what’s the point.” It doesn’t seem to be accomplishing much. After all I’m busy with life, church, school….
I came across a blog (http://missyohmissy.blogspot.com/) where Diane had read this blog and God had spoken to her and she decided to turn her life back over to God. When I was reading it I was floored! I couldn’t believe what I had read.
I gave a big thank you to the Lord above, for encouraging me and others through this medium. But isn’t this what it’s all about…people sharing their stories, their testimonies about what Jesus is doing in our lives…about the relationship together. This life can be so hard and it is truly lived through community. Jesus was all about building a community of faith, body of believers who would be one in purpose and direction. One body united through Christ himself, changing the world through one person at a time.
We all have a role to play, each of us have our own unique stories to share with others. A story about God who became flesh, who humbled himself to the point where the thought of being God was impossible. Humbled He carried the sins of the world to the cross. He also carried our shame and disgrace, our weakness, along with our sin….and He nailed it to the cross. From there He would remember it no more, forever to be forgotten on the wood of the cross. Now He wants us to believe in what He did and put our trust, our faith in Him and Him alone.
By doing so He wants to clean us up, wipe away our tears and heal our broken hearts. What an awesome God we serve. There is now like Him, He is indescribable, there are no bounds to His love for us!
Thank you Lord for changing lives! Thank you Lord for forgiving sin, thank you Lord for your infinite grace and mercy!
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 14 Matt 26:55-75
I came across a blog (http://missyohmissy.blogspot.com/) where Diane had read this blog and God had spoken to her and she decided to turn her life back over to God. When I was reading it I was floored! I couldn’t believe what I had read.
I gave a big thank you to the Lord above, for encouraging me and others through this medium. But isn’t this what it’s all about…people sharing their stories, their testimonies about what Jesus is doing in our lives…about the relationship together. This life can be so hard and it is truly lived through community. Jesus was all about building a community of faith, body of believers who would be one in purpose and direction. One body united through Christ himself, changing the world through one person at a time.
We all have a role to play, each of us have our own unique stories to share with others. A story about God who became flesh, who humbled himself to the point where the thought of being God was impossible. Humbled He carried the sins of the world to the cross. He also carried our shame and disgrace, our weakness, along with our sin….and He nailed it to the cross. From there He would remember it no more, forever to be forgotten on the wood of the cross. Now He wants us to believe in what He did and put our trust, our faith in Him and Him alone.
By doing so He wants to clean us up, wipe away our tears and heal our broken hearts. What an awesome God we serve. There is now like Him, He is indescribable, there are no bounds to His love for us!
Thank you Lord for changing lives! Thank you Lord for forgiving sin, thank you Lord for your infinite grace and mercy!
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 14 Matt 26:55-75
Sunday, February 11, 2007
What a Week…
I have had one of those weeks. It has flown by and I have hit lows and highs. Monday I was feeling low about preaching without spirit Sunday. I saw David Crowder and got spend time with brothers…and even better with my son Jacob. I was with Marie to the end. I preached a message with the spirit where some rededicated thier lives to Christ.
What was different from last week…this week I learned to depend on God in ways I never imagined. I found Christ in living and with the dieing. I learned how precious life is and how life without Christ means nothing. I love being a Christian, I love the fact I get to share Him with the world.
I went and visited Bill in the hospital tonight. He has followed Christ for 43 years and it shows. He had shoulder surgery and being well seasoned will have trouble adapting to life with one arm for the next few months. I shared the message I preached this morning and we started talking about the love of Jesus and how he takes care of us. I watched a tear roll down his cheek as he expressed through personal experience the Jesus he knew and loved.
I bring this up because afterwards I went to a book store and bought more books which will again get me in trouble. In the middle of the Christian shelves in the religion section of the store was a book called the “God Delusion”. It is a book wrote by an atheist and it was strategically place at eye level right in the middle of Christian living. It was also in the agnostic and atheist section…but some one who worked the section was making a point. At first it made me angry…and then it hit me how sad it is. How the person who did this thought they where helping people, by leading people to scientific enlightenment. But if they had seen the Jesus I know and have grown so close to this week…something to pray about.
-ps
What was different from last week…this week I learned to depend on God in ways I never imagined. I found Christ in living and with the dieing. I learned how precious life is and how life without Christ means nothing. I love being a Christian, I love the fact I get to share Him with the world.
I went and visited Bill in the hospital tonight. He has followed Christ for 43 years and it shows. He had shoulder surgery and being well seasoned will have trouble adapting to life with one arm for the next few months. I shared the message I preached this morning and we started talking about the love of Jesus and how he takes care of us. I watched a tear roll down his cheek as he expressed through personal experience the Jesus he knew and loved.
I bring this up because afterwards I went to a book store and bought more books which will again get me in trouble. In the middle of the Christian shelves in the religion section of the store was a book called the “God Delusion”. It is a book wrote by an atheist and it was strategically place at eye level right in the middle of Christian living. It was also in the agnostic and atheist section…but some one who worked the section was making a point. At first it made me angry…and then it hit me how sad it is. How the person who did this thought they where helping people, by leading people to scientific enlightenment. But if they had seen the Jesus I know and have grown so close to this week…something to pray about.
-ps
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Live...
One of favorite my albums is “A Collision” By David Crowder Band. It is an incredible work of art. Its one of the few “WOW” albums I have heard. What I mean is after listening to this album I went “WOW!” One of the songs they sing is called “My Joy” read these words…
And He set me on fire And I am burning alive With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone And I cannot hold it in and remain composed Love’s taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go I am letting myself go You are my joy
The meaning behind the song according to Crowder is this:
'Be quiet. Put your hand on your chest. Feel your beating heart. You are alive. ..........live.' - David Crowder
Life is a precious gift from God….I am thinking of Marie this morning and she lived! She enjoyed what God had given her. When you came in contact with her you came alive, because of what was in her. Her joy spilt over and touched everyone who was around her. She was this way in and out of hospitals…while she was unable to move and do the things we take for granted everyday. No matter how bad it got for her, her joy grew! The lyrics above say it all, You are my joy…Jesus was the source of her joy…
Be quiet. Put your hand on your chest. Feel your beating heart. You are alive. ..........live.
Be someone who is a joy…let the world know your source of joy…Jesus
Live…….live……live……live……live……..
Thank you Lord for being my source of joy….help me live it!
And thank you for Marie….
-ps
And He set me on fire And I am burning alive With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone And I cannot hold it in and remain composed Love’s taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go I am letting myself go You are my joy
The meaning behind the song according to Crowder is this:
'Be quiet. Put your hand on your chest. Feel your beating heart. You are alive. ..........live.' - David Crowder
Life is a precious gift from God….I am thinking of Marie this morning and she lived! She enjoyed what God had given her. When you came in contact with her you came alive, because of what was in her. Her joy spilt over and touched everyone who was around her. She was this way in and out of hospitals…while she was unable to move and do the things we take for granted everyday. No matter how bad it got for her, her joy grew! The lyrics above say it all, You are my joy…Jesus was the source of her joy…
Be quiet. Put your hand on your chest. Feel your beating heart. You are alive. ..........live.
Be someone who is a joy…let the world know your source of joy…Jesus
Live…….live……live……live……live……..
Thank you Lord for being my source of joy….help me live it!
And thank you for Marie….
-ps
Friday, February 9, 2007
Give us our Daily Bread…
How many times have you read this "Give us our daily bread" and associated it with food or provisions? I did for years and years until just a few days ago. I was given a book to read from my senior pastor. The book is old and is called “The Necessity of Prayer” by E.M. Bounds.
There is one thought that has jumped out at me and it hit hard, one of those “Holy Spirit Sledgehammer” moments*(see note at bottom). Now follow this train of thought.
“As every day demands its bread, so everyday demands prayer. No amount of praying done today will be sufficient for tomorrows praying.”
If you need to read the previous line a few time and let its words sink deep into you cerebral cortex--please do so. The thought we need to dependant on God daily. What a concept right…its so obvious it hurts. Let me let Mr. Bounds explain:
“True prayers are born out of the present trials and present needs. Bread is for today is enough. Bread given for today is the strongest pledge that there will be bread tomorrow. Victory today is the assurance of victory tomorrow. Our prayers need to be focused on the present. We must trust God today and leave tomorrow entirely with Him. The present is ours; the future belongs to God. Prayer is the task and duty of each new days—daily prayers for daily needs.”
That is rich! Now would be the time to read that again…you see if your struggling with something and you think I can never get through this…I will never be free…Lord take this from me forever!...God says one day at a time. Pray for today…daily prayers for daily needs….
You see by doing so you will build a daily trust…and a daily faith…
God wants us day by day…to pray and rely on Him…
Amazing isn’t it…so simple…so here is what we are going to do…pray for our daily needs…take God one day at a time. Join me and lets see what happens. If you start to experience victory...please let me know. Email or comment...I think we need to share more victories in Jesus...
-ps
Daily reading: Lev 7, 8, 9, Matt 25:31-46
There is one thought that has jumped out at me and it hit hard, one of those “Holy Spirit Sledgehammer” moments*(see note at bottom). Now follow this train of thought.
“As every day demands its bread, so everyday demands prayer. No amount of praying done today will be sufficient for tomorrows praying.”
If you need to read the previous line a few time and let its words sink deep into you cerebral cortex--please do so. The thought we need to dependant on God daily. What a concept right…its so obvious it hurts. Let me let Mr. Bounds explain:
“True prayers are born out of the present trials and present needs. Bread is for today is enough. Bread given for today is the strongest pledge that there will be bread tomorrow. Victory today is the assurance of victory tomorrow. Our prayers need to be focused on the present. We must trust God today and leave tomorrow entirely with Him. The present is ours; the future belongs to God. Prayer is the task and duty of each new days—daily prayers for daily needs.”
That is rich! Now would be the time to read that again…you see if your struggling with something and you think I can never get through this…I will never be free…Lord take this from me forever!...God says one day at a time. Pray for today…daily prayers for daily needs….
You see by doing so you will build a daily trust…and a daily faith…
God wants us day by day…to pray and rely on Him…
Amazing isn’t it…so simple…so here is what we are going to do…pray for our daily needs…take God one day at a time. Join me and lets see what happens. If you start to experience victory...please let me know. Email or comment...I think we need to share more victories in Jesus...
-ps
Daily reading: Lev 7, 8, 9, Matt 25:31-46
* “Holy Spirit Sledgehammer” defined: Maybe your nothing like me and I pray you are not. But I often times have to be hit over the head with an oversized hammer by the Holy Spirit to get my attention. I equate this with a thought so profound I am forever changed. It is usually something that has been right in front of my eyes and God has to say “look…” I’ll leave the rest to you imagination.
** You might have detected a level of sarcasm in this post…you are correct I feel foolish. I feel incredibly stupid not to have discovered this concept much earlier in my life, I am a work in progress.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Len Again….
Len asked me continue the line of thought from yesterday. Which is around this line: Where is God during our burdens…does he care if we are going through pain and suffering. Here are some verses I have drawn strength from in the past.
Romans 1:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James and Paul echo the same thought. Suffering is a part of life, there is no way around it. It is impossible to escape its wake. But how we handle these times determines where we put our trust. See suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; character, hope…
See there comes a time in a trial where we are asked the question who do we trust. In the middle of watching someone we love dieing or when we are going through a physical battle ourselves…who do we trust. Do we trust ourselves or doctors or….do you trust God.
Do you trust God when all else has failed…when there is no where else to turn…do you trust him. In a time of death…facing the unknown and the uncertain…do you trust God, is he going to be faithful?
It’s easy to trust God when all is going well in our lives…in fact most of us would say we hardly think of God during the good times…it’s only when things turn for the worst do we turn to God or blame him for our misfortunes.
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
For me these verses hold the key…we are more than conquerors and nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord…God is faithful! So no matter what we face we can know God is with us, helping us through…he never leaves our side. Knowing this should give us great confidence…So it makes sense when James says, “I consider it joy when faced with trials. See he wasn’t crazy…just confident in God’s faithfulness. But we can never get to where James was, if we don’t face trials…
Len I hope this further helps you.
-ps
Romans 1:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James and Paul echo the same thought. Suffering is a part of life, there is no way around it. It is impossible to escape its wake. But how we handle these times determines where we put our trust. See suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; character, hope…
See there comes a time in a trial where we are asked the question who do we trust. In the middle of watching someone we love dieing or when we are going through a physical battle ourselves…who do we trust. Do we trust ourselves or doctors or….do you trust God.
Do you trust God when all else has failed…when there is no where else to turn…do you trust him. In a time of death…facing the unknown and the uncertain…do you trust God, is he going to be faithful?
It’s easy to trust God when all is going well in our lives…in fact most of us would say we hardly think of God during the good times…it’s only when things turn for the worst do we turn to God or blame him for our misfortunes.
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
For me these verses hold the key…we are more than conquerors and nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord…God is faithful! So no matter what we face we can know God is with us, helping us through…he never leaves our side. Knowing this should give us great confidence…So it makes sense when James says, “I consider it joy when faced with trials. See he wasn’t crazy…just confident in God’s faithfulness. But we can never get to where James was, if we don’t face trials…
Len I hope this further helps you.
-ps
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Len Asks a Question....
Steve (dude..)
I think I asked you awhile ago but I don't remember the answer. When people say God doesn't give you more than you can handle (you know, the old footprints in the sand thing), is that just a guess, or is that something from the bible??
1Co 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
This the verse you are talking about. It is primarily dealing with temptation. God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities and he always provides an escape. Which is great if you really think about...But you also need to take into account God sovereignty and love for you. You are going to face tough times (Jesus said "for when the flood come" Luke 6:48) not so much temptation...but he never leaves you or forsakes you.
Remember Paul also said "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Good stuff there dude...chew on that one awhile...
Thank you Len for emailing a question...
-ps
Daily Reading: Exodus 39:40 Matthew 24:1-22
P.S. Crowder Countdown T-2 Days
I am going to see David Crowder Band Thursday night...can't wait....
Thank you Len for the question. Also if your visiting the site and you have a question email it to me and I'll post and answer to the best of my humble ability.
I think I asked you awhile ago but I don't remember the answer. When people say God doesn't give you more than you can handle (you know, the old footprints in the sand thing), is that just a guess, or is that something from the bible??
1Co 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
This the verse you are talking about. It is primarily dealing with temptation. God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities and he always provides an escape. Which is great if you really think about...But you also need to take into account God sovereignty and love for you. You are going to face tough times (Jesus said "for when the flood come" Luke 6:48) not so much temptation...but he never leaves you or forsakes you.
Remember Paul also said "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Good stuff there dude...chew on that one awhile...
Thank you Len for emailing a question...
-ps
Daily Reading: Exodus 39:40 Matthew 24:1-22
P.S. Crowder Countdown T-2 Days
I am going to see David Crowder Band Thursday night...can't wait....
Thank you Len for the question. Also if your visiting the site and you have a question email it to me and I'll post and answer to the best of my humble ability.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Talked to Moses Like a Friend....
Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.
Exodus 33:11 (NASB)
Moses would post a guard…Joshua…and go into the tent and talk to God. In fact Moses was “at home” talking to God. He had a great deal of confidence and courage interceding for the people. Imagine you have a question for God, you go to Moses and he goes inside the tent and ask God your question. They talk awhile and Moses comes out with your answer.
Now jump today…we have Christ himself who intercedes for us! We can approach God ourselves with confidence, Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The big idea around this passage is Moses was “at home” in this tent talking to God. God wants us to feel totally at home when we are praying to him. He wants us to talk to him openly and plainly. He longs to hear from his children.
Also he wants to hear your problems, he cares enough to listen. So no matter what the situation, you matter to him. You don’t need a tent or a guard. Where ever you find yourself you can pray.
I love this passage, because it shows the character of God and the privilege we now have through Christ. We don’t need another person interceding for us…we can go directly to God himself.
The last and probably the most important point is God talked to Moses like a friend…friendships require time together. It is only after many conversation, difficult times, and good times…would you call someone a real friend. There are a lot of other ingredients you would throw in there as well…loyalty, trust worthy, loving…etc
A friend would be someone who is still around when everyone else has bailed out…that is what God is all about. We can always have faith in his faithfulness…
God is great…
-ps
Exodus 33:11 (NASB)
Moses would post a guard…Joshua…and go into the tent and talk to God. In fact Moses was “at home” talking to God. He had a great deal of confidence and courage interceding for the people. Imagine you have a question for God, you go to Moses and he goes inside the tent and ask God your question. They talk awhile and Moses comes out with your answer.
Now jump today…we have Christ himself who intercedes for us! We can approach God ourselves with confidence, Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The big idea around this passage is Moses was “at home” in this tent talking to God. God wants us to feel totally at home when we are praying to him. He wants us to talk to him openly and plainly. He longs to hear from his children.
Also he wants to hear your problems, he cares enough to listen. So no matter what the situation, you matter to him. You don’t need a tent or a guard. Where ever you find yourself you can pray.
I love this passage, because it shows the character of God and the privilege we now have through Christ. We don’t need another person interceding for us…we can go directly to God himself.
The last and probably the most important point is God talked to Moses like a friend…friendships require time together. It is only after many conversation, difficult times, and good times…would you call someone a real friend. There are a lot of other ingredients you would throw in there as well…loyalty, trust worthy, loving…etc
A friend would be someone who is still around when everyone else has bailed out…that is what God is all about. We can always have faith in his faithfulness…
God is great…
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Thursday, February 1, 2007
Good Man...
Yesterday I attended the funeral of Fred Patterson, age 71. Fred was a security guard and while I was in the Air Force he did some contract work for our unit. I use to go and sit and talk to Fred while he was doing his escort duties, were he always would get me laughing. I enjoyed seeing him just walking up to the site. This is the effect he had on every person he came in contact with.
His boss (also and older gentlemen) or I should say partner worked with me in providing the escorts I needed and he knew I was leaving the Air Force soon to pastor. I hadn’t seen him in about six month or so and at the funeral he didn’t recognize me, I guess it was the beard and the few pounds…
But at the second glance his eyes filled with tears and he buried his head in my chest weeping…I put my arms around him and held like a father holding his son.
“Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Bible says we are to carry on another’s burdens and I thank God I was there for just that moment to be someone he could feel comfortable enough to grieve.
Life is a gift and we never know when and or where we are going to be called home. The only guarantee we do have is we will die. I thank God for putting Fred in my life; I hope at the end of my life someone will say the same about me.
God bless and remember to give thanks for this precious gift called life…
-ps
His boss (also and older gentlemen) or I should say partner worked with me in providing the escorts I needed and he knew I was leaving the Air Force soon to pastor. I hadn’t seen him in about six month or so and at the funeral he didn’t recognize me, I guess it was the beard and the few pounds…
But at the second glance his eyes filled with tears and he buried his head in my chest weeping…I put my arms around him and held like a father holding his son.
“Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Bible says we are to carry on another’s burdens and I thank God I was there for just that moment to be someone he could feel comfortable enough to grieve.
Life is a gift and we never know when and or where we are going to be called home. The only guarantee we do have is we will die. I thank God for putting Fred in my life; I hope at the end of my life someone will say the same about me.
God bless and remember to give thanks for this precious gift called life…
-ps
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